Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to mark the bicentennial of Dauphin Island, Alabama, joining the United States of America. On this date in 1813, Spain handed over the 14-mile-long, 1\3/4\-mile-wide barrier island, located at the mouth of Mobile Bay, to the United States.

Dauphin Island has a long and rich history which spans nearly 500 years since it was first mapped by Alonzo Pineda in 1519. In fact, according to some accounts, it may have caught the eye of western explorers even earlier.

In 1699, French explorers landed on the small island, providing an anchor for the establishment of the French colony of Mobile. The French gave the island its present day name. When nearby Fort Louis de la Mobile became capital of the French Louisiana Territory, Dauphin Island, with its deep water and strategic location, was home to trading ships, settlers and naval surveillance.

Dauphin Island was threatened by the Spanish in 1719 during the Pensacola War. Hurricanes and changing conditions on the island also had an impact on the history and development of the island. During the great storm of 1740, nearly half the island was washed away, including 300 head of cattle. After the French left Dauphin Island around 1763, the English took possession of the tiny barrier island until it was finally captured by the Spaniards in 1781. Two years later, Dauphin Island was taken by General James Wilkinson and claimed by the United States.

In 1822, Fort Gaines was constructed by the United States Army on the eastern side of the island and it remained in U.S. hands until 1861 when Confederate-allied troops took possession. The fort was surrendered and returned to Union forces in 1864.

Today, Dauphin Island has long since relinquished its long-held military role for another of equal importance. As Alabama's barrier island, it is also a natural protector of the coast from hurricanes and tropical storms for an ever growing south Mobile County. It is also a popular tourist destination and home to 1,200 permanent residents. Thousands of visitors come each year to Dauphin Island to experience the sun and surf as well as the wildlife.

The Island is also home to the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, an Audubon Bird Sanctuary, and Dauphin Island Campground. Fishing piers provide access to Gulf of Mexico and Mississippi Sound for shallow water fishing for the land lovers, while charter boats offer deep water fishing excursions.

As the people of Dauphin Island celebrate the bicentennial of their beautiful island becoming an official part of the United States, I extend greetings and best wishes on behalf of the House of Representatives. May Dauphin Island's significant role in our nation's long history never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, many times this House honors outstanding and influential Americans who have given of themselves to make a difference in the lives of their fellow citizens. However, it is not often that we shine the spotlight on individuals who literally have safeguarded the health and well-being of hundreds of thousands. Dr. Bernard Eichold is one such example and I'm proud to pay tribute to him today as the 2012 Mobilian of the Year.

Born and raised in Mobile, Dr. Bert Eichold was taught early the importance of serving others. Through his parents, Dr. Samuel and Charlotte Eichold, he gained an understanding of the vital role that proper medical care and preventative educational outreach programs play in the well-being of a community. For this reason, it is not surprising that he chose to follow in his father's footsteps by becoming a doctor himself.

Bert attended his father's alma mater, Tulane University, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree, Master of Public

Health Degree, Medical Doctor Degree, and his Doctorate of Public Health Degree. Like his father, he also served honorably in the United States Navy, rising to the rank of Captain before pursuing a full-time career in medicine at home in Mobile.

A long-time physician, Bert touched many lives with his caring approach to health care. But like his father before him, he didn't limit his contributions to the confines of his medical practice. In 1990, he stepped forward to take on the role as health care advocate for the entire county. As the Health Officer for Mobile County, he is responsible for safeguarding the health and the environment for over 400 thousand people.

After nearly a quarter century of his proactive leadership, the Mobile County Health Department has effectively doubled the number of patients to over 140,000 a year. His dedication to the health education and prevention also helped to place him as Area Health Officer for Public Health Area XI for the State of Alabama Department of Public Health.

Also like his father, Bert took on highly respected teaching roles at the University of South Alabama. He is Adjunct Professor in the Department of Medicine where he has served as the Co-Course Director of Public Health and Epidemiology. He is also science advisor to the NASA DEVELOP National Program which extends NASA Earth Science research to the community through the volunteer work of local college students. In 2012, he was presented NASA's Exceptional Public Achievement Medal for this work in support of NASA DEVELOP in South Alabama since 2003.

His dedication to public health and education is matched by his involvement in the local community. He is currently serving as Chairman of the Board of the Community Foundation of South Alabama. He is an active member of the Alabama Public Health Association, Mobile United, and the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. His philanthropy and volunteer efforts have also touched more than 50 organizations in South Alabama.

And finally, Bert carries on the proud tradition of his father who was named the 1989 Mobilian of the Year.

On behalf of the Cottage Hill Civitan Club and the people of Mobile, I would like to extend congratulations to Dr. Bert Eichold on being named the 2012 Mobilian of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, around the country this time of year, it is known as March Madness as the NCAA

basketball tournament is about to begin. But it is March madness in Washington as well, as the debate starts today over what kind of country we are going to leave to our children and grandchildren.

Later this afternoon, the House begins this conversation in earnest with a debate over the Federal budget. For the third year in a row, House Republicans will offer a budget that will balance, and this time we are putting forward a plan that will do so in 10 years. We do this by making careful cuts in spending and without raising your taxes.

Unfortunately, the President hasn't submitted his budget yet; although he was required by law to do so on February 4. And the proposed Senate budget raises taxes by $1.5 trillion without ever balancing.

Mr. Speaker, the pathway to getting our country back on track begins today. Let's remember America's children and grandchildren as we engage in this important debate.

Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I rise to note the recent passing of a longtime community leader and public servant, former Monroe County Commissioner Jerry Steele. Commissioner Steele was 85.

A lifelong resident of Beatrice, Alabama, Commissioner Steele graduated from Beatrice High School in 1946. He only left for a few years to attend Auburn University from which he graduated in 1951. Jerry loved Beatrice so much that he often told his friends, ``If you need me, you can always find me in Beatrice. I never intended to move until I move to the cemetery.''

Jerry's love for Monroe County was demonstrated in his many contributions to the community. A supporter of local education, he founded Monroe Academy in 1970, and served as Board Chairman for eight years.

He was a dedicated member of the business community as well. He organized F. S. Steele Timber Company and later Hines, Steele and Steele, Inc. in 1969. He was Vice-President of Peoples Exchange Bank and a former member of the Alabama Cattleman's Association.

He was first elected to public office in the 1950's when he served on the Beatrice City Council. In 1964, he was elected to the Monroe County Commission, a position he held for 24 years. While a commissioner, he earned a reputation as an honest and dependable leader and a devoted shepherd of the people's business. He also had a well- known sense of humor. According to the Monroe Journal, Jerry possessed a wit that seems particularly appropriate in today's political climate. He once said, ``I'm telling you the sorriest administrator of money is a government office, and that includes us.''

Jerry was a Charter member of the Beatrice Community Church and a member of the Beatrice Baptist Church. He taught Sunday School, served as a Deacon, and held many other offices in each church throughout the years.

An avid sportsman, Jerry loved hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren, who were the joys of his life.

On behalf of the people of south Alabama, I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, Patricia; their two sons, David and Harvel; their seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and their many relatives. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mayor Carrol Daugherty, a respected public servant and good friend who is stepping down after 42 years at helm of the Town of McIntosh, Alabama.

Born and raised in McIntosh, Mayor Daugherty is a graduate of Leroy High School and Huffstetler Business College in Mobile.

A consummate businessman and civic leader, he founded CMS Construction Company in Saraland. While many would be content to focus all their talents toward leading an important and successful business, like CMS Construction, Mayor Daugherty has devoted an equal amount of time to improving his community and South Alabama through a combination of public service and volunteerism.

It must be noted that Mayor Daugherty's community service achievements are far ranging and considerable. He helped organize McIntosh Christian Academy. He was a founder and board member of Southwest Bank, formerly known as Washington County State Bank. He is a former Board Member of Friends of Searcy Hospital in Mt. Vernon; Board Member of North Mobile Community Hospital in Satsuma; Charter Board Member of Southwest Alabama Health Services in McIntosh and a Charter Member and one of the organizers of the McIntosh Betterment Association.

Mayor Daugherty helped organize the McIntosh Volunteer Fire Department and was a staunch supporter of the McIntosh Rescue Squad. Furthermore, he helped establish the McIntosh Public Branch of the Washington County Library with the help of his late wife, Melva Jean, and area industry leaders.

Mayor Daugherty is a former Board Member of the Alabama Sheriffs' Boys Ranch and was appointed by Governor George C. Wallace to serve on the Board of Directors of the Alabama Department of Labor Management Committee.

He also was the Business Representative of Millwright Local 2734 for 32 years, Secretary for the Carpenters, Millwright and Pile Drivers Mobile District Council for 29 years, and President of the Alabama State Council of Carpenters for 18 years.

Given all these accomplishments, it is remarkable that Mayor Daugherty also found time to lead the Town of McIntosh for all 42 years since its incorporation in 1970. Yet, he has done just that with an equal dedication to public service and integrity.

On behalf of the people of South Alabama, I wish Mayor Daugherty the very best as he leaves public service and embarks on a well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of an American hero and a good friend, Mr. John Dudley Terrell, Jr., who recently passed away at the age of 91.

A native and lifelong resident of Mobile, Mr. Terrell graduated from McGill Institute and attended Springhill College.

Like many Alabamians of his generation, John answered his country's call to serve during World War II. As a young lieutenant with the Army Air Corps, he flew 51 combat missions at the controls of a B24 Liberator bomber in the European Theater of Operations.

His considerable wartime experience included participation in three historic battles: Air Offensive Europe, The Rome-Arno Campaign, and the Battle of Normandy where his bravery and combat piloting skills no doubt helped to advance the Allied efforts against the Axis powers.

For his courageous service, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters and the European Theater Medal with three Bronze Stars.

After the Allied Victory in Europe, Mr. Terrell left the Army Air Corps to return to civilian life where he traded his role as an aviator for that of an Independent Insurance Agent in his hometown.

He partnered with business associates to form the Robertson, Grove and Terrell Agency. Later he joined W.K.P. Wilson and Son's, Inc. During his long and successful career in the insurance industry, he distinguished himself as exceptional businessman. Among his achievements, he was presented the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation. He later joined TriCorp, Inc., where he worked until his well-deserved retirement.

John was a longtime member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church of Mobile. He was also an active member of numerous local community service organizations including several mystic societies.

On behalf of the people of South Alabama, I wish to extend my personal condolences to his wife of 60 years, Annunziata, their three children: Liz, John III, and Kathleen, and their 10 grandchildren. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a distinguished Alabamian who made many valuable contributions to the study of law both in his home State and in the state of Virginia. Daniel John Meador, a retired University of Virginia law professor and former dean of the University of Alabama Law School, recently passed away at the age of 86.

Professor Meador was born in Selma, Alabama in 1926. He attended The Citadel and later graduated from Auburn University and the University of Alabama Law School. He pursued graduate study at the Harvard Law School where he received the degree of Master of Laws in 1954.

During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Army, first in the artillery and then in the Judge Advocate General's Corps in Korea. From 1954 to 1955, he was law clerk to Justice Hugo L. Black of the U.S. Supreme Court. He then entered law practice in Birmingham with the firm of Lange, Simpson, Robinson, and Somerville. In 1957 he joined the law faculty at the University of Virginia. From 1965 to 1966, he was a Fulbright Lecturer in England.

His deanship at the University of Alabama Law School from 1966 to 1970 came at a time of transition in the School's development. With the backing of the University president, Dr. Frank Rose, he was successful in greatly increasing financial support for the school from its alumni and others. Under his leadership the law library collection was doubled, the curriculum expanded, new faculty recruited, and a program of visiting professors and lecturers inaugurated. He was instrumental in obtaining for the school a chapter of Order of the Coif, the national legal honor society. He initiated plans for a new law school building, completed a decade later.

In 1970, he rejoined the University of Virginia law faculty as James Monroe Professor of Law, a position he held until his retirement in 1994. At the University of Virginia he received the Raven Award, Alumni Association Distinguished Professor Award, and the Thomas Jefferson Award, the University's highest honor.

From 1977 to 1979, he was an Assistant Attorney General in the U.S. Department of Justice, heading a new office entitled the Office for Improvements in the Administration of Justice. One of his most significant accomplishments there was the development of the bill that Congress enacted to create the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the Court of Federal Claims.

Dean Meador was the founding president of the Cahaba Foundation, a non-profit corporation dedicated to securing private financial support for the state historical park at Cahaba, Alabama's first State capital. He took a deep personal interest in Cahaba because his mother's family lived and conducted extensive

farming operations there for three generations, and he spent much time there in his childhood. He recounted all of this in a memoir, At Cahaba--From Civil War to Great Depression. For his preservation efforts in Cahaba he received the distinguished service award from the Alabama Historical Commission.

On behalf of the people of Alabama, I wish to offer condolences to his wife, Alice, and their three children--Barrie Meador Boyd; Anna Meador Palms; Daniel J. Meador Jr., seven grandchildren, and a brother, Dr. Clifton K. Meador, former dean of the University of Alabama Medical School.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise to pay tribute to Mr. Donald W. Vaughn, a distinguished civil servant of the State of Alabama who will be inducted into the Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame on February, 23, 2013.

A 1971 graduate of Auburn University's School of Engineering, Don Vaughn served the Alabama Highway Department for more than 40 years before retiring in 2012. His contributions to the enhancement of Alabama's transportation system over the last four decades are reflected in the state's modern highways and continued emphasis on traffic safety.

Don holds a lifelong passion for engineering that began even before he earned his degree. Indeed, he started work as a survey party member for the Alabama Highway Department in 1966 at the same he entered college. He spent summer breaks and between quarters assisting state surveyor crews even as he studied at Auburn University. After graduation in 1972, Don began full-time work in the Alabama Highway Department's Engineering Education Training Program as a Graduate Civil Engineer. He subsequently rose in the ranks, starting as an Interstate Bureau Engineer, 1973-1976, Assistant Location Engineer, 1976-1979, Location Engineer, 1980-1983, Assistant Chief of Design Bureau, 1983- 1987, Bureau Chief of Office Engineer Bureau, 1987-1989, and, in July 1989, he was appointed Administrative Engineer to the Transportation Director.

Under Governor Fob James, Don was promoted to Assistant Transportation Director on October 1, 1997. He served in that position until February 1999 when he was appointed Assistant Chief Engineer. Governor Donald Siegelman appointed him Assistant Transportation Director on July 1, 2001. He was appointed to the position of Deputy Director, Operations in February 2003. On June 1, 2005, Don was appointed Chief Engineer by Governor Bob Riley.

An active leader in Alabama and national transportation organizations, Don was President of the Alabama Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Chairman of the Traffic Safety Committee, Chairman of the US Route Numbering Committee, and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Safety Management of the Standing Committee on Highways of the American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials. He also served on the Alabama Enterprise Zone Advisory Council, the Inland Waterways and Intermodal Infrastructure Advisory Board, and the Alabama Toll Road, Bridge and Tunnel Authority.

Don retired at the rank of Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserves Civil Engineer Corps and was the 2009 Auburn University Outstanding Civil Engineer Alumnus.

On behalf of the people of Alabama, I would like to extend personal congratulations to Don on his induction into the Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame. His service to improving the quality and safety of Alabama's roads, bridges and transportation infrastructure is second to none.

I wish Don and his wife, Becki, and their entire family the very best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a long-time Alabama political leader and businessman who dutifully served the Tennessee Valley region for more than 30 years in Montgomery. Former State Senator Hinton Mitchem, of Union Grove, passed away on January 22, 2013, after an extended illness.

A Georgia native and a 1961 graduate of the University of Georgia, Senator Mitchem served in the United States Coast Guard before moving west to Alabama in 1962 to pursue his future. It was not long before he left a mark on his community by becoming both a successful businessman and a respected public official.

In 1965, Senator Mitchem founded Hinton Mitchem Tractor Co., Inc. in Albertville and continued to serve the farming community for 40 years before selling his business in 2005. He first entered politics as a member of the Albertville City Council in 1968. In 1974, he was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives, representing the 25th District, serving a single four-year term from 1975 through 1979. He then ran and won election for State Senate in 1979. His Senate district included Marshall County and parts of Blount, Madison, and at one time, DeKalb County.

In 1986, Senator Mitchem set his gaze towards higher office, entering the Democrat primary for Lieutenant Governor. After coming in third in the statewide contest, he returned to the Senate a year later easily winning a special election created when a vacancy occurred in his former Senate seat.

A statesman who was respected by politicians on both sides of the aisle, Senator Mitchem was elected President Pro Tempore of the Alabama Senate on January 9, 2007. He chaired the Finance and Taxation and Education Committees and, twice, the General Fund Committee. He was selected as one of the five Outstanding Senators in 1983 and again in 1984. In 1985, he was voted by his colleagues ``The Outstanding Senator'' in Alabama. When he retired from public office in 2010, he held the distinction of being the longest-serving member in the Alabama House and Senate, having served a total of 36 years.

Upon his retirement in 2010, Senator Mitchem told the Arab Tribune that his single most significant legislative accomplishment for his constituents was the passage of a bill directing TVA ``payment in lieu of taxes'' funds to the Alabama counties in which the federal utility is located. Prior to the passage of the legislation, the Alabama general fund received the TVA payments. Senator Mitchem also sponsored legislation creating the Alabama Housing Finance Authority, and was a staunch supporter of Alabama's two-year college system and Alabama's State Parks, to name but a few of his many contributions.

Senator Mitchem's public service was not limited to elected office. In 1980, he was appointed by then-Republican Governor Fob James, Jr. to chair the Alabama Governor's Commission on Physical Fitness, serving in that capacity for 28 years. He also served 18 consecutive years as Chairman of the Alabama Special Olympics.

On behalf of the people of Alabama, I wish to extend my personal condolences to his wife, Judy; and their four children, Todd, Tanya, Dee and Brittnie; their three grandchildren and their extended family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Speaker, last week unemployment rose to 7.9 percent, and consumer confidence in the economy fell to a 14-month low. During the last 3 months of 2012, the economy shrank for the first time since the depths of the Great Recession.

All of these indicators confirm what the American people know all so well: the economy is still suffering. And yet the President began the new year by raising taxes on hardworking Americans and by closing down his jobs council, confirming another thing that Americans know all too well as well: that Washington truly is disconnected from the struggles of hardworking families who pay their taxes, work hard, and are struggling just to survive.

Now the President is calling for even more revenues to pay for $4 trillion in new debt that he has heaped on the backs of hardworking Americans during the past 4 years.

More and more, my constituents in south Alabama tell me they don't want to charge more money in their names as taxes rise and red ink pours from the streets of Washington, D.C.

While the House has passed responsible budgets for the last 2 years, it's

time for the President and the Democrat Senate to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a beloved public servant who defined leadership in his community by reaching out to all points of view. I am speaking of Daphne, Alabama Mayor Bailey Yelding, who passed away on January 22, 2013, after a brief illness.

Born and raised in Daphne, Mayor Yelding loved his community so much that he never really left it. He was always proud of his home town, noting to the Mobile Press-Register, ``You live and work in a place where it's all been great for you, why not love it?''

And he gave back so much to the community he loved. After graduating from the Baldwin County Training School in Daphne in 1957, and receiving a degree from Alabama State University, he set his sights on helping young people in Daphne. He soon began a career in local education that would encompass 39 years of his life, changing lives and racking up an impressive record as both a football and basketball coach.

At Baldwin County Training School, Coach Yelding earned a 49-16-1 record at the helm of the school's football program. After he transitioned to Fairhope High School in 1970, he went on to become the first African American coach of an integrated high school team in Baldwin County. As head varsity basketball coach, he led the team to a 302-130 record.

After nearly four decades of educating the young people of Baldwin County, Coach Yelding then turned his attention to a different challenge--serving his community in elected office. In 2000 he ran for and was elected to the Daphne City Council. For the next 11 years, Councilman Yelding was a reliable voice for all the people of Daphne, reaching out to his fellow councilmen and the community to put the city first.

In 2011, the Daphne City Council appointed Yelding to serve the unexpired term of Mayor Fred Small who retired early from office. In 2012, Mayor Yelding ran for a full term on the platform of experience and stability. He survived a lively campaign and a runoff in October 2012 to become Daphne's first popularly elected African American mayor.

To everyone who knew him and worked with him, Mayor Yelding was more than the chief executive of the city. He was a pillar of integrity and a consensus builder. In short--a leader. It's not surprising that he was successful in public office. He took the skills he honed as a winning football and basketball coach to city hall, forging teamwork while motivating city employees and the community to greater heights.

Mayor Yelding will be remembered not only as a trail blazer, but also as a wise and steady hand at Daphne City Hall.

On behalf of the people of South Alabama, I wish to extend my condolences to Mayor Yelding's family, many friends and to the people of Daphne. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Amendment XXI:

Section 1:

``The eighteenth article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States is hereby repealed.''

Section 2:

``The transportation or importation into any State, Territory, or possession of the United States for delivery or use therein of intoxicating liquors, in violation of the laws thereof, is hereby prohibited.''

Section 3:

``The article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by conventions in the several States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the States by the Congress.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to an exceptional group of young men who, for the second year in a row, have distinguished themselves as the undisputed national champions of college football. On January 7, 2013, the University of Alabama Crimson Tide captured the BCS National Championship with a decisive 42 to 14 victory over the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.

By clinching their third BCS national championship in four years, the Crimson Tide has cemented their place in college football history and prompted some to ask if this remarkable team might be unequalled in the storied annals of the game.

As Kevin Scarbinsky of the Birmingham News observed in a January 8 op-ed,

All the while Notre Dame was reliving history, Alabama was

making it. All over the golden domes of the Fighting Irish.

Only one team played like a champion Monday in the BCS

National Championship Game. Only one team shook down the

thunder with old-school football and woke up the echoes of

the greatest dynasties in the sport. Yea Alabama. The Crimson

Tide became the third program in the poll era of college

football history to win a third national championship in four

years by taking apart the first program to do it. The Notre

Dame champions of 1946, 1947 and 1949 would appreciate the

Alabama champions of 2009, 2011 and 2012 because Alabama's

third title came at Notre Dame's expense, right in Notre

Dame's face.

Given that Alabama plays in a Southeastern Conference

that's won seven straight BCS titles, in a state with a rival

in Auburn that interrupted this parade with its own

championship, we're witnessing the greatest run in college

football history. Greater than Notre Dame in the 1940s,

Alabama in the 1970s or Nebraska in the 1990s.

To win it again Monday was special. To do it against Notre

Dame, Alabama's historical nemesis, was memorable. To leave

no doubt on the scoreboard leaves no doubt in the debate.

This was history. This is a dynasty. The best we've ever

seen. The best there's ever been.

Congratulations to head coach Nick Saban, and coaches Burton Burns, Mike Groh, Doug Nussmeier, Jeff Stoutland, Jeremy Pruitt, Kirby Smart, Lance Thompson, Bobby Williams, Chris Rumph, Scott Cochran, and Joe Pannunzio. And, above all, congratulations to the 2012 BCS Champion Crimson Tide football team: Edward Aldag, Ryan Anderson, Jonathan Atchison, Dakota Ball, Parker Barrineau, Kenny Bell, Deion Belue, Jerrod Bierbower, Chris Black, Chris Bonds, Hunter Bush, Brent Calloway, Caleb Castille, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Landon Collins, Levi Cook, Amari Cooper, Trey DePriest, Denzel Devall, Quinton Dial, Josh Dickerson, Xzavier Dickson, Dillon Drake, Kenyan Drake, Dustin Ellison, Phillip Ely, Malcolm Faciane, LaMichael Fanning, D.J. Fluker, Cade Foster, Jalston Fowler, Kurt Freitag, John Fulton, Brandon Greene, Adam Griffith, Caleb Gulledge, Rowdy Harrell, Dee Hart, Tyler Hayes, Ben Howell, Adrian Hubbard, Brandon Ivory, Kelly Johnson, Nico

Johnson, Aaron Joiner, Barrett Jones, Christion Jones, Cyrus Jones, Harrison Jones, Ryan Kelly, Korren Kirven, Arie Kouandjio, Cyrus Kouandjio, Eddie Lacy, Darren Lake, Dillon Lee, Robert Lester, Chad Lindsay, Wilson Love, Isaac Luatua, Josh Magee, Cody Mandell, Nathan McAlister, AJ McCarron, Corey McCarron, Dee Milliner, William Ming, Alec Morris, Taylor Morton, C.J. Mosley, Michael Newsome, Harold Nicholson, Kevin Norwood, Michael Nysewander, Anthony Orr, Tyler Owens, Jeoffrey Pagan, Tana Patrick, Nick Perry, D. J. Pettway, Parker Philpot, Marcus Polk, Reggie Ragland, Russell Raines, Ty Reed, Trey Roberts, Jeremy Shelley, Austin Shepherd, Alex Shine, Marvin Shinn, Blake Sims, Geno Smith, Damion Square, Anthony Steen, Ed Stinson, Vinnie Sunseri, Bradley Sylve, Alphonse Taylor, MK Taylor, Carson Tinker, Dalvin Tomlinson, Brian Vogler, Paul Waldrop, Chance Warmack, Jabriel Washington, Ranzell Watkins, DeAndrew White, Wilson Whorton, Eddie Williams, Jarrick Williams, Jesse Williams, Kellen Williams, Michael Williams, Nick Williams, Danny Woodson Jr, and T.J. Yeldon.

And on behalf of Bama fans around the world, Roll Tide!

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the devoted service and the remarkable life of an American patriot and a great Alabamian, retired Rear Admiral James Lloyd Abbot, Jr., who passed away on August 10, 2012, at the age of 94.

A distinguished World War II veteran, a much-decorated Naval officer and leader in American exploration of Antarctica, James Lloyd Abbot, Jr., was born in Mobile on June 26, 1918. He attended Murphy High School, Spring Hill College and the U.S. Naval Academy. He graduated and was commissioned Ensign on June 1, 1939.

In 1939, he first reported for duty aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CV-6), later transferring to the destroyer USS Gilmer (DD- 233). In 1943, he assumed command of Scouting Squadron 66 and was awarded the Air Medal for meritorious achievement in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Gilbert and Marshall Islands from November 1943 through January 1944.

In May 1961, he became Commanding Officer of the USS Intrepid (CVA- 11), which, under his command, won the Air Force, Atlantic Fleet Battle Efficiency Pennant for the fiscal year 1962. Under his command, the USS Intrepid was the recovery ship for Astronaut Scott Carpenter after his 3-orbit flight in May 1962.

In February 1967, shortly before advancing in rank to Rear Admiral, he assumed command of the U.S. Naval Support Force, Antarctica; charged with the responsibility of insuring the success and safety of all United

States operations on that continent. Under his command the first oceanographic study was conducted far into the ice-covered Weddell Sea. Furthermore, Palmer Station, which was successfully completed and opened by Rear Admiral Abbot on schedule in 1968, was the first permanent United States presence in the Antarctica Peninsula. The Abbot Ice Shelf in Antarctica was named in his honor.

His exemplary service, spanning nearly four decades, garnered him many medals commendations. In addition to the Legion of Merit with Gold Star, the Air Medal and the Navy Commendation Medal, Rear Admiral Abbot was awarded the American Defense Service Medal; American Campaign Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal; Navy Occupation Service Medal, Europe Clasp; the National Defense Service Medal with bronze star; and the Antarctica Service Medal.

After his retirement from the Navy in 1974, he returned to an active life in Mobile where he was a member of the USS Alabama Battleship Commission and Foundation and served on the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. In 2011, Rear Admiral Abbot was named Patriot of the Year by the Mobile Bay Area Veterans Day Commission. He was also the first inductee into the Murphy High School Hall of Fame.

On behalf of the people of Alabama, I wish to extend condolences to his sons, Retired U.S. Navy Captain J. Lloyd Abbot III, and retired U.S. Navy Admiral Steve Abbot, his five grandchildren, extended family and many friends. We will be forever indebted to his exemplary devotion to and service of our nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a long-time servant of the House of Representatives, Mr. Jay Pierson, who is retiring after 34 years of advising Speakers, Leaders and Members of Congress.

When the American public tunes into C-SPAN, the give and take of congressional debate might make about as much sense as the floor of the New York Stock Exchange just before the closing bell. Fortunately, the House has seasoned experts--truly dedicated public servants--who keep up with the details of floor deliberation and legislation so that Members of Congress are able to cast their votes without confusion.

One of the people most responsible for ensuring that House Republicans are informed about important legislation is Speaker Boehner's Floor Assistant, Jay Pierson. Jay's role can perhaps be compared to that of an air traffic controller, closely monitoring the flow of floor debate and shepherding Members of Congress to their appropriate positions. While an air traffic controller may use a radar scope for guidance, Jay relies on his dog-eared copy of Jefferson's Manual of Rules and 34 years of experience.

A graduate of Westmont College in Santa Barbara, and a recipient of a Master's Degree from Long Beach University and a Doctorate from the University of Maryland, Jay arrived in the halls of Congress about the same time as the C-SPAN cameras. Dr. Pierson's congressional career began in 1978 in the office of the General Clerk. He began working in the Republican Cloakroom in 1979 for the office of House Republican Leader John J. Rhodes, R-AZ.

Over three decades he held positions of member of the House Republican Cloakroom, member of the Republican Floor Staff and Floor Assistant to the Speaker. He was Assistant Floor Manager for Speaker Gingrich, Floor Assistant for Speaker Dennis Hastert, and now Floor Assistant for Speaker John Boehner.

For the past decade, Jay has been an invaluable resource to me during floor debate and votes and I will always value his counsel and friendship.

Mr. Speaker, as Jay prepares to transition to retirement, I join with my colleagues here in the House in wishing him the very best. Jay's wisdom and expertise will be sorely missed.