Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, 5 months ago a constituent came to me back home and said, Oh, Howard, who is the most eloquent Member of the Congress? Without hesitation, I replied, Henry Hyde.

She then asked, Well, who is the most eloquent Member of the Senate? I said, Oh, when I answered you, I was including the Senate. Henry Hyde is the most eloquent Member of the entire Congress.

I told Henry that story on the floor this week, and he said, Howard, that is why I am going to miss you.

Henry Hyde appointed me to Chair the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property, which I did for 6 years, for three terms. During that time, the ranking Democrat was the distinguished gentleman from California, Mr. Howard Berman, and as far as I can recall, Madam Speaker, neither Howard Berman nor I ever had a cross word with Henry Hyde, nor did he have a cross word with Mr. Berman or me. I will always remember that, and I thank Henry for having named me to chair that subcommittee.

Madam Speaker, I asked him on the floor this week what his plans were. Henry replied, I plan to have C-SPAN nearby. Well, he may have C- SPAN, but C-SPAN will never be the same, Madam Speaker and colleagues, without the presence of Henry Hyde, the distinguished gentleman from Illinois.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Wisconsin, chairman of the full committee.

Mr. Speaker, this bill has been mischaracterized in many ways since its inception. The distinguished gentleman from Virginia, Mr. Bobby

Scott, and I cosponsored this bill. We have attracted 152 cosponsors, including 32 Democrat Members.

I regard this bill, Mr. Speaker, as a streamlined management tool for ATF. It, furthermore, creates a revenue stream. When gun dealers are in fact found guilty of violations, fines may now be imposed, creating an incentive, if for no other reason, to comply with the law at hand.

I have had some calls from gun dealers around the country complaining about the bill because they say it opens the door for them to be the beneficiary of fines to be imposed against them. Well, if they commit violations, I think fines are appropriate and in order.

I think this is a good bill, as evidenced, as I said before, by 152 of our colleagues who obviously believe it is. It establishes graduated penalties for civil violation by Federal firearms licensees, it imposes graduated civil penalties, and it includes fines, suspensions and/or revocation against licensees who violate gun laws. The penalties are graduated based on whether the violation is a serious or a non-serious violation. The nature and the severity of the violation, the size of the firearms business and the prior record for compliance by these dealers are considered in determining the civil penalty imposed.

I think, on balance, it is long overdue. This addresses an issue that should have long ago been addressed. Under the law today, the ATF, in response to a gun dealer having committed a violation, has one of two choices: He either does nothing or he revokes.

By the way, Mr. Scott and I conducted at least three hearings on this matter. At one of the hearings, we learned that a purchaser of a firearm in response to an answer, and I don't recall whether it was yes or no, but let's assume for the sake of discussion it was no, the purchaser inserted the initial ``N'' rather than spelling out no. Well, this was deemed to be a violation. Technically, I guess it was a violation, but it was an accidental, incidental violation. Obviously, there was no willfulness involved, nothing for which the door should be slammed upon a dealer. I think this bill will provide this sort of latitude and enlarge the parameters as the ATF goes about its business of enforcing the laws of our land.

Finally, I don't mean to speak for Mr. Scott, but I think neither Mr. Scott nor I are interested in hamstringing the ATF. I am pro-ATF, but I know for a fact that in some instances the ATF agents have become heavy-handed, maybe even unruly, particularly in the Virginia situation. So I think this will address that problem.

I find it very interesting, Mr. Speaker, and I have told the chairman this earlier, the silence has been deafening as far as response from the ATF. Gun owners of America, they have not come to me in opposition to this bill.

So I want to thank my good friend from Virginia, Mr. Scott, Mr. Vassar and our very able staff on our side, Michael and his assistants. We have put together a good piece of legislation. I urge its passage

Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman for yielding.

Mr. Chairman, this body has deliberated the role of Federal Prison Industries for several years. In 2003, the House approved a version of the vote by a decisive vote, and while that bill was not enacted, the House Judiciary Committee has continued to deliberate on reforming FPI.

I want to applaud the diligence of Chairman Sensenbrenner and Chairman Hoekstra, the distinguished gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers), the ranking member of the full committee, and even though my good friend from Tidewater, Virginia, is misguided on this bill, we continue to be good friends. We have all worked together, and I think it is a good bill.

I supported FPI reform in 2003, Mr. Chairman. While I still support this reform today, I am pleased with the changes in the bill to ensure that FPI will not be discouraged by its implementation of the bill before us. I have always argued that the sole source rule was really not justified and worked inevitably to the detriment of the private sector.

Office furniture is an enormous business, as we all know. H.R. 2965 will balance the playing field in the market for supply furniture to the Federal Government. Furniture manufacturing is an economic engine in the Sixth District of North Carolina, which I represent, and would welcome the opportunity to compete with FPI.

Mr. Chairman, recidivism in our Federal penitentiaries is of grave concern. H.R. 2965, it appears to me, should not be construed as a movement away from inmate training. And, finally, the Second Chance Act, which Mr. Scott and I have nurtured through the House Judiciary Committee, is another example of this new trend regarding incarceration and, of course, that bill will be examined at a subsequent date.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 994. I will never forget, and neither will you, the sense of helplessness as we watched the events of September 11 unfold before our very eyes. As the entire world witnesses the unthinkable, we in the United States could only look to one another and pray for the strength and courage to cope with what was happening.

I don't know if there is anything that the Congress or the President could do short of capturing Osama bin Laden that everyone would agree was an appropriate response. Our critics claim we are no safer now than before the attacks of 9/11. Although there is no measure to evaluate our efforts in the war on terrorism, I do suggest that the absence of additional attacks in the United States and the apprehension of would- be attackers throughout the world bodes well for the actions we have taken.

Mr. Speaker, the legislative effort by the Committee on the Judiciary and the Congress to secure our Nation and prevent another attack on our homeland is unparalleled during my tenure in this House. Unfortunately, we know weaknesses exist. Our borders are porous, and my Coast Guard instincts fear that the enemy may be focusing his next attack on one of our ports.

I have repeatedly expressed concern about overcrowding in our prisons which may be a ticking bomb waiting to explode. Recent media reports detail that our prisons may be fertile ground for terrorist groups interested in recruiting new members. The plot to blow up jetliners recently prevented by British authorities underscores the urgency of this situation.

I fear there are many other security gaps that terrorists have already planned to exploit. We have to stay one step ahead of those people who would do us harm. This is like no other challenge this country has ever faced. These enemies would like to walk into this Chamber today, destroy all of us, and at the same time destroy themselves in an activity that would be generously laced with evil.

The only way we can defend ourselves is to improvise and continue to adjust to their changing threats. I support this resolution and I thank my Republican and Democratic colleagues for their work to defend our homeland.

I also want to express thanks to our constituents for their patience and understanding with our shortcomings and their recognition of our successes in our war against terrorism. After all, Mr. Speaker, it is they who we are trying to protect.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Iowa (Mr. King) who sits on the Judiciary, Agriculture and Small Business Committees.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3\1/2\ minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gohmert), who sits as a member of the Judiciary, Resources and Small Business Committees.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte), a member of the Judiciary Committee and Chair of the House Agriculture Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murphy), who sits on the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to yield the balance of my time to the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Daniel E. Lungren), and that he may yield time to Members seeking to speak.

Mr. Speaker, a patriotic veteran and role-model citizen recently passed away in Greensboro, North Carolina. On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, I rise to honor John Seymour Starr, a World War II veteran, who dutifully fought for his country from an early age. Only nine days after his 18th birthday, Starr enlisted in the army and joined General George Patton's 3rd Army as a machine gunner on the back of a jeep in the 2nd Cavalry, 42nd Recon. As one of Patton's ``Ghosts,'' Corporal Starr put his life on the line day after day scouting ahead of the division to locate and engage the enemy in order to determine their strength and position for an armored assault.

Just months after entering the fight, on August 8, 1943, Corporal Starr's jeep drove over a land mine on France's Breast peninsula killing the driver and passenger. Starr was put in the hospital with shrapnel embedded in his back that he would carry for the rest of his life. Undeterred by his injuries, Starr ignored his reassignment to a non-combat unit and left the hospital. He hitched rides through France until he was reunited with the 2nd Cavalry. During

the rest of his service, he helped General Patton's 3rd Army take control of the French campaign, and he fought in the Battle of the Bulge in December of 1944.

The courage and dedication Starr displayed, earned him several medals, including the Purple Heart and five Bronze Stars. Starr's patriotism was reflected in his life's philosophy: it is easier to fight for one's country, even in the face of death, than it is to give up the freedoms we enjoy in America.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Starr, 1 sister, 5 children, 5 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great granddaughter. Again, on behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District, we join with his family and our community to state that we will miss Corporal John Seymour Starr, an admirable citizen and veteran.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Commander William J. Milne for his service to the United States House of Representatives and his continued service to our country in the United States Coast Guard.

Commander Milne was assigned as the Coast Guard liaison officer to the United States House of Representatives in July 2003, and I am proud to have had the opportunity to work closely with him. In my leadership roles on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee and in numerous other venues, my staff and I have often relied on Commander Milne's knowledge and understanding of the operational missions, the current day-to-day challenges, and the roles and responsibilities of the United States Coast Guard.

While Commander Milne began his House career 3 years ago as the chief of the Coast

Guard's House Liaison Office, his Coast Guard career began more than three decades earlier as a 1975 graduate of the Recruit Training Center in Alameda, CA.

In 1975, Seaman Apprentice Milne was assigned to his first unit working as a Search and Rescue communications watchstander and a Motor Life Boat coxswain. During this assignment he also became one of the few distinguished registered SURFMAN in the Coast Guard while being promoted quickly to the rank of boatswain's mate first class and accepting the duties as executive petty officer of Station Umpqua River in Winchester Bay, OR. Commander Milne received five promotions within his first 3\1/2\ years in the United States Coast Guard.

In 1983, he was promoted to chief petty officer and transferred to the Second Coast Guard District in St Louis, MO, serving in the Rescue Coordination Center overseeing search and rescue and bridge operations in a 22-State area throughout the MidWest before being selected to attend Officer Candidate School in Yorktown, VA, in 1986. Later that year, he was promoted to the rank of ensign, thus beginning his commissioned career.

During his 31-year career, Commander Milne has been assigned to seven coast Guard cutters and has commanded the cutters Cape Cowin, Redwood and Juniper. His shore assignments have included the Professional Development staff at the Coast Guard Academy, Office of Financial Management at Coast Guard Headquarters, and as Surface Operations Assignment officer at the Personnel Command.

This week, Commander Milne will leave his post as the Coast Guard's House liaison and head off to the Naval War College in Newport, RI. He will be missed in the United States House of Representatives.

It has been my pleasure to work with Commander Milne. On behalf of all who have also been fortunate to work with him, we wish Commander Milne and his wife Martina the best in all of their future endeavors.

I thank the gentlelady from Ohio for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I inevitably and innocently likely will omit some cities. But when I think hockey I think Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Chicago, and, of course, the entire country of Canada.

So how do we explain the success of the Carolina Hurricanes?

Two weeks ago, I asked my good friend, Congressman Ed Markey, the distinguished gentleman from Massachusetts, his thoughts about our Hurricanes. In this tone of voice, he replied, ``unbelievable.''

But I say to Ed and all others who reside beyond the confines of Tobacco Road, very believable today as the revered Stanley cup is proudly displayed in North Carolina.

And what an exciting Stanley cup series. The Edmonton Oilers regular season record was not that impressive. But the Oilers play-off record was impressive indeed. And the final seven games, Mr. Speaker, were exercises in international diplomacy as the Oiler fans and the Hurricane fans enthusiastically sang Oh Canada and the Star Spangled Banner with obvious pride prior to the commencement of each match.

Carolina hockey came to be known as redneck hockey, and our fans were superb.

I know virtually knowing nothing about hockey, Mr. Speaker, but I have become a full-fledged hockey fan. Strike that. I have become a full-fledged redneck hockey fan.

Last evening and today I met with Canadian friends who were visiting Washington, and Mr. Price, I say to you that they said for us not to become too comfortable with that Stanley Cup. My Canadian friends said that cup is destined to go north.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I failed to acknowledge that the Hurricanes' outstanding goalie is an Edmontonian. So it is all in the family. I may drive 95 miles next year, Mr. Speaker, just to see a match or a game, whatever it is called, but meanwhile, best wishes and congratulations to the Carolina Hurricanes 2006 Stanley Cup champions.

And I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

I thank the gentleman from Alaska, the distinguished chairman of the full committee.

Mr. Young, I want to commend you and Mr. LoBiondo, the distinguished gentleman from New Jersey, for having chaired the full committee and the Coast Guard subcommittee, along with your respective ranking members, Mr. Oberstar, the gentleman from Minnesota; and Mr. Filner, the gentleman from California. You all have done notable work.

Chairman Young, you and I have talked about this before, but I believe the U.S. Coast Guard probably more than any other Federal entity assumes additional duties time after time without corresponding increased appropriations. I told the Commandant the other day, Admiral Allen, I said, You must

have a magic wand down there, because you all continue to discharge duty after duty, oftentimes newly assigned duties, with the same amount of money. And I don't know how they do it, but they do.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, championship hockey on North Carolina's Tobacco Road, unbelievable, as one of my Boston colleagues said last week. Well, very believable this date because the Carolina Hurricanes prevailed over the spirited and talented Edmonton Oilers and now proudly display the revered Stanley Cup.

The Hurricanes formerly played in Greensboro, located in the congressional district I represent, but now call Raleigh, North Carolina, home. And the Raleigh and Carolina fans have been superb this season.

Mr. Speaker, ``redneck hockey,'' as it came to be known, is here to stay.

Congratulations to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Mr. Speaker, after I recognize the distinguished gentleman from Virginia, I ask unanimous consent that the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Daniel E. Lungren), who sits on the Judiciary Committee, be allowed to control the remaining time on our side.

Mr. Speaker, I am now pleased to recognize for 3 minutes the distinguished gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte) who chairs the House Agriculture Committee and who sits on the House Judiciary Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I am manager of the bill for the Judiciary Committee for our side.

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

I want to initially present an update as to where we have been and where we are in Iraq. Many months ago an Iraqi citizen said to me, you all must remove Saddam. We can't do it, he said, because we know what he is capable of doing to us in retaliation. I said to him if we do remove him, will you embrace us or will you kick us? He said, I don't know.

I responded, that is my concern. I don't know either. I believe his anti-Saddam remarks at that time represented a majority view in Iraq, but my concern proved prophetic. Our exercise in Iraq, Mr. Speaker, and colleagues, has not been without mistakes. Our entry strategy was superb. Our post-entry strategy was tentative at best, inept at worst.

A better response to the looting that ensued in the early days should have been in place. The disestablishment of the Army, without an alternative plan, in my opinion, was premature. Some would blame the United States for the delayed political development, but after all, our forefathers were deliberate in forming our country's operational apparatus, so I think the political complaint is probably unfounded.

Was Saddam an evil, brutal murderer, a flagrant violator of human rights? You bet. Was he involved in international terrorism? You bet. Was he directly or indirectly involved in the 9/11 attack? I don't know. I can neither confirm nor reject that theory. My point, Mr. Speaker, is that intelligence was flawed. Mistakes were made. But the cause for freedom is a noble one, and progress has, indeed, been realized.

I am concerned, Mr. Speaker, and colleagues, about the lack of objectivity in reporting the war on terrorism. Some liberal talk show host reports imply that no good has been accomplished. Conversely, some conservative talk show hosts portray Baghdad as moonlight and roses. Clearly these two slanted versions are inaccurate and unfair.

Let me say a word about the PATRIOT Act, Mr. Speaker, and this will be discussed in more detail subsequently.

But the PATRIOT Act was reported in the full House by the Judiciary Committee, and it addressed the nexus of the sale of illicit narcotics and terrorist financing. These two shadowy worlds of narcotics trafficking and terrorism is an element of terrorism that I think is lost on many Americans. They are joined at the hip, and I am particularly pleased that the PATRIOT Act did respond to that end.

Seventeen months ago, Mr. Speaker, I publicly indicated that troop withdrawal was conspicuously absent when the war on terrorism was discussed. Oh, we spoke of appropriating more funds, we spoke of dispatching additional troops, but virtually no one ever even remotely included troop withdrawal in their discussions.

Now, I am not suggesting troop withdrawal tomorrow, but I want our armed servicemen and -women home sooner rather than later. Some may declare, oh, we cannot cut and run. Cut and run? We have had a presence in Iraq in excess of 3 years. 2,500 armed services Americans have given the ultimate sacrifice to the cause of freedom, Mr. Speaker. Thousands of permanent and disabling injuries have been inflicted upon members of our armed services in addition to the spending of billions of dollars.

I do not know what constitutes cutting and running, but I do know that when we have logged a wartime duration of 3 years, when 2,500 Americans have given their lives for freedom, and Lord only knows how many Americans have been injured, this does not constitute cutting and running.

The time has come, it seems to me, Mr. Speaker, to pass the baton to the Iraqi Government. Now, this decision will ultimately be made militarily, and properly so, by the commanders on the ground; but I do not want this matter of withdrawal to be lost in the shuffle.

If freedom and peace prevail in Iraq, Mr. Speaker, history will be generous in its praise to President Bush and the Congress.

Mr. Speaker I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith) who chairs the judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Florida (Mr. Keller) who sits as a member of the Judiciary Committee.

Mr. Speaker, how much time remains on each side?

And the other side?

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot) who chairs the Subcommittee on the Constitution on the House Judiciary Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield the distinguished gentleman from Iowa (Mr. King), who sits as a member of the Judiciary, 3 minutes.

Mr. Tanner, I do not know. I am told that it was announced that it was a mistake. But I cannot verify that, and this is a case of first impression with me, what you have just shared with me.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Kelly), who, by the way, is the founder and chairman of the bipartisan, bicameral Anti-terrorist Funding Task Force.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth), who sits on the House Ways and Means Committee.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Simmons), a Vietnam veteran and the recipient of two Bronze Stars.

Mr. Speaker, before I recognize the next speaker, could you tell me how much time remains.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Daniel E. Lungren) who sits on the House Judiciary Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gohmert).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Ferguson).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kennedy), who sits on the Financial Services and Transportation Committees.

(Mr. KENNEDY of Minnesota asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Herger), who sits on the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Ryan), who sits on the Ways and Means, Budget, and Joint Economic Committees.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kline), a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, a Vietnam veteran who sits on the Armed Services Committee.

Mr. Speaker, may I inquire of the Chair the amount of time on both sides.

I thank the Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Sherwood), a veteran of the U.S. Army, who sits on the Appropriations Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from Tennessee (Mrs. Blackburn) who sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

I say to my good friend from Pennsylvania, I have two more speakers, Mr. Murtha.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize for 2 minutes the distinguished gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays), who is the chairman of the National Security Subcommittee of the Government Reform Committee, and who has been to Iraq 12 times.

Mr. Speaker, our final speaker from this side tonight is the distinguished gentleman from North Carolina who sits on the Armed Services Committee, vice chairman of the Special Forces Subcommittee and is a leader on the bipartisan congressional delegation to Iraq and Afghanistan, Mr. Hayes. I yield 2 minutes.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that public high schools in the Sixth District of North Carolina are not the only ones housing state championships these days. Now O'Neal School in Moore Country, North Carolina is able to sit in the same seat of glory having won the North Carolina Independent School Athletic Association 2A conference competition in women's soccer.

The Falcons endured fierce competition in the pursuit of their ultimate goal battling through two overtimes (one in the quarterfinals and the other in the semifinals). The fact that the road which they traveled to victory was so rocky made the end result all the more sweet. The women beat out their rival, Calvary Baptist Day School, 1-0 in the final game of the championship.

Freshman Syd McIlwain made everyone proud with the excessive determination required for a defender to score the only goal of the game. The goal occurred on a corner kick in which sweeper Caroline Cordell kicked it perfectly for McIlwain to head it in. After the game McIlwain said, ``I was just thinking that I had to get some part of my body on it,'' according to the Moore County Independent. It's a good thing that she did because that split-second decision was crucial to victory.

We are pleased to recognize all members of the O'Neal School soccer team who contributed to this nearly perfect championship season. Members of the team include: Alex Allen, Carey Averbook, Kristin Black, Caroline Cordell, Margaret Cross, Cate Dahl, Kathryn Davis, Jessica Gregory, Sarah Griffin, Kelsey Hukee, Meagan Johnson, Kate King, Lauren Krahnert, Kathryn Maples, Syd McIlwain, Anna Post, Nicole Poteat, Kate St. John, Allaire Welk, and Stephanie White.

The women's outstanding record was achieved largely due to their ability to work together on and off the field. Responsibility for this close bond rests in the hands of Head Coach Kyle Kegl and Assistant Coach Jason Byrd whose hard work throughout the season was imitated by the players cumulating in ultimate victory among private schools at the state level.

On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we congratulate the O'Neal Falcons for completing the first ever state championship and doing so with only one loss the entire year. Congratulations to Headmaster John Neiswender, Athletic Director Steve Dahl, the teachers, staff, students, parents, and fans for bringing home a state championship to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that the women of Ragsdale High School in the Sixth District of North Carolina have proven their amazing athletic ability with state championship titles in both tennis and track and field.

The outstanding athletes who run, jump, relay, throw, and ultimately put their entire heart into the sport, better known as the track and field team, have been battling in a tremendously competitive district. The past two seasons they achieved second place and were fearful that this year would produce similar results. The old cliche, however, proved true: ``The third time's the charm!'' This year the Tigers' hard work paid off and Ragsdale finished first in the state.

We are pleased to recognize all the members of the Ragsdale track and field team who

contributed to this impressive victory. Members include: Rachael Acquaye, Courtney Brandenburg, Laura Brentnell, Chloe Christian, Courtney Cole, Kierra Crutchfield, Naadia Crutchfield, Julia Gomez, Asha Gray, Dionne Harp, Tyera Herbin, Shea Jackson, Tay Jackson, Portia Jordan, Emily Kimmel, Savannah Lloyd, Jessica McCray, Raven McKlver, Albiana Mustafa, Charlse Nelson, Lakeya O'Neal, Briana Overdiep, Cary Quillian, Mercia Perry, Nikkita Rowlings, Paisley Robinson, Mollie Rogers, Eunique Singleton, Rachel Smith, Caitlin Thornley, Cecilia Woke, Antioinette Walker, Katherine Webb, Amy Wenner, and LaNisha Woods.

After 25 years of coaching, Head Coach Sam Bays capped a tremendous career by bringing in a state title. The players recognize him as the reason for much of their success, and he is obviously proud of them in turn. Neither the coach nor the track and field team could have jumped this hurdle without the help of Assistant Coaches Ronnie Smith, Tommy Norwood and Zachary Crutchfield.

We are late in congratulating the Ragsdale women's tennis team for capturing the state tennis title last year. Congratulations to: Tianna Carter, Cameron Chatman, Chelsea Chatman, Sruthi Cherkur, Kiera Crutchfield, Naadia Crutchfield, Jeanette Edwards, Ashley Johnson, Grace Kennerly, Hanae Matsui, Sirena Pickett, Paris Sims, Jessica Wise and Catherine Wood. Congratulations also to Head Coach Zachary Crutchfield for leading this group of extremely talented women to victory.

On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we congratulate the Ragsdale Tigers on the amazing achievements of both teams. Congratulations to Principal Dr. Kathryn Rogers, Athletic Director Mike Raybon, the teachers, staff, students, parents, and fans of Ragsdale High school for bringing academic as well as athletic excellence.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that a school in the Sixth District of North Carolina, in addition to continued promotion of academic excellence, has produced not one but two state championships recently. The first victory for Ledford High School was brought home by sophomore, Megan Williams, in the pole vault competition of the track and field championship. The second was achieved by Ledford's golf team.

In only her second year as a pole vaulter, Megan Williams battled through a knee injury to claim the title. All nerves resulting from an imperfect freshman season seemingly disappeared, allowing the true champion athlete to break through. Although not new to state level competition, with two previous cheerleading titles to her credit, this event appeared to be especially meaningful because of her success in the face of little experience. The combination of her determination, gymnastic skills, and training from her dedicated coach, Shawn Loggins, drove Megan to continue pursuing and obviously achieving excellence. Looking forward to new poles and new heights, it's no wonder that Megan Williams was named athlete of the week by The (Lexington) Dispatch.

The golfing Panthers of Ledford High School showed extreme poise under the pressure of defending a state title as they defeated Cardinal Gibbons by a remarkable 13 shots in their final performance of the year. Head Coach John Ralls was quoted by The High Point Enterprise as beaming, ``Today we had six scores in the 70s . . . we had six guys who were capable.'' These scores are themselves an amazing feat, but more impressive is that Ledford has won in back-to-back years in such a difficult conference.

We are pleased to recognize all the members of the Ledford golf team who contributed to the victory. Players include: seniors Paxton Davis and Zack Smith, juniors Jake Dykhoff, Nick Goins (whose individual score placed him third in the state), and Logan Peck, and sophomores Jeff Boyan, Curtis Brotherton, Matt Lawson, Chris Moore, Jordan Stiles, and Ethan Worley.

The fantastic individual efforts of the players would not have been enough to bring home a championship, but through the collaborated efforts of the entire squad and the excellent coaching staff including Head Coach John Ralls and Associate Head Coach Jim Brotherton, it was possible to work together and clench the title as a team. The coaches were no doubt proud of their players as they led the Ledford High School golf team to yet another state championship.

On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we congratulate the Ledford Panthers golf team as well as Megan Williams and the rest of the track and field team. Congratulations to Principal Bill Butts, Athletic Director Don Palmer, the teachers, staff, students, parents, and fans of Ledford High School.

Mr. Speaker, in the biggest electoral debate since the Bush-Gore presidential election in Florida in 2000, people are still talking about the selection of this year's American Idol from the television program with the same name. With no disrespect intended toward this year's winner, Taylor Hicks, most people think this year's American Idol should have been Chris Daughtry of McLeansville, NC.

I will admit, Mr. Speaker, that I am extremely biased in this debate because Chris Daughtry is a resident of the Sixth District of North Carolina. And it would have been the second time that a town in the Sixth District produced the winning Idol, since previous winner, Fantasia, hailed from High Point, NC. That being said, most online polls, fan blogs, numerous web sites, and general talk about town all hailed Chris Daughtry as the next American Idol.

Most people know that my musical tastes run more towards traditional bluegrass music, so I am not a good judge of what is hot in the rock and pop music scenes. But I do know politics, and from everything I could learn, Chris Daughtry appeared to be the fan favorite. While I will not call for Congress to investigate this Idol election process, those of us who reside in the Sixth District of North Carolina will always be convinced that our guy really won--sort of like fans of Al Gore in 2000.

Oh well, we are proud to say that we are the home of the real American Idol, Chris Daughtry of McLeansville, NC.