Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Bob Higgins, senior vice president of the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance. On August 1, 2012, Bob retired from his leadership position, which he has held for the past decade.

Bob Higgins joined the Baldwin Economic Development Alliance in 2002. While serving in the BCEDA, he organized many development projects that have led to the betterment of our community. One of these projects, which was facilitated through the Baldwin Business Incubator, created an aviation training center for local high school students at the Fairhope airport. With the recent announcement of Airbus' decision to locate its new manufacturing facility in Mobile, this effort will be instrumental in preparing a workforce for this new industry.

Bob Higgins' work has not only helped to create future jobs in our area, but has also aided in supporting local companies as they battled the 2010 oil spill. Through his accomplishments, the Coastal Resiliency Coalition and Business Support Center were created to raise support for those who were severely affected by the oil spill, and their efforts continue today.

Though he will be retiring from the BCEDA, Bob Higgins' work with these two groups will not be ending. He now intends to shift his focus and devote more time to worker training to help businesses prepare for the future, while the main focus of the Alliance will be in recruiting industry for the Baldwin County megasite and in support of Airbus.

As many of Bob's former coworkers can attest, Bob's work ethic and drive have been influential in transforming Baldwin County into a better place to live and work. Upon his retirement, Bob is looking forward to having more time for personal activities and spending more time with his four grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Alabama and my colleagues in the Alabama Delegation, I would like to extend a personal appreciation to Mr. Bob Higgins for his service to Alabama's past, present, and future through his leadership in the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Ethics, I offer a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield an equal amount of time in this debate to a lady with whom I am honored to serve, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Sanchez), the ranking member of the Committee on Ethics, for purposes of debate only, and I ask unanimous consent that she be permitted to control that time.

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

As chairman of the Committee on Ethics, I rise in support of a resolution before us today which calls for a reprimand for Representative Laura Richardson of California.

Article I of the Constitution gives Congress the responsibility for punishing Members of our body for disorderly behavior. And in the House, it is the Committee on Ethics, the only evenly divided committee, made up of five Democrats and five Republicans, and served by a completely nonpartisan, professional staff, that has been entrusted with the responsibility to enforce the rules of the House and recommend actions such as that before us today, when a Member or staff acts in a manner that violates the spirit of public trust.

The obligation, therefore, falls to this committee to review those allegations that a Member has violated ethical standards that the American people expect and deserve from those of us who are privileged enough to work for them, men and women who wear the title of Representative of this great Nation.

This unfortunate story begins in October of 2010 when the committee, during the 111th Congress, first began to receive complaints from several members of Representative Richardson's staff, both in the Washington, D.C., and Long Beach, California, offices, that Representative Richardson required her staff to perform campaign work.

The committee began an initial inquiry based on these complaints, as well as from media reports consistent with those complaints.

On November 3, 2011, the committee, now in the 112th Congress, empanelled an investigative subcommittee and appointed Representative Charles Dent of Pennsylvania and Representative John Yarmuth of Kentucky to lead this bipartisan subcommittee in reviewing the allegations against Representative Richardson. Joining Mr. Dent and Mr. Yarmuth were two Members pulled from a pool of Members who assist the committee when needed. In this case, they are Representative Rob Bishop of Utah and Representative Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico.

These four Members, two Democrats and two Republicans, served on the investigative subcommittee and, over the past 9 months, led an extensive investigation, supported by the committee's dedicated, nonpartisan, professional staff, delving deep into this matter.

In a minute, Mr. Dent, who served as chairman of the investigative subcommittee, will detail the volume of work that the investigative team undertook during this period.

Ultimately, the subcommittee unanimously agreed to a Statement of Alleged Violation against Representative Richardson.

Mr. Speaker, while the full committee report, the investigative subcommittee report, Representative Richardson's responsive views, and all exhibits were filed by the ranking member and me yesterday morning, and have been available to the House and to the American people since that time, here now, in summary, are the seven counts of violation:

First, Representative Richardson violated the Purpose Law, title 31, section 1301, United States Code, by using official resources of the House for campaign, political, personal, and other nonofficial purposes.

Second, Representative Richardson violated House rule XXIII by retaining a full-time employee in her district office who did not perform duties commensurate with their compensation.

Third, Representative Richardson violated House rule XXIII by behaving in a manner that did not reflect credibly upon this House when she unlawfully used House resources for nonofficial purposes.

Fourth, Representative Richardson violated House rule XXIII by behaving in a manner that did not reflect credibly upon the House when she improperly compelled members of her official staff to do campaign work by threatening, attempting to intimidate, directing or otherwise pressuring them to do such work.

Fifth, Representative Richardson violated House rule XXIII by behaving in a manner that did not reflect credibly upon the House when she obstructed and attempted to obstruct the investigation of this committee into these allegations.

Sixth, Representative Richardson violated clause 2 of the Code of Ethics for Government Service by failing to uphold the laws and legal regulations discussed above and being a party to their evasion.

Seventh, Representative Richardson violated House rule XXIII by failing to abide by the letter and spirit of House and committee rules.

The record should note that anytime a Member is confronted with a Statement of Alleged Violation, he or she has the option of challenging those allegations with a public hearing of an adjudicatory subcommittee or, in the case of Representative Richardson, negotiating a resolution with the investigative subcommittee.

In this instance, Representative Richardson negotiated a resolution in which she admitted to all seven counts in the Statement of Alleged Violation and has waived her rights to any additional process in this matter, including waiving her right to an adjudicatory hearing. Representative Richardson has also agreed to accept a reprimand by the House as well as a $10,000 fine to be paid out of personal funds to the U.S. Treasury no later than December 1, 2012.

In the history of our country, five Members have been expelled from Congress; 23 Members have been censured; and eight Members have been reprimanded. Representative Richardson negotiated--and we recommend-- the sanction of reprimand.

The investigative subcommittee unanimously adopted a report recommending a resolution including these terms to the full committee, and on July 31, 2012, the full committee adopted the recommendations of the subcommittee.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I am pleased to reserve the balance of my time so the distinguished ranking member of the Ethics Committee, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Linda T. Sanchez), may make any comments she may have.

Mr. Speaker, I am now pleased to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Dent), who ably served as chairman of the investigative subcommittee, for any comments he may have.

Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close unless there are any further requests for time.

Mr. Speaker, I am happy, on the part of the committee, to yield 5 minutes to Representative Richardson.

Mr. Speaker, I would inquire of the gentlelady from California how much additional time does she intend to seek because, as I have heard her comments, respectfully, it sounds like those were all contained in her response which was included in the report submitted to the House.

So I would ask, how much additional time would you be seeking to conclude your comments?

Mr. Speaker, I will yield the gentlelady 5 additional minutes.

Mr. Speaker, I'm prepared to close if the ranking member has no further speakers.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to once again thank members of the committee, as well as members of the pool, for their tremendous service that they render to this institution. And on behalf of the entire House, I want to again thank the nonpartisan, professional committee staff for their extraordinary hard work and commitment to the House of Representatives and to the American people that we all serve.

As it is often noted on the floor, especially during somber moments like this, public office is a public trust. And for the vast majority of Members who have been honored with the opportunity, the privilege to serve in this, the people's House, there is an unspoken duty to hold ourselves up to a higher standard.

Unfortunately, as Representative Richardson has admitted, she did not live up to that higher standard. And as such, she did a disservice to her staff, to her colleagues. And while it is ultimately up to her constituents in California to be the final judge of her actions, I think it is safe to say she did a disservice to the hardworking taxpayers from all corners of this country who expect and deserve more from their elected leaders.

Throughout the course of this matter, the investigative subcommittee heard desperate, sometimes emotional pleas for help from members of Representative Richardson's staff. Representative Dent has shared at least one of the stories with the body today. And even since word first broke yesterday of this resolution this morning, the committee has received calls from other staffers thanking us for bringing this matter to a public resolution.

As a former Hill staffer myself, I have great respect for those staffers who were willing to come to the Ethics Committee with their stories and heartfelt concerns. That is not an easy thing to do against a Member of Congress, particularly when that person claims to be your boss and you're made to feel that your job is in jeopardy. At the end of the day, however, we must remember and never forget that the real employer for us all are the American people.

I was particularly moved by one of Representative Richardson's former staffers who testified:

This certainly should not be an example as to the way an

elected official for this country should conduct themselves

under any circumstance.

And, Mr. Speaker, I am simply haunted by the statement of another staffer that Mr. Dent referenced, a lady who was part of the Wounded Warrior program, someone who was willing to risk her life in service to her country, and ended up coming home a disabled veteran. She told the committee, and it bears repeating:

It is sad to say that I would rather be at war in

Afghanistan than work under people who are morally corrupt.

Mr. Speaker, while some might prefer a harsher sentence, perhaps a few might even think a reprimand is too severe, I urge my colleagues to support the unanimous recommendation of the only evenly divided committee in this House of Representatives.

And with that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 755.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Alabama School of Math and Science, which was recently named one of the best public high schools in the state of Alabama.

In May, Newsweek magazine scored the Alabama School of Math and Science, located in Mobile, 182nd among the nation's 1,000 high schools that are the most effective in turning out college-ready graduates. The school scored third in the state of Alabama.

The 220 students at the ASMS take college level courses, including Advanced Placement classes in chemistry, biology and art. The Alabama School of Math and Science will soon expand their curriculum to also include Advanced Placement American History and English 11.

Typically, 100 percent of the graduates of Alabama School of Math and Science go on to college with 92 percent of those graduates receiving scholarships. This is an amazing accomplishment which speaks well of both the dedication of the students, as well as the determination of the school's faculty to provide excellence in the classroom.

In 1989, the Alabama State Legislature established the Alabama School of Math and Science. Mrs. Ann Bedsole, then a Republican State Senator from Mobile, was the chief sponsor of the legislation. The idea for the school came from Senator Bedsole and other Mobile citizens who felt the community needed to create a school that could give back to the state. Each year, over 260 students enroll in the school. These students come from all 67 counties in the state of Alabama.

On behalf of the people of South Alabama, I wish to extend my congratulations to school president Dr. Larry V. Turner, principal Ann Hilderbrandl, the teachers and other administrators and especially the students of the Alabama School of Math and Science. Their academic achievement is proof positive that Alabama schools and students are among the best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Richard L. Grant, who recently retired as the Vice President and Region Manager of Boise White Paper Alabama Operations on May 31, 2012. Mr. Grant knows the value of hard work, as well as the importance of loyalty to one's company.

Mr. Grant began his career after graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Studies at the University of Maine in 1977. After graduation, he began a long journey, ultimately taking him from the East coast to the West and finally down to Alabama.

He began work with Boise as the Pulp Mill Day Supervisor in 1987 in Wallula, Washington. He then became the Power and Utilities Superintendent from 1988 to 1989 at Smurfit Newsprint Corporation in Oregon. In 1989, Mr. Grant moved to the Alabama Operations, where he held a variety of positions from 1989 to 2008 which included: Operations Manager, Production Manager, Paper Machine Superintendent, Recycle General Superintendent, Utilities Superintendent and Region Manager of the Alabama Operations, before being promoted to Vice President in November of 2008.

In addition to being a leader in safety, Mr. Grant has made many outstanding and lasting contributions to Boise and his community. He has been a leader in the development of people's character, mentoring many of the key managers within the Boise Paper family. These contributions to the company will be greatly missed.

Rick has been a tremendous and positive force in his community and the Boise Paper Company. He has set a high standard of leadership that will be difficult to replace.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of South Alabama, I would like to extend a job well done, as well as our very best wishes to the Rick and his wife, Sissie, for all their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the University of Alabama's men's golf team which placed runner up to the National Champion Team from the University of Texas, on June 3, 2011. The Crimson Tide's record of accomplishment this season is the best in the history of the University's golf program.

Although the Tide was behind all day, they fought hard to come back. Senior Hunter Hamrick, from Montgomery, was able to put points on the board for the Crimson Tide with a 6 and 5 win. Sophomore Bobby Wyatt, from Mobile, played a dramatic hole with a birdie chip on 18 winning his match 1 up. Sophomore Cory Whitsett tied the final match with a birdie on 17. And, on 18, Texas player Dylan Frittelli needed to sink a 20-foot-putt to beat the Crimson Tide in the final match.

With such an outstanding performance, the Alabama golf team completed their most successful season in the school's history by placing runner-up at the NCAA Championship. The team also won its third SEC Championship, the school's second regional title, as well as finished first in the stroke-play portion of the NCAA Championship over Texas by 10 shots.

The 2012 men's golf team members are Hunter Hamrick, Lee Knox, Tom Lovelady, Trey Mullinax III, Scott Strohmeyer, Justin Thomas, Cory Whitsett, and Bobby Wyatt.

The coaching staff consists of Head Coach Jay Seawell, Assistant Coach Scott Limbaugh, and Team Chaplain Stephan Bunn.

On behalf of the people of Alabama and my colleagues in the Alabama Delegation, I wish to extend personal congratulations to Coach Jay Seawell, the coaching staff, and the men of the University of Alabama Men's Golf Team for their tremendous accomplishment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Coach Mal Moore, the respected, longtime Athletic Director of The University of Alabama who was recently named the 2012 recipient of the John L. Toner Award from the National Football Foundation (NFF) and the College Hall of Fame.

The Toner Award is presented annually by the NFF to an Athletic Director who has demonstrated superior administrative abilities and shown outstanding dedication to college athletics, particularly college football.

For those who closely follow University of Alabama athletics, there is little doubt that Mal Moore deserves this tremendous honor. As Alabama's Athletic Director since 1999, he has guided the University's sports program to a new era of success, made improvements to athletic facilities and overseen numerous conference and national championships. This year alone, under his leadership, Mal Moore has been instrumental in the Crimson Tide winning four national championships in football, women's gymnastics, women's softball and women's golf.

Long a prominent figure in the ``Alabama family,'' Coach Moore played quarterback under legendary head football coach Paul ``Bear'' Bryant, beginning in 1958, and was a member of the 1961 national championship team. A secondary and, later, quarterbacks coach for Coach Bryant's Crimson Tide, Coach Moore became a fixture on the `Bama coaching staff until Coach Bryant's retirement in 1982 when he was hired to be an assistant coach at The University of Notre Dame. In 1990, he returned to Alabama to serve as offensive coordinator under Coach Gene Stallings. All total, Coach Moore has been a part of nine of Alabama's 14 national championships.

As Athletic Director, Mal Moore directs a $100 million budget and 21 men's and women's varsity sports teams. His record of leadership speaks for itself. Since 1999, the University has notched countless NCAA championships and even more SEC championships. Also during Coach Moore's tenure as Athletic Director, the Crimson Tide football team has won two national championships (2009 and 2011), posted six 10-win seasons, a 5-4 bowl record, appearances in four Bowl Championship Series (BCS) bowl games and SEC championships in 1999, 2009 and 2011.

Winning is not his only legacy; however, the face of the University of Alabama campus has also been transformed during Coach Moore's tenure with more than $200 million in improvements to the athletic infrastructure. Alabama has erected new stadiums for soccer, softball and tennis; new facilities for women's basketball and volleyball; a new golf clubhouse; and improved facilities for every other sports team, in addition to the renovation of the Bill Battle Center for Athletic Student Services and Coleman Coliseum. In 2007, The University of Alabama Board of Trustees officially dedicated the facility formerly known as the Football Building as the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility. Coach Moore also oversaw the expansion of Bryant-Denny Stadium in 2006 and 2009, pushing the venue's capacity to 101,821, which ranks fifth nationally.

Mal Moore will be officially honored at the 55th NNF awards dinner at Waldorf-Astoria in New York City on December 4, 2012. He was elected to the State of Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Alabama and the entire Alabama Congressional Delegation, I would like to commend Coach Mal Moore for his exemplary leadership and congratulate him for receiving the John L. Toner Award. I know Coach Moore's daughter, Heather, his granddaughter, Anna Lee and grandson, Charles, as well as his many, many friends and associates around the country share in this proud and well-deserved honor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the University of Alabama's softball team which captured its first national championship during a down to the wire late night victory on June 6, 2012.

The Tide was able to triumph over the Oklahoma Sooners after a rain delay brought out a special determination on the part of the ladies from Alabama to take home the trophy. Down early, Alabama came back to score four runs, and at 12:31 a.m., Alabama pitcher Jackie Traina struck out a Sooners player to end the game.

With its 5 to 4 win in the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City, the Crimson Tide softball team also garnered the University of Alabama its fourth national championship of the year--a school record. Alabama also made history as the first Southeastern Conference team to clinch the national softball title.

Since the creation of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) softball tournament in 1997, Alabama has claimed five SEC titles, including the 2012 season. The team ended their year with an impressive 60-8 record overall; 23-5 in the SEC.

This was the eighth time the University of Alabama has traveled to the Women's College World Series. This year's team is dominated by freshmen and sophomores who proved that heart and hard work can make the difference.

The victorious 2012 team members are Chaunsey Bell, Catcher; Jackey Branham, Infielder; Kayla Braud, Outfielder; Courtney Conley, Infielder; Keima Davis, Outfielder; Kendall Dawson, Catcher; Jennifer Fenton, Outfielder; Olivia Gibson, Catcher; Danae Hays, Infielder; Kaila Hunt, Infielder; Ryan Iamurri, Infielder; Leslie Jury, Pitcher; Amanda Locke, Utility; Jazlyn Lunceford, Outfielder; Jordan Patterson, Catcher/Infielder; Cassie Reilly-Boccia, Outfielder/First Base; Danielle Richard, Infielder; Lauren Sewell, Pitcher; Jadyn Spencer, Utility; and Jackie Traina, Pitcher/Utility.

The coaching and support staff is led by Head Coach Patrick Murphy. Assisting him are Alyson Habetz, Associate Head Coach; Stephanie VanBrakle, Assistant Coach; Adam Arbour, Volunteer Assistant Coach; Kate Harris, Director of Operations; and Nick Seiler, Athletic Trainer.

On behalf of the people of Alabama and my colleagues in the Alabama delegation, I wish to extend personal congratulations to Coach Patrick Murphy, the coaching staff and the ladies of the University of Alabama Softball Team for their tremendous accomplishment. Along with a large fan base that traveled to Oklahoma City to cheer on the Crimson Tide was University of Alabama Athletic Director Mal Moore and Interim President Dr. Judith L. Bonner. Roll Tide!

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Police Chief Daniel Thompson of the Flomaton, Alabama Police Department for his heroic efforts to save the life of a 3-year-old boy on July 7, 2012.

While off-duty at the house of a friend, Chief Thompson was alerted by calls for help from a neighboring house. He acted quickly to reach a child who was unresponsive after falling into a swimming pool. Chief Thompson promptly performed CPR on the boy for several minutes until the boy regained consciousness. Other rescuers soon responded and took over care of the child. Due to Chief Thompson's well-trained and swift efforts, the young boy was able to be air lifted to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola where he made a full recovery.

Chief Thompson began his career in law enforcement seven years ago, and he is quoted as saying, ``I always wanted to do something to help people.'' His actions serve as a model for others, and also show that public servants are never truly off duty. While we often take their service for granted, it can truly be a blessing when they are nearby in our time of need. While Chief Thompson may not have been wearing his badge at the time of the incident, his actions reflect a man who wears the motto ``to protect and serve'' in his heart.

This incident also illustrates the importance of being trained in CPR. One may never use the skill; however, when faced with a crisis situation, it may mean the difference between life and death. Flomaton Fire Chief Steve Stanton called Chief Thompson ``a real hero,'' and I think we all share his sentiments. I would like to echo his comments.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Alabama and my colleagues in the Alabama delegation, I wish to extend personal appreciation to Chief Thompson for his quick action to save a life, and to all those who serve us every day in our communities. We can never thank them enough.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the contributions of Mrs. Dora Finley, a native of Mobile, Alabama, who recently passed away at the age of 59. During her lifetime, Dora Finley inspired Mobile to recognize its rich heritage while moving the community to remember the vital lessons of the past.

At an early age, Mrs. Finley demonstrated a passion for social issues and an uncommon ability to lead. A graduate of Mobile's Bishop Toolen School for Girls in 1970, Mrs. Finley created the United Student Action Movement while still a high school junior. As head of the Movement, she dedicated herself to addressing issues confronting African-American youth.

Mrs. Finley learned the value of hard work in childhood when she helped sell candy in the family drugstore. She later taught mathematics at John L. Leflore High School before becoming a Loan Officer at Commonwealth National Bank. After earning a Masters' Degree in Business Administration from Spring Hill College, she embarked on a 25 year career in Managerial Logistics with Scott Paper Company/Kimberly-Clark Corporation.

Her tenacity to see any job through to completion combined with her dedication to promoting a greater awareness of African-American history in her hometown made her uniquely qualified to assume the one role for which she is best known--the creator of the Mobile African-American Heritage Trail. The Heritage Trail's primary objective is to share Mobile's multicultural legacy from the earliest arrival of African- Americans to the end of segregation. Throughout Mobile County there have been 40 historic markers established by the trail.

City Councilman William Carroll personally credited Mrs. Finley with the creation of the Heritage Trail: ``Without Dora, the African- American Heritage Trail would have never been.''

Finley also assisted in the making of the 2008 Mobile Mardi Gras documentary ``The Order of Myths,'' produced and directed by Margaret Brown. The film highlights the history of Mobile's black and white mystical societies and the complex interaction between the two.

One of her last projects was raising money to restore the Cook's House at Oakleigh Mansion. The Cook's House is slated to become the first house museum in Mobile dedicated to the African-American experience, offering a historically-accurate accounting of the families that once worked at Oakleigh.

Mr. Speaker, Dora Finley has been described as one of Mobile's strongest advocates of historic preservation and a tireless advocate for equality. Without a doubt, her loss is one that is shared by our entire community.

On behalf of the people of Mobile, I offer my heartfelt condolences to her daughter, Nicole; her mother, Joycelyn Franklin Finley; brothers James and Karlos; sister Joycelyn; and many other family and friends. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring to the attention of the House the exemplary achievement of the Saraland School System, which recently garnered the highest rating of performance from its accreditation agency. What's even more remarkable about this accomplishment is that the Saraland School System was founded just four short years ago.

All too often, local news across America is filled will stories about failing schools and declining scholastic standards. Indeed, our educational system is being challenged like never before from a historic recession and dwindling revenues. But America is still the land of opportunity for those imbued with vision and a dedication to make a difference.

Four years ago, the City of Saraland defied the odds by seeking control of its local schools with the goal of raising the quality of education for its children. The Saraland School System set a goal to provide every student a ``world-class education.'' This goal was successfully met in June when Saraland received the top rating of ``highly functional'' for the school system's vision and purpose. The high praise came from AdvanceED, formerly known as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Saraland also received the accreditation agency's second highest rating in six other areas: governance and leadership; teaching and learning; documenting and using results; resources and support systems; stakeholder communications and relationships; and commitment to continuous improvement.

Much credit is due to the school leadership, including School Board President Bill Silver, Superintendent Wayne Vickers, and all the Saraland School System administrators, principals, teachers and students. Additionally, a tip of the hat is due to the people of Saraland who, according to the accreditation agency, have demonstrated an equally strong commitment to supporting their new school system and making sure it succeeds.

Board president Bill Silver recently told the Mobile Press-Register, ``This community has bought into our own school system and that is one of the reasons we have had such success, in academics, sports and the whole arena.''

Physical evidence of the community's investment in their school system is manifest in the $30 million high school, a planned $14 million elementary school and another $4 million dedicated to renovate the middle school.

Saraland's amazing achievement is not only a model for Alabama, but for the nation. It is proof positive that when a community unites behind a goal, it can succeed. We should all look to Saraland's example.

On behalf of the people of Alabama, I would like to extend my congratulations to the Saraland School System, its leaders, students and the community at large. Job well done!

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Coach Mal Moore, the respected, longtime Athletic Director of The University of Alabama who was recently named the 2012 recipient of the John L. Toner Award from the National Football Foundation (NFF) and the College Hall of Fame.

The Toner Award is presented annually by the NFF to an Athletic Director who has demonstrated superior administrative abilities and shown outstanding dedication to college athletics, particularly college football.

For those who closely follow University of Alabama athletics, there is little doubt that Mal Moore deserves this tremendous honor. As Alabama's Athletic Director since 1999, he has guided the University's sports program to a new era of success, improvements to athletic facilities and overseeing numerous conference and national championships. This year alone, under his leadership, Coach Moore has been instrumental in the Crimson Tide winning four national championships in football, women's gymnastics, women's softball and women's golf.

Long a prominent figure in the ``Alabama family,'' Coach Moore played quarterback under legendary head football coach Paul ``Bear'' Bryant, beginning in 1958, and was a member of the 1961 national championship team. A secondary and, later, quarterbacks coach for Coach Bryant's Crimson Tide, Coach Moore became a fixture on the 'Bama coaching staff until Coach Bryant's retirement in 1982 when he was hired to be an assistant coach at The University of Notre Dame. In 1990, he returned to Alabama to serve as offensive coordinator under Coach Gene Stallings. All total, Coach Moore has been a part of nine of Alabama's 14 national championships.

As Athletic Director, Mal Moore directs a $100 million budget and 21 men's and women's varsity sports teams. His record of leadership speaks for itself. Since 1999, the University has notched countless NCAA championships and even more SEC championships. Also during Coach Moore's tenure as Athletic Director, the Crimson Tide football team has won two national championships (2009 and 2011), posted six 10-win seasons, a 5-4 bowl record, appearances in four Bowl Championship Series (BCS) bowl games and SEC championships in 1999, 2009 and 2011.

Winning is not his only legacy; the face of the University of Alabama campus has also been transformed during Coach Moore's tenure with more than $200 million in improvements to the athletic infrastructure. Alabama has erected new stadiums for soccer, softball and tennis; new facilities for women's basketball and volleyball; a new golf clubhouse; and improved facilities for every other sports team, in addition to the renovation of the Bill Battle Center for Athletic Student Services, and Coleman Coliseum. In 2007, The University of Alabama Board of Trustees officially dedicated the facility formerly known as the Football Building as the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility.

Coach Moore also oversaw the expansion of Bryant-Denny Stadium in 2006 and 2009, pushing the venue's capacity to 101,821, which ranks fifth nationally.

Mal Moore will be officially honored at the 55th NNF awards dinner at Waldorf-Astoria in New York City on December 4, 2012. He was elected to the State of Alabama Sprots Hall of Fame in 2011.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Alabama and the entire Alabama Congressional Delegation, I would like to commend Coach Mal Moore for his exemplary leadership and congratulate him for receiving the John L. Toner Award. I know Coach Moore's daughter, Heather, his granddaughter, Anna Lee and grandson, Charles, as well as his many, many friends and associates around the country share in this proud and well-deserved honor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to offer congratulations to USCG Captain Steve Poulin for his much-deserved promotion on June 25, 2012, to the rank of Rear Admiral. His unwavering dedication to duty, combined with his impeccable service record, is a credit to the United States Coast Guard.

For the people of the Gulf Coast, Captain Poulin has been a good friend and protector of our shores as Commander of Coast Guard Sector Mobile, Alabama, from 2009 to 2010.

During his command of Sector Mobile, Captain Poulin demonstrated a level of professionalism in keeping with the finest traditions of the Coast Guard. He was not only the leader of one of the largest operations in the Coast Guard but also a visible and respected member of our community.

Prior to assuming the command of Sector Mobile, he served in Mobile during earlier assignments as Deputy Commander, from 2007 to 2009, and as Law Enforcement Officer and Assistant Operations Officer from 1986 to 1989.

On July 9, 2010, Captain Poulin left the command of the USGC station in Mobile to assume sole duties as local incident commander for the Unified Command. In this capacity, Captain Poulin marshaled Coast Guard resources in the federal response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill which threatened our coastline for much of 2010.

Captain Poulin's extensive service record also includes assignments as Deputy Commander of the Coast Guard Group Galveston, Texas, from 1996 to 1999, and Special Adviser for Border and Transportation Security for Vice President Richard Cheney from 2005 to 2007. From 2003 to 2005, he was Coast Guard liaison to the State Department's Office of Oceans Affairs. He also served as Legal Counsel for the Coast Guard's Port Security Director from 2002 to 2003, and Legislative Counsel in the Coast Guard's Office of Congressional Affairs from 1999 to 2001.

A 1984 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Captain Poulin was awarded his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the Miami School of Law in 1992.

After leaving the Gulf Coast, Captain Poulin assumed the position as the Coast Guard's director of Congressional Affairs in Washington, DC. He currently serves as the Coast Guard's Maritime and International Law Office Chief.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of South Alabama, I wish to congratulate Rear Admiral Poulin on his promotion. I also would like to extend my very best wishes to his lovely wife, Sherry, and their two children, Steven and Erin.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Barbara Hundley, who has enhanced life in Jackson, Alabama through her civil service, dedication to her church and talent with gardening, earning her Jackson's Citizen of the Year award.

Mrs. Hundley has served a variety of roles in the Jackson area, working for the city planning commission on projects like a new complex for the Jackson Police Department, remodeling the White Smith Memorial Library, the construction of the Jackson Senior Citizen Center and also a new fire station for the downtown Jackson area.

In addition to this, Mrs. Hundley volunteered at the library, helped bring the Regional Child

Advocacy Center to Grove Hill, prevented voter fraud as a poll worker at Jackson City Hall and was a member of the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce, helping to revitalize the downtown Jackson Area. Mrs. Hundley also has been a 35-year member and a past president of the Jackson Woman's Club, and taught drug awareness and other classes at Jackson High School.

Even while doing all of the aforementioned activities, Mrs. Hundley has taught Sunday school at the Jackson First United Methodist Church, provided lunch for senior citizens and those with bereaved families, sang in the choir and researched and authored a history of the church.

However, Mrs. Hundley's greatest passion might be gardening, which has developed such a reputation that groups will take tours of the gardens at her home on Golfview Drive. As is her nature, Mrs. Hundley also teaches gardening, landscaping and classes on birds and butterflies for the communities of Jackson, Grove Hill and Monroeville.

On behalf of the people of Alabama, I want to congratulate Barbara Hundley on her recent recognition and thank her for her service and example to her fellow citizens in Jackson and the surrounding communities. We wish her and her family continued success in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to--and honor the life of--a great Alabamian and devoted philanthropist. It is with sadness that I acknowledge the loss of George Lindsey, one of the finest actors to call Alabama home, who passed away on May 6, 2012, at the age of 83.

Born in 1928, George Lindsey grew up in Jasper, Alabama, where he attended Walker County High School. It was there that, while also starring on the football field and playing basketball, he discovered his love of acting through school plays. He went on to attend Walker Junior College and then the Kemper Military School in Boonville, Missouri. In 1952, after earning a scholarship for his skills at quarterback, George received his Bachelor of Bioscience from the Florence State Teachers College, which is now the University of North Alabama.

After college, George enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and, while stationed in Puerto Rico, married Joyanne Herbert. Upon his discharge from the Air Force in 1955, he returned to Alabama and began a brief career in education at Hazel Green High School, teaching history and coaching baseball and basketball.

It was in 1956 that George Lindsey's acting career began with his acceptance to the American Wing Theater in New York City. After a stint on Broadway, he portrayed various characters on popular television shows such as The Rifleman, Gunsmoke, The Twilight Zone, and The Alfred Hitchcock Hour. Then, in 1964, George began his career-defining role as the lovable, kind-hearted Goober Pyle on The Andy Griffith Show. This character, known for his ``Goober Dance'' and Cary Grant impression, followed him through the shows Mayberry R.F.D and Hee Haw as well.

Above all his success on the screen, George was most passionate about giving back to his home state of Alabama. From 1973 to 1988, he raised over $1 million for the Alabama Special Olympics through the George Lindsey Celebrity Golf Weekend, which drew countless actors and athletes to Montgomery every year. He also raised $50,000 for the Alabama Association of Retarded Citizens through his participation with the Minnesota Special Olympics National Competition, and in 1998 he founded the George Lindsey UNA Film Festival at the University of North Alabama, which promotes the talents of local filmmakers.

Aside from providing wholesome laughter for three decades through his career as an actor, it goes without saying that George Lindsey's contributions to the state of Alabama are indeed vast and significant. A recipient of the Governor's Achievement Award and the Minnie Pearl Lifetime Achievement Award, George has left a legacy of passionate generosity that will certainly be missed.

Mr. Speaker, it is on behalf of the people of Alabama that I would like to extend my condolences to the family and many friends of George Lindsey during this time of loss. His sense of humor and passion for his home will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Ms. Robin Gregorius, who was recently selected the 2012 Alabama Small Business Person of Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Ms. Gregorius' personal story is a testament to her determination to realize her dream of establishing an assisted living center that addresses the needs of her patients for the comforts and of home rather than a care facility.

The daughter of immigrant parents from the former nation of Czechoslovakia, Ms. Gregorius grew up on a farm in Robertsdale in Baldwin County, Alabama.

Her career as a registered nurse took her across the country, both near and far, including the cities of New Orleans and Los Angeles. Yet, she returned to the Mobile area to put her knowledge to work for local patients who would benefit from her new approach to assisted living care.

In a recent interview with the Mobile Press-Register, Ms. Gregorius noted that over her career she had observed that her older patients longed for ``homey'' surroundings in their care facilities with home cooking--important touches that were often lacking in assisting living quarters. And equally important, the staff in many care facilities seldom offered the

``family touch'' that many older patients sought.

Ms. Gregorius knew there was a better way and she sought to implement a new approach of ``assisted living with a heartbeat.'' While the journey to fulfilling her dream was a long one, involving two decades of saving money--often working double shifts to earn for a down payment--she eventually secured a $1 million bank loan. The results have been rewarding.

Today, she owns and operates the Country Gables Assisted Living Home in Grand Bay where she and her staff of 14 care for patients in a novel way. As she put it, her care facility ``is pretty much run like a big bed-and-breakfast hotel, except it's breakfast, lunch and dinner with a 24-hour continuum of care.''

Ms. Gregorius is joined by her mother, Lahoma, and her sister, Ramona, in running their small assisted living facility like a large family home. Their hard work has been rewarded with the satisfaction of their patients and the knowledge that County Gables is a special place.

Fittingly, in March, Robin Gregorius was named as Alabama's Small Business Person of the Year. On May 20, 2012, she officially received her award at a Small Business Administration conference honoring the nation's other Small Business awardees here in Washington, DC.

On behalf of the people of Alabama and my colleagues in the Alabama Delegation, I wish to extend personal congratulations to Ms. Gregorius and her family for not only receiving this wonderful honor, but also for their substantial contributions to the lives of many local seniors.