Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, Southwest Alabama recently lost a dedicated medical professor and highly regarded academic physician. Dr. Steven Karl Teplick passed away on December 8, 2009, at the age of 68.

Dr. Teplick was Chairman of the Department of Radiology at the University of South Alabama's College of Medicine for nearly 15 years. He was known for his devotion to the teaching and training of medical professionals as well as leading the University's transition to digital cancer diagnostic technology.

Dr. Teplick was a graduate of the University of Vermont, and of Hahnemann Medical College in Pennsylvania. He completed his residency in Radiology and a fellowship in Neuroradiology at Boston City Hospital. Dr. Teplick served his country for three years as a major in the U.S. Army Medical Corps before returning as a faculty member at Hahnemann. Afterwards, he became Vice Chairman of the Department of Radiology at the University of Arkansas, before coming to South Alabama.

A member of numerous medical committees and organizations, Dr. Teplick was most notably a fellow in the American College of Radiology, president of the Alabama Academy of Radiology and a founding member of the International Society of Biliary Radiology.

Dr. Teplick was a lover of nature and enjoyed farming and his horses and beloved pets. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Carol; two children, Jennifer and Joanna; and four grandchildren.

As we pause to reflect upon the many contributions of Dr. Teplick to our community, we also extend our thoughts and prayers to his family for their loss.

Madam Speaker, I submit the following:

Project Name: Buses and Bus Facility Improvement, Baldwin County, AL

Requesting Member: Congressman Jo Bonner

Bill: Department of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010

Account: Buses & Bus Facilities

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Baldwin County Commission

Address of Requesting Entity: 312 Courthouse Square, Suite 12, Bay Minette, AL 36507

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $275,000 to provide additional buses and security fencing for the Baldwin Rural Area Transportation System (BRATS). Two additional buses will help meet the growing demand of BRATS that currently provides public transit services in Alabama's largest county covering 1,500 square miles. The high cost of living in Baldwin County has also increased the demand for BRATS as area workforce is moving further away from tourist attracting coastal areas. Baldwin County is currently the 65th fastest growing county in the country (U.S. Census Bureau). Approximately, $200,000 [or 73%] will be used to acquire two new buses; $50,000 [or 18%] will be used for security fencing; and $25,000 [or 9%] will be used to provide bike racks for buses. The Baldwin County Commission will provide the required matching funds.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to offer congratulations to University of South Alabama President Gordon Moulton and his wife, Geri, whose efforts in support of the University are being permanently heralded by the naming of the new campus bell tower in their honor.

On September 18, 2009, the University of South Alabama Board of Trustees officially announced that the school's new bell tower will be dedicated ``in honor of `the exceptional service' of President Gordon Moulton and his wife, Geri.''

When the 135-foot structure is completed in December, it will be the ``premier landmark and the enduring symbol of spirit of the University of South Alabama,'' the board said. The impressive tower with four large bronze bells will also serve as a monument honoring alumni who are providing support for the project.

Madam Speaker, Gordon and Geri are deserving of such a lasting recognition. President Moulton has not only been the helmsman of the University since 1998--overseeing milestones in student enrollment and graduation, enhancement of campus life, and greater involvement of faculty and students in the community--he has also had a direct role in the establishment of the Mitchell Cancer Institute.

The University of South Alabama has also seen the benefit of his support of the University's Technology and Research Park and the Children's and Women's Hospital, to name a few.

President and Mrs. Moulton are well known for their advocacy of local causes important to the community. Geri was also honored in 2009 with the dedication of the Geri Moulton Children's Park.

I wish to extend my congratulations and appreciation to both President and Mrs. Moulton and look forward to their continued beneficial leadership of the University of South Alabama.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the exemplary public service of Mr. Hugh S. Branyon who is retiring on December 11, 2009, after 35 years as superintendent of Gulf State Park on Alabama's Gulf Coast.

A native of Fayette in northwest Alabama, Mr. Branyon first came to Baldwin County in 1957 to work at Gulf State Park. His experience along the gulf sparked such a love of the outdoors that he devoted not only his career, but indeed, his life to the service of Alabama's state parks.

Mr. Branyon's labors have spanned a half century and the length of Alabama. After his first job at Gulf State Park, Mr. Branyon traveled upstate to Lake Guntersville State Park, where he rose to acting manager. Over the ensuing years, he traversed the state, heading back for a brief stint at Gulf State Park before being appointed ranger at Auburn's Chewacla State Park. In 1967, he was called to the State capital to become Chief of Operation in Maintenance to all Alabama state parks and fishing lakes. In 1972, Mr. Branyon returned to Baldwin County where he eventually became Superintendent of Gulf State Park and has since served continuously.

Mr. Branyon has always preferred to call his job a way of life. It was his dedication to the mission of preserving our outdoors that led Mr. Branyon to also assume the role of Southwest District Superintendent over five other south Alabama parks: Bladon Springs, Frank Jackson, Chickasaw, Florala and Meaher.

He has shepherded Gulf State Park through 13 named tropical storms and hurricanes. He oversaw the original construction of Gulf State Park's much-used fishing pier in 1967 and its reconstruction, nearly doubling its length. Under his supervision, Gulf State Park has steadily grown to become one of Alabama's most popular state parks.

No stranger to volunteer service in his community and across the state, he has also been active in many local civic clubs and organizations. His selfless service has led to his receipt of the highest awards from Rotary and Lions clubs international.

Mr. Branyon has been more than a park superintendent, but rather a friend, to so many of his employees and those who crossed his path over the decades in Alabama's parks. His devotion to preserving the treasures of Alabama's outdoors will be hard to match. All those who have enjoyed the beauty and splendor of our pristine parks owe Hugh Branyon a debt of thanks.

Mr. Branyon and his wife, Carol Wenzel Branyon, have two daughters and five grandchildren. Upon retirement, Mr. Branyon plans to devote even more time to his beloved outdoors, including fishing with his grandchildren.

I join thousands of Alabamians in wishing Hugh Branyon the best as he enters his well-deserved retirement.

Madam Speaker, last week, Alabama lost one of its luminaries--a gifted public servant who will be remembered not only for his articulate and persuasive oratory, but also for his many contributions to our region.

Former State Senator Pierre Pelham of Mobile passed away on December 3, 2009, at the age of 80.

A native of Chatom, Alabama, Pierre Pelham was a scholar, a patriot, and an astute and skilled politician who was admired by many.

Senator Pelham distinguished himself early in life as a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Alabama and went on to graduate cum laude from Harvard University Law School.

He served his country during the Korean War, rising to the rank of Lieutenant in the Army. During his military service, he earned the Combat Infantryman and the Expert Infantryman badges.

Back home in Alabama, he developed a passion for public service. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Conventions in 1960 and 1964, laying the groundwork for later public office. From 1966 to 1974, he represented Mobile in the Alabama State Senate. He attained the position of president pro tempore of the Alabama Senate while only in his second term.

During his political career, Senator Pelham is credited with helping to establish the College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama in Mobile. Today, the USA College of Medicine plays a leading role in education and research to save the lives of thousands of Alabamians and others along the Gulf Coast.

A Fellow of Harvard University's Kennedy Institute of Politics, Senator Pelham was widely known for his command of the political craft and the spoken word. He was formidable in his ability to persuade his colleagues during debate.

Senator Pelham was also known for his deep, abiding faith and his lifelong membership and support of the Chatom United Methodist Church.

I rise to extend my condolences to his wife, Eva, and four children, Joseph, Marc, Pier, and Patrice Pelham, and 12 grandchildren.

May his family know that they are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of World War II veteran Maurice Glenn Bell of Mobile, Alabama, who passed away on December 4, 2009, at the age of 84.

Mr. Bell proudly embodied the qualities that our nation has associated with the ``Greatest Generation''--those Americans who were called to give everything for the defense of our freedom and the liberation of millions overseas. Mr. Bell was absolutely committed to serving his country in wartime, and after the war, he was a role model of character and courage in civilian life.

In 1943, when he was summoned to serve in the Second World War, Mr. Bell was already working as an electrician's helper in the Mobile shipyards. He joined the Navy and saw engagements in places we know well from our history books--including the allied invasions of Tarawa, Saipan, and the battle of the Philippine Sea.

But the World War II experience for which Mr. Bell is best remembered is uniquely linked to the vessel upon which he served--the historic USS Indianapolis. It was the Indianapolis that delivered the first atomic bomb to be dropped on Japan. And after the heavy cruiser was struck by two Japanese torpedoes in the middle of the night on July 30, 1945, Mr. Bell was among the 900 crew members who were able to get into the water in an attempt to save themselves.

Mr. Bell and his comrades spent four days in the unforgiving ocean awaiting rescue--an ordeal that subjected them to near constant shark attack and dehydration. Of the 1,196 men on board the Indianapolis before she went down, only 316 survived--including Maurice Bell.

Like many Indianapolis veterans, he had remained mostly silent about his experiences on those four fateful days in 1945. However, 62 years later, he was given a chance to tell his story before a national audience as part of the PBS World War II documentary, ``The War.'' The Ken Burns film interviewed a number of Mobile area veterans, including Mr. Bell.

Mr. Bell also captivated local audiences who would hear his stories about those long days and nights adrift in a seemingly dark and bottomless sea. He urged them never to give up.

It is ironic that this veteran of the war in the Pacific was buried on December 7, 2009--the 68th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

Alabama is fortunate to have so many veterans like Maurice Bell who love their country and answered its call in time of need. We will always owe them a deep debt of gratitude.

I join this House in offering condolences to his wonderful wife of 65 years, Lois Bell, and their three children, Beverly Gros, Bonnie Hall and David Bell, and six grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.

May they be comforted in knowing that they remain in our prayers during their time of loss.

Madam Speaker, I am very proud to bring to the attention of the House the outstanding achievement of the University of South Alabama Jaguar football team. The University of South Alabama is located in my Congressional district.

During 2009, the NCAA Division III Jaguars, under head coach Joey Jones, delivered a perfect 7-0 season.

The undefeated Jaguars made history not only for their unblemished record on the gridiron this year, but also for the fact that until this year, the Jaguars never had a football team. What's more, they didn't even have a marching band until this year.

The Jaguars' 2009 inaugural season was nothing short of a Cinderella performance, capped by an impressive 35-0 final game victory over the Huntingdon College Hawks on November 12. The average inaugural season game attendance was an impressive 18,000.

Speaking at USA's Media Day on November 16, Jaguars Head Coach Joey Jones put their victory into context: ``Number one, it makes a statement that South Alabama is here to build a Division I football program.''

This summer the Jaguars took on a daunting task and they defied the odds by building on the basics and truly working together as a team. With this winning combination, they will surely succeed in reaching Division I.

I would like to congratulate the USA coaching staff and the team: Head coach Joey Jones and coaches Bill Clark, Kurt Crain, Greg Gregory, Mitch Rodrigue, John Turner, Jeff Bailey, Barrett Parker, Dameyune Craig, Chuck Dunn, Tommy Perry, Brian Turner, Duwan Walker, Brendt Bedsole, and Justin Schwind.

The USA Jaguars: Aiman Al-Selwadi, Kendell Bagnerise, Ken Barefield, Cori Barnett, Ryne Baxter, Nick Bear, Logan Bennett, Paul Bennett, Corey Besteda, Heath Blount, Kevin Bone, Jake Bowen, Chase Brown, Christian Brown, Zach Brownell, Chris Brunson, Nick Brunson, Eddy Cabrera, Randon Carnathan, Sean Ceballos, Michel Chapuseaux, Josh Chestang, Trey Clark, Chris Cooke, Richard Courtney, Clifton Crews, Andy Dalgleish, Josh Dees, Marquise Diamond, Jaime Driskell, Justin Dunn, Drew Ezell, Darrow Fisher, Lionel Fuentes, Scott Garber, Lamontis Gardner, Myles Gibbon, Gabe Graham, Anton Graphenreed, Sean Greenwood, Jon Griffin, Brett Hancock, Dalvin Harris, Danzel Harris, Tim Harvey, Gage Hayes, Kevin Helms, Charlie Higgenbotham, Ellis Hill, Greg Hollinger, Bryson James, Dustin James, Kenneth Johnson, Romelle Jones, Sean Kennedy, Brian Krauskopf, James Land, Bryant Lavender, T.J. Lawrence, John Leech, Corwin Malone, Andrew Martin, Gabriel Mass, Santuan McGee, Lawson McGlon, Darrius McMullin, Jordan Means, Tyler Miller, Jerron Mitchell, Anthony Mostella, Jerry Nettles, Taylor Noon, Chad Orrell, Nick Owens, Jeremy Pacillo, Alex Page, Andrew Paschall, John Mark Patrick, Steven Pease, Alex Phifer, Cory Pittman, Rob Powell- Deppe, Philip Press, Chris Pugh, Erling Riis, Donte Rome, Zack Rone, Brandon Ross, Richard Ross, Matt Saucier, Donald Scott, Ryan Scott, Paul Silvey, Brennan Sim, Levi Slaydon, Courtney Smith, Eli Smith, Tremain Smith, Chris Stitt, Robby Stoner, Alex Tamariz, Anthony Taylor, Josh Terry, Tony Threatt, Ralph Turner, Gabe Ukwuoma, Kelly Vail, Corey Waldon, Justin Walker, Carlton Wallace, Zac Westmoreland, Alex Williams, Enrique Williams, Montavious Williams, Michael Wilson and Lim Windham.

Much credit also goes to President Gordon Moulton and the Board of Trustees and the alumni for their vision and support of the inaugural USA football program.

The Jaguars' story is inspiring to us all, and I know that I speak for the entire community when I wish them congratulations on a job well done.

Can't wait for 2010. Go Jags!

Madam Speaker, the City of Mobile recently lost a dear friend with the passing of Charles Edward McNeil, and I rise today to pay tribute to his memory. Mr. McNeil was a remarkable businessman, active citizen and committed U.S. Army Air Force pilot. He will be remembered by all as a man devoted to his family, his faith, and his country.

A graduate of Marion Military Institute, Mr. McNeil later attended the University of Alabama before volunteering for the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. A decorated pilot, he was captured behind enemy lines after being shot down by the Germans and remained in captivity until the end of the war.

Coming home with two bronze stars, the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and two Purple Hearts, Mr. McNeil began a life of entrepreneurship that was as impressive as his dedication to his country.

His resume included a career with Protective Life Insurance Company, co-founder and director of Commercial Guaranty Bank, board member of SouthTrust Bank, and founding co-partner in the McNeil, Jackson and Ahrens Financial group. He also held membership in the Million Dollar Roundtable since 1946. But that was just the beginning.

Mr. McNeil also found the time to serve his community as president of the Mobile County School Board for no less than 17 years and he maintained active membership in many philanthropic, civic clubs and service agency boards.

An avid sportsman and outdoorsman, Mr. McNeil exemplified the indomitable spirit of our Gulf Coast community. His love of life and tireless devotion to uplifting the lives of so many around him will be missed.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated and generous community leader and a dear friend. Our condolences go out to his wife, Evelyn Adelia Bell; his children, Millie McNeil, Marilyn Peyronni, Charles McNeil and John McNeil; and his seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Mobile--and indeed our entire state--lost a true leader and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Mr. Speaker, this job-killing bill cuts Medicare, piles debt on our children, raises health care costs, and raises taxes on the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to state my objection--in the strongest way I know how--to Speaker Pelosi's health care bill.

This bill represents everything I have fought against during my years in public service . . . it raises taxes by hundreds of billions of dollars, it hides deficit spending with dubious accounting gimmicks, and it will vastly expand the federal government's scope and size in every aspect of our daily lives and take even greater control over one sixth of our nation's economy.

Among other things, this bill piles crushing mandates on small businesses, it wrings hundreds of billions of Medicare dollars out of our doctors, hospitals, and other providers. It decimates the popular Medicare Advantage program, which millions of seniors depend on. Moreover, it will be the mother of all unfunded mandates on state budgets which--like my home state of Alabama--are already stretched thin because unlike the federal government, most states actually balance their budgets.

Mr. Speaker, over the past several months I have heard from thousands of Alabamans who have called, written, and e-mailed my office. In August, my staff and I held 19 town meetings throughout Alabama's First District where more than 5,000 people came out to voice their opposition to this massive takeover of our health care system.

My friends and colleagues, the vast majority of the people I work for--and have heard from--are unambiguous--they do not want this bill.

In fact, most Alabamians--and, I believe, most Americans--want to preserve what's best about our health care while lowering costs and improving access. That's why I will not only be opposing H.R. 3962, but I am proud to support the Republican substitute. My Republican colleagues and I believe this bill would lower costs in both the short term and the long term, honoring our pledge for fiscal responsibility while broadening access to quality heath care through lower costs and more competition.

Mr. Speaker, I only have one vote but I will cast that vote against this legislation that The Wall Street Journal correctly dubbed, ``the worst bill ever,'' and I humbly urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, the taxpayers of this country want to know if the people who work for them, who were hired last November to serve here the people's House are really listening to what they've been saying.

Appropriately enough, this started back on tax day, April 15. Tens of thousands, perhaps millions, began to speak with one voice about the spending, the borrowing, the rising unemployment as well as the ever- expanding role of the Federal Government into our daily lives.

In August, even yesterday they turned out en masse, speaking as loud as they could from the very steps of this grand old historic building, begging, pleading, please honor the freedoms and liberties that generations of Americans have fought and even died for. Republicans have heard that message, and we agree with you. We know you are right.

Mr. Speaker, your party is in control of this Congress, but the American people will have the final say. Are you listening?

Thank you, Madam Chairman.

The purpose of this colloquy is to notify the Members that because The Washington Post has a document that they believe originated from our committee, and because some Members of the body are receiving questions from the newspaper, we wanted to assure the body, first of all, this was an isolated incident that to our knowledge has only occurred once; secondly, that our security system for the committee has not been breached; and, third, and I think most importantly, that any name of a Member or a staff member that might appear on a document, if it in fact were a document from our committee, it should not be inferred that a Member is under an investigation of the committee, other than the fact that the committee has responsibilities.

For instance, when a colleague calls and asks about whether they can take a trip, their name would appear on this weekly report that the Chair and ranking member receive. That doesn't mean that they are doing anything other than following the rules of the House to inquire whether they should take that trip or whether it is permissible.

Mr. Speaker, there is an old saying, common in south Alabama, that we need to practice what we preach. Well, if reports are accurate, it sounds like Congress will be moving forward with health care legislation that contains a government-run public option, no matter how hard the Democratic leadership might try to rebrand this poison pill.

Well, I am going to oppose with every ounce of me a Federal takeover of our health care system. I couldn't agree more with our friend Dr. John Fleming of Louisiana, who has introduced a resolution that says that any Member of Congress who votes for a public option should be the first one to sign up for it. After all, if a public option is good enough for you, Mr. and Mrs. Taxpayer, then your elected Representative should be the first to try it out.

This is especially true for our seniors who are looking at draconian cuts to Medicare, cuts to Medicare Advantage, and, according to the CBO, a 20 percent increase in their prescription drug premiums over the next decade, not to mention higher taxes for all Americans, just to help pay for this major step towards socialized medicine.

Practicing what we preach means just that. Congress won't ask the American people to take any poison that we don't take first.

Mr. Speaker, Halloween is just around the corner, but unfortunately, the Democrats who control both sides of Pennsylvania Avenue, if they have their way, there will be no treats, but only tricks, for small businessmen and -women and other hardworking taxpayers in the form of higher taxes, more government regulation and even more debt to be saddled on to the backs of our children and grandchildren.

News that our Speaker has all but guaranteed her caucus that there will be a robust public option in any health care bill to pass Congress is a code word for this, Mr. and Mrs. Taxpayer. If you think government is too big now, just wait.

Sadly, there is a reason why so few Americans have any confidence, much less respect, for the leaders here in Washington. It is because our so-called leaders have shown absolutely no respect to the hardworking taxpayers of this country, with a spending and borrowing spree unlike anytime in American history.

Halloween or not, this is a scary time for American taxpayers.

Madam Speaker, earlier this week the city of Mobile lost a dear friend and a respected leader and I rise today to honor Mr. James Vincent ``Jim'' McConnell Jr. and pay tribute to his memory. Jim was a successful businessman, an active citizen and a dedicated soldier who years earlier answered his country's call to serve. He will be remembered as a man devoted to his family, his country and his community.

A native of Pensacola, Jim moved to Mobile as a teenager and graduated from Murphy High School. He received a football scholarship to the University of Alabama in 1959 and played under the legendary Coach Paul ``Bear'' Bryant. After graduating from the University of Alabama in 1963 with a degree in business administration, Jim entered the U.S. Army and served as a second lieutenant in Germany. He was later promoted to captain after being reassigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

After an honorable discharge, Jim worked for his father at Trail Cadillac-Pontiac before starting on his own dealership, Trail Pontiac on Dauphin Street. Later, Jim acquired the Mercedes-Benz and GMC Truck franchises, which he eventually merged with his brother's Cadillac dealership, forming McConnell Automotive Corporation. Jim was also a partner in the new Mercedes-Benz of Mobile.

Jim served on the General Motors Dealer Advisory Board and as president of the Buick-Pontiac-GMC area marketing group for 20 years. He received numerous awards as a General Motors Master Dealer and Mercedes Benz Diamond Dealer. He was a member of the Red Elephant Club, served on the Senior Bowl committee and was active in a number of other civic and community organizations. In short, Jim McConnell was always giving back to the city he loved and called home.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated and generous community leader and a dear friend to many. Jim McConnell will be deeply missed by his family--his wife, Cynde; his sons, Mitch McConnell, Stan McConnell, Vince McConnell and Baker McConnell; his mother, Mary Louise McConnell; his brother Eddie McConnell; his sister, Mary Lou Layden; and his four grandchildren--as well as his many friends, colleagues, and patrons.

Mobile--and indeed our entire state--lost a true leader for our area and our thoughts and prayers are with this family at this difficult time.