Floor Statements

Mr. President, today I recognize Phil E. Matthews for his dedicated years of service at the Arkansas Hospital Association. His efforts on behalf of our State's hospitals are to be commended, and I thank him for his efforts to maintain high-quality hospital care for the citizens of Arkansas.

Phil has been a part of the Arkansas Hospital Association, known as AHA, since 1969 and was named president in 2005. During his tenure, he has worked hard to cultivate constructive relationships with State and Federal legislators in order to achieve great results for Arkansas. He has reinforced the AHA as a trusted partner for Arkansas hospitals and other health care providers and entities from all across the State.

In recent years, the AHA has helped to pass laws on the State level that will enhance the health of and health care services for Arkansans, including for the development of a statewide trauma care system, expansion of health insurance coverage for more than 6,000 additional children through ARKids, and public health initiatives that will increase seatbelt usage and decrease tobacco use in the State.

On the Federal level, it has been my pleasure to work closely with Phil and the AHA to develop and pass policies to expand health insurance coverage to more than 400,000 Arkansans, grow the health care workforce in Arkansas, modernize health care delivery and the use of health information technologies, and preserve the viability and valuable role of Arkansas's community hospitals. Together, we have fought back on policies that might have had a negative impact or unintended consequence for Arkansas hospitals, providers, and patients, and we have worked to advance policies that are best for our great State.

I am extremely proud of Phil's and the AHA's efforts to help Arkansas hospitals provide quality care to their patients, provide charity care for those in need, serve refugees of gulf coast hurricanes and other natural disasters, and play an active role in improving health care coverage and quality in Arkansas. I wish Phil all the very best in his retirement, and to Bo Ryall, who will serve as his successor as president of the AHA.

Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I recognize Arkansas's newly established trauma system, and I commend three facilities in the State for garnering the highest designations of trauma care.

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock and the Regional Medical Center in Memphis were selected to provide the highest level of trauma care under the system, which is aimed at getting patients specialized care in emergency situations. Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff was designated a Level 2 center, which can provide comprehensive clinical care.

The new system will connect hospitals, ambulance services and other emergency responders to act as a statewide triage, transporting trauma patients as quickly as possible to the facility best able to treat their specific injuries. Furthermore, it will help elevate Arkansas's status nationwide in terms of large-scale emergency management and disaster preparedness capabilities.

Eighty-six hospitals in Arkansas could eventually become a part of the new trauma system. Of those, 73 have already begun the process by filing letters of intent to request designation as one of the four levels of centers.

I commend all of Arkansas's health care providers for their dedicated efforts to save lives and keep Arkansans safe, healthy and strong. With this new trauma system, Arkansas has achieved a new level of high quality care, and I am pleased to see our State attain this significant designation.

Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a bill which will protect the great American traditions of hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting from actions that will drive up the costs of participation and directly impact employment across the country. Recently, extremist groups have filed a petition with the U.S. EPA to prohibit the use of lead in the manufacturing of ammunition and fishing tackle. This effort would not only drive up the cost of ammunition and fishing tackle, but would, as a direct result, drive down the number of people able to participate in these activities and directly hurt the millions of Americans who depend on the hunting, fishing, and shooting industries for part of their livelihoods.

Hunters and anglers are ardent conservationists and have proven themselves willing to consider lead alternatives when the data justifies it. For instance, since 1991, waterfowl hunters have been required to use non-lead ammunition to protect waterfowl species which have been scientifically proven to be vulnerable to exposure. However, EPA found in 1994 no scientific basis to proceed with a lead ban in fishing tackle. EPA rightly and quickly rejected the petition with regard to ammunition, stating that they did not have the authority to regulate ammunition under the Toxic Substances Control Act.

However, EPA is still considering a ban on lead fishing tackle. This ban would drive up costs on a sport that's appeal lies in its simplicity and accessibility to the broad American public. Lead sinkers are critical to both salt and freshwater anglers, and are frequently used in the types of fishing that attracts young people to this sport.

Moreover, a ban such as this would be a blow to thousands of people who depend on fishing tackle and ammunition manufacturing for their livelihoods. Companies like Remington in Lonoke, Arkansas employ over 20,000 Arkansans. The 5,500 manufacturers of firearms and ammunition and almost one million people working in sport fishing do not need EPA taking aim at their industry.

My bill simply clarifies that the components used in manufacturing shells, cartridges, and fishing tackle are exempt from EPA regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act. Taking this simple step will provide certainty to these critical industries and prevent EPA and activist litigators from dragging this issue out through the courts for years.

I am confident that the sporting community will continue to work with the Fish and Wildlife Service and State Fish and Wildlife agencies to address issues around lead ammunition where and when the facts warrant it. But Congress must act to preserve our hunting and fishing traditions by ensuring access to affordable, vital tools our hunters and anglers rely on.

Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a bill which will protect the great American traditions of hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting from actions that will drive up the costs of participation and directly impact employment across the country. Recently, extremist groups have filed a petition with the U.S. EPA to prohibit the use of lead in the manufacturing of ammunition and fishing tackle. This effort would not only drive up the cost of ammunition and fishing tackle, but would, as a direct result, drive down the number of people able to participate in these activities and directly hurt the millions of Americans who depend on the hunting, fishing, and shooting industries for part of their livelihoods.

Hunters and anglers are ardent conservationists and have proven themselves willing to consider lead alternatives when the data justifies it. For instance, since 1991, waterfowl hunters have been required to use non-lead ammunition to protect waterfowl species which have been scientifically proven to be vulnerable to exposure. However, EPA found in 1994 no scientific basis to proceed with a lead ban in fishing tackle. EPA rightly and quickly rejected the petition with regard to ammunition, stating that they did not have the authority to regulate ammunition under the Toxic Substances Control Act.

However, EPA is still considering a ban on lead fishing tackle. This ban would drive up costs on a sport that's appeal lies in its simplicity and accessibility to the broad American public. Lead sinkers are critical to both salt and freshwater anglers, and are frequently used in the types of fishing that attracts young people to this sport.

Moreover, a ban such as this would be a blow to thousands of people who depend on fishing tackle and ammunition manufacturing for their livelihoods. Companies like Remington in Lonoke, Arkansas employ over 20,000 Arkansans. The 5,500 manufacturers of firearms and ammunition and almost one million people working in sport fishing do not need EPA taking aim at their industry.

My bill simply clarifies that the components used in manufacturing shells, cartridges, and fishing tackle are exempt from EPA regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act. Taking this simple step will provide certainty to these critical industries and prevent EPA and activist litigators from dragging this issue out through the courts for years.

I am confident that the sporting community will continue to work with the Fish and Wildlife Service and State Fish and Wildlife agencies to address issues around lead ammunition where and when the facts warrant it. But Congress must act to preserve our hunting and fishing traditions by ensuring access to affordable, vital tools our hunters and anglers rely on.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor the memory of U.S. Army SSG Harold ``George'' Bennett. In the jungles of Vietnam, this young Arkansan displayed courage and honor while serving his Nation in uniform. Tragically, he became the first American prisoner of war executed by the Viet Cong. This year marks the 45th anniversary of his death, and I am proud to join his family later this month to posthumously honor him with the Silver Star, the third highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

George Bennett was born on October 16, 1940, in Perryville, AR, a small town that rests just northwest of Little Rock in the foothills of the Ozarks. His father, Gordon, was a veteran of World War I, and he instilled in his sons the values and rewards of service to country. All four would follow his footsteps into the U.S. Army.

SGT George Bennett was trained in the Army as an airborne infantryman and served with the famed 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, made up of some of the finest soldiers in the world. He earned his Master Parachute Wings and Expert Infantry Badge before volunteering in 1964 for service in what was a relatively unknown area of Southeast Asia called Vietnam.

While deployed, Sergeant Bennett served as an infantry advisor to the 33rd Ranger Battalion, one of South Vietnam's best trained and toughest units. On December 29, 1964, they were airlifted to the village of Binh Gia after it had been overrun by a division of Viet Cong. Immediately upon landing, Sergeant Bennett's unit was confronted by a well-dug-in regiment of enemy forces, and despite fighting furiously and courageously throughout the afternoon, their unit was decimated and overrun. Sergeant Bennett and his radio operator, PFC Charles Crafts, fell into the hands of the Viet Cong.

Before being captured, Sergeant Bennett twice called off American helicopter pilots who were attempting to navigate through the combat zone to rescue him and his radioman. Displaying a remarkably calm demeanor, his focus seemed to be on their safety and not his own. His last words to his would-be rescuers were, ``Well, they are here now. My little people [his term for the South Vietnamese soldiers under his command] are laying down their weapons and they want me to turn off my radio. Thanks a lot for your help and God Bless You.''

As a prisoner of war, the only thing more remarkable than the courageous resistance he displayed throughout his captivity was his steadfast devotion to duty, honor, and country. His faith in God and the trust of his fellow prisoners was unshakable. Sadly, the only way his captors could break his spirit of resistance was to execute him. Today, Sergeant Bennett lies in an unmarked grave known only to God, somewhere in the jungles of Vietnam.

Mr. President, Sergeant Bennett was a selfless young man who answered his Nation's call to service and placed duty and honor above all else. Although he may no longer be with us, the example and selflessness of this brave young Arkansan will forever live on in our

hearts. While a grateful nation could never adequately express their debt to men like George Bennett, it should take every opportunity to honor them and their families for the sacrifice they have paid on our behalf.

Mr. President, today I congratulate 14 Arkansas teachers who were recently named regional finalists for Arkansas Teacher of the Year. These educators represent the best of our State, and I join all Arkansans to thank them for their efforts to educate and inspire our Arkansas youth. These teachers devote themselves to ensuring a bright, successful future for their students, and I commend them for their pursuit of professional excellence and their dedication to learning and knowledge.

The finalists are Blair Ballard, Walnut Ridge Elementary; Vickie Beene, an English teacher at Nashville High School; Julie Boyd, Hurricane Creek Elementary in Bryant; Jeannette Dempsey, College Hill Elementary, Texarkana; Oretha Faye Ferguson, an English teacher at Fort Smith Southside High School; Karen S. Hart, a biology teacher at Jonesboro High School; Kristy Parish, Westside Elementary, Searcy; Mary Katherine Parson, a biology teacher at Little Rock Central; Kathy A. Powers, Simon Intermediate School, Conway; Therese Thompson, John Tyson Elementary, Springdale; Rebecca Vaughn, Wedlock Elementary, West Memphis; Maryann Walker, M.A. Hardin Elementary, White Hall; Carolyn Whisenant, Mountain Home Kindergarten; and Emily Kathryn White, Monticello Elementary.

Mr. President, today I celebrate the 25th anniversary of the

Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival, a beloved, time-honored tradition in my hometown of Helena, AR.

The Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival, formerly known as the King Biscuit Blues Festival, is one of the Nation's foremost showcases of blues music. Held for 3 days annually in October, tens of thousands of blues enthusiasts converge on historic downtown Helena. This year's festival features legendary blues musician B.B. King, along with nearly 50 other blues performances. The event will be held October 7 to 9, with projected attendance figures of nearly 80,000.

I have often joined my fellow Helena residents to celebrate and enjoy this annual tradition, and I am proud of the community's efforts to keep alive the history and heritage of blues music.

Founded in 1986, the first festival was a 1-day event, with a small gathering of local residents and a flatbed truck as a stage. Since then, the festival has grown to a 3-day event, with three stages and several activities, such as the Kenneth Freemyer 5K Run, the Blues in Schools program, and the Tour da' Delta bicycle tour.

I congratulate the organizers and leadership of the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival, along with all my fellow Helena residents. I wish them all the best as they celebrate 25 years of the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival.

Mr. President, today I congratulate the North Little Rock Visitors Bureau for being chosen as the Small Convention Visitors Bureau of the Year by the Southeast Tourism Society, which represents 12 States. The North Little Rock bureau topped the category for visitors bureaus with a budget of less than $1 million.

The Shining Example Award the North Little Rock agency received highlights ``some of the best work in travel and tourism,'' and sets ``examples that others in the industry can follow,'' according to the Southeast Tourism Society.

I salute the North Little Rock Visitors Bureau and the entire North Little Rock community for their efforts to build and grow their community. As my fellow Arkansans know, our state is a beautiful one, filled with countless opportunities for recreation, outdoor pursuits, and other leisure activities. I am proud to see North Little Rock receive this prestigious recognition.

Mr. President, today I congratulate the Fort Smith Housing Authority for winning the Agency of the Year Award from the Arkansas Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Rehabilitation Officials.

According to the Awards Committee, the Fort Smith Authority stood out in its achievements through its Neighborhood Stabilization Program and its recently gained status as a redevelopment agency, a status that will enable it to do even more good work in the future.

The Fort Smith Housing Authority does tremendous work in its local Arkansas community, serving people with disabilities, seniors, and low income families by providing quality, affordable housing that creates positive living environments. I commend the Authority's long-standing efforts to increase the availability of safe, affordable housing and to improve quality of life and economic vitality.

I salute the Authority and the entire Fort Smith community for achieving this prestigious recognition.

Mr. President, today I recognize St. Mark Sanctuary Choir from Little Rock, which recently advanced to the national level of ``How Sweet the Sound,'' a nationwide contest in search for the best church choir in America.

St. Mark Choir earned a trip to the upcoming final competition in Washington, DC, after winning the regional ``How Sweet the Sound'' competition held in Memphis earlier this month. Under the leadership of Darius Nelson, Minister of Music, the choir surpassed its competition with a stirring rendition of ``It Is Well With My Soul.''

St. Mark Choir, comprised of adults age 18 and up, is the main service choir of St. Mark. With more than 100 active members, the choir serves faithfully each Sunday morning at the 8 and 11:30 a.m. worship services. This group of talented vocalists from the Little Rock area represent the best of Arkansas, and I am proud of their efforts to spread music and ministry to others.

I celebrate St. Mark Sanctuary Choir and all performers of gospel music for their dedication to an art form that brings a message of hope and inspiration to all people. That is why earlier this year, I submitted a bipartisan resolution in the U.S. Senate designating September as ``Gospel Music Heritage Month,'' to honor the lasting legacy of gospel music in the U.S. and around the world.

In closing, I commend these talented individuals at St. Mark Church for their dedication to serving others through music and worship. I congratulate Bishop Steven M. Arnold and the entire congregation for this tremendous achievement.

Mr. President, today I recognize Bobby Eugene Hannon Sr., 76, of Hot Springs, who passed away Saturday, August 28, 2010. A beloved member of the Hot Springs community and the entire State, ``Coach Hannon'' was one of Arkansas's finest citizens. His legacy will long be remembered at Hot Springs High School, where he coached football from 1970 to 1979. His many championships and accomplishments in coaching were highlighted by his undefeated 1970 State Championship Team, voted No. 1 in the State by the Associated Press.

In 2008, Coach Hannon was inducted into the Arkansas High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He received the Lowell Manning Award in 1970 as the Arkansas High School Coach of the Year and was selected head coach for the West Squad in the AHSCA All Star Game. His teams competed in five more championship games, including the longest high school football game in Arkansas history against Jonesboro in 1972 that ended in a tie for co-championship.

Before his coaching career, Coach Hannon was an outstanding athlete with many accomplishments, including serving as quarterback of Little Rock High School and being selected All-State and All-Southern quarterback. Coach Hannon received a football scholarship at Arkansas Tech University and played there for 4 years, where he received all AIC conference honors.

Drafted into the U.S. Army, he played on the Fort Lewis Washington Championship football team for 2 years. Coach Hannon also played shortstop for the famed Little Rock Doughboys baseball team next to Major League Baseball Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson.

After retiring from coaching, he continued his working career selling team sporting goods for Spaulding and Sportstop Athletics. Most recently Coach Hannon was employed by Hurst, Morrisey and Hurst Law Firm.

Coach Hannon was involved in numerous community services. He was a member of Brookwood Baptist Church, a lifetime member of Elks Lodge No. 380, American Legion Baseball commissioner for 4 years, served as cochairman for the State Multiple Sclerosis Fund Raisers and was a member of the Hot Springs Quarterback Club prayer group.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Janice (Avra) Hannon; his three children, Lisa Hannon Madden, Bobby Eugene Hannon Jr., and Bridget Hannon Summers; four grandchildren, Beau Harvey, Trish Madden Jordan, Lauren Hannon Madden Pope, and Don Allen Madden III; four step- grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and three step great- grandchildren.

Along with all Arkansans, I thank Coach Hannon for his years of service to our State. He will be greatly missed.

Mr. President, today I recognize Arkansan Tim Pike of Quitman who was recently named Arkansas's 2010 First Responder of the Year by the Arkansas EMT Association. Tim represents the best of Arkansas and is more than deserving of this prestigious honor. I congratulate him on this significant achievement.

Tim's tenure as a first responder for the Quitman EMS spans 25 years. He has saved countless lives and aided his fellow citizens at times when they needed him the most. Tim's efforts have also inspired those who he has helped to ``pay it forward'' and give back to the community through volunteerism and other types of service.

Tim first started his volunteer service with the local fire department in 1985. That same year, he became a volunteer first responder for the ambulance service. Today, he balances both his gun business and his duties as Quitman's animal-control officer and Cadron Township constable.

First responders like Tim help keep Arkansas safe, and I am grateful for their service and sacrifice. Along with all Arkansans, I commend our emergency responders for their commitment to protecting the citizens of our State.

Mr. President, today I honor PFC Bryn T. Raver, 20, of Arkansas, who died on August 29, 2010, in Nangahar, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. According to initial reports, PFC Raver died of injuries sustained on August 28, 2010, when his military vehicle was hit by rocket-propelled grenade fire

My heart goes out to the family of PFC Raver who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our Nation. Along with all Arkansans, I am grateful for his service and for the service and sacrifice of all of our military servicemembers and their families.

More than 11,000 Arkansans on active duty and more than 10,000 Arkansas reservists have served in Iraq or Afghanistan since September 11, 2001. These men and women have shown tremendous courage and perseverance through the most difficult of times. As neighbors, as Arkansans, and as Americans, it is incumbent upon us to do everything we can to honor their service and to provide for them and their families, not only when they are in harm's way but also when they return home. It is the least we can do for those whom we owe so much.

PFC Raver was assigned to the 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, KY. He is survived by his wife, who resides at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington; a daughter in Alpena, AR.; and his father of Everton, AR.

Mr. President, today I recognize four Arkansas schools that were recently designated as ``National Blue Ribbon Schools'' by the U.S. Department of Education. These schools represent the best of our State, and I am proud to congratulate them on this significant achievement.

Arkansas's Blue Ribbon Schools for 2010 are Arnold Drive Elementary School in Jacksonville, Calico Rock Elementary School in Calico Rock, Kingston Elementary School in Kingston and Salem Elementary School in Salem.

The national Blue Ribbon designation honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools whose students achieve at very high levels or have made significant progress and helped close gaps in achievement, especially among disadvantaged and minority students. Nationally, 254 public and 50 private schools received the designation.

I commend Arkansas's Blue Ribbon Schools for their extraordinary efforts helping students receive a high-quality education and reach their full potential. Education is key to a bright future, and I am proud of these schools for encouraging students to achieve their dreams and goals through a high-quality education.

Mr. President, today I recognize more than 80 Arkansas World War II veterans who will travel to Washington, DC, this weekend to visit the national World War II Memorial and other memorials dedicated in their honor.

The group is traveling as a part of the second Northwest Arkansas Honor Flight. They will fly free of charge from Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport to Washington, DC, and back. Without the efforts of the Northwest Arkansas Honor Flight program, many of these veterans would never be able to visit our Nation's military memorials, including the World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Iwo Jima memorials, and Arlington National Cemetery.

This year's veterans range in age from 88 to 98 and include four women

who served in the military during World War II. They will receive cards and letters of appreciation from local school groups and other members of the community. To date, more than 700 cards and letters from the northwest Arkansas community have been collected.

In Arkansas, there are approximately 26,714 living World War II veterans, and each one has a heroic tale. World War II was one of America's greatest triumphs, but was also a conflict filled with individual sacrifice and tragedy. More than 60 million people worldwide were killed, including more than 35 million civilians, and more than 400,000 American servicemembers. The ultimate victory is a testament to the valor of American soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines.

I salute these World War II veterans, along with all of our 260,000 Arkansas veterans. My father and both grandfathers served our Nation in uniform and taught me from an early age about the sacrifices our troops and their families make to keep our Nation free. All of our veterans-- from the greatest generation to Vietnam war veterans to the new generation of servicemembers in the Middle East and across the globe-- have sacrificed greatly on behalf of our country. I thank them for their service and sacrifice.