Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 30 years of dedicated service of Col John C. Coleman, USMC.

Col John C. Coleman assumed duties as Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton on 21 October 2005.

Colonel Coleman was born 11 February 1954 and is a native of Warner Robins, Georgia. He was commissioned through the PLC Program following graduation from the Virginia Military Institute in May of 1976. Since commissioning, he has completed seven tours of duty in the Corps' operating forces, two in the supporting establishment, and two with the joint community.

As a Company Grade Officer, Colonel Coleman served tours of duty with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, and with 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines. Assignments during these tours included Rifle Platoon Commander, 81mm Mortar Platoon Commander, Company Executive Officer, Assistant Battalion Operations Officer, H&S Company Commander, Rifle Company Commander, Weapons Company Commander, and Rifle Company Inspector/Instructor. In addition to these assignments, he served in the supporting establishment as the Training Support Officer, Officer Candidate School, and as a Company Grade Monitor, Headquarters Marine Corps.

As a Field Grade Officer, Colonel Coleman served tours of duty with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 2nd and 6th Marine Regimental Headquarters, 1st and 2nd Marine Division Headquarters, and I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters. Assignments during these tours included Battalion Operations Officer, Battalion Executive

Officer, Regimental Operations Officer, Assistant Division Personnel Officer, Battalion Commander, MEF (Fwd) Operations Officer, Division Operations Officer, and Regimental Commander. In addition to these assignments, he completed two joint tours. The first of these was with U.S. Central Command serving in the J-3, Command Control, and then Joint Exercise Division. Later he served with the Joint Staff, Washington, D.C., in the Office of the Vice Chairman.

On 23 August 2002, Colonel Coleman assumed the duty as Chief of Staff, I Marine Expeditionary Force. He initially deployed to Kuwait and Iraq with Headquarters, I MEF in conjunction with Operation Iraqi Freedom from November 2002 to October 2003. He returned to Iraq with I MEF in March 2004 serving there until the MEF redeployed to the U.S. in March 2005.

Colonel Coleman is a graduate of Amphibious Warfare School, U.S. Army Command and Staff College, Armed Forces Staff College, U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies, and the U.S. Naval War College. He is a designated Joint Specialty Officer and has been awarded two masters of arts degrees, the first in Military Arts and Science, and the second in National Security and Strategic Studies. His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal (second award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (second and third awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Colonel Coleman and his wife Teri were married in 1976 and have four children, Christina, Jay, Robby, and Lara.

On behalf of the people of the United States whom Colonel Coleman spent a career serving, I thank him for his service and commitment to the defense of our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I have had the honor of serving under Chairman Hyde on the House International Relations Committee since I came to Congress in 2001. From my very first day on the Committee I have witnessed firsthand the wit, humor and brilliance that are trademarks of my party's elder statesman.

Henry has succeeded in bringing sensibility and strength to one of the House's most important and internationally scrutinized committees in the wake of September 11. While my colleagues on both sides of the aisle have occasionally attempted to use the International Relations Committee as a venue to push forward partisan ideology; Chairman Hyde and his fine staff have worked hard to ensure that resolutions that leave his committee are based on fairness, the promotion of our democratic ideals, the protection of human rights, and American interests throughout the world.

I appreciate the guidance and mentorship that Henry provided to me when I first came to Congress. As a freshman member I had

many legislative and policy ideas that I wanted to pursue. Henry taught me to cool my heels and recognize the nature of the process in accomplishing my legislative goals. The advice that he gave me back then was certainly the right advice, and it still resonates with me today.

I admire the strength that Chairman Hyde continues to show. At 82 years of age and limited in his personal mobility he is still very much a workhorse in the House. We continue to maintain a busy schedule in the International Relations committee and Henry travels around the world meeting with foreign dignitaries and protecting American foreign policy at an amazing pace. I only hope that when I reach Henry's age that my mind will still be as sharp as his.

I continue to be amazed at the many things that Henry has accomplished during his 30 years in this body. I'm also amazed by the fact that he has survived in this body for more than 30 years. That is no small feat by any means.

It has been an honor and pleasure to serve with Chairman Hyde in the House and under him on the International Relations Committee. I thank him for his leadership and guidance. I look forward to working with him through the remainder of this Congress and I wish him the best in his endeavors thereafter.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Centennial Anniversary of the American Community School at Beirut.

The American Community School was founded in 1905 as the Faculty School by a group of American missionary families living in Lebanon. The school was supported by the American University of Beirut, the American Presbyterian Mission and Aramco. It was the first American K- 12 school in Lebanon and is an independent, non-profit, co-educational school chartered in the state of New York. Today, the school's enrollment exceeds 1,000 and the school is an ambassador of American education to the Middle East.

The American Community School's student population has changed over the years and is now composed of a diverse community made up of students from American, Lebanese and international families. The school offers numerous activities to supplement the education of its students. Alumni of the school have gone on to do great things, with many of them excelling in careers serving the United States government and Lebanese- American relations.

I would like to commend the American Community School's leadership for their innovative vision in implementing and carrying out the school's mission of providing quality American-style education. The school's teachers should be recognized for their consistent dedication and for inspiring their students to pursue a well-rounded, life-long education. Finally, past and present students of the school should be applauded for their success in such an independent, challenging environment.

The school is appreciative of the support of the United States Congress. America's direct

support of this and other educational institutions in the Middle East plays an important role in our public diplomacy efforts.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to pay tribute to the American Community School at Beirut in this year of its Centennial Anniversary. I congratulate the school on its distinguished history and look forward to its promising future.

Mr. Speaker, I was not present for rollcall vote No. 81 because I was on official travel. Had I been present, I would have voted in favor of H.R. 609, the College Access and Opportunity Act of 2005.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 2064) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 122 South Bill Street in Francesville, Indiana, as the Malcolm Melville ``Mac'' Lawrence Post Office.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the bill under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, Senate 2064 introduced by the distinguished gentleman from Indiana, Senator Lugar, would designate the Post Office in Francesville, Indiana, as the Malcolm Melville ``Mac'' Lawrence Post Office.

Mac Lawrence was a true leader in every sense of the word. After graduating from Purdue University in 1943, Mac was drafted into the Army and, with the First Medical Battalion, he participated in the D- Day landing at Normandy. For his heroics as an Army medic in World War II, Mac was awarded the Silver Star for valor, two Purple Hearts, and two Bronze Stars.

After the war, Mac and his wife moved to Francesville, Indiana, where they were again teaching at the Francesville High School in 1946. He taught vocational agriculture and industrial arts and was greatly admired by his students for his dedication to his craft and for his encouraging and optimistic nature. After 30 years of service, he retired as administrator of the high school, whose students he spent a large part of his life educating.

In addition, his service to his community did not go unnoticed. He served on the Francesville library board, was active in the Future Farmers of America, and participated in 4-H for 25 years. Mac's service to his country, State, and community were unparalleled, and I ask that all Members come together and honor this pillar of the Francesville, Indiana, community and pass Senate 2064.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Buyer).

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members support Senate 2064, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Gen-Probe Incorporated in recognition of their recent receipt of a 2004 National Medal of Technology Laureate.

On February 13, 2006, President George W. Bush presented Gen-Probe, a San Diego-based company, with our Nation's most prestigious technological innovation award, the National Medal of Technology Laureate. This award is in recognition of Gen-Probe's pioneering work to develop revolutionary nucleic acid tests to protect the Nation's blood supply from dangerous HIV-1 and hepatitis C viruses. Gen-Probe collaborated with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration among others, to create improved technologies and systems for the detection of viral diseases.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos joined the President in his praises, stating, ``Their creativity and willingness to take risks to achieve technological breakthroughs have helped make America the leader in innovation.''

The National Medal of Technology is the Nation's highest honor for technological innovation. As established by Congress in 1980, recognition is given to individuals, teams, and/or companies who ``embody the spirit of American innovation and who have advanced the Nation's global competitiveness.'' This award highlights contributions which will have made a lasting contribution to the Nation's workforce and quality of life.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to join the President and the Commerce Secretary in personally recognizing the dedication and commitment of the researchers, engineers, lab analysts and assistants, and management who contributed to safeguarding our Nation's blood supply.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Fallbrook People to People Services on the occasion of 24 years of outstanding services to the North County San Diego community.

On January 29, 2006, Fallbrook People to People Services celebrated 24 years of providing nonprofit, volunteer run, free employment and counseling resources to under served members of North San Diego County. The volunteers have served the community by matching citizens with needs with individuals whom can assist. As a result, over 11,300 jobs have been identified and filled.

Mr. Speaker, with the dedication of Fallbrook People to People Service volunteers, many elderly or incapacitated clients are able to find affordable home health care, housekeeping, and home maintenance assistance that they would otherwise be unable to locate. Many local businesses also take advantage of this resource to staff sales, service, office and maintenance positions. Young mothers, first time workers, and middle-aged women are given assistance to support their families and find meaningful employment in order to become self- sufficient citizens.

On the occasion of Fallbrook People to People Service's 24th anniversary, I would like to personally recognize the work of those who have served as volunteers, staff and board members of this exceptional, nonprofit organization.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 284, a resolution expressing the sense of Congress with respect to the 2005 presidential and parliamentary elections in Egypt.

I consider myself a friend of Egypt and while I believe Egypt deserves praise and recognition for the steps toward democracy it has made this year by moving to a direct vote on the election for the office of President and the reforms that followed I must also, as a friend, express some disappointment and concern about missed opportunities.

Specifically, I was disappointed to see that more was not done to ensure that domestic election monitoring officials would be granted full access to polling and counting stations. I have also been disappointed to learn about the continued severe limitations placed on respected international election observing organizations to gain accreditation and reasonable access to polling and counting sites. The International Republican Institute, which had a team of international election experts on the ground for the recent parliamentary elections reported, ``The November 2005 parliamentary election process does not support the claim that Egypt is in a process of democratic transformation.''

Mr. Speaker, this resolution rightfully focuses Congress's attention on a number of different aspects of the electoral process in Egypt. While there are many areas where improvement is needed in Egypt, I would like to give credit to Egypt where credit is due. The International Republican Institute made the following assessment in the conclusion section of its ``2005 Parliamentary Election Assessment in Egypt'' about positive developments in the most recent round of elections:

Despite negative aspects of the 2005 Parliamentary

elections, it is possible to highlight several notable

achievements when compared with elections in the past. First,

the role played by the domestic monitoring groups and the

Judges' Club--as with the Presidential election--has been

important, as elements of civil society begin to take a more

active role in advocating for greater democratic freedom and

pluralism.

In addition, between monitoring groups and independent

media, the government has permitted a new level of scrutiny

from the domestic and international community.

Several of IRI's delegates had spent time in Egypt in the

late 1980's and early 1990's, and noted that the public

debate about political reform and criticism of the ruling

party and the government would have been unthinkable 10 or 15

years ago. The relative freedom with which state-run and

independent press can debate these issues is an indicator of

progress that should not go unmentioned.

In closing, I stand ready to support Egypt as it moves toward truly competitive democratic elections. This movement is rarely easy, and I will be among the first to recognize progress made by Egypt as it occurs.

I would also note that despite all shortcomings in the recent elections, Egypt--despite the work that needs to be done--remains a leader in the Middle East when it comes to democracy, its relationship with the United States, and its positive relationship with Israel. I believe it is, in fact, Egypt's close relationship with the United States that gives this Congress the responsibility to ensure that this relationship enhances the security, prosperity, and the democratic freedoms of both peoples.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Clerk be authorized, if necessary, to produce a duplicate engrossment of H.R. 4525.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 1287) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 332 South Main Street in Flora, Illinois, as the ``Robert T. Ferguson Post Office Building,'' and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 4246) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 8135 Forest Lane in Dallas, Texas, as the ``Dr. Robert E. Price Post Office Building,'' and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 4108) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3000 Homewood Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland, as the ``State Senator Verda Welcome and Dr. Henry Welcome Post Office Building,'' and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 4109) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6101 Liberty Road in Baltimore, Maryland, as the ``United States Representative Parren J. Mitchell Post Office,'' and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 4515) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4422 West Sciota Street in Scio, New York, as the ``Corporal Jason L. Dunham Post Office,'' and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 483) supporting the goals and ideals of National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I offer an amendment.