Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of an American hero, retired Army Reserve Brigadier General Felix Sparks, who recently passed away at the age of 90. Felix Sparks lived a remarkable life.

A Texas native raised in Arizona, he answered our Nation's call to duty in 1940 with his service in the 157th Infantry Regiment of the 45th Division during the Second World War. He fought in the battle of Reipertswiller, the Battle at the Caves of Anzio and also for the liberation of 30,000 prisoners in the Dachau concentration camp.

For his service, he was awarded a Silver Star and two Purple Hearts after being severely wounded on the battlefield. He continued his service in the National Guard until his retirement as a brigadier general in 1977.

Upon his return from the war, Felix and his wife settled in Colorado. Felix went on to become the youngest Supreme Court Justice in Colorado's history at 38 years of age. An expert in water law, he also served for over two decades as the director of the Colorado Water Conservation Board.

In closing, Felix Sparks was an extraordinary public servant who embodied the best of America.

Mr. Speaker, due to a family emergency I missed the following votes on Thursday, October 4, 2007. I would have voted as follows:

Motion to recommit on H.R. 2740--``yea.''

Final Passage of H.R. 2740, MEJA Expansion and Enforcement Act of 2007--``aye.''

Democratic Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule for H.R. 3246--Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act of 2007 (H. Res. 704)--``yea.''

Rule to provide for consideration of H.R. 3246--Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act of 2007 (H. Res. 704)--``yea.''

Democratic Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule for H.R. 3648--Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 (H. Res. 703)-- ``yea.''

Motion to Recommit H.R. 3246--``nay.''

Final Passage of H.R. 3246--Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act of 2007--``yea.''

Motion to Recommit H.R. 3648--``nay.''

Final Passage of H.R. 3648--Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007--``yea.''

Madam Speaker, due to a family emergency I missed the following votes on Wednesday, October 3, 2007. I would have voted as follows: Democratic Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule on the Improving Government Accountability Act (H. Res. 701)-- ``yea''; Democratic Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the MEJA Expansion and Enforcement Act of 2007 (H. Res. 702)--``yea''; H. Res. 702--Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 2740--MEJA Expansion and Enforcement Act of 2007--``yea''; Conyers Amendment. Provides that the Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General is not required to refer to the Counsel of the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) of DOJ, allegations of misconduct involving DOJ attorneys and related personnel where the allegations relate to the exercise of the authority of an attorney to investigate, litigate, or provide legal advice-- ``aye''; Motion to Recommit H.R. 928--``yea''; Final Passage of H.R. 928--Improving Government Accountability Act--``yea''; Democratic Motion to postpone the Vote to Override the President's Veto of the Children's Health Care bill until October 18, 2007--``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, due to a family emergency I missed the following votes on Tuesday, October 2, 2007. I would have voted as follows:

H.R. 3087--To require the President, in coordination with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other senior military leaders, to develop and transmit to Congress a comprehensive strategy for the redeployment of United States Armed Forces in Iraq--``yea;'' H. Res. 635--Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith--``yea;'' H. Con. Res. 203-- Condemning the persecution of labor rights advocates in Iran--``yea;'' H.R. 2828--To provide compensation to relatives of United States citizens who were killed as a result of the bombings of United States Embassies in East Africa on August 7, 1998--``yea;'' and H. Con. Res. 200--Condemning the violent suppression of Buddhist Monks and other peaceful demonstrators in Burma and calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi--``yea.''

Madam Speaker, due to a family emergency I missed the following votes on Monday, October 1, 2007. I would have voted as follows:

H. Con. Res. 185--Commending the 1st Brigade Combat Team/34th Infantry Division of the Minnesota National Guard upon its completion of the longest continuous deployment of any United States military unit during Operation Iraqi Freedom--``yea.''

H.R. 2276--To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 203 North Main Street in Vassar, Michigan, as the ``Corporal Christopher E. Esckelson Post Office Building''--``yea.''

H.R. 3325--To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 235 Mountain Road in Suffield, Connecticut, as the ``Corporal Stephen R. Bixler Post Office''--``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, due to a family emergency I missed the following votes on Thursday, September 27, 2007. I would have voted as follows: Taylor Amendment, Allows multiple peril and flood insurance coverage of apartment buildings up to the total of the number of dwelling units times the maximum coverage limit per residential unit-- ``yes''; Motion to recommit H.R. 3121--``no''; Final Passage of H.R. 3121--Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007--``yes''; Motion to Recommit H.R. 3567--``no''; Final passage H.R. 3567--Small Business Investment Expansion Act of 2007--``yes.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to encourage all of my colleagues in the House and the Senate to exercise the courage to begin a true new direction in Iraq.

Our brave men and women serving in our military are completing every mission they have been asked; and for that I thank them and America thanks them. But the President keeps moving the goalposts and redefining the mission.

Last week, the President announced a potential drawdown of troops from Iraq by July of 2008, leaving approximately 130,000 troops in Iraq. This is no change, and it is unacceptable.

The American people will not be fooled by these smoke-and-mirror tactics. The President said the surge was intended to provide time for the Iraqis to make political progress; yet, there has been no political progress and no improvement in the situation in Iraq. The Iraqis have only met 3 of 18 benchmarks for success, all the while they are mired in a religious civil war.

Enough is enough. It is time for real change and direction in Iraq.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the anniversary of September 11, 2001. It was a day that our enemies had hoped to show America's weakness, but instead showed our enormous strength and our enduring commitment to the values on which this Nation was founded.

The tragedies that unfolded in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania on September 11 took the lives of nearly 3000 individuals, Americans and others. These men, women, and children were killed because they lived in a country where toleration, freedom, and compassion are guiding principles. Many of those lost were brave first-responders who entered burning buildings, selflessly placing the interest of strangers above their own. All those who were killed that day left voids in the hearts of their families and communities. But their memory and spirit continue to endure in us all, and reinforce our commitment to the freedoms and ideas for which they died.

Moreover, everyday since September 11, tens of thousands of Americans work tirelessly in our communities to prevent terrorist attacks from happening again. Our hospitals, fire departments, and law enforcement officials all have redefined their mission to protect, prepare, and respond as part of the War on Terror. Meanwhile, overseas the brave members of the American military and intelligence community continue to pursue and destroy terrorist organizations like al-Qaeda and the Taliban.

Mr. Speaker, September 11 was a defining day in the history of the United States. Although we lost many great Americans, our Nation united in a cause to honor their memory and win the long-term struggle against terrorism. And in this struggle, we will win while protecting the freedom and way of life for which our enemies fight us. We continue to honor the memory of those lost and we strive to do them justice.

Madam Speaker, due to illness I missed the two votes on Monday, September 10, 2007. I would have voted as follows: Passage of H. Res. 257, supporting the goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month--``yes''; Passage of H. Res. 643, 9/11 Commemoration-- ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Amanda Siewert who has been awarded the Curtis Garrett Scholarship of Jefferson County Colorado in the amount of $1,000.00. Amanda will use this scholarship to help in the expense of her education at Metropolitan State College of Denver in Denver, Colorado. She will by majoring in education.

Amanda is a 2007 graduate of Pomona High School of Arvada, Colorado. Amanda graduated eighth in her class out of 410 seniors with a 3.8 overall grade point average.

In addition to her exemplary dedication to her academics, Amanda also worked full-time during her senior year, working with special needs children. Her particular hard work and dedication were apparent while working with an autistic child, whom she tutors on a regular basis. When the schools had exercised all learning options for the student, Amanda stepped in, and as a result of her tutoring, the child has made remarkable progress.

The dedication demonstrated by Amanda Siewert is an excellent example of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential that students at all levels strive for their personal bests in their education to develop a sense of responsibility and pride in their work that will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Amanda Siewert for winning the Curtis Garrett Scholarship. I have no doubt Amanda will exhibit the same dedication she has shown in her high school career to her academic career at Metropolitan State College and future career in education.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Emily Allen who has been awarded the Curtis Garrett Scholarship of Jefferson County, Colorado, in the amount of $1,000. Emily will use this scholarship to attend McPherson College in McPherson, Kansas, majoring in education.

Emily is a 2007 graduate of Alameda High School of Lakewood, Colorado and has had a very accomplished academic career. She graduated seventh in her class with an overall grade point average of 3.8. Emily was very involved in her high school career and that involvement only adds to the recognition this young woman deserves.

Emily was very involved with the cheerleading squad at Alameda High School, and will continue that involvement at McPherson College. Deciding on an education degree, she will be following in the footsteps of her parents, both of whom are Jefferson County teachers.

The dedication demonstrated by Emily Allen is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential that students at all levels strive for their best in their education to develop a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations once again to Emily Allen for winning the Curtis Garrett scholarship. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication she has shown in her high school career to her athletic and academic careers at McPherson College.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Melissa Fleming who has been awarded the Curtis Garrett Scholarship of Jefferson County, Colorado, in the amount of $1,000. Melissa will use this scholarship to continue her education at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado.

This is truly an incredible honor for Melissa, because this is the second year that she has been awarded the Curtis Garrett Scholarship. The selection committee for the scholarship was so impressed with Melissa's dedication to her degree at the University of Colorado, they decided to award her a second time, an unprecedented milestone in the history of the scholarship award.

The Curtis Garrett Scholarship is based on two criteria that Melissa has fulfilled, those being a demonstrated financial need and the desire to pursue a career in political science or education. Melissa has chosen special education as her future career.

I encourage all students at every level of education to give their personal best to their studies and educational pursuits; that they may develop a work ethic and sense of pride in their work, characteristics that will guide and help them through every step of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Melissa Fleming for winning the Curtis Garrett Scholarship, for an unprecedented 2 years. I am proud of the dedication Melissa has shown in her first year of college and have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication in her successive years at the University of Northern Colorado and to her future career in education.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Developmental Disabilities Resource Center for being the recipient of the Golden Rotary Ethics in Business Award.

The DDRC is one of the largest nonprofit human services agencies in Colorado with resources and services designed to provide positive choices, individualized to enhance quality of life and help people help themselves. DDRC has quietly made an incredible difference for the thousands of people it has touched with developmental disabilities and their families by its responsiveness and expanding to meet their needs.

The organization offers services and support in many forms, including resource coordination, children and family services, Medicaid support, adult vocational services, graduate activities program, quality living options, supported living services, and recreation services. All of these programs are of incredibly high quality and only further exemplify the DDRC's deservingness of this prestigious award.

The DDRC has a long history of holding a high standard of ethics. It has continually received the Better Business Gold Star Award and its code of ethics has been used as a model by the Association of Community Centered Boards.

Organizations such as the Developmental Disabilities Resource Center are an imperative in communities across the United States, because they provide a source of support for individuals and their families. Congratulations to Dr. Art Hogling, for his leadership of the DDRC. I offer my strong encouragement to the DDRC to continue their dedicated and excellent work and to all the individuals who make the Developmental Disabilities Resource Center what it is today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Applewood Plumbing, Heating, and Electric for being the recipient of the Golden Rotary Ethics in Business Award.

Applewood Plumbing, Heating, and Electric has adhered to high standards of business ethics for over 35 years and employs ethical behavior as a philosophy in daily business.

Owner John Ward is the principal source behind this philosophy and serves as the role model for over 40 employees. To maintain the high code of ethics at Applewood Plumbing, Heating, and Electric the company has weekly customer service sessions that address the best way to resolve issues that may arise in addition to trainings specifically devoted to ethics. As a result of these training sessions, the company has received zero complaints from customers regarding customer service.

Applewood Plumbing, Heating, and Electric is listed as one of the top 10 service companies in the Nation with a spotless record with the Better Business Bureau. This is due to their dedication to high ethical standards.

The Applewood Plumbing, Heating, and Electric model for outstanding ethics in business is an example for all business in America to emulate. I once again congratulate Applewood Plumbing, Heating, and Electric for their receipt of this award and encourage them to keep doing ``the right thing.''

Thank you, Mr. Hastings, for this time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule and the bill.

This is an important day in American history. Today the Congress will send to the President a bill that provides the framework for our homeland defense community and takes a giant leap towards that service.

On intelligence, cargo scanning, transportation grants, and a host of other issues, this bill reforms and enhances our existing structure to maximize our security.

In particular, I am pleased that we were able to add the Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, Colorado, to the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium. As the Nation's premier rail security facility, adding this to the consortium will improve our Homeland Security Department's ability to train first responders.

I want to note the hard work of my colleague John Salazar on this important issue, and I want to thank Chairman Thompson and the members and staffs of both sides of the aisle in crafting a bipartisan bill that will work for the American people.