Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a local legend, who--through his many talents--introduced the culinary treasures of Mobile, Alabama to the world. On July 5, 2013, we lost Chef Vincent Henderson, but we will always fondly remember his warm smile, passion for living and the best creole cooking on the Gulf Coast.

A native of Mobile, ``Vince'' Henderson grew up surrounded by an appreciation for cooking. His father owned the original Best Grill in Mobile. In an account published in the Mobile's Lagniappe newspaper, Chef Henderson talked about those early days that had such an influence upon his life as Mobile's culinary ambassador. ``As a young child, on Saturdays some of my brothers and sisters, we would sit down with a 100-pound box of shrimp. It would take us all day, outside, to wash and sort the shrimp into three sizes. We knew which ones to put aside for frying, for gumbo and other uses.''

Not only did Vince continue to glean cooking knowledge from his father's restaurant business throughout his childhood, but he also widened his experience by engaging in various other jobs, ranging from waiting at multiple restaurants to washing dishes in Mobile's first Chinese restaurant. He managed to have multiple side jobs throughout his vigorous pursuit of the math and chemistry degree he earned during college, showing his determination and his love for the culinary world. These jobs were merely the beginning for Vince.

Due to his persistence and his vast gustatory experience, Vince rapidly ascended up the ranks of the culinary world. His exquisite Cajun cooking allowed him to quickly become a notable name, particularly in Washington, D.C. Alexis Herman, former Secretary of Labor and friend of Vince's, commissioned him to cater events for the Democratic National Committee. This entre gave Vince the opportunity to expose many other prominent figures and organizations to his authentic, creole cooking. He was hired to prepare his unique Gulf Coast delicacies for the events of the Congressional Black Caucus, the former First Lady Hillary Clinton, and a famous basketball player, Dikembe Motombo. One of the most notable highlights of Vince's career, he was the first African American caterer to serve inside the White House.

Vince eventually returned to his native Mobile after distinguishing himself as one of the most prominent chefs the city has ever seen. Requests for his culinary talents were unceasing upon his return, and he was even commissioned to return to D.C. in 2010 to cater a meal for Surgeon General Regina Benjamin. These prestigious examples of Vince's work are merely a scratch on the surface of all of the people who had the privilege of enjoying Vince, and his delectable meals, throughout his years.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of South Alabama, I would like to personally extend my condolences to Vince's beloved brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and multitudes of friends for their loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Speaker, as many of our colleagues know, tomorrow will mark my last day to walk onto this House floor as a Member of the United States House of Representatives.

Since I announced my plans to leave this place in late May, a place where I have been so privileged and honored to work for the last 28 years--18 as a staffer and the last 10\1/2\ as a Representative--the past few days and weeks, as you might imagine, have been rather poignant.

So many of you, my friends and colleagues on both sides of the aisle, have been so very kind to offer an encouraging word, or to extend heartfelt good wishes as I begin a new chapter in my life as the vice chancellor of government relations and economic development for the University of Alabama system. To each and every one of you who have been so generous with your words, thoughts, and even a few prayers, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.

A few of you have even asked if I have any parting wisdom to offer, and I won't share these with my colleagues, I wouldn't do that to you, but I would like to speak for just one minute to the American people.

You know, one of the reasons I so rarely come to the House floor and speak is because my father, who died when I was 13, always told me, my brother, and sister that if you listen to the words of others instead of listening to your own words, you'll learn a lot more. So I've tried to follow my father's advice.

The other reason I so rarely take your time to listen to my thoughts is because of my very first speech on the House floor. With your indulgence, I will share it briefly with you.

Everyone remembers your first House speech, I'm sure, when you were a newly minted Member of Congress. Mine was unforgettable for a different reason. It was back in early 2003 when the House was debating the Healthy Forests bill. I remember it as though it were yesterday.

Like most freshmen, I served on several committees, and I was actually in a Budget Committee hearing all day long when I got a call from the chairman of the Ag Committee, Bob Goodlatte. He said:

Joe, you need to get over on the House floor because you're

getting ready to make your first speech.

One of our colleagues, who's still here and will remain anonymous, was about to offer an amendment to the Healthy Forests bill that would have stripped the $250,000 provision that I had inserted to do research on insects, on pine beetles that we don't care for in south Alabama and throughout the country, and he was going to strip it and take it for a project that was near and dear to him in his district.

As I was running over to the Capitol, I did what you would have done: I called my wife and told her to get the kids in front of the TV set, turn on the VCR, and I said to my daughter, Lee, who was 7 at the time, and my son, Robins, who was 5, I said, ``Daddy is about to make his first speech on the House floor.''

My staff had given me some beautiful words that day. They were somewhere

between the Gettysburg Address and the Kennedy inauguration.

But as so often is the case here on the floor, instead of having 5 or 10 minutes to speak, Chairman Goodlatte gave me 90 seconds. So I put aside my prepared remarks; and, instead, I spoke from the heart, or from the top of my head.

I said, ``Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose the amendment from the gentleman from California and to urge support for the underlying bill.''

I went on to say, ``Now, if I represented pine beetles, I would actually support the gentleman's amendment, because, if I were a pine beetle, I would like it. He would take the money we've put in there and redirect it to a program out in his district in California.

``But I don't represent pine beetles. I represent hardworking men and women who own a few acres and they grow pine trees. And pine beetles are a real threat to a healthy forest.''

You know, if I'd only stopped there, I would have made a good first impression. But like so many new politicians who didn't know when to stop, I said, ``You know, we have a real problem with incest in south Alabama.''

I said, ``In fact, I would venture a guess that we have more problems with incest in my district in Alabama than in any other congressional district in America.''

Chairman Goodlatte was going like that, and I thought he was saying preach on, brother, preach on. Instead, he was urging me to shut up.

So I got back to my office, thinking I'd delivered one of the best speeches on insects ever made, and my staff said, ``Jo, in about 2 minutes you just reinforced in the minds of all Americans what we have a problem with in south Alabama.''

That's the other reason that I don't often speak on the House floor. But, fortunately for me, these wonderful people who work here taking note of every word knew what I meant to say, not what I did say.

I tell that story, Mr. Speaker, in closing, for this one reason: you all laughed at that story, as so many others have over the years. And a little laughter from time to time is good medicine, as the doctor says.

Perhaps our country needs to laugh a little more often, as well, and stop yelling at each other and work closer together.

For sure, our great country has many daunting challenges facing us. Sadly, all across our land, there's anger, there's frustration and concern on both sides of the political spectrum about what's going on or what's not going on.

Public approval of this body which we are all so honored to serve in is at or near an all-time record low.

But if I could say one parting word to the American people, it would be this: the men and women that you've elected to represent you in this, the people's House, have different views and positions on the very issues that you have different views and positions on.

And, by and large, and with rare exception, these are men and women of courage, of integrity, of decency, and they serve, along with many, many men and women, as staff, who work here, oftentimes in the shadows of the spotlight. They serve for the same reason, a common love of country.

Make no mistake. Sam Johnson loved America when he was being brutally beaten and held against his will as a prisoner of war for over 7 years in Vietnam, often wondering whether he would ever see his family again.

And John Lewis loved his country when he was beaten and bloodied, fighting for the civil rights of all Americans as he was crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in the city I was born in, Selma.

And just like Sam and John, every other Member here, Democrat, Republican, liberal, conservative, we all work for the American people with the singular goal of making our country a better, more perfect Union, even though sometimes, as humans, we fail to meet your expectations.

This is especially true of our leadership, on both sides of the aisle, who often have one of the toughest jobs, trying to corral the strong will of 435 Members of Congress who come from all parts of America to try to do the right things. To my committee chairmen and ranking members, and all of the people I've served with, I owe you my debt of gratitude.

In closing, I want to express my last expression to the wonderful people of south Alabama for giving me the opportunity to work for you for the last 10\1/2\ years as your Congressman.

I came to this job having studied at the feet of two of the most outstanding men I know. Jack Edwards and Sonny Callahan, like me, came to office as a Representative from Alabama, but they left office as statesmen. And anything that my staff or I have ever been able to do for the people of my district, it's been to build on the legacy of those two great men.

Lastly, I would like to say this: the people of my district have afforded me a rare honor in Alabama, one of only 167 people, men and women, to ever serve in this body. The rest of us, only 10,000-plus, men and women, have ever had the privilege of being called a representative of the people.

I would be extremely remiss if I didn't say a special thank you to my wife, Janee, our daughter, Lee, and my son, Robins, who, like they were 10\1/2\ years ago, are back home in Alabama listening to your daddy talk about incest.

Thank you for your love and support. May God bless you, and may God bless America.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize the driving force behind Honor Flight South Alabama, the organization which sent more than 950 World War II veterans from Southwest Alabama to the National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC from 2009 to 2013.

I was honored to have met all nine flights of courageous veterans as they arrived at their Memorial. The monumental effort required to complete these flights came to fruition due to the hard work of the seven key players, each donating their tremendous talents to ensure this noble effort to thank our veterans was a success. Today, I pay tribute to those who made this remarkable program possible: Margaret Coley, Col. Pat Downing, Col. John New, Cdr. Pete Riehm, Anne Eubanks, Tina McGrath, and Dr. Barry L. Booth.

Over the last four years, Honor Flight South Alabama provided the veterans of Southwest Alabama an opportunity to visit the memorials on the National Mall as well as Arlington National Ceremony and to receive our Nation's sincerest gratitude for their selfless sacrifice and service. Honor Flight South Alabama chartered their final plane to Washington on May 8, 2013, and returned home to a grand welcome by family, friends and the community at large.

While the Honor Flight South Alabama program gleamed in a well- deserved spotlight, the

efforts behind it went somewhat unnoticed. Each beautifully orchestrated event required careful attention to detail and collaboration. The organizing team of Honor Flight South Alabama worked together to create a powerful legacy of volunteerism. Therefore, it is my honor to recognize the people integral to the success of the program.

Margaret Coley, the Director of Volunteer Activities and School Support System, took on the responsibility of the mail call from South Alabama students and the magnificent ticker tape parade at the Mobile Airport. Col. John New, the Security Liaison, coordinated the security arrangements between Mobile and Washington DC through the airports and U.S. Park Service. Cdr. Pete Riehm, Director of Operations, ensured a smooth Honor Flight orientation and flight day. Anne Eubanks, Director of Medical Support, ensured the veterans' medical care needs were met. Tina McGrath, Director of Administration, worked tirelessly to maintain and coordinate documentation and all administrative duties. Col. Pat Downing, Director of Guardian Training, was truly in the crosshairs of responsibility with the Guardian Training Program. And, of course, Dr. Barry L. Booth, Director of the Veteran Guardian Program, coordinated the assignments of all 957 veterans with their Guardians in each of the nine Honor Flights.

Mr. Speaker, I am particularly grateful for the contributions of these men and women, and I rise to pay tribute to all those who have worked tirelessly to serve our area's veterans. May we never forget the valiant deeds and tremendous sacrifices of America's military heroes who have secured our Nation's freedom.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life of an influential and beloved Mobilian who played an instrumental role in the growth of the Port of Mobile and the regional economy. Mr. Mark Sheppard, Vice President for Trade and Development at the Alabama State Port Authority, recently passed away at the age of 61.

A native of Mobile and a graduate of the University of South Alabama, Mr. Sheppard enjoyed a maritime career which spanned more than 30 years, beginning with a management trainee position for United States Lines. He later worked for a number of companies along the Gulf of Mexico, including Hapag-Lloyd, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Nedlloyd Lines, where he managed direct sales, marketing and integrated logistics.

Mr. Sheppard joined the Alabama State Port Authority in 2005, where he led trade and carrier development for the Authority's intermodal investments. Most notably, he is credited--despite a global economic recession--with expanding both business and ocean carrier service at the authority's new container terminal between 2008 and 2010. That trend continued in 2011, when year-over-year container traffic increased by another 31 percent.

His leadership was further evident in 2012, when the Port Authority's containerized, steel and export coal volumes all posted significant growth. And growth is projected to continue with planned investments in intermodal rail, warehousing and terminal upgrades to expand capacity and market reach.

In addition to his responsibilities with the Port Authority, Mr. Sheppard also remained active in the broader maritime and international communities, serving on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee- Tombigbee Waterway Development Council and as vice chairman and chairman-elect for the Alabama Germany Partnership.

Alabama State Port Authority Director James K. Lyons reflected on the loss of Mr. Sheppard and his valuable contributions to Alabama and the Gulf Coast: ``Mark Sheppard's sudden passing comes as a deep shock to our maritime and international trade community. He was a key member of our team and a good friend.''

On behalf of the people of Alabama, I wish to extend my personal condolences to his family, including his daughter, Jessica, who is a member of my Washington, DC office staff, as well as his brother Tim Sheppard; and two sisters, Brenda Sheppard and Sonya Bell. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to praise a true American hero, retired Army Sergeant Major Howard Bakeman, who passed away on June 1, 2013, at the age 95.

A veteran of World War II, Mr. Bakeman survived the attack on Pearl Harbor while serving as a staff sergeant at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. Remarkably, two of his brothers were also stationed at Pearl Harbor during the Japanese attack and all three survived. After the war, he remained in the Army through peace-time and was again called to action in 1950 to serve his country in the Korean conflict.

In 1959, he was promoted to Sergeant Major, serving nine more years before fulfilling his obligation to Uncle Sam.

After completing his active duty tour, Mr. Bakeman moved to Mobile in 1968 where he worked for two years as an Army ROTC instructor at Citronelle High School. During his time in Citronelle, he was recognized for having the largest number of Army cadets to enlist from any of the schools in Mobile County.

Mr. Bakeman's dedication to duty was typical of many who served during what is often described as ``the greatest generation.'' He loved what he did and looked at his time served as an adventure. In an interview early last year with Mobile's Fox 10 television, he observed, ``I didn't have to pay for anything. It's not every employer that pays you to go to these exotic countries.''

Mr. Bakeman also offered some advice on life and patriotism. ``Be respectful. Remember where you came from. Remember where you are living. Respect authority and respect the flag. Now if they can't do that, they better pack and haul it. There's absolutely no excuse.''

Mr. Bakeman hailed from a family of dedicated servicemen--along with his father and two brothers--the Bakeman men served a combined total of 123 years in the armed forces. What's more, even well into his 90's, Mr. Bakeman was a familiar presence at local events honoring our veterans. He always wore his uniform proudly.

On behalf of the people of Alabama, I wish to extend heartfelt condolences to his niece, Elizabeth Lynch, and his entire family and many friends. We will forever be indebted to his heroism and his service to our nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Winthrop M. Hallett, III, as he leaves his post as President of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce on July 31, 2013. For decades Win has been a strong advocate for our community and his positive influence will be felt for many years to come as our economy continues to expand and prosper.

A native of Mobile, Win attended Vanderbilt University and graduated with a bachelor's in economics. Soon after graduation, he was faced with leading his family's building materials business after the sudden death of his father. He rose to the occasion and continued to serve as owner and operator for 20 years. In 1991, following the good advice of a close friend, he opened a new chapter in his life by going to work for the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce.

Known for putting others above himself, Win quickly took to the role of building a better Mobile. He focused on polishing Mobile's image as an ideal place to do business and raise a family. Due in no small part to his steadfast efforts, Mobile received the coveted All-America City award in 1995. His tenure was marked by one success after another, bringing in new commerce and industry and helping to transform Mobile into a true business destination.

In particular, I would like to point out that Win was instrumental in helping to recruit major transformational businesses to our region, including Mobile Aerospace, Austal, ThyssenKrupp and Airbus. It was an honor to work with him on these and many other economic development efforts to benefit South Alabama.

Continuing to use his keen business mind for the good of others, Win also served with the United States Chamber of Commerce as chairman of the Chamber Committee of 100. He was also a member of the Board of Directors and Board Nominating Committee and Chairman of the Accrediting Board and the Bylaws Committee. He also served as Chairman of the Metropolitan Cities Council and is a member of the ACCE's Board of Directors. Win has also held leadership positions in various organizations around Mobile, such as the Rotary Club of Mobile, the Mobile YMCA, the Alabama Wildlife Federation, and Leadership Mobile.

Win's love for Mobile can be seen in his involvement in numerous local organizations. He is the Vice President of the Coastal Land Trust and the Vice Chairman of the Alabama District Export Council. He is a member of the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program Executive Committee and the Aerospace Alliance. And he achieved the honor of graduating from Leadership Alabama and the Center for Creative Leadership.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Mobile and my colleagues in the Alabama Delegation, I would like to extend my personal appreciation, gratitude and highest regards to Mr. Winthrop M. Hallett, III, for his untiring, selfless service to Mobile and South Alabama. I wish him and his entire family the very best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the service of a distinguished Alabamian who was known for his unshakeable integrity and fairness on the judicial bench.

Judge John Crawley of Brundidge, a former long-time judge on the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, passed away after a long illness on June 1, 2013, at the age of 73.

Judge Crawley was born on February 28, 1940 into a family of four children in Troy, Alabama. He received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Alabama.

After college, he served as a law clerk on the Court of Appeals of Alabama for Judge George Johnson, and then served as an Assistant Attorney General assigned to the Alabama Department of Revenue. In 1969, he returned to Pike County. While practicing law in Troy, he helped establish Hand-In-Hand, a nonprofit organization devoted to helping handicapped students.

In April 1991, he was appointed Circuit Judge of the 12th Judicial Circuit for Pike and Coffee Counties by Governor Guy Hunt and served until January 1993.

In 1994, Judge Crawley made his mark on state political history as one of the first Republicans elected to Alabama's Civil Appeals Court. He accomplished this feat without asking for a single campaign donation or buying any advertisements. He reportedly only made one campaign speech. His reputation as an impartial, hard-working judge ensured his reelection in November 2000.

During his tenure, Judge Crawley served on the Alabama Supreme Court's Task Force on Judicial Elections. Additionally, he served on the Supreme Court Standing Committee on the Alabama Rules of Juvenile Procedure, the Alabama State Bar Committee on Alternative Methods of Dispute Resolution, and the State Agency ADR Task Force. He was also a member of the Judicial Inquiry Commission, having been appointed to that position by the Alabama Supreme Court.

Judge Crawley was associated with over 3,000 decisions during his tenure on the court and he is still quoted by the Alabama Supreme Court on a number of issues. He was also known to have had more of his dissents adopted by the Alabama Supreme Court than any other judge on the Court of Civil Appeals.

He retired in 2007 after serving two six-year terms on the Court of Civil Appeals, including two years as Presiding Judge (2005 to 2007).

Judge Crawley was an active member, deacon, and former Sunday school teacher of the Banks Baptist Church in his native Pike County. He was said to have affected thousands of lives in his rulings and by his relationships with others. He wanted to make a difference and he left the world a better place.

On behalf of the people of Alabama, I wish to extend my condolences to his wife, Sherrie, and their son, Brantley; his brother, Larry; and sister, Nancy and their entire family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 2013 University of Alabama Men's Golf

Team for having captured its first National Championship. On June 2, the team emerged victorious from a field of 30 qualifying teams over six days to win the NCAA Golf Championship. The Tide golf team represents only the second University of Alabama men's sport other than football to take a national title in school history.

The Crimson Tide defeated Illinois 4-1 in the match play championship round at the par-70, 7,319 yard Capital City Club Crabapple Course in Milton, Georgia. Junior Bobby Wyatt of Mobile birdied five of his first seven holes and finished his match on the 13th green with a chip into the hole from more than 50 feet. Juniors Trey Mullinax and Cory Whitsett as well as senior Scott Strohmeyer helped clinch the title by winning their matches.

Before entering into the 2013 NCAA Championship, Alabama was ranked No. 2 nationally behind the University of California. The Crimson Tide went on to win eight of their nine tournaments including the SEC Championship, the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional and the NCAA Championships. Three members of the team entered the championship tournament ranked in the top 10: Bobby Wyatt--No.3, Cory Whitsett--No.4, and sophomore Justin Thomas--No. 8.

The Crimson Tide National Champion team members and staff include: Lee Knox, Dru Love, Tom Lovelady, Trey Mullinax, Robby Prater, William Sellers, Scott Strohmeyer, Justin Thomas, Cory Whitsett, Bobby Wyatt, Coach Jay Seawell, and Assistant Coach Rob Bradley.

On behalf of the people of Alabama and my colleagues in the Alabama Delegation, I wish to extend personal congratulations to Coach Jay Seawell, Assistant Coach Rob Bradley and the University of Alabama Men's Golf Team for their rising to the challenge and bringing home the NCAA Championship trophy to Tuscaloosa. Roll Tide!

Mr. Speaker, from California's Central Coast to Alabama's Gulf Coast and every single Congressional district in between, travel and tourism plays an important economic role in all of our local communities. This week is National Travel and Tourism Week, a celebration of the $2 trillion economic engine that helps drive our nation's economy. As the co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Travel and Tourism caucus, we would like to take this moment to raise awareness for America's number one export and to explain how the ``Travel Effect'' benefits everyone.

The Travel Effect is simple: It is the economic benefit that every single community feels thanks to travel. Supporting over 14.6 million American jobs, the travel industry is a top 10 employer in 48 states and the District of Columbia. Today, one in every eight jobs depends upon travel.

Contributing more than $129 billion to the federal, state and local tax base, the Travel Effect means that Americans pay fewer taxes. Without those added revenues, the average household would pay over $1,000 in additional taxes. At 2.8% of our nation's GDP and growing at a rate faster than all other industries, travel will play an important role in driving down deficits for years to come.

Thanks to our efforts here in Washington, the United States is now promoting the entire country as a premier travel destination to the world. Brand USA, the nation's Destination Marking Organization created by Congress, will help bring in 81 million visitors to the United States by 2016, a 36 percent increase equivalent to 21 million more travelers as compared with 2010. This influx of new visitors will help create over a half a million new jobs in communities all across the country.

And you do not have to live in a coastal district or near a major tourist destination to feel the Travel Effect. Historic sites, museums in your community and other local destinations all play a role in building our travel economy. In other words, travel is right in your own backyard!

During this year's National Travel and Tourism Week, we call on all members to support the travel industry. While the Travel Effect is great now, its potential is even greater. If we recognize that potential in all of our communities, then the Travel Effect will continue to benefit every town across the United States.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize Honor Flight South Alabama and the World War II veterans this very special organization is bringing on its ninth and final flight to Washington, DC, on May 8, 2013. I am honored to insert this tribute in the Record on the anniversary of the unconditional surrender of Germany to the allies.

Founded by the South Alabama Veterans Council, Honor Flight South Alabama is an organization whose mission is to fly heroes from southwest Alabama to see their national memorial.

Nearly seven decades have passed since the end of World War II and, regrettably, it took nearly this long to complete work on the memorial that honors the spirit and sacrifice of the 16 million who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and the more than 400,000 who died. Sadly, many veterans did not live long enough to hear their country say ``thank you,'' yet for those veterans still living, Honor Flight provides for many their first--and perhaps only--

opportunity to see the National World War II Memorial, which honors their service and sacrifice.

This final Honor Flight begins at dawn when the veterans will gather at historic Fort Whiting in Mobile and travel to Mobile Regional Airport to board a chartered flight to Washington. During their time in their nation's capital, the veterans will visit the World War II Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and other memorials.

The veterans will return to Mobile Regional Airport that evening, where some 1,000 people are expected to greet them.

Mr. Speaker, the May 8, 2013, journey of heroes from South Alabama is an appropriate time for us to pause and thank them--and all of the soldiers who fought in World War II. They collectively--and literally-- saved the world. They personify the very best America has to offer, and I urge my colleagues to take a moment to pay tribute to their selfless devotion to our country and the freedoms we enjoy.

I salute each of the veterans who made the trip to Washington. May we never forget their valiant deeds and tremendous sacrifices:

Bill Addis; Bill Audrain; George Baker; Joe Befay; Benny Bender; Jerry Bernhardt; Bill Bidez; K.E. Bray; Tommy Breedlove; Bern Brunegraff; George Bryan; Don Burch; Bob Campbell, Sr.; Homer F. Campbell, Sr.; Regie Carpentier; Giles Chapman, Jr.; Ted Christakos; Ed Clapper; John Coleman; Frank Coleman.

Bill Collins, Sr.; Emmett Cox; Jack Davis; John Dodd; Wyman Dupuis; Harry Ellegood; Bill Evers; Bob Ewer; Wes Ferrill; James Forte; William Fountain; Aubrey Fulford; Norm Garlotte; Joe Godwin; Red Guy; Sid Hamilton; John Hampton; Dean Hansen; J.C. Harris, Jr.; Vida Hartfield.

Dick Havron; Robert Hedgepeth; Morris Helms; Dorsey Henderson; Jim Hill; E.R. Holt; L.V. Horne; Dixie Howell; Joe Jones; Joseph Jones; Leon Jones; John Kane; Hilda Kay; Kuhlie Kuhlmann; Will Lambert, Sr.; Herb Law, Jr.; Bo Lewis, Jr.; John Littlepage; Edward Mahon; Ken Main.

Bob Maley; L.C. Malone; Fred Mason; Wild Bill Mathers, Sr.; Duke McCall; Chuck McDonald; Albert McFadden; John C. McFerrin; Nute McLain; Ralph McLaney; Bob McLeod; Mac McRae; Caylop Minchew; Sparks Morris; Maurice Neely; Don Nelson; Lewis Nichols; Jack Nolan, Sr.; Dick Nolte, Sr.; Don Palmer.

Gene Passmore; Bill Phillips; William Rentz; Win Ritchie; Don Roberts; Porter Roberts, Jr.; Jerry Ryals; Tom Shackelford; Herman Shaddix; Terry Shiver; Gene Sorik; Capt. Les Stinson; Steve Thames; Howard Walker, Jr.; Willie Wilson; Doc Wise; Dutch Yon; Marion Yonge; and Robert Johnson, Jr.

Mr. Speaker, this is the right thing to do at the right time and for the right reasons. Hopefully, in some small way, this legislation will bring some form of closure to a cowardly act, one so outrageous that it became a turning point in the passage of the historic Civil Rights Act of 1964.

On behalf of the people of Alabama, I want to say a special thank you to our colleague, Congresswoman Terri Sewell, as well as the dean of our delegation, Congressman Spencer Bachus, for their example of working together hand in hand to bring this very appropriate bill to the floor for consideration and for a vote.

While nothing that we do here will ever replace the loss of these four innocent young girls, especially to their families and to their loved ones who have lived with a void in their hearts for the last 50 years, may this action today ensure that their spirit lives on forever.

With that, I urge the adoption of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Joseph A. McInerney, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), on the occasion of his departure after 12 years as head of the association.

The lodging industry is a key driver of our Nation's economy, employing 1.8 million men and women in hotels, inns, and resorts in all 50 States, and generating $137.5 billion in annual sales. In my home State of Alabama, the industry is responsible for more than 21,000 jobs and $654.9 million in employee wages. As head of the one trade association representing all interests of hoteliers, Joe has been a vocal advocate and leader for the policies and initiatives that have brought a renewed strength to lodging since the economic downturn of 2008.

Beginning in 1961 with his first job at the Sheraton Chicago, he quickly moved up the ranks before being transferred to the franchise division of Sheraton as regional director of operations in 1966. Three years later, he moved to Winston Salem, North Carolina, to be general manager of the Sheraton Inn. In 1970, he was named vice president, assistant to the president of the franchise division, and continued to move up until being appointed president of ITT's Sheraton franchise division in 1980.

After 25 years with Sheraton, he rose to the position of president and CEO for the soon-to-be-launched Hawthorn Suites. His next industry position came in 1991, when he was named him president and CEO of Travelodge and then president and CEO of Forte Hotels in 1992, before becoming chairman in 1995. Just before coming to AH&LA in 2001, he served as president and CEO of the Pacific Asia Travel Association and was responsible for moving the organization's headquarters from San Francisco to Bangkok.

With more than 50 years in the industry, Joe has seen countless innovations and changes--many of which he created and implemented. He is widely recognized for having revolutionized the franchise concept for Sheraton and popularizing the suite concept for Hawthorn Suites. He has also been responsible for the creation of new initiatives to encourage and recognize the diversity in the industry, including the Under 30 Gateway, a group comprised of young, up-and-coming hoteliers; Women in Lodging, made up of leading women CEOs, high-ranking executives, and employees in lodging; and the promotion of student chapters at colleges and universities across the country.

An honors graduate of Boston College, Joe has earned the designation of Certified Hotel Administration from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute. He has been recognized with numerous industry awards, including the first 2012 Founding Member award from DePaul University College of Commerce School of Hospitality Leadership; induction into the 2010 University of Houston's Hospitality Hall of Honors; induction into the 2010 Massachusetts Lodging Association Hall of Fame; the 2009 J. Patrick Leahy Lifetime Achievement Award from the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association; the 2007 ``Above and Beyond Award'' at The Lodging Conference; the ``Tourism Man of the Year'' award from the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association; the 1999 Stephen Brener, Silver Plate Lifetime Achievement Award from Hospitality Magazine; the 1998 Pacific/Asia Person of the Year from Travel Agent Magazine; and the 1994 Economy Lodging's ``Person of the Year.''

Mr. Speaker, I join with Joe's many friends and colleagues, in Alabama and across the country, in celebrating his long and successful career and thanking him for his leadership, foresight, and commitment to the lodging industry. I know his family--his wife, Ruth, his children, Joe and Susan, their spouses, Robin and Ken, and his five grandchildren, Elizabeth, Colin, Weston, Finn, and Calla--are particularly proud of him and all he has accomplished and look forward to being able to spend more time with him in the weeks and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, it is with heartfelt sadness that I rise to note the passing of Coach Mal Moore, longtime and beloved Athletic Director of The University of Alabama.

Coach Moore dedicated his career to ensuring that the Crimson Tide always competed among the nation's elite no matter the sport or the arena. His loss is deeply felt among the ``Alabama family'' and his winning legacy will likely go unmatched.

A native of Dozier, Alabama, Mal Moore was a 1963 graduate of The University of Alabama, where he earned an undergraduate degree in Sociology and Master's Degree in Secondary Education. Coach Moore played quarterback under legendary head football coach Paul ``Bear'' Bryant, beginning in 1958, and was a member of the 1961 national championship team.

His subsequent coaching career spanned over three decades, including spending time in the athletic programs of Montana State, Notre Dame and both the St. Louis and Phoenix Cardinals.

However, for more than 20 of those years he also worked on the Crimson Tide coaching staff. He started as Coach Bryant's graduate assistant in 1964, then as defensive backfield coach for five years beginning in 1965 before becoming quarterbacks coach from 1971 to 1982 and serving as the Tide's first offensive coordinator starting in 1975. He returned as offensive coordinator under Coach Gene Stallings from 1990 to 1993 before moving into athletic administration.

During his career as Athletic Director from 1999 to 2013, Coach Moore oversaw $240 million in improvements to the athletic infrastructure of The University. Alabama erected new stadiums for soccer, softball and tennis; new facilities for women's basketball and volleyball; a new golf clubhouse; and improved facilities for every other sports team, in addition to the renovation of Bryant-Denny Stadium, Paul W. Bryant Hall and Coleman Coliseum.

Overseeing a $100 million budget and 21 men's and women's varsity sports teams, his 14-year record of leadership as Athletic Director speaks for itself. During Coach Moore's tenure as Athletic Director, the Crimson Tide football team won three national championships (2009, 2011 and 2012), posted six 10-win seasons, appearances in five Bowl Championship Series (BCS) bowl games and SEC championships in 1999, 2009, 2011, and 2012.

His dedication to--and love of--The University of Alabama was recognized on March 28, 2007, when, as a permanent tribute to his life- long contribution to The Capstone, the Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama officially dedicated the facility formerly known as the Football Building as the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility.

In 2011, Mal Moore was elected to the State of Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. The following year, he was honored with the prestigious John L. Toner Award for the nation's best athletic director at the 55th NNF awards dinner at Waldorf-Astoria in New York City.

His untimely death leaves a giant void in the life of The University of Alabama family.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Alabama, I would like to extend my condolences to Coach Moore's daughter, Heather, his granddaughter, Anna Lee and grandson, Charles, as well as his many other family and friends. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Speaker, a decade ago this spring, Dr. Robert Witt became the 26th president of The University of Alabama.

Last March, after nine highly successful years as UA president, Bob was unanimously elected Chancellor of the University of Alabama System. In his new post, he is continuing to transform the UA System, which is comprised of the flagship campus in Tuscaloosa, as well as The University of Alabama at Birmingham and The University of Alabama in Huntsville, into one of America's fastest growing public university systems.

Together, the UA system budget exceeds $4.6 billion with student enrollment at the three campuses exceeding 57,000 and more than 26,000 employees.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute Bob Witt for over a decade of dedication, service and leadership to The University as well as to the State of Alabama.

When Dr. Witt was selected UA president in 2003, he brought to the campus an ambitious ``Plan for Growth'' to boost student enrollment and school prestige. During a period of austerity in state funding and with challenges in the UA's storied football program, Dr. Witt laid out a strategy of increasing enrollment by forty percent, raising faculty and staff salaries, boosting financial aid to students, and upgrading and expanding university facilities.

His record of growth in Tuscaloosa was truly unprecedented.

During his tenure as president, The University of Alabama established the tremendously successful University Honors College and hired head football coach Nick Saban.

And under Dr. Witt's leadership, total enrollment at the Tuscaloosa campus increased from fewer than 20,000 students to more than 31,000 students. Today, total enrollment at the Tuscaloosa campus exceeds 33,000 students and The University of Alabama is ranked first in the nation among public, flagship universities in the enrollment of National Merit Scholars.

Along with the student population, Bryant-Denny Stadium was expanded during Dr. Witt's presidency, from 84,000 to 101,821 seats, and now sports three more national championship title flags.

Under his guidance, The University of Alabama campus has also seen $1.5 billion in new construction and has expanded by 168 acres with the purchase of the historic Bryce Hospital property.

Dr. Witt began his distinguished 36-year higher education career in the state of Texas in 1968, joining the business school faculty at University of Texas at Austin. He was named the Zale Corporation Centennial Professor in Business in 1983 and bestowed the Mortimer Centennial Professorship in Business two years later. After rising through the ranks as chair and associate dean, Dr. Witt was named dean of the business school in 1985. He was elected president of University of Texas at Arlington in 1995 and served until 2003.

Dr. Robert Witt received his B.A. in economics from Bates College, his M.B.A. from Tuck School at Dartmouth College, and a Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University. In 2011, he was inducted into the Alabama Academy of Honor.

As the Chancellor of the University of Alabama School System, Dr. Witt works closely with UA President Judith L. Bonner, UAB President Ray L. Watts and UAH President Ralph A. Altenkirch to constantly raise the bar of expectations by providing the taxpayers of Alabama with a first-class educational experience.

On behalf of the people of Alabama, I would like to extend my personal congratulations to Dr. Witt as he marks his decade of service at The University of Alabama system, and wish him, and his lovely wife, Sandee, all the best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mr. John Garrard, Jr., a beloved and respected South Alabama public servant and businessman who recently passed away at the age of 86.

A native of Flora, Mississippi, John was valedictorian of his high school class before he enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II. While in the Navy, John served on an ammunition carrier supplying America's forces battling the Japanese in the Pacific.

After the war, John returned home to continue with his education. He earned a degree in Economics and Business Administration from Millsaps College and then moved to Atmore, Alabama, where he would spend the remainder of his long and fulfilling life giving to the community he loved.

Shortly after arriving in Atmore in 1948, he took on the role of educator and banker in the South Alabama community. He taught in Escambia County High School before joining the staff at the First National Bank and Trust of Atmore. His hard work and dedication were evident. In 1974, he was appointed the bank's fifth president and served in this capacity until his retirement in 1986. Even after he retired from the bank, John was retained as vice-chairman with special duties in customer service and public relations.

John turned his gaze to public service in 1996 when he first ran for a seat on the Atmore City Council. He served until 2012, contributing significantly to the economic growth and development of Atmore.

In 1981, John was named Citizen of the Year by the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce. In February 2011, the Chamber presented him with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Additionally, he was an active member of the Atmore Rotary Club, Atmore Public Library Board of Directors, First United Methodist Church, Atmore Historical Society, and Atmore Area Hall of Fame Committee. John was also involved in a local prison ministry at Fountain Correctional Institute for almost 15 years.

As a World II veteran, he travelled to Washington, D.C. in September 2010 as part of the Honor Flight South Alabama program. I was honored to greet him at the National World War II Memorial where I had the honor of thanking him for his service to our country.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of South Alabama, I would like to personally extend my condolences to his two sons, John and David, and his grandchildren, great grandchildren, step grandchildren and many friends. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.