Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

Mr. Chairman, I commend the gentleman from Massachusetts for introducing this bill to protect the Taunton River. I have the privilege of representing the mountains of western North Carolina, and I have seen the positive impact that sensible resource management has on a community.

I share the gentleman's commitment to protect America's wild and scenic rivers. However, I feel that additional clarification is needed to ensure that sportsmen will continue to enjoy the river and its surroundings. My amendment makes it clear that H.R. 415 does nothing to eliminate the access of the Taunton River for the purposes of hunting, fishing, trapping, or recreational shooting. These activities are an important element of the outdoor lifestyles enjoyed by thousands of families in this area.

The management and regulations of these activities traditionally have been the responsibilities of the States. This amendment makes it clear that this practice will not be interrupted by the Federal designation.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the amendment and the underlying legislation.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, once again, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this amendment.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Gene Ochsenreiter, a friend, athlete, and community leader. Mr. Ochsenreiter passed away in February of this year, and was honored at the 50th anniversary of the Western North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame Banquet recently.

Western North Carolina lost a sports giant in February. Mr. Ochsenreiter was the captain of the University of Maryland men's basketball team in 1941, and also ran with the University's track team. He was also the \1/2\ mile champion in the Southern Conference and Junior National AAU Championships. In Asheville, he won numerous golf championships at the Country Club of Asheville. In 1988, he was inducted into the Western North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.

Mr. Ochsenreiter was a leader on and off the court. In 1958, Mr. Ochsenreiter founded the Mountain Amateur Athletic Club in Western North Carolina. Twenty years later in 1978 Mr. Ochsenreiter helped to found the Western North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame to honor western North Carolina high school and college athletes and teams. During his tenure with the WNC Hall, Mr. Ochsenreiter expanded the scope of the Hall to include all sports, as well as the Special Olympics and academics. He was a firm believer that students should put their academics before their sports career, and this was reflected during his time with the WNC Hall of Fame.

Serving on the Asheville City Council and as a one-time mayor of Asheville, Mr. Ochsenreiter's contributions to Western North Carolina are endless.

As a member of the WNC Hall of Fame, I thank Mr. Ochsenreiter for his dedication and commitment to the Hall during his fifty years of service. He will be missed. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Gene Ochsenreiter.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the millions of veterans who served our country during the Vietnam War.

March 29th, 1973 marked the official departure of the last American troops in Vietnam.

During the longest military conflict in U.S. history, over 3 million Americans served in Southeast Asia. Over 58,000 Americans lost their lives and 304,000 additional Americans were wounded.

Those who fought to preserve our freedom in Vietnam have never received the hero's welcome they richly deserve.

Derrell Maxwell and the Veterans of Chapter 994 of Vietnam Veterans of America in Franklin, North Carolina recently approached me with an idea. They wanted Congress to commemorate March 29th as Vietnam Veterans Day.

I was proud to work with Chairman Filner to get the full House of Representatives on record in support of this idea. House Resolution 1231 calls on all Americans to take time each March 29th to remember all of the service members who defended our Nation in Vietnam.

We honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those held captive or missing in action, and those who sustained wounds, both seen and unseen. To all Vietnam veterans, including my constituents in Western North Carolina and those currently serving in this body, I offer my deepest thanks for your service to our Nation.

I urge passage of this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the memory of North Carolina State Trooper David Shawn Blanton, Jr. Trooper Blanton was a 2-year veteran of the North Carolina State Patrol and a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

While performing a traffic stop in Canton, NC, on the evening of June 17th, 2008, Trooper Blanton was shot twice and killed in the line of duty. He was 24 years old.

Trooper Blanton gave the ultimate sacrifice to serve and protect our community. He showed true courage through his determination to uphold the law and keep our highways safe. He leaves behind his wife and one child. I offer my sincere condolences to them and the rest of his family and friends. They are in my thoughts and prayers.

I would also like to offer my gratitude to the law enforcement officers of the Haywood County Sheriffs Office and the Canton Police Department who risked their lives to apprehend the man who shot Trooper Blanton and bring him to justice.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing remorse at to the passing of Trooper David Shawn Blanton, Jr. Trooper Blantons' life was an example of service for all of us to follow. I am grateful to his fellow State Troopers and all of North Carolina's law enforcement community for their dedication to keeping our communities safe every day.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to support H. Res. 1219, supporting and honoring the ideals of Flag Day. The American flag represents the freedom and democratic ideals of this nation and the brave Americans who have defended these ideals throughout our history.

Established in 1885, Flag Day commemorates the adoption of our flag on June 14, 1777. Bernard Cigrand, the Father of Flag Day, was the President of the American Flag Day Association and the National Flag Day Society. In 1894, he orchestrated a celebration of Flag Day in Chicago that brought together over 300,000 public school students. The celebration was such a success that it was continued the following year. The trend of observing Flag Day caught on and quickly spread to New York and Philadelphia. However, it was not until August 3rd, 1949 that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th as National Flag Day.

Today, we continue to honor Flag Day with a proclamation from the President urging U.S. citizens to fly the American flag from their homes for the duration of the June 14th week. Also, it is encouraged that all government buildings fly the American flag. On the second Sunday of June, the National Flag Day Foundation holds an annual observance for Flag Day. The program includes a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, singing of the National Anthem, a ceremonial rising of the flag, and a large parade. These types of celebrations play an important role in observing one of our nation's most important symbols, the American flag.

I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution to support the ideals of Flag Day. May we continue to recognize the symbol of our freedom and display our patriotism proudly.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of Juan Antonio ``Chi-Chi'' Rodriguez. Mr. Rodriguez was a native Puerto Rican who overcame the obstacles of poverty and became recognized as a renowned professional golfer, and a true inspiration to the Latino community.

Mr. Rodriguez has had nothing less than an exceptional career as a professional golfer. Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Rodriguez has a total of 38 professional wins, including 8 PGA tour wins, 22 Senior PGA wins, and wins in the Bahamas, Colombia, and in Panama. Because of Chi-Chi's distinguished sportsmanship throughout his career, in 1989 he was awarded the Bob Jones Award, which is the highest award given by the United States Golf Association. In 1989, he was also awarded the Tom Morris Award, from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. In 1992, Chi-Chi was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame This was a remarkable accomplishment because he was the first Puerto Rican honored into this elite group.

Mr. Rodriguez has not only been an inspiration on the course, but through his charitable work as well. He established the ``Chi-Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation'', an after school program at the Glen Oaks Golf Course in Clearwater, Florida. Chi-Chi and his staff work with children to improve their self-esteem, character, work ethic, social adjustment, and academic performance. His humanitarian work allowed him to be recognized as an inaugural inductee into the World Humanitarian Hall of Fame.

Madam Speaker, Juan ``Chi-Chi'' Rodriguez leads an exemplary life of public service and gives hope to the underprivileged children of America. He has used his success in his professional career to make a positive impact in many people's lives. Mr. Rodriguez is deserving of the utmost respect and recognition for his contributions to the youth of America. That is why I support H. Res. 1029, introduced by Mr. Gutierrez of Illinois.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the exemplary service of the fire and rescue workers of McDowell County, North Carolina, who work tirelessly to ensure the safety of our families and homes. I specially want to offer tribute to the fire and rescue workers, many of which are volunteers, who have been honored with awards from the McDowell Fire and Rescue Association.

Since colonial times predating the birth of the nation, volunteer groups have banded together to form brigades to protect towns and cities from fire and other types of devastation. Benjamin Franklin, one of this nation's founders, was also responsible for the creation of the first volunteer fire department in Philadelphia in 1735.

Since that date millions of Americans, driven by a deep sense of responsibility and compassion for their neighbors, have risked their lives on a daily basis to ensure the safety of others. Currently, over a million Americans serve their communities as fire fighters.

I would like to specifically honor the following individuals who have been named Firefighters and Rescue Persons of the Year by the McDowell Fire and Rescue Assocation: for the Ashford North Cove Fire Department, Thomas Swofford; for the Crooked Creek Fire Department, Glen Anderson; for the Dysartsville Fire Department, Billy Driggers; for the Glenwood Fire Department, Ryan Spencer and Curtis Grant; for the Hankins North Fork Fire Department, Charles Parker; for the Marion Fire Department, Amy Hudgins; for the Nebo Fire Department, Alan Snypes; for the Old Fort Fire Department, Nick Stafford; for the P.G. Fire Department, Bradley Wyatt; for the Sugar Hill Montford Cove Fire Department, David Patton; for the Woodlawn Fire Department, Lucas Davis; for the McDowell County Rescue Squad, Randy Freeman.

I want to offer tribute to the following First Responders of the Year: for the Ashford North Cove Fire Department, Bradley Washburn; for the Crooked Creek Fire Department, Kirk Lunsford; for the Dysartsville Fire Department, Jeff Walker; for the Glenwood Fire Department, Gene Morgan; for the Hankins North Fork Fire Department, Jimmy Hardin; for the Marion Fire Department, Phillip Finley; for the Nebo Fire Department, Shane Kirkpatrick; for the Old Fort Fire Department, Roy Crisp; for the P.G. Fire Department, Danny Killough; for the Sugar Hill Montford Cove Fire Department, Chris Parker; for the Woodlawn Fire Department, Gary Cook.

I would also like to recognize Brian Lonon, McDowell County Paramedic of the Year, and Derek Carlson, McDowell County Telecommunicator of the Year.

It is with great respect and gratitude that I commend these brave and dedicated fire and rescue workers. I am honored to be able to stand with the McDowell Fire and Rescue Association in recognizing their hard work and service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my gratitude to all of the employees of WestCare Health System.

When an unexpected event occurred at a neighboring hospital in Western North Carolina, the physicians and staff of WestCare Health System, which includes Harris Regional Hospital, recognized the urgency of the situation and took action to address a regional health care crisis. They made the necessary adjustments to serve both those in need of health care, and the professionals responsible for providing vital services, such as surgery and emergency care.

The services and credentialing staff of WestCare worked long hours to assist displaced physicians in obtaining the proper clearance needed to treat patients and perform surgeries at Harris Regional Hospital. Despite the increased patient volume, every member of the staff stepped in to do their part to help, ensuring that Harris Regional Hospital remained a clean, safe place to receive medical treatment.

The flexibility that this staff showed through this time is truly something to be appreciated and admired. The increased workloads were a challenge to both the professional and personal lives of the WestCare staff. Projects were put on hold, sleep was lost, and family time dwindled. For this, on behalf of the patients that were able to obtain care at this facility, who may have otherwise had to do without, I would like to say thank you for the sacrifices that you made in order to make sure they had the care that they needed.

I would like to commend and thank all of the staff of WestCare for ensuring that every patient that walked through their doors would receive the high quality health care that they deserved from staff and were treated in a friendly and efficient manner.

The region has noticed WestCare Health System's efforts. Community leaders have recognized the staff's response and dedication. Patients have expressed their appreciation through letters to WestCare's CEO Mark Leonard. This brand of endurance and care for our neighbors when they are in need is not only a characteristic of the WestCare staff, but rather of the people of Western North Carolina.

I am proud to represent an area where I know that we can count on those around us to help us in times of trouble. To the staff at WestCare, I cannot thank you enough for your hard work and dedication to serving those around you in a time of need.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and the memory of Revolutionary War Soldier Private Martin Maney of Buncombe County, North Carolina.

Each year on Memorial Day, our Nation honors the service and sacrifice of all veterans. On Saturday, May 17, 2008, in the Western North Carolina town of Barnardsville, the memory of Private Martin Maney, a Revolutionary War Soldier, was honored by the dedication of an official Veterans Administration headstone. The unveiling ceremony was conducted by the Edward Buncombe Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Blue Ridge Chapter of the North Carolina Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Button Gwinnett Chapter of the Georgia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Private Martin Maney was a true American patriot and a proud North Carolinian. He served under Captain James Knox in the Eighth Virginia Regiment of Foot. He fought in the Battles of White Plains, New York, Germantown, Pennsylvania, and Monmouth, New Jersey prior to being discharged at Valley Forge. Following his discharge, he enlisted with the North Carolina Militia where he provided personal security for North Carolina Generals who were receiving death threats from the Tories. Following his service, Private Martin Maney received the 294th Land Grant in North Carolina. He used that land to create a farm, where today the Maney cemetery exists and Private Maney has been laid to rest.

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 Private Martin Maney and other Revolutionary War heroes.

Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart after receiving news of the devastating Cyclone Nargis which struck Burma this past weekend.

As of today there have been over 100,000 reported dead or missing in Burma, and millions more remain in dire conditions as a result of the storm. Especially concerning is the capability of the nation's ruling military junta to assist the populace in transmitting much needed food, water, and medical supplies within a reasonable time frame. There have already been reports that the repressive regime has been slow to provide this needed assistance.

The United States and the international community must expedite humanitarian assistance to Burma and press the government to open up to aid from the global community and assist in its distribution. A rapid response can help ensure this tragedy does not expand into a national catastrophe for the people of Burma.

At this time I urge my colleagues to support any measures which extend aid to the people of Burma. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of Burma who must mourn the loss of so many loved ones, and must now rebuild their lives and their country.

Madam Speaker, I rise to welcome World War II veterans from Western North Carolina to Washington, DC. I am honored to have these members of the Greatest Generation here in Washington to visit the National World War II Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.

Honor Air of Henderson and Buncombe counties provides free trips for World War II Veterans to ensure that they have an opportunity to see the memorial which honors their service to our nation, and to commemorate their fallen comrades. I would like to offer my sincere gratitude to the dedicated volunteers of Honor Air in all of its locations across the country for making these trips possible.

The National World War II Memorial was opened to the public in May of 2004, and has since been visited by millions of people from around the world. Built to honor the 16 million Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen, and Merchant Mariners who served our Nation during World War II, the National World War II Memorial serves as a reminder of their sacrifice and service to the American people. I am thankful that we have finally found a permanent memorial here in the Nation's capital to honor their service.

On behalf of the residents of North Carolina's 11th District and all Americans, I offer our deepest appreciation to these visitors for their service, their sacrifice, and their presence here today. These men and women represent the bravery and benevolence of America--past, present, and future.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring and welcoming these distinguished veterans from Western North Carolina to the Capital of our grateful Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in favor of H. Res. 49, supporting the establishment of a National Letter Carriers Appreciation Day.

As the son of a rural letter carrier, I understand the hard work and sacrifice of our nation's letter carriers. Letter carriers deliver billions of pieces of mail to millions of homes and businesses each year. Working six days a week, letter carriers fulfill a great need in this country.

Inscribed at the New York City General Post Office is the United States Postal Services' unofficial motto: ``Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.''

Our nation's letter carriers are entrusted to carry out a vital service, and they do so with dignity. Many carriers, like my father, serve the same communities for their entire career. These carriers develop invaluable relationships with their customers and become an important part of their community.

I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting the establishment of a National Letter Carriers Appreciation Day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support S. 2739, the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008. S. 2739 includes the text of many important House-passed Federal lands bills, including H.R. 1100, my legislation to ensure the preservation of the beautiful natural surroundings at the Carl Sandburg Home Historic Site in Western North Carolina.

Carl Sandburg is one of America's finest and favorite poets. In 1945, Sandburg moved to Flat Rock, North Carolina, where he would spend the rest of his life.

The Sandburg Home is an important part of both our heritage and our economy in Western North Carolina. It is imperative that we protect the integrity of the Sandburg Home Site so future generations can fully appreciate its tremendous natural beauty. Expanding this site will also allow Western North Carolina to attract more tourists to the area, further driving the economy of the region.

I thank my colleagues in the House for the overwhelming bipartisan support they demonstrated in passing H.R. 1100 last year, and I thank Senators Dole and Burr for their support of this legislation in the Senate.

I ask my colleagues to join me once again in preserving this national treasure.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H. Res. 1117, supporting the goals and ideals of Earth Day. On this day we are reminded of the importance of protecting our environment for generations to come.

Established in 1970, Earth Day commemorates the birth of the modern environmental movement. Thirty eight years ago today, 200 million Americans from coast-to-coast took to the streets to demonstrate the importance of environmental stewardship and conservation. Their voices are still heard today, as we continue to celebrate Earth Day globally.

We must act responsibly and expediently to protect our environment by addressing global warming. Scientists worldwide agree that global warming is a reality and its consequences will be devastating and far- reaching.

Protecting our environment is not only crucial for this generation, but for the many generations to come. By implementing environmentally responsible policies today, we will ensure that our children and grandchildren will have clean water to drink and clear air to breathe.

We must focus on developing renewable energy, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, expanding access to sustainable resources, and increasing environmental consciousness. This Congress has taken great strides to these ends, but there is still much work to be done.

I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting the goals and ideals of Earth Day. May we continue to make environmental issues a top priority of the 110th Congress.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Dr. Ernest Muntz. Dr. Muntz left Wheaton College during his second year to join his fellow countrymen in defending freedom around the globe. Seeing his country in peril, simultaneously fighting a war on two fronts, Dr. Muntz enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942 because he believed that it was ``the right thing to do.''

During Dr. Muntz's time of service in the Army Air Corps, he played a key role as a cryptographer in the Pacific Theater. He received and deciphered messages as part of the Army Airways Communications System, saving lives with each decoded message. He retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1975 with the rank of full Colonel.

After the war, Dr. Muntz decided to complete his education at Wheaton College, graduating in 1948. He continued his education at the University of Rochester, earning his doctorate in history in 1960. Dr. Muntz held various professorships and contributed his knowledge and passion for academia to institutions of higher education. He had a distinguished career as a full professor of history at the University of Cincinnati and then dean of the Raymond Walters College.

I am honored to have Dr. Ernest Muntz as my constituent, and I hope that today's generation of young men and women will follow the shining example of patriotism and scholarship that he has set.