Floor Statements

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution. We have all heard the expression, Keep It Simple, Stupid, the KISS formula. Our government needs to do a better job of adhering to this phrase.

In the transportation sector, there are numerous examples where the regulatory process is burdensome and impedes private enterprise.

The Department of Transportation has regulations pending that classify lithium cells and batteries as hazardous materials. If implemented, this could create an impediment in getting batteries to consumers, the military, and government agencies. As a result, this could jeopardize manufacturing jobs in my district, jobs we cannot afford to lose.

DOT has also put forth regulations that would implement changes to hours of service regulations. This proposal is soliciting comments on whether to retain the current 11-hour time limit, or reduce the maximum driving time to 10 hours, something the agency prefers. If implemented, it will create ramifications for goods movement and likely affect consumers' wallets and private enterprise.

Finally, the National Mediation Board recently published a rule that alters how labor elections occur. Under previous guidelines, a majority of the eligible electorate must vote in favor of unionization. Under the new proposed rules, this majority is defined by

those who actually vote in elections, meaning the outcome could form a union when the majority of persons affected did not express the desire to do so. This is simply another way for the labor movement to gain traction and dictate an outcome that they cannot achieve otherwise.

We support reducing the number of regulations, Mr. Speaker. But that is not to say that we support compromising safety. Indeed, we do not.

Mr. Speaker, we can do better. We can provide oversight that is simple and straightforward without impeding private enterprise. Our economy will benefit if we bear in mind the saying, Keep It Simple, Stupid.

I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith).

Mr. Speaker, when we debated health care reform during the 111th Congress, I made the statement that we need to fine-tune the engine, not overhaul it. I reiterate that theory today.

President Obama, in my opinion, elevated health care to the number one issue facing America, mistakenly so, in my opinion. I think the number one issue facing America then and now involves jobs, or more precisely lack of jobs, and reckless spending. There is agreement from both sides of the aisle that we need to improve our health care system. I believe these improvements must enhance the quality and accessibility of care in a fiscally responsible manner. The law implemented last year failed to meet these criteria, particularly in the onerous 1099 tax increase on small businesses. That is just one glaring example.

By repealing ObamaCare, we will have the opportunity to take the more prudent approach of fine-tuning our health care law to ensure that it encompasses sound principles.

Mr. Speaker, this will likely be an obvious partisan vote, but it also serves a purpose. It sends a message to the American people that we are serious about fixing our broken health care system. Physicians do this daily. They make a diagnosis and fix the problem. I support the passage of H.R. 2 because Congress should take the same approach: fix the problem. Much energy and attention was directed to this matter, when it probably should have been directed to jobs and reckless spending. Too late for that now. But we need to address it. And I look forward to the vote that I guess will be tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from California for having yielded.

As has been mentioned, Mr. Speaker, the distinguished career of Norm Mineta included service in the House of Representatives, where he represented his district in California. As furthermore has been noted, he was subsequently appointed as the U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary, having served as George W. Bush's DOT Secretary.

I met Norm Mineta initially in the well of the people's House. It involved one of the first bills that I managed on the floor. In fact, it was my first managed bill. Norm and I were on opposite sides of that bill, and Norm's side prevailed. Norm then came to me across the aisle and expressed his thanks for the manner in which I had managed the bill. I was a fledgling rookie, Mr. Speaker; Norm Mineta, a seasoned, highly-regarded Member of the United States House of Representatives. But this was vintage Mineta, always making others feel special, always elevating others.

Once he became the DOT Secretary, Norm learned that I had previously served in the United States Coast Guard. The Coast Guard at that time was a Department of Transportation service. Norm Mineta then began addressing me simply as ``Coasty.'' To this day, I am known by Norm Mineta as ``Coasty.''

So, Norm, your old ``Coasty'' pal is honored to have participated in this resolution recognizing the accomplishments of Norm Mineta. Best regards to you, Norm, and to your family.

I thank my colleague from Alabama. You indicate your involvement and exposure to textile employment, as did my friend from North Carolina. My late mom was a textile worker, so I, too, appreciate the significance of textile employment.

The Berry amendment requires the U.S. Defense Department to buy American for certain products that are judged to be essential to our military readiness. Buy American means that 100 percent of the product is produced and manufactured in the United States.

The Berry amendment helps ensure that we have a reliable domestic source for certain vital goods during time of war, and that our troops are equipped with the highest quality equipment. The Berry amendment has worked well. I am not aware of any situation, Mr. Speaker, where it has limited the ability of our military to procure items, and it has ensured that our troops receive the highest quality essential equipment. Finally, it helps contain costs in the long term.

H.R. 3116 will expand this requirement to the Department of Homeland Security. DHS, as we all know, has grown. And while the Berry amendment has been successful for our military, I see no reason why it would not be equally successful for DHS. The requirement is not unlimited because government procurement policies are also covered by the World Trade Organization rules. Berry-type requirements are only permissible for agencies that are critical to national security. As a result, Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that H.R. 3116 would only apply to the Transportation Security Administration because of its national security role in securing our various and sundry airports.

I am pleased that President Obama supported the Berry amendment while he was serving in the Senate and hope that his views on this matter have not changed, and I think they probably have not.

The Berry amendment, furthermore, has been endorsed by AMTAC, the American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition, and NCTO, the National Council for Textile Organizations. Economically, this requirement makes a lot of sense. Currently the Berry amendment is responsible for approximately 70,000 jobs, half of which are in the domestic textile industry. Conservative estimates from textile industry associations indicate another 21,000 jobs could be created by extending the Berry amendment to the Department of Homeland Security.

I urge my colleagues to support this Berry amendment, a very worthwhile proposal.

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

Some recent years ago, Mr. Speaker, I rode with a K-9 handler and his dog in my district during a regular routine run, and he told me that his children regarded that dog as a sibling. The dog lived in the home of the Handler. Some days after I rode with him, I read where the dog had been struck by an automobile and killed. And I called my friend, and he made it clear to me that they had lost a family member, so I appreciate the gentleman's comments from Tennessee.

Mr. Speaker, law enforcement officers face extraordinary danger each and every day, as we all know, in their service to our country in their quest to keep us all safe. For that I am sure we are all eternally grateful.

We should also be reminded of the very special service, the tremendous work, and the dedication to duty rendered by a very special partner in the protection of our safety and freedoms, the law enforcement service dog. These K-9s and their handlers risk their lives to make our communities and our country safe, protecting us from crime and from terrorism.

Using their heightened sensory abilities, these dogs oftentimes are able to detect narcotics, bombs, and other contraband that are not visible to humans. Law enforcement dogs participate in dangerous operations, sparing their human partners the danger of entering a dark and unsearched or unsecured building. Others are trained for and have proven to be very successful at locating missing persons or detecting human remains. These very special K-9s are becoming more and more visible at major transportation hubs, and can be seen daily right here on the Capitol grounds examining vehicles as they enter secured parking areas.

The role of the K-9's handler should not go unmentioned as well. While a police officer may work a particular shift and then go home, the job of a K-9 handler is a 24 hour a day commitment. The handler often cares for his or her dog even when the dog has retired from active service.

Many K-9s have died while valiantly protecting their handlers in the performance of their duties, not unlike the case I mentioned at the outset. The bond between a dog and their handler is great, and the sense of loss when a dog expires is even greater.

There are least 80 organizations at the local, regional, national, and international level devoted to law enforcement service dogs. The Connecticut Police Work Dog Association lists over 1,500 police and military service dogs that have died while ``in-service.'' Many of these were ``in the line of duty'' deaths. The individual stories of these dogs are inspiring and range from the very public event of the World Trade Center collapse of 9/11/01, where Sirius, a bomb-sniffing dog, perished when the building collapsed. The inscription on Sirius' steel bowl: ``I gave my life so that you may save others,'' sums up the loyalty and the dedication that is typical of these dogs to their handlers.

I urge my colleagues to join me and the gentleman from Tennessee in supporting this resolution.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I make infrequent appearances in the House well, but today, I feel obliged to express my disappointment for Mrs. Obama's decision to conduct an elaborate vacation in Spain. She and members of her entourage are spending lavishly, and American taxpayers will subsidize this vacation with lavish payments as well.

With the dismal American economy in the tank, this Spanish vacation, Madam Speaker, was ill-conceived, ill-timed, and generously laced with illogical arrogance. It is my belief that the First Lady owes an apology to American taxpayers for this exercise in reckless spending.

I want to thank the gentleman from Florida for yielding.

Mr. Chairman, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill is a horrific tragedy, as we all know; and I want to make certain the responsible parties are held accountable. I also want to ensure that we understand what went wrong to prevent future tragedies. Although I support domestic energy exploration, we need legislation that is focused and implements lessons learned, and the CLEAR Act, in my opinion, does not meet these principles.

Specifically, it adds yet another task to the Coast Guard mission without providing the tools necessary to get the job done. I firmly believe the Coast Guard can do its part, but it is our responsibility to make sure that they have the personnel, command structure, and resources to meet its multifaceted mission.

The bill also diminishes intellectual property rights. Its mandatory publication requirements for chemical dispersants will eviscerate a number of trade secrets and undermine competitiveness in the chemical industry, it seems to me. It makes no sense to discard trade secrets in the name of protecting the public when the EPA already has such authority and jurisdiction to test, inspect, and approve these products.

Finally, this legislation will create new impediments for tapping into our domestic energy supply, make us more reliant upon foreign sources of energy, and compromise jobs.

Mr. Chairman, I reiterate, we must address this catastrophe. The CLEAR Act, however, is the wrong approach for the gulf coast, our economy, and my constituents' wallets.

I thank the gentleman from Florida again for yielding.

Madam Speaker, we call Lexington, North Carolina, the Barbeque Capital of the World. On April 29-30, 2011, the eyes of the barbeque world will be focused on Lexington as it hosts the Inaugural BBQ Capital Cook-off.

The Cook-off, which hopes to become an annual competition, will not only feature the tastiest food in the world, but will aid in the restoration of downtown Lexington. With people coming from all over the east coast and midwest, hotels will be utilized, food will be eaten, gas will be pumped, and most importantly, people from all over the United States will come to celebrate the heritage and history of world- famous, Lexington-style barbeque.

Uptown Lexington, Inc., has spearheaded the restoration of Lexington and is continuing that goal by hosting the cook-off. The organization has also applied to the Kansas City Barbeque Society for event sanctioning and has asked Governor Beverly Perdue to proclaim the event as a North Carolina State Barbeque Championship.

On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District, we congratulate Uptown Lexington, Inc., for sponsoring the Inaugural BBQ Capital Cook- off. We extend best wishes for a rousing success in the Barbecue Capital of the World.

Mr. Speaker, mob violence serves no good purpose. Last week, a California mob violently disagreed with the jury verdict in a high-profile case. I have no opinion if the verdict is inconsistent with the facts of the case, but I do have an opinion that mob violence offers no solutions. I do not embrace all jury verdicts, but when I am not in agreement with jury verdicts, I do not resort to violence. I do not promote the smashing of plate-glass windows. I do not promote the stealing of goods behind those windows. I do not promote the inflicting of injury upon innocent third parties.

Mob members taking the law into their own hands, Mr. Speaker, is opposed to all that is good about America, yet few people have spoken out against it. Surely, the majority of Americans are opposed to mob violence. I reiterate: Mob violence serves no good purpose and should be deterred and rejected.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we wish to extend our congratulations to the East Rowan baseball team for winning the North Carolina High School Athletic Association's 3-A state championship. The title capped off a record-setting 31-2 season. It was a matter of redemption for many of the players after making deep runs into the playoffs and being knocked out the last two seasons.

The team's resilience mirrors the work ethic of its Head Coach Brian Hightower. East Rowan won the State Championship series by sweeping Wilson Hunt High school two games to none. Coach Hightower focuses on pitching and defense but we are sure he wasn't complaining too much with the 15-10 final of the championship series. Star pitcher William Johnson got the win for the Mustangs and concluded a brilliant postseason record with zero earned runs in 20 innings pitched. Centerfielder Will Sapp was named MVP of the series and had two doubles in the final game.

It took the combined effort of the team, coaches and support from the East Rowan faithful to make this championship dream a reality. The championship team members included: Will Johnson, Parker Gobbel, Thomas Allen, Bradley Robbins, Alex Bost, Curtis Ward, Andy Austin, Justin Morris, Preston Troutman, Noah Holmes, Avery Rogers, Chase Hathcock, Jamey Blalock, Wesley Leroy, Will Sapp, Chris Jacobs, Luke Thomas, Nathan FullBright and Alex Morgan. The coaching staff was led by Head Coach Hightower, with pitching coach Brian Hatley, assistant coaches John McNeil, Matt Miller and statistician Andrew Poston. The East Rowan Athletic Directors Chad Mitchell and Gina Talbert also helped support the championship run. The guidance from school Principals Kelly Sparger, Rick Vanhoy, Debra Murphy and Grayson Hampton also assisted the team.

Again, on behalf of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we would like to congratulate the East Rowan baseball team, the faculty, staff, students, and fans for an outstanding championship season.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we wish to extend our congratulations to the Southwestern Randolph High School softball team for winning the North Carolina High School Athletic Association State 3-A softball championship for the third time in 4 years. The Southwestern Randolph Cougars defeated Crest High School 6-1 on June 5, 2010, at Walnut Creek Softball Complex in Raleigh, North Carolina, to win the title.

The win did not come easily with the Cougars trailing 1-0 after the third inning. After readjusting to the Chargers' pitching style and hitting fewer pop-ups, the Cougars managed to score a run in the fourth inning. Cougars' pitcher Julia Calicutt was able to stop the Chargers from scoring additional runs in the fifth and sixth innings. Having played two seasons behind Southwestern Randolph's 4-year starter Anna Maness, Calicutt was finally given her chance to shine. Calicutt's athleticism and hard work gave the Cougars the opportunity they needed to claim the state title.

The Cougars ended the game tacking on three additional runs in the fifth inning and two in the sixth. ``It's an awesome feeling,'' Calicutt told the Asheboro Courier-Tribune. ``There were doubts at the beginning of the season. We had to do this to prove ourselves,'' added Calicutt.

The championship team members included: Cythnia Hayes, Hannah Hughes, Erin Billups, Olivia Hickman, Julia Callicutt, Kelsey Hoover, Victoria Hunt, Sydney Hyder, Sloane King, Ashia Nicholson, Kaylee King, Paige Parrish, Hayleigh Clapp, Brooke Hayes, Hagan Kiser, Felicia Brady, Braden Newlin, and Alexandria O'Connell. Assisting Head Coach Ricky Martinez were Brook Smith, Robert Hayes and Wendell Seawell.

Again, we would like to congratulate Southwestern Randolph High School's softball team, faculty, staff, students, and fans for an outstanding championship season.

Madam Speaker, I too want to express thanks to the gentleman from American Samoa and the gentleman from Arkansas for having very ably managed this resolution, and I am pleased indeed today to be on the House floor with my friend from New York and my friend from Texas, Mr. Rangel and Mr. Johnson.

I rise in support of H.J. Res. 86, and while there is little I can add to enhance the merit of this resolution, I want to remind everyone that technically speaking the Korean conflict has not ended. The recent actions by North Korea against South Korea and the Chinese should not be taken lightly. South Korea is our true ally on the Korean peninsula. Although I have no solution for the growing threat of North Korea, at this point it seems to me the immediate course of action should be for America to continue to embrace and support South Korea.

This resolution correctly states that we have successfully partnered with the Republic of Korea to promote international peace and security, economic prosperity, human rights, and the rule of law on the Korean peninsula and beyond.

To that end, I encourage my colleagues to support H.J. Res. 86.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we wish to extend our congratulations to the North Davidson softball team for its perfect season culminated by winning the North Carolina High School Athletic Association's 4-A state softball championship. North Davidson finished as the runner-up 3 out of the last 4 years, but this year they were able to win it all. The championship game concluded the Black Knight's 32-game perfect season.

As a result of the tremendous athleticism of the players, the outstanding direction of coach Mike Lambros, and the unyielding support of the community, the Black Knights had all the components necessary to clinch the State title. Furthermore, this was a particularly special season for coach Lambros who celebrated his first championship after having coached the Black Knights for 30 years.

The Black Knight's star pitcher Hannah Alexander won most valuable player honors for her tremendous contribution to her team's success. She only allowed two runs during the entire playoffs. This championship game required tremendous amounts of teamwork and determination.

The championship team members included: Amelia Griffin, Allie Nicholson, Paige Wall, Kathy Choplin, Tess Swing, Nichole Tuttle, Jessica Plemmons, Shaundee Woosley, Lauren Grooms, Jordan Clodfelter, Lindy Yount, Hannah Alexander, Morgan Koontz, Tori Hedrick, Courtney Walker, Maggie McDowell, Mackenzie Hauser, Robyn Stanek, Missy Hunt, Eliza Davis, Kayla Harrell, Lauren Beaver, Katie Vick, Samantha Honeycutt, Lauren McNerney. Assisting head coach Mike Lambros on his championship run were Lamar Powell, Billy Gerald, Thomas Vick, Ronnie Plemmons, Jason Martin, Keith Stanek, Ben Lookabill, Blythe Craver, Kendra Israel, Jerry Smith, Jason Israel, Jeff Pace, Charlie Nicholson, and Tim Martin.

Again, on behalf of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we would like to congratulate the North Davidson softball team, the faculty, staff, students and fans for an outstanding season.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we wish to extend our congratulations to the Southwest Randolph High School softball team for winning the North Carolina High School Athletic Association State 3-A softball championship for the third time in four years.

The Southwest Randolph Cougars defeated Crest High School 6-1 on June 5, 2010, at Walnut Creek Softball Complex in Raleigh, North Carolina, to win the title.

The win did not come easily with the Cougars trailing 1-0 after the third inning. After readjusting to the Chargers' pitching style and hitting fewer pop-ups, the Cougars managed to score a run in the fourth inning.

Cougars' pitcher Julia Calicutt was able to stop the Chargers from scoring additional runs in the fifth and sixth innings. Having played two seasons behind Southwest Randolph's four-year starter Anna Maness, Calicutt was finally given her chance to shine.

Calicutt's athleticism and hard work gave the Cougars the opportunity they needed to claim the state title. The Cougars ended the game tacking on three additional runs in the fifth inning and two in the sixth. ``It's an awesome feeling,'' Calicutt told the Asheboro Courier- Tribune. ``There were doubts at the beginning of the season. We had to do this to prove ourselves,'' added Calicutt.

The championship team members included: Cythnia Hayes, Hannah Hughes, Erin Billups, Olivia Hickman, Julia Callicutt, Kelsey Hoover, Victoria Hunt, Sydney Hyder, Sloane King, Ashia Nicholson, Kaylee King, Paige Parrish, Hayleigh Clapp, Brooke Hayes, Hagan Kiser, Felicia Brady, Braden Newlin, and Alexandria O'Connell. Assisting Head Coach Ricky Martinez were Brooke Smith, Robert Hayes and Wendell Seawell.

Again, we would like to congratulate Southwest Randolph High School's softball team, faculty, staff, students, and fans for an outstanding championship season.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 3473. This legislation is absolutely critical to continue our oil spill response efforts in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Coast Guard and other agencies involved in the response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill are spending tremendous amounts of time and effort ensuring every tangible resource is available to meet this response. By passing this legislation, we ensure that the Coast Guard can maintain these valiant efforts, while simultaneously ensuring other important missions are met, including maritime safety, security, defense, search and rescue efforts, mobility, and preparedness. As America's maritime guardian. The Coast Guard is always ready, and this legislation ensures this goal can continue to be met.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that the oil spill trust fund is funded by the petroleum industry and not the taxpayers.

I urge passage.