Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I offer a motion to recommit.

Presently, I am.

Mr. Speaker, I am submitting this motion to correct what I believe are three gross errors in the bill.

Whether it's funds to support the needs of our troops, proper support for Pakistan engaged in a vital counterinsurgency effort, or funds to fight the treacherous drug war raging along our border with Mexico, this bill falls short.

How in all good conscience can we increase foreign aid by nearly $3 billion and yet shave support for our troops overseas and our law enforcement agencies here at home? How can we take away support for Pakistan's counterinsurgency efforts and give the money to the State Department?

Mr. Speaker, emergency supplemental bills are about fine-tuning our priorities. This motion gives the Members of this body the opportunity to do just that.

On supporting the needs of our troops, the current bill cuts the 2009 regular defense budget. It unnecessarily cuts defense and prohibits DOD from using those resources on critical requirements that are sadly unfunded. So this motion would simply restore the $3 billion of 2009 moneys, current year, that are cut in this bill.

On the Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Funding program, or PCCF, counterinsurgency, this bill puts it in the Defense Department, but the first day of the new fiscal year, it would then be moved to the State Department for fiscal 2010. Well, State does great diplomatic work, but counterinsurgency is not the State Department's forte, and that's what we're facing. Let's be clear. PCCF is not a diplomatic tool; it's a military tool designed for aiding what is arguably one of the most important military counterinsurgency efforts in history. I need not emphasize to the Members of this body the profound importance of keeping Pakistan's nuclear weapons out of the hands of the Taliban and al Qaeda. The Secretary of Defense has been clear that he does not feel the State Department currently has the capacity or ability to administer this counterinsurgency program. Our troops need the flexibility and agility that this fund provides, especially in dealing with the nontraditional Pakistani military forces in remote sections of that country.

Finally, on the Mexican drug war, this bill fails to include one red cent for the vital work of our law enforcement agencies fighting the cartels along our border with Mexico and their tentacles reaching into every city in America. A press release I have in my hand that just came out says that the largest seizure of methamphetamines in the eastern United States has just taken place in Atlanta, Georgia. And we could name Birmingham or Chicago or New York or any other city in America where the drug cartels in Mexico, who control 90 percent of the cocaine entering this country, are waging their battles.

And it's spilling over now into America. This is a war with severe consequences. More than 90 percent of the cocaine comes to us through Mexico, disbursed through a distribution network that touches virtually every major city in our country, not to mention methamphetamines and the other dangerous drugs.

Now, the $350 million in this bill that says it's for counternarcotics operations along the southwest border. Smoke and mirrors. These funds will go to unaccompanied alien children and serve as a contingency fund should we need the National Guard there. Both are important efforts, but, sadly, nothing to support the needs of our law enforcement agencies engaged in this bloody war, and that's what the problem is now. It's an anti-organized crime cartel fight on that border, and you need law enforcement there. Not a penny in this bill for it.

This motion that I have would shift 7 percent of the foreign aid in this bill and invest that in the security and rule of law here at home, just 7 percent of the increase in foreign aid that's in this bill. This motion takes $200 million out of the $3 billion plus-up in the bill for foreign aid and puts it to potent counterdrug programs in the Department of Justice, programs that can help break the back of these heinous cartels on our southern border and in our cities and towns.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this motion that will keep up our military assistance to Pakistan's counterterrorism fight, prevents a cut

on the current year's troop support, and shifts a small part of the bill's increase in foreign aid to keeping the Mexican drug cartels out of American cities.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Offered By: Mr. Rogers of Kentucky

Amendment No. 1: In chapter 10 of title II, in the item

relating to ``Global Health and Child Survival'', after the

first and third dollar amounts, insert ``(reduced by

$50,000,000)''.

In chapter 10 of title II, in the item relating to

``Economic Support Fund'', after the first and last dollar

amounts, insert ``(reduced by $126,500,000)''.

In chapter 10 of title II, in the item relating to

``Nonproliferation, Anti-Terrorism, Demining and Related

Programs'', after the first and second dollar amounts, insert

``(reduced by $23,500,000)''.

After title II, insert the following new title (and

redesignate the subsequent title and sections accordingly):

Thank you, Mr. Castle, for yielding me this time.

I couldn't let this opportunity pass without congratulating the University of North Carolina, the Tar Heels, and my friend and colleague, Mr. Price, for offering this resolution, and I strongly support it.

As an alumnus of the University of Kentucky, a frequent rival of the Tar Heels on the basketball court and a frequent national champion itself, we recognize that excellence of the North Carolina basketball program and its great coach, who has distinguished himself in so many different ways.

So from the SEC, we want to congratulate the ACC and particularly the University of North Carolina for the great season and the great seasons that that school has had.

I resided in Franklin, North Carolina, back in 1957, 1958, working at a radio station in Franklin, and that was the time when the State was developing the Research Triangle, which has been a sterling program for the Nation and the home of these great universities that populate that part of North Carolina and what a great amount of progress the State has made in those years.

So I count myself a great admirer of the State of North Carolina and especially of this basketball program, which has meant so much to the young people going through that great university. It exemplifies, I think, the excellence of that system, that school.

So I stand here, from the University of Kentucky, and we have had our knocks the past few years; but watch out, we're coming back.

I want to congratulate David and all the Carolinians who are supporting this resolution and add one more voice, this time from the SEC, in congratulations to UNC.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the countless number of volunteers who made a difference and helped the Commonwealth of Kentucky recover from the devastating ice storm of January 2009.

On January 26, 2009, the Commonwealth of Kentucky suffered a catastrophic ice storm that left more than 700,000 homes and businesses without electricity and tragically claimed the lives of over 30 Kentuckians. This is the worst natural disaster in the history of the Bluegrass State.

Together, State and local municipalities organized relief efforts by coordinating volunteer agencies, faith-based groups and community organizations. This quick action made the difference for the hundreds of thousands that were stranded across the Commonwealth.

Total, volunteers hailed from 25 organizations in 15 States, operated 192 shelters for victims, distributed more than 378,160 meals, and provided 7,884 Kentuckians with shelter, food and water. Furthermore, 4,600 members of the Kentucky National Guard were activated and helped the Bluegrass State recover.

I also rise to commend the courage of the citizens of Kentucky and the bravery and kindness demonstrated from the volunteers who took the time to help the Bluegrass State recover from the destructive ice storm of 2009.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the staff of the Pikeville Kentucky Social Security Office for their strong, effective, and compassionate service to the people of Kentucky. Their dedication and service has earned them the prestigious Social Security's Administration's Best Level Two Office in the Atlanta Region Award.

Social Security plays an important role in the lives of more Americans than any other federal program. Whether providing a Social Security number for a newborn baby, mailing a check to a retired worker, or helping a disabled individual receive benefits, the Social Security Administration touches the lives of everyone.

The field office in Pikeville, Kentucky, is a shining example for this extensive federal agency. The Pikeville staff consistently goes beyond the call of duty to provide valuable benefits to the people of Kentucky. Because of this unwavering commitment to helping others, the Social Security Administration recognized the Pikeville Office as the Best Level Two Office in the Atlanta Region. This is the highest honor a social security office can receive.

This award would not be possible if it weren't for the committed individuals who have dedicated their lives to public service. The Pikeville office is professional, courteous, and goes above and beyond in order to ensure the highest quality of service to all those who are in need of their assistance. This award is a reflection of each and every employee's exceptional performance in delivering quality public- centered service in a timely and efficient manner.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of my colleagues and myself, I want to thank the staff at the Pikeville Social Security Office for their hard work and dedication to serving the people of Kentucky. These fine Americans are an inspiration to us all, and I salute them for their commitment to helping others.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of the Bluegrass State's most impressive politicians and the longest serving Mayor in the great Commonwealth of Kentucky, Mayor of Booneville, Mr. Charles Long.

Since being elected to the office of Mayor 50 years ago, Mayor Long has set a high standard for public service and politics in Booneville. As a politician, Mayor Long has accomplished a rare political success by having never been contested in an election. The people of Booneville, Kentucky have stood behind Mayor Long and threw their support behind him for 50 consecutive years.

Understanding his legacy of public service provides insight to his longstanding political success. Mayor Long serves the county seat of the third poorest county in the United States but despite the obstacles created by poverty, Mayor Long has brought an insurmountable measure of hope to Owsley County through city water and sewer projects. One hundred percent of the city of Booneville is served by city water, as well as 98 percent of the county. Upon completion of an ongoing sewer project, half of Owsley County will also have sewer service.

Mayor Long understands the necessities of the constituents he represents. Everyday modern privileges, like water and sewer, that are so often taken for granted, are a desired commodity for people in the most rural parts of our Nation. Through hard work and determination Mayor Long has been able to meet the needs of Booneville and bring city water and sewer to an area of the country that had waited a long time for this benefit.

In addition to his success in public service, Mayor Long is also celebrating 70 years of marriage to his lovely wife, Ruth. They have raised two children and their family continues to grow with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mayor Long is an honest and caring family man whose work ethic is unmatched--in 50 years he still hasn't missed a day in City Hall.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a dedicated public servant in my home state of Kentucky, Booneville Mayor Charles Long. We should all strive to be as dedicated to the people we serve, as Mayor Long has been for more than five decades. I congratulate Mayor Long on his tenure in office, his 70th wedding anniversary and wish him all the best in the years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 2008-2009 Bell County High School Football Team, who captured the Kentucky High School Athletic Association Class 4-A State Championship Title. The tremendous athletes should be proud of their talent and ability, and know that I am honored to recognize their athletic achievement.

Bell County has a long history of great football teams. The Bobcats have defeated formidable opponents in years pasts and gone on to win multiple championships, along with district and regional titles. This year's State Championship should come as no surprise given the drive and dedication in each of the team's players.

The Bell County Bobcats defeated a tough team from Bullitt East, winning 15-13 in the State final. More than six thousand fans filled the Cardinal Stadium to witness these focused young men put their athletic ability and knowledge of the game to the highest test. The Bobcats dominated the second half of the football game, scoring 15 unanswered points and stopping a two-point conversion attempt by the young men of Bullitt East with a mere ten seconds left.

This Championship Title reflects the wisdom of their coach, Dudley Hilton. Coach Hilton led the Bobcats to their first undefeated season with 15 straight wins and the team's second State Title. The team's unwavering determination was demonstrated in the last three games of this season's playoffs when each time they came back from behind to claim victory. These experiences and life lessons learned on the field will be carried on after the game and continue to shape these athletes into young men of promise and outstanding character.

It is my hope that this Championship will inspire not only young men on this team, but younger generations, to have the same determination when they face obstacles later in life. Commitment, courage and character was demonstrated by each and every one of these teammates and these qualities will bring continued success both on and off the field.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring coach Dudley Hilton and the Bell County High School 2008-2009 Football Team as the KHSAA Class 4A State Champions. Bell County's continued success has helped to shape the lives of so many students and members of the community, and I congratulate them and wish them all the best in the years to come.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on congressionally-directed funding, I am submitting the following information for publication in the Congressional Record regarding funding included in H.R. 1105, the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009.

Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Account: Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs--Byrne Discretionary Grants

Legal Name of Recipient: Operation UNITE

Address of Recipient: 2292 South Highway 27, Somerset, KY 42501

Description of Request: Provide $4,450,000 in directed funding to Operation UNITE, a comprehensive program to combat the scourge of drug abuse in southern and eastern Kentucky by coordinating federal, state and local efforts in law enforcement, treatment and education. Operation UNITE has arrested 2,939 drug dealers and removed over $8.4 million worth of drugs off the street, including 83,426 prescription pills, 450 pounds of marijuana, 14 pounds of meth and 20 pounds of cocaine. Over 1,890 non-violent offenders have participated in UNITE- funded drug courts, and more than 1,360 individuals grappling with addiction have received vouchers for treatment. Funding in FY09 will be used to continue vital enforcement activities, effective treatment programs partnered with local governments, community organizations and faith-based groups, as well as expand an intensive education program to warn school children of the dangers of drug abuse.

Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Account: NOAA--Operations, Research and Facilities

Legal Name of Recipient: Eastern Kentucky PRIDE, Inc.

Address of Recipient: 2292 South Highway 27, Somerset, KY 42501

Description of Request: Provide $1,000,000 in directed funding for Eastern Kentucky PRIDE, Inc., the first initiative specifically created to solve severe environmental degradation problems in southern and eastern Kentucky. PRIDE, a non-profit organization, unites citizens with the resources of federal, state and local governments in order to improve water quality in the region, clean up illegal trash dumps and other solid waste, and promote environmental awareness and education to break the cycle of pollution. To date, PRIDE has recruited more than 262,000 volunteers, provided 28,089 homes with access to sanitary wastewater treatment, and cleaned up 131,408 tons of trash.

Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Account: Department of Justice--COPS Law Enforcement Technology

Legal Name of Recipient: Pulaski County Sheriff's Department

Address of Recipient: P.O. Box 752, Somerset, KY 42502

Description of Request: Provide $50,000 in directed funding for the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department, which currently owns a 1972 OH58 Bell 4-seater helicopter for law enforcement and other emergency service requests within a 100-mile radius in southern and eastern Kentucky. The coverage area requires sound communications operating equipment with a service area that includes mountainous terrain, expansive Lake Cumberland and the Daniel Boone National Forest. The helicopter's land-based on-board communications equipment is outdated and often fails to function properly, creating problems during search and rescue, law enforcement activities and surveillance. This funding will support equipment upgrades that will eliminate existing communications barriers between the helicopter and local/emergency service organizations and ensure timely and effective response to law enforcement and medical emergencies in the region.

Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Account: Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs--Byrne Discretionary Grants

Legal Name of Recipient: National Crime Prevention Council

Address of Recipient: 2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 500, Arlington, VA 22202

Description of Request: Provide directed funding of $500,000 for the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) to continue valuable crime prevention activities which directly benefit the Kentucky Crime Prevention Coalition based in Erlanger, Ky. Authorized under Section 626 of P.L. 109-248, NCPC's Crime Prevention Campaign aims to respond to traditional crime, emerging crime trends and changing crime prevention needs in communities around the country, including southeastern Kentucky. NCPC works to help people keep themselves, their families and their communities safe from crime by producing tools that communities can use to learn crime prevention strategies, engage community members, and coordinate with local law enforcement agencies. FY09 funding will be utilized to continue these important activities.

Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Account: Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs--Byrne Discretionary Grants

Legal Name of Recipient: SEARCH, National Consortium for Justice Information Statistics

Address of Recipient: 7311 Greenhaven Drive, Suite 145, Sacramento,

Mr. Speaker, I rise in reluctant opposition to this bill. While I'm very grateful for the funding items included for my district--items that combat rampant drug abuse, clean up our waterways, and promote economic development for the citizens of southern and eastern Kentucky--I am compelled to evaluate the whole bill before casting my vote.

Because of the runaway and wasteful spending items, continued abuse of the appropriations process for political ends, and misguided policy riders, I cannot compromise my core values, and must oppose this legislation.

First, fiscal discipline. There is no evidence of it here. It was just two weeks ago that this body passed a bloated, trillion-dollar stimulus bill--a wrong-headed piece of legislation that was much more of a down payment on a radical, left-leaning agenda, than the true jolt our struggling economy actually needed.

The omnibus legislation before us today is simply the second act, funding many of the same wasteful programs as before, with no accountability, and represents the largest single increase in domestic spending in 30 years. We are putting our children and grandchildren at perilous risk--borrowing money we don't have, and plunging our country even further into debt. It is not sustainable in the long term, and I fear our actions will only worsen the economic situation our country currently faces.

Secondly, this bill was crafted in secrecy, out of public sight, and five months behind schedule. The bills being considered today, totaling over $410 billion dollars, have never even been considered on the floor of this body until today. They have been crafted and negotiated by staff under the direction of the Speaker of the House without the involvement of the vast majority of Members of Congress. No amendments, virtually no debate, and no public scrutiny. This process has been more dictative than legislative, with the Speaker holding the megaphone.

And finally, this bill is littered with questionable policy riders that are an affront to the conservative principles and family values many of us hold dear. Most alarming to me is the assault on the rights of the unborn--the most vulnerable citizens of our society; $545 million is designated for foreign ``family planning'' clinics, ensuring that overseas abortions will be performed with U.S. taxpayer dollars for the first time in nearly a decade. Even more egregious, the bill reverses long-standing policy, and actually allows U.S. funds to flow to foreign organizations that support coercive abortions and involuntary sterilizations. These provisions, combined with drastic cuts in abstinence education, seem designed to promote an ``abortion first'' policy in this country, and I cannot stand idly by and in good conscience vote for a piece of legislation that does that.

Mr. Speaker, it didn't need to be this way. There was ample opportunity for bipartisanship and enacting sound fiscal policies throughout this process. Instead, we have another flawed bill, crafted under a cloak of darkness.

This body is capable of far better, and I urge Members to oppose this bill.

I want to thank the ranking member for this time.

Mr. Speaker, throughout our country's storied history, we've witnessed some truly extraordinary efforts from the floor of this hallowed Chamber to address our country's most dire needs. We've stood united, setting geographic and party labels aside, to pass legislation that pushed our country forward.

In the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, in the shadow of 9/11, in the wake of numerous natural disasters, this body has traditionally responded by pulling together to produce results for the American people.

But today, Mr. Speaker, sadly, is not one of those extraordinary moments.

Thousands of pages of text, given to us at midnight last night, the Speaker even preventing it from being read to us by the House Clerk, 90 minutes of debate only--some Members will not even be allowed to speak a word for or against this monstrosity--and $790 billion of spending, the largest bill ever to pass through this body.

Hardly any Member, Republican or Democrat, was allowed to help work and write up this bill. This bill was written by the Speaker of the House, with absolutely no collaboration with the Republican side of the aisle and, frankly, little with even Democrats. The principles of democracy are being compromised here today, now.

The American people deserve better. The Members of this Chamber deserve better. And our Founding Fathers expected better.

At best, all you're going to do here today, Mr. Speaker, is ram through this Congress an ill-conceived, wrong-headed, misdirected spending spree. This bill is not targeted toward creating jobs like we wanted. It's just spending a borrowed trillion dollars that our children, grandkids, even great-grandkids are going to have to pay.

When all is said and done with today, and the balloons are put away and the champagne toasts are over, we will leave a whopping and record- breaking $12.1 trillion debt for our children to try to mop up. Even worse, leading experts tell us more every day, the results of this bill will not jump-start our economy or create real high-wage jobs.

Reject the bill.

Mr. Speaker, they say just the exact opposite. That the inflation this spree will cause will only further our fragile economy. The world markets are bracing for the worst as our nation tries to sell a record level of Treasury notes. At the same time, foreign nations are posting huge deficits of their own and selling their own bonds. This competition only impedes the very businesses you and I want to see grow, prosper and expand.

Mr. Speaker, as a result, I fear that interest rates will soar, inflation will rise, and the value of the dollar will plummet.

The President has spoken correctly of our need for immediate action. However, the American people would be better off with a thoughtful, comprehensive bill that creates jobs by keeping taxes low, incentives for our small businesses to expand, and reigns in wasteful spending. We offered such a bill. It was refused. Instead, we have a hasty product that will actually do our country harm.

Let us rise to the occasion and pass a bill that brings this Chamber together with a plan for genuine stimulus, rather than political gain. I urge rejection of this Conference Report.

Mr. Speaker, on the so-called stimulus bill, instead of engaging in constructive solutions to address the economic crisis gripping the Nation, the majority chooses to take advantage of it, using fear tactics to try and shame us into supporting an over $1 trillion spending package loaded with questionable programs that have nothing to do with getting the American people back to work.

At the end of January, the Federal debt stood at a whopping $10.6 trillion, a third of which was held by foreign nations, mainly and namely, Communist China. This month, the Treasury has already announced a record debt sale, thanks in part to our failed $700 billion Wall Street bailout. A staggering $941 billion was added to our children's tab this year alone, and with passage of this latest package, the Federal debt will reach a record $13 trillion by the end of fiscal 2009.

In the next few months, for the first time in world history, the United States will be offering for sale on the market upwards of $5 trillion worth of Treasury notes. Who's going to buy those notes? Will we have to raise interest to attract that capital? What happens when we raise interest rates? That means inflation takes over and the devaluation of the dollar continues unabated. That's what the result will be.

And while the majority celebrates over the so-called stimulus package, the effects of this bill will be the opposite: interest rates will soar, inflation will rise, the value of the dollar will plummet.

The world has never seen a nation borrow so much money in the span of just a few months. Any temporary gains or glamorous headlines brought on by this stimulus bill will soon be forgotten when the recession deepens, and our children bear the long- term effects of a massive government spending spree.

Mr. Chairman, there is no question but that the Congress must act swiftly and boldly to counteract the downturn in the economy. But there's a difference between actions that are swift and bold and spending huge sums of borrowed money irresponsibly.

When the dust finally settles on this boondoggle, perhaps then we will face the facts regarding this colossal trillion dollar spending bill. And the fact is that the Pelosi-Obey bill isn't an economic stimulus plan at all, but a rampant spending spree, much of which has nothing to do with bailing out a sagging economy, but with a liberal litany of left-leaning, big government programs.

We need a true stimulus bill. That much we can all agree on. But it needs to be aimed directly at creating jobs. It needs to give real incentives to small businesses, which create three out of four new jobs in the country. It needs to have a strict oversight program, given the recent TARP fiasco. And it needs to solely focus on stimulating the economy, not a mandate to overspend on a broad range of government programs.

First, this bill is not aimed directly at job creation. According to the Congressional Budget Office, a nonpartisan office, only 40 percent of the discretionary funds in this bill will actually stimulate the economy and create jobs by 2010. Economists all across the Nation question the wisdom of the U.S. Government's competing for debt financing, when our small businesses are

struggling to refinance their own debt. How does squeezing out our small business owners help create jobs in this troubled economy?

Editorial boards across the country are questioning the spending priorities that have needlessly crept into this bill: $50 million for the National Endowment for the Arts, $200 million for tree trimming and sod planting on the National Mall, $150 million for Smithsonian facility upgrades, $16 billion in Pell grants for college students.

To quote The Washington Post, which I rarely do: ``All of those ideas may have merit, but why do they belong in an emergency measure aimed to kick-start the economy?''

If the majority wants to debate funding for the arts, let's do it in the annual Interior Appropriations bill. If the majority wants to increase Pell grant funding, bring it up through the annual education spending bill that's coming up shortly. And if you want to go out and borrow another $825 billion from your children in the name of saving the economy, we should demand that it be spent producing jobs for Americans.

The true drivers of this economy, the small business owners, are literally left out in the cold. While we're planting sod and cleaning up trash on the National Mall to the tune of $200 million, we are only allocating a fraction of that amount to our small business owners across the Nation in the form of tax breaks. It's not hard to see where the true priorities lie with this majority.

Second, who knows where this money will go? The bill fails to demand a full accounting of the funds before they are allocated. Last week's disapproval vote of more TARP funds would make you think that we'd learned a thing or two about writing a blank check to the administration without seeing how they intend to spend it. But apparently we haven't.

When the Appropriations Committee considered this legislation last week, the minority put forth several thoughtful, fiscally-responsible proposals to prioritize infrastructure investment and demand greater accountability, all denied on a party-line vote.

I proposed an amendment that withheld a portion of these funds until a simple spending plan was submitted to Congress, a plan requiring expenditure details, all rejected. It's a sad day when the majority won't even allow the formulation of a plan before spending bonanzas begin.

Mr. Chairman, this bill should be about encouraging our small businesses to create jobs and providing the proper oversight and accountability that working families deserve. Unfortunately, this bill fails miserably on both counts.

If money is no object, if success is not your goal, if accountability is not important to you, vote for this bill. But I urge Members to oppose this bill and support a bill that actually creates jobs and demands accountability for the taxpayers.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, a true statesman, who now holds the prestigious record as Kentucky's longest serving U.S. Senator. It is truly an honor for the Commonwealth of Kentucky to be served by such an accomplished and determined leader.

I remember the early days when Mitch first arrived in Washington, D.C., wandering the halls of Congress, but leaning on his experience as a local Judge-Executive in Jefferson County seeking compromise and working to solve problems. Today he is the Republican Leader in the United States Senate and is known for his mastery of parliamentary procedure, his ability to unite the Senate Republicans--which is no small feat--and standing firm on his conservative principles.

An advocate for Eastern Kentucky families, Mitch is a great friend of mine who understands the needs of the Bluegrass State and does everything he can to help those who need it most. Mitch is rightly credited for being an integral part of one of the greatest legislative achievements in Kentucky history, which were his efforts to pass the tobacco buyout. Many observers said the buyout would be impossible to arrange; however, Mitch dived in head first and with great focus was able to successfully push forward legislation that has allowed Kentucky farmers to transition to other crops and properly reimbursed quota holders. He should be proud of his efforts as he saved thousands of farmers and their families.

Always wanting to move Kentucky forward, Mitch has worked tirelessly to strengthen higher education which has benefitted millions in the Bluegrass State. By improving our universities, Mitch has not only helped our students succeed but has helped to bolster communities, create new jobs and build a strong workforce for the Commonwealth. Kentucky's future leaders have been awarded many new opportunities thanks to Mitch.

In addition to all he has done for the Commonwealth, Mitch is known as a fierce campaigner who did the seemingly impossible when he first defeated an incumbent Senator in 1984, and then went on to lay the foundation for the resurgence of the Kentucky Republican Party. Republican success within Kentucky is due in large part to Mitch's vision and hard work.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Senator Mitch McConnell and his accomplishment as Kentucky's longest serving Senator. He is truly a legend in the Commonwealth and I look forward to his continued successes.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Murrell Mitchell, Sr., a pillar of the community in Corbin, Kentucky, who sadly passed away on November 18, 2008 at the age of 91.

Murrell's life was a testament to his love for his community, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, his country, and the Lord. A hard worker and small business owner, Murrell was a fixture of southeastern Kentucky. In addition to his entrepreneurial efforts, Murrell also served as a member of the Knox County Kentucky School Board, as well as three terms as a Knox County Magistrate.

Murrell was also devoted to serving the Lord and working in his church, the Grace Baptist Church in Corbin Kentucky, where he was a deacon for many years. As a faithful member of the congregation for most of his life, Murrell also served as Sunday school director as well as church treasurer.

Through all of his successes, Murrell had a deep abiding love for his family. He was married to his wife, Opal, for over 70 years. Together they have been the loving parents of 7 children, 15 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. Murrell's presence as father, grandfather, deacon, and rock of the community will be sorely missed.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in honoring the memory of Murrell Mitchell. Although he has departed from us in body, his memory will live on in each of us

who were honored to know him. While we will miss him in this life, we know that his residence today is far better than ours is here. And we will be satisfied in that knowledge until we meet again.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my good friend Terry Everett, whom I have had the distinct pleasure of serving with in this House for nearly 2 decades. After 16 years of diligently representing the people of the second district of Alabama, he will be retiring when the 110th Congress adjourns. I want to take this opportunity to wish him well and thank him for his friendship and dedication to the American people.

Terry is a man who knows the meaning of hard work. His father was a sharecropper and worked on the railroad, instilling a strong work ethic with Terry and his siblings at an early age. Terry never forgot those lessons, and served his country with honor as an Air Force intelligence specialist in Europe before returning home to Dothan, Alabama, in 1959. He joined the staff of the Dothan Eagle as a beat reporter, and for 30 years climbed the corporate ladder with determination, working his way up to editor and publisher, and finally as the owner of his own newspaper chain. He has brought the same dedication and work-horse attitude to the House of Representatives.

In his service in the House, Terry has devoted himself to ensuring that the United States remains safe and secure for our children and grandchildren from the growing threat of international terrorists and rogue states. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, he has led the way for the United States to be on the cutting edge of military technology by pressing for advances in our Missile Defense System and in space technology, which is vital not only to our security at home, but also for our brave soldiers serving on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. His efforts have helped keep our Nation safe and strong in a time when threats to our security are quickly changing and adapting.

Madam Speaker, it has been an honor to have served with Terry Everett in this great body. I want to wish him and his family well as he embarks on the next chapter of his life. I know the people of Alabama, like me, are proud to know him.