[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 177 (Friday, November 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2094-E2095]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CONGRATULATING THE ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE PENCE

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 18, 2011

  Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Academy of Model 
Aeronautics located in Muncie, Indiana, for their receipt of the 
prestigious National Aeronautic Association's Brewer Trophy for youth 
education. The Brewer Trophy is the nation's highest award for 
aerospace education and is awarded annually to individuals or 
organizations who make significant contributions to aerospace education 
in the United States.
   The Academy of Model Aeronautics has a 75-year history of aviation 
education, and they have impacted millions of young people across the 
country. They have taught tens of thousands of teachers, community 
leaders, and students how to build and fly miniature aircraft. In 
addition to their educational programs, the Academy of Model 
Aeronautics has given nearly $800,000 in scholarships to college-bound 
seniors pursuing careers almost exclusively in engineering, technical, 
and professional disciplines. The Academy is also strongly invested in 
science, technology, engineering, and math education programs.
   I commend the Academy of Model Aeronautics for their receipt of the 
prestigious Brewery Trophy and thank them for their numerous 
contributions to the Muncie community, the State of Indiana, and the 
nation.

[[Page E2095]]

                 LIBERIA'S PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS------

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JESSE L. JACKSON, JR.

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 18, 2011

  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Liberia on the completion of its second peaceful and democratic 
election. On November 15th, Liberia's National Elections Commission 
certified President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of the Unity Party as the 
President of the Republic of Liberia. The November 15 declaration 
followed a Presidential run-off election on November 8, which was 
required by the Liberian Constitution as no candidate received a 
majority of votes in the first round held on October 11.
   I was encouraged by reports that the Liberian election process was 
deemed free, fair and transparent by some 4,800 domestic and 
international observers. The role that the African Union (AU), the 
Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, the Carter Center 
and other institutions played was crucial in providing additional 
confidence in the process. I applaud the UN Mission in Liberia for 
providing a safe and secure environment in which voters were able to 
cast their ballots without incident on both October 11 and November 8. 
Furthermore, I applaud the Liberian people on demonstrating their 
commitment to peace and democracy.
   I congratulate President Johnson Sirleaf and the newly elected 
members of the National Legislature, and I hope that they will work 
together to continue along the path to progress, peace, and prosperity 
that Liberia has already taken. At the same time, I express my deep 
regret over the decision of the Congress for Democratic Change, CDC, to 
boycott the runoff election based upon unproven allegations that the 
election process was fraudulent. I concur in the sentiments expressed 
by ECOWAS, the AU and the Carter Center that the CDC boycott deprived 
the people of Liberia of a dynamic vote in the runoff and created a 
climate of intimidation and fear in the country.
   I was saddened by the violent protest that erupted on November 7, 
the eve of Liberia's runoff election, and I mourn the lives lost on 
that day, which will remain a shadow cast over an otherwise peaceful 
and democratic process. I'm pleased by President Johnson Sirleaf's 
efforts to set up an independent commission to investigate the incident 
and bring those responsible to justice. I firmly believe that 
reconciliation is essential to create a sense of national unity and 
purpose, and I call upon all political party leaders and their 
supporters to recognize the certified results of the Presidential and 
Legislative contests.
   The United States will hold accountable any and all political 
leaders and their supporters seeking to undermine Liberia's peace and 
democracy by all means available, including the possible use of 
multilateral and bilateral sanctions.
   It is now more important than ever that the United States continue 
to work with Liberia's elected leaders and stand by the Liberian people 
as they move to complete their journey into post-conflict success, and 
sustain the path toward social stability and economic prosperity.

                          ____________________