[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 190 (Tuesday, December 15, 2009)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E3011-E3012] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. TIMOTHY V. JOHNSON of illinois in the house of representatives Tuesday, December 15, 2009 Mr. JOHNSON of Illinois. Madam Speaker, unfortunately last night and earlier today I was unable to cast my votes on H. Res. 779, H. Res. 942, H. Res. 894, H.R. 1517, and H.R. 3978 and wish the record to reflect my intentions had I been able to vote. Last night, I met with constituents of mine in a town hall forum at the Prairie Winds Retirement Center in Urbana, Illinois and I was unable to arrive in Washington, DC to cast my votes. Had I been present on rollcall No. 969 on suspending the rules and passing H. Res. 779, Recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of National Runaway Prevention Month, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present on rollcall No. 970 on suspending the rules and passing H. Res. 942, Commending the Real Salt Lake soccer club for winning the 2009 Major League Soccer Cup, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present on rollcall No. 971 on suspending the rules and passing H. Res. 894, Honoring the 50th anniversary of the recording of the album ``Kind of Blue'' and reaffirming jazz as a national treasure, I would have voted ``aye.'' One of my constituents, Lamont Parsons of Urbana, Illinois, is a regionally famous jazz guitarist who has inspired in [[Page E3012]] me and many of my constituents a lifelong appreciation for jazz and its influences and it truly is a national treasure. Had I been present on rollcall No. 972 on suspending the rules and passing H.R. 1517, To allow certain U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees who serve under an overseas limited appointment for at least 2 years, and whose service is rated fully successful or higher throughout that time, to be converted to a permanent appointment in the competitive service, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present on rollcall No. 973 on suspending the rules and passing H.R. 3978, First Responders Anti-Terrorism, Training Resources Act, I would have voted ``aye.'' ____________________