Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the World War II veterans who have flown to Washington DC today from Nashville, TN with Music City Honor Flight. This Honor Flight is part of a nationwide effort to bring as many World War II veterans as possible to the memorial created here in honor of their service and in honor of the fallen.

Through their selflessness, these brave men and women who served in World War II saved our country and changed the course of history. We can never adequately repay them for their sacrifice. Whether Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, or Coast Guardsmen, they heroically served their Nation during our time of greatest need. It is my high privilege to welcome them to the Nation's Capital.

I am proud to read into the Congressional Record the names of each of these distinguished veterans so that they can be recognized for their brave service and so that the Congress of the United States of America can express its gratitude.

Orville Jerome Aasen, Lyttleton C. Anderson Jr., Clarence Arand, James L. Bass, James B. Batey, Jr., Douglas Beard, Dempsie G. Binkley, Winston Bowling, Eugene W. Brock, Charles J. Brown, Edward L. Buquo, Roger L. Burgess, Hugh Lafayette Callens, Russell M. Campbell, Frank A. Cantwell, James W. Carroll, Francis A. Centimole, Robert E. Chadwell, James Robert Clower, Alfred Damon Corley, James D. Craig, Fred M. Creasy, Rayford H. Danley, James L. Davis, Gerald Alvin Davis, Lloyd F. Driver, James W. Duke, Edward Eugene Durham, Lloyd C. Fisher, David Ray Fussell, Murray O. Fussell, Charles H. Gannon, Gerald Allen Gilman, Harry R. Guttridge, Herald D. Hackett, Thomas Hall Jr., Jones B. Hamlett, Wesley W. Harmon, Jackson Harris, Samuel A. Harris, William J. Harvey, Eldon H. Hatcher Jr., Harley Walter Heilman, Irvan Hardeman Hendon, Wayne Hill, Vernard E. Hixson, Leonard Hollender, Edward L. Holton, Lawrence H. Horn, Edward W. Hudson, Robert W. Hull, Nathaniel B. Johnson Jr., Robert C. Jones, Clinton D. Keel, John W. King, James Fowler Lancaster, Earl Eugene Lerch, George Lukon, Nelson Lyne, Dock H. Lyons, Joseph O. Maddux, Harry Eugene Margrave, Carl M. Martin, Henry C. McCall, Jr., Carl E. Meeks, Ledlie J. Miller Jr., Charles A. Mitchell, Dr. John Myers, Robert M. Nabors Jr., James J. Panipinto, Andrew S. Parker, Baxter Lewis Perry, David M. Pettus, Carlos F. Plott, W H Reeves, Samuel Ralph Rehorn, Eugene R. Rhue, Clarence Richards, Robert McCulloch Rock, Elmer Julius Sager, David Y. Sharpe, Milton Shearer, Robert Love Simpson, William Paul Sitton, Fred L. Stacey, John E. Stephens, Robert Merrill Stoops, Harry Richard Sturm, Glenn Swanson, James F. Tacker, Jr., Denison Taylor, W. Glenn Tinsley, Jess Titus, Glenn Tompkins, Eddie G. Wall, James E. Waugaman, Robert Conway Wilhite, Ross Williams, William E. Wingo, Henry C. Winstead, Talmadge R. Woodall, Charles Richard Zartman.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the World War II veterans who are flying to Washington, DC., today from Nashville, TN with Music City Honor Flight. This Honor Flight is part of a nation-wide effort to bring as many World War II veterans as possible to the memorial created here in honor of their service and in memorial of their fallen peers.

Through their selflessness, the brave men and women who served in World War II protected our country and changed the course of history. We can never adequately thank them for their great sacrifice. Whether Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines, or Coast Guardsman, they heroically stood up for their Nation during a turbulent time of great need. It is my great privilege to welcome them to the Nation's Capital and to honor them here today.

I am proud to present the names of these distinguished veterans so that they can be recognized for their brave service and so my colleagues and I can express our gratitude.

Orville Jerome Aasen, Lyttleton C. Anderson Jr., Clarence Arand, James L. Bass, James B. Batey Jr., Douglas Beard, Dempsie G. Binkley, Winston Bowling, Eugene W. Brock, Charles J. Brown, Edward L. Buquo, Roger L. Burgess, Hugh Lafayette Callens, Russell M. Campbell, Frank A. Cantwell, James W. Carroll, Francis A. Centimole, Robert E. Chadwell, James Robert Clower, Alfred Damon Corley, James D. Craig, Fred M. Creasy, Rayford H. Danley, James L. Davis, Gerald Alvin Davis, Lloyd F. Driver, James W. Duke, Edward Eugene Durham, Lloyd C. Fisher, David Ray Fussell, Murray O. Fussell, Charles H. Gannon, Gerald Allen Gilman, Harry R. Guttridge, Herald D. Hackett, Thomas Hall Jr., Jones B. Hamlett, Wesley W. Harmon, Jackson Harris, Samuel A. Harris, William J. Harvey, Eldon H. Hatcher Jr., Harley Walter Heilman, Irvan Hardeman Hendon, Wayne Hill, Vernard E. Hixson, Leonard Hollender, Edward L. Holton, Lawrence H. Horn, Edward W. Hudson, Robert W. Hull, Nathaniel B. Johnson Jr., Robert C. Jones, Clinton D. Keel, John W. King, James Fowler Lancaster, Earl Eugene Lerch, George Lukon, Nelson Lyne, Dock H. Lyons, Joseph O. Maddux, Harry Eugene Margrave, Carl M. Martin, Henry C. McCall, Jr., Carl E. Meeks, Ledlie J. Miller Jr., Charles A. Mitchell, Dr. John Myers, Robert M. Nabors Jr., James J. Panipinto, Andrew S. Parker, Baxter Lewis Perry, David M. Pettus, Carlos F. Plott, W H Reeves, Samuel Ralph Rehorn, Eugene R. Rhue, Clarence Richards, Robert McCulloch Rock, Elmer Julius Sager, David Y. Sharpe, Milton Shearer, Robert Love Simpson, William Paul Sitton, Fred L. Stacey, John E. Stephens, Robert Merrill Stoops, Harry Richard Sturm, Glenn Swanson, James F. Tacker Jr., Denison Taylor, W. Glenn Tinsley, Jess Titus, Glenn Tompkins, Eddie G. Wall, James E. Waugaman, Robert Conway Wilhite, Ross Williams, William E. Wingo, Henry C. Winstead, Talmadge R. Woodall, Charles Richard Zartman.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the World War II veterans who are flying to Washington, DC today from Nashville, TN, with Music City Honor Flight. This Honor Flight is part of a nationwide effort to bring as many World War II veterans as possible to the memorial created here in honor of their service and in memorial of their fallen peers.

Through their selflessness, the brave men and women who served in World War II protected our country and changed the course of history. We can never adequately thank them for their great sacrifice. Whether Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines, or Coast Guardsman, they heroically stood up for their Nation during a turbulent time of great need. It is my great privilege to welcome them the Nation's Capital and to honor them here today.

I am proud to present the names of these distinguished veterans so that they can be recognized for their brave service and so my colleagues and I can express our gratitude.

Orville Jerome Aasen; Lyttleton C. Anderson, Jr.; Clarence Arand; James L. Bass, James B. Batey, Jr.; Douglas Beard; Dempsie G. Binkley; Winston Bowling; Eugene W. Brock; Charles J. Brown; Edward L. Buquo; Roger L. Burgess; Hugh Lafayette Callens; Russell M. Campbell; Frank A. Cantwell; James W. Carroll; Francis A. Centimole; Robert E. Chadwell; James Robert Clower; Alfred Damon Corley;

James D. Craig; Fred M. Creasy; Rayford H. Danley; James L. Davis; Gerald Alvin Davis; Lloyd F. Driver; James W. Duke; Edward Eugene Durham; Lloyd C. Fisher; David Ray Fussell; Murray O. Fussell; Charles H. Gannon; Gerald Allen Gilman; Harry R. Guttridge; Herald D. Hackett; Thomas Hall, Jr.; Jones B. Hamlett; Wesley W. Harmon; Jackson Harris; Samuel A. Harris;

William J. Harvey; Eldon H. Hatcher, Jr.; Harley Walter Heilman; Irvan Hardeman Hendon; Wayne Hill; Vernard E. Hixson; Leonard Hollender; Edward L. Holton; Lawrence H. Horn; Edward W. Hudson; Robert W. Hull; Nathaniel B. Johnson, Jr.; Robert C. Jones; Clinton D. Keel; John W. King; James Fowler Lancaster; Earl Eugene Lerch; George Lukon; Nelson Lyne; Dock H. Lyons;

Joseph O. Maddux; Harry Eugene Margrave; Carl M. Martin; Henry C. McCall, Jr.; Carl E. Meeks; Ledlie J. Miller, Jr.; Charles A. Mitchell; Dr. John Myers; Robert M. Nabors, Jr.; James J. Panipinto; Andrew S. Parker; Baxter Lewis Perry; David M. Pettus; Carlos F. Plott; W.H. Reeves; Samuel Ralph Rehorn; Eugene R. Rhue; Clarence Richards; Robert McCulloch Rock; Elmer Julius Sager;

David Y. Sharpe; Milton Shearer; Robert Love Simpson; William Paul Sitton; Fred L. Stacey; John E. Stephens; Robert Merrill Stoops; Harry Richard Sturm; Glenn Swanson; James F. Tacker, Jr.; Denison Taylor; W. Glenn Tinsley; Jess Titus; Glenn Tompkins; Eddie G. Wall; James E. Waugaman; Robert Conway Wilhite; Ross Williams; William E. Wingo; Henry C. Winstead; Talmadge R. Woodall; Charles Richard Zartman.

I thank the gentlelady for yielding.

Unfortunately, this is one of the most partisan weeks in Washington as each side presents its own budget. I urge Members to weigh these budgets very carefully. Unfortunately, we have very little time to do so. The entire debate for the Republican and Democrat budgets is some 4 hours. There will be many alternative budgets presented.

The one that I am most interested in, the Simpson-Bowles-endorsed budget, will come up later tonight, which is a big schedule change since it hadn't been expected until tomorrow. We will have a total of 10 minutes to explain the only bipartisan budget that will be offered. There are six or seven budgets being offered, but there is only one that is bipartisan. There are many excellent features in the Democratic budget and in the Republican budget, but there is only one that has the support of folks on both sides of the aisle.

I hope that Members choose carefully even in this, the most partisan of weeks, because it's almost a David versus Goliath situation when you have 10 minutes versus 4 hours. I hope that Members will look at the details of these budgets and will realize that hidden in the details are lots of massive changes to lots of massive programs. Yet, if we don't let ideology control, if we look at the basics and realize that America does have a deficit and debt problem, as the White House acknowledges and as our Republican friends acknowledge, if we respect each other and understand that we have to have real revenues and entitlement reform, there is still really only one plan that offers both. I did not originate it, but I'm thankful that Simpson and Bowles, with their report of a year and a half ago, introduced such a plan. Tonight, later in the debate, in an hour or two, Members will have the first opportunity in either the House or the Senate to consider that.

So these are very important issues that we're facing. I wish it were not a David and Goliath sort of situation. It's almost like David versus two Goliaths, because the institutional infrastructure in Washington supporting either the Republican budget or the Democratic budget is massive.

I think that once you look at the fundamentals, you see that there has got to be a way in which Americans can work together. The folks I hear from back home--and I assume it's true in every State--want us to stop the partisan bickering and want to us work together. I am thankful that our Republican friends allowed the Simpson-Bowles bipartisan budget to be considered, but for Members to only have 10 minutes of debate to consider it is going to be very difficult.

So I'm hopeful that Members, as they're sitting in their offices tonight, as they're interrupting their dinners, as they're contemplating these issues, will focus not only on the important Joint Economic Committee issues that have been raised by both sides this evening but that they will also focus on the details of the budgets they're about to vote on.

We had anticipated that the vote on the Simpson-Bowles alternative would be tomorrow morning, which is what we had been told, but an hour or so ago, they suddenly had a change of plans. We feel that we're gaining momentum, and I think that's evidenced

by the fact that most folks of the interest groups in Washington are gearing up to either support us or to oppose us, so I think that Members should weigh their decisions tonight very carefully.

I have an amendment at the desk.

I would like to make a unanimous consent request.

I believe that we've agreed to divide the time in a different way.

I would like to yield to the gentleman, my friend from Wisconsin.

Mr. Chairman, a further unanimous consent request. I would like to yield half of my time, 7\1/2\ minutes, to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette).

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

I have the honor tonight of representing the budget that is endorsed by Simpson and Bowles. This is the only bipartisan budget that the House of Representatives will be able to consider in this budget cycle. This is the first time that a Simpson-Bowles budget has been allowed on the floor of the House or the Senate. This is a historic night, and I hope that Members will appreciate this opportunity.

This is one of the most partisan weeks in Washington, and this is the only bipartisan way to solve the Nation's problems. This is the only budget that has a chance of getting through both the House and the Senate. I hope Members will appreciate this opportunity.

Members have expressed interest, but in this partisan week, we've been hammered by forces on both the left and the right, people who do not want America to solve its problems in a sensible and fair manner.

To illustrate what we're doing here, the Wall Street Journal today had a graph of the different budget alternatives.

The top line here is assuming current policies. It is clear trouble for the Nation because we're not reducing the deficit.

The blue line here is the White House budget, which makes considerable progress in solving our problems.

The bottom line here is the GOP plan, which is tough and completely partisan.

There's not a single Democrat in the country that will support that. So it's a budget to nowhere. It's a bridge to nowhere.

In between the White House budget and the GOP plan is the bipartisanship proposal, the Simpson-Bowles-endorsed budget. It's very tough on deficits, it gets the job done, and it gets the job done in a bipartisan fashion.

I hope my colleagues will focus on this budget alternative. We have precious few minutes to debate this, a total of 15 minutes, when the other side had 4 hours. This is a David versus Goliath situation. But I hope not only Members of this body will pay attention, but the public back home, because they want us to solve our problems in a peaceable and fair fashion. They're tired of political bickering. We have the chance in this House tonight to stop the political bickering and pass a good, tough, and fair budget for America.

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to my good friend, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews).

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

Mr. Chairman, I would now like to yield 1 minute to my friend, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf), who actually helped me with the original Cooper-Wolf legislation that helped spawn the Simpson-Bowles Commission.

Mr. Chairman, if no one else is seeking time, I would like to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to my friend from Oregon (Mr. Schrader) who, along with Mr. Quigley, Mr. Lipinski, and Mr. Costa, have been invaluable partners in pushing for the Simpson-Bowles budget.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to my friend from Pennsylvania, Chaka Fattah.

Mr. Chairman, may I ask how much time remains.

Do my colleagues have any further speakers, or should I start the process of closing?

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time.

On November 2 of last fall, 100 of our colleagues signed a letter, the so-called ``go big'' letter, urging the supercommittee to do the right thing. And let me quote:

To succeed, all options for mandatory and discretionary

spending and revenues must be on the table. In addition, we

know from other bipartisan frameworks that a target of some

$4 trillion in deficit reduction is necessary to stabilize

our debt as a share of the economy.

This is what the Simpson-Bowles budget does, and only the Simpson- Bowles budget.

For those of my colleagues who are worried about certain features of this, do not confuse the Simpson-Bowles report with a budget. A budget is just a framework. It's an outline. It instructs the committees to come up with certain savings, and the committees have the discretion to come up with those savings in whatever way they choose. It's true that the Simpson-Bowles report is one way of achieving those savings, but this is a guide, a target for the committees of jurisdiction.

That's what we must do tonight and do on a bipartisan basis. We must come together for the good of the country. We must put our Nation first. We must set partisanship aside. This is the only way that we can pass a budget in the House and Senate this year, which we must have.

It's easy to be critical; it's hard to perform. Let's make it happen for America tonight. We have an opportunity within our hands to give the United States a budget. All of the other plans are purely partisan and they don't have a prayer. Let's build a bridge to the future. Let's build a real budget that can pass both Houses of Congress.

I urge my colleagues to support the Simpson-Bowles-endorsed alternative budget.

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

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mike Mullen, said

that our worst enemy was not any foreign power or al Qaeda--rather, that it's our own national debt. That's right. It's official now. Congress has become basically America's worst enemy.

I wish we would take it upon ourselves to cut spending and to balance budgets. We are failing in doing that, and we have failed repeatedly. I wish the supercommittee would come up with a super solution. That does not look likely.

I regret that we are at the stage now where we need a balanced budget amendment, and I regret that we're at the stage of partisanship when, just 10 years ago, 72 Democrats voted for this, including two out of the three top members of our leadership.

We've got to live within our means. The Nation's future is at stake. It's sad that we have become so lame that we need this crutch, but we need it. America's overspending--our obesity in this body--is so great that we have become America's greatest obesity problem. The balanced budget amendment is the right diet.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to salute the Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee. An organization dedicated to consumer protection, business standards, and community involvement, the Bureau has seen record growth and become a pillar in our great city of Nashville.

In October of 1961, the Bureau opened its doors with 510 members. During the 1960s, it handled nearly 80,000 service requests. After 5 decades of expansion and growth, the Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee now has 5,000 members. In 2011, the Bureau will top 3 million requests with 98 percent of all services delivered via the Internet.

The Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee has a solid reputation for both helping the consumer and raising the standards of business. The Bureau continually encourages businesses to strive for the highest and most ethical standards in commerce. Local businesses aspire to be recipients of the highly coveted ``Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.''

Although its primary focus is to direct consumers to businesses they can trust, the Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee has become a community partner and a good corporate citizen. The Bureau has invested in higher education awarding scholarships to deserving high schools students through the ``Students of Integrity'' program and partners with many other nonprofits in community events throughout the area.

And so, Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege today to salute the Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee for its 50 years of dedicated service to our citizens and our community, and for promoting higher ethical standards in business.

Madam Chair, I believe that America should solve its biggest problems in a bipartisan fashion. It takes Democrats, Republicans and Independents working together to find the best solutions. This is particularly true of budgets, which determine so much of the future of our great Nation. Unfortunately, budget season is one of the most partisan times in Congress, despite the fact that the public has been demanding that we stop the bickering.

I have been working hard to offer this House the chance to vote on a budget that is modeled on the President's Fiscal Commission, known as the Bowles-Simpson Report. I support this approach to budgeting because it is, so far at least, the only serious, bipartisan plan for reducing our runaway federal budget deficits. The Bowles-Simpson Commission received the support of Commission members as diverse as the liberal Democratic Senator Dick Durbin and the conservative Republican Senator Tom Coburn. The Commission received such widespread support because it did three things:

Cut the deficit by $4 trillion over the next ten years;

Shared the sacrifice: put every federal program on the table; and

Provided a balanced approach: 2/3 spending cuts and 1/3 tax reform.

While there are many other important features of the Bowles-Simpson Report, it is important to understand that budget resolutions never include detailed recommendations of any reform plan. Budget resolutions only include a broad framework and mandate that the committees of jurisdiction figure out ways to achieve the necessary savings and reform. That's why the Cooper Substitute makes House committees reduce the deficit by as much as Bowles-Simpson recommends, but does not tell them exactly how to do it.

I am proud to have the full support and vote of my Republican colleague, the gentleman from Virginia Frank Wolf, who worked with me to pass the Cooper-Wolf SAFE Commission Act to form a Fiscal Commission last Congress. The SAFE Act became the model for the Bowles-Simpson Commission. Frank Wolf has worked harder than any member I know to get the leadership of both parties, in both houses, and the White House, to take our budget deficit problems seriously and to act promptly in order to reduce their burden on future generations. Frank Wolf is a true leader, and he is, in my opinion, a genuine American hero on fiscal responsibility.

I appreciate the Rules Committee making the Cooper Substitute in order. I hope that this return to more open debates in the House becomes the norm so that the best ideas, not just the most partisan ideas, can reach the House floor. Chairman Dreier has already taken important steps in this regard so that the House can once again work its will, regardless of politics or party.

Madam Chair, I had hoped to offer my Substitute tonight, even though the hour is late, not believing that it ever had a ghost of a chance of passage, but believing that the votes deserved to be counted on this important proposal. The timing is not right, however, for several unforeseeable reasons.

Yesterday, the President made an important speech on the budget that, temporarily at least, has inflamed partisan passions on both sides of the aisle, making a vote tomorrow less likely to be a reasoned one. I think the President should be complimented for moving the debate in a positive direction, regardless of the spin that each side has given it. For example, if the President had called for $4 trillion of deficit reduction as recently as two months ago, he would have been denounced by many people. Yesterday, he was more favorably received. I give Republicans, particularly my friend, the gentleman from Wisconsin and Chairman of the Budget Committee Paul Ryan, credit for having moved the debate so far. Mr. Ryan, just like the President, has been unfairly vilified, which does nothing to reduce the debt burden on future generations. Finger-pointing does not solve problems.

Another crucial development is the sensitive nature of the quiet Senate negotiations on deficit reduction, particularly the so-called Gang of Six. We all realize that, because the other body is less partisan than today's House, a comprehensive solution is more likely to originate in that chamber. The fact that Senators ranging from Durbin to Coburn have already supported Bowles-Simpson is proof. I do not think it is wise to risk doing anything to derail or impair those behind-the-scenes negotiations, which I am told by key senators in both parties could be the result of a premature House vote.

The day will come, probably with the necessary debt ceiling increase this summer, for a comprehensive, bipartisan solution to our deficit problem. For that to happen, the partisan passions of this budget debate must burn out. Members must go back home and brag about their favorite budget before they get realistic and agree on a spending plan that can actually pass the House and Senate and be signed into law by the President. Every day we wait to solve these problems costs us dearly; by some estimates, as much as $8 billion a day. I wish that this cycle of additional politics were not necessary--and I have done everything I can to avoid it--but there are no shortcuts in a democracy.

The time spent on the Cooper Substitute has not been wasted. Countless members in

both parties have learned the contents of the Bowles-Simpson Report because they thought they might have to vote for a budget that embodies spending cuts of such size and tax reforms of such nature that it would actually make a difference. Nothing so concentrates the mind as the fear of voting. Numerous members of both parties have told me that they intended to support Bowles-Simpson either on a stand-alone basis or in addition to supporting another budget of their choice. I appreciate the interest and genuine goodwill that so many members have shown in asking questions, comparing alternatives, and making the tough decisions that are required by budgeting. I think that the work that I, and my allies like Frank Wolf, have done is important for laying the groundwork for an eventual bipartisan budget that will be required, no later than this summer, in order to start solving our Nation's deficit problems.

Madam Chair, this Congress must act very soon indeed to start solving our Nation's fiscal problems. I wish today were that day. I voted today for $38 billion in cuts to appropriations for the remaining few months of this year, but that is only a tiny beginning and only affects 12% of our federal budget. Serious reform means getting the House to pass something as large, as important, and as bipartisan as Bowles-Simpson- sized reforms. Bowles-Simpson is not the only solution for our problems, but it is the fastest, fairest, and most feasible solution that we know of today. As soon as this House is able to consider it calmly and sensibly, the House must do so.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

It is an honor to recognize the Reverend Raymond Bowman today, who just gave the opening prayer. Seldom has Congress been more in need of prayer than we are today.

Rev. Bowman was raised in Chicago. He came to Nashville, Tennessee, to attend American Baptist College. Thankfully, he is the pastor of Spruce Street Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee, sometimes referred to as the mother church of African American churches in our area. He is also the president of the IMF, the Interdenominational Ministerial Fellowship.

He and his wife, Nancy, are here with us today, and we would like to welcome them to our Nation's capital.

Offered By: Mr. Cooper

Amendment No. 573: At the end of the bill (before the short

title), insert the following:

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to be present for several votes taken on the House floor earlier today. As a result, I missed rollcall Votes Nos 23, 24, and 25. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: rollcall No. 23: ``yea''; rollcall No. 24: ``yea''; rollcall No. 25: ``nay.''

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor James Cecil Dickens, better known as Little Jimmy Dickens, on the occasion of his 90th birthday. He may be a man of diminutive stature, but Little Jimmy the renowned entertainer and Grand Ole Opry star, stands taller than the rest.

Jimmy Dickens was the first of thirteen children born to a West Virginia farming family and knew from a young age that he wanted to write and sing country music. He first appeared on local radio in the 1940s under the name ``Jimmy the Kid'' where he began building his reputation as the master of the country novelty song. Some of his early hits include ``Take an Old Cold Tater (And Wait)'' (1949), ``I'm Little But I'm Loud'' (1950), ``Country Boy'' (1949), and ``A-Sleeping at the Foot of the Bed'' (1950).

In 1948, Roy Acuff heard Jimmy and invited him to perform on the world-famous Grand Ole Opry stage at the Ryman Auditorium. Little Jimmy was an immediate favorite not only for his unforgettable songs, but also for his flamboyant style and country sense of humor. He became a permanent member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1948, and recently celebrated his 60th anniversary as the longest-tenured Opry member of all time.

Little Jimmy was signed to his first major label, Columbia Records, the same year he became an Opry Member. It was at that time that Dickens formed the band the Country Boys, whose line-up included top- flight musicians Jabbo Arrington, Grady Martin, Bob Moore, Buddy Emmons and Thumbs Carllile. Dickens had a number of hits with the Country Boys, though none bigger than ``May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose'' (1965), which reached number one on the country charts and hit the pop charts, as well. Little Jimmy holds the unique distinction of having hit records in every decade from the 1940s to the 1970s.

But Little Jimmy Dickens' music is only part of his story and only part of what makes him just as popular today as when he first burst onto the country music scene over 60 years ago. He is quick with a joke and he is kind-hearted. He always has time for his fans and often spends hours signing every last autograph after a show. In an ever- changing music industry, Little Jimmy is a constant presence and a reminder that sometimes nice guys finish first.

Jimmy has long been adored by his country music colleagues as well, whether it be fellow legends like the late Hank Williams (who nicknamed Jimmy, ``Tater'') or modern-day superstar, Brad Paisley (who Jimmy often performs with). It is this adoration that earned him a spot in the Country Music Hall of Fame nearly 30 years ago.

Jimmy is celebrating his 90th year as anyone who knows him might guess he'd celebrate it--by entertaining his fans with good country music and humor. He's even worked his age into his act. ``You'll know you're 90-years-old,'' Jimmy tells his fans, ``when you drop something, bend over to pick it up, and think to yourself, `is there anything else I can do while I'm down here? ''

And so, Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to ask my colleagues to join me in saluting Little Jimmy Dickens--an icon, a legend, and a global ambassador to country music.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Mr. Gerry House on the occasion of his retirement from WSIX radio and the end of his famous radio show, Gerry House and the House Foundation. Mr. House is an award-winning American radio personality, talented songwriter, stand-up comic and an outstanding Tennessean.

The king of morning radio in Nashville, Gerry has kept listeners company in their cars, offices and homes for three decades. He will be the first-ever country music DJ to join other American radio and television luminaries in the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Gerry is truly engaged in all levels of the music industry. He has written songs for legends like George Strait, Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, Brad Paisley, Randy Travis, and the Oak Ridge Boys. A savvy businessman, Mr. House also operates a music publishing company, House Notes, which owns the songs he has written.

The sustained excellence of Gerry House and the House Foundation has been recognized by virtually every respected country music and radio association in the United States. It has received three awards from the Country Music Association, seven from the Academy of Country Music, eight Billboard Awards, and nine R&R awards. Gerry is also the recipient of the NAB Marconi Radio Award for Large Market Air Personality of the Year.

Gerry cited his desire to devote more of his time to other projects as his reason for retiring. His loyal fans are eagerly waiting to see what these projects will turn out to be because we all want more of Gerry.

And so, Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to ask my colleagues to join me in saluting Gerry's leadership and accomplishments. The people of Nashville and Middle Tennessee are grateful for Gerry waking us up in the morning in such an enjoyable way. It's hard to make a long commute fun, but Gerry House did it for 30 years.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor C. Ray Bell, a master builder who passed away on September 4, 2010. He was an outstanding member of the Nashville community, a lifelong activist, a leader in the construction industry, and my friend.

Mr. Bell was born in Scottsboro, AL and raised in Shelbyville, TN. He graduated from the University of the South in 1963 with an honors degree in English and throughout his life remained a very well-read man. He worked in construction in Shelbyville for 6 years before he came to Nashville and started Ray Bell Construction Company, Inc. in 1970. His company became the State's largest construction firm and led the most significant projects in Tennessee and the South for over 30 years. Mr. Bell was a self-made man who had the enthusiasm and drive to make his business a great success.

Ray Bell's company built everything: skyscrapers, interstate highways, bridges, prisons, stadiums, arenas and more. Many--including the Bicentennial Mall and Train Trestle, the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, the Shelby Street Bridge Rehabilitation and renovations to the Nashville Court House and Criminal Justice Center, Neyland Stadium and Thompson Boling Arena--quickly became renowned landmarks in Nashville's cityscape and throughout Tennessee. Mr. Bell knew how to bid projects, pinch pennies, cut costs and complete the job ahead of schedule without sacrificing quality. He was a perfectionist for his clients, making men and construction materials come together, even salvaging the work of other firms.

Ray Bell was often called a Renaissance Man because of his love for the arts, history and music. Mr. Bell's other passions included his family, politics and charitable organizations. When it came to politics, Mr. Bell firmly believed in bipartisanship and working together to accomplish common goals. He gave generously to various charities and was active with the Tennessee State Museum Foundation, Easter Seals and the Arthritis Foundation.

And so, Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to ask my colleagues to join me in saluting Ray Bell's life and accomplishments. We are grateful for his passion for construction and politics and the decades of service and contributions he provided to Nashville and the people of Tennessee.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Overbrook School in Nashville, Tennessee. This year, Overbrook was named a National Blue Ribbon School, a tremendous honor from the U.S. Secretary of Education acknowledging Overbrook's outstanding scholastic achievement.

The Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools for excellence in academic achievement. Overbrook is one of only 304 schools nationwide to receive 2010 Blue Ribbon designation and is the only Nashville area school to be honored this year. Overbook is also the first Catholic elementary school in Nashville to receive the coveted award.

Since it opened in 1936 as a co-educational, Catholic school, Overbrook students have pursued academic, cultural, and spiritual growth. Situated on the Dominican Campus in the heart of Nashville, students from kindergarten through eighth grade thrive in an environment that promotes academic excellence and a life of faith. Overbrook School is an institution that values a well-rounded education in a nurturing setting.

And so, Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to honor Overbrook School for being named a 2010 National Blue Ribbon School. I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting the students, teachers, parents and staff who have helped Overbrook School set a standard of excellence for elementary schools across middle Tennessee.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Ira Bradford ``Brad'' Miller, Sr. who passed away on September 4, 2010. He was an outstanding member of the Middle Tennessee community, a leader in the construction industry, and a great friend.

Mr. Miller was a lifelong resident of Rutherford County, where he attended Central High School and received a scholarship to play football at Middle Tennessee State University. He answered his country's call to serve in the United States Navy during World War II and returned to MTSU to earn his degree after the war ended.

Brad Miller began working as a high school teacher and coach before pursuing his career in the construction industry. He started a water and sewer firm that eventually became Brad Miller Construction Company, Inc. After many successful years of business, Mr. Miller sold his construction company and became president of Tennessee Paving Company, an asphalt paving firm he founded with his brother-in-law.

Mr. Miller served as executive director of the Tennessee Crushed Stone Association until it merged with the Tennessee Asphalt Pavement Association to form The Tennessee Road Builders Association. Mr. Miller was a member and served on the board of directors for all three associations at the same time, and during the merger he acted as the liaison between the three firms. When the associations merged in 1982, he was chosen to be the executive vice president of The Road Builders Association, a position he held until his retirement. Brad transformed The Road Builders into one of the most powerful and respected associations in Tennessee. Later, he was elected chairman of the A-R-T- B-A Council of State Executives.

Brad Miller believed in the importance of having good representation in our Nation's Capitol. Over the course of his career he used his formidable lobbying skills to help influence important legislation. Mr. Miller's success in the construction industry was widely recognized. He received a certificate of special recognition from the National Stone Association, The Tennessee Road Builders Association Lifetime Achievement Award, and the A-R-T-B-A Award, the association's highest honor.

Mr. Miller was married to Betty June Carter Miller for fifty-nine years. The couple met in college and married in 1951. Brad Miller was the proud father of Ira Bradford Miller, Jr., Michael L. Miller, Cindy Miller Smith and Molly Miller Alspaugh. He enjoyed spending time with his children and seven grandchildren.

And so, Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to ask my colleagues to join me in saluting Mr. Miller's life and accomplishments. We are grateful for the contributions he provided to his community and the people of Tennessee.