Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a true hero from my district, Mr. Ron Robinson of Dunn, North Carolina. Mr. Robinson has shown outstanding courage, selflessness and bravery by risking his life to save victims of not one, but two separate car crashes in the past two months.

Once part of the Dunn rescue squad, Ron Robinson quickly put his experience and knowledge to work, helping those in a crucial time of need. A little over a month ago, two young people were in a tragic car accident outside of the Walmart in Dunn, NC. Mr. Robinson, who was shopping at the Walmart as the SUV slammed into the store, was the first to immediately run outside to help the teens trapped inside the vehicle. With his assistance, Triton High senior Dillon Tart, 18, survived the crash with minor injuries. As I honor Mr. Robinson's heroism, I also wish to pause for a moment to mourn Mr. Tart's Triton High classmate, Ashley Moore, who did not survive the crash, despite Mr. Robinson's efforts. This loss does not diminish Mr. Robinson's valor, but does remind us that not all rescues are in our hands.

This past Thursday, July 8, Mr. Robinson once again came face-to-face with a serious car accident, this one off of Interstate 95 in Dunn. The truck involved in the accident was already on fire as Ron approached the crash, but that didn't stop him from crawling into the vehicle and pulling the driver from the flames. Again, Mr. Robinson risked his life to save the life of another.

This kind of bravery and heroism just doesn't happen every day. It is people like Ron Robinson that truly embody the phrase ``Good Samaritan'' and remind us what it means to fulfill the directive to ``help thy neighbor.'' I don't like to think what might have happened had Ron not been at the scene of those crashes, but fortunately he was and he serves as a true example of what it means to be part of a community.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the heroism of an ordinary man performing extraordinary feats. His selflessness and readiness to help those in need is truly something to be admired. We in North Carolina are proud to call Ron Robinson our hometown hero.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Felix Harvey, a North Carolina businessman and civic leader, as he turns ninety years young on July 16, 2010.

Felix Harvey was born in Kinston, North Carolina, almost a century ago and yet has never grown old. Felix married his wife, Margaret Little Blount, in 1945 and since then has raised two beautiful daughters, Leigh and Sunny. They have seven grandchildren.

In addition to being a family man, Felix is known for his keen business-savvy that has fueled his success for the past fifty years. Felix has been a good North Carolina businessman in every sense, making a living doing right by the folks in his home state. Felix is Chairman of the Board of Harvey Enterprises and Affiliates, which engages in farming and agricultural supplies, cotton ginning, transportation, real estate, and retail petroleum distribution. In addition, he served on several other corporate boards, including the Board of the North Carolina National Bank, now Bank of America, Integon Corporation and North Carolina Natural Gas, to name a few.

More recently, Felix planted an orchard and opened a fruit stand. There is a Greek proverb that says a society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they will never sit. Felix has not just planted a tree, but has planted an entire orchard so that others could enjoy its fruit. Felix is always looking into the future and thinking about how he can expand his horizons, growing and learning every day and making North Carolina a better place to live.

Felix remains active in his community and his free time as well. He has been Vice Chairman of the Board and President of the North Carolina Global Transpark foundation since 1993 and he has had a lasting commitment to his alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. All the while, he still finds time to get outside and perfect his golf game.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me today in recognizing a man who reminds us that age is just a number. It is with great pride and joy that I wish Felix Harvey, a great friend to me and the state of North Carolina, a happy ninetieth birthday. He is an example to us all in his fervor for life and reminds us to ``share the fruit'' with our future generations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the conference report on H.R. 4173, the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010.

We have already seen what happens to Main Street when Wall Street abuses run rampant. Over the past decade, Wall Street's protectors looked the other way while Wall Street fat cats gambled with our future and ran our economy into the ditch, and the North Carolina families I hear from every day paid the price. We have seen what that means for Main Street: 8 million jobs lost, $17 trillion in hard-earned family savings--savings for retirement, college, or home buying--all wiped out overnight. Today we have the opportunity to say, ``enough.'' We have had enough of the abuses, enough of risky speculation, enough of taxpayer-funded bailouts. It is time to put in place common sense rules of the road to protect Main Street and American taxpayers. This bill does just that. H.R. 4173 delivers a comprehensive set of financial regulations that increase accountability and oversight for Wall Street and America's financial sector.

H.R. 4173 addresses the ``too big to fail'' syndrome, and ends taxpayer funded bailouts. This bill makes sure the taxpayer is not responsible for bailing out such firms, by establishing a process for dismantling failing financial institutions like AIG or Lehman Brothers. With this reform, these large Wall Street firms will be in charge of paying the cost for the risks they create instead of taxpayers paying the tab. In addition, a Financial Stability Council will be created to identify and regulate financial institutions that are so large or interconnected that they pose a system risk to the economy as a whole. While I hope that the dissolution measures are never necessary, it just makes sense to have an orderly way to wind down failing institutions as an insurance policy. This process will punish the corporate executives who are to blame for a failed bank, rather than the American taxpayer.

For years, I have called for an end to the wild west of speculation in derivatives markets. I am pleased that this bill includes my proposal to strengthen derivatives market oversight. For the first time ever, over-the-counter derivatives market for transactions between dealers and major swap participants will be required to be reported. This transparency means that regulators can monitor this trillion dollar market, and make sure that companies like AIG only make trades when they have enough capital to back them up. Unregulated speculation may well be responsible for wide swings and increases in the price of energy for consumers and feed for farms. This provision will help prevent entities from driving up the cost of commodities and products and manufacturing risk in the larger economy.

H.R. 4173 also takes a major step forward in consumer protection by creating the Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA). This agency would make sure brokers tell folks what they are buying, clearly and honestly. It would be devoted to stopping unfair practices and preventing abusive financial products from entering the marketplace. The CFPA would impose effective consumer protections for subprime mortgages, overdraft fees, credit card practices, and other financial products, not just at banks but wherever these products are purchased.

This bill includes other critical provisions for oversight and streamlining of the financial system. It creates a Federal Insurance Office, reforms the credit ratings agencies that failed to assess the value of the many financial products in our economy, and cleans up abusive practices in the mortgage lending industry that contributed to the collapse of the housing market. This regulation is long overdue and will benefit all Americans and businesses that depend on our financial institutions.

We need to take action to put the interests of average Americans ahead of corporate special interests. Today we have an opportunity to clean up the mess on Wall Street, hold wrongdoers accountable for their actions and stand up for taxpayers. I call on my colleagues to put Main Street before Wall Street, and to join me in support of the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Robin Whitley Hood, who passed away on Sunday, June 27, in Raleigh, NC. Best known for the smile he brought to other's faces and his lifelong community involvement, Whitley will surely be missed.

Robin Whitley Hood was born on January 1, 1932, in Johnston County to parents John Robert and Cleo Wood Hood. He attended Campbell College and graduated from Wake Forest University, where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. After graduation, Whitley established Robin Hood Enterprises Inc., which still flourishes today. His companies include Whitley Hood Insurance Agency,

Robin Hood Truck Stop and Restaurant, and Robin Hood Oil Company.

In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Mr. Hood served as mayor of the town of Benson from 1971-1979. He was instrumental in the development and growth of Benson, where he was a strong advocate for the community. He played a key role in developing a water line to Benson from the Neuse River and argued strongly for 1-40's current route near Benson over a counterproposal that would have taken it further north. He was named Benson's Citizen of the Year in 1973.

Whitley remained an active member of the community long after his public service. He was a member of the Benson Lions Club, a past patron of Eastern Star, a member of the Benson Stock Club, a member of the Benson GBO, an active member of Benson Baptist Church and a past deacon. He was also a prominent Mason and Shriner.

My best memories of Whitley involve his work as director of the Sudan Clowns for almost 50 years. Whitley loved to bring joy to people's faces and to spread laughs and good cheer to those he met. Many of the Dunn community are familiar with ``Happy'' the clown and the clown cards he would leave behind; I know that I will never forget the happiness he brought to those around him and I am sure his bright light will not soon be forgotten by others in our community.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me today in honoring the life of Mr. Robin Whitley Hood, a beacon of his community and a true exemplar of civic involvement. May he even in passing bring a smile to his loved ones' faces for the wonderful legacy he has left behind.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of veteran James Daniel ``J.D.'' Lancaster, who passed away at the age of 90 on Friday, June 25, 2010. In his passing, I lost a friend, and North Carolina lost one of its most outstanding citizens; a man whose bravery and valor won't soon be forgotten.

J.D. Lancaster, son of the late Reverend W.H. and Lena Lancaster, grew up in Selma, NC and always kept the church close to his heart. His father, a Baptist preacher, introduced him to the church as a young boy and he continued his devout commitment to the Baptist church throughout his life.

J.D. was a veteran of United States Navy and served in World War II. Before his passing, J.D. was one of only 21 living survivors of the attack on the USS Arizona on December 7, 1941 and the only living survivor from our great state of North Carolina. During the attack, J.D. was blown off the deck of the ship, but he swam through the oil- filled waters to eventually rescue ten of his fellow shipmates.

This would not be the only time J.D. survived a sinking ship in WWII. He survived another attack aboard LTS 342, while transporting troops from Guadalcanal to the island of Munda. Later in the war, J.D. managed to escape death a third time aboard a transport plane that crashed. His untiring dedication to his country and his outstanding bravery are apparent. He is a shining example of the devotion and allegiance that members of our armed forces show our nation every day. He was the recipient of numerous awards for his military service, including the Purple Heart.

J.D. Lancaster was active in his community, boasting membership at the VFW, American Legion, Loyal Order of the Moose, and Lanwood Chapel FWB Church. Those who knew J.D. well know he always had a smile on his face and a positive word to share. He will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, his church and his country.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy Lancaster; daughters Carol Lancaster of Goldsboro, Beth Sitts, and her husband Justin of Pine Level, and Danielle Lancaster of Selma; son Jay Lancaster of Selma; and granddaughters, Jenna and Katelyn.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me today in recognizing one of our nation's true military heroes, J.D. Lancaster. He was a respected veteran, a dedicated family man, and a great North Carolinian. I am pleased to rise to honor him and his family today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5618, the Restoration of Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act.

H.R. 5618 would extend critical unemployment insurance benefits through November 30, 2010 to help Americans who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. Without this bill, by July 3, 2010, approximately 1.7 million unemployed workers nationwide will lose their unemployment benefits. In my home state of North Carolina, about 7,200 unemployed workers will lose their unemployment benefits in the same time.

North Carolina has one of the highest unemployment rates in the Nation, and some areas of the Second Congressional District have unemployment rates close to 15 percent. I have voted several times over the past year to extend and improve benefits for folks who are having trouble finding new jobs in the current economic downturn. Extending unemployment benefits will not only help unemployed North Carolinians, but it will also help stimulate the economy and create new jobs. For every $1.00 spent on unemployment benefits, $1.63 is returned in economic growth.

I've heard from thousands of North Carolinians about their struggles in this economy. One woman from Spring Lake, NC said, ``This is so very important! So many families, single moms like myself are just one benefit away from being homeless. Please help the people in your district, because we are at the end of our rope.'' I am sure that this sentiment is shared by folks in districts across the country who just want a little support while they continue to look for jobs as our economy recovers.

Mr. Speaker, this is an emergency for thousands of workers and their families in North Carolina right now. This is an emergency not of their making but the result of eight years of the failed policies of the previous administration. I will continue to fight to make sure every North Carolinian who is willing to work hard can make the most of his or her God-given abilities. Extending this economic lifeline is the right thing to do for workers, and the right thing to do to keep our economy on track for recovery. I urge my colleagues to join me in strong support of our hardworking Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call on Congress to rein in Wall Street's abuses. We need to put in place commonsense rules of the road. For too long, Wall Street fat cats gambled with our future and ran our economy into the ditch. North Carolina families I hear from every day paid the price. Why? Because Wall Street's protectors looked the other way while abuses ran rampant. We've seen what that means to Main Street and rural America--8 million jobs lost, $17 trillion in hard-earned family savings--savings for retirement, college, for home buying--all wiped out overnight.

Today, we have an opportunity to say ``enough.'' But the same folks who said ``no'' to helping out-of-work Americans yesterday are trying to say ``no'' to reining in Wall Street abuses today. I call on my colleagues to put aside their differences and put America before Wall Street, and join me in supporting the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 286, recognizing the 235th birthday of the United States Army. I rise today to commemorate the birthday of the Army, and the service of every man and woman who has served our country and kept its citizens safe. From the twenty-thousand-man Army first authorized in June of 1775 to the more than half a million in the Army today, millions of soldiers have sacrificed for our Nation. In addition to recognizing this birthday of the Army, I rise to thank and salute all of those in uniform, whether in the active forces, the Reserves, or the National Guard, and the civilian support staff that makes their missions possible. I thank their families as well for the sacrifices they have made.

For more than two centuries, the U.S. Army has protected our borders, responded to threats to our homeland, and helped the people of America in times of need. I am honored to have served in the U.S. Army, and I am proud to represent Fort Bragg, Pope Air Force Base and their surrounding communities.

Born fully twelve years before the Constitution was written, the Army has proven to be our Nation's most enduring institution. North Carolina's tradition of military service, patriotism, and respect for the military goes back to those earliest days. In fact, the Second District's first Representative was an Army veteran, Hugh Williamson. I am honored to continue that tradition.

Even better than ``Happy Birthday'' is ``Welcome Home''. We rejoice every time our soldiers return home from their service safely. This fall, we anticipate that the entire 82nd Airborne will be home in North Carolina for the first time in many years. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating these daily individual returns while we celebrate the institution and its history as a whole.

As we honor this U.S. Army at this significant milestone, we cannot forget that there is a greater need for commitments than for congratulations. I call on my colleagues who join me today in support of this Joint Resolution to also commit to continued support for the funding the Army needs for its ongoing missions, and to support for TRICARE, mental health care, higher education, and military family needs as these heroes return home.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and in celebration of the continued success of America's Army.

Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 5297, the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act. Small businesses form the backbone of our economy and this bill helps them get access to the credit that they need to grow and create jobs.

While there are strong signs that our economy has turned the corner and is beginning to heal, there are still far too many small businesses unable to get the capital they need to contribute to the recovery. H.R. 5297 creates a Small Business Lending Fund to deliver loans to small business on Main Street. This fund will be available to small and medium-sized community banks that specialize in lending to these institutions. H.R. 5297 includes strong incentives in the form of adjustable repayment rates to make sure that participating community banks lend this money out for its intended purpose. This $30 billion fund can be leveraged to create up to $300 billion in loans that small businesses need for growth and expansion. This is the kind of growth that will help continue our economic recovery and get us back to full strength.

In addition to this loan fund, H.R. 5297 provides funding specifically for new and existing lending initiatives that have been developed in several states. With increased funding, we can tap this local expertise and expand on their work to increase small business lending and create jobs.

Finally, as a supporter of budget discipline, I am pleased that this bill does not add to the deficit. These loans are required to be paid back in ten years with interest. In fact, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that this bill will actually reduce the deficit by $1 billion by the end of the ten-year period.

I support helping businesses on Main Street access the credit they need to grow and expand. I support H.R. 5297, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in voting for its passage.

Madam Chair, I thank Mr. Cuellar for offering this amendment to make sure that creating jobs where they are needed most is the focus of this piece of legislation.

As a former small businessman myself, I call on the House to pass this important piece of legislation. Small businesses form the backbone of our economy and create jobs that we need to continue our recovery. But far too many are having difficulty getting the credit they need to grow and expand.

Today we have the opportunity to do more than just praise small businesses and lament the credit crunch. We have a bill that frees up $30 billion directly for small businesses across our communities that are responsible for job growth in our country. Business leaders in Smithfield, community bankers in Dunn, and folks across my district in North Carolina have said that what they need most is to expand credit, and have shared their support of this initiative with me.

Today, we have an opportunity to provide real help for our Main Street businesses. Let us avoid partisan bickering, end the delay, and pass this piece of legislation now.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5486, Small Business Jobs Tax Relief Act. Small businesses form the backbone of our economy, and this bill helps them grow and create jobs.

H.R. 5486 incentivizes people to invest in small business by increasing the capital gains tax cut. In addition, this bill would make it easier for entrepreneurs looking to start their own small business. H.R. 5486 would quadruple the tax deduction for your start-up and allow more businesses to qualify for the maximum deduction. These entrepreneurs can recover more startup expenses, and then work towards growing, expanding, and hiring new workers.

I have always been a supporter of budget discipline, and the investments we make in this bill are fully paid for. These small business tax measures are paid for by tightening rules for claiming the biofuels tax credit and the estate and gift tax rules. I am pleased that we are able to help grow our economy and reduce the national budget deficit.

While there is solid evidence that the economy is beginning to rebound, the recovery is on shaky footing. Across North Carolina, unemployment is still in the double digits and some counties in the Second District still have unemployment rates of up to 13 percent. Helping private industry create jobs needs to be our top priority, and small businesses are responsible for as many as two out of every three jobs created in our country. This bill provides tax relief to help small businesses create the jobs that we desperately need, and helps them help Main Street America.

As a Member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, I support tax cuts that help small businesses contribute to our economic recovery. This should be a bipartisan effort, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for its passage.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jesse Clifton Alphin, Sr., for his continued service to his community, county and state.

Jesse Alphin has been my friend for many years, and I am pleased to be able to honor him in recognition of his 90th birthday. Jesse had held many important posts throughout his career, including Rotary Club president, member and chairman of the Harnett County Board of Commissioners, and, notably, the less formal position as a prominent businessman and leader in Harnett County.

A resident of Dunn, North Carolina, Jesse established Alphin Brothers, Inc. in 1947 and has since grown this small family-owned general store into a federally inspected meat manufacturer and food distributor. Alphin Brothers, Inc. provides meat to both small mom-n- pops diners and drive-ins and large distributors and corporate food conglomerates, testimony to its success in the food distribution business. Jesse's integral business leadership in Harnett County has resulted in hundreds of jobs and opportunities for fellow North Carolinians, in addition to quality food and service for over 50 years.

Jesse's strong presence in the business community is matched by his leadership in his church, his community, and as a dedicated family man. His philanthropic endeavors include work with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Campbell University, and other civic projects to foster the local school system. Jesse's untiring commitment to his wife of over 69 years, Allene, and his children make him a man to be admired. It is a true testament of a man's success to look at the success of his family, and I can honestly say his family has sure shown him to be a mighty successful man.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Jesse Clifton Alphin, Sr., a man who truly lived the American dream and is still living it. A great friend to me and to North Carolina, I take the time today to wish Jesse a happy birthday and many more.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 5136 the Fiscal Year 2011 Defense Authorization Appropriations Act.

It is fitting that we are considering this bill on the Friday before Memorial Day. In my state of North Carolina, patriotism never went out of style. We were patriotic before patriotism was cool. With Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base, other bases and our Guard and Reserve, units in my district, America's service members are our friends and neighbors, sons and daughters. We swell with pride at the work being done by our service members in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. As we pray for their safe and speedy return, we also remember those veterans who came before them, who served their country and protected our freedom throughout history. I am proud every single day, not only on Memorial Day.

Mr. Chair, this bill recognizes the service of our men and women in uniform, and gives our troops the resources they need. It provides $567 billion to the Department of Defense and Department of Energy, and commits $139 billion for today's active operations. In terms of future security, the bill strengthens our counterterrorism efforts, providing our military with the additional tools they need to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda and its extremist allies. Of particular importance to Fort Bragg, which houses the Special Operations Command, it enhances our capacity to directly act against terrorist forces. It also brings warfare into the information age by integrating cybersecurity protection with the protection of physical security.

H.R. 5136 strengthens protection for our troops at home and abroad, and increases support for our soldiers and their families. It honors our covenant with the Guard and Reserve by raising their pay and by investing in new equipment. It strenthens our compact with the citizen soldier, so that when Guard and Reserve are called to active duty that they have the equipment and training they need to be effective.

The bill contains an amendment that I offered with Congressman Larry Kissell and Congressman Sanford Bishop that reinforces the pact between the communities that host the military bases and the Department of Defense. The change confirms Congress' commitment to the quality of life of America's soldiers, officers, civilians and their families. While the Office of Economic Adjustment in the Department of Defense is tasked with providing technical and financial assistance to communities affected by Defense adjustments, there are often community needs that cannot be financed in a timely manner with local resources. Our amendment makes sure that Office now has the full authority required to fulfill its mission. The Department now has clear authority to roll up its sleeves, so the Department can help out while the changes are happening. I appreciate Chairman Skelton's willingness to accept this amendment, and I hope that we can work together to fund those needs.

Mr. Chair, the members of our armed forces give so much to our country. Whatever we ask, even for the ultimate sacrifice, we know will be given. On the eve of our Memorial Day observation, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting yes on this bill, ensuring that our military is fully prepared for threats and challenges worldwide and that our troops get the benefits they deserve and have earned.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4213, American Jobs, Closing Tax Loopholes, and Preventing Outsourcing Act.

After losing over $17 trillion in total household wealth over the last 18 months of the Bush Administration, we have finally started on the path to economic growth. Thanks to the efforts of this Congress, we have had two straight months of job creation. Job losses have slowed dramatically, plummeting housing prices have stabilized, and our economy is beginning to produce again. Earlier this week, the Congressional Budget Office released a new report highlighting the job- creating impact of the Recovery Act. According to the CBO report, the Recovery Act boosted the Nation's economy by up to 4.2% in the first quarter of the year and has already supported as many as 2.8 million jobs. However, the recovery is fragile and we must continue to help businesses and individuals who are struggling. H.R. 4213 builds on earlier efforts to create jobs and support small businesses. The most important thing we can do to bolster our economy is to help provide opportunity to everyone who is willing to work hard to make the most of their God-given abilities. Earlier this week I visited two local businesses in North Carolina. I visited a coffee shop that is thriving after receiving a loan from the Small Business Administration, SBA, and a high tech company that is looking to grow. This bill includes a provision to extend the waiver of SBA fees and an extension of the Research and Development tax credit that boosts high tech companies like those in the Research Triangle Park. Among the other tax credits that aid small businesses, H.R. 4213 includes a provision that extends the special cost recovery period for restaurants and retail businesses that are growing and making capital purchases.

This bill also extends the successful Build America Bonds initiative that has led to billions of dollars of infrastructure improvements around the country and thousands of new jobs. It supports summer jobs initiatives that provide young people with employment and prepare them for productive work in the private sector. It supports job creation in the energy sector, so that America remains at the forefront of technology and reduces its dependence on foreign oil.

There are so many good provisions in this bill that it is hard to list them all, but I would like to call attention to two specific benefits that particularly affect North Carolina's second district. For years I have been working to correct an issue that prevents veterans from receiving the benefits they were promised and which they deserve on the basis of their service. I am proud to represent a large number of veterans in my district and many of these North Carolinians deserve ``concurrent receipt'' that allows our veterans to collect both disability and retirement pay. This bill provides concurrent receipt for the next 2 years. I have also fought to make sure that North Carolina's farmers, so hard-hit by the current economic downturn, receive support so that local agriculture can continue to provide quality food to America's dinner tables. As one of the Nation's leading poultry producers, North Carolina needs the agriculture disaster support provided by this bill, including assistance I demanded for poultry farmers who suffered catastrophic losses during this recession.

Let us continue to empower Americans on Main Street. I support helping our hard-working Americans and strengthening our economy. I support H.R. 4213, the American Jobs, Closing Tax Loopholes, and Preventing Outsourcing Act, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for its passage.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the en bloc amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act and in support of the underlying bill.

We in North Carolina are rightly proud of our military, and we understand that as they serve us, we must provide them with what they need to get their job done. This bill does just that, authorizing funds for troops, for our veterans, and for our military families.

My amendment, which I offered with my colleagues Mr. Kissell and Mr. Bishop of Georgia, would enhance our support for the military and the communities they live in. It would reinforce Congress' commitment to the quality of life for America's soldiers, officers, civilians, and their families.

Supporting our troops means supporting military families and the communities they call home. Military facilities bring significant benefits to our communities, but they also bring significant strain on those communities. Our amendment clarifies that when the military plans rapid growth in an area, the Department can join with the affected community to prepare for that growth. It empowers our communities to make strategic planned investments to respond to the strategic planned transition for BRAC.

I thank the chairman for including it in the en bloc amendment, and I urge my colleagues to support the amendment and the authorization bill.