[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 17 (Monday, January 29, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H948-H954]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1415
                    LANE EVANS POST OFFICE BUILDING

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 521) to designate the facility of the United States Postal 
Service located at 2633 11th Street in Rock Island, Illinois, as the 
``Lane Evans Post Office Building''.

[[Page H949]]

  The Clerk read as follows:

                                H.R. 521

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. LANE EVANS POST OFFICE BUILDING.

       (a) Designation.--The facility of the United States Postal 
     Service located at 2633 11th Street in Rock Island, Illinois, 
     shall be known and designated as the ``Lane Evans Post Office 
     Building''.
       (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, 
     document, paper, or other record of the United States to the 
     facility referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be 
     a reference to the ``Lane Evans Post Office Building''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Baird). Pursuant to the rule, the 
gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) and the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Issa) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia.
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues and particularly the 
original cosponsor of this resolution, Mr. Hare of Illinois, in the 
consideration of H.R. 521, legislation naming a postal facility in Rock 
Island, Illinois, after former Member of Congress Lane Evans. This 
measure, sponsored by Mr. Hare, was unanimously supported by our 
committee and has the support and co-sponsorship of the entire Illinois 
delegation.
  Mr. Evans proudly served our country as a Marine during the Vietnam 
War and was an outspoken voice for all veterans in the House of 
Representatives. During his 24-year political career, he sought aid for 
homeless vets, championed benefits for soldiers exposed to Agent 
Orange, and was an early critic of the Iraq War. He chaired the 
Vietnam-Era Veterans Caucus and was the ranking member of the Veterans 
Affairs Committee, where his service is fondly remembered.
  Mr. Evans' ability to keep in close contact with his constituents 
made him an effective and compassionate legislator. He fought hard for 
working families and was a strong, progressive leader in the Congress. 
He continued his dedicated service while fighting Parkinson's disease 
for the past decade, and his presence is already very much missed in 
this Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge the swift passage of this bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Hare), cosponsor of the bill.
  Mr. HARE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from the District of 
Columbia (Ms. Norton) for bringing this measure to the floor; and I 
thank the gentleman from the great State of Illinois and coauthor of 
H.R. 521, my friend, Mr. Ray LaHood, for his leadership and the 
Illinois delegation for their support.
  Thanks also to the distinguished chairman of the Oversight and 
Government Reform Committee, Mr. Waxman; and Mr. Danny Davis, chairman 
of the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the 
District of Columbia; and to the leadership for their consideration of 
this tribute to a great Congressman, Lane Evans.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great admiration and respect that I rise 
today in support of H.R. 521, a bill to designate the United States 
Postal Service facility located at 2633 11th Street in Rock Island, 
Illinois, as the Lane Evans Post Office Building.
  Mr. Speaker, there is no one more deserving of this recognition than 
Congressman Lane Evans. On January 17, Mr. LaHood and I introduced this 
bill, and within days we received overwhelming support in favor of this 
legislation. To date, 82 of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle 
have signed on as cosponsors of H.R. 521. Not only have Members of 
Congress expressed support for the bill, but it has also been well-
received by staff members; one staff member saying ``Anything for 
Lane'' and another stating, ``He's a great man who I have tremendous 
respect and admiration for.''
  We all know what kind of man Lane is, but for those who have yet to 
make his acquaintance, I am honored to have the opportunity to share 
with you the story of a very rare politician.
  I met Lane on the campaign trail back in 1976. We were two young 
dreamers with the mutual goal of making a difference in this world. 
Soon after the election, we became a team. I traveled with Lane from 
one end of the district to another as he provided his legal services to 
working families, children and the poor. I can recall many times when 
Lane offered his services free of charge to elderly men and women in 
need of a will. It was not too long before the people of the 17th 
District of Illinois rewarded Lane for his sacrifices, his commitment 
to hard work and hardworking families.
  In 1982, Lane ran for the congressional seat of the 17th District of 
Illinois. At the time, the manufacturing industry of western Illinois 
was suffering from an economic recession which left many looking for a 
new direction in representation. Lane's populist message, coupled with 
his plain-spoken personal integrity resonated with the people, and at 
only 31 years of age, this young legal services attorney was able to 
win the majority of the votes, which had been reserved for a Republican 
candidate for more than a century.
  Mr. Speaker, Lane has succeeded in politics by following the Marine 
motto, Semper Fi, always faithful to his principles, to his 
constituents and to himself. For 12 elections the people of the 17th 
District sent Lane back to Washington with confidence that he would 
represent their interests.
  The secret to Lane's success was the value he placed in their trust. 
He never took the people who elected him for granted, and it showed. To 
anyone that walked through his door, Lane and his staff were always 
ready, willing and able to go the extra mile in assisting them.
  Although Lane was a man who delivered on his promises to bring jobs, 
he also had three outpatient clinics built, and what mattered most to 
the people was the manner in which he represented them. What always 
struck me most about Lane was the humility he showed.
  I thank the gentlewoman for allowing me to speak this morning on 
behalf of the wonderful Congressman, and I urge all my colleagues to 
support H.R. 521.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlelady from the District of Columbia, 
Ms. Holmes Norton for bringing this measure to the floor of the House. 
I thank the gentleman from the great State of Illinois and co-author of 
H.R. 521, Mr. LaHood, for his leadership and the Illinois Delegation 
for their support. Thanks to the distinguished Chairman of the 
Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Mr. Waxman and Mr. Danny 
Davis, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal 
Service, and the District of Columbia. And to the Leadership for their 
consideration of this tribute to Congressman Lane Evans.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great admiration and respect that I rise 
today in support of H.R. 521, a bill to designate the United States 
Postal Service facility located at 2633 11th Street in Rock Island, 
Illinois, as the ``Lane Evans Post Office Building''.
  Mr. Speaker, there is no one more deserving of this recognition than 
Congressman Lane Evans. On January 17, Mr. LaHood and I introduced this 
bill and within days we received overwhelming support in favor of the 
legislation. To date, 82 of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle 
have signed on as cosponsors of H.R. 521. Not only have Members of 
Congress expressed support for the bill, but it has also been well-
received by staff members, one staff member saying ``Anything for 
Lane'' and another stating ``He's a great man who I have tremendous 
respect and admiration for''.
  We all know what kind of man Lane is, but for those who have yet to 
make his acquaintance, I am honored that I have the opportunity to 
share with you the story of this rare politician.
  I met Lane on the campaign trail back in 1976. We were two young 
dreamers with the mutual goal of making a difference in the world. Soon 
after the election, we became a team. I traveled with Lane from one end 
of the district to another as he provided his legal services to working 
families, children and the poor. I can recall many times when Lane 
offered his services free of charge to elderly men and women in need of 
a will. It was not too long before the people of the 17th district of 
Illinois rewarded him for his sacrifices and commitment to hard working 
families.
  In 1982, Lane ran for the congressional seat of the 17th district of 
Illinois. At the time, the manufacturing industry of western Illinois 
was suffering from an economic recession, which left many looking for a 
new direction in representation. Lane's populist message coupled with 
his plain-spoken personal integrity resonated with the people, and at 
only 31 years of age, this young legal services attorney was able to 
win the majority of the votes, which had been reserved for a Republican 
candidate for more than a century.

[[Page H950]]

  Following the election, Lane asked me to represent him as his 
District Director. I was flattered that Lane thought so highly of me 
and entrusted me with the care of his constituency. I accepted because 
Lane promised me that I would never have to lie, and I can proudly say 
that in 24 years he kept his promise. It was not too difficult because 
even those who disagreed with Lane respected him and his commitment to 
serving on behalf of the middle class family.
  Mr. Speaker, Lane has succeeded in politics by following the Marine 
motto, ``Semper Fi''. Throughout his career, he has been ``always 
faithful'' to his principles, to his constituents and to himself. For 
12 elections the people of the 17th sent Lane back to Washington with 
confidence that he would represent their interests. The secret to 
Lane's success was the value he placed in their trust. He never took 
the people who elected him for granted, and it showed. He prided 
himself on maintaining a first-rate constituent service program. To 
anyone that walked through his door, Lane and his staff were always 
ready, willing, and able to go the extra mile in assisting them.
  Although Lane was a man who delivered on his promises to bring jobs 
to the Rock Island Arsenal and build veteran outpatient clinics, what 
mattered most to the people was the manner in which he represented 
them. What has always struck me most about Lane was the humility he 
showed towards everyone he knew. To everyone he was just Lane. He was 
more than a Congressman to the people of the 17th district, he was a 
friend.
  Mr. Speaker, Lane's sincere rapport with people was not limited to 
the 17th district. As a Vietnam era veteran of the Marine Corps 
himself, Lane had the remarkable ability to relate to our service men 
and women. His career in Congress is marked with legislative victories 
on behalf of the Nation's 24 million veterans.
  Always a man of great conviction, Lane challenged those who ignored 
the harmful effects of Agent Orange exposure. Eventually, Lane was 
successful in his effort to pass legislation awarding compensation to 
vets exposed to Agent Orange. In the 108th Congress, he built on that 
legislative milestone by winning passage of a law that delivers health 
and compensation benefits to children of veterans exposed to Agent 
Orange who were born with spina bifida, representing the first time 
children of veterans will receive government benefits.
  Mr. Speaker, Lane's crusade for veterans did not stop there. He was 
one of the first Congressional voices to speak out about problems 
experienced by Persian Gulf veterans, what is now known as the Gulf War 
syndrome. He also pushed Congress to increase funding for veterans 
programs, which were so important to him because they delivered needed 
government services to working class families.
  At the end of the 109th Congress, Lane retired after serving 24 years 
as a distinguished Member of Congress. It was a sad day for veterans 
and the people of the 17th district of Illinois when Lane announced he 
would not run for reelection, but no one was more disappointed than 
Lane. In spite of all his legislative accomplishments, Lane still felt 
there was so much more that he could have done.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud that my first legislative action will be to 
honor my good friend and mentor, Congressman Lane Evans. My only hope 
is that when I leave this body I can do half the things that Lane has 
done for the 17th district, the State of Illinois, and the Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in support of 
H.R. 521.
  Lane, thank you for your support throughout the years. It means more 
to me than you will ever know.
  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 521 to rename the post 
office in Rock Island, Illinois, for Congressman Lane Evans.
  The Congressman was born in 1951 in Rock Island, Illinois. Mr. Evans 
grew up the son of a firefighter and joined the Marines out of high 
school and fought in the Vietnam War. After that, he earned an 
undergraduate degree from Augustana College and a law degree from 
Georgetown.
  Just 4 years later, he found himself in the House of Representatives, 
a Democrat representing a largely Republican 17th District of Illinois, 
where he quickly developed a reputation as an advocate for regular 
Americans.
  Known in his district, which covers Moline, Rock Island, Quincy, 
Decatur, Galesburg, and parts of Springfield and the Quad Cities, for 
excellent constituent services, he also fought hard for working 
families and especially for veterans. He became chairman of the 
Vietnam-Era Veterans Caucus here in the Congress, where he pushed for 
legislation particularly to improve health care for vets and those with 
disabilities such as post-traumatic stress syndrome. That disorder 
today still affects many Americans of that era. He also supported 
legislation to eliminate land mines and assist land mine victims, and 
later he helped those affected with Gulf War syndrome.
  After Hurricane Katrina, long into a debilitating disease, he fought 
hard to make things right for those people affected so desperately by 
the hurricanes.
  Even after being diagnosed in 1995 with Parkinson's, he continued to 
serve for another six terms in the House and served with great 
distinction, never giving up the fight.
  In his final term, the Congressman and I had the pleasure of flying 
for over 14 hours across the United States and all the way to Iwo Jima 
to commemorate the 60th commemoration of that great battle. He did so 
at a time in which he needed a physician's assistant, in which he was 
uncomfortable at all times, and in which most men afflicted with 
Parkinson's would never have considered such a trip. He did so because, 
first of all, he was a Marine. He did so, secondly, because he cared so 
much about this country and about the battles that men and women had 
fought for this country.
  I will remember Congressman Lane Evans for that trip. For someone who 
went above and beyond what the public saw to do what was right and what 
was important, even while putting himself in tremendous potential 
physical harm for those long hours in an aircraft is something that 
most Members with less afflictions would not have done.
  I will remember him, and I ask that all Members vote positively on 
this bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I just want to not only thank the gentleman 
from California but to just for the record state that in calling Mr. 
Hare I was calling him out of order. I was yielding him part of my 
time, because you, of course, by rights were entitled to the next 
speaker, and I appreciate your statement.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman 
from Maine (Mr. Michaud).
  Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding; and I 
also want to thank Congressman Hare for bringing this issue forward. 
Having worked with Congressman Hare over the last month or so, I know 
he is going to fill the shoes of Congressman Evans and fight for 
veterans issues. I really appreciate that.
  I rise in strong support of H.R. 521, designating the post office in 
Rock Island, Illinois, as the Lane Evans Post Office Building. It is 
right that we should honor Congressman Lane Evans.
  Lane Evans will be known for the years he spent fighting for veterans 
and their families and for attacking issues like mental health, toxic 
exposure and homelessness. These issues were once brushed aside. Now, 
because of Lane Evans, we face them and we deal with them. Because of 
Lane Evans, many Americans will lead healthier and better lives.
  He never sacrificed what he felt was important. He always remembered 
why he came to Washington and who sent him here.
  Even though he is no longer in Congress, I know that he will continue 
to fight for what he believes in. His influence will be felt in all the 
work that we do for the rest of our times here in Congress.
  Congressman Evans has been a mentor to me and many others in this 
body. It is an honor for me to speak in support of this legislation, 
and I urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 521 honoring our dear friend and 
colleague and fighter for our veterans.
  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure that I yield such time 
as he may consume to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood), one of 
the Members who knew Lane Evans both as a staff member here on the Hill 
and then as a fellow colleague.
  (Mr. LaHOOD asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Congressman Hare for 
reintroducing this bill.
  Last year, when Congressman Evans announced that he was leaving the 
House because of his very debilitating illness, Parkinson's disease, I 
introduced a bill, along with the rest of my

[[Page H951]]

colleagues from Illinois, to name the post office in Rock Island in 
honor of Lane. I did that because I met Lane Evans when he was a young, 
energetic, enthusiastic young man in 1982 running for Congress.
  At the time, I happened to be working for the sitting Congressman 
from that district, a fellow by the name of Congressman Tom Railsback. 
It was Lane's good fortune that Mr. Railsback lost his primary to a 
very conservative Republican, and that opened the opportunity, as Phil 
knows, for Lane to win that seat that had been held for a long, long 
time by Republicans.
  Since the time that Lane Evans was elected to Congress, he has 
distinguished himself with really three particular groups of people in 
the 17th District. He has been a voice for those people, particularly, 
in the 17th District who might not have had a voice here in Washington; 
and I speak of senior citizens who he is beloved by. I speak of 
veterans who he is equally beloved by, and I speak of the hardworking 
men and women, the blue-collar workers of the 17th District. Those are 
the people that Lane Evans truly represented in Washington, D.C., in a 
way that distinguished his career for 24 years here in the House, but, 
more importantly, back in the western part of Illinois in a way that I 
think will not be replicated.
  Lane was probably one of the hardest-working congressmen, but he is 
someone who never forgot where he came from. He grew up in Rock Island. 
He was educated, at least his undergraduate degree, in Rock Island; and 
he continued to travel back and forth to his district every weekend. 
That is what made him so popular.
  When people would come to me and talk to me about the idea of running 
against Lane as a Republican, I have told people the story that I think 
there are some people in politics that are impossible to beat, and Lane 
Evans was one of those people.

                              {time}  1430

  The only way that Lane would ever leave this place would be 
voluntarily, which he did at the end of the last term. But it was 
because of his hard work and his dedication to senior citizens, to 
veterans and to hardworking blue-collar people in the western part of 
Illinois that made him a politician and a public servant that set the 
highest standard possible, a standard that all of us can look to in 
doing our work.
  So the least we can do today is name the post office in Rock Island 
in his honor. I am sure there will be many other honors bestowed upon 
him. I don't know if Lane is watching this from a television in his 
home in Moline; but if he is, I want him to know this is one Republican 
in the House that has great admiration and great respect for him 
because of the work that he did, and because of the way he represented 
people from western Illinois.
  We wish him Godspeed. We wish him good health. We want him to know 
that he is in our thoughts and prayers today as we vote on the bill to 
honor him, but we will long remember his distinguished service and long 
continue to pray that he will have the healing hand of God placed on 
his shoulder.
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern).
  Mr. McGOVERN. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in support this bill. I want to 
commend Representative Hare and Representative LaHood for their support 
on this bill, and I appreciate their eloquence in support of a truly 
great man and a great friend.
  I was on the staff of Congressman Joe Moakley of Massachusetts when 
Lane Evans first came to Washington. Immediately, Joe knew that he had 
a new ally in the fight to protect human rights in El Salvador. Lane 
regularly met with people from Central America here in Washington and 
in his district. He traveled to the region, did his homework, and 
became an active Member in the effort to change U.S. policy and bring 
peace to that troubled region.
  As a marine who served in Vietnam, Lane chaired the Vietnam Era 
Veterans Caucus in the House. Having seen war up close and personal, he 
worked with David Bonior, Jack Quinn, Senator Leahy and Senator Hagel 
and the Vietnam Veterans of America to push for a U.S. and 
international ban on the production and use of anti-personnel 
landmines. When I was privileged to be elected to Congress in 1996, one 
of the first things I did was go to Lane Evans and pledge my support 
for his work on landmines.
  Lane's personal experience made him the champion of two other 
important causes. As the son of a union member, Lane consistently spoke 
out against the abuses facing so many workers around the world as they 
struggled to achieve their most basic rights. As a veteran himself, he 
made sure that we don't treat with suspicion the questions raised by 
those returning from war, whether on the effects of agent orange, gulf 
war syndrome or post-traumatic stress; and we must never reward their 
service with neglect, homelessness, underfunded health care, or reduced 
benefits.
  When I think of Lane Evans, I think of an easy-going, likeable 
Midwesterner. I also think of courage and conviction in how he lives 
his own life and how he continues to confront the challenges facing 
America.
  Mr. Speaker, I miss his voice and his presence in this House, and I 
urge all my colleagues to support this bill.
  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he may 
consume to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Boozman).
  (Mr. BOOZMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my thanks to the 
honorable Lane Evans and urge passage of this bill to name a U.S. post 
office in his hometown of Rock Island, Illinois, in his honor.
  Lane's service to America and its veterans began with his enlistment 
in the Marine Corps in the Vietnam War. Lane began his congressional 
career by winning election for the 17th District in Illinois in 1982 
and promptly became a staunch advocate for veterans. He kept this 
commitment through the 109th Congress.
  This bill will provide a small but important recognition of Lane's 
service and commitment. He championed issues such as agent orange, 
women's health care, spina bifida benefits and many others.
  We hear a lot about bipartisanship in this body, and truly I had the 
opportunity to win a special election, came up, and one of the first 
people that I met as a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee was 
Lane Evans.
  As soon as he realized that I was certainly willing and wanted to 
help veterans, then nobody could have been any nicer. Nobody could have 
extended any more help than Lane Evans.
  It is sad, sad and not sad, I have mixed emotions, certainly, about 
Democrats taking control of the House, but it is sad that with his 
retirement his picture will not be on the wall. Because of his hard 
work, he certainly very much deserves that sort of honor.
  On the other hand, like I say, nobody, nobody has worked any harder 
and done a better job for our Nation's veterans. I certainly urge 
passage of this bill.
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I am particularly pleased to grant the 
gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) 2 minutes, noting that 
in the Iraq war he has lost more than any other Member, more members 
from his district than any other district in the United States.
  Therefore, I know he feels strongly about Lane, who devoted his 
entire time in the Congress to focusing on veterans and their needs.
  (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to revise and extend 
his remarks.)
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I thank the gentlelady from the District of 
Columbia for allowing me to say a few words to express my deepest 
appreciation to the gentleman that I have known for years now, since 
becoming a Member of this great institution.
  I also would like to thank the gentleman from Illinois, my good 
friend Mr. Hare, for sponsoring this legislation, and the spirit of 
bipartisanship, knowing that our Republican Members also have said 
nothing but praise for the legacy of this great American and as a 
Member of Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, I had some long discussions with this gentleman, Mr. 
Evans. In the years past, he came to Vietnam in 1969, and I was just 
there the year

[[Page H952]]

before, from 1967 to 1968, in that terrible conflict.
  If there is anything that I would like to say, point out not only his 
leadership, but the service of this great American to our Nation, as 
the senior member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I want to 
say that Mr. Evans, in my humble opinion, is certainly one of the great 
leaders and advocates of the needs of our veterans throughout the 
country.
  It was one experience, as our good friend from California mentioned, 
that they went with Mr. Evans to Iwo Jima. He came to my district. If 
anybody wants to share that sense of experience, well, you have to fly 
15 hours to get to my district. Mr. Evans was willing to make that kind 
of a sacrifice just to see that, as small as my district may be, we 
have about 3,000 to 4,000 veterans living in my district, and he felt 
it was important enough for him to come and see and hear some of the 
concerns that our veterans have in my district.
  I want to say to my colleagues and the Members of this House how 
fitting it is. I wish we could do more than just naming this post 
office after this great American Congressman, Lane Evans. I hope if 
there is a chance he might be listening to this proceeding, I just want 
to express and let him know how much I love him, not only as a friend 
but a truly great American.
  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, in response to the gentleman from American 
Samoa, I too agree with you that a post office is just a good first 
down payment for somebody who did so much for veterans; and I, for one, 
look forward to finding a veterans facility somewhere in the United 
States or a hospital for veterans that would be fitting and appropriate 
for the man who would be the chairman of the Veterans' Committee were 
he still in the Congress.
  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and 
achievements of my dear friend, Lane Evans.
  For the past quarter of a century, Congressman Evans led efforts on 
behalf of veterans, including the fight to give Filipino veterans the 
benefits that they had been promised. He also became legendary in his 
advocacy for our nation's middle class. As a champion of these causes 
he earned the respect of America's veterans and their families.
  He also stood as a tireless champion in the fight to provide justice 
for over 200,000 ``comfort women'' who were forced into sex slavery by 
the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II. He has been a voice for 
these voiceless women who are still holding out hope that they will 
receive a formal apology from the Japanese government for the indignity 
they suffered. I have assured him that I will do my best to continue 
his work and legacy on this issue after his retirement this year.
  Today I am pleased to vote in favor of naming a Post Office after a 
man who deserves our greatest respect. Mr. Speaker, for his leadership, 
mentorship and companionship, for his work on behalf of those who would 
have otherwise been forgotten, and for his unparalleled work these past 
24 years, I emphatically raise my voice in support of naming a Post 
Office after my friend, Congressman Lane Evans.
  Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 521, a 
bill designating the post office located at 2633 11th Street in Rock 
Island, Illinois, as the ``Lane Evans Post Office Building''. I want to 
thank Congressman Phil Hare, the former District Director to Lane Evans 
and the new Representative from Illinois' 17th Congressional District. 
The post office is located in Lane Evans' hometown of Rock Island and 
will serve as a testament to his long, distinguished career as a 
Marine, a champion for social justice and a fine Member of this body.
  Today's debate gives us the opportunity to take a moment to recognize 
and thank Lane Evans for his service to this country, to this Congress 
and to our nation's men and women who have worn the uniform. I have had 
the honor and the privilege of serving with Lane on the Veterans 
Affairs Committee since I came to Congress in 1993. He is a good 
friend, an important ally and an unwavering advocate for Veterans in 
Illinois and across the nation. Although he never was able to chair the 
House Veterans Committee, he stands as one of this body's finest and 
most committed legislators for veterans. He made the issues of veterans 
health care and veterans benefits the cornerstone of his legislative 
career, and I could think of no better way to honor Lane than for this 
Congress to continue that fight.
  While Lane may have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, it did 
not affect his razor sharp intellect or lessen his commitment to the 
issues he cares about. He has approached his disease with dignity, 
class and courage, and he has served as an inspiration to others with 
Parkinson's disease. This Congress, I am going to miss having my friend 
and my colleague in the Illinois delegation, but you can bet when I 
need guidance about the best way to protect Illinois veterans, my first 
call will be to Lane.
  Mr. Speaker, the least we can do today is pass this bill honoring 
Lane Evans and his career, and I urge swift passage of this bill.
  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 521, 
legislation to name a Post Office in Rock Island, Illinois after 
recently retired Congressman Lane Evans. I am a proud cosponsor of this 
legislation, as Lane has been my great friend and colleague over the 
last 18 years. I would like to thank Congressman Hare for introducing 
this bill, and as glad as we are to have him join us in the House, this 
institution misses Lane Evans. We miss his leadership, we miss his 
quiet dignity, and we miss his advocacy for veterans and working 
people. This is a small gesture, but it is a way to honor his dedicated 
service to our country.
  Lane devoted most of his entire professional life to service to the 
United States of America. He grew up in Rock Island and entered the 
Marine Corps out of high school, serving in Vietnam. When he returned, 
he went to college and earned his law degree at Georgetown, and worked 
as a legal aid attorney before he was elected to Congress in 1982.
  During his tenure in Congress, Lane put his head down and worked 
hard, not seeking attention for the many legislative victories he 
achieved, particularly in the realm of veterans' issues. Because of 
Lane, affected veterans are compensated for their exposure to Agent 
Orange, and he led efforts to learn more about Gulf War Illness and ban 
land mines. Lane was awarded the Vietnam Veterans of America's first 
annual President's Award for Outstanding Achievement in 1990 and he 
received the AMVET's Silver Helmet Award in 1994, known as the 
``Oscar'' of veterans' honors.
  Lane was also a tireless protector of the rights of working people, 
fighting for fair trade, a fair minimum wage and the right to 
collectively bargain. He worked for a cleaner environment and the 
protection of the family farm.
  Over the last 8 years, Lane has faced another battle, this one 
against Parkinson's disease. The dignity with which he has faced this 
disease has inspired many, and helped educate the public, and the 
Congress, about the disease. You would never know how difficult a 
disease Parkinson's is by watching Lane. He does not complain, he just 
keeps going forward, helping people at every opportunity.
  Mr. Speaker, Lane Evans has given a tremendous amount to the United 
States of America, and we owe him our gratitude. Naming this post 
office after him assures that his contributions will live on for 
succeeding generations to appreciate. I urge my colleagues to support 
this bill and I thank Lane for his continuing friendship.
  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 521, a 
measure to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service 
located at 2633 11th Street in Rock Island, Illinois, as the ``Lane 
Evans Post Office Building.'' Indeed, I wholeheartedly support 
Congressman Phil Hare in his efforts to bring this measure to the floor 
today and I appreciate his quick actions on this matter. As many know, 
Mr. Hare was the District Director of Congressman Evans for many years 
and now represents the 17th district of Illinois himself, the district 
that Lane Evans represented for 24 years.
  Mr. Speaker, Lane Evans served with distinction in the U.S. House of 
Representatives since 1982; he was elected 12 times in a row by the 
good people of the 17th district of Illinois. Indeed, they proudly sent 
their best from the heartland America to serve America.
  Lane has always been a champion for working families, students, 
servicemembers, veterans and military families. He went to college and 
law school on the GI Bill and returned to Illinois to be a legal aid 
lawyer, representing the less fortunate among us.
  A Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam era and a senior member of both 
the House Armed Services and Veterans' Affairs Committees, Lane Evans's 
advocacy and record in the Congress on behalf of the military and 
veterans is admirable and unquestioned.
  There is no federal program for veterans which does not bear his mark 
of oversight and improvement. Simply put, veterans enjoy increased 
education benefits, improved health care access and services, a 
strengthened home loan program, judicial review of their benefits 
claims, additional opportunities for veteran-owned small businesses and 
a host of other improved and expanded benefits. No doubt such 
improvements are in no small measure due to Lane Evans's insistence 
that veterans be given the fair shake they earned in service to their 
country.
  Lane Evans made his mark on Congress and in the House Veterans' 
Affairs Committee

[[Page H953]]

right from the start by elevating concern for and promoting action on 
the issues affecting Vietnam veterans; specifically working to 
highlight post-traumatic stress disorder, the effects of Agent Orange 
and other herbicide exposure. He was also an outspoken advocate to 
address the problem of homelessness and substance abuse among veterans 
from the Vietnam era.
  Congressman Evans led the effort in Congress to increase education 
benefits in order to keep pace with the rising costs of higher 
education and restore purchasing power to the Montgomery GI Bill. He 
also worked to revise, update and improve veterans' employment 
counseling and job-search assistance systems, and has helped ensure 
adequate resources to provide dignified final resting places for the 
Nation's veterans.
  Perhaps what best sums up Lane Evans's character, drive and his 
service here in Congress, are his own words: Speaking on the Floor of 
the House of Representatives, he said: ``Our veterans--those returning 
from Iraq, those who scaled the cliffs above the beaches of Normandy, 
those who walked point in the jungles of Vietnam, those who survived 
the brutality of Korea and other battlefields, all who honorably served 
or who are now serving, have earned the assurance that VA--their 
system--will be there when they need it . . . just as we practice on 
the battlefield that we leave no one behind, we should not slam the 
door on any veteran who needs the VA system.''
  Mr. Speaker, I could not agree more. The House of Representatives, 
the VA Committee and the veterans community will surely miss Lane 
Evans. We should honor Lane Evans by continuing his work here in 
Congress to ensure that servicemembers, veterans and military families 
are treated with respect and receive the benefits they have earned.
  I urge all members to support H.R. 521.
  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I raise today in support of H.R. 521, 
which would designate the facility of the United States Postal Service 
located in Rock Island, Illinois, as the ``Lane Evans Post Office 
Building.'' I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bill that honors my 
good friend and former colleague.
  Lane has always served his country with honor. From 1969 to 1971, he 
served in Vietnam in the U.S. Marine Corps, and as they say, ``once a 
marine, always a marine.'' When he was elected to Congress in 1982, he 
immediately worked to make sure veterans were given the benefits that 
they deserve, and he lent his voice to issues that might otherwise have 
been ignored. For almost a quarter of a century in Congress, Lane was a 
champion of America's veterans, and his passion for this cause is truly 
missed.
  Lane and I were able to develop a friendship that transcended 
politics. We worked together on many issues as members of the House 
Armed Services Committee. Serving others, especially his constituents, 
was something Lane did exceedingly well. I was able to see this 
firsthand when I traveled to his district in 2004. I was impressed, but 
not surprised, by the enormous number of people who showed up at an 
event he hosted, which certainly speaks to how well-liked and respected 
he was, and is, in the 17th district of Illinois. Serving with Lane was 
truly an amazing and educational experience, and his constituents were 
fortunate to have such a dedicated public servant as their 
representative in Washington.
  Unfortunately, Lane has had to battle Parkinson's Disease since 1995. 
In his fight against this debilitating disease, he has shown his 
characteristic courage and perseverance that proved to everyone that he 
was not going to easily give up. Lane has also been a great partner in 
the effort to advance stem cell research, which is a matter of 
tremendous importance to me. While we miss having him fighting with us 
in Congress, he can be assured that our efforts will continue so that 
patients with spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's Disease and other 
conditions will benefit from this research in the future.
  Mr. Speaker, it was a privilege to work with Lane Evans in the House 
of Representatives, and I am proud that today we honor his hard work 
and inspirational life with this bill.
  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 
521, naming a post office building in Rock Island, IL, as the Lane 
Evans Post Office Building.
  For the past 11 years, I have had the great pleasure and high 
privilege to serve in the Illinois Congressional delegation with a true 
American hero, Lane Evans. At a young age, he heroically served our 
country by joining the Marine Corps after high school to fight in the 
Vietnam War. He has never forgotten his friends and has fought 
diligently for the rights of veterans. Lane Evans led the charge to 
compensate Vietnam veterans for diseases linked to Agent Orange 
exposure, fought to ensure that children of veterans received 
government benefits and that women veterans had access to the same 
services as their male counterparts.
  A son of a firefighter and a nurse, Lane Evans understood the needs 
of working families and has been a tireless fighter of protecting 
American jobs, providing affordable health care for all Americans and 
increasing the minimum wage. He is a soldier, activist and defender of 
the underdog and has given a voice to millions of veterans and 
especially to the good people of the 17th Congressional district of 
Illinois.
  I pay tribute to a man that has well served his constituents and has 
become a trusted colleague and friend. His work on the House Committee 
on Veterans Affairs will serve as a blueprint for future legislators. 
He has shown tremendous political courage over the past 24 years in 
office and will show even more courage as he continues his battle with 
Parkinson's Disease.
  At this time our Nation demands fearless leaders that stand up for 
American families and dedicate their lives for the improvement of 
others. Lane Evans has committed his life to others as a courageous 
public servant, a man that deserves the title, ``The Honorable.'' I too 
was drawn to public service, believing that I can help the people of my 
district and those outside my district. I have not lost that feeling, 
and I know Lane Evans has not either. We need more leaders in this 
institution that constantly remember why we are here--to serve the 
public shoulder to shoulder.
  Lane Evans has worked for his district, country and for the freedom 
of all. His subtle style and modest voice will always reverberate loud 
in my ears. Congressman Evans, I would like to thank you for your 
leadership, determination and willingness to fight! Your work in 
Congress will forever be remembered and your legacy will live on.
  Mr. BRALEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon to express my strong 
support for H.R. 521, a much-deserved honor for a great American, 
Congressman Lane Evans.
  Although Rock Island, Illinois is not in my district, it is part of 
the Quad Cities that includes Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa, which I 
am privileged to represent.
  The entire Quad Cities region has benefited from Congressman Evans' 
many years of leadership in this body. His passionate advocacy for 
veterans and working men and women earned him a special place in the 
hearts of his constituents, and his voice will be sorely missed.
  I am proud to serve with his successor, another great champion for 
veterans and working families, my distinguished colleague from 
Illinois, Congressman Hare.
  Mr. Speaker, I'm honored to call on my colleagues on both sides of 
the aisle to support H.R. 521 as a living testimonial to the many years 
of public service rendered by Congressman Evans in the United States 
Marine Corps and in the House of Representatives. Please join me in 
renaming the United States Post Office in Rock Island, Illinois as the 
``Lane Evans Post Office Building.''
  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, it is enormously fitting that we honor our 
much-loved colleague by naming a post office after him. Lane Evans 
epitomizes all that Members of Congress should be: smart, dedicated to 
the founding principles of our Constitution, a tough-as-nails fighter, 
a veteran, and a deeply kind man.
  He represented Illinois' 17th District with excellence and vigor. 
Lane took care of his constituents as though they were family . . . and 
he commanded great respect among those for whom he toiled in Congress.
  A former Marine, Lane served with distinction; then served his 
country in Congress with that same dedication, integrity, and humility. 
His service experience largely shaped his career and legacy in 
Congress.
  His tireless efforts on behalf of our Nation's veterans led to a 
successful fight for compensation of veterans exposed to Agent Orange 
early in his Congressional career. As Ranking Member of the Veterans 
Affairs Committee, Lane expanded benefits for women veterans, pushed 
for additional medical care for veterans suffering from PTSD, supported 
veterans' outpatient clinics, and crafted legislation to attend to 
homeless veterans.
  Lane knew the bottom line for his neighbors in Illinois was an 
economy that rewarded their effort, so he worked hard to promote 
economic growth and equal access in rural communities. He was a giant 
on the House Armed Services Committee and brought new jobs to the Rock 
Island Arsenal.
  Understanding both the national security implications and the 
resource for Illinois farmers, Lane advocated ethanol-producing 
resources in his district and championed increased development and use 
of ethanol and biofuels in Illinois.
  Not only does Lane inspire all of us who are familiar with his 
service, but his courageous and brave battle with Parkinson's disease 
have inspired all of us, plus the millions of Parkinson's sufferers 
around the nation. Lane is precisely the type of public servant that we 
all strive to be.
  In his work in Congress, in his love and work for the people of the 
17th district, and for our nations' veterans, Lane embodied the Marine 
motto, Semper Fidelis (``Always Faithful'').

[[Page H954]]

  Mr. Speaker, I love Lane like a brother, and I'm proud to support 
this bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service 
located in Rock Island, Illinois, as the ``Lane Evans Post Office 
Building.''
  Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a former colleague, a 
great American patriot, and a great friend, of Honorable Lane Evans 
from the State of Illinois, and to voice my support for H.R. 521, 
designating the Post Office in Rock Island, Illinois, as the ``Lane 
Evans Post Office Building.''
  Lane served his constituents with great distinction in the House for 
24 years. During his tenure in this great and honorable body, Lane was 
a champion of our Nation's veterans. As a veteran myself, having served 
20 years in the United States Army, including two tours-of-duty in 
Vietnam, I feel fortunate that veterans across the Nation had such a 
strong and stalwart advocate in the United States House of 
Representatives. His fight to secure assured funding for veterans' 
health care and better services for our Nation's veterans will always 
be remembered fondly.
  Lane also serves as an inspiration for many in our Nation struggling 
with a debilitating illness. When Lane was diagnosed with Parkinson's 
disease, he did not shy away from it. He continued his service to his 
constituents in this great House. Many can look at Lane as an example 
that life does not have to end when confronted with great uncertainty. 
One can persevere, and can continue fighting for what one believes in.
  I, along with other veterans across our great Nation will never 
forget the tireless efforts of Lane Evans--a great American patriot, 
and a tireless advocate for the beliefs he held so dear.
  I, along with many in this House, wish Lane nothing but the best for 
the future.
  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 521, the 
Lane Evans Post Office Bill. By naming this Post Office after our 
distinguished former colleague, we pay tribute to Lane Evans and 
recognize his long, distinguished career of public service.
  Prior to being elected to the House of Representatives in 1983, Lane 
Evans served in the Marine Corps at the time of the Vietnam War. His 
experience in the military and his firsthand knowledge of veterans' 
issues led Lane to become a leading advocate for veterans during his 
time in Congress. On issues such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, 
homelessness among veterans, and the aftereffects of exposure to Agent 
Orange, Lane Evans consistently took the lead in crafting real policy 
solutions. Lane's leadership on veterans' issues was formally 
recognized in 1995, when he was named Ranking Member of the House 
Committee on Veterans Affairs.
  In addition, Lane always dutifully served his constituents and the 
state of Illinois. He was a strong advocate for working Americans and 
was one of the first to see the need for renewable forms of energy such 
as ethanol.
  With Lane Evans' decision to not seek reelection last year, Congress, 
Illinois, and the nation lost a great public servant. Now, by naming a 
Post Office after our former colleague, we can say thanks to Lane, and 
lift up his impressive legacy of service as an example for others to 
follow.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take this opportunity to show my 
support for H.R. 521, a bill that would name a post office in Rock 
Island, Illinois for former Congressman Lane Evans. This is a fitting 
honor for a man with such a long and distinguished career.
  It was my pleasure to serve with Lane Evans on the House Armed 
Services Committee. He showed unwavering support for our troops and 
their families both in his service to that committee and the House 
Veterans' Affairs Committee, where he was the Ranking Member. As a 
Marine and veteran of the Vietnam War, Lane understands the sacrifices 
made by those in uniform and their families and worked tirelessly in 
Congress to ensure that those sacrifices would be honored.
  I want to thank Lane Evans for his many years of service. We will 
miss him sorely.
  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) that the House 
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 521.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those voting have responded in the affirmative.
  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this question will 
be postponed.

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