Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and the memory of Revolutionary War Soldier James Anderson, Sr. of Buncombe County, North Carolina.

On Sunday, November 11, 2012 in the Western North Carolina town of Mars Hill, the memory of Private James Anderson, Sr., a Patriot and Revolutionary War Soldier, was honored by the dedication of hallowed ground and his final resting place. The ceremony was conducted by descendents of Pvt. Anderson, and honored guests, members of the Edward Buncombe Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and the Blue Ridge Mountains Chapter of the Georgia Society of the Sons of The American Revolution.

Private Anderson was a true American Patriot and a proud North Carolinian. He served under Captain James Bonnell Company which was part of Spencers New Jersey Regiment under Major General John Sullivan. James Anderson Sr. was engaged for service on June 26th, 1778 and served 159 days at the rank of Private.

It is with great respect that I commend and remember this brave soldier who joined hands with countless other patriots to achieve American independence. I hope that today's generation of young men and women will follow the shining example of patriotism and dedication to freedom modeled by Pvt. James Anderson and other Revolutionary War heroes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize SSgt. Nathan B. ``Nat'' Henry, U.S. Army, (Ret.) for his service to our country and the sacrifices he has endured. A lifelong resident of Macon County, North Carolina, Henry left the peace and tranquility of Western North Carolina to serve in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

Facing overwhelming odds, Henry survived a battle in the infamous Ia Drang Valley in 1967. His subsequent capture by enemy forces, however, left him in North Vietnamese prison camps until Operation Homecoming in 1973. His nearly six years in captivity holds the unenviable distinction of being one of the longest serving prisoners of the Vietnam War. Along with numerous other medals, Henry is the recipient of two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts.

Henry served his country valiantly during the war and has continued to show dedication to his country and community since. Upon returning home to his community, Henry continued in the path of service by serving as an original member of the Burningtown Volunteer Fire Department. Additionally, remaining ever steadfast in his commitment to the veterans community in Macon County, he continues to be active in almost all veteran-related activities in the area including serving as both President and Chairman for the Smoky Mountain Vietnam Veterans Chapter 994.

Mr. Speaker, today I offer thanks from a grateful nation for SSgt. Nathan B. ``Nat'' Henry's (Ret.) distinguished service and sacrifice. It is service such as Henry's that allows us to continue to enjoy the freedom that he fought to protect.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor several of the volunteers who have served in my district office over the past six years while I have been in office. A Member of Congress' most important responsibility is to provide exceptional constituent services and these volunteers have assisted my staff in providing the excellent assistance so many have come to expect from our district. I take great pride in the work that each one has done on my behalf and on behalf of everyone in the 11th Congressional District of North Carolina.

These volunteers have always treated our constituents with the utmost respect and always made sure their needs were met in a timely fashion. I owe a debt of gratitude to each one of them for the support and friendship they have shown to me during my years of service in Congress.

Sarah Warrick volunteered on my campaigns and served as an intern in my Washington, DC, office on multiple occasions. Through her many years of involvement, Sarah has proven to be a hard working and committed public servant to the people of the 11th District. She and her family have been among my most steadfast supporters from the beginning, and I am thankful for their loyalty and friendship.

Sarah has been a standout in my office and an important part of my team over the years. She has a bright future ahead of her regardless of what career path she chooses to take.

Sarah should be proud of the service she has provided to our district and country. It has been an honor to serve with Sarah and as I retire from office I wish her the very best in the future. Western North Carolina is a better place because of her efforts and I will cherish the memories of serving with Sarah and the team by my side.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and thanking Sarah Warrick for her hard work on behalf of all of western North Carolina and to wish her continued success in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the members of my Congressional Staff who have served with me the over the past six years while I have been in office. A Member of Congress' most important responsibility is to provide exceptional constituent services and my staff is second to none in providing the best assistance to everyone in our District. I take great pride in the work that each one has done on my behalf and on behalf of everyone in the 11th Congressional District of North Carolina.

Each District Staff member has shown a strong sense of dedication in meeting the needs of each and every one of our constituents. They often go well beyond the call to make sure each constituent is treated fairly and respectfully by our government agencies and that they receive appropriate resolution. I owe a debt of gratitude to each one of them for the support and friendship which they have shown me while I have served in Congress.

Myrna Campbell was among the first individuals to join me on the campaign trail and to serve as a member of my original District staff team. Myrna has been a steady force in making sure no constituent or issue ever slips through the cracks of bureaucracy. Her organizational skills and commitment to excellence on the job have served as a model for all of our staff. The words ``commitment'' and ``dependable'' immediately come to mind when I think of Myrna's work ethic.

In is no secret that Myrna is the glue that holds our District operation together. Myrna is loved and revered by her colleagues, and anyone who has ever worked with her can attest to her loyalty and kindness.

Myrna should be proud of the service she has provided to our District and country. It has been an honor to serve with her and as I retire from office I wish her the very best in the future. Western North Carolina is a better place because of her efforts and I will cherish the memories of serving with Myrna and the team by my side.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and thanking Myrna Campbell for her hard work on behalf of all of Western North Carolina and to wish her continued success in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the town of Hayesville, located in Clay County North Carolina surrounded by mountains and views of the Hiawassee River, Tusquittee Bald, Nantahala Forest and other picturesque scenery of Western North Carolina.

Hayesville has been the active center of Clay County since it was established in the 1800s. In 1860 George Hayes ran for a seat in the North Carolina House of Commons on a platform for creating a new county from the neighboring boundaries of Cherokee and Macon Counties. After his election, Rep. Hayes introduced a bill in February 1861 to establish Clay County and later received recognition for his efforts when Hayesville was named in his honor.

Small communities flourished as more settlers moved into the hills and valleys along streams and rivers of Clay County. The County Courthouse was constructed in 1888 on a knoll overlooking scenic mountain valleys as a center of commerce surrounded by a bank, hotel, churches, Tiger's Store and other merchants that formed a village square and the only town in Clay County. Finally in March of 1913, fifty years after the county was established, Hayesville was officially recognized as an ``incorporated town'' and County Seat of Clay County.

Hayesville continued to be the central mark of the county as roads were built and neighboring farmers would let others know they were making a trip to town and offered to bring back supplies. Eventually the population grew and Hayesville became a flourishing small town reflecting North Carolina mountain culture, hometown values and rural area accomplishments with Appalachian and Americana flavor that continues today.

The historic Courthouse Square is still the center of activity and a special public gathering will be held in March 2013 at Town Hall in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the designation of the town of Hayesville as the County Seat of Clay County. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in Hayesville's Centennial recognition and contributions to our national heritage and the great state of North Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the members of my congressional staff who have served with me over the past six years while I have been in office. A Member of Congress' most important responsibility is to provide exceptional constituent services and my staff is second to none in providing the best assistance to everyone in our district. I take great pride in the work that each one has done on my behalf and on behalf of everyone in the 11th Congressional District of North Carolina.

Each District staff member has shown a strong sense of dedication in meeting the needs of each and every one of our constituents. They often go well beyond the call to make sure each constituent is treated fairly and respectfully by our government agencies and that they receive appropriate resolution. I owe a debt of gratitude to each one of them for the support and friendship which they have shown me while I have served in Congress.

Bruce Peterson served as my first District Director. In this key role, Bruce was the driving force behind establishing every detail of our district operation. Bruce's knowledge of local government and officials proved invaluable as we developed relationships and methods for providing top-notch services to folks across western North Carolina. Bruce used his extensive background as a school administrator to help develop the excellent constituent services that our office has been recognized for during these past six years of service.

Bruce should be proud of the service he has provided to our district and country. It has been an honor to serve with him and as I retire from office I wish him the very best in the future. Western North Carolina is a better place because of his efforts and I will cherish the memories of serving with Bruce and the team by my side.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and thanking Bruce Peterson for his hard work on behalf of all of western North Carolina and to wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the members of my Congressional Staff who have served with me over the past six years while I have been in office. A Member of Congress' most important responsibility is to provide exceptional constituent services and my team is second to none in providing the best assistance to all in our District. My Washington, D.C. office is also tasked with researching, processing, analyzing, and making recommendations on an infinite number of reports, policies, and legislation. I could not ask for a more talented or dedicated team, and I take great pride in the work that each staff member has done not only on my behalf, but also on behalf of the 11th Congressional District of North Carolina and the United States.

My team has shown a strong sense of dedication to meeting the needs of our constituency. I owe a debt of gratitude to each one of them for the support and friendship they have shown me during my six years of service in the Congress.

A very special thank you goes to Erin ``Doty'' Georges, who is the longest serving staff member in my Washington, D.C. office and has been a member of my team since day one. After contributing to my first campaign's victory, Erin took on a number of portfolios and responsibilities in my Washington office, excelling at each and eventually rising to the influential position of Legislative Director. Erin has served as a trusted advisor on a broad range of issues, but none more so than health care policy. In this, Erin is regarded as one the best and most capable among her

colleagues, and her expertise was critical to my active participation in the great health care reform debate of 2008.

As Legislative Director, Erin has done an outstanding job leading and mentoring the legislative staff, all of whom hold her in the highest regard and trust and respect her guidance.

Erin is one of the most loyal and dedicated legislative staff members on Capitol Hill. She has proven her talents and capabilities again and again over the years, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside her and blessed to call her a friend.

Erin should be proud of the service she has provided to our District and country. It has been an honor to serve with her and as I retire from office I wish her the very best in the future. Western North Carolina is a better place because of her efforts and I will cherish the memories of serving with Erin and the team by my side.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and thanking Erin ``Doty'' Georges for her hard work on behalf of all of Western North Carolina and to wish her continued success in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the members of my Congressional Staff who have served with me over the past six years while I have been in office. A Member of Congress' most important responsibility is to provide exceptional constituent services and my team is second to none in providing the best assistance to all in our District. My Washington, DC office is also tasked with researching, processing, analyzing, and making recommendations on an infinite number of reports, policies, and legislation. I could not ask for a more talented or dedicated team, and I take great pride in the work that each staff member has done not only on my behalf, but also on behalf of the 11th Congressional District of North Carolina and the United States.

My team has shown a strong sense of dedication to meeting the needs of our constituency. I owe a debt of gratitude to each one of them for the support and friendship which they have shown me while I have served in Congress.

Ryan Fitzpatrick served as a member of my team from 2006 to March 2011. After helping lead me to victory during my first campaign, Ryan quickly ascended the ranks in my Washington office and became one of my most trusted and hardest working legislative assistants.

During his time in my office, Ryan played an integral role in shaping my legislative portfolio and in helping me achieve many of my proudest legislative accomplishments. Ryan's knowledge of Western North Carolina, combined with his determination and in-depth understanding of energy, environmental, and conservation issues, proved critical in securing the North Shore Road settlement agreement and negotiating key provisions in the American Clean Energy Security Act of 2009.

Ryan should be proud of the service he has provided to our District and country. It has been an honor to serve with him and as I retire from office I wish him the very best in the future. Western North Carolina is a better place because of his efforts and I will cherish the memories of serving with Ryan and the team by my side.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and thanking Ryan Fitzpatrick for his hard work on behalf of all of Western North Carolina and to wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the members of my Congressional Staff who have served with me over the past six years while I have been in office. A Member of Congress' most important responsibility is to provide exceptional constituent services and my team is second to none in providing the best assistance to all in our District. My Washington, DC office is also tasked with researching, processing, analyzing, and making recommendations on an infinite number of reports, policies, and legislation. I could not ask for a more talented or dedicated team, and I take great pride in the work that each staff member has done not only on my behalf, but also on behalf of the 11th Congressional District of North Carolina and the United States.

My team has shown a strong sense of dedication to meeting the needs of our constituency. I owe a debt of gratitude to each one of them for the support and friendship which they have shown me while I have served in Congress.

Frankie Berger joined my Washington, DC office in 2009. She performed each of her

roles with a dedication to success and was instrumental in making sure that constituents who wrote to me with issues or concerns understood that we valued their input by helping me to provide a timely and thorough response to all. Frankie also had a great reputation in the District for always looking out for constituent job opportunities in Western North Carolina. No matter the day, one thing I could always count on was Frankie's cheerful disposition and optimistic outlook on life.

Frankie should be proud of the service she has provided to our District and country. It has been an honor to serve with her and as I retire from office I wish her the very best in the future. Western North Carolina is a better place because of her efforts and I will cherish the memories of serving with Frankie and the team by my side.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and thanking Frankie Berger for her hard work on behalf of all of Western North Carolina and to wish her continued success in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the members of my Congressional Staff who have served with me over the past six years while I have been in office. A Member of Congress' most important responsibility is to provide exceptional constituent services and my team is second to none in providing the best assistance to all in our District. My Washington, DC office is also tasked with researching, processing, analyzing, and making recommendations on an infinite number of reports, policies, and legislation. I could not ask for a more talented or dedicated team, and I take great pride in the work that each staff member has done not only on my behalf, but also on behalf of the 11th Congressional District of North Carolina and the United States.

My team has shown a strong sense of dedication to meeting the needs of our constituency. I owe a debt of gratitude to each one of them for the support and friendship which they have shown me while I have served in Congress.

Jed Bhuta joined our Washington, DC team as Legislative Director in 2009. Jed helped to shape my legislative agenda and managed the responsibilities associated with my role as Co-Chair of the Blue Dog Coalition. During Jed's tenure in the office, Congress considered several comprehensive and controversial pieces of legislation. Jed was a valued advisor as we navigated our way through the details of deeply complicated issues. Jed also demonstrated great leadership in the way he helped mentor the rest of the legislative staff, who both respected and trusted his guidance.

Jed should be proud of the service he has provided to our District and country. It has been an honor to serve with him and as I retire from office I wish him the very best in the future. Western North Carolina is a better place because of his efforts and I will cherish the memories of serving with Jed and the team by my side.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and thanking Jed Bhuta for his hard work on behalf of all of western North Carolina and to wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the members of my Congressional Staff who have served with me over the past six years while I have been in office. A Member of Congress' most important responsibility is to provide exceptional constituent services and my team is second to none in providing the best assistance to all in our District. My Washington, D.C. office is also tasked with researching, processing, analyzing, and making recommendations on an infinite number of reports, policies, and legislation. I could not ask for a more talented or dedicated team, and I take great pride in the work that each staff member has done not only on my behalf, but also on behalf of the 11th Congressional District of North Carolina and the United States.

My team has shown a strong sense of dedication to meeting the needs of our constituency. I owe a debt of gratitude to each one of them for the support and friendship they have shown me during my six years of service in the Congress.

Brandi Lowell has been an invaluable asset to my office since joining our team in 2011. Brandi quickly became one of my closest and most trusted advisors in her capacities as Legislative Director and later as Chief of Staff. Her extensive policy knowledge, keen political instincts, professionalism and commitment to excellence are unrivaled.

As Chief of Staff, Brandi has done an outstanding job leading, managing, and motivating our office team. Brandi has been the driving force behind many of my major legislative achievements in the 112th Congress. She has been a key player in bipartisan, bicameral deficit reduction efforts throughout her time in my office and played a major part in the success of the ``Go Big'' Coalition. Brandi is regarded as one of the sharpest and most capable, most loyal legislative staff members on Capitol Hill, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside her and blessed to call her a friend.

Brandi should be proud of the service she has provided to our District and country. It has been an honor to serve with Brandi and as I retire from office I wish her the very best in the future. Western North Carolina is a better place because of her efforts and I will cherish the memories of serving with Brandi and the team by my side.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and thanking Brandi Lowell for her hard work on behalf of all of western North Carolina and the United States and to wish her continued success in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the members of my Congressional Staff who have served with me over the past six years while I have been in office. A Member of Congress' most important responsibility is to provide exceptional constituent services and my team is second to none in providing the best assistance to all in our District. My Washington, D.C. office is also tasked with researching, processing, analyzing, and making recommendations on an infinite number of reports, policies, and legislation. I could not ask for a more talented or dedicated team, and I take great pride in the work that each staff member has done not only on my behalf, but also on behalf of the 11th Congressional District of North Carolina and the United States.

My team has shown a strong sense of dedication to meeting the needs of our constituency. I owe a debt of gratitude to each one of them for the support and friendship which they have shown me while I have served in Congress.

Grant Carlisle has been a part of my Washington, D.C. office since August 2010. From the very beginning, I have been impressed with his work ethic and attention to detail. Grant has proven himself to have a comprehensive understanding of every issue for which he is responsible, as well as the ability to efficiently and effectively communicate details of an issue, both verbally and in writing. Each of Grant's various roles has required expediency and precision, and he has proven himself to be a dedicated member of the staff in every capacity.

Grant should be proud of the service he has provided to our District and country. It has been an honor to serve with him and as I retire from office I wish him the very best in the future. western North Carolina is a better place because of his efforts and I will cherish the memories of serving with Grant and the team by my side.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and thanking Grant Carlisle for his hard work on behalf of all of Western North Carolina and to wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor several of the volunteers who have served in my district office over the past six years while I have been in office. A Member of Congress' most important responsibility is to provide excellent constituent services and these volunteers have assisted my staff in providing the exceptional assistance so many have come to expect in our district. I take great pride in the work that each one has done on my behalf and on behalf of everyone in the 11th Congressional District of North Carolina.

These volunteers have always treated our constituents with the utmost respect and made sure their needs were met in a timely fashion. I owe a debt of gratitude to each one of them for the support and friendship which they have shown me while I have served in Congress.

Jack McCarthy played a valuable role as a volunteer from the very beginning of my time in Congress. I could always count on Jack to make sure visitors to our District office felt genuinely respected and listened to. Jack's calming voice and demeanor provided confidence to the countless constituents who called in need of critical assistance. Jack's friendship and support over these past six years have been invaluable, and I will take with me his many wise and uplifting affirmations.

Jack should be proud of the service he has provided to our District and country. It has been an honor to serve with Jack and as I retire from office I wish him the very best in the future. Western North Carolina is a better place because of his efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and thanking Jack McCarthy for his hard work on behalf of all of Western North Carolina and to wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the members of my Congressional Staff who have served with me over the past six years while I have been in office. A Member of Congress' most important responsibility is to provide exceptional constituent services and my team is second to none in providing the best assistance to all in our District. My Washington, D.C. office is also tasked with researching, processing, analyzing, and making recommendations on an infinite number of reports, policies, and legislation. I could not ask for a more talented or dedicated team, and I take great pride in the work that each staff member has done not only on my behalf, but

also on behalf of the 11th Congressional District of North Carolina and the United States.

My team has shown a strong sense of dedication to meeting the needs of our constituency. I owe a debt of gratitude to each one of them for the support and friendship which they have shown me while I have served in Congress.

Mike Lukso has served as a member of my Washington, D.C. staff since April of this year. In his first role, Mike coordinated and managed our constituent mail system in addition to handling a full portfolio of legislative issues. To perform these two jobs simultaneously is no small task, but Mike succeeded handily at both. Mike was quickly promoted to Legislative Assistant where he continued to prove his strengths, including the ability to rapidly research and synthesize broad sources of information while at the same time successfully repackaging complicated information into more understandable parts, the latter a critical skill to effectively communicate policy to our various constituent groups. Further marking Mike as a staff member valued by all is his sharp sense of humor and dedication to teamwork.

Mike should be proud of the service he has provided to our District and county. It has been an honor to serve with him and as I retire from office I wish him the very best in the future. Western North Carolina is a better place because of his efforts and I will cherish the memories of serving with Mike and the team by my side.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and thanking Mike Lukso for his hard work on behalf of all of Western North Carolina and to wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor several of the volunteers who have served in my district office over the past six years while I have been in office. A Member of Congress' most important responsibility is to provide excellent constituent services and these volunteers have assisted my staff in providing the exceptional assistance so many have come to expect in our District. I take great pride in the work that each one has done on my behalf and on behalf of everyone in the 11th Congressional District of North Carolina.

These volunteers have always treated our constituents with the utmost respect and always made sure their needs were met in a timely fashion. I owe a debt of gratitude to each one of them for the support and friendship which they have shown me while I have served in Congress.

Diana McCarthy played a valuable role as a volunteer when I first took office. Diana provided valuable assistance to individuals who were struggling with cases before the Internal Revenue Service. Diana's ability to look at complex circumstances and provide wisdom and knowledge enabled constituents to feel confident that their voices were being heard and issues were being resolved.

Diana should be proud of the service she has provided to our District and country. It has been an honor to serve with Diana and as I retire from office I wish her the very best in the future. Western North Carolina is a better place because of her efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and thanking Diana McCarthy for her hard work on behalf of all of western North Carolina and to wish her continued success in her future endeavors.