Floor Statements

I thank the gentleman from Tennessee.

It is, indeed, an honor that you have asked one of my dear friends, Phil Hoskins, to be able to come and preside over the House this morning and lead us in prayer, a gentleman who baptized my wife, who administered the ceremony that married my brother and his wife.

So, Phil has meant absolutely everything to me and my family, and I love him unconditionally. He has been a man of great character, someone I can lean on, and I am jealous that you have him in your district.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Karen Caruso, CEO of Mind Your Business, Inc. located in Hendersonville, North Carolina, for being named North Carolina's 2011 Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

In 1995, Ms. Caruso was watching an Oprah Winfrey show on abusive child care providers and saw the need for parents to be able to screen the individuals who would potentially be caring for their children. Her background in security proved to be useful in developing applicant screening services. Mind Your Business, Inc. was launched in 1996 with two employees and $2,500 in the basement of Ms. Caruso's home.

Despite facing a market dominated by men and large corporations, Ms. Caruso's business has continued to expand. She now employs 14 people and operates a 3,000-square-foot facility in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Mind Your Business, Inc. now offers several screening options, including pre-employment screening, applicant background checks, and drug and alcohol testing services for individuals, corporate, and government clients.

Mind Your Business, Inc. is a prime example of the success that can be accomplished through a partnership between entrepreneurs and the SBA. Ms. Caruso has made use of several SBA programs, including training through SCORE, the North Carolina Small Business Technology and Development Center, and the SBA Women's Business Center.

I congratulate Karen Caruso for having the vision and perseverance to create a business that, despite these economically difficult times, has shown record profits in 2009 and 2010. Ms. Caruso's business has provided security, given peace of mind to parents, and helped ensure the safety of our region's children.

I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the exceptional career of Ms. Karen

Caruso, North Carolina's 2011 Small Business Person of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Industries for the Blind as it celebrates 75 years of providing employment, services, and training to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Industries for the Blind was founded in 1933. Since then, the organization has grown to be the largest advocacy agency for the visually impaired in the country, creating skilled job opportunities for one of America's greatest underused labor resources. Industries for the

Blind gives people the confidence and independence to contribute to society and fulfill personal dreams of having a job. In so doing, they transform lives.

In my Congressional District in Western North Carolina, Industries for the Blind of Asheville has served as an important resource for 20 years. They provide much needed assistance and services such as mobile low-vision eye exams, innovative outreach programs for children and families, and optical services to our veterans. I would especially like to congratulate Industries for the Blind of Asheville on its eighth consecutive win of a Sky High Growth Award from the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce for outstanding growth in sales and employment. The Asheville facility has increased its work force ten-fold since 1991, growing from just 9 employees to 100.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise today to recognize the 75 years of civic leadership that Industries for the Blind has provided the visually impaired in Asheville, North Carolina and throughout the country. Their commitment to helping others live meaningful lives is courageous and uplifting. I am honored to celebrate Industries for the Blind's inspirational role in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Aston Park Health Care Center of Asheville, North Carolina during this year's National Nursing Home Week.

For over 30 years, Aston Park Health Care Center has treated residents and their families with respect, support, and friendship. They recognize that these values, along with high quality medical care, ensure the dignity of life for their residents. The Aston Park Health Care Center has earned a five star rating from the U.S. News & World Nursing Home Rankings for their holistic approach to Alzheimer's care, adult home care, assisted living, skilled nursing care, and short-term rehabilitation. That is how they do their part to carry out this year's National Nursing Home Week theme, ``Fulfilling the Promise.''

I would like to commend and thank all of the skilled and trained staff members at Aston Park Health Care Center who strive to ensure a proud life for Aston Park residents. Their warm, friendly, sincere, and comfortable atmosphere allows their residents to continue to live life to the fullest.

Mr. Speaker, in recognition of their excellence in care, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the staff and residents of Aston Park Health Care Center.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Brain Center Health and Rehabilitation of Hendersonville, North Carolina, during this year's National Nursing Home Week.

Brain Center Health and Rehabilitation provides extended care and skilled nursing services to seniors with short-term and long-term disabilities. The center houses a dedicated staff that provides 24-hour continuous care throughout the year to 120 patients. Through associate partners, they are able to offer reliable and high-quality medical assistance to residents in multiple states.

In celebration of this year's National Nursing Home Week, the theme of which is ``fulfilling the promise,'' Brain Center Health and Rehabilitation Center will host events to recognize residents and staff that focus on maintaining the high level of care that helped it be named one of the only 5 Star centers in the region.

I would like to applaud and thank the skilled and trained staff members of Brain Center Health and Rehabilitation. Their focus on individualized care respects the rights and dignity of their residents and their philosophy of caring and curing provides quality results.

Mr. Speaker, in recognition of their excellence in care, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the staff and residents of Brain Center Health and Rehabilitation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Chief Warrant Officer, Terry Varnadore II. A native of Mills River, North Carolina, Chief Warrant Officer Varnadore passed away at the age of twenty nine, on April 23, 2011, while serving our country in the Kapisa Province of Afghanistan.

Chief Warrant Officer Varnadore grew up in Western North Carolina surrounded by family. He had a passion for fishing and hunting, and spent a great deal of his life in the Great Smoky Mountains with his father and younger brother. Chief Warrant Officer Varnadore married the love of his life, Casey Varnadore, after graduating from Appalachian State University. They have a 4 year old daughter together, Ava Elizabeth. Mrs. Varnadore is expecting their second daughter in July.

Chief Warrant Officer Varnadore's lifelong dream was to become a helicopter pilot. Assigned to the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, he flew an OH-58 Delta Kiowa Warrior Helicopter. His awards and decorations include the Air Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Army Aviator Badge, and the Combat Action Badge.

Mr. Speaker, Chief Warrant Officer Varnadore embodied the best qualities of an American soldier. He was selfless, dedicated, and brave. He was respected by his fellow soldiers and appreciated by the officers he served under. Through his commendable service, Chief Warrant Officer Varnadore has made Western North Carolina proud. It is my honor to commemorate him and I urge my colleagues to join me today in honoring Chief Warrant Officer Terry Varnadore II for the sacrifice he has made for the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Mary Kellogg Bell for a life dedicated to helping others in North Carolina.

Mary Bell was born on May 4, 1916. After graduating from the University of Georgia in 1937 with a degree in physical education, she worked as Head Counselor for Merrywood Camp for girls and in 1939, married her husband, Joseph Oscar Bell, Jr.

In 1951, Mrs. Bell founded the Glen Arden Camp for girls, which has enriched the lives of children around the country by exposing them to the natural beauty of Western North Carolina. In 1955, Mrs. Bell went on to become the first woman to serve on the Henderson County School Board. Mrs. Bell continues to volunteer as the Chair of the Welcoming Committee at her retirement home and helps organize transportation for retirees to get to the dialysis clinic.

It is an honor to represent selfless, hardworking citizens like Mrs. Mary Kellogg Bell. Her devotion is a great source of pride to me and to Western North Carolina. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Mrs. Mary Kellogg Bell for her lasting impact on society.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Specialist Fourth Class Dockie Brendle for his valiant service and sacrifice during the Vietnam War.

In 1967, Mr. Brendle started his tour of duty as an Armored Track Commander with the 11th Armored Calvary Regiment in Swan Loc, South Vietnam. In 1968, Mr. Brendle was wounded four times. Due to his service and sacrifice Mr. Brendle received various medals and accolades, including a Silver Star, a Bronze Star with ``V'' Device for Valor, an Army Commendation Medal with ``V'' Device for Valor, four Purple Hearts, a Combat Infantry Badge, a President Unit Citation, a Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, a Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and a Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Although he is now a 100 percent disabled veteran, Mr. Brendle is an active part of the Swain County community. He is a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Smoky Mountain Chapter 994 as well as a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars in Bryson City. He regularly attends events throughout the community. An avid football fan, he can be seen watching many Swain High School football games as a member of the ``Fence Walkers.''

I am grateful I have selfless, brave, and dedicated veterans like Mr. Brendle in our community. His service to our country is a great source of pride to me and to Western North Carolina. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Specialist Fourth Class Dockie Brendle for his service and sacrifice to our great nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. F. Warren Hughes for his 27 years of service to Yancey County.

After graduating law school, Mr. Hughes began his professional career as an attorney before being appointed to fill the vacant position as Clerk of Superior Court for Yancey County in 1984. Through his 27 years of public service, he has successfully been elected each term and has only been challenged once.

Mr. Hughes's office is highly regarded and is considered one of the top clerk's offices in the State of North Carolina. For his work with the N.C. Courts Commission, the N.C. Judicial Council, and as President of the N.C. Clerks Association, his reputation is known throughout the State. He is also distinguished as one the few clerks in the State who is also an attorney.

His legacy in the Yancey County Community will not be forgotten. I am grateful to have dedicated and hard working people like Mr. Hughes as public servants in Western North Carolina.

I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the exceptional career of Mr. F. Warren Hughes, Clerk of Superior Court for Yancey County.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Smoky Mountain High School Mustangs 2010-2011 Men's Basketball Team.

Through their hard work and dedication, the Mustangs had an undefeated regular season. They held the longest single season winning streak in North Carolina for all 4 classifications in the 2010-2011 season. They went on to finish as the WNCAC Regular Season and Tournament Champions. The Mustangs finished

the year as the NCHSAA sectional runner-up with an impressive 26-1 record. These awards are especially notable considering North Carolina is considered a powerhouse for high school basketball.

Five players were recognized for their individual accomplishments by being named All-Conference. They include Will Carpenter, Micah Carter, Tanner Cogdill, Mark Thompson, and Jackson Simmons. Jackson Simmons also went on to be named the Conference Player of the Year for his extraordinary play during the season. The team's recognition did not stop with just the players. Head coach Jimmy Cleaveland was named Conference Coach of the Year.

As a former student athlete in Western North Carolina, I understand the commitment it takes to compete at such a high level. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the many accomplishments by the Smoky Mountain High School Mustangs 2010-2011 Men's Basketball Team.

Offered By: Mr. Shuler

Amendment No. 480: Add at the end of title VII the

following new section:

Offered By: Mr. Shuler

Amendment No. 479: Add at the end of title V the following

section:

(a) In General.--Paragraph (3) of section 469(c) of the

Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end

the following:

``(C) Exception for taxpayer who is not small, independent

oil and gas company--

``(i) In general.--Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to any

taxpayer which is not a small, independent oil and gas

company for the taxable year.

``(ii) Aggregation rule.--For purposes of clause (i), all

persons treated as a single employer under subsections (a)

and (b) of section 52 shall be treated as 1 person.''.

(b) The funds dedicated in this Act to the Head Start

program shall be supplemented by an amount equal to the total

revenues lost by the general treasury in fiscal year 2010 as

a result of tax incentives issued under paragraph (3) of

section 469(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to

entities that meet the exception requirements of subsection

(a) of this section.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable community leader, Jonas D. Buff. For ten years Mr. Buff served on the Board of Commissioners for McDowell County while also serving as its chairman in 1994. His dedication and commitment have brought growth and progress to McDowell County.

Mr. Buffs work to strengthen his county has included securing the location and grants to oversee the purchase of the McDowell County Industrial Park which is now home to three industries that are currently providing jobs to residents and economic development to the area. Mr. Buff also sought to recruit the State Prison facility to the county which now employs close to 400 individuals.

A strong proponent for the Nebo community owning its own water supply, Mr. Buff's advocacy helped bring about the ``Nebo Community Water System.'' Water lines and waste management are now extended to include a greater area, servicing more residents and laying a foundation for future growth.

In addition to aiding in the county's infrastructure growth, Mr. Buff was a strong supporter of volunteer and emergency services. During his tenure, the county implemented E-911 and Emergency Medical Dispatch and two EMS Base Stations were constructed.

I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the dedication that Mr. Buff has demonstrated in creating positive change for his county. His legacy highlights the lasting impact each hardworking person can impart to their community.

Offered By: Mr. Shuler

Amendment No. 167: At the end of the bill (before the short

title), insert the following:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the sesquicentennial of Transylvania County in Western North Carolina. Transylvania, a county of 29,000 residents, is home to picturesque beauty and is known as the ``Land of Waterfalls.''

In 1861, Representative Joseph P. Jordan introduced a bill to the North Carolina House of Commons to establish a new county. Transylvania County was then formed and held its first County Commission meeting on May 20th of that year. This day is notable in North Carolina's history as it represents the day the State seceded from the Union. The next day, Transylvania County possessed no money, courthouse, jail, or a bank, yet was busily mustering a company of volunteers to serve for the Confederacy.

A century later, Transylvania County led the State of North Carolina in fully integrating its public school system. In 1963, Brevard High School became the first high school in the State to field integrated athletic teams.

Over one-third of the County's area is comprised of national and state parks and forests. This includes Blue Ridge Parkway, DuPont State Forest, Gorges State Park, Caesar's Head, Holmes Educational State Forest, and Pisgah National Forest. From the spectacular views from Chestnut Knob to the humbling cascades at Pisgah National Forest's Looking Glass Falls and the other 249 waterfalls in the area, Transylvania County embodies all that is Appalachian.

On February 15, 2011, Transylvania County will hold a very special public gathering celebrating the 150th anniversary of its formation by the North Carolina Assembly. This will launch a year-long series of events, activities and education. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Transylvania's sesquicentennial and its contributions to the United States and the great State of North Carolina.