Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, earlier this week Hyundai Motors announced it would move production of its Elantra sedan from South Korea to its flagship American facility in Montgomery, Alabama. It was a welcome announcement for Montgomery and the surrounding area, which I am proud to represent.

Since 2005, the Hyundai Motors facility in Montgomery has produced the award-winning and increasingly popular Sonata. Despite a slumping economy, production of the Sonata remains at near-peak capacity. In fact, production of the Santa Fe recently shifted from Montgomery to the new Kia facility in nearby West Point, Georgia, with relatively little change overall in production.

What struck me about the announcement, however, is that Hyundai is embracing the global nature of the automobile industry. Instead of moving full production of the Elantra to the United States, Hyundai will split its manufacturing between Montgomery, Alabama and its existing Korean plant. A Hyundai spokesman noted: ``Hyundai's philosophy is to build our vehicles where we sell them, and with the addition of the Elantra to our U.S. production mix, we now manufacture our three most popular models right here in the United States.'' In a global economy, it makes sense to keep production close to where the car will actually be sold.

Hyundai has been a wonderful community partner with Alabama and specifically within the River Region of our central Alabama location. In addition to the 2,700 direct jobs created from the $1.2 billion facility, Hyundai has brought in 72 suppliers throughout North America, creating an additional 5,500 jobs. This partnership has come despite the fact that needless trade barriers exist between the United States and our friends in South Korea.

I can only imagine what both countries could achieve if we were able to come together and enact the U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement.

I recently joined with a bipartisan coalition to form the U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement Working Group. This group, composed of Members of Congress who represent diverse districts from across the country, wants to see this agreement ratified.

Despite being signed by President Bush over 3 years ago, Congress has yet to pass the agreement. President Obama cites the U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement as one of our biggest domestic trade priorities and would like to see disagreements worked out by the next G20 meeting in November. It's already late September and very little progress has been made to get this agreement passed.

The benefits to the U.S. are obvious. Passing a free trade agreement with South Korea, who is our seventh largest trading partner, would add an estimated $10 billion to $12 billion to our gross domestic product. What we have already seen in Alabama could be expanded across this great country of ours.

Madam Speaker, our number one priority must be getting Americans back to work. We have already seen the benefits of a close partnership with South Korea. Let's expand on that relationship. I can think of no better way to create jobs for Americans at virtually no cost than to pass the U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement.

Without question, there are many issues we must tackle in this difficult economic and political time. But trade, especially an agreement that enjoys bipartisan support such as the one with South Korea, can and should be an issue in which we work together. Let's not let partisan politics get in the way of this agreement.

Mr. Speaker, after traveling my district over the August work period, it is clear that my constituents' top concern are jobs and the economy. These are the same concerns they have raised for nearly 2 years since I have been in Congress, indicating that not enough has been done to get Americans back to work.

They also expressed deep worry that the tax relief passed in 2001 and 2003 will soon expire. In an economy still struggling to recover, allowing taxes to increase on nearly all Americans is unacceptable.

Though many in Washington seem to have just awakened to the idea that tax cuts are going to go up next year unless action is taken, I took the lead as far back as January in calling for the current tax rates to be extended for 2 years as a way to ensure economic stability.

Our economy is in trouble. We need to stabilize it and give it some opportunity to get back on its feet and move forward. There is widespread, bipartisan consensus for some of these tax

breaks to be temporarily extended. Instead of using the issue to score political points, let's come together and find a way to extend these tax breaks for 2 years and revisit the issue when the economy is on better footing. It is the least we can do to provide economic stability in an otherwise unstable time. We need to work for America for a change, not for party labels. You can't tell me that all Republicans are right and all Democrats are wrong. We need to come together as Americans and stabilize our economy for the long-term benefit of our country as a whole.

Madam Speaker, on July 8, the city of Montgomery lost a great public servant. Councilman Willie Cook unexpectedly passed away after suffering a massive heart attack. He was only 53 years old.

Willie was not just a colleague; he was a trusted friend. Willie and I were first elected to office in the same year, 1999, and it was an honor to work in partnership with him to move our great city forward over the 9 years that we served together in the city government of our capital city of Montgomery, Alabama.

Willie was known to be a tireless advocate for those he represented in Council District 6. As the Montgomery Advertiser noted following his death, ``Cook provided a strong public voice for his constituents and was an aggressive advocate for what he perceived as their best interests.'' I couldn't agree more.

Last Thursday, Willie was laid to rest at the Montgomery Memorial Cemetery after a memorial service at the convention center. Hundreds of friends, family, and admirers were in attendance to honor the life of a great city leader. It was a fitting way to pay tribute to someone as accomplished as Willie Cook.

My thoughts and prayers continue to be with his wife, Lorna; with his children Vaneka, Benito, and Christopher; with his five grandchildren; and with his parents, Willie Cook, Jr., and Daisy, as they continue to mourn the loss of their son, their husband, and their father.

Willie will surely be missed at our State capital, Montgomery, Alabama. He truly was a friend that I served with, and he made a big difference in our State capital. So I thank you for allowing me to honor his life today.

Madam Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart to pay tribute to Army Specialist Brendan Patrick Neenan today. Specialist Neenan was killed in Afghanistan on June 7th by an improvised explosive device, otherwise known as an IED. He died while defending the country he loved so dearly. He was only 21 years of age.

A native of Enterprise, Alabama, Brendan was the third generation of his family to be a part of the 82nd Airborne Division. He was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and a member of the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team.

After high school, Brendan enrolled at Enterprise State Community College, where I went to school, where, like his older brother Tim, he showed an interest in comedy. But Brendan had a higher calling and strongly believed he should serve his country first before doing anything else. Without question, he adhered to the concept of America first.

His brother Tim noted to the Southeast Sun newspaper in Enterprise, ``Brendan was a third generation 82nd Airborne. Him, my dad and my grandfather did the exact same thing in the military. He was very proud of being a third generation 82nd. He absolutely, not in a political way, but in an altruistic way, believed in doing something,'' and that something was serving his country.

Even when he was preparing to deploy to Afghanistan, Brendan was worried more about his family than himself. He told his sister Katie to keep her grades up. He encouraged his brother Tim to continue his career in comedy. His father Hugh Neenan said, ``He was a very gentle soul, the nicest soul you would ever want to meet, but he was a tough, tough young man.''

When Brendan passed away, the loss was not only for the Neenan family, but for the entire country. America lost a true hero, someone dedicated to standing up for the values we hold so dear. He was an outstanding young American.

When I spoke to Hugh Neenan shortly after his son's passing, Brendan's character shined through despite the fact that Mr. Neenan was understandably still distraught from losing a son. Brendan was simply performing his duty to his country, following a proud family tradition.

Madam Speaker, delivering these speeches is one of the toughest duties any Member of Congress has to do during his tenure or her tenure here, but what we do here pales in comparison to the brave actions of all of our men and women serving overseas. They are the true American heroes and they deserve our unending gratitude for their sacrifices.

Brendan was laid to rest on June 22nd in Arlington National Cemetery alongside 300,000 other American patriots. His tomb there will be an eternal reminder of his sacrifice to our country.

The loss of Brendan was a blow to his father Hugh, his stepmother Lesa, his brother Tim, his sister Katie, as well as the entire Wiregrass area in southeast Alabama. Enterprise and the area surrounding Fort Rucker, Alabama, have seen more than its fair share of loss over the last several years.

May our thoughts and prayers be with the entire Wiregrass community, as well as Brendan's family, during their time of mourning.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1368) supporting the goals of National Dairy Month.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 1368.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

The resolution we are considering today supports the goals of National Dairy Month, recognizes the importance of our dairy industry and commends dairy farmers for their continued hard work. Our Nation's 57,000 dairy farms provide healthy, nutritious milk and dairy products to families across the country. The products produced by our Nation's dairy farmers provide the nutrients necessary to support a healthy lifestyle and ensure our children and grandchildren grow healthy and strong.

The U.S. dairy industry produces 189 billion pounds of milk annually and contributes tens of billions of dollars to our economy. The House Agriculture Committee has recently held farm bill hearings across the country where Members have had the opportunity to hear from our Nation's dairy producers. Like too many in our Nation, dairy farmers are facing difficult times. Production costs remain high, but retail prices are low, and the credit farmers need to stay in business is difficult to find.

As we begin the process of writing a new farm bill, I am hopeful that we can work with our Nation's dairy farmers to develop new policies that will provide a better safety net that will ensure they can continue to meet our dairy needs and play a vital role in our Nation's economy. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this resolution today to support the goals of National Dairy Month.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1383) honoring Dr. Larry Case on his retirement as National FFA Advisor.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on the resolution, H. Res. 1383.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, the resolution now before us recognizes the outstanding

service of Dr. Larry Case who has served as the National FFA Advisor for the past 26 years.

Since 1928, the National FFA Organization, which was known as the Future Farmers of America until 1988, has provided leadership, career development, and agriculture education programs to young Americans.

Under Dr. Case's leadership, the organization has evolved to continue meeting the diverse needs of young Americans through agricultural education. Throughout his career, Dr. Case has distinguished himself as a visionary in this area. As the organization now claims more than 500,000 members, Dr. Case has led FFA as it prepares the next generation of leaders who will guide our country by the FFA motto: Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.

We congratulate Dr. Case on the occasion of his retirement, we thank him for his service, and we wish him and his family all the best as he enters this new phase in his life.

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this resolution to honor Dr. Larry Case upon his retirement as National FFA Advisor.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support H. Res. 1383, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to thank the Armed Services, Rules, and Ways and Means Committees for intervening on this amendment to make it much less harmful than it was originally written.

The committees recognize, as do I, that the Fair Defense Competition Act, on which this amendment is based, is deeply flawed and would have significant international trade implications. Considering the fact that the original bill has been deemed unworkable, I hope we can put this issue to rest and proceed to get our warfighters the best tanker available for the best value to the taxpayer.

For nearly a decade, the Defense Department has sought to replace its aging fleet of aerial refueling tankers. There have been numerous problems with that process, and a source selection effort that should have ended years ago is only now getting close to final resolution.

If anything, Congress should avoid doing anything that would complicate an already drawn out competition. The Department of Defense should be able to award a contract based on the merits and the best value, without political or parochial considerations.

That said, I do not believe this particular amendment will have a significant impact on the process. The American warfighter and taxpayer deserves the best possible aerial refueling tanker. Let's get out of the way and let the Department of Defense make a decision based on the facts, not distractions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to refocus our attention on funding shortfalls in the Federal Emergency Management Agency. On March 24, the House--we in this location--passed nearly $5.1 billion in emergency funding to help FEMA meet its obligations. This money is not allocated for future disasters or for bureaucratic costs. This is money that FEMA has already promised to local communities to put lives in order after federally declared disasters. Yet the Senate has thus far refused to act on this important piece of legislation. Our constituents can't wait any longer, nor should they have to wait.

The recent flooding in Tennessee, tornadoes in Alabama and Mississippi, and the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico underscore the need to pass emergency funding for our disaster management agency. These events are startling in scope and certainly require assistance from the Federal Government. How can we expect FEMA to effectively respond to future disasters if they have yet to meet their obligations from over a year ago?

Mr. Speaker, nearly every day my office hears from local emergency managers, mayors, and county commissioners who express frustration over the fact they're still waiting for the money FEMA promised them. These are not people who expect a handout from the government. They're simply asking about the emergency assistance they were already granted months, and in some cases, over a year ago.

Henry County, which is in my congressional district in southeast Alabama, is a good example of how FEMA's budgetary issues have affected towns across our great Nation. Henry County started a $153,000 project to replace a large drainage structure under County Road 2 that was damaged during last spring's floods. FEMA approved the project but has not been able to distribute money to the county. In addition to County Road 2, Henry County is still waiting for reimbursement for three other road projects that resulted from flooding in December of 2009.

As you can see, a small county is waiting on two different payments from FEMA--one from a disaster that occurred over a year ago. I am sure that the story is similar in other areas of our great country. What is more troubling is that we are still debating this issue while spring floods are out in full force and hurricane season is less

than a month away. We cannot forget about the promises we have already made as we brace for the next disaster to strike American soil.

Last year saw record disasters around the country. Floods soaked the Southeast, wildfires burned the West, and record snows blanketed the Midwest and Northeast.

It is understandable that FEMA used up all of its budgeted resources. Congress must now act to provide our communities with the funds they were promised.

Mr. Speaker, I am a committed fiscal conservative, and I believe we should closely watch every dollar we spend. I welcome a debate on how to reduce Federal spending and reform the way FEMA operates in order to make it more efficient; however, the time for that debate is not while our communities wait for necessary and guaranteed Federal funds.

In closing, let me once again urge the Senate to act on this very pressing issue. As the summer nears, we simply cannot afford to ignore this problem any longer. The Senate needs to do what the House has already done and pass, very quickly, emergency funding for FEMA, and pass it quickly so that they don't have to wait any longer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to praise the outstanding work of our fighting men and women stationed overseas. Too often, their work goes unnoticed, but our safety and security is contingent upon their success. On Monday, however, the entire world took notice of their excellent work.

Two of al Qaeda's top leaders were killed in a joint effort between Iraqi and U.S. forces. General Odierno said it was ``potentially the most significant blow to al Qaeda since the beginning of the insurgency.''

Their success has not been by accident nor has it been limited to Iraq. Our allies across the region are beginning to actively engage in the fight against terrorism, and it is yielding successful results. We must send a loud message that those who seek to do us harm will pay the ultimate price. I anticipate our progress will continue in the months ahead because we have a strategy and clear-cut goals in Afghanistan.

The administration and the commanders on the ground know we must root out the terrorists who still reside in the same country from which the 9/11 terror attacks originated. As a result, terrorist leaders are being captured and killed on a regular basis. Special forces and Predator drones, in coordination with the governments in Pakistan and Afghanistan, have captured or killed more than 600 of al Qaeda's fighters and associates in 2009 alone, far more than in 2008. This is more than triple the amount from the period of 2004-2008 combined.

The new counterinsurgency strategy in Afghanistan helped lead to the capture of, among others, the Taliban's second in command, a former Taliban finance minister, and two shadow governors of Afghan provinces. These are the most significant captures of the Afghan Taliban leaders since the start of the war in Afghanistan.

However, as we continue to move forward in Iraq and Afghanistan, we must never forget about our number one target. That's Osama bin Laden. The man who was behind the 9/11 attacks must be brought to justice in order to send a

clear message that no act of terror will be able to go unpunished.

Last year I twice visited Afghanistan as part of a congressional delegation to the regions. We received briefings from both American and Afghani political leaders and their military leaders. The question I asked nearly everyone who would listen to us was, Where is Osama bin Laden, and what are we doing to capture or kill this man?

Our recent success in killing and capturing his allies gives me confidence that the appropriate steps are being taken to bring this murderer to justice. In fact, Commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, General Stanley McChrystal, recently confirmed that the military is actively trying to find and kill bin Laden. I was very pleased to hear General McChrystal confirm his commitment as he continues his excellent service in Afghanistan.

The strategy in Afghanistan and Iraq is two-pronged and not only a military endeavor. In addition to wrapping up our missions to capture and kill terrorists, we are also now placing a greater emphasis on preventing the recruitment of violent extremists by preventing these countries from returning to the conditions that fueled such hate in the past.

In fact, just a couple of hours ago, I participated in a video teleconference with the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team in the 3rd Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. The ``sledgehammer brigade,'' as they are nicknamed, told me about over 120 projects they have completed or will soon be completed in a five-province region in Iraq. Their efforts are a big reason we have seen significant progress and stabilization in Iraq over the past 2 years.

I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue to support our forces in these two endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I come to the floor today to recognize the life and artistic contributions of a son of the Second District of Alabama--Wilson Pickett. Pickett was born March 18, 1941, in Prattville, Alabama, and first developed his musical talents singing in local Baptist church choirs. Despite a difficult childhood, Pickett used his undeniable talent to begin performing gospel music professionally and soon transitioned into soul and R&B music, joining the Falcons in 1959. Pickett quickly gained recognition for his songwriting skills as well as his powerful and distinctive voice. While Pickett was successful with various singles in the early sixties, he achieved his first national chart-topping single with the hit ``In the Midnight Hour'' in 1965. This hit launched Pickett onto the soul and R&B scene and his Billboard success continued with such hits as ``Land of 1,000 Dances,'' ``Mustang Sally,'' and ``Funky Broadway.''

In acknowledgment of his unique contributions to American soul and R&B music, Wilson Pickett was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. Wilson Pickett remains an integral part of the rich musical heritage of Southeast Alabama that includes Hank Williams, Lionel Richie, Martha Reeves, and Nat King Cole. Pickett passed away in 2006 and left behind a legacy of soulful melodies and gifted songwriting that will be enjoyed by his legions of fans for many years to come.

Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 121, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, 1 year ago yesterday, a terrible tragedy occurred in south Alabama. On March 10, 2009, a lone gunman went on a murderous rampage through Coffee and Geneva Counties, leaving 10 people dead and several wounded in Kinston, Samson, and Geneva, Alabama. It was truly one of the worst acts of violence our part of the country has ever seen.

We can never fully understand what would drive someone to commit such a monstrous act, especially against his own family and a helpless child. Be it personal, economic, or mental problems that led to such cruelty, it is unimaginable that something like this could happen until it strikes your friends and neighbors.

Even though the tragedy was a devastating shock to our small and close-knit community, it also showed the resolve of those who help protect and defend our way of life. We all owe a debt of gratitude to the first responders--the Alabama State Troopers of the Dothan Troopers Post, officers of the Geneva Police Department, officers of the Geneva County Sheriff's Department, and an officer of the Alabama Conservation and Natural Resources Department who pursued and eventually found the gunman dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Without their swift action and response, the loss of life could have been even worse. A year's time of reflection has only made their brave efforts more worthy of our respect and praise.

Another group that must be recognized are the soldiers of nearby Fort Rucker, Alabama. Since World War II, Fort Rucker has been an invaluable part of the Wiregrass area. They were quick to answer the call of local officials still reeling from the shock to serve their communities and keep the peace. We are proud of Fort Rucker's presence in the Second District of Alabama and are very appreciative of everything they do.

I would also like to thank my colleagues in the House, especially the 58 cosponsors of the resolution expressing sympathy to the victims of that terrible day, for showing their steadfast support. Though nothing could replace those who are lost, I know the folks in Geneva and Coffee Counties certainly appreciate that Congress was thinking of them during their time of mourning.

I encourage those watching across the country to remember the wounded as we pray for their continued recovery--State Trooper Mike Gillis, Greg McCullough, Ella Meyers, and Jeffrey Nelson--and to join me in praying for the departed victims and their families, Bruce Maloy, Lisa McClendon, Andrea Myers, Corrine Gracy Myers, Sonya Smith, James Starling, James White, Virginia White, Dean Wise and Tracy Wise. Even though those 10 souls are no longer with us, I know we will never forget them and will do all that we can to honor their memories.

As elected officials, we never want to come to the House floor for these purposes. In many ways, however, it is one of the most important duties we have as Members of Congress to honor and call the attention of the Nation to those in our districts who have experienced great loss and committed brave

acts in the most difficult times. I hope for all of us that these appearances are few and far between.

May our thoughts and prayers be with the citizens of Geneva and Coffee Counties as they remember the tragic event that happened in their community 1 year ago today.

Mr. Speaker, last Tuesday I introduced a constitutional amendment bill to balance the Federal budget. I am proud that 36 of my colleagues have joined me in cosponsoring H.J. Res. 78, and I urge all Members of Congress who believe that government should live within a budget join me and my colleagues to pass this bill.

Balancing the budget is a simple concept that Alabama families follow every day. Without question, there are many steps that must be taken to improve our financial situation, but balancing the budget on a yearly basis is the only way to ensure that we don't repeat the mistakes of our past.

We know we can achieve this goal because we have done so in the past. From 1998 to 2001, our country achieved balanced budgets through adherence to PAYGO. Forty-nine States currently require an annual balanced budget. Passing a constitutional amendment is a long process but is absolutely necessary to ensure America remains strong for generations to come.

I urge the entire Congress to join me in this effort. I want to thank you for your support.

Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, March 10th, the National Peanut Board (NPB) celebrates 10 years of work on behalf of America's 10,000 peanut farmers, including the 500 who live in my district. Before this organization was created, there was no national effort by growers to market American-grown peanuts, spur new product development and innovative new uses, or to carry out an issues management program. Through several major strategic initiatives, the NPB's grower-funded check-off program has made measurable progress toward its goal of increasing demand and consumption since the launch of its promotion, marketing and advertising campaign.

Highlights from the National Peanut Board's past ten years will be showcased on March 10th at an event at the historic Eastern Market in Washington, D.C. featuring dishes created by celebrated chefs. They plan to honor one of America's most iconic and beloved foods. From savory to sweet, peanuts will be used in traditional and innovative dishes from a variety of cuisines at this special event celebrating this essential and deeply rooted part of America's food culture.

Since its inception, NPB has played a vital role in promoting peanuts. To stimulate consumer demand for American-grown peanuts over the last decade, NPB has extolled the value, nutritional attributes, versatility, portability, and great taste of American-grown peanuts, peanut butter and peanut products. NPB has undertaken marketing programs domestically and internationally to reach that goal, working to spark new uses for American-grown peanuts and peanut butter and to encourage the creation of innovative peanut products.

These programs are working. Since the start of NPB's programs in 2000, total peanut usage has increased more than 15 percent when compared to levels of usage in the 1990s. Peanut butter consumption alone has increased even more dramatically--over 20 percent during the same period, according to USDA Stocks and Processing reports.

Through partnerships with other commodity groups, manufacturers, and foodservice, NPB brings American-grown peanuts where they have never been before. NPB's targeted foodservice initiative actively promotes the culinary value of peanuts and peanut products by positioning them as versatile ingredients that can add nutrition, flavor, texture and appeal to any meal. In fact, listings of peanuts on the menus of the 200 restaurant chains have increased by 146 percent over the past seven years, according to Food Beat, Inc.

Production research funding is also at the forefront for the National Peanut Board. Over the past 10 years, NPB has invested more than $14.4 million in peanut production research to help create crop efficiencies, improve crop quality and reduce production costs. Additionally, the NPB is the only commodity board investing in food allergy research, outreach and education and has allocated more than $7 million to this cause.

Furthermore, the NPB played a pivotal role during the 2009 salmonella crisis, most notably by hosting a two-day consumer and media outreach event in Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal in New York. Through direct interactions, NPB and its partners educated consumers, conveyed the concerns of peanut farmers, and facilitated a steady market recovery for peanut butter.

Nearly half the peanuts grown in the United States are harvested within a 100-mile radius of Dothan, Alabama. As the Representative of the district which ranks fourth in the country in overall peanut acreage, I understand the importance of organizations like the NPB. Ten years of hard work and positive results for America's peanut farmers is a remarkable achievement. In honor of their 10th Anniversary, I commend the National Peanut Board for all of their hard work and past achievements, and wish them continued success in the future.

Madam Chair, on rollcall No. 71, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''