Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the sesquicentennial of Clay County in North Carolina. Clay, the smallest county in North Carolina with an area of only 221 square miles, has developed a flourishing community and embodies all that is Appalachia.

In 1860, George Hayes ran for a seat in the North Carolina House of Commons on a platform of creating a new county and county seat in the area of southern Cherokee County. In February of 1861, after his successful election, Representative Hayes introduced a bill to establish Clay County, was named in honor of Henry Clay, U.S. Secretary of State and Senator from Kentucky. Rep. Hayes later received recognition for helping form the new County when the County seat, Hayesville, was named in his honor.

Now, Clay is a thriving community of 10,000 residents. Clay County's education system received national recognition through the prestigious Communities in Schools Organization Accreditation. This award shows the commitment the entire County has to educating the youth in the community and preparing them for successful and productive futures.

Clay County is home to the beautiful Nantahala National Forest which is being developed as a forest, game, and trout preserve. The county also boasts one of the best trout streams in Western North Carolina at the Fires Creek Wilde Life Management. From the spectacular views of sapphire-blue waters in Chatuge Lake to the picturesque beauty of Nantahala National Forest, Clay County encompasses some of the best of Western North Carolina's natural treasures.

On February 21, 2011, Clay County will hold a very special public gathering in celebration of the 150th anniversary of its formation by the North Carolina Assembly. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Clay's sesquicentennial and its contributions to the United States and the great state of North Carolina.

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. Buff's 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. Buffs 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.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit the following letters:

January 25, 2011.

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi,

U.S. Capitol,

Washington, DC.

Dear Leader Pelosi, This letter is to advise you that,

effective today, I am taking a leave of absence from the

Committee on Small Business until my tenure on the Committee

on the Budget is completed. It is my understanding from

Clause C of Rule 19 of the Democratic Caucus rules

(referenced below) that I will continue to accrue seniority

during the leave of absence, at the same rate as if I had

continued to serve on the Committee on Small Business.

Rule 19, Clause C: ``Any Member of the Committee on the

Budget shall be entitled to take a leave of absence from

service on any committee or subcommittee during the period he

or she serves on the Budget Committee and seniority rights of

such Member on such committee and on each subcommittee to

which such Member was assigned at the time shall be fully

protected as if such Member had continued to so serve during

the period of the leave of absence.''

Accompanying this letter is a letter from the Democratic

Leader verifying that my seniority on the Committee on Small

Business will continue to accrue during my absence.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Heath Shuler,

Member of Congress.

Madam Speaker, my vote on rollcall No. 607 on December 2, 2010 was not recorded. My intention was to vote ``aye'' on this measure.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Geoffrey Tennant for his valiant service to both the Columbus Fire Department and the Polk County Board of Education. His dedication to helping those around him and his positive attitude towards providing life-saving services deserves the utmost commendation.

Mr. Tennant has worked for 35 years for the Columbus Fire Department in Polk County, and has served the last 28 years as the Chief Firefighter. Mr. Tennant became the first firefighter in Columbus Fire Department history to be paid and has spent vast amounts of time volunteering for the Polk County Rescue Squad and First Responders. Mr. Tennant has worked tirelessly to serve and protect the citizens of Polk County. This type of assistance is rare in today's world, yet Mr. Tennant administers help in any way he can to the people of Columbus and Polk County.

Mr. Tennant also serves as the President of the Polk County Board of Education. Few things are more important than the education of our children. We owe every child in this country a high-quality education that will allow them to successfully compete in the workforce. Mr. Tennant works extremely hard to ensure that these goals are met. I commend his time spent working with and on behalf of the children of Polk County.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Mr. Geoffrey Tennant for the leadership he has displayed at the Columbus Fire Department and his commitment to excellence while serving as the President of the Polk County Board of Education.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Cherokee County Rescue Squad and recognize its 50 years of life-saving service. Rescue squads harness the spirit of volunteerism to provide a unique sense of security and safety to their communities.

Rescue Squads around the country tend to all types of accidents and respond with the upmost effectiveness and efficiency. Usually, these groups are made up of volunteers who endure hours of extensive training. Their membership includes many who are certified paramedics, emergency medical technicians, first responders and heavy rescue personnel.

The volunteers that make up the Cherokee County Rescue Squad provide top-notch, life-saving services. The Cherokee County Rescue Squad has worked tirelessly not only to serve and protect the citizens of Cherokee County but to also ensure that their equipment and vehicles are up to date. They now boast their resources as some of the best the state of North Carolina has to offer.

I am proud to support these men and women who put their lives on the line to come to the aid of their neighbors. This type of assistance is rare in today's world, yet these people administer help in any way they can for the better good of the people of Cherokee County.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues today to join me in recognizing the Cherokee County Rescue Squad's 50th anniversary and their unfailing service to the citizens in Cherokee County.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 135th anniversary of St. John Baptist Church in the town of Fletcher, North Carolina. Since 1875, this church has brought light and joy to the lives of many devoted members.

St. John Baptist Church has long been a sanctuary shared by for those seeking Christ and deserves commendation for its many years of good service to the people of Fletcher. The importance of faith in community rings true in St. John Baptist Church's long and storied history. From its humble beginnings, St. John Baptist Church has grown to be a proud and prominent part of the Fletcher community. Over the past one hundred and thirty-five years, the Church has witnessed many significant moments in history from both World Wars to the Civil Rights Movement.

The strength and longevity of St. John Baptist Church has proven to be an inspiration for many, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the Church as it continues its journey through future years. Madame Speaker I urge my colleagues to join me today in congratulating St. John Baptist Church on its outstanding service to the community over its 135-year history.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Corporal Mark T. Becker of the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462. Mr. Becker dutifully served the United States while abroad in Vietnam and deserves such commendation.

Corporal Becker and his fellow members of the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 set off aboard the USS Okinawa on April 29, 1975. Corporal Becker served as an aerial gunner on a UH1E Huey Helicopter that participated in Operation FREQUENT WIND. This mission was a humanitarian emergency evacuation of Americans, Vietnamese and Third Country Nationals from Saigon in the Republic of Vietnam.

Corporal Becker assisted pilots by maintaining a constant surveillance for other enemy aircraft and hostile fire. This was an exhausting and troublesome task due to reduced visibility caused by darkness and inclement weather. Corporal Becker made several flights over hostile territory all the while displaying absolute discipline and rare professionalism in following the binding rules of engagement.

Operation FREQUENT WIND resulted in a huge success for United States forces. A total of 1,373 Americans and 5,595 Vietnamese and Third Country Nationals were evacuated by helicopter in a two day span. Corporal Becker's skill and steadfast devotion to duty while exposed to ground fire, anti-aircraft fire, and surface-to-air missiles contributed significantly and directly to the accomplishment of his unit's mission and the overall success of Operation FREQUENT WIND.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the impressive and courageous actions of Corporal Mark T. Becker. It is an honor for me to recognize his accomplishments and the impact he had on Operation FREQUENT WIND.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Western Carolina University Chancellor John Bardo. Mr. Bardo has served Western Carolina University since 1995 guiding the university through student and campus expansions and helping create a high quality residential Honors College. Mr. Bardo is a champion of education and deserves such commendation.

Over the last 15 years, Dr. Bardo has led the faculty and staff members of Western Carolina towards recognition as a distinguished center for teaching and learning. Western Carolina led the way not only in North Carolina but across the country in requiring that all students own a computer in order to take maximum advantage of online information and communications. This standard is common practice throughout college and universities today but was spearheaded by the work of Dr. Bardo.

During Dr. Bardo's tenure, Western Carolina adopted a unique and innovative tenure and promotion policy to award faculty members for going beyond traditional teaching, research and service. This cutting- edge approach rewards faculty members' scholarly activities and stresses emboldened links between student's academic and extracurricular activities. This leading-edge approach is regarded as a national model by higher education associations.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the accomplishments of Dr. John Bardo for his accomplished work as Chancellor of Western Carolina University. I thank him for his contributions to Western North Carolina and wish him continual success as an educator.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 125th anniversary of the town of Tryon in western North Carolina. Tryon, a town of 1,760 residents, has a very rich and important history and culture.

In 1767, William Tryon, Royal Colonial Governor of North Carolina, negotiated a demarcation line to separate territory claimed by settlers from Cherokee hunting grounds to the west. In 1877, the Asheville- Spartanburg Railroad created a line to connect the markets and ports of the South Carolina Lowcountry to the people and resources of western North Carolina, Tennessee, and the Ohio River valley, which had a significant impact on the direction of the region's economic and social development.

One of Tryon's most famous early residents, William Gillette, was a noted actor who, in collaboration with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, created the stage version of Sherlock Holmes in 1889. In 1915, Eleanor Vance and Charlotte Yale moves to Tryon and founded Tryon Toymakers and Wood Carvers, which trained local craftsmen for the creation of artisan furniture and toys that were sold worldwide. In 1928, Seth Vining launched the world's smallest daily newspaper, the Tryon Daily Bulletin. In that same year, two Tryon physicians, Dr. Allen J. Jervey and Dr. Marion C. Palmer, founded the 25-bed St. Luke's hospital with funds from an initial bequest by Miss Lucy Embury, a grant from Duke Foundation, and $57,000 contributed by local citizens.

The town has also contributed to the leadership and historic preservation of North Carolina, sending Carroll P. Rogers to serve as State Representative in 1929, 1939, and 1941. Rogers cosponsored a bill enabling the state to purchase the site of Tryon Palace in New Bern. In 1933, internationally renowned singer and human rights activist Nina Simone (nee Eunice Waymon) was born in Tryon. Lastly, in 1985, Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (F.E.N.C.E) came into being as a nonprofit nature education and outdoor recreation center, built around an original contribution of 112 acres from the Mahler family, which emigrated to Tryon in the 1920s.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues today to rise with me in recognizing the amazing contributions of the town of Tryon on its 125th anniversary. The purpose of this commendation is to increase public awareness of the considerable natural assets and cultural heritage Tryon offers to its citizens and visitors and to encourage their active participation in the yearlong celebration of the town and its history.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th anniversary of Fairview Baptist Church in the community of Waynesville, North Carolina. Since 1910, this church has brought light and joy to the lives of many devoted members.

From its humble beginnings consisting of a congregation of eight people and a house purchased for six dollars, Fairview Baptist has grown to be a proud and prominent part of the Waynesville community. Over the past hundred years, the Church has witnessed many significant moments in history from World War I to the Civil Rights Movement.

The strength and longevity of Fairview Baptist Church has proven to be an inspiration for many and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the Church as it continues its journey through the next 100 years. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me today in congratulating Fairview Baptist Church on its outstanding accomplishments over its 100-year history.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Martins Creek Elementary and Middle School in Murphy, North Carolina. I would like to commend the exemplary educators, administrators, and planners for their hard work, preparation, and research that led to Martins Creek School acquiring the largest public school solar power array in North Carolina. The array will produce close to an entire megawatt of power; enough energy to prevent the burning of 75 tons of coal per day for electricity production.

On May 7, 2010, Martins Creek School will hold an opening ceremony to mark the introduction of the solar array. This event highlights the school's commitment to green conservation and environmental improvement in

classrooms at Martins Creek School. It sets a high standard of environmental consciousness for other schools to study and consider.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to support and applaud this innovative Western North Carolina School for their monumental achievement. I ask my colleagues today to rise in support of solar research and environmental safety in our nation's schools, and to congratulate Martins Creek School on their environmental and educational accomplishment.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the exemplary teachers in western North Carolina who have earned National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. These dedicated professionals have demonstrated a commitment to improving the standards of education for our Nation.

National Board Certification is a distinction which certifies teachers who set a higher

standard for educating our youth. Through a rigorous process that takes between one and three years to complete, teachers must show advanced knowledge, skills and practices in their field through expert evaluation, peer review and self-assessment. Becoming a National Board Certified Teacher is a resource for teachers to progress in their fields and teach at a demonstrably higher level. National Board Certified Teachers improve learning and involvement in the classroom and provide students with the tools needed to advance academically.

I am incredibly proud of the fact that North Carolina not only has the highest number of teachers who obtained Board Certification in 2009, but also has more nationally certified teachers than any other State in the country. North Carolina's 11th district is home to more than 1,000 National Board Certified teachers, evidence of the incredible emphasis that our region places on education. We are honored to have these dedicated professionals in Western North Carolina.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues today to rise with me in recognizing the amazing efforts these dedicated professionals have put forth in advancing themselves for the benefit of the youth of our Nation. I urge my colleagues to recognize all National Board Certified Teachers nationwide.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Mr. Marcellus Buchanan, a veteran of the Second World War, a devoted and passionate attorney, solicitor, and a 3-term member of the North Carolina General Assembly. Mr. Buchanan was born on September 30, 1923 in Jackson County, North Carolina. He went on to attend western North Carolina Teacher's College until called into service during World War II. During the war he served in the European Theater with the United States Army Air Corp. When he came home, he married Jane Poteet of Sylva, started a family and resumed his studies. Mr. Buchanan attended Chapel Hill Law School before moving back to Western North Carolina to start what would become a long and successful legal career. He served as the attorney for the town of Sylva for many years and served 3 terms in the North Carolina House of Representatives. Mr. Buchanan was also a devoted Master Mason who belonged to the Dillsboro Lodge No. 459.

In 1967, Mr. Buchanan became the Solicitor for the 30th Prosecutorial District of North Carolina. During his 20-year tenure he was known for his great oratory skills and love of humor. He retired from his position having won the respect and admiration of many judges, attorneys, and Jackson County residents for his commitment and dedication to his profession.

Upon his retirement, Mr. Buchanan spent his remaining years with his growing family. His son, Marcellus Buchanan IV married Ronda Sorrell, with whom he has had two daughters and two granddaughters. He is a veteran law enforcement official and SBI supervisor. Mr. Buchanan's daughter, Christina, an attorney and former Assistant District Attorney, married David Matheson and has a daughter, son and grandson. Mr. Buchanan also used his retirement to co-author a book entitled ``Disorder in the Court,'' in which he captured many of his courtroom experiences as only a master storyteller could do.

On July 7, 2000, Mr. Marcellus Buchanan passed away due to a battle with lung cancer. He left a legacy of community service, judicial fairness and, most of all, commitment to his family. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in commending the life of this great man.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Eastern Band of Cherokee in Cherokee, North Carolina on becoming a Certified Entrepreneurial Community by the AdvantageWest Economic Development Group. AdvantageWest, an economic development commission which serves 23 Western North Carolina counties, created the ``Certified Entrepreneurial Community Program'' to train local communities to encourage small business start-ups in the mountain region and to help such businesses thrive.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee, North Carolina has an over 11,000-year history rich with culture, arts, and a heritage of magnificent storytelling. Being designated as a Certified Entrepreneurial Community is just one example of the continuation of the remarkable history, and a tribute to the vision of the Eastern Band of Cherokee. The focus on youth and education as integral components of their Certified Entrepreneurial Community vision ensures that the future leaders of the community will have the tools to continue their strong legacy.

The Certification, developed by the AdvantageWest Center for Rural Entrepreneurship Institute, contains a strict set of guidelines that highlight a community's enthusiasm and readiness to support entrepreneurship and small business. While several communities throughout Western North Carolina have become certified as entrepreneurial communities, the Eastern Band of Cherokee is the first nation to receive this designation. This designation showcases the Eastern Band of Cherokee's foresight in creating and fostering an environment in which prosperity can be achieved. As a Certified Entrepreneurial Community, the Eastern Band will build upon the success of its marketing campaign to further promote the potential of its people to the United States and abroad.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues today to celebrate this remarkable honor bestowed on The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in Cherokee, North Carolina, and their commitment to the future of their people. I urge my colleagues to join me in celebrating their outstanding achievement.