Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel Theo F. Middleton, Jr. on receiving the Legion of Merit Award.

The Legion of Merit Award is a military decoration of the United States armed forces, which is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. We congratulate Colonel Middleton on being awarded this medal.

Colonel Middleton is a native of Mobile, who attended UMS Preparatory School and completed the ROTC training program at Marion Military Institute. After graduating from Louisiana State University, Colonel Middleton was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. His initial assignment was to the Korean Demilitarized Zone as Rifle Platoon Leader. Following training as an Army helicopter pilot, Colonel Middleton was assigned as an Aero-Scout Platoon Leader. He is a founding member of Task Force 158, which is the U.S. Army's first long range, night vision capable special operations helicopter unit. He presently serves as the congressional district commander for Alabama's First Congressional District.

Colonel Middleton's other awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Reserve Commendation Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, and Master Army Aviator wings.

Colonel Middleton served as past president of the Mobile County Wildlife Conservation Association, as well as the Greater Mobile Area LSU Alumni Association. He is an investment advisor with the Wealth Management Group of Regions/Morgan Keegan in Mobile.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Colonel Ted Middleton on receiving his award. I acknowledge his invaluable work and significant contribution to not only the state Alabama but our Nation as well.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the Camden National Bank, on the occasion of its 100th year. On May 12, 1906, the United States Department of the Treasury issued a charter for the operation of the Camden National Bank. Since that time, the bank has been a ``home-owned, home-operated bank'' with faithful and loyal employees.

Throughout the bank's existence, it has overcome periods of serious financial instability including the boll weevil infestation, the Great Depression, and the war years. Although the bank has faced such challenges in the past, it continues to grow and prosper. In March 2004, the Camden National Bank opened its first branch in Greenville, Alabama.

One of the most remarkable qualities of the Camden National Bank is its list of faithful employees. In its 100 years of existence, the bank has seen only four presidents. The first president elected was Mr. Edwin Walker Berry, a former high school principal and mayor of Camden. Upon Mr. Berry's retirement in 1934, Mr. Joseph McReynolds Moore was elected president of the bank, followed by Mr. A.L. (Les) Johnson, Sr. in 1952, and Mr. A.L. Johnson, Jr. who remains president today.

In addition to the presidents, vice presidents, and founding directors, there are several other employees that have substantially contributed to the growth and success of the bank. For example, the bank's first employee, Mrs. Dorothy McNeil, was hired as the bookkeeper in 1941. The Hugh C. Dale Directors' Building was named to honor Mr. Hugh C. Dale and his years of service, including 43 years as a director. Mrs. Barbara Ivey was elected vice president and cashier in 1972 becoming the first female vice president of the Camden National Bank. Also, Mrs. Lola Saulsberry was the first African American employee of the bank when she was hired in 1982 and was later elected assistant cashier in 1995.

The Camden National Bank, over its 100 years, continues to have a ``hometown bank'' atmosphere. With the help of its loyal employees who have contributed to its success, the Camden National Bank continues to thrive in its accomplishments and its service to the people of Camden and Wilcox County. It is my

sincere hope that the Camden National Bank will continue its success in south Alabama for another 100 years.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the Smurfit- Stone Containerboard Mill for achieving the admirable safety record of one million work hours without a recordable injury of any kind.

The Smurfit-Stone Containerboard Mill is an economically vital contributor to both the city of Brewton, and the state of Alabama. They are also the largest producer of containerboard products in North America with 18 mills. The mill has been in operation since 1957, and employs 583 people.

Smurfit Stone is the industry's leading integrated manufacturer of paper-based packaging products. However, it is only when a manufacturer provides a safe work environment for its employees that the company becomes the corporate neighbor that we all admire and respect. This is only the fourth time this milestone has been reached by paper mills in North America.

It is my sincere hope that the Smurfit-Stone Containerboard Mill will continue to set highly commendable examples for others in their industry, and I rise today to congratulate the employees and managers for the contributions they have made toward the betterment of Alabama.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor Mr. Fred Taul on the occasion of his retirement from Regions Bank after nearly 40 years of service.

Shortly after graduating from The University of Alabama, Fred began his long and distinguished career in banking with Merchant's National Bank. He remained with the bank, now known as Regions Financial Corporation, for 38 years holding many positions of responsibility while working his way up to local president.

In the midst of his demanding professional schedule, Fred always found time to make Mobile and southwest Alabama a better place to live and work. Among the many groups and organizations that he lent his time and considerable talents, Fred served as chairman of the United Way of Southwest Alabama's 2004 campaign, and he is an active member of Board of Trustees for the Mobile Arts and Sports Association.

On behalf of Regions Bank, Fred was also instrumental in building a tremendous amount of community support for the protection and preservation of the Battleship USS Alabama. In no small part due to Fred's leadership, the USS Alabama Memorial Park Capital Campaign got off to a strong start.

There are many more people in life who like to talk about what can be done to make their community a better place than there are people who are willing to actually roll up their shirt sleeves and go to work to help make it a better place. Mobile is indeed fortunate that Fred Taul is one of those individuals who always believes in getting the job done. He is an outstanding example to all of us.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in commending Fred Taul for his many contributions to banking as well as to the Mobile community. South Alabama is a better place because of people like Fred.

As he now faces a challenge unlike any other, I hope Fred knows that his colleagues at the bank and his friends throughout the country are keeping him and his family foremost in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Speaker, it is a real pleasure to rise today to honor Mr. Bob Rutledge, a man who has devoted practically all of his adult life to the benefit of literally thousands of young men and women who live in Mobile, Alabama. In just a few days, Bob will be stepping down as headmaster of St. Paul's Episcopal School in Mobile.

For the past 33 years, Bob has been an integral part of the school's history and development, and he leaves behind a rich legacy that has helped to make St. Paul's one of the finest schools in Alabama.

Bob began his career in education in the Florida public school system where he served as a teacher and coach of both the football and track teams. In 1971, he moved to Jackson, Mississippi, where he served at St. Andrew's Episcopal School as the director of the upper school, director of athletics, and varsity football coach.

In 1973, he joined the staff of St. Paul's, initially serving as the school's head football coach and athletic director. In no time, it became apparent that Bob Rutledge's influence and leadership extended far beyond the athletic field.

In 1984, Bob assumed the role of upper school director, and a few years later, he was tapped assistant headmaster as well as admissions and alumni director. And in 1994, the Board of Trustees appointed Bob headmaster, making him only the sixth person to hold this important position in the school's rich history.

Mr. Speaker, without a doubt, Bob Rutledge has worked tirelessly to help transform St. Paul's into one of the premier college-preparatory schools in the southeast. Moreover, he has worked hard to build a school that is recognized throughout the state for its top-notch staff and first-rate faculty.

Without question, Bob Rutledge is an outstanding example of the quality of individuals who have devoted their entire life to the field of education. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating Bob on his remarkable career and his many, many contributions. I know his lovely wife, Martha, as well as his family, friends, and the entire St. Paul's community join with me in praising Bob for his accomplishments and extending our sincerest thanks to him for his many efforts over the years on behalf of the young men and women who have been a part of St. Paul's Episcopal School.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a tremendous amount of pride that I rise today to honor Mr. Charles McDonald on the occasion of his retirement after serving as president of the Alabama Retail Association for 35 years.

Charlie McDonald has been a devoted advocate for the retailers and business community of Alabama all of his life. Moreover, Charlie is a worker, not a talker, and he knows how to get the job done.

He served the Alabama Council of Association Executives for over three decades. In 1987, he served as chairman of the Alabama Civil Justice Reform Committee, and in 1992, he chaired the Alabamians for Workers' Compensation Reform.

A graduate of the University of Alabama, Charles received the School of Commerce and Business Administration's Retailer of the Millennium Award in 1999. He was also honored by the Food Marketing Institute with the Donald H. MacManus Retail Association Executive of the Year Award, and the American Society of Association Executives awarded him the Grand Award for Management Achievement. This year, the National Retail Federation honored Charles with the prestigious J. Thomas Weyant Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating a dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout Alabama.

I know Charles's colleagues, his wife Elaine, his children, and grandchildren, and his many friends from throughout the country join me in praising his accomplishments and extending our heartfelt thanks for his many efforts over the years on behalf of the state of Alabama.

Mr. Speaker, in this chamber, even on the most partisan and bitter debates, it is both customary and a proud tradition to refer to our colleagues as the ``distinguished gentleman'' or the ``distinguished gentle lady.''

From time-to-time the American people actually see Members of this body who truly fit the description of their honorary titles. Today, we honor one such person--a distinguished gentleman if there ever was one--Congressman Earl Hutto of Florida's 1st Congressional District.

I wish to thank the gentleman from Chumuckla, my very good friend, Congressman Jeff Miller, for bringing this resolution to the floor today and for finding this way--and a very appropriate opportunity that it is--to honor and pay tribute to Earl Hutto, a man of the House, a man of integrity and a man for whom many of us hold in the highest regards.

As Congressman Miller and I have discussed numerous rimes, it is both a tremendous honor--and at times it can be a little intimidating--to follow a real legend in this hallowed chamber.

Like my predecessor, Congressman Sonny Callahan, the name Earl Hutto is synonymous with all the good qualities of a truly outstanding public servant--honesty, trustworthiness, love of country, love of family, humility, faith, and integrity. I cannot Imagine a more principled man has ever been elected to serve in this city, and I know--first-hand-- that no one has ever worked harder or more tirelessly on behalf of his constituents than Earl Hutto.

A native of Midland City, a small town near Dothan in Alabama's Wiregrass, Earl knew that three qualities--honesty, hard work, and being a man of your word--were essential if you were to be successful in the game of life.

Early on, young Earl Hutto recognized that he had a duty to his country and he served in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman First Class. Later, he attended Troy State University on the G.I. Bill and graduated with a B.S. degree in Business-English-Education in 1949.

Although he had a brief stint teaching high school, Earl had a God- given talent for broadcasting, and in no time, Earl Hutto became a household name in places like Dothan, Montgomery, Pensacola, and Panama City. As sports director, of WSFA-TV in Montgomery, Earl was the host of Coach Shug Jordan's statewide telecast which--with all due respect to our work up here--may still rank higher in the eyes of the Auburn football nation than any elected office on the face of the earth.

After a highly successful career in broadcasting, Earl opened his own advertising agency and soon embarked on a path that led him into public service. He was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1972, where he served three terms, and was elected to the U.S. Congress in 1978 where he served eight terms until his retirement in 1995.

Earl Hutto was a ``blue dog'' before there was such a thing. He fought for a stronger national defense and was always a true friend to the men and women who wear the uniform of their nation's military.

On fiscal matters, Earl was a longtime proponent of getting our budget balanced and not spending more than we take in, and he was one of the early advocates of a biennial budgeting process--something many of us still believe would help restore some fiscal sanity to the process.

Whether there was a Democrat in the White House or a Republican, Earl Hutto always attempted to vote the right way and do the right thing. He always put his country first--well above any loyalty to a political party.

Mr. Speaker, knowing Earl Hutto as I do, I am sure the last thing he would want is some building with his name on it--that was never what motivated Earl in the least bit. However, in this day and age where there is so much partisan divide in our country, I can't think of a better time or more appropriate opportunity for those of us in this body to come together--Democrats and Republicans alike--and pay a lasting tribute to who made this House a better place--Congressman Earl Hutto.

Earl, may you and Nancy, Lori and Amy, and your beautiful granddaughters Ellie and Abbie know that your legacy is living on and your service to others continues to inspire a whole new generation of leaders.

Again, I thank my friend, Jeff Miller, for bringing this matter before the House, and I urge unanimous adoption of the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, 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.

Bob Schultz, otherwise known as ``Mr. Mardi Gras,'' was a musical legend in Mobile. Arriving in Mobile in 1960, Bob quickly distinguished himself as the sound of carnival playing swing era music on both the clarinet and saxophone. In 1976, he organized the Bob Schultz Big Band. He and his band have played at countless mystic society balls, weddings, and other events over the last three decades. They were also a staple at the Riverview Plaza Sunday brunch.

One wedding, in particular, stands out in my memory. Bob and his band played ``Stars Fell on Alabama'' for my new bride and me to lead the dance. To say Bob Schultz will be missed is a considerable understatement.

Bob Schultz and his band members also found time to perform for many charities including: the Child Advocacy Center, United Way, the Taste of Mobile, the Alabama Desert Storm Heroes Welcome Home Committee, and the Cathedral Towers.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a fixture of Mobile Mardi Gras. Bob will be deeply missed by his family--his two brothers, William Schultz and Irving Schiff; and his sister, Irene Karasevich--as well as the countless friends and associates he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, recently one of my constituents, William T. Walker, submitted a letter to the Mobile Register providing an interesting perspective on the recent peace march that started in Mobile, Alabama, and traveled throughout the Gulf Coast.

Many people across the Gulf Coast are still working hard to rebuild their homes, businesses and lives following last year's hurricanes. While the freedom to protest is one of the foundations of American democracy, it is important to see the effect that it can have. Today, I rise to ask that this letter be entered into the Congressional Record in its entirety:

Marchers Hurt Spirit, Good Will

``It does not take a majority to prevail . . . but rather

an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brush fires of

freedom in the minds of men.''--Samuel Adams

I like to think of myself as part of that minority to whom

Adams was referring. I know that some grow tired of my

constant rant about freedom, about supporting this country

and our leaders. Yet, I continue. Why?

Things like the peace march that left Mobile recently is

one reason. When I heard about that march, I was in Gulfport,

Miss., helping a man put his ceiling back in his house after

it was hit by a pine tree during Hurricane Katrina.

A 60-foot pine tree will break any roof on the Gulf Coast.

Sixty misguided, self-serving marchers were trying to break

the good will and spirit of a people who have been through

tragedy.

As I held the piece of drywall up for my friend to nail in,

he asked me this: ``I wonder what those marchers have done to

help people rebuild here on the Gulf Coast.'' That struck me.

What have they done?

As they marched along the road, being photographed and

reveling in their notoriety, thousands of people were out

there, rebuilding the Gulf Coast. And those soft-headed

fabricators of veracity marched on.

As those people marched along the road, having their

pictures taken by news photographers, all us old dumb guys

were in the background. Black and white, Democrat and

Republican, religious and not, we were repairing things,

cleaning up, and making this a better place to live.

And those foot soldiers of fabrication marched on, planting

their perfidious propaganda with each step. I pray that their

crop will fail.--William T. Walker, Theodore, Alabama

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Willie Thomas Pouncy and Mrs. Lucile Pouncy on the occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary, which began on April 21, 1956, at Rock Elvy Baptist Church in Shady Grove, Alabama.

Mr. Pouncy is a respected member of his church and community. He has served faithfully as a deacon at Rock Elvy Baptist Church since 1954. In 1952, Mr. Pouncy was drafted in the U.S. Army, where he served during the Korean War. Upon completion of his tour of duty, he went on to own and run a small farm in Goshen, Alabama, and work on the railroad in Waycross, Georgia. He also worked for Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees for 19 years. Mr. Pouncy worked diligently to set an example to his seven sons as to what a husband and father should be, and he taught his seven daughters what traits are important in a husband. All the while, Mr. Pouncy had several admirers but none as important as his 14 children and his wife, Lucile.

Mrs. Pouncy was born Lucile Tucker in Shady Grove, Alabama. She is the embodiment of a God-fearing woman. She has always emphasized the importance of God, family, and education. Mrs. Pouncy served Rock Elvy Baptist Church as a secretary and is an usher, board member and deaconess. She managed a household of 14 children while her husband was away with work. She always made sure the homework was completed, chores finished, and Sunday school lessons comprehended. Mrs. Pouncy mastered the art of rearing with a stern will but a compassionate heart. She was not only a mother to her own children, but she served as a second mother to many of the children in the community.

I know Alabama and even our nation have benefited from the union of Mr. and Mrs. Pouncy. Among their 14 children, 32 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, there are two sons and two grandsons that have served in the recent war on terror. Additionally, they have raised: a social worker, several engineers, a bank president, a counselor, a minister, numerous business professionals, and most important to me . . . my director of constituent services.

Their 14 children: Willie Dean, Willie Thomas, Jr., Claudie Frank, Sharon (deceased), Linda, Michael, Lisha, Winfred, James, Kathy, Salena, Tyrone, Errical and Eric would like me to pass on their word of appreciation to their parents for the example they set, encouragement given, and yes, even for the discipline administered.

Mr. Speaker, in these times it is refreshing to know a family that is committed to the values and outstanding morals that Mr. and Mrs. Willie Thomas Pouncy have encouraged in their marriage and family. I have no doubt that this marriage symbolizes the strength of character and love of God that every American should emulate. Congratulations to Mr. and

Mrs. Pouncy on their 50th Wedding Anniversary--the world is a better place because of their contributions.

Mr. Chairman, it is early in the debate but one thing is clear: our friends on the other side of the aisle seem to want to have their cake and eat it, too. They want to blame the majority for the national debt and the rising cost of Federal spending, but the only solution they seem to offer is more spending or more taxes.

Increased spending or increased taxes. How can either of those two solutions be the right prescription for getting our fiscal house in order? There is no better example of the challenges we are facing than the need to secure our homeland. And as you know, in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11, our administration and this Congress responded in a bipartisan way to create a centralized agency to coordinate our Nation's homeland security efforts. But creating an entirely new agency, particularly following September 11, was no easy task. At that time, the organization of the Department of Homeland Security marked the largest single agency opening in nearly four decades, dating back on the creation of the Department of Energy.

It also required the reshuffling of 180,000 employees and the transfer of some 22 Federal agencies from one area of government control to another. A department of this size and scope certainly needs a sufficient level of funding to carry out its goals and objectives; and, initially, $50 billion was set aside just for this purpose.

The overall fiscal year 2006 budget for the Department of Homeland Security, including nonhomeland defense spending, totaled $40.3 billion. President Bush requested in his fiscal year 2007 budget $42.7 billion, an increase of $2.4 billion or 5.8 percent. Overall spending in the homeland security component of DHS has increased from $10.7 billion in fiscal year 2001 to $25.7 billion in fiscal year 2006, or an average of 19 percent increase per year.

Mr. Chairman, while we have made substantial progress in getting DHS up and running, I think it is very fair to say that this Department, while securing our Nation's homeland, is not yet where it needs to be or where it must be. Needless to say, however, this budget moves us on the right path.

At the outset I said that our friends on the other side were looking to have their cake and eat it, too. I went to the House cafeteria to find a piece of cake I could bring to use as an illustration. The only cake I could find was a slice of angel food cake. Now angel food cake tastes good, it sounds good; but it is squishy in the middle, just like their budget proposal.

Mr. Chairman, since I was over here a few minutes ago speaking about what this budget does to protect our homeland security, Mr. Chairman, I went back to my office and turned on the TV and listened to some of the comments, and so I came back over to thank you, thank you for having the patience of Job and the wisdom of Solomon, because you would have to have both to know the difference between some of the allegations and distortions that have come out from our friends on the other side. And they are our friends. They love this country like we do. They just see things in a slightly different way in their view of America versus the facts and reality that this budget is helping to set the record straight.

One program in particular, Mr. Chairman, I also want to thank you for listening, is the Community Development Block Grants. Several weeks ago the mayors of America, the county commissioners and other community leaders came to this body and said, this is a program that works. It allows the Federal tax dollar to go to communities and put the money where it works for the people that live in these communities, that pay those taxes that allow us the privilege of working up here.

And so whereas there had been a proposal to make cuts last year and this year in the budget, your budget, our budget, the budget we passed last year and the budget hopefully we will pass this week not only takes those cuts and puts them aside, but restores additional funding. Last year it was $1.1 billion more, and this year under your mark, Mr. Chairman, it is $1.3 billion more to a program that we know has great merit in the cities and counties throughout this country.

So really I just came back over, Mr. Chairman, to say thank you. Thanks for listening to us as you have. This will be your last year to chair this process. But the legacy you leave behind is one that makes all of us who have worked with you proud, and I know it especially makes the people of Iowa very proud of the work you have done. Thank you very much.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and real pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to a longtime friend and a lifetime public servant, John David Whetstone, on the occasion of his retirement after serving as Baldwin County District Attorney for nearly 22 years.

David Whetstone is the consummate professional. Joining the district attorney's office in 1979 as an assistant DA, David has dedicated practically all of his adult life fighting crime and standing up for the people of Baldwin County as the people's attorney. Moreover, he has served the families of Baldwin County and south Alabama with compassion, dedication and a tremendous level of professionalism.

A 1963 graduate of Greenville High School, David went on to serve in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam war era. He was honorably discharged as a sergeant in 1968, and he worked his way through college and law school using the G.I. Bill. David graduated from the University of West Florida in 1970, and from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1973.

In 1984, then-Governor George C. Wallace nominated David to the position of Baldwin County District Attorney. He was subsequently elected to his first 6-year term in 1986 and has been reelected ever since, usually with only token opposition.

Throughout his tenure, David has been a tireless advocate on behalf of all the people of Baldwin County. No one who ever called on David Whetstone didn't get a prompt, personal response.

David Whetstone is known for his powerful and intimidating presence in the courtroom and probably best known for his storytelling. Many will also remember his appearance on ``The Phil Donahue Show'' after filing more than 200 child support collection complaints in 1 day.

But outside of the spotlight that comes with his office, David has a heart as big as the State of Alabama and as pure as a pound of gold.

He is the type of person that empathizes with people from all walks of life and has a tremendous, caring capacity for those who are less fortunate. David Whetstone wore his title as the ``people's attorney'' with pride and he never, ever let his own success in public life go to his head or prejudice his judgment; for David, doing the right thing was the only way to do business.

Mr. Speaker, in 2002, David offered his considerable talents and service to the people of south Alabama when he ran for the Republican nomination for U.S. Congress. While for obvious reasons I am personally grateful that the outcome turned out as it did, I can say with all honesty and candor that had the voters rendered a different judgment, the people of south Alabama would have been well-served by David's passion for public service and by his drive and determination to represent one and all equally.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing John David Whetstone for his tireless efforts and his tremendous contributions to the citizens of the First Congressional District and the entire State of Alabama.

The experience and enthusiasm he brought to his job and the concern and compassion he displayed for all people in Baldwin County are unquestioned and unparalleled. He has indeed been a genuine asset to the entire State of Alabama. On behalf of the thousands of men, women and children he has assisted over the past two decades, I am proud to say, ``Thank you, David, for a job well done.''

While I am confident David will continue to remain actively involved in the life of Baldwin County and southern Alabama for many years to come, I hope this new chapter in his life affords him a few more free minutes each day to enjoy the richness of life and the love of his wonderful wife, Lynne, as well as his fine children, Deborah, J.D. and Chris, and the newest Whetstone, grandson John David III.

On behalf of all his friends and admirers throughout Alabama, I wish to extend to David and his family all the best, now and in the future.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor Mr. Owen Gray, owner of Big O's Seafood Grill in Gulf Shores, Alabama, on the occasion of receiving the National Restaurant Association's 2005 Restaurant Neighbor Award.

Owen is a vital member of the Gulf Shores community. Following the devastation of Hurricane Ivan in 2004, Owen's restaurant, Big O's Seafood Grill, was one of the few restaurants in the area capable of continuing business. Over a two-week period, Owen, with the help of his manager, sister and fiance, was able to provide more than 25,000 meals to relief workers. Working on just a generator with no power, gas, or water, he fed the relief workers, including state troopers and the National Guard, three meals a day! Owen, his employees, and volunteers worked 12- to 14-hour days providing these meals. Soon other restaurants that were too damaged to serve at their locations brought over food for Big O's to serve.

The National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Neighbor Award was designed to raise awareness of charitable giving like Owen's and honor restaurateurs from across the country for outstanding community service.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer my congratulations, as well, to Owen Gray and Big O's Seafood Grill for receiving the National Restaurant Association's 2005 Restaurant Neighbor Award. I know his family, his many friends, his employees, and especially his loyal customers join with me in praising his accomplishments and good deeds.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Trinity Baptist Church on the occasion of its 100th year.

Trinity Baptist Church has been a vital partner to the town of Wilmer, Alabama. The church was founded in 1906, and for a century, this congregation has been worshipping God and serving the people of south Alabama.

The congregation of Trinity Baptist Church has used its resources and opportunities to provide hope, comfort, instruction, and inspiration to so many in south Alabama.

It is my sincere hope that Trinity Baptist Church will continue to be such a source of inspiration, hope, and comfort to the people of Wilmer for another 100 years, and I rise today to salute this congregation and the many contributions they have made toward the spiritual enrichment of the community and the betterment of south Alabama.

Mr. Speaker, last week one of my constituents, Terry C. Plauch, submitted a letter to the Mobile Register offering a theory regarding Vice President Cheney's recent hunting accident.

Conspiracy theories are not new to Washington, D.C. From the conspiracies surrounding the assassinations of both Presidents Lincoln and Kennedy, to the Watergate break-in, almost every event in this town elicits its own conspiracy theory. Today, I rise to ask that this letter be entered into the Congressional Record in its entirety for I believe Terry Plauch may be on to something:

Some facts on the Cheney conspiracy:

I have been fascinated with the conspiracy theories about

the recent Dick Cheney hunting incident. Although I thought

most of them foolish, I decided to find out if any were

valid.

After careful research, I have discovered some interesting

facts the media either didn't learn or were too scared to

report. It turns out these facts prove that conspiracy was

involved in the Texas story.

The first fact relates to the prey involved. I found that

the birds being hunted, quail and pheasant, have strong

political histories. It is no coincidence ``quail'' just

happens to sound like the name of the first Bush vice

president, Dan Quayle. And what was one of the main topics

the media criticized Bush/Quayle about? They were deaf to the

poor, the downtrodden. In other words, the peasants.

It is no coincidence that ``peasant'' sounds like

``pheasant.'' In fact, the words are only one ``h'' away from

each other. And what is the difference between President

George W. Bush and his father, George H.W. Bush? It is a

single ``h,'' although capitalized. A happenstance? I think

not.

Another interesting fact is that Cheney used a 20-gauge

shotgun instead of the more common 12-gauge. So what? It is

no coincidence that the difference between the two gauges is

eight, the number of years Bush and Cheney will be in office.

A happenstance? I think not.

I have therefore concluded from my research that the

shooting was self-defense. Here's what happened: Cheney's

intelligence brief stated that birds fly as their primary

means of transportation. Knowing that they had to fly to get

to the ranch where the hunt was scheduled, Mr. Cheney

concluded that the birds flew to the ranch. Now, ``flew''

sounds like ``flu.'' That's right, the deadly Asian bird flu.

The vice president, former head of Halliburton, knew that

if the birds recognized him, they would attack, trying to get

revenge for their name sounding like Dan Quayle's. He would

then be infected. So when he saw the birds, the self-

preservation reflex took over, I and he started shooting

anything that flew his way. His lawyer friend, however,

started shooting the birds just for a meal. And in his

hunger, he stepped into Cheney's arc of fire and became the

victim. So Cheney protected himself, and his friend missed

lunch.

In conclusion, I must mention the fact that Dick Cheney ran

Halliburton. It is no coincidence that the two people the

company was named for, Halle Berry and Richard Burton, have

ties to the vice president.

Halle Berry played Catwoman in the movies. Cats, as you

know, are sworn enemies of birds, both quail and pheasant.

And Richard Burton was married to Elizabeth Taylor. So

what? Well, Vice President Dick Cheney happens to be the only

person of his generation in the United States who has not

been married to Elizabeth Taylor.

A happenstance? I think not.

Terry C. Plauch.