Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Alabama Governor Bob Riley and Alabama Development Office Director Neal Wade for their efforts in recruiting ThyssenKrupp to build a new steel mill in southwest Alabama. ThyssenKrupp is one of Germany's leading steel industries, employing over 180,000 workers at 670 sites around the world, and their economic impact will certainly resonate across Mobile County and the State of Alabama.

Both Governor Riley and Mr. Wade worked extensively over the past 2 years to recruit this world class steel company to Alabama. In an unprecedented way, leaders from across Alabama and the future region came together to promote the Alabama site.

Make no mistake, Alabama encountered stiff competition in their recruitment attempts. ThyssenKrupp chose Alabama from an initial pool of 67 other locations in 20 States across the country. While other States made competitive offers, ThyssenKrupp determined that Alabama is the best fit--due in large part to the efforts of Governor Bob Riley and Director Wade.

Over a century ago, steel was Alabama's ``cash crop'' and steel manufacturing played a major role in Alabama's industrial revolution. Now in 2007, Alabama is one of the leading producers of automobiles in the United States. ThyssenKrupp's announcement brings Alabama's steel legacy full circle.

The impact of this new steel mill will be profound. ThyssenKrupp's new steel mill promises at least 2,700 new permanent jobs, paying upwards of $50,000 a year. Construction will require almost 30,000 employees who will earn $40,000 to $50,000 a year. Such benefits would not be possible without the efforts of Alabama's outstanding governor and ADO director.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you and my colleagues to join me in honoring Alabama Governor Bob Riley and Alabama Development Office Director Neal Wade for their outstanding accomplishments. I would like to offer each of them my heartfelt thanks on behalf of the First Congressional District for their continued contributions to the great State of Alabama.

Madam Speaker, Citronelle, 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.

Mayor Stanley Herring, a devoted family man, was dedicated to the continued growth and prosperity of Citronelle--a dedication that was evident up until the very end of his life. Despite his months-long battle with throat cancer, Mayor Herring went to city hall each morning to attend to city business.

But, politics wasn't Mayor Herring's only calling. It was only after retiring from ExxonMobil Corp. as a technician that he entered local politics. An avid supporter of local youth and high school athletics-- Mayor Herring, himself, was inducted into the Alabama Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame. He served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at Memorial Baptist Church in Citronelle. In 1996, Citronelle elected him city councilman, a post he held until 2004, the year he was elected mayor.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a man who deeply loved the city of Citronelle. He will be deeply missed by his family--his wife, Alice Leigh Herring;

his mother, Irene Herring; his children, Sandy Fagan, Paula Leigh Callaway, and Stanley Eugene Herring Jr.; his two sisters, Frances Doyle Herring and Joyce Rios; his three brothers, Jimmie Herring, Michael Herring, and Robert Herring; and his 16 grandchildren and one great-grandchild--as well as the countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Mobile Chamber of Commerce President Win Hallett and Economic Development Vice President Bill Sisson for their efforts in recruiting Thyssen Krupp to build a new steel mill in southwest Alabama.

Both Win and Bill worked tirelessly over the past 2 years to recruit this world class steel company to Alabama. In an unprecedented way, leaders from across Alabama and the region came together to promote the Alabama site.

Over a century ago, steel was Alabama's ``cash crop'' and steel manufacturing played a major role in Alabama's industrial revolution. Now in 2007, Alabama is one of the leading producers of automobiles in the United States. ThyssenKrupp's announcement brings Alabama's steel legacy full circle.

The impact of this new steel mill will be profound. ThyssenKrupp's new steel mill promises at least 2,700 new permanent jobs, paying upwards of $50,000 a year. Construction will require almost 30,000 employees who will earn $40,000 to $50,000 a year. Such benefits would not be possible without the outstanding leadership of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, who in recent years has also played a lead role in other development projects including: Northrop Grumman/EADS choosing Mobile as the home for its plant to build tankers for the Air Force should the team be awarded the contract; investors choosing Mobile County as the future home of the $600 million Alabama Motorsports Park, A Dale Earnhardt Jr. Speedway; and the RSA Battle House Tower, which is the tallest building along the Gulf Coast.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you and my colleagues to join me in honoring Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce President Win Hallett and Economic Development Vice President Bill Sisson for their outstanding accomplishments. I would like to offer each of them my heartfelt thanks on behalf of the First Congressional District for their continued contributions to the great State of Alabama.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Gordon Martin on being named the Montgomery Advertiser's 2007 Citizen of the Year and to offer heartfelt thanks on behalf of the people of Alabama for his exemplary philanthropic service to both the city of Montgomery and the State of Alabama.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Gordon has received several degrees, including a bachelor's and juris doctorate from the University of Alabama, as well as a master's degree in public administration from George Washington University.

His dedication to public service began early. While an undergraduate at Alabama, Gordon was elected president of the student government association and was inducted into several academic and student honor societies, including Capstone Men. As a graduate student studying in Washington, D.C., Gordon and several others founded DC Cares, which has grown to be the largest volunteer clearinghouse in our Nation's Capital.

Gordon's commitment to public service only continued when he moved to Montgomery, where he now serves as vice-president of Alabama Power's Southern Division. He currently sits on the boards of more than a dozen civic groups and charities. He is chairman of the Montgomery Riverfront Development Foundation, president of the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, chairman-elect of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, and serves on the boards of Huntingdon College and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival.

Madam Speaker, Gordon G. Martin has dedicated his life to the service of others, all-the-while being a devoted husband and father to four children. I ask my colleagues to join with me in thanking Gordon for his commitment to so many wonderful philanthropic missions.

I know his wife, Margret; his four children, Tucker, Bailey, Perry, and Lilly; and his many friends join with me in praising his many accomplishments. On behalf of all who have benefited from his good works, permit me to extend thanks for his many efforts in making Alabama a better place to live and work.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Neal Wade and the Alabama Development Office for being selected as the winner of the 2006 Competitiveness Award by Site Selection magazine.

This is the second consecutive year that the Alabama Development Office has received this prestigious award. The award is being given to the Alabama Development Office based on its success in recruiting new investments and jobs to Alabama.

In 2006, a total of 586 companies undertook projects to set up operations or to expand existing facilities in Alabama. These projects represent more than $3.1 billion in capital investment. The new and expanding businesses will also create approximately 24,780 jobs.

ADO is off to a fast start in 2007. Just this month, Alabama learned it will be the site of one of the largest economic development projects in the country. ThyssenKrupp, one of Germany's leading steel industries, announced it will build its $3.7 billion steel plant in Alabama. ThyssenKrupp's new steel mill will create at least 2,700 new permanent jobs, and

the construction of the mill will require the services of over 30,000 workers.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating both Neal Wade and all of those at the Alabama Development Office for being named the best in the Nation for 2006 by Site Selection magazine. For these and all their accomplishments, I extend my heartfelt thanks for their continued service to the Alabama business community, the First Congressional District, the State of Alabama, and to the international business community.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise today to congratulate the Gulf Shores High School softball team, the Lady Dolphins, on winning the Class 5A softball championship.

The Gulf Shores High School softball team has reached the state playoffs for the past six years, coming in second in 2004 and 2006; however, this is their first state championship title.

The Lady Dolphins, led by Coach Karen Collins, won four tight games over two days of tournament play before scoring a dramatic one run victory in the bottom of the seventh inning to win the state championship.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Gulf Shores softball team on a great season and winning the state championship. This team deserves to be recognized for this great accomplishment, and I extend my congratulations to each member of the team and coaching staff.

Gulf Shores High School Softball Roster

Jennifer Adams, Whitney Bizjack, Brittany Carroll, LaDaire

French, Haley Haynie, Haley Hopkins, Stephanie Ivie, Yvette

Jones, Aimee Livingston, Carolyn Manolakis, Tabitha Reno,

Stefani Reynolds, Elizabeth Safiran, Stephanie Stuckey, Lisa

Ybarra, Head Coach--Karen Collins, and Assistant Coach--

Michael Jones.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the town of Saraland, Alabama, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of its founding.

Saraland was founded in 1957. Don Diago Alvarez first acquired the land through a Spanish land grant. His descendants later named the community Alvarez Station. In the 1800s, land squatters relocated to the area and began purchasing property. The Cleveland family moved to the area and renamed the town Cleveland Station. However, the name by which we now know this historic town was given by the retired minister, C.J. Dewitt, who reportedly named it after his beloved wife, Sara.

The industrial and population boom in neighboring Mobile brought the northward expansion into Saraland during the 1940s and 50s. When Saraland was incorporated in 1957, it had a reported 125 residents. The 1960s U.S. Census reported a growing town at nearly 5,000. By 1980, that number had risen to nearly 10,000, and today, Saraland is home to over 12,000 residents with the promise of continued growth.

Many prominent businesses have a presence in Saraland including Marshall Biscuits, Mitchell Container, G. A. West & Co., and J&J Furniture. Saraland is also home to the University of Mobile. Set in the woods, the university's 1,500 students distinguish themselves through academics and a strong religious tradition.

Madam Speaker, the residents of Saraland, Alabama, have firmly rooted themselves in their proud history, but they also keep an optimistic and careful eye on the road ahead. The vision shown by their leaders over the past 50 years has led to the creation of a stable community, one of the anchors for all of Mobile County. I have no doubt that the consistent leadership and inspired vision of today's residents will lead to even greater successes in the coming years.

It is my hope the town of Saraland continues its story of success for another 50 years, and it is my distinct pleasure to represent this fine community in the United States House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor the St. Paul's Episcopal School girls' golf team on winning the 2007 state championship.

In 1947, William S. Mann founded St. Paul's Episcopal School in Mobile, Alabama. St. Paul's began with a class of twenty kindergartners, and has grown to currently enroll 1,613 students, making St. Paul's the largest Episcopal school in North America.

Coach Beverly Davis led the varsity girls' golf team to their first state championship at the Robert Trent Jones Grand National Course in Opelika. This most recent honor brings the number of state championships won by St. Paul's teams to eight this year. The team placed fourth last year and second two

years ago. Like Coach Davis, I am so proud of her players, and I know they worked hard for this great honor.

The Lady Saints proved they are champions in their victory at the Robert Trent Jones Grand National Course in Opelika. I congratulate the Lady Saints: sophomore Virginia Bedwell, sophomore Vivian Dudley, sophomore Marissa Gacek, and freshman Laura Dudley.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the St. Paul's girls' golf team on a great season and state championship. This school deserves public recognition for this great honor, and I extend my congratulations to each member of the team.

Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to honor the memory of former California Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald and her lifetime of dedication to the people of California and the United States. I was deeply saddened to learn our colleague passed away so suddenly. We have not only lost a wonderful friend but an individual who during her lifetime made countless contributions toward the betterment of our Nation.

A native of Alabama--there is some dispute as to whether she was born in Gee's Bend or Birmingham--Juanita's ties to her home state remained strong throughout her life. In fact, just a few short years ago, she was extremely involved with her family reunion which was held in Monroeville, in Alabama's First District. She was always so very proud of her family and naturally, they are so very proud of her.

Juanita began her career as a teacher in Los Angeles. She was also the editor-writer for the Los Angeles Unified School District and worked as a manuscript editor for Images, a textbook designed to enhance the self-esteem of young women. She began her political career in 1990, when she was elected to the Cason City Council. Just 2 years later, she was elected to the California State Assembly.

In 1996, Juanita was elected to represent the 37th District of California in the United States House of Representatives. Throughout her seven terms, she was a champion of election reform and women's health issues. She made history in the 110th Congress when she was named chairwoman of the House Administration Committee becoming the first African American woman to chair a House committee.

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

Juanita Millender-McDonald will be deeply missed by her family--her husband, James McDonald Jr., her five children, and five grandchildren--as well as the countless friends she leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, on Monday, May 14, 2007, I attended an event in my district announcing a major economic development project and was absent for 3 votes.

Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 342, ``yea'' on rollcall 343, and ``yea'' on rollcall 344.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor Dr. Pat Taylor for his many years of service to the students of St. Paul's Episcopal School in Mobile.

Pat has dedicated the past 34 years of his life to the students and community of St. Paul's, serving as a teacher, division director and assistant headmaster, and his presence will certainly be missed as he leaves St. Paul's to be the new headmaster of Jackson Academy in Mississippi.

Pat's contributions to education are numerous, but perhaps he will be remembered most for his role in founding Mobile's Underage Drinking Task Force--a citizens group that has publicized the problem of underage drinking and works to educate students about the dangers of alcohol.

Mobile's Press-Register even editorialized about Pat saying he ``will leave in Mobile a legacy of caring about teens that will be a guide for others in the future.''

Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize Dr. Pat Taylor and to commend him for his hard work and dedication to the students of Mobile. He is an outstanding example of the quality individuals who have devoted their lives to education, and I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating him on the occasion of his new position as headmaster. I know Pat's family and many friends join me in praising his accomplishments and extending heartfelt thanks for his efforts on behalf of the citizens of Mobile and Alabama's First Congressional District.

Madam Speaker, the city of Fairhope and indeed the entire State of Alabama recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor him and pay tribute to his memory. Chester Alexander Hunt, Sr., was an institution at Fairhope's Grand Hotel, serving as a waiter, concierge, official greeter, and historian for more than 60 years.

A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Mr. Hunt spent most of his life in Fairhope with his wife of 65 years, Mary Lewis Hunt, who passed away in February of this year.

On April 18, 1941, Mr. Hunt began his career at the Grand Hotel. He left the hotel to serve in the Army during World War II and returned after the war ended. During his time at the Grand Hotel, Chester welcomed countless guests to the 160-year-old hotel, including former President George H.W. Bush, Secretary of State Colin Powell, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Dolly Parton, and Bo Jackson.

It goes without saying that Mr. Hunt was well known throughout southwest Alabama. He conducted regular history tours for the guests and special tours for groups. In 1998, Chester was awarded the hotel chain's J.W. Marriott Award of Excellence.

In addition to his service at the Grand Hotel, Mr. Hunt owned an insurance company in Fairhope for more than 20 years and served on the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a truly wonderful man, a dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout south Alabama. Chester Alexander Hunt will be deeply missed by his family--his children, Jan Marie Coleman, Julius Hunt, Chester A. Hunt, Jr., Tyrone Hunt, and Kerry Hunt; his brother, Cecil Hunt; 8 grandchildren; and 10 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, the city of Mobile and indeed the entire state of Alabama recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor him and pay tribute to his memory. Dr. John Horace Mosteller was a devoted family man, nationally recognized dentist, and dedicated community leader.

As an officer in the United States Navy, dentist, author, special lecturer at the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry and Loyola University of New Orleans School of Dentistry, clinical professor at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry, and essayist, Dr. Mosteller dedicated his 84 years to helping others.

Dr. Mosteller served as editor of the Journal of the Alabama Dental Association for 42 years and was inducted into the inaugural class of the Alabama Health Care Hall of Fame in 1998. Over the course of his distinguished career, he published more than 250 papers in the dental literature and was author or coauthor of nine books.

It goes without saying that Dr. Mosteller was well known throughout the dental community. He served as an essayist at more than 800 dental meetings in 46 states and a dozen foreign countries, lectured at 43 American universities, and was a national consultant for restorative dentistry to the Surgeon General of the U.S. Army for 14 years, a position equivalent to the rank of brigadier general.

Dr. Mosteller had the distinction of serving as the first vice president of the American Dental Association and was a member of the board of trustees of the Alabama Dental Association for 30 years. He was presented with Loyola University's 50th anniversary Award of Merit and was named Dentist of the Year by the Alabama Section of the Pierre Fauchard Academy.

But his contributions did not end in the professional arena--Dr. Mosteller devoted much of his time to the Mobile community. He was a member of the Mobile Kiwanis Club and chairman of the dental division of the United Fund. When his busy schedule did allow for free time, you could likely find Dr. Mosteller at the Mobile Country Club, where he was a member for 50 years and served as both board member and president.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout south Alabama. Dr. John Horace Mosteller will be deeply missed by his family--his children, Matt Mosteller, Charles Mosteller, Cynthia Mosteller, Nancy Mosteller Hoffman, Mary Lou Mosteller, Pauline Mosteller Danner, and Barbara Mosteller Price and his 15 grandchildren--as well as the countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, the city of Mobile and southwest Alabama recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the memory of W.O. Mozingo.

Before moving to Mobile, ``Mo'' as he was known to his friends, joined the U.S. Army during World War II and served in the 65th Infantry Division of the European Theatre. He led a mine platoon, locating and disarming land mines. He was wounded in action and became a Disabled American Veteran and lifetime member of the VFW, Post 49.

Considered by many to be the father of the labor movement in southwest Alabama, Mr. Mozingo began his career with the former National City Bus Line in Mobile and joined the Amalgamated Transit Union Local No. 770 in 1943. He served in various capacities as a union member, including 20 years as president and 19 years as president of the Southwest Alabama Labor Council, AFL-CIO.

It goes without saying that Mr. Mozingo was well known throughout the Mobile community. He served on numerous boards of directors, including the American Red Cross, Volunteers of America, the United Way of Southwest Alabama, Mobile United, South Alabama Regional Planning Commission, and the Advisory Board for Springhill Memorial Hospital. Mr. Mozingo was also a lifelong Democrat. In 1999, the Mobile County Democratic Party awarded him the Democratic Award of Distinction.

Mr. Mozingo's awards were also just as numerous. In 1992, he was inducted into the Alabama Organized Labor Awards Foundation Hall of Fame. The Southwest Alabama Labor Council, AFL-CIO, honored him by creating an annual award known as the ``W.O. Mozingo Community Services Award.'' He earned the distinction of being one of only five Mobilians to achieve Emeritus status with the United Way board.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout southwest Alabama. W.O. ``Mo'' Mozinger will be deeply missed by his family--his wife of sixty eight years, Myrtle LaBarreare Mozingo; their three children, William Gary Mozingo, Linda Mozingo Murphy, and John W. Mozingo; his sister, Josephine Beddingfield; three 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 to honor Mr. Matt Pierce, a young man from Mobile, Alabama, who has made the selfless decision to forego his final football season at Ole Miss in order to be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army.

A former UMS-Wright football star, Matt was the MVP of the 2001 4A state championship game. As a child, he dreamed of playing football in the Southeastern Conference and, after walking on at Ole Miss and being redshirted his freshman year, Matt's dream came true. In just his sophomore year, he started in the game against the University of Alabama.

With his final football season just months away, Matt chose to forego his fifth season in order to join the Army and do ``something important.''

Madam Speaker, it is this type of story that should make us pause and give thanks to God that there are still young men like Matt Pierce. His actions personify the very best America has to offer. I feel certain his many friends and family, as well as his former teammates at UMS- Wright and Ole Miss, share the pride of a grateful Nation.

I urge my colleagues to take a moment and pay tribute to Matt Pierce and his selfless devotion to our country and the freedom we enjoy. We need more people like Matt Pierce in this world--a true inspiration to all Americans.