BERNIE BLUESTEIN POST OFFICE BUILDING

On 2026-04-14, Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-8) delivered a floor speech titled "BERNIE BLUESTEIN POST OFFICE BUILDING" in the House. The speech addressed defense and also covered crime and justice, veterans affairs. It referenced legislation: HR5773.

BERNIE BLUESTEIN POST OFFICE BUILDING

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026)] [House] [Pages H2851-H2852] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] BERNIE BLUESTEIN POST OFFICE BUILDING Mr. GILL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5773) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service at 1300 East Northwest Highway in Palatine, Illinois, as the ``Bernie Bluestein Post Office Building''. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 5773 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. BERNIE BLUESTEIN POST OFFICE BUILDING. (a) Designation.--The facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1300 East Northwest Highway in Palatine, Illinois, shall be known and designated as the ``Bernie Bluestein 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 ``Bernie Bluestein Post Office Building''. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gill) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Subramanyam) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas. General Leave Mr. GILL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Texas? There was no objection. Mr. GILL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this bill, which would rename a post office in Palatine, Illinois, after Bernie Bluestein. Mr. Bluestein was an American artist, innovator, and World War II veteran. As part of the top-secret Ghost Army unit, Mr. Bluestein used his artistic skills to create fake patches, signs, and vehicle stencils to deceive Nazi forces about the strength and location of American troops. After serving in the Army, he worked as an industrial designer, assisting leading electronics companies, such as Zenith and Sunbeam, by designing products. [[Page H2852]] Mr. Bluestein passed away on March 25, 2026, at the age of 102. Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time. {time} 1600 Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5773, introduced by my colleague from Illinois, Representative Krishnamoorthi, and I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Krishnamoorthi). Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to urge my colleagues in supporting H.R. 5773, a bill to name the Palatine, Illinois, post office in honor of Bernie Bluestein. As one of the heroic members of the World War II American secret unit known as the Ghost Army, Bluestein helped employ inflatable tanks, fake radio signals, and sound deception to mislead Nazi forces, saving thousands of lives and helping to turn the tide in Europe. Bernie's impact did not end with his service. He embraced being a community leader in Palatine, becoming a beloved artist, mentor, and lifelong learner. He also enriched the Harper College community for decades and inspired generations of students with his creativity, humor, and humility. Earlier this month, unfortunately, Bernie passed away after battling cancer. He truly was a fighter until the end. Honoring him with this designation ensures that his extraordinary contributions to our Nation and our community will never be forgotten. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' and to pass this bill in honor of Bernie Bluestein. Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Illinois for his remarks, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. GILL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, naming a post office after war veteran Bernie Bluestein, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gill) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5773. The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________

Referenced legislation: HR5773, HR5773