Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, it is well known that Greensboro, NC, has produced some fine tennis players. Some around Capitol Hill, for example, might be acquainted with my sometimes adequate ``old man's game of tennis.'' That being acknowledged, I can safely say that I am glad to have never faced the overpowering serve of John Isner, Greensboro's own collegiate tennis champion. Even on my best day on the court, I think I might have a tough time returning one of his 130 mile- per-hour rockets.

John, hailing from Greensboro's Page High School, helped lead the 2007 NCAA Champion University of Georgia Men's Tennis team as a senior while playing in the number one singles position. Just this week, John and his teammates were lauded by President Bush at the White House.

John's personal accomplishments this season were also extraordinary. He entered the NCAA individual singles championship as the number one ranked college player in the nation, before losing the finals in three sets. Over the course of this spectacular season, he also set the University of Georgia record for career singles victories at 143. While his career tournament victories are too numerous to list, I must mention that he won the NCAA doubles championship as a sophomore.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, I would like to wish John the best of luck in the pro ranks. And I know that if we ever teamed up for a doubles match, it is safe to say that we would be unbeatable.

Madam Speaker, for more than 50 years, a radio station in the Sixth District of North Carolina has been providing our citizens with the best in local programming. Since WPET-AM 950 went on the air in June of 1954, listeners in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina have had their souls nourished, their hearts enriched, and they have been entertained, enlightened, and educated by the programming provided by WPET.

The station has had a rich and colorful history. The first owner was Mr. Wayne Nelson. Between 1957 and 1959, WPET was owned by Mr. Bill Mitchell and Mr. Bob Montgomery. In 1959, Beattie Broadcasting Group owned and operated the radio station. From 1967 until 1984, Mido Communications owned WPET. Mr. Tom Armshaw was the co-owner, vice president, and general manager of WPET. It was Tom Armshaw who changed the station programming to an all-Southern Gospel format, which has endured for the last 40 years. In 1984, WPET-AM and its sister station WRQK-FM were purchased by A.H. Robins Company. From 1987 until 2002, WPET was owned by Bahakel Communications and from 2002 until the present, WPET has been owned by Entercom Communications.

Consistent quality has been a hallmark of WPET throughout its history. This year, the current program director, Mr. Dave Compton, entered his 30th year of service to the listeners of WPET. The on-air team at WPET feels like family to its many loyal and faithful listeners. In addition to Dave Compton, WPET's many fans enjoy listening to Jan Harkey (also known as Miss Dusty), Andy Johnson, Jimmy Fulmer, Larry Dunlap with morning sports, and Paul Heil, the host of Gospel Greats.

In addition to broadcasting the Gospel in both word and song, WPET presents local news and weather, provides community information and airs sports programming such as Greensboro Grasshoppers baseball, the men's and women's basketball teams at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro Spartans, and the East Carolina University Pirates football team. An example of how WPET serves its listeners in many different ways will occur on June 23 when the radio station sponsors a free Health and Community Service Day in Greensboro. The event will provide free blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose screenings, along with food, games and entertainment for all who attend.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I must admit to some personal bias in our office when it comes to our affection for WPET. My Chief of Staff Ed McDonald is an alumnus of the radio station, having served as a news reporter for WPET from 1981 until 1984 when I hired him away from the station. In addition, many folks call me an ``AM radio guy in an FM world,'' and I plead guilty to that charge. So personally and professionally, we can say that we are big fans of WPET.

Allow me to quote Dave Compton, the station's program director, who accurately captured the essence of what makes WPET special. ``With a Southern Gospel format,'' Dave Compton stated, ``WPET airs the Good News of our Lord, embracing Christian values with local churches and the church community of the Piedmont, and being that comforting voice with the Good News of the Gospel, offering hope and solace in a sometimes troubled world.''

I could not have said it any better, Madam Speaker. I will simply add that, on behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we thank, the owners and staff of WPET-AM 950 for providing the Piedmont with quality Southern Gospel radio.

Mr. Speaker, I was detained and not present on the House Floor when the final vote for passage of H.R. 2642--Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations was taken. Had I been present I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Sixth District of North Carolina, I would like to personally congratulate the Southwestern Randolph High School varsity softball team on its win at the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 3-A softball championship. On June 2, 2007, the Southwestern Randolph Cougars accomplished a phenomenal feat in completing the season with an almost perfect record of 31-1. Even more remarkably, the team finished the season with no losses to other 3-A schools and was able to claim the first state championship for the school since 2001.

Congratulations are in order for Anna Maness who was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player, not only because of her accomplishments on the field, but also because of her attitude about the game. In fact, Maness told the Asheboro Courier-Tribune, ``I couldn't have done it without defense; I couldn't have done it without the offense. It should say Most Valuable Team.'' It is this kind of teamwork that makes the entire Southwestern Randolph team special. Maness should also be commended on her impressive efforts during the tournament, striking out 16 batters and allowing no runs.

Looking at the roster, it is easy to see that the most noteworthy thing about this group of young women is their ability to work together. The seniors on the team: Valerie Campbell, Brittany York, Jessica Hogan, Natalie Haithcox, Ashley Seawell, and Kendra Cox finished their four years together on the team with an impressive 110- 13 record, making it to the final tournament every year but one. Cougars Head Coach Steve Taylor told the Asheboro Courier-Tribune that he credited the success of the seniors to the fact that, ``all their work ethics were positive toward reaching their goals.''

The entire roster contributed to Southwestern Randolph's latest softball triumph. The other members of the team included: Brittany Marsh, Stacy McCaskill, Ashley Jones, Nicole England, Kristen Simmons, Dalton Brower, Brittany Garren, Amelia Frye, Holly Berry, Katheryn Auman, Cynthia Hayes, Hannah Hughes, and Erin Billups.

Those who didn't wear a uniform, but contributed in so many other ways, can equally share the accolades coming to Southwestern Randolph's champions. We start with Head Coach Steve Taylor, Assistant Coaches Lee McCaskill, Danny Campbell, and Wendel Seawell, Athletic Director Gary Leach, and Principal Dr. Chris Vecchione. Congratulations are also in order for the faculty, staff, students, and families of Southwestern Randolph High School on another outstanding athletic season.

Madam Speaker, I join the people of the Sixth District of North Carolina in congratulating everyone involved in this outstanding athletic achievement. I am glad to see that these young athletes were able to see their hard work and determination lead to a state championship.

Madam Speaker, pitching a perfect game is certainly an amazing feat on its own. Pitching a perfect game in the championship, however, is something particularly special. Words cannot describe just how rare this feat is. So, please allow me to brag for just a bit about the remarkable achievements of Chelsea Leonard and the rest of the North Carolina State High School Athletic Association 2-A softball champion Central Davidson High School Spartans.

On June 2, 2007, Ms. Leonard pitched Central Davidson to a resounding 4-0 victory over South Brunswick High School, while not allowing a single hit. She also struck out 18 of 21 batters. And on her way to winning MVP of the tournament, she tallied an impressive 53 strikeouts while compiling a 3-0 record. What's more, she didn't allow a single run or even a hit for 19 innings. Folks, these numbers are simply off the charts.

And while Chelsea--a sophomore no less--performed spectacularly throughout the state tournament, the rest of the team was equally impressive. In the run-up to the Spartans' second consecutive year in the state softball finals, every member of the team contributed to a sparkling 32-1 record. So, please allow me to recognize every member of this fine team: Ashley Hulin, Tess Swing, Carrie Jernigan, Whitney Lohr, Heather Lanier, Nicole Perry, Lindsay Thore, Hannah Buie, Alison Lohr, Erin Cole, Gina Antonucci, and

Haley Hanes all contributed to this special season with their pitching, hitting, base running, and fine defense.

Accolades are also in order for the talented coaching staff, including, of course, Head Coach and Athletic Director Gene Poindexter who brought his team back to the finals after a difficult loss in that game last year. His hard work over the past 8 years has been instrumental to the Spartans' success. The assistant coaches--Steve Hayes, Brian Starnes, Jim Welborn, Greg Leonard, Richard Cid, Sterling Charles, Mike Pickett, and Jordan Stogner--all deserve special recognition. This sensational season would not have been possible without their help or without the support of Principal Kevin Firquin. And I cannot forget to mention the terrific fans who supported the team throughout the entire season and who came out in force to cheer on the Spartans in the state tournament.

Madam Speaker, this was a spectacular season for the Central Davidson High School softball team. I am sure that everyone in the Sixth District of North Carolina will join me in congratulating all of these fine athletes and the rest of the Central Davidson High School community on their outstanding achievements.

I thank the gentleman from Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the bill before us.

All crimes are deplorable, particularly when they are motivated by some form of discrimination. But this bill, in my opinion, does nothing to prevent these acts. States and Federal governments traditionally prosecute hate crimes now. I agree with the argument that this bill would unfairly classify crimes against certain groups of people, and ignore others such as law enforcement, children, veterans or senior citizens who deserve the same degree of protection.

I am concerned that this legislation will lead to unseemly investigations, possibly into thoughts and beliefs, which could have the effect of criminalizing religious or political speech.

Furthermore, I understand that the legislation does not have a nexus with interstate commerce that would survive a constitutional challenge.

I understand the need to protect vulnerable people, Mr. Speaker, and I support funding to help community safety and to prosecute criminals, but I cannot support this legislation.

Oftentimes, Mr. Speaker, those of us who oppose hate crime legislation are accused of being uncaring and insensitive. Now, to those charges I plead ``not guilty,'' but I oppose this, among other reasons, because hate crime legislation is duplicative. There is sufficient statutory relief readily available now to aggrieved victims. There is such a thing as having too many laws, and I think this would result if we enact this today, and I urge its defeat.

I thank the Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, in this town when a Democrat screws up, Democrats are reluctant to criticize. By the same token, when a Republican screws up, Republicans are reluctant to criticize. Today, Mr. Speaker, I intend to depart from this accepted practice and direct attention--if not criticism--to the World Bank matter.

Mr. Paul Wolfowitz was one of the architects of the war in Iraq. He was generally awarded low marks for his Iraqi performance. Then he was subsequently elevated to the presidency of the World Bank. Allegations of mismanagement of the World Bank under Mr. Wolfowitz's leadership have recently been prominently reported.

The Congress may or may not become involved, and the two House committees on which I sit--Transportation and Judiciary--likely will not become involved, nor am I accusing Mr. Wolfowitz of wrongdoing. That is for the appropriate World Bank panel to resolve.

Mr. Speaker, if it is determined in fact that mismanagement did occur on President Wolfowitz's watch, I suppose two options would follow: his resignation or his retention. If the latter, the appropriate World Bank panel may consider attaching a shorter, tighter leash to Mr. Wolfowitz because the present leash--if there is a leash at all--appears to be inadequate. But based upon my limited familiarity with facts surrounding the World Bank matter, I opt for the retention of Mr. Wolfowitz in lieu of his resignation.

His questionable and misguided leadership regarding the Iraqi War, plus the allegations of mismanagement at the World Bank under his watch notwithstanding, Paul Wolfowitz has made significant contributions during his years of public service and probably deserves another chance with the aforementioned leash permanently attached.

Meanwhile, Mr. Speaker, if Members of the Congress openly criticize members of our own party--especially members of our own party--when criticism is warranted, I believe our constituents will applaud such objectivity. And I furthermore believe, Mr. Speaker, that fewer accusations of screw-ups, mischief, mismanagement and scandal will be voiced and hopefully fewer acts of screw-ups, mischief, mismanagement and scandals will be practiced.

Mr. Speaker, on that optimistic note, I conclude and yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, a high school football team in the Sixth District of North Carolina recently confirmed and put a new spin the old adage that ``If at first you don't succeed, try, try and try again.'' On December 9, 2006, Eastern Randolph High School defeated two-time defending state champion Charlotte Catholic 15-7 to capture the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) 3-AA football title. The Wildcats, determined to overcome two past losses in the title game, used a tenacious defense to smother the Cougars' high- powered offense that averaged more than 31 points and 300 yards a game during the regular season and held Charlotte Catholic to its lowest point total of the year.

Senior linebacker Seth Clapp told the Asheboro Courier-Tribune that Eastern Randolph's previous attempts to win it all fueled the Wildcats all season long. ``It hasn't sunk in yet,'' Clapp told his hometown newspaper. ``We came out here with a great opportunity. We came down here to win and nothing else. My freshman year, we got beat and I said if we ever made it back, we're coming down here to win and nothing else.'' Win it all the Cougars did at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh to capture the Randolph County school's first football championship since 1983.

An assistant coach when the Wildcats last won the state title, Eastern Randolph Head Coach Burton Cates told the Asheboro Courier- Tribune that he did not have to do a lot of convincing to motivate his squad this season. ``They set their goals very high,'' he told the newspaper. ``They didn't start talking about this last August, they started talking about it last January. They were very disappointed in the way the year ended last season (a 41-14 loss to Williams in the state semifinals) and they knew they could be successful and make history at ER like the 1983 team did.'' As a former assistant coach, Head Coach Burton Cates knows the value that a strong coaching staff brings to a championship quest. Joining him in guiding the Wildcats to the state crown were assistant coaches Greg Hardin (the offensive coordinator), Carl Anker, Lou Peters, Eric Hall, Jose Espaillat, and Adam Smith on the offensive side of the ball and Ed Tysinger, Charles Arrington, Cecil Mock, Mark Heilig, Rick Larrick, and John Plimpton handling Eastern Randolph's stellar defense.

Every member of the Eastern Randolph football team played an important role in securing the school's first state championship since 1983. Among the winning Wildcats were Jerrell Milliner, Tyler Hasty, Jake Millikan, Kentrell Bartell, Ethan Rotenberry, Jarod Bowman, Patrick Wright, Kevin York, Josh Hardin, Manny Troxler, Zed Wampler, Michael Blackmon, Jeffrey Fisher, Scott Riddle, Dexter Brooks, Jordan Smith, Tyler Tuttle, Lee Spinks, Matt Simmons, Dominique Grier, Seth Clapp, John Hancox, Atiq Chaudhry, Dennis Bowden, Ryan Hammond, Michael Cheek, Ethen Bailey, Malcolm Greene, Joel Brown, Bill Stanley, Derek Spinks, Ethan Haithcock, Dennis Jones, Scottie Shears, John Scotton, Scott Staley, Trent Hughes, Zach Webster, Andrew Chilco, Preston Jones, Jakob Chilco, Daniel Ritter, Keith Walker, Lloyd Newman, Brantley Fox, Jacob Deaton, A.J. Cannon, Justin Stanley, D.J. Mabry, Nick Picard, Adam Hicks, Josh Wishon, Travis Clapp, Miguel Uribe, Kenny Lassiter, Billy Jaynes, Brent Gallimore, Justin Allred, and Heath Muller.

All of the coaches and players will tell you that the support staff-- those you don't see on the field--also play a vital role in completing a championship run. Congratulations are in order for team physician Dr. Robert James, statisticians Larry Ellison, Roger Whitehead and Rick Freeman, coaches assistants Bonika Terry, Dewain Baldwin and Kateira McClain, video director Mo Mower, hospitality director Sandy Hardin, voice of the Wildcats Ron Berbaum, radio play-by-play announcer Tony Wright and color analyst Neill Kivett.

All can take pride in helping Eastern Randolph become the NCHSAA 3-AA state champions this past football season. From Principal R. Parks Allen, the faculty, staff, students, families and fans of the Wildcats will confirm that if at first you don't succeed, look to Eastern Randolph to prove that if you try, try and try again, you can achieve your ultimate dreams.

Madam Speaker, many towns, states, schools, conferences, or leagues try to lay claim to be the ``home of champions.'' But really, can anyone make a better case than Thomasville High School in Thomasville, North Carolina? The fact that the mighty Bulldogs reside in the Sixth District of North Carolina does nothing to dissuade me that Thomasville High School truly deserves to be called the home of champions, or perhaps, be renamed Title Town High! Allow me the opportunity to make the case for Thomasville High School.

On March 10, 2007, the Thomasville Bulldogs captured the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) 1-A men's basketball championship with an 86-76 win over North Edgecombe High School. This win was the fifth state basketball championship in the last 10 years. On December 9, 2006, Thomasville won its seventh state football title with a 13-7 victory over James Kenan High School in the NCHSSA 1-AA championship contest. This was the seventh football crown in the school's history, the third consecutive state championship, and the 37th straight win dating back to the 2004 season. So, that is 12 state titles from just two sports, football and men's basketball. Space and time do not permit us to list all of the titles--such as the men's soccer team in 2005 and the women's basketball team in 2004--we could go on and on, but for argument's sake, let's stipulate that Thomasville High School is truly the home of champions. Permit me a moment to detail the two most recent titles in men's basketball and football.

In the middle of March Madness, the Thomasville men's basketball team won the NCHSSA 1-A championship. Thomasville defeated North Edgecombe 86-76 in a game that saw nine lead changes and seven ties. The win capped a remarkable season for the Bulldogs in which they finished 24-2 and were perfect following back-to-back losses at a tournament in December. Head Coach Woody Huneycutt told the Thomasville Times that the title win came against a strong opponent. ``I am really proud of this group,'' Coach Huneycutt told his hometown newspaper. ``They did a heck of a job today. North Edgecombe was an extremely quick, physical, hustling team. They put everything I thought they had on the floor, and I thought our guys did the same. Of course, we had to, to be successful.'' And successful they were thanks to a complete team effort.

Congratulations are in order for Coach Huneycutt and his assistant Lacardo Means. In fact, Coach Huneycutt told the Thomasville Times, ``One of the main reasons we are here and we do as well as we do year after year is Lacardo Means. He is very instrumental to us being successful.'' Both men will be the first to tell you that most of the credit goes to the players on the court. Those who contributed to the title run included Donald Sims, Justin Moore, Bud Ray, Jeremy McKiver, Alex Perry, Zach Perry, E.J. Abrams-Ward, Evander Davis, Dominique Pickett, Trey Ray, Chris Woods, Michael Byrd, and Ari Foust. The team was ably assisted by scorekeeper Connie McLendon, statisticians Willie Green, Quan Warley and Demajio Lawson, and videographers Quiana Mock and Felicia McFadden. Several seniors on the basketball squad also play football for Thomasville and they are leaving high school with five championship rings.

On December 9, 2006, the Bulldogs completed a perfect 16-0 season with a third consecutive NCHSSA 1-AA football championship. Thomasville defeated James Kenan High School 13-7 at aptly-named Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill to cap an incredible run to the crown. Head Coach Benjie Brown, who has led the Bulldogs to the three straight titles, told the High Point Enterprise at the end of the game that meeting everyone's high expectations does take a toll. ``When you get to this point,'' he told the newspaper, ``it's so taxing and so tiring, it won't set in for a day or two. The emotions and effort that goes into it, the length of the season, it's wearing on players and coaches. It'll take a little while to really sit back and enjoy it, but I am happy for those kids out there.''

Now that some time has passed, I am sure that Coach Brown is very happy and proud of the hard work that went into completing the quest for the Bulldogs third straight state football championship. The perfect season was thanks in no small part in Coach Brown and his assistant coaches Stan Baranowski, Allen Brown, Roger Bryant, Sam Captain, Danny Medlin, Matt Pugh, Brandon Staton, Nick Sweitzer, Jaz Tate, and Tyler Tobin, along with community coaches Vince Brown, Ed Courtney, Kemp Harvey, and Don Osborne.

The entire roster contributed to Thomasville's latest football triumph. Members of the team included: Najee Brown, Jeremy McKiver, T.J. Steele, Willie Green, Bradley Watkins, E.J. Abrams-Ward, Justin Moore, Chris Woods, Quinton Lindsey, Scott Hines, Quan Warley, Mose Jones, Rashad Whitaker, Chris Webber, Brad Wilkes, Bud Ray, Arsenio Hudson, Dujuan Ingram, Lawrence Jackson, Heath Stroud, Kirk Yarborough, Martez Wilson, Demagio Lawson, Brandon Moss, Jaquane Mouzone, Mark Green, Lorenzo Cannon, Logan Barnes, Jerrell Wilson, Marcus Bratton, Courtney Henry, Avery Hudson, Ari Foust, Akeim Rainey, Quentin Long, Preston Atwood, Tommy Green, Cornelius Davis, Trey Ray, Evander Davis, Jameson Donnell, Willie Cannon, and Michael Byrd.

Those who didn't wear a uniform, but contributed in so many other ways can equally share the accolades coming to Thomasville's champions. We congratulate trainers Kenny Coker and Byron Lattimore, team doctors David Williams and Rob Williams, statistician Barry Tucker, film crew members Travis Leanord, Wade Loflin, Casey Medlin, and Adam Oakley, middle school head coach Eric Rader, gym maintenance staffer Bill Moore, and team managers Ryan Hanner, Luke Williams and Antwon Simon.

Congratulations to Principal Dick Gurley, Athletic Director Woody Huneycutt, the faculty, staff, students, and families of Thomasville High School on another outstanding athletic season.

Madam Speaker, I feel I have made a compelling argument to christen Thomasville High School as the ``home of champions.'' Even if others disagree with our assessment, I am sure that everyone in the Sixth District of North Carolina does agree that the Bulldogs' collection of state championships is mighty impressive.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 137, the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007, creates Federal felony penalties for animal fighting. The distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Gallegly) is the lead sponsor of this bill with over 300 cosponsors from both sides of the aisle.

The Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act increases criminal penalties for illegal dog fighting and cockfighting. The act, furthermore, imposes penalties for the interstate promotion of animal fighting and the interstate transportation of animals for use in an animal fighting venture.

All 50 States, Mr. Speaker, prohibit dog fighting, and 48 States prohibit cockfighting. Louisiana and New Mexico, the two States that do, in fact, allow cockfighting, may take up legislation to ban the practice as early as this year.

According to the Humane Society, animal fighting, particularly cockfighting, has become an interstate venture with small syndicates of cockfighters moving across the country staging these different fights. Animal fighting is also linked oftentimes with other criminal conduct such as drug trafficking, illegal firearms sales, and gang activity.

By raising this offense from a misdemeanor to a felony, we are more likely to deter illegal animal fighting and increase the likelihood that Federal prosecutors will pursue these cases.

I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I now yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Gallegly), member of the House Judiciary Committee and original sponsor of this legislation.

(Mr. GALLEGLY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am advised the distinguished gentleman from Virginia would like me to yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Moran) which I am pleased to do.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in mild opposition to H.R. 580, primarily against the process rather than substantively.

Scrutiny over the dismissal of several U.S. Attorneys in recent days may have triggered this legislation. While we are still learning the facts surrounding those dismissals, it does remain clear that the U.S. Attorneys do indeed serve at the pleasure of the President. Some are calling for oversight investigation because of the political appearance surrounding those dismissals, and this is fine; but amending the appointment process for interim U.S. Attorneys I believe is the wrong response.

Prior to 1986, the district court appointed interim U.S. Attorneys to fill vacancies until a Presidential appointee had been nominated and confirmed by the Senate. In 1986, the process was changed to authorize the Attorney General to appoint an interim United States Attorney for 120 days, at which time, if the Senate had not confirmed a new United States Attorney, the district court would then appoint an interim to serve until a new permanent United States Attorney was indeed confirmed.

This process was not infallible. Some said authorizing the judiciary to appoint the prosecutors before their court created a conflict of interest, and I think a good argument can be made for that. Others said the Executive could maneuver the Constitution by terminating a court- appointed interim by repeatedly substituting its own interim for 120- day stints. A good argument could well be made for that as well.

In 2005, the process for appointing interim United States Attorneys, however, was changed once again. This was an amendment to section 546 of title 28, which eliminated the 120-day time limit for an Executive- appointed interim to serve and eliminated the authority for the district court to appoint an interim.

Unfortunately, one of these responses to the recent dismissals had been H.R. 580, which would return the process of appointing interim United States Attorneys for 120 days and authorizing the judiciary to appoint interims if a permanent United States Attorney is not confirmed prior to the 120-day passes.

The bill, H.R. 580, was accelerated through the Judiciary Committee. Only one hearing was held on the bill. That hearing focused mostly on the current U.S. Attorney controversy, not the bill itself. It was then heard by the full committee, but there was no opportunity for the Judiciary Subcommittee on Commercial Administrative Law markup to therefore improve the bill.

Republicans on the Judiciary Committee, many of us, would have liked to have worked with the Democrats in a bipartisan fashion more thoroughly, and I think we may have come at the finish line with a more favorable finished product. Given more time, we might have considered some promising ideas. For instance, this bill does not address the problem of appointing and confirming United States Attorneys in a timely fashion. Senators Kyl and Sessions introduced amendments in the Senate proposing several other responses to inherent conflicts created by United States Attorney vacancies and possible ways to provide for interims.

In these times of the war on terror, Mr. Speaker and colleagues, and the continuing age-old war on crime, the service of the United States Attorneys, indeed the front line of Federal law enforcement, is more than ever a matter of first importance to the Nation. Their appointment is serious business. We should not have rushed to judgment in attending to this business, but instead have given the legislative process more time to work. I think we missed an opportunity to improve the bill as a result.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Washington referred to it as scandal. It may well end up being a scandal, but I think to use that word today might well be premature. But, meanwhile, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Texas for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1130, the Judicial Disclosure Act. The distinguished gentleman from Michigan and the distinguished gentleman from Texas, Chairman Conyers and Ranking Member Smith, should be recognized for their leadership and efforts to shepherd this bipartisan legislation.

Mr. Speaker, this is commonsense legislation that was unanimously approved by the House Judiciary Committee. It reauthorizes the Judicial Conference to redact certain personal and financial information that judges and judicial officers are required by the Ethics in Government Act to publicly disclose each year.

The authority was originally granted in 1998 and was subsequently renewed, but expired on December 31, 2005. This legislation extends the authority until 2009.

Under H.R. 1130, Mr. Speaker, Federal judges and judicial officers are still required to submit information required by the Ethics in Government Act. The Judicial Conference would be permitted to redact personal and sensitive information from public disclosure to protect the safety of our judges, judicial officers and their families. Examples of the information that may be redacted include where they reside, where their spouses work or where their children attend school.

The Judicial Conference reported in 2005 that 3,942 Federal judiciary employees filed financial disclosure reports. Only 177 reports were partially redacted prior to release. Four redacted reports were based on specific threats, and another 137 reports were redacted based on general threats. We know these threats are real, and it only makes common sense to ensure that we do not needlessly expose personal and sensitive information of the judiciary's top officers.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the House to support H.R. 1130, and hope that the other body will provide for its expeditious consideration.

I thank the distinguished gentleman from North Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, I oppose deploying 20,000 additional troops to Iraq. Oh, if you oppose the surge, the troops will be demoralized, we are told. The five ``d'' words will be prominently exposed this week as my friend just mentioned: debate, dialogue, discipline, deliberation, and democracy.

The troop morale will be adversely affected because we are involved with these disciplines? I think not. I believe they would more readily be demoralized if we were willy-nilly rubber-stamping every issue confronting us.

I approved of removing Saddam Hussein because it is my belief, and I continue to believe it is the general consensus of this Congress, that Saddam was indeed an international terrorist. I regret that we were inept in formulating a post-entry strategy. I am not convinced that any particular strategy was ever in place.

It is unfortunate and, yes, unfair, that many people, strike that, some people, perhaps many people, are blaming President Bush, the United States, Great Britain, Australia, and our other allies for the civil unrest in Iraq. Saddam was removed and a free election was conducted, so the Iraqi people were given a choice between freedom and civil war. Unfortunately, they chose the latter. They rejected freedom and chose civil war. And the longer we maintain a presence there, the more they will rely upon us. The time has come, in my opinion, for the baton to be handed to the Iraqis.

Finally, permit me to discuss cutting and running. Oh, you cannot leave; you will be accused of cutting and running, we are told. If we had removed Saddam, which most Iraqis wanted, and then withdrew 4 or 5 weeks later, or even 4 or 5 months later, that would have constituted cutting and running. But we have been there for years, Mr. Speaker. Over 3,100 of our troops have given the ultimate sacrifice, in excess of 25,000 have suffered injuries, many permanent disabling injuries. This is sacrifice, not cutting and running. And I insist that we do not maintain an eternal presence in Iraq if for no other reason than the cost to the taxpayers, which has been astronomically unbelievable.

In excess of 2 years, Mr. Speaker, I have stressed the importance of retaining troop withdrawal as a viable option. Early on, virtually no one was even remotely considering withdrawal. I believe withdrawal is not unsound for the reasons I have previously cited.

Some Americans and perhaps some in this body oppose the Iraqi operation because they dislike President Bush. I, however, do not march to that drum. I am personally very high on President Bush. But on the matter of troop escalation, I am not in agreement.

The noted British statesman Edmund Burke, while addressing Solicitors at Bristol many years ago said, ``As your representative, I owe you my industry, but I also owe you my judgment. And if I sacrifice my judgment for your opinion,'' he said, ``I have not served you well.''

Some of my constituents will embrace my vote as demonstrating sound judgment. Others will likely reject my vote as a result of flawed judgment.

Not only do I owe my best judgment to my constituents, but to our troops as well, who we continue to remember in our thoughts and prayers.

I thank the Speaker and I thank the distinguished gentleman from North Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, thank you, sir.

I represent Pinehurst, North Carolina, the golf capital of America. And when I would say that, Charlie took great umbrage, he being from Augusta.

On one occasion, Charlie overheard someone ask me to describe my district. I replied, ``I represent High Point, the furniture capital of the world; I represent one of the finest zoos in the country near Asheboro.'' And knowing that Charlie was listening, I said very condescendingly, ``And, of course, the golf capital of America in Pinehurst.''

Charlie jumped up from his chair, this is the sanitized version. He said, ``Now, you son of a gun,'' he said, ``I will let you have the furniture and zoo, but you ain't taking golf.''

I told that story, Mr. Speaker, to the Southern Pines North Carolina Rotary Club, and within one week that story was personally delivered to Doc Norwood. And Charlie said to me, ``Howard, don't ever talk about anybody. It will come back to bite you.''

Charlie Norwood, as has been said many times on this floor today, one great guy, one great Congressman who will be sorely missed.

Charlie, I won't even say Pinehurst is the greatest golf capital of the world at least for a day or two in remembrance of you.

And condolences to Gloria and the entire Norwood family.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman from Texas for yielding.

And I probably won't use 5 minutes, but, Mr. Speaker, H.R. 34, a bill to establish a pilot program in certain United States district courts to encourage enhancement of expertise in patent cases among district judges, is a bill that deserves the continued support of the Members of the House. As has been indicated both by Mr. Berman and Mr. Smith, drafted by Representatives Issa and Schiff, this bipartisan legislation was passed unanimously by the House last year, but due to the press of time the other body did not consider the measure. With House action early in this Congress, we will be able to ensure our colleagues on the other side of the Hill have maximum

opportunity to fully and fairly consider this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, it is no secret that our Nation's patent laws have become the subject of much scrutiny and debate. Indeed, Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Lamar Smith and the chairman of the Intellectual Property Subcommittee, Representative Howard Berman, with whom I look forward to working this Congress, have been leaders in developing substantive and comprehensive reforms to our Nation's patent system. The further consideration of these proposals is the IP Subcommittee's highest priority this Congress. I am encouraged and hopeful that we will be able to look back at the end of the 110th Congress satisfied that we ran the course and completed this important task.

But there is related work this House can complete immediately that will serve as a step in the right direction. By passing H.R. 34, a commonsense and narrowly tailored measure that will provide designated Federal district judges the opportunity to improve their expertise in the handling of patent cases, the House will be taking an early, positive first step along the road to comprehensive patent reform.

Mr. Speaker, a typical Federal district judge may preside over no more than three or four, five at the most, patent cases which are litigated to conclusion during the course of his or her career. Patent cases comprise only 1 percent of cases filed in Federal court, yet they make up nearly 10 percent of complex cases. The timely and appropriate resolution of these cases is vital to uphold the rights of individual litigants. But it also serves the larger interests of consumers and the economy.

Patent litigation, Mr. Speaker, is characterized by disputes that involve the interaction of numerous parties, the integration of sophisticated technologies, and the application of technical aspects of substantive patent law by judges who are rarely presented with such cases.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 34 is a modest bill that will enable a small number of these district judges to be designated to gain additional experience and resources in handling these cases, the outcome of which is so crucial to our economy.

This legislation also includes safeguards to prevent these districts from being used to promote ``forum shopping'' as well as provisions to ensure that the Congress is provided with useful periodic reports on the progress of this new initiative.

Again, I thank the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Berman), the distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith), and Representatives Schiff and Issa for their work.

General Leave