Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, Mississippi's community and junior college system produces some of the top football players in the Nation. They are always targets of recruitment from universities around the country seeking to bolster their football programs. From time to time, we produce a truly great player who can compete at the highest level with the leadership and poise necessary to be the top player in the top game. Anthony Deion Branch from Jones County Junior College--in my home county--was named Super Bowl XXXIX Most Valuable Player. Today I'd like to salute that achievement and speak a little about his road to that success.

Deion's career began in Albany, Georgia where he excelled in track, football and enjoyed soccer in high school. After graduating he made the long drive to Ellisville, Mississippi where he competed and earned a spot on the Jones County Junior College football team. There he grabbed 37 passes for 639 yards and five touchdowns as a freshman on the Bobcat squad. The following year he took 69 receptions for 1,012 yards and nine touchdowns, earning second-team AII-American honors and leading JCJC to a 12-0 mark and a victory at the Golden Isles Bowl to bring home the junior college national championship.

The University of Louisville recruited Deion who hauled in 143 passes for 2,204 yards and 18 touchdowns in his two years there. He became only the second player in school history to record multiple 1,000 yard seasons and is listed fourth and sixth respectively in the school records for career touchdown catches and receptions with the Cardinals--and that in just two years.

The New England Patriots used their Number 65 pick in the 2002 Draft to bring in Deion to what many are now describing as a dynasty--three Super Bowl Victories in four years, two with Deion on the team.

Deion's first Super Bowl ring came without the MVP award; his colleague and football legend Tom Brady won it that year. But while many of us fans thought he should be considered, we didn't have to wait long to be satisfied. The following year, despite an injury in his second game which kept him on the sidelines for the next seven matches, Deion finished the season with 35 receptions for 454 yards and four touchdowns.

Deion had trained and focused and coming into the end of the season from an injury, he was still ready for the premier football event in the world. Finishing the night with an NFL record-tying 11 receptions for 133 yards in the Super Bowl, he became just the fourth receiver in NFL history to receive the MVP award and is already being listed with greats like Jerry Rice and Dan Ross.

Mr. Speaker, Deion's team-first attitude and strong work ethic has paid off and we in Mississippi are proud of him and salute his continuing achievements. I know we will continue to see him excel in the future and all of us from Jones County, Mississippi will remember him for his years with us and salute his determination, skill and triumphs.

Mr. Speaker, recently, Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi dedicated Harper Davis Field to a man who coached there for 25 years, and who has built a lifetime legacy of service to sport and his fellow man across the state. Coach Harper Davis, affectionately called ``Hippo'' by friends and teammates, called the rededication of Millsaps' Alumni Field to him the ``greatest honor of my life.'' And while leading the Millsaps Majors he built a record of 138-79-4 including an undefeated season in 1980, his life has much more to honor.

At age 17, Harper Davis left his Delta home in Clarksdale, Mississippi and enlisted in the US Marines Air Corps as a pilot to serve his Nation in World War II. After the War was over, he was met at Texas Grand Prairie Air Station by Mississippi State University assistant coach Phil Dickens who had the Bulldogs' playbook in hand. Two days later they arrived in Starkville for two practices before his first game where Davis scored two touchdowns as MSU defeated Auburn 20- 0. Two days of study and two days of practice were followed by two touchdowns. In addition, during those two days, Harper Davis met Camille, his future wife. He would go on to be named to the AII-SEC team while at State where he also ran on the school's track team. He was co-captain of the football team, voted Best Athlete, President of the ``M'' Club and named ``Mr. Mississippi State University.'' Additionally he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Omicron Delta Kappa, Blue Key and the Colonels Club.

He graduated from Mississippi State with a bachelor of science degree in business finance and mathematics in 1948, in 1962 earned a master's degree in education administration.

After leaving Mississippi State University, Harper Davis was a first- round draft choice of both the Chicago Bears of the National Football League and the Los Angeles Dons of the All-American League. Harper Davis played one year with the Dons before the league folded and then went on to play with the Bears as well as the Green Bay Packers. Many considered him the fastest man in the NFL.

Over the years, Harper Davis has coached the backfield at his alma mater as well as head coach at West Point High School, and Columbus High School before arriving at Millsaps College. He has been inducted into the Mississippi State Sports Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and was named Mississippi Sportsman of the Year in 1976. He has been honored nationally for his contributions to the sport of football and his work with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Harper Davis is a member of Christ United Methodist Church and with his now departed wife, the former Camille Hogan of Starkville, has three sons, Michael, Andrew and Patrick with four grandchildren, Morgan, Drew, Paul and Brad.

Mr. Speaker, Harper Davis has now been coaching football for over 50 years and he continues today at Jackson Academy, where four of my sons attend. His gentle firmness and wise lessons continue to build young men in Mississippi. I am glad to recognize him today and honor a lifetime of service.

Mr. Speaker, in March, Starkville, Mississippi lost a native son and a civic leader with the passing of Samuel Webb Scales. He served his family, our Nation's military, and achieved greatness in the world of international business.

After graduating from Starkville High School, Sam Scales went on to further education at the University of the South, Mississippi State College and the Vanderbilt Law School. For the past twelve years he has served as the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, and was bestowed with the title of Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army Emeritus two years ago, which has the equivalent military rank of Lieutenant General.

Sam Scales served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1941 until 1945 and attained the rank of Sergeant Major. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1948 to 1972 and retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During his military career, he served in various assignments including Troop Commander (Calvary); Aide de Camp to Commanding General (Armored Division); General Staff Officer, Joint General Staff (Thailand); General Staff Officer (Australian Army).

Sam Scales served as Vice President of the Harlington National Bank (Texas); Chairman of the Board of Starr Associates (Bangkok, Thailand); Liaison Officer of Phoenix Assurance (Sidney, Australia); Chairman of the Board of Service Y Comisiones S.A. de CY (Mexico City); Senior Vice President of Continental Insurance Company and Regional Vice President for Latin America (Panama) as well as fourteen other U.S. corporations located throughout Latin America.

He was a member of the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA), the Navy League and Sigma Chi Fraternity at Mississippi State University. He was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Starkville.

Mr. Speaker, Starkville mourns the passing of Sam Scales. Our prayers go with his wife Bette, his children Hunter, Twila, Bette, Walton, John and Jennifer as well as his five grandchildren and one great- grandchild. His accomplishments, like so many of his generation, can hardly be measured in words, but I am proud to have been able to take this opportunity to note his life's achievements and to remember this young boy from Starkville who grew to be a great man and leader around the world.

Mr. Speaker, Mississippi's community and junior college system produces some of the top football players in the Nation. They are always targets of recruitment from universities around the country seeking to bolster their football programs. From time to time, we produce a truly great player who can compete at the highest level with the leadership and poise necessary to be the top player in the top game. Anthony Deion Branch from Jones County Junior College--in my home county--was named Super Bowl XXXIX Most Valuable Player. Today I'd like to salute that achievement and speak a little about his road to that success.

Deion's career began in Albany, Georgia where he excelled in track, football and enjoyed soccer in high school. After graduating he made the long drive to Ellisville, Mississippi where he competed and earned a spot on the Jones County Junior College football team. There he grabbed 37 passes for 639 yards and five touchdowns as a freshman on the Bobcat squad. The following year he took 69 receptions for 1,012 yards and nine touchdowns, earning second-team All-American honors and leading JCJC to a 12-0 mark and a victory at the Golden Isles Bowl to bring home the junior college national championship.

The University of Louisville recruited Deion who hauled in 143 passes for 2,204 yards and 18 touchdowns in his two years there. He became only the second player in school history to record multiple 1,000 yard seasons and is listed fourth and sixth respectively in the school records for career touchdown catches and receptions with the Cardinals--and that in just two years.

The New England Patriots used their Number 65 pick in the 2002 Draft to bring in Deion to what many are now describing as a dynasty--three Super Bowl Victories in four years, two with Deion on the team.

Deion's first Super Bowl ring came without the MVP award; his colleague and football legend Tom Brady won it that year. But while many of us fans thought he should be considered, we didn't have to wait long to be satisfied. The following year, despite an injury in his second game which kept him on the sidelines for the next seven matches, Deion finished the season with 35 receptions for 454 yards and four touchdowns.

Deion had trained and focused and coming into the end of the season from an injury, he was still ready for the premier football event in the world. Finishing the night with an NFL record-tying 11 receptions for 133 yards in the Super Bowl, he became just the fourth receiver in NFL history to receive the MVP award and is already being listed with greats like Jerry Rice and Dan Ross.

Mr. Speaker, Deion's team-first attitude and strong work ethic has paid off and we in Mississippi are proud of him and salute his continuing achievements. I know we will continue to see him excel in the future and all of us from Jones County, Mississippi will remember him for his years with us and salute his determination, skill and triumphs.

Mr. Speaker, recently, Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi dedicated Harper Davis Field to a man who coached there for 25 years, and who has built a lifetime legacy of service to sport and his fellow man across the state. Coach Harper Davis called the rededication of Millsaps' Alumni Field to him the ``greatest honor of my life.'' And while leading the Millsaps Majors he built a record of 138-79-4 including an undefeated season in 1980, his life has much more to honor.

At age 17, Harper Davis left his Delta home in Clarksdale, Mississippi and enlisted in the U.S. Marines Air Corps as a pilot to serve his Nation in World War II. After the War was over, he was met at Texas Grand Prairie Air Station by Mississippi State University assistant coach Phil Dickens who had the Bulldogs' playbook in hand. Two days later they arrived in Starkville for two practices before his first game where Davis scored two touchdowns as MSU defeated Auburn 20- 0. Two days of study and 2 days of practice were followed by 2 touchdowns. In addition, during those 2 days, Harper Davis met Camille, his future wife. He would go on to be named to the All-SEC team while at State where he also ran on the school's track team. He was co- captain of the football team, voted Best Athlete, President of the ``M'' Club and named ``Mr. Mississippi State University.'' Additionally he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Omicron Delta Kappa, Blue Key and the Colonels Club.

He graduated from Mississippi State with a bachelor of science degree in business finance and mathematics in 1948, in 1962 earned a master's degree in education administration.

After leaving Mississippi State University, Harper Davis was a first- round draft choice of both the Chicago Bears of the National Football League and the Los Angeles Dons of the All-American League. Harper Davis played one year with the Dons before the league folded and then went on to play with the Bears as well as the Green Bay Packers. Many considered him the fastest man in the NFL.

Over the years, Harper Davis has coached the backfield at his alma mater as well as head coach at West Point High School, and

Columbus High School before arriving at Millsaps College. He has been inducted into the Mississippi State Sports Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and was named Mississippi Sportsman of the Year in 1976. He has been honored nationally for his contributions to the sport of football and his work with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Harper Davis is a member of Christ United Methodist Church and with his now departed wife, the former Camille Hogan of Starkville, has 3 sons, Michael, Andrew and Patrick with 4 grandchildren, Morgan, Drew, Paul and Brad.

Mr. Speaker, Harper Davis has now been coaching football for over 50 years and he continues today at Jackson Academy, where 4 of my sons attend. His gentle firmness and wise lessons continue to build young men in Mississippi. I am glad to recognize him today and honor a lifetime of service.

Mr. Speaker, last month, Starkville, Mississippi lost a native son and a civic leader with the passing of Samuel Webb Scales. He served his family, our nation's military, and achieved greatness in the world of international business.

After graduating from Starkville High School, Sam Scales went on to further education at the University of the South, Mississippi State College and the Vanderbilt Law School. For the past twelve years he has served as the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, and was bestowed with the title of Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army Emeritus two years ago, which has the equivalent military rank of Lieutenant General.

Sam Scales served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1941 until 1945 and attained the rank of Sergeant Major. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1948 to 1972 and retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During his military career, he served in various assignments including Troop Commander (Calvary); Aide de Camp to Commanding General (Armored Division); General Staff Officer, Joint General Staff (Thailand); General Staff Officer (Australian Army).

Sam Scales served as Vice President of the Harlington National Bank (Texas); Chairman of the Board of Starr Associates (Bangkok, Thailand); Liaison Officer of Phoenix Assurance (Sidney, Australia); Chairman of the Board of Service Y Comisiones S.A. de C.V. (Mexico City); Senior Vice President of Continental Insurance Company and Regional Vice President for Latin America (Panama) as well as fourteen other US corporations located throughout Latin America.

He was a member of the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA), the Navy League and Sigma Chi Fraternity at Mississippi State University. He was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Starkville.

Mr. Speaker, Starkville mourns the passing of Sam Scales. Our prayers go with his wife Bette, his children Hunter, Twila, Bette, Walton, John and Jennifer as well as his five grandchildren and one great- grandchild. His accomplishments, like so many of his generation, can hardly be measured in words, but I am proud to have been able to take this opportunity to note his life's achievements and to remember this young boy from Starkville who grew to be a great man and leader around the world.

Mr. Speaker, on March 11, Jack Holmes Thomas Sr. passed away after a short battle with acute leukemia at age 80. Jack was a man of God who served his family, community and country honorably and with distinction and I take this opportunity to remember his life.

Born on January 10, 1925 in Natchez, Mississippi, Jack was the husband of Helen Putt Thomas and the father of two sons: Jack H. Thomas Jr. and Robert Bryan Thomas. He had five grandchildren: Chris, Mallory, Chase, Tiffany and Heather.

Jack was part of ``the greatest generation'' and served in the US Marine Corps in World War II where he earned the Purple Heart. He graduated from Mississippi State University in 1951 with a bachelor of science in agricultural education and served the US Department of Agriculture for thirty-three years before retiring.

Jack was a past president of the Mississippi Federation of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, an active life member of the Elk Lodge, a past president of the Starkville Shriners Club, and a strong Mississippi State University supporter and avid Bulldog fan.

Jack was a faithful member and deacon of First Baptist Church of Starkville and taught Sunday school and discipleship training while in Oklahoma.

Mr. Speaker, Jack Thomas has long been a blessing to his family and friends, but one that was felt beyond those people in the community at large. We mourn his passing, but we celebrate his life.

Mr. Speaker, Mertis Louise Floyd Scott, Deputy Chief Nurse of the G.V. ``Sonny'' Montgomery Veterans Administration Medical Center in Jackson Mississippi, passed away unexpectedly after a very short illness on October 15, 2004 at the young age of 48. She dedicated her life to the care of others and I take this opportunity to remember that life that so blessed us.

Mertis exemplified the meaning of nursing and received numerous professional awards during her twenty-six years of service at the VA Medical Center. In May of 1989, Mertis was named recipient of the Secretary's Award for Excellence in Nursing, presented to her by Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs Edward J. Deriwinski in Washington, DC. She also received a citation from President George H.W. Bush.

Mertis held high the values of leadership and exhibited a continual quest for knowledge. She had a commitment to service through any challenge with a positive attitude.

Mr. Speaker, Mertis always remembered her faith and commitment to serve God and man. She defined her humanity by her service to patients and health providers alike. Her colleagues defined her life with these words: loving, caring, nurturing, generosity, patience, angelic personality. She was an inspiration to the lives she touched both personally and professionally. We mourn her passing, but we remember and celebrate her life.

Mr. Speaker, on March 12, the First Baptist Church of Starkville celebrated Dr. Kermit McGregor's 50 years in the ministry. Fifty years in service to any calling is noteworthy, but it is my particular pleasure to honor him for his decades of dedication to God.

Dr. McGregor is currently serving as the transitional pastor in Starkville, but he has been a blessing to many congregations across Mississippi. Since beginning the ministry at age 16--the same year he and his wife Phyllis were married--he has preached the Gospel in Pontotoc, Dumas, Smithdale, New Albany, Bruce, Winona, Hattiesburg, Clinton, Mendenhall and now in Starkville. Additionally, he has served as director of public relations at the Baptist Children's Village in Clinton, and as a trustee and chairman of the Board of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri.

A graduate of Blue Mountain College, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and William Carey College, Dr. McGregor says he works today just as hard as he did before his ``retirement'' 6 years ago. But he maintains that in his calling, one never actually retires.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. McGregor has over the years encountered several major heart attacks and has even been clinically dead for a short amount of time. But he persevered and lives now following a heart transplant over 10 years ago. I believe his current health, his longevity, his sharpness of mind and his continued service to God and man comes not from his physical heart, but from his heart for God which never ceased beating in the past 50 years.

Mr. Speaker, on February 11, Mississippi State University named Charles E. ``Charlie'' Weatherly the 2005 National Alumnus of the Year. This is the highest honor that the MSU Alumni Association can bestow on a member and recognizes Charlie out of the nearly 100,000 alumni in the association.

I know of no one in the Mississippi State family more deserving for this award than Charlie Weatherly. He has devoted 43 years of his life to the university and it is my distinct pleasure to honor him for that service today.

Charlie graduated from Mississippi State College (now Mississippi State University) with a degree in industrial management in 1959. He was a star football player for the Bulldogs and active in campus activities. In 1962, he became the first full time field representative for the alumni association and served in this capacity until 1967, when he was appointed the association's executive secretary. In 1976, he was named Director of Alumni Affairs and served admirably in this position until 1986, when he became coordinator of special projects for both the Alumni Association and the MSU Foundation. Charlie was the prime fundraiser and coordinator for constructing the Eugene Butler Guest House, as well as serving as director of the first constituency based fund drive. Prior to retirement, he served as director of development for Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine and remains a member of the board of directors of the MSU Alumni Foundation, a scholarship assistance program for deserving MSU students.

Mr. Speaker, our university experiences educate and shape our lives for many years to come. They are not just sources of academic expansion but also economic engines for communities like Starkville and states like Mississippi. It is notable to give back in some capacity to an institution that provides an improved quality of life for so many. For Charlie Weatherly, this was not a one time gift or occasional favor, but a lifetime of service and commitment that continues today. I am proud that the Mississippi State University Alumni Association has so properly bestowed this honor on him.

Mr. Speaker; on February 25, Coach Ron Polk achieved another impressive milestone at Mississippi State University. With the Bulldogs defeat of the Eastern Illinois Panthers in a 3-1 game, Coach Polk marked his 1000th win in 26 seasons at Mississippi State University.

Before a crowd of about 2,400 fans in the Polk-DeMent Stadium--which honors Coach Polk--the Bulldogs won their season opener and then celebrated this Mississippi State icon at a post game ceremony. Coach Polk, in his usual humble and humorous manner told reporters on scene, ``It's just a number. All 1,000 wins means is that you haven't died yet and you've coached a long time. We have some really great players here but I haven't had time to reflect back on that success yet.'' Bulldog pitcher Alan Johnson said, ``We didn't feel any added pressure. Coach Polk didn't mention it to us one time. However, we knew we were at 999, going for the big win. It feels good to win the first game but it also feels really good to be a part of Coach Polk's 1000th win.''

Coach Polk is the all-time most winning coach in Southeastern Conference history and began the 2004 season as Number 12 among Division I's all-time coaching ranks. His record now stands at 1234- 602-2 in 32 seasons as a collegiate head coach and 1000-490-2 in 26 seasons at Mississippi State. He has twice been honored as the National Coach of the Year (1973 and 1985) and was also honored by his peers as the recipient of the ABCA's Lefty Gomez Award. Coach Polk has earned his place in the American Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame (1995), the State of Mississippi and the Mississippi State University Sports Hall of Fame (1998), and the Georgia Southern University Hall of Fame (1990). He also rates as one of only three head coaches in the history of college baseball to guide three different schools to the NCAA College World Series.

Ron Polk authored ``The Baseball Playbook'', the Nation's leading college textbook for baseball, and is featured in a recently published book, ``6 Psychological Factors for Success: America's Most Successful Coaches Reveal the Path to Competitive Excellence.''

Coach Polk has also been actively involved with coaching in international baseball. He has completed seven tours as a member of the coaching staff for the U.S.A National Baseball Team, twice serving as the head coach (1991 and 1998) and five times as assistant coach. Two of his teams represented the United States in the Olympic Games. He was an assistant coach on the gold medal-winning U.S. team in the 1988 Olympics and on the bronze medal-winning U.S. team in the 1996 Olympics. Coach Polk has also skippered Mississippi State teams in international competition including a goodwill summer tour of West Germany in 1976 and in 1982 and competition at the World Amateur Tournament in the Netherlands.

And Mr. Speaker, these numbers and records and achievements do not include his 1997 victory as Honorary Coach of the Republicans in the Annual Congressional Baseball Game, which I will remind my colleagues, we won. I take this opportunity to salute and honor Coach Polk's achievements at this 1000 MSU win milestone. As this and other seasons continue, I know we will see the steady hand and experienced leadership of Coach Ron Polk. He is the lead spokesman for baseball at Mississippi State University, and beyond, the king of college baseball.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Consumer Assurance of Radiologic Excellence Bill.

I ask for your support in moving this legislation forward. The CARE bill is an important piece of patient-care legislation. It will improve the quality of radiologic procedures performed throughout the United States as well as assist in reducing the cost incurred by the Federal government for these procedures.

The CARE bill in the 108th Congress had 111 bi-partisan House cosponsors and no known opposition. Passage of this bill will finally provide American patients with national standards to ensure that their radiologic procedures are performed by personnel who are trained, qualified and competent.

I am proud to sponsor this legislation because the safety and quality of radiologic procedures is an issue that affects all of us. Every year, more than 300 million x-rays, CT scans, MRIs and other medical imaging exams are performed in the United States, and seven out of 10 people undergo some type of radiologic procedure. So much depends upon the quality and accuracy of those examinations. After all, if an x-ray is poor, there is a chance that injuries could go undetected or diseases could go undiagnosed.

Most of us take it for granted that the person performing our radiologic procedures is a competent professional. But the fact is, poorly trained individuals examine and treat thousands of patients in this country every day.

The CARE bill will help correct that problem. You see, one of the best ways to assure quality radiologic procedures is to require a basic level of education and skill for the people responsible for performing these procedures.

The CARE bill would provide this level of assurance by amending a previous law, known as the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981. Twenty-two years ago, this bill established minimum standards for the education, certification and licensure of radiologic technologists. However, when the bill was enacted, compliance by the states was made voluntary rather than mandatory. As a result, radiographers in 13 states and the District of Columbia are unregulated. Even in states that license radiologic technologists, laws vary so widely that there is no guarantee that personnel are adequately educated to use the equipment with which they have been entrusted

Under the CARE bill, personnel performing radiologic procedures in every state would be required to meet minimum educational and credentialing standards. Each state would then be responsible for regulating radiologic technologists according to those standards.

The current lack of a national standard for operators of medical imaging and radiation therapy equipment poses a hazard to American patients and jeopardizes quality health care. Accurate diagnosis can be provided only when personnel are properly educated in anatomy, technique, equipment operation and radiation safety.

In states where no regulation exists, anyone is permitted to perform medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures, sometimes after just a few weeks of on-the-job training. But performing a CT scan or taking an x-ray involves much more than just pushing a button. The person responsible for performing the exam uses highly technical equipment that emits radiation.

The CARE bill will help ensure that quality radiation therapy treatments are delivered and that quality diagnostic information is presented for interpretation, which will lead to accurate diagnosis, treatment and cure. Poor quality exams can lead to additional testing, delays in treatment, and unnecessary anxiety for the patient. In the end, the public's health is at stake. An underexposed chest x-ray cannot reveal pneumonia, and an inaccurate radiation therapy treatment cannot stop the spread of cancer.

This legislation will also reduce health care costs by lowering the number of medical imaging examinations that must be repeated due to

improper positioning or poor technique. Repeated imaging examinations cost the U.S. health care system millions of dollars annually in needless medical bills.

Millions of Americans every year depend upon medical imaging exams to diagnose disease and detect injury, and thousands more rely on radiation therapy to treat and cure their cancers. But remember, any radiologic procedure is only as effective as the person performing it. No matter how expensive or sophisticated the equipment, an imaging exam will not reveal a broken bone or a diseased organ if the person who is using that equipment does not know the basics of radiographic positioning, exposure and technique.

By regulating the personnel responsible for performing those procedures, the CARE bill will mean improved care for patients--higher quality images, improved accuracy, and less exposure to radiation.

I urge all my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to support this legislation and enact it in a timely manner so American patients will receive the best care possible, provided by the best caregivers possible.

Mr. Chairman, during the debate of the REAL ID Act of 2005, of which I am a co-sponsor, I was unavoidably detained and unfortunately missed the opportunity to vote on the amendment offered by Representative Jerrold Nadler. If I would have been present, I would have voted a resounding ``no'' against this amendment. The Nadler amendment would have stricken the provision in the REAL ID Act that tightens and improves our asylum system, which has been abused by terrorists with deadly consequences. The REAL ID Act will protect the American people by allowing immigration judges to determine witness credibility in asylum cases and ensuring that all terrorism-related grounds for inadmissibility are also grounds for deportation. In summary, as a co-sponsor of this bill, I believe that all of the provisions in the REAL ID Act are essential in protecting our citizens from future terrorist plots and I would have voted ``no'' on the Nadler Amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act of 2005.

With more than 100 different forms, arthritis is one of the most widespread and devastating chronic diseases in the United States. These conditions are extremely costly to our health care system, our economic vitality, and erode the quality of life for nearly 70 million, or one in every three Americans who suffers from arthritis or chronic joint symptoms. It is estimated that 300,000 children are affected by juvenile arthritis, a disease with high prevalence yet widely unknown, that causes deformity, blindness and in some cases death. As the number one cause of disability in the United States, arthritis is a painful and debilitating disease affecting men, women and children alike-- arthritis has no boundaries. Simple, daily tasks like brushing teeth, pouring a cup of coffee and even just getting out of bed become excruciating obstacles for millions of people with the disease.

The costs associated with arthritis are immense. The disease results in 750,000 hospitalizations, 44 million outpatient visits and 4 million days of hospital care every year. The estimated total costs of arthritis in the United States, including lost productivity, exceeds $86 billion.

While the current impact of the disease is quite astounding, efforts now can help prevent and control arthritis for future generations. Despite myths that inaccurately portray this illness as an old persons' disease, two-thirds of those with osteoarthritis are under the age of 65. Maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active are both steps that can prevent this form of arthritis. More broadly, the pain and disability accompanying all types of arthritis can be minimized through early diagnosis and appropriate disease management.

This legislation will bring critical Federal resources to bear on a significant public health problem facing this country. This legislation will lessen the burden of arthritis on society and on individual citizens, like my constituent, Alfred Price of Brandon, Mississippi. Mr. Price has suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for more than 50 years, and I have witnessed over the years how this disease has ravaged his body.

In recent years, research into the prevention and treatment of arthritis has led to measures that successfully reduce pain and improve the quality of life for millions. This legislation would develop a National Arthritis Education and Outreach Campaign to educate healthcare professionals and the public on successful self-management strategies for controlling and preventing arthritis. To ensure greater coordination and intensification of federal research efforts, this legislation would create a National Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases Summit to look at challenges and opportunities related to arthritis research within all the agencies of the Department of Health and Human Services. Finally, this legislation expands research for juvenile arthritis at the National Institutes of Health through the creation of planning grants for innovative research. To address the severe shortage of pediatric rheumatologists, it creates incentives to encourage physicians to enter the specialty field through the establishment of education loan repayment and career development award programs.

Mr. Speaker, we must make the necessary investments in the fight against arthritis--our Nation's number one cause of disability. This legislation will improve the quality of life for millions of adults and children and save our nation valuable human and economic resources. I urge all my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to support this legislation and enact it in a timely manner so millions of Americans, like Mr. Price, can live life with less pain.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to share with Congress the actions of some of Mississippi's often unsung heroes and their recent efforts in the face of a mighty storm.

The damaging effects and extraordinary loss caused by Hurricane Ivan cannot help but make a lasting impression on anyone who sees them. For those of us who love the Gulf Coast, with its deep beauty and usually gentle but sometimes ferocious character, this is especially poignant. We also understand the value of community when facing a disaster like Hurricane Ivan. Although many contributed to the preparation and recovery from Ivan, I would like to take a moment to recognize an extraordinary group of our neighbors that never seek recognition: our Mississippi military community.

On the Mississippi Gulf Coast, during the 2004 hurricane season, the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron once again earned the right to call themselves the ``Hurricane Hunters.'' The 53rd flew nearly every day after July 30th, sometimes into two different storms simultaneously. Because of their courage and professionalism, those of us back home and across the nation were able to track Ivan, properly prepare our communities, and--as the 53rd has allowed us so many times in the past--save lives.

The Naval Air Station Meridian Team of military, civilians and contractors worked selflessly and shoulder to shoulder to provide a safe haven for those caught in Ivan's path. Station aircraft were sortied or otherwise safeguarded. NAS Meridian provided Air Traffic Control and refueling services to over 90 aircraft evacuating Whiting Field in Milton, Florida. They provided food, shelter and support throughout the storm to over 1,000 evacuees and 100 pets. Neighbors rose to the occasion to make sure there was room for everyone. Many families living in base housing opened their homes to friends and comrades from Gulf Coast units. In Ivan's aftermath, evacuees were assured care until it was safe to return to their homes in south Mississippi and coastal Alabama and Florida. Station crews went immediately to work with their neighbors to care for the community. Most impressively, this team of highly dedicated and skilled professionals fully restored the base to resume the business of the nation within hours of the storm's passage.

As Ivan approached, Columbus Air Force Base crews were hard at work providing a safe location for Coast Guard aircraft caught in the path of the hurricane. The Federal Emergency Management Agency also recognized that Columbus had a great deal to offer and quickly established a staging area on base. Evacuees seeking refuge in north Mississippi were also assured shelter. Just like at NAS Meridian, the outstanding staff and base volunteers went immediately to work and quickly restored their base and community moments after the storm passed by.

Our National Guardsmen continue to inspire and impress. With nearly half of Mississippi's Guard troops mobilized in support of Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, our Adjutant General made available the state's remaining forces to support those along Ivan's projected course, as well as in communities devastated by previous storms in Florida. In south Mississippi, troops were arriving long before Ivan made landfall. After the storm, our Guard made a tremendous difference in getting badly required relief to those who needed it most. Regardless of the threat, I take great comfort in knowing our Guardsmen are on the job looking after us here at home and abroad.

We Mississippians have repeatedly witnessed the unique capabilities of our SEABEES across the globe and over the years, but we will always remember their support after Hurricane Camille ravaged our state in 1969. Although we were fortunate to not bear the brunt of Ivan, our Gulfport SEABEES proved they were there for those that did. I was most impressed with their ability to, within 18 hours of Hurricane Ivan's passing, put large numbers of people, equipment and logistics support from the Construction Battalion Center Gulfport on the most critical disaster recovery and service restoration missions at NAS Pensacola. We Mississippians are proud of our SEABEES, deployed in Iraq and elsewhere around the world, and know from first hand experience that they will always be true to their motto ``with Compassion for others--we build, we fight--for peace with freedom.''

In peace or war, against the terrors of evil men or the ravages of nature, Mississippians seek to secure our homes and neighbors from danger. From Columbus to Keesler and Pascagoula to the Stennis Space Center, Mississippi continues to show that we have the full military package: our citizens serve bravely in our armed forces both domestically and abroad; our bases train and prepare our nation's top pilots and troops; our universities provide cutting edge military research and technology; while our manufacturers produce vehicles, radar and aircraft our forces need for their missions. In my district, I am particularly proud to count as neighbors the Navy's finest advanced jet-training base and two of the National Guard's premiere air wings. Our individual Mississippi National Guardsmen do tremendous work every day to safeguard the defense of our great nation. We Mississippians greatly appreciate that the patriots who so nobly operate our bases are also the neighbors who stand with us in the face of terrorism and disasters like Hurricane Ivan. To them I offer my gratitude, and the thanks of their fellow Mississippians.