[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 15, 2011)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E485] 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, March 15, 2011 Mr. JOHNSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately I was unable to cast my votes on Monday, March 14, 2011 due to a scheduled meeting in my District with constituents to discuss local transportation issues and wish the record to reflect my intentions had I been present to vote on H.R. 793 and H. Con. Res. 27. Had I been present to vote on H.R. 793, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 12781 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in Inverness, California, as the ``Specialist Jake Robert Velloza Post Office'', I would have reluctantly voted in favor of this bill. I do not believe that in this time of high unemployment and rising deficit and debt levels we should be wasting time naming post offices. However, since I have a high respect for our military members and their sacrifices, on this bill I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present to vote on H. Con. Res. 27, providing for the acceptance of a statue of Gerald R. Ford from the people of Michigan for placement in the United States Capitol, I would have again reluctantly voted in favor of this bill. Again, at this time of high unemployment and record deficits and debts, I do not believe that we should be spending our time on placing statues in the U.S. Capitol. However, since we have set up a program allowing states to place statues in the Capitol and the people of Michigan have selected to honor President Gerald Ford, on this bill I would have voted ``aye.'' ____________________