[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 159 (Wednesday, November 5, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2231]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING THE AMERICAN CONCRETE INSTITUTE

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                               speech of

                          HON. GARY G. MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 4, 2003

  Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong 
support of H. Res. 394, ``Recognizing the American Concrete Institute 
for 100 years of service.'' I was pleased to author this resolution 
because over the past 100 years the American Concrete Institute (ACI) 
has made valuable and lasting contributions to our nation's 
infrastructure and economy, and improved the quality of life for all of 
our citizens.
  As a former developer and a member of the House Transportation and 
Infrastructure Committee, I know first-hand the vital role concrete 
plays in the construction of our country. Everything from the roads we 
drive on to the very foundation of the homes we live in are dependent 
on this industry.
  Concrete is an integral building material used in a variety of 
construction projects from roads, bridges, parking lots, and sidewalks 
to homes and skyscrapers. It is one of the oldest and most versatile 
building materials on earth and its numerous benefits include high 
energy efficiency and durability against natural disasters such as 
floods, earthquakes, and extreme winds. The entire family of concrete 
products, such as ready mixed concrete, concrete block and cast-in-
place, are used in all of our nation's communities. Major concrete 
operations continually function in every congressional district, 
creating well-paying jobs and boosting local economies. Overall, the 
concrete industry has an impact on the Gross Domestic Product of more 
than $200 million annually--a significant contribution by all accounts.
  Concrete could not have become the nation's construction material of 
choice without the significant contributions of ACI. ACI, a premiere 
technical society of the concrete industry, is depended upon by many 
organizations, including agencies of the federal government, for 
crucial work in standards development for concrete design, 
construction, and repair. ACI's resources include an 18,000-member 
network of public and private sector volunteers committed to advancing 
the technology of concrete for educational and scientific purposes, 
increasing the knowledge and understanding of concrete materials, and 
supporting programs that improve concrete design and construction. 
Without all ACI has achieved over the past century, our nation would 
surely be significantly disadvantaged structurally and economically.
  I appreciate the commitment and service ACI has contributed to our 
nation over the past 100 years and look forward to working with them 
further as we seek to build a better America in the 21st century.

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