Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to mourn the loss and honor the life of PFC Amy Duerksen, who died the 11th day of March 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Private Duerksen was no stranger to the United States Armed Forces. She was third-generation military. Her father is MAJ Douglas W. Duerksen, an Army chaplain at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Aberdeen, MD. Her grandfather, Wayne Duerksen, is a veteran of the Navy, having served in World War II. And her sister, April Duerksen, is also a member of the Army, stationed at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

In April of last year, Amy joined the Fourth Combat Support Battalion, First Brigade, Fourth Infantry Division, based at Fort Hood, TX. Her unit was deployed on Christmas Day. On the eighth day of March 2006, Private Duerksen suffered injuries in a noncombat-related incident, and she was not able to recover from those injuries.

She is remembered as a dedicated soldier who greatly loved her country and faithfully served her fellow Americans by fighting for this great nation. Private Duerksen was full of passion and life. She possessed a strong faith and willingly shared that with others.

Private Duerksen risked her life to serve our country. She deserves our unending admiration and appreciation. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join with me in honoring the life of PFC Amy Duerksen. She was a remarkable soldier and patriot.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the announcement of the Joint Veterans Committee of Maryland's Veteran of the Year 2006. The Joint Veterans Committee of Maryland is an active organization that focuses on military veteran legislation on the local, State and Federal level. Recently, they elected LTC Harry Gaunt, United States Army, retired, for this prestigious award because of the contributions he has made to this great Nation.

Lieutenant Colonel Gaunt was active for 22 years in the Armed Forces, serving in WWII, as well as the Korea and Vietnam wars. Because of his tremendous determination, steadfastness, and perseverance, he received the Army Commendation Medal; Good Conduct Medal with Cluster; American Defense Service Medal; American Campaign Medal; Asiatic Pacific Medal; World War II Victory Medal; Army Occupation Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Korean Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Republic of Vietnam Service Medal; Philippine Liberation Medal; and two Presidential Unit Citations.

Even after retirement, Lieutenant Colonel Gaunt remained active in military life through veterans' organizations. Among these organizations he took active leadership roles confirming his dedication to the United States Armed Forces. Through the Wells McComas Post 2678 VFW, Gaunt completed two terms as All State post commander and also the VFW District 14 commander. He served as the chairman of the Buddy Poppy Contest for the Department of Maryland Veterans of Foreign Wars, chairman of the Citizenship, Education and Community Activities Committee, and

chairman of the Department of Veterans Service Committee. Most recently, he continued his leadership role as a delegate of the Joint Veterans Committee of Maryland.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join with me in celebrating the outstanding commitment Lieutenant Colonel Gaunt has made to the United States of America. Lieutenant Gaunt used his leadership skills and the vast knowledge gained from active duty to continue serving his county. LTC Harry Gaunt is truly deserving of our thanks and appreciation for the contributions he has made throughout his career.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise before you today to recognize Petty Officer Teresa Padilla as the Baltimore Area Coast Guard Person of the Year 2006.

Petty Officer Padilla is well known among her peers as being highly dedicated and loyal

to her post. Recently, she took on many more roles within the United States Coast Guard due to a shortage of staff. Under her leadership, the Outpatient Department of the Coast Guard was handled exceptionally well. She also supervised five corpsmen, assisted in the treating of 5,236 patients, assumed responsibility of the Leading Petty Officer, as well as excelled in her position as the Clinic's Supply Petty Officer.

Petty Officer Padilla has done exceptional work in the Baltimore Area Coast Guard. She accepted each new challenge with poise and dignity. According to her superiors, her positive outlook was infectious. The individuals under her management also kept an optimistic attitude in their daily routines. Petty Officer Padilla thrived in the new responsibilities she received.

Along with her work in the Coast Guard Yard Clinic, Petty Officer Padilla took an active role in setting up Nate's Open Door Baby Pantry. This organization supplies families with a wide range of materials including car seats and baby bottles. Petty Officer Padilla not only donated her personal time to assist this organization, but she also donated clean used clothes from her own children to provide assistance to families in need. Being a member of the Yard Morale Committee, Petty Officer Padilla graciously volunteered to assist at the Yard Christmas Children's Party as one of Santa's helpers.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to recognize the outstanding devotion and faithfulness Petty Officer Teresa Padilla has shown to the United States Coast Guard. Her loyalty and commitment to this country and its citizens deserves our unwavering gratitude.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge February as American Heart Month. Heart disease is an increasing issue in today's society. The risk of this detrimental disease can be prevented, if only we stop to recognize the warning signs.

Heart disease, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death in the United States. In 2003, collectively these diseases killed 910,600 of our citizens. Moreover, heart disease is the number one killer of women in America. Statistics show that more than 70 million Americans currently suffer from some form of cardiovascular disease. It is critical that we take action now to reduce the number of people who fall victim to these ailments.

As a member of the Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition, I feel it is my duty to raise awareness of the seriousness of cardiovascular disease. The coalition is comprised of several members of the House and the Senate. Together, we act as a resource center on heart and stroke issues such as biomedical research; quality and availability of care; health promotion and disease prevention. We also work to advance public policy aimed at fighting cardiovascular diseases. I believe in the importance of knowing the warning signs of this condition. More knowledge about this disease increases the chance of survival for our fellow countrymen.

Several things can be done to maintain a healthy heart. The first step is to be screened for heart disease, which includes having cholesterol and blood pressure checked. Next, it is important to start a conversation with health care providers about personal risks of heart disease. Most often, this includes a discussion of the family's history of stroke. Many doctors have advised that quitting smoking, losing weight and becoming more active through even moderate exercise greatly decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease. These are just a few things we can do to help reduce the risk of heart disease. The American Heart Association's website is a great resource for helpful facts, statistics, and warning signs of these impeding conditions. I believe it is crucial to heed these warnings.

Mr. Speaker, the heart is truly a vital organ pumping blood throughout our bodies everyday. I ask that you will join me in promoting heart healthy programs. Together, we will ensure Americans keep their hearts healthy.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Coble, Mr. Brown of South Carolina, and I would ask that you join us today in congratulating Vice Admiral Thad Allen in his nomination for the post of Commandant.

Mr. Speaker, on September 11, 2001 the United States of America experienced the greatest terrorist attack to ever reach U.S. soil. We were not prepared for such a horrific event, as we never imagined terrorists would take such drastic measures.

While we've always been a strong nation with resilient leaders, the post 9-11 world we live in has taught the American citizens that we must be prepared for the unknown. The people who lead this country must be amongst the elite. It has been challenging to restore the confidence Americans have in their leaders since that attack. As elected officials it has been our duty and privilege to protect and uphold the safety and the ideals of our citizens. We must be diligent in choosing people to manage this Country.

The White House announced that the Coast Guard's Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Thad Allen was nominated for the Commandant Post. At this time, we ask that our colleagues join with us in congratulating him on this nomination.

Vice Admiral Thad Allen is known for his loyalty, hard work, and dedication to his post. The American people can be proud to have this man working for them. He first showed his distinct leadership skills as he led Atlantic services in the Coast Guard's reaction to the September 11th attacks. Then, just last year we watched with anticipation as he replaced FEMA Director, Michael Brown. His strength as a leader changed the dynamic of the relief efforts, helping to ensure our citizens received the assistance they sought.

Vice Admiral Thad Allen restored the faith the American people so desperately needed in a leader. Without a doubt, he is revered for his work after the Hurricane Katrina disaster. We are confident he will not disappoint with the Commandant Post. He has served as the Chief of Staff and Commanding Officer at the G.G. Headquarters, Commander of Atlantic Area, and Commander of the Fifth and Seventh Coast Guard Districts.

Mr. Speaker, we ask that you join with us today in congratulations to Vice Admiral Thad Allen for his nomination to the Commandant Post. A man of his caliber is truly an inspiration.

Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate the start of Black History Month with recognizing the many, many great deeds of African Americans, we also mourn the loss of an icon for people of all races-- Mrs. Coretta Scott King. Mrs. King was one of our most influential black woman leaders in the world today.

The ``first lady'' of the civil rights movement was born Coretta Scott in Heiberger, Alabama. She was raised on the family farm of her parents where she was exposed to the injustices of a segregated society.

Mrs. King excelled at her studies, particularly music, and was valedictorian of her graduating class at Lincoln High School. She graduated in 1945 and received a scholarship to Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio.

As an undergraduate, she took an active interest in the civil rights movement; she joined the Antioch chapter of the NAACP, and the college's Race Relations and Civil Liberties Committees. She graduated from Antioch with a B.A. in music and education and won a scholarship to study concert singing at New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.

In Boston she met a young theology student, Martin Luther King, Jr., and her life was changed forever.

Mr. Speaker, Mrs. King has been described as quiet, steady, and courageous and while all of that may be true let it be noted to add steadfast and certainly noble.

Mrs. King was a serious thinker, a committed activist, a talented musician and an outspoken woman whose influence and activism extended well beyond the career of her famous husband.

Mrs. King undoubtedly became a symbol of racial equality for all Americans. For a woman of her stature, rearing four little children when there was civil unrest, and to have suffered the loss of her husband sent a clear message to this Nation that the movement was too powerful to stop and must go on.

Just like the late Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy, Mrs. Coretta Scott King showed us how to meet personal crisis with courage, and then how to transcend crisis with victory.

Although, I had never had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. King, I too share her husband's vision of peace and brotherhood as a steady theme that should be heard all across this Nation.

Mr. Speaker, history has a way of placing women like Coretta Scott King in the shadows of their powerful husbands but it is time we remember them as more than civil-rights-movement wives and widows.

I once heard someone say that behind every good man stands a good woman, but I say to you and to this Nation that beside every great man stands an even greater woman.

Mr. Speaker, her's was a remarkable life, and along the way she helped improve the lives of millions. While we mourn her lose, we must celebrate her legacy--now recognized with that of her husband.

Mr. Speaker, February is a month of remembrance. February is a significant month for the United States of America because it marks an important part of our heritage, Black History Month. It is important for all Americans to recognize the great contributions of African-Americans.

Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard scholar, deserves most of the credit for establishing Black History Month. He was determined to bring Black history into the mainstream public arena and he succeeded. In 1926, Woodson organized the first annual Negro History Week, which took place during the second week of February. Woodson chose this date to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln--two men who had greatly impacted the Black population.

Over time, Negro History Week evolved into Black History Month. This 4-week-long celebration of African-American history is packed with important anniversaries and remembrances of African-American struggles and triumphs. February 14, 1817 is the presumed birthday of Frederick Douglass, February 21, 1965 marks the date of Malcolm X's assassination and Nelson Mandela's release from prison was on February 11, 1990.

Americans must remember that within the 4 short weeks of February, American history was radically changed. Many African-Americans risked their lives to stand up for their freedoms and as a result our culture has changed for the better.

The first day of February is significant for two separate reasons: On this day in 1865 Abraham Lincoln approved the 13th amendment to abolish slavery, and 1960 was the date of the Woolworth lunch counter sit-in. African-Americans prevailed again throughout February with the ratification of the 15th amendment guaranteeing that race would not prevent a man from voting, February 3, 1870; the day of the Montgomery bus boycott arrests, February 22, 1956; and opera star Marian Anderson's birthday on February 27, 1897.

Black History Month pays tribute to inspirational African-Americans from the past, as well as those who will continue to make history well into the future. It is important to inspire today's children by teaching them that there

were people in the past such as Jackie Robinson, Harriet Tubman, and Dr. Vivien Thomas who laid the paths for all Americans. The hard work, sacrifices and hardships of these role models permitted the accomplishments of a new generation: Tiger Woods, Senator Barack Obama, and Dr. Benjamin Carson.

Mr. Speaker, with all of the significant contributions African- Americans have accomplished throughout history, it is important that we recognize those achievements. Let's make sure that all Americans celebrate and understand the principles, achievements and ideals of African-Americans; after all, African American history is American history.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to pay tribute to SSG Keith A. Bennett who faithfully served his country by fighting the war on terror.

He joined the National Guard in February 1997. He was a loyal soldier determined to serve our great Nation. During his time with the Guard, Sergeant Bennett traveled to Saudi Arabia. There, he was a military escort for less than a year.

Bennett, a member of the Second Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, was killed by a suicide bomber. While standing guard at a checkpoint which protects a facility where United States Marines train Iraqis to be police officers, an insurgent detonated the explosives leading to Bennett's death.

Sergeant Bennett is survived by his father, Harry E. Bennett of Aberdeen, MD, his mother and stepfather, Carolyn Hasson and Thomas Miller of Holtwood, PA, his sister, Tina Daley, and his stepbrother, Tommy Miller, Jr. His family remembers him as a devoted soldier, son, and brother with a flare for adventure and loving to spend time riding his motorcycle and cruising in his 2003 black Mustang Cobra.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor SSG Keith A. Bennett for the dedication he has shown to his family, his friends, and the American people.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise before you today to recognize the efforts of a truly significant person in the education field. Not only is it a privilege to represent her in the Second Congressional District of Maryland, but also to call Ms. Christine Tolbert a friend.

Ms. Tolbert breathed her passion for educating youth into the Hosanna School, known for being the first African-American school in Harford County. As years have past, the school has been adopted by the National Registry of Historic Places, serving as a museum

and as grounds for living history. Ms. Tolbert has been the Executive Director of this project since nineteen hundred eighty.

She took particular interest in this school because her ancestors have lived in Harford County as early as the 1700s. During her years as a student, schools, libraries, theatres, and restaurants were segregated. Here she is able to share with students of all ages the African American history unique to Harford County. Spectators are able to tour the one-room schoolhouse while learning what our fellow Americans have overcome.

This generation's students may be surprised that furthering her education seemed a mere fantasy. However, a friend, Mr. Stephen P. Moore, Jr. showed her family it was not only a reality, but an undeniable opportunity. She attended Maryland State Teachers' College in Bowie, Maryland. Upon graduation, she began work in Harford County Public School where she taught every grade level in elementary school except kindergarten and third grade. Not feeling satisfied there, her thirst for knowledge continued. She went on to obtain a Master's degree from Loyola College in guidance and counseling.

Next, she served as a guidance counselor at Aberdeen High School where she developed Harford School's first Black Heritage Club. She didn't stop there; she also worked with others to form Black Youth in Action. Despite the demands of her current job, Ms. Tolbert sought more for herself. Her quest for reaching students still did not seem complete. Back to school again, this time earning the requirements needed to qualify for an administration position. She served as Supervisor of Elementary and Secondary schools until she retired from the Harford County Public School system.

Retirement didn't last long; she accepted a position as a Career Counselor at Open Doors Career Center. Shortly thereafter, she spread her branches into the college world as she joined the Harford Community College team as an adjunct professor.

Ms. Tolbert has dedicated her life to educating the future leaders of our country. She has received awards from the Maryland Retired Teachers' Association, the National Retired Teachers' Association, and she's received an award for Excellence from Colin Powell's group America's Promise. She's also received Harford County's coveted historic preservation award for her book A Journey Through Berkley Maryland which she co-authored with Constance Beims. She's an inductee of Harford County's Educator's Hall of Fame, and she's received recognition by Governor Hughes for the time she and her husband spent as foster parents.

Mr. Speaker, as you can see from this incredible list of accomplishments Ms. Christine Tolbert is truly an asset to the educational field. Her heart has always been devoted to bettering our nation's youth. She is an advocate for kids of all ages. I have often heard her say that if you guide children in the right direction and educate them, they will be successful. I ask that you join with me today to applaud the tremendous work she has done for this community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and to mark the 77th anniversary of his birth on January 15, 1929.

History is indeed made up of significant events which shape our future and outstanding leaders who influence our destiny. Martin Luther King, Jr. has had numerous historic moments in the struggle for civil rights that have been used to identify him--prime mover of the Montgomery bus boycott, keynote speaker at the March on Washington, youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

But in retrospect, Mr. Speaker the single events are less important than the fact that King, and his policy of nonviolent protest, was the dominant force in the civil rights movement during its decade of greatest achievement, from 1957 to 1968.

Born on January 15, 1929, a son was born to the Reverend and Mrs. Martin Luther King in an upstairs bedroom of 501 Auburn Avenue, in Atlanta, GA. The couple named their first son after Rev. King, but he was simply called ``M.L.'' by the family.

Mr. Speaker, during the next 12 years, this fine two story Victorian home is where M.L. would live with his parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and their boarders. It was in these surroundings of home, church and neighborhood that M.L. experienced his childhood. Here, M.L. learned about family and Christian love, segregation in the days of ``Jim Crow'' laws, diligence and tolerance.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was undoubtedly a vital figure of the modern era. His lectures and dialogues stirred the concern and sparked the conscience of a generation. The movements and marches he led brought significant changes in the fabric of American life through his courage and selfless devotion. His charismatic leadership inspired men and women, young and old, in this Nation and around the world.

Dr. King's concept of ``somebodiness,'' which symbolized the celebration of human worth and the conquest of subjugation, gave African-Americans and all people hope and a sense of dignity.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday celebrates the life and legacy of a man who brought hope and healing to America. We commemorate as well the timeless values he taught us through his example--the values of courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility and service that so radiantly defined Dr. King's character and empowered his leadership. On this holiday, we commemorate the universal, unconditional love, forgiveness and nonviolence that empowered his revolutionary spirit.

Mr. Speaker, let there be no misunderstanding that the King holiday honors the life and contributions of America's greatest champion of racial justice and equality, the leader who not only dreamed of a color-blind society, but who also lead a movement that achieved historic reforms to help make it a reality.

It is a day of interracial and intercultural cooperation and sharing. No other day of the year brings so many peoples from different cultural backgrounds together in such a vibrant spirit of brother and sisterhood. Whether you are African-American, Hispanic or Native American, whether you are Caucasian or Asian-American, you are part of the great dream Martin Luther King, Jr. had for America. This is not just an African-American holiday; it is a peoples' holiday. And it is the young people of all races and religions who hold the keys to the fulfillment of his dream.

Mr. Speaker, I challenge all Americans by making your personal commitment to serve humanity with the vibrant spirit of unconditional love that was his greatest strength, and which empowered all of the great victories of his leadership.

May we who follow Martin now pledge to serve humanity, promote his teachings and carry forward his legacy into the 21st century.

We honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. because he showed us the way to mend those broken fences and to move on in building this land rather than destroying it. He led campaign after campaign in the streets of America and on to the governor's mansion--even to the White House--in an effort to secure change.

Mr. Speaker, today African-Americans have Federal legislation which provides access and legal protection in the areas of public accommodations, housing, voting rights, schools, and transportation. Thank you Dr. King for being the drum major who was able and ready to lead our Nation to greater heights through love and peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to extend congratulations to a government employee who has shown outstanding dedication through his services to the Department of Defense.

Deputy Director, Mr. William B. Black has serviced the Department of Defense for over forty-five years. He is the recipient of the Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award, which is the highest honor a civilian can receive by the Secretary of Defense. The award is given to an individual whose career reflects exceptional devotion to duty, as well as, significant contributions to the efficiency, economy, or other improvements in the Department of Defense operations.

Mr. Black aided in the success of intelligence production and cyber operations for assignments in Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq, and the War on Terror. His determination and ambition has also abetted the National Security Agency's mounting field of information operations as a result of his role as the Special Assistant to the Director for Information Warfare.

The National Security Agency was able to participate resolutely in the War on Terror because Mr. Black led signals intelligence and information assurance missions into the digital network era.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to recognize Mr. William B. Black for his service to this country. The exceptional work he has done for the Department of Defense warrants great recognition. Dedication to this country and to the betterment of our intelligence operations is a vital part of our success as a powerful nation and should be observed and commended more frequently.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize Ms. Olga Wagner for her superior volunteer work at the Overlea-Fullerton Senior Center in Baltimore, Maryland. She has been a loyal aide to the center for close to thirty years; brightening the days of many seniors with her ``four hugs a day'' rule: a rule in which she must hug at minimum, four people everyday.

Ms. Wagner donates her time-on Mondays and Fridays with the federally sponsored, `Eating Together' lunch by preparing food and serving meals. She also contributes to the community by cashing-in bingo cards during games.

The Overlea-Fullerton Senior Center is a place for seniors, sixty and over, to gather taking advantage of activities and services such as line dancing, ceramics, painting, aerobics and much more. It is one of eighteen nationally accredited senior centers operated by the Baltimore County Department of Aging.

Because of the dependability Ms. Wagner has shown over the years, she was inducted into the Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame on the twenty seventh of October, two-thousand five. Inductees are recognized statewide for their substantial volunteer work which ultimately benefits the community at large. Ms. Wagner's dedication to improving the lives of seniors in her community is commendable and is a true testament to her character.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise before you today to recognize the good deeds of Ms. Olga Wagner. Her contribution to seniors in the Overlea-Fullerton community is greatly appreciated and worthy of great praise.

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to bring before the House of Representatives a couple who made the selfless commitment of improving the lives of five children from Maryland's foster care system. I rise before you today to recognize the generosity of Adoption Angels, William and Margurite Addison.

In the year nineteen hundred ninety-eight, the Pikesville couple officially adopted one of their nephews, Ralph, who would be the first of five children to find a permanent home with them. Between the years of nineteen hundred ninety-nine and two thousand four they opened their home to Malik, Kevin, Warren, and Bryleigh who range in ages from three to nine.

Mr. Addison works in Rockville, Maryland, at the Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents as an educator and administrator. The institute is a state-run facility for emotionally disabled young people. His wife, Mrs. Addison, formally worked as a truant officer for the Baltimore City Public School System. Together they have opened their hearts and their home to five children seeking a permanent, safe, and loving family.

As a result of their generosity, the Addisons are recipients of the Two Thousand Five Congressional Angels in Adoption Award, which recognized unsung heroes who have dedicated their lives to helping the future of our most vulnerable children.

Mr. Speaker, I stand before you humbled and honored to recognize the kindness of these two individuals. Because of their humanity five children from Maryland's foster care system will be given an opportunity to experience true family life. By investing in our children, we invest in our future and make our community stronger. Please join with me to commend Mr. and Mrs. William Addison for their extraordinary kindheartedness.

Madam Speaker, the PATRIOT Act provided tools essential to identifying and tracking terrorists that were not available before the 9/11 terrorist attacks. At the time it passed, just 7 weeks after 9/11, there were concerns that some of the authorities were too broad and susceptible to abuse. The sensible proposal emerged to sunset 16 of the most controversial provisions.

Sunsets matter. They forced the Justice Department and the American public to evaluate the appropriateness of, and need for, the PATRIOT Act. Without sunsets, Congress probably would not have undertaken the same review of key provisions this year and considered significant changes to the law.

For those reasons I offered an amendment to extend the PATRIOT Act sunset during the Intelligence Committee markup of H.R. 3199. I am pleased this conference report includes 4-year sunsets on the most controversial provisions: 215 orders, 206 roving wiretaps, and the Lone Wolf provision.

But additional steps, however, must be taken to ensure the right balance is struck between security and constitutionality. Congress must engage in vigilant oversight of the PATRIOT Act, national security letters, and other authorities granted to law enforcement and intelligence agencies. I am committed to doing my part as a member of the House Select Intelligence Committee to ensure proper oversight occurs.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize the outstanding efforts of one heroic individual who has greatly impacted the safety of the Baltimore community. He stands by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in case of emergency. Whether he's disturbed from his slumber or called away from a family dinner, Baltimore Fire Captain and Riviera Beach Fire Chief Kenneth Hyde, Sr. readily awaits his next call to action.

Mr. Hyde holds two very demanding positions as he is the Baltimore City Fire Captain and the head of the Riviera Beach Volunteer Fire Company. That means he rarely enjoys a day of rest. However, he never complains, and neither do his crews. He has participated in the rescue of passengers of the water taxi, Lady D which overturned last year in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. He has assisted with the recent Hurricane Katrina cleanup, as well as countless other disasters.

While he primarily focuses on local mishaps, his interest lies in terrorism preparedness. He develops strategies for possible attacks, and devotes many of his weekends to either attending or conducting training sessions.

Mr. Hyde comes from a long line of firemen; his father, both grandfathers, brother, and now son, are all firemen. In addition, his wife is a dispatcher for the Baltimore City Fire Department, and his sister is in charge of the cadet program for the Riviera Beach Fire Department. It's obvious the Hyde family is dedicated to the safety of the citizens of Maryland.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you rise with me today to applaud the incredible efforts of Mr. Kenneth Hyde in his unselfish commitment to protecting the people of the United States.