Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, in life, there are givers and there are takers, and it is with personal pride and pleasure that I recognize someone who is always giving and always doing for others, Mobile's own, Vaughan Inge Morrissette. In this vein, I rise today to salute Vaughan and offer her our heartfelt thanks on behalf of the people of south Alabama for a lifetime of exemplary philanthropic service to both the city of Mobile and the state of Alabama.

For some 40 years, Vaughan has dedicated a considerable amount of her time toward the advancement of education, the arts, and history by serving as trustee, board member, and even as chairman of numerous organizations in the state and throughout the nation.

Shortly after graduating from Sweet Briar College in Virginia in 1954, Vaughan began to make a name for herself in the all-important area of volunteerism. Ironically, it was some forty years later than Vaughan would be named to the board of directors of her alma mater. She served Sweet Briar in this capacity from 1996-2002.

In 1973, Vaughan became a member of the Colonial Dames, serving on the Conde Charlotte Museum House Committee, trustee for the friends of Sulgrave Manor, center head, state president, and national board member. She currently serves on the Dumbarton House

Fund for the Future and is actively involved in the Colonial Dames' Vision Committee, a national committee designed to help state societies emulate the success of Alabama's. From 1987 until 1996, she served as trustee for Washington and Lee University in Virginia, and has also served on the board of directors for Spring Hill College in Mobile.

With an obvious desire to help others, Vaughan has served in similar capacities as chairman of Mobile Infirmary Medical Center, president of the Junior League of Mobile, and as a vestry member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

While her family obviously comes first, Vaughan has a genuine love for Mobile where she currently serves as board chairman of both the Mobile Museum of Art and the Alabama School of Math and Science Foundation. She also serves on the board of directors for the Alabama Archives and History Foundation, American Village and Citizenship Trust, Alabama Department of Archives and History, and as trustee of the Carnival Museum in Mobile. She is also trustee for the Alabama Institute of the Deaf and Blind Foundation and director of the Alabama Arts Council.

Madam Speaker, as I mentioned earlier, Vaughan's involvement is not just at the local and state level, but at the national level as well.

For years she has represented the state of Alabama on the Mount Vernon Ladies Association of the Union, a prestigious group which bears the responsibility for maintaining and preserving President George Washington's home at Mount Vernon. Through their network of contacts throughout the country, as well as their considerable efforts, funds are raised privately so that Mount Vernon continues to be completely maintained without the help of taxpayer dollars. Vaughan served as regent of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association of the Union from 1994- 1997.

She has also included a stint on the board of directors for AmSouth Bank.

Madam Speaker, Vaughan Morrissette has dedicated practically her entire life to the service of others in south Alabama, all-the-while being a devoted wife, mother to four children, and grandmother to 11 wonderful grandchildren.

When her husband, the late H. Taylor Morrissette, passed away in 1990, Vaughan picked up the mantle and has, more times than one can count, made her beautiful home available to entertain visiting dignitaries and others who were looking to make Mobile and south Alabama home. In many ways, she has been a one-person chamber of commerce, always promoting Mobile, always speaking positively about where our community is going. It is very safe to say that Vaughan is always looking forward with confidence that Mobile's best days are ahead.

Madam Speaker, as I said at the beginning of this tribute, some people in life are givers; others are takers. Make no mistake, Vaughan Inge Morrissette has spent practically her entire life giving, and I ask my colleagues to join with me in thanking Vaughan for her commitment to so many wonderful philanthropic missions.

I know her family and her many friends join with me in praising her many accomplishments. On behalf of all who have benefited from her good heart and generous spirit, permit me to extend thanks for her many efforts over the past four decades in making Mobile and south Alabama a better place to live and work.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Army Staff Sgt. Robert Speed, Jr., who was recently honored with the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service and sacrifice in defense of our great country during World War II.

Sgt. Speed and the entire B-24 crew: 1st Lt. James E. Jatho, 1st Lt. Edward L. McNally, 2nd Lt. George N. Croft, 2nd Lt. Theodore D. Bell, Technical Sgt. Jay T. Fish, Technical Sgt. William A. Magill, Staff Sgt. Frank G. Celuck, Staff Sgt. William F. Maxson, Jr., and Staff Sgt. Daniel P. Toomey distinguished themselves by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial combat on July 15, 1944. The B-24 crew in the 779th Bomb Squadron, 464th Bomber Group, 15th Air Force took off from Pantanella, Italy, to take part in what was to become the heaviest day of bombing the oil refineries near Ploesti, Romania.

The crew encountered heavy anti-aircraft fire--severely damaging the plane--and causing the loss of one engine. Sgt. Speed, a gunner on the B-24 Liberator, courageously manned his gun position and remained at his station throughout the remainder of the flight, which went deep into enemy territory. The mission was successful--the Uniera Sperantza oil refinery and enemy refining capacity were heavily damaged.

The day following this mission, the crew continued to demonstrate courage and devotion to duty when it took part in a raid on Weiner Neusdorf, Austria. During this mission, their plane was shot down, and Sgt. Magill was killed in action. The surviving crew members were captured and taken as prisoners of war and held for the remainder of the war.

Almost 63 years later, the nine surviving members of the crew were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Madam Speaker, the life and actions of Sgt. Speed personify the very best America has to offer. I feel certain his many friends and family, as well as his comrades in the United States Army, are taking this opportunity to remember his many accomplishments. I urge my colleagues to take a moment and pay tribute to Sgt. Robert Speed and his selfless devotion to our country and the freedom we enjoy.

Make no mistake; Robert Speed is a true American hero.

Madam Speaker, it is with both pride and pleasure that I rise this week to honor Brett Blackledge, a Birmingham News reporter, for receiving the Pulitzer Prize, the highest honor in American journalism.

A native of Baton Rouge, Brett earned a journalism degree from Louisiana State University in 1986. Brett's prestigious career began in New Orleans with the Associated Press. From there, he went to work for the AP bureaus in Jackson, MS, and Tulsa, OK. He also wrote for the The Journal Newspapers and Education Daily.

In 1993, Brett moved to Mobile, AL, and for the next 5 years, he was a reporter at the Press-Register, where he covered local schools, government, and politics. Since 1998, he has been a general assignment and special projects reporter with the Birmingham News. Brett's 14- month series into Alabama's 2-year college system won him the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting.

Madam Speaker, Brett Blackledge's career has already been filled with much achievement, and I rise today to honor yet another of these achievements--the 2007 Pulitzer Prize. May he continue to inform and inspire the people of Alabama. I know his colleagues, his family, and his many friends join with me in praising his significant accomplishments and a job well done.

Madam Speaker, it is with both pride and pleasure that I rise this week to honor Cynthia Tucker, a beloved native of Monroeville, Alabama, for receiving the highest honor in American journalism, the Pulitzer Prize.

Raised in Monroeville, where her father was a school principal, Cynthia went to Auburn University, graduating in 1976 with a degree in journalism. She joined the Atlanta Journal-Constitution staff in 1976 and also worked a short while at The Philadelphia Inquirer. As a reporter, she covered local government, national politics, crime and education, in addition to filing dispatches from Africa, Central America, and Cuba.

Over 30 years have passed since Cynthia first joined the Journal- Constitution. She has risen to editorial page editor, and her syndicated column now appears in more than 70 newspapers throughout the United States.

The third time proved to be the charm for Cynthia, who was also a Pulitzer finalist in 2004 and 2006. This year the journalism department at the University of Alabama, my alma mater, also recognized her long, distinguished writing career by awarding her the 2007 Clarence Cason Writing Award. Last year, Cynthia was named the National Association of Black Journalists' Journalist of the Year. In 2000, the American Society of Newspaper Editors honored her with the Distinguished Writing Award for commentary, and she has won the Cox Newspaper award for column writing four times.

Nelle Harper Lee, Truman Capote, and Mark Childress firmly established Monroeville as the ``Literary Capital of Alabama.'' Cynthia Tucker's name is now very much a part of this prestigious list.

Madam Speaker, Cynthia Tucker has been an inspiration to countless young women--and men--from Alabama and across the country for her distinguished career. I know her colleagues, her family, and her many friends join with me in praising her significant accomplishments and a job well done.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure and personal pride that I rise today to honor Officer Ollie Lee McCoy on the occasion of his retirement from the United States Capitol Police Department.

For the past 20 years, Officer McCoy has served those who work in the United States Capitol complex with a great deal of professionalism, enthusiasm and concern for their well-being. In the process of performing his professional duties, Officer McCoy has also gained the respect and admiration of not only this Member, but of all of my House colleagues, the thousands of staffers that work on the Hill, and the countless visitors who come to the Capitol complex each and every day.

Madam Speaker, Officer McCoy is the epitome of a true professional. He stands at the front of a long line of dedicated men and women from all walks of life that represent the very best of the U.S. Congress. While the U.S. Capitol Police has, as its mission, to protect and support the Congress in meeting our Constitutional responsibilities, men like Officer McCoy have taken that mission a step further by always adhering to the highest standard and by always putting the good of others ahead of oneself.

Without a doubt, one of the saddest days on Capitol Hill--certainly one of the saddest days during my time here on the Hill--was July 24, 1998, when Officers John Michael Gibson and Jacob Joseph Chestnut were fatally wounded at the memorial door of the Capitol. Following the shootings, Officer McCoy was assigned to be liaison to the Chestnut family, and he received a commendation award for his outstanding service.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Officer Ollie Lee McCoy for his tremendous contributions to the United States Capitol complex. The experience and zeal he has brought to his job--and the concern and compassion he has displayed for everyone whom he has encountered all these many years--are unquestioned and unparalleled. Officer McCoy has indeed been a genuine asset to the police department and to the thousands of men, women, and children he has assisted over the past two decades.

Make no mistake, Officer McCoy's talents and experience in the department will be sorely missed. Along with his many friends and colleagues, I wish to extend to Officer McCoy and his family much health and happiness in the years ahead.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the Holcim cement plant in Theodore, Alabama, for winning the Council of State Governments (CSG) Associates award for outstanding corporate citizenship.

The CSG Associates award recognizes those who have shown great dedication in service to their communities. The nominations for the award are submitted by state officials from across the country, and the CSG leadership then chooses a winner. The 156 employees of the Holcim Theodore plant were honored with this prestigious award for their service to the Theodore community--and surrounding areas--in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

There are two specific efforts of the employees of the Theodore plant that were highlighted by the award. First, Holcim played a key role in rebuilding the Bayou La Batre Rural Health Clinic. This clinic, serving mostly the less fortunate, was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina and then, only days before its reopening, was ravaged by a fire. With the help of other local industries, Holcim led fundraising efforts to rebuild the clinic, contributing $50,000 of the $120,000 raised.

Holcim also sponsored two students from Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta as temporary summer staff at the clinic.

Second, the CSG Associates recognized Holcim for its efforts towards rebuilding new homes in Theodore for those who were displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Joining with Habitat for Humanity, Holcim donated concrete for 11 new homes, while Holcim employees volunteered their time and effort to build the new homes.

Holcim's honors, however, do not stop with the CSG Associates award. They have received honors not only at the local level but

also the national level. Recently, the Theodore plant won the Environmental Performance award from the Portland Cement Association. Additionally, Dow Jones Sustainability Index named Holcim as ``Leader of Industry,'' and for four years, Holcim has been noted in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and the Dow Jones STOXX Sustainability Index in Europe.

Holcim (US) Inc. is one of the Nation's leading manufacturers and suppliers of cement and mineral components. With 14 manufacturing plants and over 70 distribution facilities in the United States, the Holcim Theodore plant is a shining star in Holcim's corporate constellation.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating the Holcim cement plant in Theodore, Alabama, for all of their great accomplishments. I know the plant manager, Joe McFalls, the employees, their friends, families, and members of the community join with me in praising Holcim for their many accomplishments, and I extend thanks for their continued service to Mobile County and the First Congressional District.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a brave, young man who recently made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of his country while helping to spread freedom abroad.

Army SPC Robert Matthew McDowell, a young man whose family lives in Mobile, was on his second tour of duty in Iraq. He served as a military policeman and was based at Fort Drum, New York, with the Army's 10th Mountain Division.

Matt recently returned to Iraq after being on leave for the birth of his son, Nathan Matthew McDowell. One of the last photos made of Matt was of him holding his newborn baby boy in his proud, loving arms. It is a photo that, no doubt, young Nathan Matthew will look back on with great pride in the years to come.

Unfortunately, Matt was serving as the gunner on a heavy-duty Army vehicle on patrol in Baghdad--a very dangerous assignment--when insurgents detonated an improvised explosive device.

Madam Speaker, at this difficult time, it is only appropriate for us to pause and give thanks to God that there are still young men like Matt McDowell.

His life and actions personify the very best America has to offer. I know his many friends and family, as well as his comrades in the United States Army, while mourning the loss of this fine young man, are also taking this opportunity to remember his many accomplishments and to recall the fine gift they each received simply from knowing him and having him as an integral part of their lives.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to take a moment and pay tribute to SPC Matt McDowell and his selfless devotion to not only our country and the freedom we enjoy but to a people who are in the demanding but important stages of a new life--a new freedom--in their own land.

We should also remember his wife, Daniella McDowell; his daughter, Madison McDowell, his son, Nathan McDowell; his father and stepmother, Kim and LaDonna McDowell; his mother, Kathy Jo Kallahan; his brother, Michael McDowell; his four stepbrothers, Neal Dickman, Andy Dickman, Tyler Dickman, and Grant Dickman; and his other relatives and many friends. Our prayer is that God will give them the strength and courage that only He can provide to sustain them during the difficult days ahead.

Madam Speaker, Matt's daughter, Madison, recently wrote a poem about her Dad. With your permission, I would like to add it into the Congressional Record:

My Daddy's not your average Dad

He's different from the rest

He wears a special uniform

He has medals upon his chest

My Daddy's not your average Dad

He's a HERO in the Army

Although I don't see him much

His love always surrounds me

My Daddy's not your average Dad

He's in a special place

He watches me from heaven

With a smile upon his face

My Daddy's not your average Dad

He is always here with me

He holds my hand when I go outside

Although no one else can see

My Daddy's not your average Dad

He fought for me and you

I'm so very proud of you Dad

And I love and miss you too!

I love you Daddy,

Madison McDowell (Roswell, NM)

Madam Speaker, it was Joseph Campbell who said, ``A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.''

Make no mistake, Army SPC Robert Matthew McDowell was not only a dedicated soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice serving in the uniform of his country, but he was also a true American hero. May he rest in peace.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a young man from the First Congressional District of Alabama who recently made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of his country while helping to spread freedom abroad.

Army Staff Sgt. Harrison Brown, formerly of Prichard, was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, based at Fort Benning, Georgia. He was killed in combat earlier this month while bravely serving and protecting this great nation in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

``Duck,'' as he was known to his friends, joined the Army 13 years ago to provide for his wife and children. During his career in the Army, including multiple tours of duty in Iraq, Sgt. Brown set a standard of excellence and displayed the qualities of discipline, devotion, and dedication to country that are the hallmarks of men and women throughout the long and distinguished history of the American military.

A 1994 graduate of Blount High School, ``Duck'' played baseball and basketball and was a standout wide receiver on the varsity football team. Blount won the state 5A high school football championship while ``Duck'' was on the team. He went on to play one year of college football at Tuskegee University on scholarship before he joined the Army.

Madam Speaker, at this difficult time, it is only appropriate for us to pause and give thanks to God that there are still young men like Harrison Brown. His life and actions personify the very best America has to offer. I feel certain his many friends and family, as well as his comrades in the United States Army, while mourning the loss of this fine young man, are also taking this opportunity to remember his many accomplishments and to recall the fine gift they each received simply from knowing him and having him as an integral part of their lives.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to take a moment and pay tribute to Sgt. Harrison Brown and his selfless devotion to not only our country and the freedom we enjoy, but to a people who are in the demanding but important stages of a new life--a new freedom--in their own land.

We should also remember his wife, Delisha Brown; their three children; his mother, Chris Ann Brown; his sister, Mary Dozier; and his other relatives and many friends. Our prayer is that God will give them all the strength and courage that only He can provide to sustain them during the difficult days ahead.

It was Joseph Campbell who said, ``A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.''

Make no mistake, Harrison Brown was not only a dedicated soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice serving in the uniform of his country, but he was also a true American hero. May he rest in peace.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the distinguished gentleman from Wisconsin, our ranking member.

Either our friends on the other side of the aisle have a bad case of amnesia, or their selective memory is such that they need to check themselves into the House physician's office.

The Democratic majority likes to claim that when President Bush came into office, we had a budget surplus, which we did. But because of those evil tax cuts, which let the record also show that many of our Democratic colleagues actually voted for, and some even still profess to support, that because of these dastardly tax cuts, all of the problems we are facing now are because of George Bush and the Republican Congress.

Mr. Chairman, our Democratic colleagues either have forgotten or they fail to acknowledge the fact that when President Bush came into office in January of 2001, he was walking into a recession left courtesy of the outgoing Clinton administration. A few months later, the dot-com bust and the corporate scandal made matters worse. And then remember September 11, 2001, and the ensuing costs associated with responding to the worst terrorist attack in American history and the additional costs associated with fighting the global war on terror.

I mention this, Mr. Chairman, because this budget is step one in the Democratic majority's plan to dismantle the tax policies that Republicans have put in place these past few years, policies that have actually worked, and replace it with the single largest tax increase in American history.

Do not take my word for it, Mr. Chairman. Consider the following: During the past 45 months the tax relief was enacted, 7.6 million new jobs have been created, an average of 168,000 per month; contrast that with the 27 months prior to the tax relief, where we lost 2.7 million jobs.

During the past 15 quarters since the tax relief was enacted, real GDP growth has averaged a robust 3.5 percent, faster than the averages of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. In the nine quarters prior to the tax relief, actual GDP growth was just 1.1 percent.

Since the enactment of the tax relief, unemployment has fallen from 6.1 percent in June of 2003 to a near 5-year low of 4.5 percent. This is below the averages of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

My friends in Alabama know a good economy when they see one. Our unemployment rate under the leadership of Republican Governor Bob Riley is just 3.3 percent, the lowest since we became a State in 1819.

Mr. Chairman, no one on our side is saying that we can continue the great economy or that everyone who has a job has the job they hope to retire from.

One thing is for certain. The Democratic majority had 32 opportunities last week in committee to vote on amendments that would have made these tax cuts permanent, 32 opportunities where they had an opportunity to vote for it, put it in writing, make it acceptable to the American people; and all 32 times they voted it down on a party- line vote.

Mr. Chairman, I do not have a chart. I have a picture of America's children. These tax increases are going to result in Alabama alone of an increase of $2,500 for the average working, tax-paying family. That means no braces, no college education fund, no family vacation. That is what this budget is about, our children.

And I thank the gentleman.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman, and I thank the Speaker for allowing this Special Order to proceed.

I thank Jeff for organizing this. This is important for the American people in Texas and California and Alabama and all over this great country to understand what the Democratic majority is doing this week by unveiling their budget, and a budget that we will have to vote on.

As my friend from Texas will appreciate and certainly as the majority of my constituents back home in south Alabama know, I do not often come to the House floor every time there is an open microphone just to offer my view on whatever the topic of the day happens to be. Instead, I remember the words of my father who although I was only 13 when he passed away, he told my brother, Jim, my sister, Judy, and me that you learn a lot more from listening than you do from talking.

So usually I prefer to sit in the back of the chamber, this building, this awesome chamber that we are so privileged to serve in, and listen to the give-and-take, the back-and-forth of the debates that have helped to define our time.

Sadly, however, on this particular evening, I feel moved to come off that back bench so as to speak up and to voice my real concern and, quite frankly, my real disappointment that now that they are back in power after 12 years of being out, our friends on the other side of the aisle have chosen with their budget to revert back to their old familiar habits.

Because when all is said and done, that is what this budget will do. In a single sweep, in the snap of a finger, this Democratic budget will give to the American people the single largest tax increase in American history.

If all of that sounds familiar to you, then perhaps there's a reason for that. You see, the last time the Democrats

were in control of Congress, they, too, gave the American people what was, at that time, the largest single tax increase in American history. Of course, that was back in 1993, when they had the help of President Bill Clinton to sign the bill into law. Fortunately, at least for the time being, President Bush has a veto pen that hopefully will keep these tax increases from becoming a reality.

But one thing is for certain. It didn't take the Democrats long, just 77 days from the time they took over the majority on January 4 of this year, to roll out their plan to raise taxes, yet once again on the backs of hard working Americans.

Now, Mr. and Mrs. Middle-Class American Taxpayer, I know some of you may be sitting at home tonight working on your own taxes. In fact, I called a constituent of mine in Mobile just last night, and that is what he told me he was doing, working on his tax returns for 2006. After all, April 15 is just 19 days away. So this topic of raising taxes on America's families couldn't be more timely.

Congressman Hensarling, I don't know about you, but I don't recall a single time in any of my years of being in Congress, either as an elected Member or in the 18 years that I worked for my predecessor, Congressman Sonny Callahan, I don't recall a single time where a constituent came up to me, not at a town meeting, not at a Rotary Club, Lion's Club, Kiwanis Club or the like, and somebody came up to me and said, Jo, old buddy, you know the Federal Government needs more money. Why don't you just take some of mine?

Nor have I had anyone come up and say, Congressman, there is not an ounce of waste in the Federal Government. Washington, DC, is a lean, well-oiled machine. You all could use a little bit more of my money. Here, take whatever you need.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I doubt the gentleman from the Fifth District of Texas has ever heard any of his constituents make the statement to him.

I thank the gentleman, and I know that he has done the math for his constituents in the Dallas area of Texas. I have done the math for people of south Alabama as well; and, if enacted, what the budget will mean to the average Alabama household is not good news. In fact, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there are approximately 4.4 million people who are proud to call Alabama their home. If this tax increase is enacted, it will mean that the average tax-paying Alabama household will owe another $2,500, $2,500. Friends, that is a lot of money to most folks back in my district in Alabama and I think in every district in America.

But if they have to write an additional check for $2,500 more to Uncle Sam, if this Democrat budget is enacted, then that likely means no braces for the kids. It means that you won't be able to set aside money this year for your children going off to college, and it certainly will mean there will be no family vacation.

Sadly, the Democratic majority must think either the Federal Government can spend the American people's hard-earned tax dollars better than they can, or that the Federal Government simply shouldn't be asked to make a sacrifice when there are so many worthy programs yet to fund. Either way, the Democratic majority is making quite a statement this week, a statement that I hope the American people will listen closely to as this debate unfolds.

You see, as my friend, Mr. Hensarling from Texas, knows all too well, as do my other Republican colleagues on the House Budget Committee, last week when the Democrats passed this budget out of committee, they had an opportunity some 32 different times, I have got the amendments in my hand, to accept some reasonable tax relief for the American people by putting into writing their commitment to not raise taxes.

Now, in fairness, Jeb, you will recall many of our Democratic colleagues on the committee, they were quick to say, well, wait a minute, we don't want to raise taxes, well, not all of them, at least not now.

But actions speak louder than words. Their actions, unfortunately, speak much louder than the lack of their words in that document. This is nothing short of the single largest tax increase on the American people. Quite frankly, it's a sad day for the American taxpayer.

Time after time, House Republicans on the Budget Committee tried to amend this budget with commonsense amendments that are overwhelmingly supported by the majority of the American people, amendments such as the one that our colleague, Congressman Jon Porter of Nevada, offered to prevent a tax increase on middle-income families with children. That went down on a party line vote by the Democratic majority.

The amendment by our friend, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida, who offered to prevent an increase of the onerous and, I think, the most unAmerican of all taxes, the death tax that, if the Democratic majority doesn't do anything, will go back to 55 percent in just 4 short years. That amendment also went down on a party line vote by the Democratic majority.

Congressman Hensarling, you remember your amendment, you had many, but this one in particular, Jeb, to dedicate funding to protect America's veterans. Did it pass?

Congressman Hensarling, I know there are others here tonight who want to speak out against this single largest tax increase of American history. I don't want to be accused of hogging microphone.

But, instead, I would like to close for my part by asking the American taxpayer a very simple question. Time after time our Democrat colleagues have come to this floor over the past few months and said the American people voted for change on November 7. It was all about change. Well, if this Democratic budget passes and if our taxes go up, and they most certainly will, then that is about all the American people are going to have left after these tax increases go up, is a little change. Is that really the message you were sending on November 7 of last year?

Jeb, you have two beautiful children, Claire and Travis. Janee and I have two beautiful children back home in Mobile, Alabama. I hope they are all asleep right now, Lee and Robbins. This is really about the future of our children and grandchildren. There are a lot of good Democrats and a lot of good Republicans who have children and grandchildren who are concerned about them. This Democratic tax increase

and this Democratic budget is nothing about the children. Unfortunately, it's about the government.

I thank the gentleman for this special order, and I appreciate his leadership on fiscal responsibility.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Page and Jones, Inc., located in Mobile, Alabama, for winning the Governor's Trade Excellence Award, as presented each year by Governor Bob Riley.

Two years ago, Governor Riley established the Governor's Trade Excellence Award to honor businesses of all sizes--and from all regions of the state of Alabama--for their excellence in exports. The goals of the award are to identify Alabama businesses making significant contributions to the export business and to promote Alabama exporters as role models and supporters to the Alabama business community, while encouraging even more businesses to become involved in the global marketplace. The award also aims to increase awareness of the impact of exports on Alabama's economy.

The eight winners of the award are chosen by a panel from the Export Alabama Trade Alliance that judges the businesses on a wide range of criteria. Criteria include the level of export sales as a proportion of total sales and innovations in exporting. I am proud to recognize that two out of the eight winners of the Governor's Trade Excellence award are located in Alabama's First Congressional District.

One of the eight recipients of this year's award, Page and Jones, Inc., is a customs broker specializing in international trade logistics for both small and large companies. Page and Jones was recognized for being an excellent role model for the Alabama business community, for its continuous strong support of the broader export community, for its active involvement at the international level, and for its continued growth as a small business.

Starting in the 1970s with only 15 employees, Page and Jones, Inc. now has over 60 employees with 12 locations in six states. They handle approximately $75 million in transactions a year, and they encourage Alabama businesses to get involved globally by offering free services and advice to their fellow businessmen and women as well as cosponsoring various global events.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating Page and Jones, Inc., for receiving the Alabama Governor's Trade Excellence Award. I know the company president, Mike Lee, the company employees, their friends, families, and members of the community also join with me in praising Page and Jones, Inc., for their many accomplishments and for extending thanks for their continued service to the Alabama business community, the First Congressional District, and to the international business community.

Madam Speaker, the city of Mobile, Alabama, and indeed the entire First Congressional District, recently lost a dear friend, a talented journalist and a lovely lady, and I rise today to pay tribute to her memory.

Delores Freeny Mayes--or ``Lowey'' as she was known to her many friends--was reared in Mobile and graduated from Bishop Toolen High School.

After working for many years at Mobile's Brookley Field, Delores went on to write for the Mobile Beacon, where she spent the past 25 years providing unique insights to her many faithful readers.

Dubbed the ``Helen Thomas'' of the south Alabama press corps by my predecessor, former Congressman Sonny Callahan, Delores was always fair to those she interviewed and covered. Although she was proud of her chosen profession, she was first--and foremost--always a lady.

Over the years, Delores had the opportunity to interview former President Ronald Reagan, former Alabama Governor George C. Wallace, Mississippi Senator Trent Lott, former Congressman Callahan, as well as his predecessor, former Congressman Jack Edwards, not to mention a host of other local, state and national political figures.

While she wrote about a wide-array of issues affecting Mobile and south Alabama, politics was never far from Delores' mind, and she was someone that public officials from all walks of life knew they could trust.

In recent years, Delores turned her love for writing into a celebration of her many other talents when she learned to draw and paint. I am the proud beneficiary of a number of her original etchings and paintings, and at this particular time when we are celebrating her life, each one carries a special meaning to me.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing this beloved member of the Mobile community.

Delores Mayes will be deeply missed by her sister, Jeanne Phillips; three brothers, Tommy Cain, Hubert Cain, and John Cain; many nieces and nephews; as well as countless friends she leaves behind.

Above all else, Delores was a devoted daughter, sibling, wife and mother. Moreover, she epitomized what a ``true friend'' really is.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to recognize Independence Renewable Energy Corporation on the occasion of the opening of its Alabama biodiesel plant. After breaking ground in October 2006, Independence Renewable Energy Corporation produced its first gallon of biodiesel earlier this month.

From this first trickle of biodiesel, the plant is in the process of increasing its capacities and will soon boost production to 40 million gallons a year by May 2007, making it not only the largest producer in the State, but the largest producer in the Southeast.

Located in the town of Claiborne, in Monroe County, this plant currently converts soybean oil into biodiesel fuel, although its design flexibility provides for the use of alternative feedstocks. Independence Renewable Energy Corporation will use more than 27 million bushels of soybeans a year, which is nearly 1 million acres worth of soybeans.

The plant currently employs seven and will employ ten when at full operation in May. These 10 jobs will support up to an additional 150 jobs in agriculture, as well as an estimated 100 jobs in transportation and petroleum blending industries. The biodiesel plant is expected to generate annual revenue of $120 million by distributing fuel to markets in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Georgia, and Louisiana.

This new facility is not only important for the economic impact that it will have on the State and region, but also for leading the way in the development of alternative fuels that are less harmful to the environment, while reducing our dependence on foreign oils and gas. Biodiesel, when blended with conventional fuels, reduces greenhouse gas and toxic emissions associated with petroleum derived diesel. This facility will benefit not only the people of Alabama but the entire Nation.

I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Independence Renewable Energy Corporation. The people of Claiborne--and Monroe County--are extremely proud to be part of the solution to our Nation's energy crisis.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor AIRINC/Fokker Services located in Fairhope, Alabama, for winning the State of Alabama's Governor's Trade Excellence Award.

Two years ago, Alabama Governor Bob Riley established the Governor's Trade Excellence Award to honor businesses of all sizes--from all regions of the State of Alabama--for their excellence in exports. The goals of the award are to identify Alabama businesses making significant contributions to the export business and to promote Alabama exporters as role models and supporters to the Alabama business community, while encouraging businesses to become involved in the global marketplace. The award also aims to increase awareness of the impact of exporting on Alabama's economy.

The eight winners of the award are chosen by a panel from the Export Alabama Trade Alliance who judge the businesses on a wide range of criteria. Criteria include the level of export sales as a proportion of total sales and innovations in exporting. I am proud to announce that two out of the eight winners of the Governor's Trade Excellence award are located in Alabama's First Congressional District.

One of the eight recipients of this year's award, AIRINC/Fokker Services, specializes in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul work for aircraft including Airbus and Boeing airplanes. AIRINC was recognized by the award for being an excellent role model to the Alabama business community, for its continuous strong support of the entire Alabama export community, for its involvement at the international level, and for its continued growth as a business themselves. With a 26,000 square foot facility and 65 employees, AIRINC brings in approximately $13.5 million in revenue each year, and regularly sends employees on business to parts of Europe and Asia.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating both the employees and management team at AIRINC/Fokker Services for receiving the Alabama Governor's Trade Excellence Award. I know the employees, their friends, families, and members of the community join with me in praising AIRINC/Fokker Services for their many accomplishments, and I extend my thanks for their continued service to the Alabama business community, the First Congressional District, and to the international business community.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise today to honor Mr. Abraham Mitchell on the occasion of being named Mobilian of the Year for 2006 by the Mobile Civitan Club.

The Mobilian of the Year is the city's most prestigious civic honor, and Abe is most deserving of his award. With his brother Mayer, Abe co- founded the Mitchell Company in the 1950's, which would go on to become one of the southeast's largest real-estate companies before being sold in 1985. After his retirement from real estate, Abe became co-owner of another endeavor, Mitchell Brothers, Inc., which has focused on investments and philanthropic support.

Abe is not only a very successful businessman, but he and his family have set a new standard in the state of Alabama for their philanthropic endeavors. Abe has always believed that education is paramount to the improvement of the human condition and, to that end, he has been extremely supportive of Mobile's institutes of higher education.

According to the University of South Alabama, Abe has donated at least $4 million personally, providing for three endowed chairs in the College of Medicine and the soon to be opened Resources Learning Center in the Mitchell College of Business.

Moreover, he has funded the largest private scholarship program at USA, which provides 20 full academic scholarships each year. Abe has also supported the University of Mobile, Springhill College, Bishop State Community College, among others. He has also been heavily involved in philanthropic support of numerous cultural endeavors and community health and human service programs.

Madam Speaker, I would like to offer my personal congratulations to Mr. Abraham Mitchell for being named the Mobilian of the Year for 2006 and in so doing recognize him for his many outstanding professional and philanthropic accomplishments.

Abe's enormous generosity not only benefits the students of the University of South Alabama but our entire community, State and Nation. His extraordinary positive impact has set an exemplary example for young and old alike in Mobile. I know that my colleagues will join me in commending him for his commitment to improving the lives of so many others.