Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I am thrilled today to welcome over 125 advocates from 40 States with the National Fragile X Foundation to Capitol Hill.

Today the fragile X community will visit their Members to promote awareness, improved research and more efficient treatments for fragile X-associated disorders. This disorder is linked to a mutation on the X chromosome and is the most commonly inherited form of intellectual disabilities.

Mr. Speaker, as you may know, this is a very personal and emotional issue for my family, as my 21-year-old son, Livingston, has fragile X syndrome. I am honored to have Livingston with me today in Washington to help me share our family's story about this condition.

While we understand the challenges facing Congress, we ask you to continue to support Federal investments in fragile X-specific research, discovery and public health priorities.

Mr. Speaker, Rankin County, Mississippi advocates with the American Cancer Society Relay for Life will host their annual ``Paint the Towns Purple'' walk on April 1, 2011 at Shiloh Park in Brandon.

Relay for Life is the signature event of the American Cancer Society and celebrates cancer survivors and caregivers, remembers loved ones lost to the disease, and empowers individuals and communities to fight back against cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2010, 14,330 individuals were diagnosed with cancer in my home State of Mississippi, and regrettably, this deadly disease claimed the lives of 6,060 Mississippians last year.

Today, I rise to recognize the Central Rankin Relay for Life in their efforts to rid America of this tragic illness. May their efforts of saving lives and creating a world with less cancer and more birthdays be an overwhelming success.

Mr. Speaker, the so-called Affordable Care Act is nothing short of politics above economics. This penalizing law is loaded with excessive constraints and oppressive Federal mandates on States. As Medicaid rolls rise, State revenues continue to fall, and this law only increases the challenges governors face in their attempts to balance their budgets.

Instead of granting State executives the authority to tailor their Medicaid programs to their State's diverse populations, the Affordable Care Act implements a one-size-fits-all maintenance of effort provision which restricts States from changing their Medicaid programs.

Republicans want to provide States with the flexibility they need to manage their health programs. This is simply one reason why I am committed to repealing this carelessly crafted health care law and replacing it with reforms centered on decreasing costs and protecting our middle class jobs.

Mr. Speaker, the Mississippi State University Bulldogs concluded their 2010 football season with a crushing 52-14 victory over the University of Michigan in the 66th annual Gator Bowl held on January 1, 2011. This commanding win marked Mississippi State's fourth consecutive bowl victory and capped the Bulldogs' 9-4 season as the No. 15 ranked team in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll.

Second-year Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen crafted an explosive offensive performance led by junior quarterback Chris Relf, who completed 18 of his 23 pass attempts for 281 yards and three touchdowns. Relf also punched the ball in from the one-yard line bringing his totals to 311 yards and four touchdowns. The junior from Montgomery, Ala. honored defensive end Nick Bell by wearing his No. 36 jersey. Bell lost his short battle with cancer after starting two games this season, including his final game against Georgia where he tallied seven tackles.

Mississippi State junior running back Vick Ballard carried the ball for three scores, making the Pascagoula, Miss. native the first MSU player to record 19 touchdowns in one season.

Although Michigan led at the break, the Bulldog defense did not allow the Wolverines to score in the second half. The dominating defense held Michigan's Heisman hopeful quarterback to just 59-yards on the ground though he entered the post-season game averaging 136.9 rushing yards.

When it was all said and done, the Bulldogs finished 4-4 in the Southeastern Conference with wins over No. 22 Florida and their in- state rival Ole Miss. To boot, the four losses were to top-twelve teams.

I congratulate all of the players, coaches and fans for a phenomenal season and look forward to many great years of football in Starkville, Miss. I am extremely proud to represent Mississippi State University in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 2) authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for an event marking the 50th anniversary of the inaugural address of President John F. Kennedy.

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

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Senate Concurrent Resolution 2, authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for an event on January 20, marking the 50th anniversary of the inaugural address of President John F. Kennedy.

Mr. Speaker, Presidential inaugural addresses are always historic and are often some of the most memorable events during different eras of our country's history.

We can recall Abraham Lincoln's inaugural address in 1861, President Franklin Roosevelt's inaugural address in 1933, and, of course, President Ronald Reagan's inaugural address in 1981, among many others, as addresses that inspired this Nation at particular moments of importance to our country.

In 1961 President Kennedy's inaugural address rightly challenged us to ask what we can do for our country and not what our country can do for us. As people across this land did 50 years ago, so we must continue to do so now.

Mr. Speaker, I too believe we should look for inspiration to President Kennedy's eloquent address given 50 years ago. I support this resolution authorizing use of the rotunda and urge all my colleagues to support it.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 292) to amend title 44, United States Code, to eliminate the mandatory printing of bills and resolutions by the Government Printing Office for the use of the House of Representatives and Senate, as amended.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Lee).

Mr. Speaker, I yield the gentleman an additional 4 minutes.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 292, the STOP Act, which ends the automatic overprinting of bills and resolutions by the Government Printing Office for distribution to Members of the House of Representatives and Senate.

I would also like to thank Ranking Member Brady and Chairman Lungren for their support on this matter.

Mr. Speaker, let me emphasize that this bill is not a criticism of the GPO nor its hardworking employees. The GPO does--and does well-- what Congress directs it to do. We are simply looking for ways and opportunities to reduce the cost of government.

Since its establishment in 1860, the GPO has been the printer of record for our Congressional Record, committee reports, the well- respected Constitution Annotated, the Federal Register, and many other historic and necessary documents that this institution and our government need to do our collective work. But, Mr. Speaker, in this 112th Congress, well into the 21st century, in an age of iPads, Kindles, BlackBerries, and iPhones, it is simply no longer necessary to require excess printing and the delivery to our offices of thousands and thousands of pages of bills and resolutions which simply end up in the trash.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 292 is another initial step in this majority's continued commitment to reducing unnecessary government spending, addressing our deficit and debt, and finding greater efficiencies within our governmental offices and agencies. With over 8,000 bills and resolutions introduced in the 111th Congress and multiple copies of each distributed to Members, eliminating this unnecessary printing and wasteful spending is a small, but productive, first step, and we will continue to look at other House operations for ways in which we might further reduce the cost of government. Mr. Speaker, this bill is a commonsense measure which prudently adjusts our modern-day mechanisms of government to the times in which we live.

I might also add that there will be an environmental benefit as well. With reduced energy and paper needs, the GPO's demand for paper and our resources will be reduced by this act, helping us continue our commitment to be better stewards of our environment, our natural resources, and, of course, our House operations.

As we promised in the Pledge to America and as we have promised here on the floor during these initial days of the 112th Congress and as we have tangibly verified by our transparency-enhanced Rules Package, our bipartisan

vote to trim Congress' budget, and now through this bill, this Republican majority is committed to fiscal stewardship, to having a hawkish and relentless eye towards waste and inefficiency, and a continued commitment throughout this 112th Congress to reduce spending, create private sector jobs, and challenge ourselves not just in word and rhetoric but, more importantly, in action and meaningful legislation.

Mr. Speaker, this bill, introduced by my good colleague from New York, should garner overwhelming bipartisan support. I thank him for introducing it and for his commitment to a more responsible and efficient stewardship of taxpayer dollars. I urge all of my colleagues to support this matter.

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

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

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I am eager to enact the Republican governing agenda that focuses on creating jobs, driving down spending and shrinking the size of the Federal Government.

Republicans will take swift action to turn America from the failed economic policies of the last 2 years to the conservative principles to promote prosperity through individual freedoms and liberties. Our plan includes initiatives to pay down the national debt and put the Federal Government back on a path to a balanced budget. This goal can be achieved by employing fiscally conservative policies--just like this.

Mr. Speaker, the Federal Government is broke, borrowing 41 cents of every dollar that we spend. Nearly one in 10 American workers is unemployed while the Federal Government has added 100,000 new jobs. Washington continues to record trillion dollar deficits despite the fact that family budgets get smaller and smaller. The government cannot continue to grow while Americans' wallets shrink.

As lawmakers, we must lead by example. For this past Congress, my first term, my congressional office has come in under budget, voluntarily returning approximately 10 percent of the Members' representational allowance. This gesture has not impacted the quality of our representation and our constituent services. During this time period, my office has replied to over 37,000 emails and letters and has connected with nearly 82,000 constituents via teleconference.

I urge Congress to follow this example by providing taxpayers with a fiscally responsible operating budget. Our path to a balanced budget begins today, and it begins with this vote.

Madam Speaker, I was unable to participate during floor debate regarding H.R. 6540, The Defense Level Playing Field Act of 2010. I would like to place my statement into the Record:

It is now four days before Christmas and the Air Force is nearing completion of its evaluation of multiple offers to replace our aging tanker aircraft. We are in the ninth year of this effort to award a contract to replace the Air Force's existing tanker aircraft that have an average age of 50 years in service. I would remind my colleagues that we have airmen and airwomen of our Air Force risking their lives every day to perform the refueling mission across the globe in aircraft that were built and delivered when Dwight Eisenhower was President of the United States.

Why are we considering this legislation at this time? Do we dare take action on legislation, four days before Christmas, without proper Committee review, that will delay replacement of these aircraft? Are we being responsible to the men and women in uniform by bypassing completely the House Armed Services Committee? Are we, by considering adoption of this bill, creating a precedent for Congressional interference in an ongoing competition?

I would ask my colleagues--has anyone asked the Secretary of Defense if this legislation is needed? Has anyone asked Secretary Gates or the Chief of Staff of the Air Force how long it would further delay this contract award in the event it became law?

This House should not be here today, considering legislation of this kind without proper review and without full knowledge of its impact. The men and women serving in uniform, flying 50-year old aircraft, deserve better than to have this House--at the last stages of this competition--undertake an action which will further delay this contract moving forward.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Judge Samac Richardson for his exceptional public service career in my home state of Mississippi.

Judge Richardson currently lives in Brandon, Mississippi in the Third Congressional District, where his reputation for fair and just judgment led to a post as Circuit Judge for Mississippi's 20th Judicial District in Madison and Rankin Counties. Mississippi's Circuit Court serves 22 districts with 49 judges, trying both felony criminal cases and civil actions.

Prior to his thirteen years of elected service on the Circuit Court, Judge Richardson spent five years as Rankin County Court Judge, six years as Assistant District Attorney, five years as a public defender, five years as Rankin County School Board hearing officer and three years as Pearl, Mississippi City Attorney.

Judge Richardson's conservative interpretation of the Mississippi Constitution is without doubt a reflection of his Mississippi upbringing. He received his Juris Doctorate in 1975 from the former Jackson School of Law, now Mississippi College School of Law, completed his undergraduate studies in Accounting at Mississippi State University, attended courses at East Central Community College and graduated from Philadelphia High School in 1965. Additionally, Judge Richardson is a 1993 graduate of the National Judicial College.

Judge Samac Richardson will retire from the bench in December leaving behind a legacy of impartiality. Judge Richardson has dedicated his life to a career of public service and for this, Madam Speaker, this Member of Congress thanks him.

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Brady for bringing this bill to the floor. This bill provides the Architect of the Capitol with two administrative remedies in order to provide better management of the Capitol complex.

First, the bill gives the Architect of the Capitol more flexibility in his allocation of senior staff positions. Currently there is an arbitrary limitation in place.

Second, the bill authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to purchase a building that they have been leasing for some time. The building is currently used for United States Capitol Police vehicle maintenance and is also used as USCP headquarters for the hazardous device unit.

This money has already been appropriated, and this resolution provides the appropriate authorization needed from our committee of jurisdiction.

I thank Chairman Brady for bringing this bill to the floor, and I am pleased to support this resolution.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today and join with the members and staff from First Baptist Church of Brandon, Mississippi in celebrating 175 years of the ministry of the Lord's word.

Originally named Brandon Baptist Church in 1835, Brandon's First Baptist Church was established only four years after the founding of the City of Brandon. Early on, members would meet in each others' homes to listen to messages from their first pastor, T.S.N. King, before moving into a shared space at the Brandon Female Academy, where pastors would preach once a month. During this time, congregants sat under the preaching of twenty-five pastors, many of whom held other occupations such as gardening or serving in the Confederate Army. Others taught at local institutions of higher education, such as Warren S. Webb who served in 1871 as both pastor of Brandon Baptist Church and as president of my Alma Mater of Mississippi College, which is located in Clinton, Mississippi. A decade later, Pastor Lewis Carden Kellis led efforts to construct the first building, costing $2,000, seating 250 congregants, and serving as the sanctuary until 1946.

Carl Joseph Olander carried Brandon Baptist Church through some of its more trying times. The Great Depression created economical challenges for families and businesses nationwide. One suggestion by Olander to overcome these struggles was for each family to ``set a hen'' and share the proceeds to help fund missions.

Pastor L. Gordan Sansing set in motion weekly worship and would guide Brandon Baptist Church to approve a building program. In 1945, the church exchanged properties with the Brandon Consolidated School District. Prior to constructing the new building, the members had met in the high school. Then, in 1948 the cornerstone for the first building on the new property was laid while Monte Davis was pastor--and the structure was dedicated in January of 1949. Pastor Carey E. Cox's leadership led to the purchase of a nearby house to alleviate space problems. The addition of a twenty-two room education and fellowship hall contributed to growth in the children's and youth activities. In June of 1965, a $200,000 sanctuary seating 500 congregants was built, and it was during this time that the name Brandon Baptist Church was changed to First Baptist Church.

Numerous other pastors influenced the rapid escalation of First Baptist Church. Bill Duncan focused on missions, evangelistic visitation and tithing. W. Thomas Baddley expanded the size and variety of the physical facilities, John Ashley piloted the purchase of land adjacent to the church and made plans to build a family life center, and Robert Jackson established a radio broadcast in August of 1981 and a television broadcast in April of 1984.

Dr. Gene Henderson delivered his first sermon in May of 1986. A visionary, his strong oratory skills led to the creation of a second Sunday School and a third worship service. The membership expansion led to plans for a three-phase building project in west Brandon, and construction of the new facility was completed in August of 2001. Dr. Henderson's successor, Dr. Scott Thomas, was introduced to the congregation in a series of personal meetings, and in November of 2005, Dr. Thomas introduced his wife and six children and began their pastorate at First Baptist Church. Dr. Thomas' compassionate management and pastoral skills have brought continued growth, increasing membership to First Baptist Church. In 2008, the church family purchased an additional 72 acres adjacent to their property ensuring room for future growth.

Over the past 175 years, thirty-four men have served as pastors of First Baptist Church of Brandon. Their passion, paired with the commitment of the church family, has resulted in what was originally a 43-person congregation meeting in members' homes, to a ministry today that serves hundreds from all over the Brandon community. The church founders served as pioneers for expanding God's word in Rankin County, and it was their shared vision that birthed a legacy for sharing Christ's love throughout the City of Brandon, the State of Mississippi, and throughout the world.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 611, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Fragile X Awareness Day.

Today, we recognize those with fragile X syndrome, their families, and the health care providers dedicated to treating and finding a cure for fragile X. Fragile X-associated disorders include three separate and distinct conditions: fragile X syndrome, fragile X-associated tremor-ataxia syndrome, and fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency.

According to current studies, approximately one in 3,600 males and one in 4,000 to 6,000 females are born with the full mutation, and as many as one in 130 women are estimated to be carriers of the fragile X mutation.

These disorders are genetic, resulting in behavioral, developmental, and language disabilities throughout a person's lifetime. Fragile X is linked to a mutation of a single gene on the X chromosome and is the most commonly inherited form of intellectual disabilities. This condition is also linked to reproductive problems in women, including early menopause and a Parkinson's-like condition in older male carriers.

As the only Member of Congress who has a child with fragile X syndrome, my family understands the daily challenges that individuals with intellectual disabilities are confronted with. Like many parents, it took my wife and me a long time to understand and accept our son, Livingston's, diagnosis. Though, once we did, we began to also see our son for who he is--for all of the exceptional qualities he holds as an individual, for the positive impact he has on people he comes across in everyday life, and for the many lessons he has taught both of us, each day, along the journey we share as parents. We have seen him overcome challenges we never thought he would. We have witnessed the perseverance and dedication he has displayed in going after his dreams, and we have full faith in his potential to be a productive member of society and in contributing greatly to improving his community. This is a journey we share with each of the fragile X families.

I am committed to increasing awareness of fragile X syndrome and to providing individuals who are living with fragile X syndrome meaningful educational and employment opportunities.

Representative Phil Hart and Representative Bill Delahunt have been true champions of this issue on Capitol Hill for the past several years, and I want to take this opportunity to thank both of them for the work they have done and for the introduction of this legislation.

I would like to thank the Members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee for favorably reporting this resolution to the House floor, and I urge all Members to support this.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, with special thanks to Congressman Hare and Congressman Delahunt, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of the only major league baseball player to be born in Morton, Mississippi, located in the congressional district in which I serve. His name: Richard Atley Donald.

Donald's ancestors traveled in a covered wagon from South Carolina to Mississippi in pursuit of the American Dream. The family ultimately settled in Morton, in central Mississippi, where Atley was born on August 19, 1910. A year and a half later they moved to Downsville, Louisiana, where Atley's love for the game of baseball would commence.

A star college baseball player, Atley attended Louisiana Tech University in Ruston after graduating from high school in 1929. Atley earned four lettermen's, and as a freshman, he was said to be ``the most promising of the Bullpups'' by a 1930 review of the freshman baseball team.

Although the New York Yankees southern region scout, Johnny Nee, had received a recommendation letter from Atley's head coach and had witnessed him pitch, the Yankees did not sign him. But Atley did not let this hinder him from following his dreams of playing for the Yankees. With $25 in his pocket and his brother's rain coat, he hitchhiked to St. Petersburg, Florida where the Yankees held spring training. Nee introduced Atley to the Yankee's skipper, Joe McCarthy, who sent the young pitcher to the mound against some of baseball's greatest players, such as Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Atley prevailed and signed a minor league contract in 1936 where he pitched and hit his way into the major league by 1939.

Richard Atley's career is highlighted by playing for the 1939 Newark Bears who are considered to be one of the minor league's greatest teams, throwing a 94.7 mph record pitch in 1939, setting the American League record for most wins by a rookie in 1939, and pitching in the 1941 World Series won by the Yankees. The first major league pitcher from Louisiana Tech, Atley was inducted into the Louisiana Tech University Hall of Fame with a .663 winning percentage.

After Atley pitched his last game on July 13, 1945, he spent 29 years as a scout for the Yankees, recruiting players in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. His recruits included Ron Guidry, Clint ``Scrap Iron'' Courtney, Jack Reed, and Ron Blomberg,

In all, Richard Atley spent 39 years wearing the pinstripes of the New York Yankees. Atley passed away on October 19, 1992 in West Monroe, Louisiana, leaving behind his wife, Betty. Although he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on 100 years later in the hearts of all of us who continue to celebrate America's favorite pastime.

Mr. Chairman, if there is anything the hearings on this bill and the subsequent discussion taught us, it is that the bill is far from clear. The authors of the bill say it does one thing; the experts say it does another; the majority's own witnesses have said that it will be up to the FEC to decide what the language means.

This confusion and ambiguity would be bad enough in any bill, but it is especially bad here. This bill has implementing language that makes it take effect 30 days after enactment regardless of whether the FEC has published regulations. Indeed, one of the majority's witnesses said at a hearing that it would be next to impossible for the FEC to promulgate regulations before the November elections. That means as we move toward elections just 4 months away and Americans consider how to express their views, there will be no guidance to clear up the bill's ambiguity, no instructions for how to comply, and no way to participate in the political process with confidence that your speech will not land you in jail.

Mr. Chairman, this bill is going to impose civil and criminal penalties on speakers without them having any notice that their behavior may be against the law. What that means is that rather than exercising their First Amendment rights, speakers are just going to stay silent. As former United States Solicitor General Ted Olson stated at our committee's May 6 hearing, ``So we are saying that you have to guess what the law is because the government can't even tell you what the law is. And if you guess wrong, you may be sent to jail or you may be prosecuted.''

Those who seek to challenge this bill's ambiguous and potentially unconstitutional provisions in court are going to be faced with a judicial review process designed for delay and frustration. The procedure in this bill conflicts with the processes created in both the Federal Election Campaign Act and the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, opening the door to collateral litigation to decide what court to be in before the case is even heard. Section 401 of this bill is congressional forum shopping.

The only conclusion one can draw from the immediate implementation without regulatory guidance and the protracted court process is that this bill is designed to affect the outcome of the 2010 elections. Indeed, one need not guess to know that this is true. A letter sent earlier this week from Senate majority leadership to House majority leadership pledged to work ``tirelessly'' so that the bill ``can be signed by the President in time to take effect for the 2010 elections.''

And there it is, Mr. Chairman. The proponents of the bill want this House to pass legislation in time to affect the outcomes of the 2010 elections. They have refused our proposals to make this bill effective in 2011 because they want to change the law this year to affect this election--no matter that there will be no explanatory regulations and no review to ensure that the law complies with the Constitution.

So the end result is the bill's proponents are rushing it into effect before the regulators or the regulated community are ready, doing what they can to delay court review, and taking those steps despite their obvious expectation that parts of the bill will not survive judicial scrutiny. The only reason that makes sense has to do with the elections coming up in just over 4 months. The House should reject

this attempt to pass a law that can alter the outcome of its own upcoming elections, and let the voters decide this for themselves. I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.

Madam Speaker, on June 16, 2010, employees, retirees and the company leadership of La-Z-Boy South celebrated 50 years of production. La-Z-Boy founders, Edward M. Knabusch and Edwin J. Shoemaker opened the Newton, Mississippi plant in 1960 when they were seeking to expand production. The Newton facility has grown to 800,000 square feet from the original 60,000 when the plant officially opened. The company credits this half century of success to the men and women of the La-Z-Boy family and to the support they have received from the Newton community.

Founded in Monroe, Michigan, Newton, Mississippi was selected as the first out-of-state plant because of the friendly people and the city's access to raw materials. The first recliner was produced on June 6, 1960, and was raffled off during the opening of a local supermarket. Since that time, La-Z-Boy South has celebrated many milestones including the December 9, 1980 production of its three-millionth chair and the September 17, 2003 production of its 10-millionth chair. Now employing 600 Newton-area residents, the Mississippi facility produces over one hundred different styles of furniture and custom-builds 1,100 pieces every day.

This facility has spurred economic growth in Mississippi outside of the Newton community. From manufacturing to shipping to management, the economy has blossomed as Lay-Z-Boy's business has increased nationally. In appreciation to the community, La-Z-Boy South has made contributions to many local businesses and organizations, as well as numerous charities and youth programs.

In today's struggling economy, La-Z-Boy has maintained a skilled workforce providing optimism for many hard-working Mississippians. As our nation continues to recover from the economic slide, our state will rely on successful companies like La-Z-Boy to provide work for jobless Mississippians. I congratulate La-Z-Boy for 50 years of manufacturing excellence and for their involvement in the Newton community and the state of Mississippi.