Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Gaudet Family of Mobile, AL. For years, Steve and Lydia Gaudet, along with their eight children, have given back to the community by donating their time and services to improve the lives of others.

At the encouragement of their friends, colleagues, and those grateful to have received their assistance. the Gaudet family was chosen for some very special recognition of their own. Earlier this year, the family was chosen by the popular ABC television show, ``Extreme Makeover: Home Edition'' for a new home.

Six of the eight Gaudet children: Joseph, Chris, Todd, Patrick, Michael, and Peter, live at home with their parents, Steve and Lydia. Steve had recently been laid off from his job with a tire manufacturer, and Lydia works for Goodwill Easter Seals. Despite their own hardships, the entire family volunteers with United Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome Society of Mobile, and Camp Smile-A-Mile. a camp for disabled children and adults.

In February, the crew of ``Extreme Makeover: Home Edition'' arrived at the family's home to surprise them with the announcement they had been selected for the show. Steve and Lydia, along with six of their children, lived in an 1,100 square-foot, three-bedroom, one-bathroom home that was 50 years old and still under a bright blue roof tarp due to damage sustained by Hurricane Katrina over 2 years ago.

In ``Extreme Makeover'' style, the family was sent on a well- deserved, week-long, all-expense paid vacation to a resort in Arizona and given tickets to the Super Bowl. While the Gaudets were away, the family's old home was torn down and replaced with a new 3,500 square- foot home in just 106 hours.

Father and son builders, Frank Lott, Jr., and Frank Lott III, of Heritage Homes of Mobile, worked day and night alongside as many as 1,500 volunteer workers to finish the Gaudet home. In addition to the volunteers, numerous local firms contributed materials to the project and members of the community made monetary donations to the family. CVS Pharmacy donated $100,000 to Camp Smile-A-Mile and an additional $50,000 to be used to pay for medical bills related to the special needs of their son, Peter.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting the Gaudet family for their selfless contributions to the City of Mobile. Despite their own needs, the entire family is devoted to making south Alabama a better place to live. I would also like to commend ABC network, the entire crew of ``Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,'' Frank Lott, Jr., Frank Lott, III, as well as all of the staff at Heritage Homes, and the volunteers who contributed to providing a beautifuI new home for a truly deserving family.

Madam Speaker, Mobile County, Alabama, and indeed the entire First Congressional District recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor him and pay tribute to his memory.

Thornton Price-Williams was a devoted family man and dedicated community leader throughout his life.

A native of Mobile, Thornton joined the Army Air Corps during World War II, and he served in five major engagements in the European Theater of Operations, including D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge.

Following his discharge from the Army Air Corps, Thornton graduated from the University of Alabama. He went on to work for the civil service at Brookley Air Force Base and retired after 25 years of service.

In 1968, Thornton was elected to the office of Mobile County License Commissioner, a seat he held until his retirement in 1988. Former Alabama Governor Guy Hunt named Thornton Supernumerary License Commissioner. He was also once awarded the title ``Boss of the Year.''

Thornton was a member of the Mobile Lyons Club and an active member of the Murphy High School Spike Shoe Booster's Club. He was also an avid fan of University of Alabama football, a devotion he passed down to his grandson, Christopher Hobden.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated community leader and long-time advocate for Mobile County, Alabama.

Mr. Price-Williams was preceded in death by his grandson, Aaron Price-Williams, and he will be deeply missed by his family--his wife of 33 years, Elizabeth Price-Williams; his sons, Ronald Price-Williams and Timothy Price-Williams; his step-children, Deborah Turner and Alfred Miller; his first wife, Dolores Spiers; his eleven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren--as well as the countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise today to honor Mayor Anne Hines Farish for her extraordinary contributions to both the city of Monroeville and the state of Alabama. Mayor Farish is the epitome of a ``Steel Magnolia,'' a real southern lady, strong and persevering and someone who is truly an institution among the residents of Monroeville.

A native of Monroeville, Anne grew up the oldest of four daughters of the late Dr. Jack and Mrs. Irma Hines.

She graduated from Monroe County High School in the same class as Nelle Harper Lee, another beloved fixture of Monroeville and Pulitzer Prize winning author of ``To Kill A Mockingbird.'' Upon graduation from high school, she attended Auburn University. Anne's father, Dr. Hines, a local veterinarian, also served as mayor of Monroeville. Her late husband, Dick, served as Monroeville's postmaster for many years.

During her tenure as mayor, Monroeville has built an industrial park, added to its parks and recreation, and built a new City Hall and police station. Situated deep in the piney woods of Alabama's First Congressional District, Monroeville is a hidden treasure, and there is no better salesperson for this wonderful city than Mayor Farish.

Prior to serving as mayor, Anne served on the Monroeville City Council for two four-year terms. Anne is also a real estate agent, who began the successful brokerage firm, The Farish Agency, which is now managed by her daughter-in-law, Christie.

Madam Speaker, Anne Hines Farish has dedicated her entire life to making Monroeville, Alabama, a better place to live and work, all the while being a devoted wife and mother. I ask my colleagues to join with me in thanking Mayor Farish for her many years of devotion to her hometown and the people she has faithfully served.

I know Anne's colleagues, her family, and her many friends join with me in praising her accomplishments and extending thanks for her many efforts over the years on behalf of Monroeville and the First Congressional District.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise today to honor Mrs. Sarah Long Damson on the occasion of her being named First Lady of Mobile for 2007. The Mobile chapters of Beta Sigma Phi, an international women's network with over 165,000 members, recently bestowed this honor on Sarah.

A native of Mobile, Sarah is a tireless volunteer and has devoted her entire life to improving the lives of countless people who call Mobile and South Alabama home.

Sarah and her husband Tom are co-owners of Long's Human Resource Center, a multi-million dollar business passed on to them by Sarah's father. She serves as chairman of the board of the 60-year-old company with locations in Mobile, Fairhope and Foley.

However, Sarah's commitment to South Alabama goes far beyond the walls of her business. She has been active with the United Way for decades, and she is an emeritus board member of the organization. She is the first woman to lead the United Way of Southwest Alabama's annual fundraising campaign and head its board of trustees. She has also served as chairman of The Alexis de Tocqueville Society, a national movement within the United Way that recognizes individuals who donate $10,000 to $1 million annually.

In addition to her involvement with the United Way, Sarah serves on various boards at Dauphin Way United Methodist Church and was the first woman to serve on the local Regions Bank board. She is a past president of the Junior League of Mobile and is also on the Board of Trustees of Spring Hill College. Sarah is an active member of the Mobile Chamber of Commerce and has served on its board of directors as well.

A graduate of the University of Alabama, Sarah was the first woman to receive the prestigious Austin Cup, awarded to the most outstanding graduate of the University's Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business.

Madam Speaker, I would like to offer my personal congratulations to Mrs. Sarah Long Damson for being named the First Lady of Mobile for 2007; truly, no one is more deserving of this high honor. And in so doing, I would also like to recognize Sarah for her lifetime of outstanding professional and philanthropic accomplishments; she is truly a role model for our entire community.

Furthermore, I would ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating this respected and dedicated friend to many throughout South Alabama. I know Sarah's family; her husband, Tom; their two wonderful daughters, Mary Stewart Crane and Liz Freeman; her grandchildren and her many friends and other family join me in praising Sarah's accomplishments and extending thanks for her never-ending efforts to make South Alabama a better place to live and call home.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor the distinguished career of Jeffrey Scott Moon and recognize his service to the city of Orange Beach, Alabama over the past 7 years.

The past 7 years for Orange Beach, as Charles Dickens would say, were the best of times and the worst of times. The city has experienced unprecedented economic growth, but in 2004, Hurricane Ivan struck and devastated the Alabama Gulf Coast. The steady hand of Jeff Moon helped guide the city through these ups and downs. His leadership and friendship will certainly be missed.

As city administrator, Jeff oversaw the planning and construction of 10 city facilities including the recreation center, aquatics center, tennis center, teen center, senior center, and fire station 2. He was instrumental in the planning and acquisition of properties for the city of Orange Beach, including the Orange Beach Golf Center, Medical Arts Complex, and Orange Beach Commerce Park. Jeff also helped guide the recovery and rebuilding efforts in Orange Beach following Hurricane Ivan in 2004. He worked to establish a professional team of skilled employees who serve the city of Orange Beach, a staff that doubled in size from about 150 to 300 employees during his tenure.

Jeff's hard work doesn't end at the office. From coaching youth basketball, softball and soccer to teaching Sunday school classes for high school students at First Baptist Church Orange Beach to volunteering as a cook and a concession stand worker, Jeff is involved in all facets of life in Orange Beach.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout south Alabama. I know his family, his wife, Nancy; their children, Kayla, Cheyenne, and Chason; and his many friends join me in praising his accomplishments and extending thanks for his service over the years on behalf of the city of Orange Beach and the state of Alabama.

On behalf of a grateful community, I wish him the best of luck as he heads to Woodstock, Georgia, to serve as the city manager.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the Lt. Joseph M. Wilcox Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) on the occasion of its 85th anniversary.

The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution was organized on August 9, 1890, in Washington, D.C. Thirty-three years later, on February 8, 1923, the DAR chapter in Camden, Alabama, was founded by my grandmother, Ezra Robins Bonner, with 19 charter members. The chapter will celebrate its 85th anniversary on April 3, 2008, at Camden Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.

The DAR, which is headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a volunteer women's service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism and preserving American history through better education for children. The society's purpose remains much the same today as when it was chartered by an Act of Congress in 1895: ``To perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved American independence; to promote, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge; to cherish, maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom, to foster true patriotism and love of country.''

Nationally, DAR members volunteer more than 60,000 hours annually to veteran patients, award over $150,000 in scholarships and financial aid each year to students, and support schools for the underprivileged with annual donations in excess of one million dollars.

Madam Speaker, the organizing and charter members of the Lt. Joseph M. Wilcox Chapter were: Ezra Robins Bonner, Regent; Ervin McWilliams Carr, Vice Regent; Madison McWilliams Ervin, Recording Secretary; Nannie Miller Turner, Corresponding Secretary; Charlotte Tait Beck, Treasurer; Lucy D. Jones Moore, Registrar; Mary Goode Berry, Chaplain; Sarah Ervin Henderson, Historian; Grace Pugh Goode; Anna Mary Robins Crain; Katie Lee Robins; Janie Margaret Robins Wood; Narcissa McDowell Harris; Maud McWilliams; Amelie Ervin Hixon; Henrietta Irby; Mary Bibb Irby; Miriam Perryman Primm; and Mabel Stokes. May all of these ladies--and their proud descendants--know that their work throughout the years has left a lasting mark on the people of Wilcox County, Alabama.

It is indeed my sincere hope that the Lt. Joseph M. Wilcox Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will continue its vital service for another 85 years. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the Camden chapter, along with all of the other DAR chapters around the country, for their patriotism and love of country, as well as for their dedication and hard work. We wish them all the best at this historic celebration.

Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to honor the memory of former Alabama Congressman William ``Bill'' Dickinson and his lifetime of dedication to the people of Alabama and the United States. I was deeply saddened to learn of his passing. Our Nation lost a wonderful friend and an individual who made countless contributions toward the betterment of America.

A native of Opelika, Alabama, Bill enlisted in the Navy upon graduation from high school. He served from 1943 until 1946 before joining the Air Force Reserves. He graduated from the University of Alabama Law School in 1950 and was admitted to the bar that same year. He returned to his hometown of Opelika and practiced law there until 1952 when he became an Opelika city judge. Two years later, he became judge of Lee County Court of Common Pleas and of the Juvenile Court before becoming a judge on the Fifth Judicial Circuit of Alabama in 1958. In 1962, Bill was named assistant vice president of the Southern Railway System and moved to Montgomery.

A lifelong conservative Democrat, Bill changed parties in 1964 and ran as a Republican to the U.S. House of Representatives for Alabama's Second District. In so doing, he was part of the Barry Goldwater sweep in Alabama that propelled five Republican congressional candidates to victory in what had previously been solid Democratic country.

Bill Dickinson went on to serve 13 consecutive terms in Congress and was a leading advocate for a strong national defense. He served as ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, and from this position, he was a staunch supporter of increased military funding and halting the spread of communism throughout the world. He was also a fierce protector of military bases vital to Alabama's economy.

Madam Speaker, we are privileged to have known such a passionate and loyal individual, and I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering this dedicated public servant. Congressman Dickinson will be deeply missed by his family--his wife, Barbara; their four children, Christopher Dickinson, Michael Dickinson, Tara Dickinson Sherer, and William Dickinson, Jr.; and their five grandchildren--as well as the countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to honor the memory of the late Congressman Tom Lantos and his devotion to battling genocide and aiding its victims. We have not only lost a wonderful friend but an individual who, during his lifetime, made countless contributions toward the betterment of our Nation, and indeed, the world.

At the age of 16, Tom was taken by the Nazis as they stormed through Budapest in 1944. After two escapes from the Nazi work camps, he found refuge in a safe house and began working to help other Jews in hiding by gathering food and supplies.

Upon moving to the United States in 1947, Tom Lantos served in various capacities as an educator, consultant and political advisor to several Senators. In 1983, only 2 years after being elected to Congress, Congressman Lantos helped to found the Congressional Human Rights Caucus. During his final year of service to the House of Representatives, he served as the distinguished chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Chairman Lantos represented California's 12th Congressional District for 27 years in the House of Representatives and will be remembered as a champion of human rights.

We are privileged to have known and worked with such a passionate and loyal individual. Chairman Lantos will be greatly missed and always remembered. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated public servant.

He will be deeply missed by his family--his wife, Annette, their two daughters, Annette and Katrina, 17 grandchildren and two great- grandchildren--as well as the countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise today to honor Mr. Robert Edington on the occasion of his being named Mobilian of the Year for 2007 by the Mobile Civitan Club. The Mobilian of the Year is the city's most prestigious civic honor, and Robert is most deserving of this award in recognition of over 50 years of dedicated service to the city of Mobile.

A native of Mobile, Robert Edington started his career in the Naval Reserves. He served as an Air Intelligence Officer for a Navy fighter squadron in the Korean War before retiring with the rank of commander.

Robert is an attorney and has served as a legal counselor in the Mobile area for more than half a century. He currently serves as the director of the Mobile Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Program, a program that provides legal services to the underprivileged.

Robert served for 8 years in the Alabama House of Representatives and 4 years as a State senator representing Mobile County. During his service in the Alabama Legislature, he played a lead role in establishing the Alabama Historical Commission as well as other historic districts in the city of Mobile. One of his greatest contributions to the city of Mobile was his leadership in the creation of the USS Alabama Battleship Commission, which brought the World War II battleship to Mobile in the 1960s. In recognition of his legislative efforts, the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington, D.C. presented Robert their national award.

During his tenure in the Alabama Legislature, Robert was also instrumental in the creation of the University of South Alabama, the University of South Alabama College of Medicine as well as the development of Bishop State Community College in Mobile.

Robert served two terms as chair of the USS Alabama Battleship Commission, during which time he oversaw the $7 million restoration project following Hurricane Katrina. He served as former chair of CSS Alabama Association, an organization responsible for underwater archeological expeditions at the wreck site of the CSS Alabama off the coast of France. The artifacts recovered by these missions are now on display at the Mobile Museum of History. Robert also loaned his voice to a History Channel documentary, ``Raise the Alabama.''

Robert was the Consul of Guatemala at Mobile for 20 years, and in this capacity, he organized the first local trade mission to Central America. In recognition of his efforts, he was awarded the U.S. Department of Commerce Achievement Award. He also served on the National Advisory Board for the U.S. Small Business Administration for four years.

For 40 years, Robert has coordinated the U.S. Navy ships for Mobile's Mardi Gras festivities. He is an ardent supporter of Penelope House, a place of refuge for victims of domestic violence. Robert is a member of the Board of Directors of the Mobile Council of the Navy League, the Kiwanis Club of Mobile, and an active member of the National Democratic Party. He is an elder at Spring Hill Presbyterian Church and a charter member of Mobile United.

Madam Speaker, I would like to offer my personal congratulations to Mr. Robert Edington for being named the Mobilian of the Year for 2007 and in so doing, recognize him for his many outstanding professional and philanthropic accomplishments.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating a dedicated professional and friend to many throughout south Alabama. I know Robert's family; his wife, Pat; his son, Sherard; his daughter, Virginia; and his many friends join me in praising his accomplishments and extending thanks for his many efforts over the years on behalf of southwest Alabama and the entire State.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor Mr. Ronnie Poiroux on the occasion of his retirement after a 37-year public service career with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT).

After graduating with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of South Alabama, Ronnie joined ALDOT in 1971 as an engineering assistant. Six years later, he was named assistant division maintenance engineer, a position in which he supervised 32 employees. In this capacity, Ronnie was charged with bridge inspection and repair, resurfacing, paint striping, traffic signals, and truck weighing. Just months after this promotion, Ronnie was given the additional responsibilities of overseeing tunnels and lift span bridges, including the supervision of an additional 45 employees.

In 1982, Ronnie was promoted to maintenance engineer for the Ninth Division. ALDOT's Ninth Division encompasses a large portion of the First Congressional District, including Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, and Conecuh counties. As maintenance engineer for the Ninth Division, Ronnie supervised and administered the railroad safety projects, division resurfacing projects and paved shoulder projects in southwest Alabama. Ronnie managed bridge inspections and helped establish priorities for bridge replacement projects. He also administered outdoor advertising as well as the interstate logo program.

Ronnie was promoted to division engineer for the Ninth Division in 1994, a position he held until his retirement 14 years later. As division engineer, Ronnie supervised numerous projects in southwest Alabama, including: $900 million in construction and maintenance projects; $200 million in preliminary engineering, right of way acquisition and utility relocations; the opening of I-165; completion of the I-165 connector and Bay Bridge relocation to Cochrane Africatown Bridge; completion of replacement bridges over Fish River and Dog River; hurricane evacuation routes and emergency evacuations of south Alabama; preliminary design and planning of proposed Mobile Bay bridge; redesign and construction of the new I-10 interchange in Irvington as well as the connector to Bayou La Batre; the widening of Highway 98; design and construction of Alabama 113 from I-65 to Flomaton; completion of additional lanes and widening projects including Alabama 287 and Alabama 59 in Baldwin County, U.S. 31 in Escambia County and Schillinger Road/Alabama 158 in Mobile County; creation of the award winning Gopher Tortoise Preserve in Mobile County; the installation of osprey nesting platforms in Mobile and Baldwin counties; and construction of Mobile's Traffic Management Center and installation of a fog detection system for the I-10 Bayway Bridge.

Madam Speaker, it is clear Ronnie Poiroux has left an indelible mark on southwest Alabama, and I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating a dedicated professional and friend to many throughout Alabama. I know Ronnie's colleagues, his family, and his many friends join with me in praising his accomplishments and extending thanks for his many efforts over the years on behalf of southwest Alabama and the entire state.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to Corporal Chase Dindo of Mobile and his Alabama-based Marine Corps Reserve unit for helping save the life of a two-year old Iraqi girl, Amenah.

In December of last year, one of the Marines of the Montgomery-based unit, Lima Company of the 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines discovered little Amenah was suffering from a rare life-threatening heart problem.

Lima Company stepped into action making arrangements with Children's Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, for Amenah to have the life-saving surgery. The hospital and surgeons donated their facilities and surgical skills at no charge. The unit took Amenah and her mother to the Jordanian border where the two were flown to the United States.

Amenah's three-hour operation was a success, and she will spend six to eight weeks in the United States recovering before returning with her mother to their home in Haditha, Iraq.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Cpl. Chase Dindo and the entire Lima Company for their selfless actions to save the life of a little girl. I know I join their families and friends in extending our heartfelt thanks for their outstanding service to the United States of America--they are true American heroes.

Madam Speaker, the city of Atmore and the state of Alabama recently lost a dedicated community leader, and I rise today to honor Mr. John Watkins Jr. and pay tribute to his memory.

After graduating from the Escambia County Training School, Mr. Watkins continued his studies at Faulkner State College in Bay Minette, Alabama, and received an associate's degree in applied science.

A World War II veteran, John served in the United States Army on the Marianas Islands in Guam. Following his service in the Army, he spent 31 years at Monsanto/Solutia Textile and Chemical Plant in Pensacola where he served as a cook, cafeteria foreman and a main plant foreman.

In 1992, John was elected to the Atmore City Council. As the councilman for District 3, he was influential in securing various grants for housing rehabilitation, paving streets and demolishing condemned houses throughout the community. He served as chairman of both the Atmore Planning Board and the Escambia County Quality Assurance Committee for 12 years. In 1996, he was named the mayor pro- tempore of Atmore.

In addition to his work as an elected member of the Atmore City Council, John was a member of the Atmore Lions Club and served as its president from 2000-2001. He was also a member of Gaines Chapel AME Church in Atmore and served as a chairman of the trustee board for over eight years.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated community leader, a friend to many throughout Alabama, as well as a wonderful husband and devoted father. John Watkins will be dearly missed by his family--his wife of 55 years, Veola Watkins; their children, Brenda Jackson, John Watkins III, and Roderick Lynn Watkins; his sisters, Bessie Brock, Carrie Millender, Ella Quaker, Ethel Spaulding; his 10 grandchildren; and his one great-grandchild--as well as the many countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all during this difficult time.