Floor Statements

Mr. 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.

Born in Mobile on July 21, 1928, Massey Palmer Bedsole, Jr., graduated from University Military School and then Virginia Military Institute. Upon graduation from V.M.I., Palmer served 2 years as an infantry officer, 1 year as an intelligence officer and later, in Korea, during the Korean War.

As a native of Mobile, Palmer was known by many as a champion of the arts, civic leader and philanthropist.

For many years, he was the chairman of the J.L. Bedsole Foundation, which focuses primarily on civic projects. Among other things,

the foundation funds a scholarship program that provides assistance for area students from southwest Alabama to go to college, and also runs the MLK Avenue Redevelopment Corporation, which assists housing construction in lower income neighborhoods in and around Mobile.

In addition to these programs, the foundation also supports the Centre for the Living Arts, which was founded by Palmer and his lovely wife, Ann.

Palmer Bedsole was awarded the 2004 Outstanding Citizen Award of Mobile because of his creation and involvement with the Centre for the Living Arts. This center operates Space 301, an art gallery in the former Mobile Press-Register building, as well as the historic Saenger Theater. Palmer was a driving force behind the renovations of this Mobile landmark.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated community leader, a successful businessman, a respected farmer and true friend to many throughout Alabama and around the country.

At 6 feet 6 inches, Palmer Bedsole was not only a tall man, but he was big in heart and generous in spirit. Naturally, he will be missed by his family--his wife of 48 years, Ann Smith Bedsole; his children, Raine Bedsole, George Demmas, Mary Martin Riser and John Henry Martin; and his grandchildren--as well as the countless friends he leaves behind.

Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the men and women of the Alabama Army National Guard 1165th Military Police Company.

The 1165th Military Police Company, based in Fairhope, AL, is the first unit of the Alabama National Guard to be awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. This is the highest award given to any army unit and is the capstone of this highly decorated unit.

The award was given to the 1165th for their service during Operation Iraqi Freedom. For 13 months, the men and women of the 1165th conducted high profile patrols on the streets of Baghdad and trained Iraqi policemen. During their tour, the 1165th suffered many wounded soldiers and lost one fellow soldier, Specialist Christopher Taylor.

Even in times of difficulty, the morale of the 1165th remained high. On Easter Sunday 2004, after packing for the trip home, the 1165th received notice that their time in Iraq had been extended. Their dedication and commitment to the cause of freedom carried them through this time and is just one example--out of many--that speaks to why the 1165th is worthy of the Presidential Unit Citation.

The Presidential Unit Citation is given to a unit of the army forces of the United States for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. The unit must display such gallantry, determination and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions so as to set it apart from--and, in fact, above--other units participating in the same campaign.

It is an honor for me to rise today and recognize all of the brave men and women of America's armed forces and, in particular, the brave men and women of the 1165th Military Police Company.

May their dedication to the cause of freedom be an example to their families, friends, neighbors and citizens throughout Alabama and across the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Reverend Howard Johnson for his dedication to the Truevine Missionary Baptist Church of Mobile, Alabama, where he has spent the last 24 years as pastor.

Reverend Johnson was born on June 26, 1940, in Jackson, Alabama. He was reared and educated in Clarke County. He became a member of the Bethlehem Baptist Church in Citronelle, Alabama, and served there for 12 years. He received both an associate arts degree and bachelor of arts degree from S.D. Bishop State Junior College and Mobile College between 1975 and 1976. He received his master of divinity degree in 1979 when he

graduated from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and his doctor of divinity degree from the Virginia Seminary. Since 1984, Reverend Johnson has served as the pastor at the Truevine Missionary Baptist Church.

Reverend Johnson has held various positions in the Mt. Olive Baptist Church and the Sweet Pilgrim Baptist Church. He has also led and been a member of many civic and religious organizations. Currently, he is the chaplain for the University of South Alabama Medical Center. He is truly a leader in our community and deserves recognition for all of his many achievements.

On Sunday, July 13, 2006, Reverend Johnson will be recognized for his 24 years of service to the Truevine Missionary Baptist Church. He and his wife, Gloria, are the proud parents of three wonderful children--a son, Private First Class Howard Johnson II; and two daughters, Zsaquez RaShaunn and Geiselle LaVonne. Private Johnson was America's first casualty in the war in Iraq. Tragically, Private Johnson's supply convoy was ambushed in the early days of the campaign in the Iraqi city of Nasiriyah. Private Johnson remains a hero not only to his family and friends but to a grateful nation.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating Reverend Johnson on this special day and this remarkable achievement. Unfortunately, a prior engagement out of town will prevent me from joining Reverend Johnson and his family and friends as they celebrate this milestone. I know his lovely wife, Gloria, his family and his many friends join with me in praising his accomplishments and extending thanks to the Good Lord for Reverend Johnson's exemplary service over the years to the congregation of Truevine Missionary Baptist Church.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and welcome the International Shipholding Corporation to the port city of Mobile, Alabama.

For six decades, the International Shipholding Corporation has been an institution in the port of New Orleans.

Unfortunately, following Hurricane Katrina, restrictions regarding the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet were placed on the shipping industry, creating a financial burden on the corporation and similar companies. After much deliberation, International Shipholding Corporation decided to move its corporate headquarters and operations of its subsidiary CG Railway Incorporated, to the port of Mobile.

When the corporation takes up residence in Mobile in early 2007, it will bring 150 jobs to the area and more than 80 related jobs in the local maritime community. The move is also expected to increase ship traffic at the Alabama State Docks by about 9 percent. Moreover, we will be proud to have International Shipholding as the only corporation in Mobile to be publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

While I know the men and women of the International Shipholding Corporation are saddened to leave their roots in southern Louisiana, I sincerely hope they find that the hospitality of the people of Mobile and southwest Alabama will help to make their transition easier.

I rise today on behalf of the people of Mobile and the First District of Alabama to welcome the newest member of our corporate family, the International Shipholding Corporation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Alabama's own Camp Mac, as well as all the other fine summer camps located throughout the country.

Truly an ``institution'' in Alabama, Camp Mac Summer Camp for Boys and Girls was established in 1948 by Mr. and Mrs. E.A. McBride. Today, almost 60 years later, Camp Mac is still owned and operated by the McBride family, a true success story spanning three generations.

Camp Mac is situated in the beautiful Cheaha Mountains and surrounded by the two hundred thousand plus acres that make up the Talladega National Forest. The location is ideal for the fun and safe summer programs that are the hallmark of Camp Mac.

Since its founding, Camp Mac has provided a refuge from the negative influences that the world has to offer today's youth. Campers enter into a world of ``Safety, Fun, and Instruction.'' With over 70 activities to choose from, campers are strengthened both in skill and confidence through the instruction they receive.

The summers spent in this wholesome environment provide an opportunity for the campers to independently develop unique and special relationships which can--and often do--last a lifetime. Campers are also given the independence to choose their own adventure for the summer because they are free to choose the activities in which they wish to participate.

These new-found friendships and activities are all carefully watched over by a staff that is second to none. The caring and nurturing staff of Camp Mac is made up of individuals who are of the highest character and are dedicated to the camp's mission. The devoted staff is just one more hallmark of Camp Mac.

It is my sincere hope that the mission of this wonderful refuge and those who work towards that mission will continue to thrive in the years to come, and I rise today to honor Camp Mac and the McBride family, and salute them for the positive difference they have made in the lives of so many young people.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commend Donald L. Langham of Mobile, Alabama, for his service to south Alabama. For 40 years now, Don has represented the interests of some of Alabama's finest citizens as a labor negotiator.

Don Langham was born in Prichard, Alabama, and educated in the Mobile County public school system. After high school, Don attended the University of Southern Mississippi. He began his distinguished career in labor in Dothan, Alabama, before returning to Mobile to represent the interests of paper mill workers.

During his time in labor negotiations, Don traveled throughout Europe and South America to support the efforts of organized labor. He has met and worked with many of the most important leaders of Alabama and our country.

Due to his recent work with several multinational corporations, Don has gained a keen insight into some of the major issues facing our nation. Don has also done outstanding work as the chairman of the board of trustees of the University of South Alabama, where he has worked tirelessly to raise funds for the South Alabama Cancer Center.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize Mr. Donald L. Langham and commend him for his outstanding service to the people of Alabama. He has dedicated 40 years to improving the lives of workers throughout south Alabama. I know his family and many friends join with me in praising his accomplishments and extending thanks for his many efforts over the years on behalf of the citizens of the First Congressional District and the state of Alabama.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a young man from Coden, Alabama, on his exemplary work towards improving his community.

Last month, Louis Buckalew was honored at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History and awarded $1,000 for his outstanding volunteer efforts. The 2006 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, conducted in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals and created by Prudential Financial, Inc., has honored more than 70,000 young volunteers at the local, State, and national levels for 11 years. Louis was chosen from nearly 20,000 candidates from across the country.

Louis just completed the eighth grade at Clark School of Math and Technology in Chickasaw, Alabama. He has volunteered with several organizations over the past 3 years to clean up the gulf coast shoreline and roadways near his home. Louis was first inspired to help his community's environment through his involvement with the Boy Scouts. Louis has also worked with the Coast Guard, Mobile Bay Estuary Program, and local government to improve his community, even recruiting friends to join in his efforts.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize Louis Buckalew and to commend him for his hard work and this well-deserved award. I know Louis's family and friends join me in praising his accomplishments and extending thanks for his efforts on behalf of the citizens of Coden and Alabama's First Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Mrs. Doris Wood- Littleton of Saraland, Alabama, for her service to women of the First Congressional District of Alabama. Mrs. Wood-Littleton is the founder and executive director of the Home of Grace for Women, Inc. For over 30 years this organization has helped women overcome their drug and alcohol addictions and reinstate them into community life.

Doris Wood-Littleton, a native of Mobile, recognized in the early 1970s that there was no place in the area for women to go to overcome their drug and alcohol addictions. Doris graciously opened her own home in Saraland to assist those in need of this form of service. Six years later, there were too many women seeking her assistance than she could accommodate.

Soon, a twenty-six acre piece of land, the former location of a private school, was purchased and the buildings were renovated to house the Home of Grace for Women. In 1993, a new complex containing an office and chapel was constructed. The facility also boasts two new halfway houses for graduates of the Home of Graces programs, and in the year 2000, the Hannah House for Pregnant Women was finally completed.

The Home of Grace for Women states the purposes of its ministry are to help women overcome addiction and to offer weekly aftercare programs for graduates. During its 32 years, over 11,000 women have been enrolled in Doris's program. This comprehensive, 12-week program includes chapel services, Bible studies, counseling, and physical exercise. All of these services, combined with the love and support of Doris and her staff, have helped the Home of Grace for Women achieve astounding results.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize Mrs. Doris Wood- Littleton and to commend her for her service. Due to her tireless efforts and compassion, Mrs. Doris Wood-Littleton has made the Home of Grace for Women a wonderful place to help those in need. With her continued work and dedication to the women of the First District of Alabama, the Home of Grace for Women will certainly thrive in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the DuPont Corporation for its dedication not only to its employees but to the community that its Axis, Alabama, plant serves.

This DuPont plant, in my congressional district, has not experienced a lost day of work due to injury since 1989, and it was named one of the three safest manufacturing plants in Alabama by Governor Bob Riley in 2005.

Recently, one of the two production lines at the plant was discontinued. As a result, fewer workers are necessary; however, rather than laying off these employees as many corporations in this situation would, DuPont is maintaining 100 percent employment.

This decision exemplifies DuPont's dedication to its employees. By training each employee to perform a variety of tasks, workers can be transferred to do other work within the plant. This multi-faceted training is uncommon in the United States, but it greatly increases the value and usefulness of each worker. Both DuPont and its employees have benefited from this practice, which should serve as an example to other corporations.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Alabama's First Congressional District, it is my great honor to express my district's gratitude to the DuPont Corporation for this decision and its continued commitment to our community. I wish the company many more years of success at its Axis plant, as it is expected to return to full production in December. I know DuPont's employees and their families join me in expressing our appreciation for the company's magnanimity in this situation and its dedication to the workers of Alabama's First Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Coast Guard Flight Surgeon Lieutenant Commander John Hariadi for his heroism in helping the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Following landfall of Hurricane Katrina, Dr. Hariadi devoted his time to treating the injured and needy people in Mississippi and Louisiana. Over a 7-day period, he treated over 100 patients and conducted 50 medical evaluations in truly horrible conditions.

In total, the Coast Guard rescued more than 33,000 people from flooded streets and rooftops--six times the number of rescues by the Coast Guard in all of 2004. As Admiral Thomas H. Collins stated recently, ``Coast Guard people are unsung heroes that make up our American community. They are your neighbors who make the extraordinary things look ordinary every day.''

Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize an unsung hero, Dr. John Hariadi and to commend him for his courage. He is an outstanding example of the quality of individuals who have devoted their lives to our Armed Forces. I know John's colleagues, family, and friends join me in extending thanks for his efforts on behalf of the victims of Hurricane Katrina and the entire Nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to honor Officer John Angle of the Mobile Police Department, on the occasion of his selection as a Top Cop by the National Association of Police Organization for 2006. The officers of 10 cases from throughout the nation are awarded this honor each year.

A resident of Mobile, Officer Angle has been an exemplary member of the Mobile Police Department since September 1999. He was nominated for this award by Captain James Barber for his heroic actions above and beyond the call of duty in an incident that occurred on July 23, 2005.

On that night, Officer Angle responded to a burglary in progress call in Mobile. He located and attempted to stop the vehicle as it was leaving the city, but the suspects sped away. A chase ensued with the suspects firing at Officer Angle. Though he was alone on the scene and backup was unavailable, he continued to pursue them.

The suspects pulled over and exchanged gunfire with the officer three times during the twelve minute chase before finally crashing into a ditch. The suspects then exited the vehicle and continued to fire on Officer Angle. He successfully wounded one of the suspects and the two subsequently surrendered.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize Officer John Angle and to commend him for his courage and this well deserved award. I wish him many safe and distinguished years on the police force, and convey my deepest gratitude for his service to Mobile. He is an outstanding example of the quality of individuals who have devoted their lives to law enforcement. I know John's colleagues, his fiancee Laura, his family, and many friends join me in praising his accomplishments and extending thanks for his efforts over the years on behalf of the citizens of Mobile and Alabama's First Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, south Alabama recently lost a friend, dear not only to the Poarch Creek Band of Creek Indians but to the entire State of Alabama. Today, I rise to pay tribute to the memory of Mr. Fred L. McGhee.

Elected first as chairman of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians at the age of 50 in 2000, Fred served honorably and respectably, bringing cohesion to the Poarch Creek community and the surrounding city of Atmore.

Fred grew up in the close-knit Poarch Creek community in south Alabama and attended the Poarch Consolidated Indian School where his initial love for Native American culture began to germinate. He devoted his time to the intense study of Indian culture as well as historic preservation. Coupled with his previous experience in leading the nine- member Tribal Council, he was the natural fit to be chairman.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing this beloved member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Fred will be greatly missed by his eight sisters; three sons, Greg McGhee of Atmore, Joe McGhee and Fred Lee McGhee, both of Pensacola, Florida; two daughters, Tracy McGhee and Cierra McGhee, both of Atmore; four grandchildren; and friends that he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all during this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, as a journalism student at the University of Alabama in the late 1970s and early 1980s, I was a member of Sigma Delta Chi, the Society of Professional Journalists. Sigma Delta Chi is the gold standard upon which the journalism profession is based. Among other ideals, Sigma Delta Chi, in its mission statement, encourages excellence among journalists and the need to stimulate high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism.

Sadly, Madam Speaker, ABC News, both last night and again this morning, is guilty of throwing high standards and ethical behavior out the window. Their report that our Speaker, Denny Hastert of Illinois, is being investigated by the Justice Department lacks one essential element to a good news story: the facts. Even after the Justice Department issued a 10-word statement that said ``Speaker Hastert is not under investigation by the Justice Department,'' ABC refuses to retract this story. Instead, they cite an unnamed source in the Justice Department as the only evidence they need to throw trash into the mainstream.

Freedom of the press is a precious liberty. It should never be taken for granted, nor, my friends, should it be trampled on by people who stand behind this ideal instead of standing on the bedrock principle of getting the facts right and reporting the truth.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Everett).

First of all, I would like to say that those of us from Alabama and Florida find ourselves in a strange position today. Because, normally, we speak with a similar accent when we talk with our fellow brothers and sisters from the great State of Georgia. But, like my other friends from the Alabama and Florida who have already spoken, I, too, rise today in opposition to the gentleman from Georgia's amendment and to support the underlying bill.

At the outset, I want to, first of all, join my other friends in thanking Chairman Hobson, and the ranking member as well, for including this report language in the Energy and Water Appropriations bill.

Let the record note that the chairman took this action after Members from both the Alabama and Florida delegations made him aware of the fact that it appears that our friends from Georgia are trying to get the Army Corps of Engineers to update this master manual, which on the surface sounds like a very reasonable request. It probably does need to be updated, except for the fact that it would come at a time where it would be detrimental to the people of Alabama and the people of Florida, and it would occur at the very time that this decades-long dispute is being litigated in the Federal court.

Mr. Chairman, if the Army Corps of Engineers goes forward with their plans to update this manual before the court makes a final decision, then, in essence, the corps is picking a winner even before the court has had the chance to make a determination. That would be the same thing as a judge finding someone either innocent or guilty before all of the facts have been presented.

The process can and should work, but it cannot work if one Federal agency is going to choose sides and choose a winner over another.

Vote ``no'' on the Deal amendment and allow the taxpayers of Alabama and Florida to have their day in court.

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, on Friday, May 19, 2006, I was absent for votes as I was honored to give the commencement address to the 2006 graduating class at Monroe Academy in Monroeville, Alabama. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcalls 173, 174, and 176. I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall 175.