Floor Statements

I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois, my friend, Danny K. Davis, for yielding this time to me and thank him for his leadership on this great subcommittee. I also want to thank my friend and colleague, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, for her leadership and thank her for the kind words that she had to say a few moments ago about Mr. John Henry Wooten.

But Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor this great American, John Henry Wooten, Sr. by naming the post office at 3100 Cashwell Drive in Goldsboro, North Carolina, as the John Henry Wooten, Sr. Post Office Building. John Wooten was a dedicated civic leader. He was a county commissioner in the County of Wayne. It is a fitting tribute to name this post office in his honor.

John Henry Wooten, Sr. was born and reared in Goldsboro, North Carolina, many years ago. The place that he saw grow from a small farming town to a small city. Mr. Wooten attended Goldsboro public schools, a school system to which he later dedicated his professional life. He received both his bachelor's of science and master's degrees from North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, and he was a doctoral candidate at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.

John Henry Wooten, Sr. served the Goldsboro city school system as a science teacher and as a principal at historic Dillard High School. He was a supervisor of instruction and later an assistant superintendent for the entire school system. As a result of his leadership, the lives of countless students were positively impacted. His accomplished career in education also included teaching at Wayne County Community College. During his entire career as an educator, Mr. Wooten was selected by President Lyndon Baines Johnson to serve on the White House Commission for Education.

John Henry Wooten served on the Wayne County Board of County Commissioners for 12 years. First elected in 1986, he became the commission's first African American chairman. While serving as commissioner, Mr. Wooten was instrumental in helping Wayne County become the great city that it is today.

A lifelong member the First African Missionary Baptist Church in Goldsboro, where incidentally my grandfather was pastor some 90 years ago, he served as chairman of the deacon board, vice chairman of the finance committee, and was also a weekly Sunday school teacher. Additionally, Mr. Wooten served on the board of trustees for North Carolina A&T State University where he served as its secretary and later as vice chairman. He was also president of the university's vast alumni association.

Mr. Wooten was married to Ernestine Whitted who, herself, was the product of a substantial Wayne County family. The Wootens were married many years ago in 1946 and were together for more than 60 years. Together, Mr. Speaker, they raised two children, John Henry, Jr. and Pamela. Mr. And Mrs. Wooten have one granddaughter, Nancy Wooten Coor, and two great granddaughters, Alysse and Abrianne. Sadly, Mr. Wooten passed away in January of 2007 after giving his life to his community.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleagues in the North Carolina delegation, including Ms. Foxx, who is managing the time for the minority, for their full and unanimous bipartisan support of this legislation. John Henry Wooten, Sr. was a great man. He was my friend. He was a civic leader. This tribute is long overdue.

I strongly urge my colleagues to vote ``aye'' on H.R. 3803.

Mr. Speaker, today President Bush will sign our bipartisan economic stimulus legislation into law. Getting this bill done quickly is a victory for the American people that will inject confidence and consumer demands, promote economic growth and create jobs.

130 million low- and middle-income Americans will receive tax rebates in the coming months. These rebates are welcome relief to many families who are struggling in this economy. Family incomes and home prices are down as health care and energy, food and education costs and mortgage foreclosures have climbed. Economists estimate that every dollar included in these rebate checks will lead to $1.26 in economic growth. The new law should also

help create 500,000 new jobs by year's end.

Mr. Speaker, this economic stimulus package is a good first start, but this Congress will take additional action to help American workers and help our economy recover. We will also develop a plan for additional assistance, which could include extension of unemployment benefits, food stamps, State and local assistance, and Medicaid.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 960) congratulating the National Football League champion New York Giants for winning Super Bowl XLII and completing one of the most remarkable postseason runs in professional sports history.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues today in the consideration of H. Res. 960, which provides for the recognition of the National Football League champion New York Giants for winning Super Bowl XLII and for completing one of the most remarkable postseason runs in professional sports history.

On Super Bowl Sunday, I was in Columbus, Georgia. And when I realized that my flight was scheduled at the very same time as the Super Bowl, I

cancelled my return and had the privilege of watching this extraordinary game at the home of my good friend, Congressman Sanford Bishop.

Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 960 was introduced by Representative Steve Rothman of New Jersey, and it has the support and cosponsorship of 60 Members of Congress.

Mr. Speaker, it is only fitting that we consider this resolution today as it highlights and expresses our commemoration of one of sporting history's most exciting wins which occurred on February 3, 2008, when the New York Giants battled back from behind to beat the undefeated New England Patriots by a score of 17-14 to capture the NFL's coveted Lombardi Trophy.

Super Bowl XLII and the perseverance of the New York Giants to become only the second team in football history to go from NFC wild card contender to NFL champion will undoubtedly go down in the record books.

For this accomplishment, we stand to commend the New York Giants franchise, players, coaches, and all of the supportive fans from across the world on a job well done. I urge the passage of this measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Rothman), the sponsor of this great legislation and a good friend of all of us.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell).

Mr. Speaker, I don't have any additional speakers at this time. It's just obvious that we have some Members on this floor today who are very proud of the New York Giants.

Thank you very much for the time. I yield back the balance of my time as well.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3468) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1704 Weeksville Road in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, as the ``Dr. Clifford Bell Jones, Sr. Post Office''.

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

Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to join my colleagues today in the consideration of H.R. 3468, which seeks to name a postal facility on the campus of Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, after a great American, Dr. Clifford Bell Jones, Sr. Mr. Speaker, this bill has the support of the entire North Carolina delegation.

Dr. Clifford Bell Jones, Sr., was born in Washington County, North Carolina, a very rural part of my congressional district. He and his family relocated to Virginia, and Dr. Jones spent his formative years in Hampton. Later he attended Lutheran College in Greensboro, North Carolina. In 1923, Dr. Jones received a Bachelor of Science degree from the great Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina; and Dr. Jones earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1927 from the historic Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. Shortly after being awarded his dental degree, Dr. Jones began his professional life in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, where he practiced general dentistry for 66 years.

Mr. Speaker, I am particularly proud to sponsor this legislation because my father and Dr. Jones were very close friends. They were classmates at Shaw. They were classmates at Meharry, and they fought together in World War I and spent their lifetimes in service to their community.

Dr. Jones participated in many local and community activities in Elizabeth City. He was one of the first African Americans to run for the city council in Elizabeth City in 1957 and was defeated by only 28 votes. Later, in the 1960s, Dr. Jones was appointed to serve on the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County School Board. He served as a deacon at the Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church in Elizabeth City, and as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Museum of the Albemarle. He was a proud trustee emeritus of Elizabeth City State University.

As I said a moment ago, a veteran of World War I, he was a member of American Legion Post 223.

Dr. Jones was a member, as was my father, of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, and was a 32-degree Mason.

Dr. Jones was a member of numerous professional organizations that included the Eastern North Carolina Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Society, and the North Carolina Dental Society, among others.

Dr. Jones was the recipient of several awards and honors throughout his professional career. He received the Meharry Medical College President's Award for Service to Mankind. I accompanied Dr. Jones and my father back to Meharry for their 50th reunion in 1977. It was a great occasion.

Twice Dr. Jones was awarded the Delta Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity's Certificate of Honor, and I'm sure the Speaker would take great pride in that, as the Speaker of the House today, the acting Speaker, is an Omega, for exceptional service to the citizens of northeastern North Carolina in the field of dentistry.

He was awarded a certificate of appreciation from the City Council of Elizabeth City for his invaluable services on the city's human relations committee.

Dr. Jones dedicated the better part of his 99 years serving mankind in his profession and through his community and involvement.

Sadly, Dr. Clifford Bell Jones, Sr., passed away several years ago and leaves a rich history.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Dr. Jones for his outstanding service to my home State of North Carolina and to our country.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``aye'' on H.R. 3468.

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his kind words.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3532) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 5815 McLeod Street in Lula, Georgia, as the ``Private Johnathon Millican Lula Post Office''.

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

Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to join my colleagues today in the consideration of H.R. 3532 which seeks to name a postal facility in Lula, Georgia, after Private Johnathon Millican, a distinguished and heroic American serviceman.

H.R. 3532, which was introduced by Representative Deal of Georgia, was introduced on September 14, 2007, and was considered and reported by the Oversight Committee on January 29, 2008, by a voice vote.

This measure has the support of the entire congressional delegation from the State of Georgia and provides us with yet another opportunity to pay tribute to a member of our country's armed service.

Johnathon Millican served his country proudly as a member of an airborne artillery brigade based out of Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, where I was a few weeks ago, and it is very cold out there, Mr. Speaker.

Private Millican gave his life in his service to our country when, on January 20, 2007, his unit was attacked by enemy insurgents in Karbala, Iraq. While Private Millican was only 20 years old when he lost his life in the line of duty, his service and faithful commitment to preserving the liberties and freedoms on which our Nation is built are sure to live on forever.

Mr. Speaker, let's remember and pay tribute to the ultimate sacrifice made by Private Millican. I urge the swift passage of this bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I don't have any additional speakers. I will reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I don't have any additional speakers. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4203) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3035 Stone Mountain Street in Lithonia, Georgia, as the ``Jamaal RaShard Addison Post Office Building,'' as amended.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues in the consideration of H.R. 4203, as amended, which names a postal facility in Lithonia, Georgia, after Army Specialist Jamaal Addison, the first soldier from Georgia to lose his life while serving in Iraq.

H.R. 4203, which has the support of the entire congressional delegation from the State of Georgia, was introduced by my friend, Representative Henry ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr., of the State of Georgia on November 15, 2007, and was considered by and reported from the Oversight Committee by voice vote on January 29, 2008.

Mr. Speaker, the measure before us pays tribute to the life and service of Army Specialist Jamaal RaShard Addison by renaming the post office in his hometown of Lithonia, Georgia, after him.

A brave member of the 507th Ordnance Maintenance Company in Fort Bliss, Texas, Army Specialist Jamaal Addison died, unfortunately, on March 23, 2003, as a result of an enemy ambush near Nasiriyah, Iraq. Army Specialist Jamaal Addison was born on October 7, 1980, in the very town of Lithonia and spent his entire childhood there until enlisting in the United States Army in March of 2000.

As we pay tribute to this heroic American citizen, let's also take a moment and recollect on the thousands of men and women in uniform currently serving abroad in order to protect us here at home.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that we all proudly commemorate both the life and unfortunate death of Army Specialist Jamaal Addison by passing H.R. 4203. I want to commend the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Johnson) for bringing forth this legislation and getting the entire delegation to support it.

At this time, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from the Fourth Congressional District of Georgia (Mr. Johnson), the author and sponsor of this legislation, a friend who serves on the Armed Services Committee and the Judiciary Committee.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5135) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 201 West Greenway Street in Derby, Kansas, as the ``Sergeant Jamie O. Maugans Post Office Building.''

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

Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues today in consideration of H.R. 5135, which seeks to designate a postal facility in Derby, Kansas, in honor of Sergeant Jamie O. Maugans, the first soldier from Kansas to lose his life in Operation Enduring Freedom. That's the war in Afghanistan.

H.R. 5135 enjoys the support of the entire congressional delegation from the State of Kansas and was introduced by my colleague, Representative Todd Tiahrt, on January 23, 2008. The measure was taken up by the Oversight Committee on January 29, 2008, and was passed by voice vote.

H.R. 5135 calls for honoring Sergeant Maugans' service to our country by designating the post office in his home town of Derby, Kansas, as the Sergeant Maugans Post Office Building.

A graduate of Derby High School and a former student of the University of Kansas and Cowley County Community College, Sergeant Maugans served diligently as a member of the armed services since 1997.

Sergeant Maugans was an ordnance disposal specialist and stationed in San Diego, California, before being deployed to Afghanistan in the fall of 2001. On April 15, 2002, while deposing of ordnances near Kandahar, Afghanistan, Sergeant Maugans was killed along with three other soldiers in his unit when rockets which he was attempting to dismantle exploded.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the swift passage of H.R. 5135. And I apologize for not pronouncing the sponsor of the legislation's name correctly. I suspect I did not.

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

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 281) celebrating the birth of Abraham Lincoln and recognizing the prominence the Declaration of Independence played in the development of Abraham Lincoln's beliefs.

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

Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in consideration of H. Con. Res. 281, which celebrates the birth of Abraham Lincoln and recognizes the prominence the Declaration

of Independence played in the development of Lincoln's beliefs.

H. Con. Res. 281 enjoys the support and cosponsorship of 54 Members of Congress and was introduced by Representative Donald Manzullo of Illinois on January 23, 2008. A similar measure, Mr. Speaker, S. Con. Res. 65, has been sponsored by our friend, Senator Richard Durbin.

As we honor Abraham Lincoln, it is important to note that the United States Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission was established by this Congress in 2000 to plan the national observance of the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth in 2009.

The mission of the commission is to commemorate the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln, emphasizing the contribution of his thoughts and his ideals to America and to the world and serving as a catalyst for strengthening freedom, democracy, and equal opportunity for all.

The commission, which is co-chaired by Senator Richard Durbin and Representative Ray LaHood, is focused on informing the public about the impact Abraham Lincoln had on the development of our Nation and finding the best possible ways to honor his accomplishments.

The commission states: ``During the gravest crisis in American history, Lincoln preserved the Union, led the effort to eradicate slavery, and articulated the best aspirations of American democracy. We propose recalling these accomplishments in ways that will enlighten and inspire us both today and tomorrow. Remembering our past, we can better light the way to our future.''

For the next 2 years, there are numerous events scheduled to commemorate Abraham Lincoln. They include a rededication of the Lincoln Memorial here in Washington, DC, in 2009, citizenship ceremonies at Lincoln sites throughout that year, a redesigned 2009 penny series and $5 bill series, a 2009 bicentennial commemorative dollar coin and commemorative stamps.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the swift passage of this bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman for his passion and for his comments on the life and work of Abraham Lincoln.

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

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

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 781) to extend the authority of the Federal Trade Commission to collect Do-Not-Call Registry fees to fiscal years after fiscal year 2007.

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

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

Madam Speaker, the bill we are considering on the House floor today, which is Senate 781, the Do-Not-Call Registry Fee Extension Act, is identical to H.R. 2601, which was introduced by my friend Mr. Stearns, the former ranking member of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.

On December 11 of last year, the House passed H.R. 2601 by voice vote, and I urge similar swift passage of S. 781 today.

Madam Speaker, this bill extends the authority of the Federal Trade Commission to collect the fees that administer and enforce the provisions relating to the national do-not-call registry. In 2003, Congress passed the Do-Not-Call Implementation Act, which authorized the FTC to establish fees sufficient to implement the national do-not-call registry as originally authorized by the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act of 1994. As has been said on numerous occasions, this initiative has proven to be one of the most popular laws in history. Consumers have registered more than 145 million telephone numbers since the registry became operational in 2003. The FTC's authority to annually establish the appropriate level of fees to charge telemarketers for access to the registry expired several months ago, in 2007, and S. 781 restores that authority and renders it permanent. I will restate what I said back in December when we considered this legislation on the House floor. As Members of Congress, it is in our best interest to swiftly pass this bill in order to avoid the wrath of millions of angry constituents who are being called by telemarketers during dinner time. We need to facilitate the continuing operation of the do-not-call registry and vote for this bill.

As a result of an agreement reached with the chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, we are sending to the President's desk for his signature the Senate-passed version of the bill introduced by Senator Pryor. However, Senator Pryor's bill is identical to Mr. Stearns' bill, and my friend from Florida deserves all the credit for this fine piece of legislation. As is the case with the vast majority of bills passed out of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection, of which I serve, this is a bipartisan measure that was crafted in consultation with the appropriate agency of expertise, in this case, the Federal Trade Commission. The original House bill passed the subcommittee by voice vote on October 23, and a week later on October 30 was unanimously approved in the full Energy and Commerce Committee. Majority and minority committee staff worked together on this bill. I am so proud of how they worked together. Mr. Stearns, as well as the ranking member, Mr. Barton of Texas, who is the ranking member of the full committee, should both be commended for their cooperation with Chairman John Dingell and Chairman Bobby Rush. I also would like to congratulate and welcome the distinguished gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Whitfield) as the new ranking member of the subcommittee on which we serve. I am positive that the track record of bipartisan cooperation will continue under Mr. Whitfield's leadership. Unfortunately, it is my understanding that Mr. Whitfield, I looked forward to seeing him on the floor today, but he is currently in Kentucky dealing with the frightening devastation wrought by last night's tornadoes. Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his constituents and all those who were adversely affected by this tragedy, not only in that State but in other States as well.

With that, Madam Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote.

At this time, I reserve the balance of my time.

I want to thank the gentleman for his comments.

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I am going to urge my colleagues to vote ``aye'' on this measure, and let's send it on to the President's desk.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Tibotec Therapeutics for their innovation and corporate responsibility in developing new, effective treatments for people living with HIV/AIDS. On Friday, January 18, 2008, the Food and Drug Administration approved Tibotec's second HIV drug, INTELENCETM (etravirine), for the treatment of HIV infection.

In my home state of North Carolina, there are an estimated 31,000 people living with HIV/AIDS, many of whom may not be aware that they are infected with this life-threatening illness. Unfortunately, the Black Community in North Carolina as well as others across the southern United States are disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS. A high percentage of people in these communities are diagnosed in the later stages of HIV disease--a fact that further complicates their chances for successful ongoing treatment. Furthermore, Black women are disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS in our state, with an HIV infection rate almost seventeen times higher than among non-Hispanic white women.

We are all aware of the success HIV therapies have had on prolonging and enhancing the quality of life for those infected with HIV/AIDS. As the infected population lives longer and becomes increasingly resistant to current treatment regimens; there is a growing need to focus on access to newer therapies for treatment experienced. HIV drug manufacturers are being challenged to meet the treatment needs of this changing population. Federal and State governments, public health programs, medical and community-based providers in addition to drug manufacturers are all challenged to find ways to better serve disproportionately impacted and underserved communities.

Tibotec Therapeutics is also a leader in reaching out to underserved communities highly impacted by HIV. A primary example of this is Tibotec's GRACE study, a first-of-its- kind clinical trial that will compare gender differences in the efficacy, safety and tolerability of an FDA-approved HIV therapy in women, and will also explore racial differences in treatment outcomes.

Tibotec Therapeutics, an operating company of Johnson & Johnson, has a strong history of advancing the science of HIV treatment, and INTELENCETM is another shining example of this cutting-edge research and development. INTELENCETM, also known as TMC 125, is the first new drug in the NNRTI class to be approved in a decade. It brings new hope to HIV patients, whose HIV virus has become resistant to other HIV therapies, including drugs in the same NNRTI class. Notably, the FDA approved INTELENCETM through an accelerated approval procedure--a process that is reserved for the early approval of drugs that show a meaningful therapeutic advantage over existing treatments for serious or life-threatening diseases.

Finally, Tibotec Therapeutics acted responsibly in pricing INTELENCETM, a fact recognized by many leaders in the HIV community. In fact, one leading HIV patient advocate stated, ``With the introduction of INTELENCE, Tibotec Therapeutics has demonstrated exceptional leadership in working with the HIV community in an effort to address pricing and access issues. Tibotec has repeatedly recognized the necessity of responsibly pricing HIV products and should be commended for its leadership in this regard.'' This type of responsible corporate behavior is especially welcomed in my state of North Carolina, which has struggled in the past to provide access to HIV therapies for eligible lower-income individuals.

In closing, I would like to once again, I commend Tibotec Therapeutics for its innovation and corporate responsibility. I applaud the fact that North Carolinians living with HIV/AIDS will now have access to a new and important treatment option, affording them the possibility of living healthier and productive lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great leader and powerful figure in North Carolina by naming the post office located at 725 Roanoke Avenue in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina as the Judge Richard B. Allsbrook Post Office. Unfortunately, Judge Allsbrook passed away on October 26, 2007, just a few months before we were able to bestow upon him this great honor.

Judge Allsbrook was a native of Halifax County, North Carolina--one of the largest and most populated areas of my congressional district. He was born in 1929 to State Senator Julian and Mrs. Frances Allsbrook.

In his formative years, Richard Allsbrook attended Roanoke Rapids High School where he excelled academically. After graduating, Richard attended the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill where he received a bachelors of arts degree. He went on to attend law school at the prestigious University of North Carolina School of Law, and subsequently served for 4 years with the United States Navy as a second lieutenant.

Mr. Speaker, after honorably serving his country in the military, Richard returned to Roanoke Rapids to practice law with his father in the firm of Allsbrook, Benton and Knott. During his 20 years as a practicing attorney, he always took time for his clients and worked diligently to ensure that they were represented to the best of his ability. His meticulous nature and even temperament served him well when he was appointed resident superior court judge for the Sixth Judicial District in 1978. Over the next 22 years, he tempered justice with mercy, earning a reputation as a fair, compassionate jurist. All those present in his courtroom--attorneys, defendants, jurors, witnesses and court personnel--consistently found him to be well- prepared, respectful, and courteous. I had the privilege of practicing law before Judge Allsbrook on many occasions prior to my election as Resident Superior Court Judge when I became his colleague.

After serving as Senior Resident Superior Court Judge for over two decades, he retired in September 2000 and worked as a mediator in the North Carolina judicial system.

Judge Allsbrook attended the Rosemary Baptist Church for over 50 years. He was a dedicated deacon, trustee and Sunday School teacher where he worked to enrich each person with whom he came into contact. He was also dedicated to improving the community through his involvement in the Kiwanis Club where he served as president, and also the Roanoke Rapids Chamber of Commerce where he also served as president. Because of his dedication and commitment to the community, Judge Allsbrook received the Jaycees' Distinguished Service Award and also received the Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award.

Mr. Speaker, sadly, Judge Allsbrook's devoted and loving wife Barbara passed away in February of last year--just 8 months before Judge Allsbrook. Judge Allsbrook and his wife Barbara reared two children, Barbara Alison who resides in Roanoke, and Richard Jr., who resides in Boston.

Judge Richard Allsbrook was indeed a pillar of the Halifax community. He was my dear friend and I am so proud to have known him. Roanoke Rapids, Halifax County, and the State of North Carolina is a better place because of Richard Allsbrook's sacrifices and contributions on behalf of so many.

This legislation--H.R. 4211--has bipartisan support and is cosponsored by the entire North Carolina Congressional Delegation. It is my hope that my colleagues here in the House will join me and my North Carolina colleagues in voting ``aye'' on H.R. 4211.

Madam Speaker, I rise and ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the Monitors, one of eastern North Carolina's most noted bands. On January 25, 2008, members of this band will come together at the Boykin Center in Wilson, NC, to celebrate 50 years of making music.

Madam Speaker, Bill Myers and Cleveland Flowe came together and organized the band in 1957 setting the Monitors in motion over the next 50 years. And they are still grooving today. I want to say that Bill Myers is married to my very special cousin, Diana Davis Myers, and Cleveland Flowe was my band teacher when I was in high school many years ago.

Bill Myers is the only original member of the band who performs once or twice per month. Cleveland Flowe and his wife, Cathy, now live in Charlotte, NC. The Monitors' music varies according to the crowd. The band is very versatile and can take an audience back on a journey to the World War II era, or can have them doing the twist, jerk, or mashed potatoes into the 1940s, 50s, 60s, 70s or even break dancing to the 80s or ``leaning back'' to those songs that you may hear on the radio today. Although the band has kept up with the time, the members have been able to savor its original flavor and can kick it into gear on command.

Madam Speaker, all one has to do is just name the occasion--a concert, Mardi Gras, Hawaiian luau, wedding reception, prom, cabaret, or a street festival, and the Monitors will have you springing to your feet and dancing to the beat.

The Monitors' claim to fame is their noted performances as back-up band with such greats as Otis Redding, Millie Jackson, Major Lance, Faye Adams and Joyce Thorne, and as the opening act with Ray Charles and Roberta Flack. Further, a little known history fact is that in the early stages of her career, Roberta Flack was lead singer for the Monitors.

Madam Speaker, this celebration is not only a time of reminiscence for the members of the Monitors which include Bill Myers, Cleveland Flowe, Jerome Morgan, Willie Dupree, Dick Knight, Fred Moye, Donald Tuckson, Sam Lathan, Clark Mills, Jr., Mollie Hunter and Gerald Hunter, but it is a charitable occasion where proceeds of the concert will be divided between the Arts Council of Wilson and the Charles H. Darden High School Alumni Association.

Madam Speaker, I applaud the Monitors for the joy that they have brought into the lives of people across the Nation through their musical talents. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending to this renowned band our heartfelt wishes and God's continued blessings.

Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentleman for yielding and thank the chairman and chairwoman for their passion and leadership on this very important issue.

I rise today in support of the amendment offered by my good friend and colleague from Florida, Mr. Mahoney. Mr. Chairman, I represent the First District of North Carolina, which is the 15th poorest district in our country. One of the towns in my district is called Henderson, North Carolina. Last year, this town was one of three, one of three towns across the country, to receive the HOPE VI Main Street grant that this bill attempts to remove.

As we all know, HOPE VI Main Street grants seek to revitalize and rejuvenate older downtown business districts while retaining the area's traditional and historic character. The purpose of this program is to provide assistance to smaller communities in the development of affordable housing and the revitalization and reconfiguration of obsolete commercial offices or buildings into sustainable and affordable housing.

Mr. Chairman, towns like Henderson need these grants. We need these grants to reinvigorate the communities and to spur outside commercial investment. The point is, in closing, that HOPE VI Main Street grants are needed for rural America.

I want to thank Mr. Mahoney for his leadership and passion and thank him for bringing forth this amendment.

Madam Speaker, for the past 34 years, Rocky Mount, North Carolina has known only one mayor--Fred Turnage. During his tenure, he showed time and time again that he was one of our State's finest and most effective leaders.

Part of what makes him such a great leader is that he truly understands how to be a public servant. Mayor Turnage wanted to improve the quality of life of every single person living in Rocky Mount; he always had big plans for improving the city for the people; and, he always worked as hard as he could to achieve his goals.

Mayor Turnage successfully navigated the city through its darkest time in the aftermath of Hurricane Floyd in 1999. The storm dumped 20 inches of rain on a region already saturated by two previous storms. Floyd engulfed neighborhoods, communities and entire towns with floodwaters and killed 16 people in the Twin Counties.

Almost a tenth of the city was flooded; 1,000 structures were destroyed with damage estimated at $400 million; and, hundreds of residents were evacuated from their homes.

During those dark days, Mayor Turnage provided the strong leadership needed to give people a sense of comfort and the belief that the community could rebuild and be stronger than it was even before the storm.

Under his leadership, Rocky Mount successfully moved forward with a plan to rebuild, expand and strengthen the city beyond what it had been prior to the storm. Grants, private funds and city budget commitments paid for the new Imperial Centre, Rocky Mount Sports Complex, YMCA, Braswell Memorial Library, several parks and the train station.

During his three decades at the helm of the city, Mayor Turnage helped to successfully navigate the community as it moved from a tobacco and textile city to one that relies on diverse factories, small businesses and tourism.

Mayor Turnage has presided over more than 700 City Council meetings and he's missed just six in his 34-year tenure. Two of those absences occurred because he was out of town on city business.

He grew up in Rocky Mount, graduated from what was then Rocky Mount Senior High in 1954 and moved on to Wake Forest University. He graduated from law school in 1961 and returned to Rocky Mount to work as an attorney. He then worked as assistant clerk of court for about 18 months before he opened his own law firm. In those days there were no district attorneys, so he ran successfully for prosecuting attorney for Nash County.

In 1971, he was elected to the City Council. At age 37, two years later, he was elected Rocky Mount's youngest mayor.

In December, Mayor Turnage turned over the gavel and the city had its first new mayor in 34 years. Mayor Turnage, and his wife, Norma, have been strong and steady leaders for their community, and they have succeeded in making their community a better place for everyone there.

Please join me in recognizing the great accomplishments of Rocky Mount's mayor, Fred Turnage.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of America's most deserving citizens, Mrs. Margaret Beulah Colvert Allen, who will be celebrating her 100th Birthday on August 2, 2008. Although Mrs. Allen was born in Statesville, NC, she presently resides in Congressman Bobby Scott's Congressional District, so we are both equally pleased and proud to share her as our friend and constituent.

Over the years, Mrs. Allen has assumed many different roles. She was a dedicated homemaker and was also employed for several years as a substitute teacher, seamstress, supervisor of arts and crafts at her area community recreation center, and a food service worker at the Veterans Administration Hospital.

Madam Speaker, Mrs. Allen has dedicated 75-faithful years of her life as a member of the Saint Paul A.M.E. Church. She has served as steward and stewardess and on several different committees including the Committee of Concern, which she chaired for many years. Mrs. Allen was also very involved in her community's Y.W.C.A. and the elementary and high school Parent Teacher Association.

By all accounts, Mrs. Allen is a ``wonderful mother.'' Due to her husband's early death, Mrs. Allen was forced to rear five children as a single parent. Marion A. Christian, John C. Allen, III, Charles C. Allen, Beverly A. Henderson and Lynne C. Allen are the Allen children. All of the Allen children completed college and have reared successful children of their own.

Madam Speaker, over her lifetime, Mrs. Allen has lived through some of the most significant historical periods of our time. Like so many of the great historical monuments she has stood the test of time and has survived Reconstruction; lynching; World War I; the Great Depression; World War II; the period of segregation; the Civil Rights Movement; Voting Rights Movement; School Desegregation and other momentous times. She is indeed a walking history reference and we take great pride in recognizing her for being blessed with such longevity.