Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor Ms. Linda Jones on the occasion of her being honored with the 2004 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

This award, established in 1983, recognizes outstanding science and mathematics teachers in grades K-12 in all fifty states and each of the four U.S. jurisdictions. This White House award is currently recognized as the nation's highest commendation for elementary and secondary math and science teachers. During this year's nomination process, 600 applications were submitted for this honor. Out of that tremendous number of nominations, Linda Jones was one of only 95 winners nationwide and one of only two from the state of Alabama.

Linda has been a distinguished member of the Baldwin County, Alabama, school system for over 30 years. A native of Louisiana, she graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, and went on to earn a master's degree at the University of South Alabama. Additionally, she received an educational administration certificate from Alabama State University. During the course of her teaching career, she earned her National Board certification and in 2001 was awarded with Baldwin County's Teacher of the Year Award.

In an article which ran in the Mobile Register acknowledging this award, students and colleagues were interviewed and asked about the impact Linda has made in their lives and in the life of her school. To a person, each singled out her ability to challenge their limits and to achieve more than they could have possibly imagined. Moreover, she was recognized for going outside of the limits of her normal job description and work day to provide as many opportunities for her students as possible.

Mr. Speaker, there are few individuals more important to the development of our young men and women in this country than those who commit themselves to educating these children. Ms. Linda Jones is an outstanding example of the quality individuals who have devoted their lives to the field of education, and I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating her on this remarkable achievement. I know her colleagues, her family, and her friends join with me in praising her accomplishments and extending thanks for her many efforts on behalf of the schoolchildren of Baldwin County and the state of Alabama.

Mr. Speaker, the entire state of Alabama recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor him and pay tribute to his memory.

Senator Howell Heflin was a devoted family man and dedicated public servant throughout his entire life, someone who devoted nearly a quarter-century in public service to the residents of Alabama.

Born on June 19, 1921, the son of Reverend and Mrs. Marvin Heflin, Senator Heflin was a native of Poulan, Georgia, and spent his childhood moving from one Alabama community to another before his family settled in Colbert County. He was a 1942 graduate of Birmingham-Southern College. Within a short time following his graduation, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served during World War II in the Pacific Theater of Operations. He was wounded twice during his service and was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action before being discharged in 1946. Following the completion of his military obligations, he enrolled in the law school at the University of Alabama and graduated from that institution in 1948.

From 1948 until 1970, Senator Heflin worked as a prosecuting attorney in the City of Tuscumbia before winning election as Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. For the next six years, he served with distinction on the court and is known for many accomplishments during that time, including implementing large reforms of the state court system that eliminated years of backlogged cases. He earned so much respect for his work as Chief Justice that, even after having been elected to the United States Senate, friends, colleagues, and admirers continued to refer to him as ``The Judge.''

First elected to the Senate in 1978, Senator Heflin served with distinction for 18 years and ably represented the interests of all Alabamians. During his three terms, he served most notably as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and as both chairman and vice chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee, a position he held for 12 years. Additionally, he served as a member of that body's Agriculture Committee and was a strong and able advocate for the interests of Alabama's agricultural community.

During his three terms in Congress, Senator Heflin developed a reputation of working with his colleagues to find common ground on numerous issues, and always with the best interests of his constituents at heart. Many times, he put partisanship aside to support issues for which he saw great benefit, but which others were actively working to oppose. And while his personal views tended towards the conservative end of the spectrum on defense and financial matters, he was more progressive on social issues. In fact, two African-American federal judges from Alabama, U.W. Clemon of Birmingham and Myron Thompson of Montgomery, were both championed by Senator Heflin.

In an article appearing in the Mobile Register following the senator's death, former Alabama Congressman Sonny Callahan was quoted as saying, ``He was always there for us when we needed him. We had common goals for Alabama and worked towards those goals.'' Perhaps these words more than many others spoken in the days following his passing are an accurate summation of the tremendous work completed during his long career and of the faith and trust he in turn earned from his constituents.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated public servant and long-time advocate for the state of Alabama, a man whose significant impact and dedication to the needs and interests of his constituents will be felt for many years to come. Senator Heflin will be deeply missed by his family--his wife, Elizabeth Ann Heflin, his son, Tom Heflin, and his two grandchildren--as well as the countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, the Fourth District of Alabama, and indeed the entire state, recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor him and pay tribute to his memory.

Congressman Tom Bevill was a devoted family man and dedicated public servant throughout his entire life, and has the distinction of being the longest-serving congressman ever to come from Alabama. I am certain many in this chamber recall with great fondness and vividness their memories of working closely with this tireless advocate for the needs of his constituents and his state.

Born on March 27, 1921, and a native of Walker County, Alabama, Congressman Bevill spent his childhood in the mining community of Townley, witnessing the ravages of the Great Depression on his family, his friends, and his neighbors. He was a 1943 graduate of the University of Alabama School of Commerce and Business Administration. Within a short time following his graduation, he joined the United States Army and rose to the rank of captain, leading one of the units which went ashore in France on June 6, 1944. Ultimately, Congressman Bevill retired from the U.S. Army Reserves with the rank of lieutenant colonel. In 1948, he completed his legal studies at the University of Alabama School of Law and embarked on an 18-year career practicing law in Jasper, Alabama.

All told, Congressman Bevill spent 38 years in public office. Elected to the Alabama State House of Representatives in 1958, he served for eight years before embarking on a campaign which would ultimately lead to his winning the seat for the Seventh (later Fourth) Congressional District at the end of 1966. He would go on to serve 15 terms in this chamber and become one of the most effective and well-respected advocates for the state of Alabama ever to serve in the United States Congress.

Congressman Bevill became such an effective representative for his district and for the state--and became such an influential member of the House of Representatives that he was often referred to as ``Alabama's third senator.'' Indeed, the work he accomplished during his three decades in this chamber, particularly as a member of the full Committee on Appropriations and, for nine terms, as chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, had important and long-lasting effects on the economic growth of the state of Alabama.

To this day, signs of his influence and successful efforts on behalf of his district and his state can be found throughout Alabama, and his name has been attached to some of the most important public centers anywhere in the state. These include the Tom Bevill Chair of Law at the University of Alabama, the Tom Bevill Energy, Mineral, and Material Science Research Building, also at the University of Alabama, and the Tom Bevill Center for Advanced Manufacturing Technology at Gadsden.

In addition to his long and successful career in the House of Representatives, Congressman Bevill received numerous awards and citations in recognition of his distinguished career. Along with honorary doctorates he received from Livingston University, the University of North Alabama, and Troy State University, he was inducted into both the Alabama Academy of Honor and the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame.

Perhaps more than any other two projects, Congressman Bevill should be remembered for his work on two of the most significant transportation projects in Alabama history: the Memphis-to-Birmingham highway known as ``Corridor X,'' and the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. ``Corridor X,'' when completed, will provide a vital link between the two cities in Alabama and Tennessee and will provide tremendous benefits and incentive for further economic development in north Alabama. The Waterway has already provided incalculable benefits for Alabama's economy and has resulted in thousands of jobs for men and women throughout our state.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated public servant and long-time advocate for the state of Alabama, a man whose significant impact and dedication to the needs and interests of his constituents will be felt for many years to come. Congressman Bevill, who was preceded in death in 2001 by his beloved wife of 58 years, Lou, will be deeply missed by his family--his daughters, Susan Bevill Livingston and Patricia Bevill Warren, his son, Don Bevill, his six grandchildren, and his three great-grandchildren-- as well as the countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, the world this week suffered an immeasurable loss, and millions of men, women, and children in all corners of the globe lost their champion and a voice for those who do not have a platform to speak for themselves. His Holiness John Paul II, Bishop of Rome, head of the Catholic Church, and the spiritual leader of nearly one billion people, was a man who made an immeasurable difference in the path taken by the world in the last quarter of the Twentieth Century and the first part of the Twenty-First Century.

His quiet strength, determination, and belief in the power of non- violent opposition were instrumental, along with the efforts of President Ronald Reagan and many other leaders around the world, in bringing an end to the old communist regimes which had become entrenched in the capitals of Europe. He was a man who had developed an insurmountable inner strength and faith which, even after the loss of his entire family during the early years of his life and the perils he faced under the heel of Nazism and communism, was unshakable. His love and work on behalf of the Catholic Church and of the people of his native Poland--indeed, of men, women, and children of all faiths and all walks of life--were the driving force in his rise to become a bishop and archbishop in Krakow, Poland, and ultimately his election as pontiff.

I was never fortunate to meet the Holy Father myself, but I have met many individuals who had such an opportunity. In talking with them, and in reading the countless reports of people around the world who were in his presence, it is clear to see how truly remarkable this man was and how moving a meeting with him could be. He was a man of hope, a man of vision, and a man of unceasing faith, and in his 26-year papacy those qualities were shared with peoples and nations around the world in his over 100 trips away from Vatican City.

Mr. Speaker, there are many times in life where we refer to someone's character and manner of living their life as signs that they are a saint. Karol Wojtyla was such a person who may indeed receive sainthood for his work--a young man from Poland who early on dedicated his life to his faith and his church and who grew into Pope John Paul II, a man who never lost that dedication and who impacted countless people around the world. His life and his work will be discussed and, remembered far into the future, and it is my hope his life and his leadership serve as an inspiration for all of us for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor Mrs. Marietta Murray Urquhart on the occasion of her being honored by the Mobile City Council of Beta Sigma Pi International Sorority with the organization's 2004 ``First Lady of the Year'' Award.

Beta Sigma Pi International Sorority was founded in 1931 for the purpose of providing women with opportunities for community service and as an outlet for cultural and social activities. Seven local chapters of the organization are currently active in Mobile, and since 1945 one woman has been selected each year for the ``First Lady of the Year'' Award. This honor is bestowed to an individual based on her contributions to the business, cultural, and civic life of the community.

Mrs. Urquhart has been a distinguished and active member of the Mobile, Alabama, community for over two decades. In 1982, she and her husband, Bill, chose to make Mobile their home upon Bill's completion of medical school and his residency. Almost immediately, she took a strong role in the life of her city, with special emphasis on issues involving children and education.

Over the next 22 years, she became extremely involved in several local organizations. She has served as president of the board of directors of Leadership Mobile and as a member of the board of Volunteer Mobile. Additionally, she was selected to serve as president for the St. Paul's Episcopal Church Women of the Church. Her strong interest in the development and growth of the Mobile community also led to her service on the board of directors for the Providence Hospital Foundation, the Providence Foundation Flower Show, and for the Maritime Museum and the Mobile Tricentennial Commission.

Mrs. Urquhart has also devoted a tremendous amount of time and effort to expanding opportunities for children in the Mobile community. She has served on the Mobile Advisory Board for the Department of Human Resources, and has been actively involved with the Salvation Army. As president for the Junior League of Mobile, she was committed to establishing wide-ranging community goals for children and worked extensively with the Mobile County School System, the United Way, and the Greater Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. Finally, she served with distinction on the UMS-Wright Preparatory School Board of Trustees and was the first woman ever selected to chair that organization.

Finally, Mrs. Urquhart has served on the boards of the Medical Alliance of Mobile County, Mobile 2000, and the Alabama State Commission for Volunteer and National Service. Most recently, she was nominated to serve as a member of The University of Alabama Board of Trustees.

The nomination submitted by the Medical Society of Mobile County for this award included the following passage: ``Our Nominee lives by the philosophy: `Commitment is what transforms a promise into reality. Words speak boldly of intentions. Actions speak louder than words. It is making time when there is none. It is coming through time after time, year after year. Commitment is the stuff character is made of, the power to change the face of things. It is the daily triumph of integrity over skepticism.''' Over the years, I have seen Marietta put this philosophy into action time and again and make one significant and meaningful contribution after another for her community. Our city and our state are richer because of her work, and I am proud and honored to call her my friend.

Mr. Speaker, there are few individuals more dedicated or more committed to helping their communities than Marietta Murray Urquhart, and I would like to offer my congratulations on both the ``First Lady of the Year'' Award and for her many personal and professional achievements. I know her husband, Bill, and her many family and friends join with me in praising her accomplishments and extending thanks for her many efforts on behalf of Mobile and the state of Alabama.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a recent contribution of Mr. Quin Hillyer, editorial writer for the Mobile Register.

As many in this chamber are aware, former Alabama Attorney General and current 11th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge William Pryor has faced numerous difficulties with his nomination to a full-time position on that court by the President. As I speak today, it is my understanding that Judge Pryor's nomination to a lifetime appointment will again come up for consideration within the next few months.

During introductory remarks I delivered at the original confirmation hearing for then-Attorney General Pryor, I stated that he has earned the political respect of many, including his political foes. He has consistently sided with constitutional precedent in making his decisions, and throughout his career he has received very high ratings for his legal ability and very high ethical standards. Judge Pryor has received the backing and strong support for a lifetime appointment to the 11th Circuit from men and women from all across Alabama's political spectrum.

Mr. Speaker, I am hopeful Judge Pryor will receive a favorable and impartial decision on the matter of a permanent appointment to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, and I would encourage those involved in that process to take a fair and unbiased look at his record. To that end, Mr. Hillyer has written what I feel is a very impassioned and well- reasoned argument for why Judge Pryor should receive this appointment. This article appeared in the Wall Street Journal on March 3, 2005, and I ask my colleagues to carefully consider the comments he makes here.

Cross Country: Pryor Impressions

(By Quin Hillyer, Mobile Register)

If judicial nominations represent the spear-point of all of

the partisan battles in Washington, former Alabama Attorney

General Bill Pryor is the poison on the spear. Judge Pryor,

whose renomination to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals could

get a Senate hearing as early as March 9, has become a folk

hero to conservatives nationwide while

drawing fierce denunciations from liberal editorial pages.

Come to Alabama, though, and the cognoscenti from all shades

of the political spectrum find the controversy badly

misguided.

Here, the Republican Pryor--at age 42, now serving a mere

temporary appointment to the 11th Circuit--is the darling not

just of right-leaning editorial boards. He enjoys near-

universal support even from newspapers that endorsed Al Gore

and John Kerry, from elected officials both Democrat and

Republican, black and white--and even from the Democrat who

Mr. Pryor defeated for attorney general.

The liberal Anniston Star, for instance, in the same

editorial that urges filibusters against most of President

Bush's nominees, writes that ``Pryor, who possesses a

brilliant legal mind, cannot be so easily dismissed. . . .

Pryor has been proven capable of setting aside his ideology

when it matters most. . . . [He] helped shut down [Alabama

Chief Justice Roy Moore's Ten Commandments] sideshow and, in

the process, displayed personal courage. That alone ought to

convince Democrats currently blocking a vote on Pryor to give

him a chance.''

Why do Alabamians so strongly back Judge Pryor? Because

they've seen him in action defending Democratic lawmakers

against Republican lawsuits, defying the Republican governor

(Fob James) who appointed him, and spending countless hours

establishing a youth mentorship program through the attorney

general's office. They know him, up close, as a man of

integrity and compassion.

National critics have gone to prodigious lengths to muddy

that home-state record. Unfairly so. Consider that critics

have accused Judge Pryor of being insensitive to women

because he successfully argued against one small portion of

the Violence Against Women Act. But Judge Pryor's

constitutional point was virtually incontrovertible, namely

that rape doesn't qualify as ``interstate commerce.'' His

goal was to keep authority for prosecuting rapes in state

courts, where (in Alabama at least) the juries are likely to

be harder on rapists than elsewhere. Meanwhile, he has been

praised throughout Alabama by groups that aid victims of

domestic violence. Mobile's Penelope House women's shelter

even named him to its Law Enforcement Hall of Fame.

The story is similar on every issue on which he has been

criticized. Somebody served Sen. Dianne Feinstein poorly, for

example, when providing her a quote from Judge Pryor that

made it sound like he advocated the Christianization of

government. But the quote came from a speech to his alma

mater--McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, in Mobile--the

point of which was not that the government should be

Christian but that Catholics have a duty to be good citizens.

(As it turned out, he was citing St. Thomas Aquinas, hardly a

great threat to the American order.)

Critics have also accused him of race-based opposition to

one portion of the Voting Rights Act. Why, then, is Judge

Pryor supported by Alabama's lone black, Democratic

congressman, and by its two most prominent black, Democratic

legislators, and by its black Democratic National

Committeeman? And on the case in question, Judge Pryor was

backed by Georgia's black, Democratic AG, Thurbert Baker, who

also endorsed Bill Pryor's judicial nomination.

Obviously, there is a disconnect between the interest-group

and liberal-media assumption that Southern conservatives,

especially Alabama ones, likely have racist tendencies, and

the obvious reality of Judge Pryor's genuinely warm

relationships with so many of Alabama's black leaders. Part

of the explanation lies in the fact that Alabama has indeed

come a long way since Bull Connor. Also important is that

Judge Pryor's native Mobile, especially its old-line Catholic

sector in which he grew up, handled civil rights with far

more aplomb than Bull Connor's Birmingham--and with virtually

no violence. Early on, then-Mayor Joseph Langan peacefully

integrated the city's bus lines. And Bill Pryor's own high

school, where his father was band director, integrated

comfortably in the '60s, well before he matriculated.

Judge Pryor would say, correctly, that his jurisprudence

aims at helping neither victims nor powerful interests, but

merely at following precedent and the Constitution. In his

closing arguments against the judicial vigilantism of

Alabama's then-Chief Justice Roy Moore, he said: ``In our

system, a judge must follow the final decision of other

judges, even when he is convinced they're wrong. . . . The

answer this court must provide to every judge in Alabama is

that no judge is above the law.''

That's why, against his own personal predilections, he

refused, as attorney general, to enforce part of a new state

law against partial birth abortions: because that section

contradicted clear U.S. Supreme Court precedent. That's why,

against his own predilections, he enforced the very portion

of the Voting Rights Act that he and his Georgia Democratic

counterpart opposed. And that's why the leader of Alabama's

top black, Democratic organization endorsed him as a judge

who ``will uphold the law without fear or favor,'' while

former Democratic AG Bill Baxley said Judge Pryor always acts

``without race, gender, age, political power, wealth,

community standing, or any other competing interest affecting

his judgment.''

Yes, we in Alabama proudly support Bill Pryor. His career--

as public intellectual, successful prosecutor, cultural-

bridge-builder and man of conscience even at his own

political peril--represents many of the traits the national

media has always said Alabama lacks. Until he came along, our

most famous exemplar of such character was the fictional

Atticus Finch. Now that we can offer a real-life Atticus,

we're more than a little angry that the Washington elites

want to reject him.

Mr. Speaker, Mobile County, 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.

Mr. Joel O. Swanson was a devoted family man and dedicated community leader throughout his life. A native of Mobile, Alabama, Mr. Swanson moved at an early age to Port Arthur, Texas, with his father and mother, Captain and Mrs. Joel Arvid Swanson. In 1951, he and his family moved back to Mobile and established the advertising department for a local supermarket chain, Delchamps. Over the next four decades, he worked tirelessly to continue Delchamps' growth in the Mobile area, serving as advertising manager, corporate secretary, and executive vice president. He continued to work in the family business until his retirement in 1991.

In the midst of his intense professional schedule, Mr. Swanson always found time to serve with many community organizations and on several boards of directors. He served as president of the boards for the Mobile Mental Health Association, the Lions Club of Mobile, the Mobile Opera, and Symphony Concerts of Mobile. Additionally, he was a member of the Lions Club of Mobile and took an active role in the Museum of Mobile Board and the Friends of the Library.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout South Alabama. Mr. Swanson will be deeply missed by his family--his wife of 61 years, Marilyn Morris Swanson; his children, Jan Swanson, Joel Craig Swanson, and Kirk Swanson; and one granddaughter--as well as the countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dear friend and colleague who recently retired from Capitol Hill after three decades of exemplary service.

Nancy Tippins, a native of Auburn, Alabama, and graduate of Auburn University, first came to Washington, DC, in 1975 and accepted a position as legislative assistant on the staff of my predecessor, Representative Jack Edwards. Following Jack's retirement in 1984, Nancy was hired by my immediate predecessor, Representative Sonny Callahan, as his legislative director.

During her tenure with Sonny, Nancy became an invaluable member of the legislative team, a role made even more important in 1994 with Sonny's appointment as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs. She quickly developed a thorough and extensive knowledge of subcommittee operations and the appropriations process, and during Sonny's chairmanship became an integral part of the team drafting each year's Foreign Operations appropriations bill.

Nancy's hard work and dedication to her colleagues and to the people of south Alabama won her wide admiration from Members and staff alike, and she developed a strong and well-deserved reputation for being a team player and a reliable source for assistance and information.

It would be difficult to adequately describe the tremendous gifts and skill Nancy brought to our office in Washington. Admired by members and staff on both sides of the aisle, she brought great levels of knowledge to the job and displayed tremendous dedication to the residents of Alabama's First Congressional District. As my legislative director for the past two years, I found my new job as a member of this chamber made much easier as a result of the breadth of knowledge Nancy possessed. Having worked side-by-side with her for twenty years, it was not hard for me to develop a deep and genuine respect for Nancy and for her long string of professional successes. It is due in large part to Nancy Tippins that my first term continued what has become a time-honored tradition of dedicated public service for the people for south Alabama.

Mr. Speaker, while the retirement of Nancy Tippins marks a tremendous loss for my office and for her many friends in Washington, DC, it also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Nancy's life. I ask my colleagues to join with me in saluting her for thirty years of exemplary public service to this body and to the people of Alabama. We extend to her our very best wishes and our heartfelt thanks for everything she has brought to this great city; my hope is for only the best of good health, happiness, and prosperity in the years ahead.

Madam Speaker, I thank my friend from Alabama, and I want to give my sincerest congratulations to him for providing this leadership in bringing this issue, this discussion, to the American people today.

Madam Speaker, as we celebrate our Nation's 79th annual Black History Month, it is only appropriate to reflect on the accomplishments of Alabama's Tuskegee Airmen. These brave soldiers came from every corner of the United States with the ambition of serving their country to the best of their ability.

The Tuskegee Airmen were committed and capable. Their success demonstrated that a soldier's ability is determined by his skill and persistence, not by creed or color.

Tuskegee's established airfield and proven civilian pilot training program made it an obvious choice for the location of a center to instruct America's first African American military aviators. Upon receipt of the contract granted by the U.S. Army Air Corps, Tuskegee Institute began the training of America's original black aviators in 1941.

The first cadets accepted their silver wings in March of 1942.

In recalling the 15,000 missions completed by the Tuskegee Airmen, we note a distinguished record of service. The airmen destroyed over 1,000 German aircraft, one enemy destroyer, and many enemy installations. They also boast the extraordinary record of flying over 200 bomber escort missions over Europe without the loss of a single bomber to enemy fire.

The accomplishments of the Tuskegee Airmen did not go unnoticed by their peers and associates. They returned home bearing the honor they deserved, including 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 744 Air Medals, 8 Purple Hearts, and 14 Bronze Stars.

Their triumphs in the air exhibited undaunted courage and capacity that were certainly to equal that of any pilot prior to or certainly thereafter. With the assistance of the men and

women of the Army Air Corps, the Tuskegee Airmen made integration into our military possible.

In 1948, President Harry Truman enacted Executive Order Number 9981, which directed equality of treatment and opportunity in all of the United States Armed Forces. In time, order 9981 led to the end of racial segregation in our military.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of my constituents in Alabama, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the achievements and the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. Their successful endeavor into military flight provided inspiration to a new generation of aviators.

On March 24, 1945, the 332nd Fighter Group received the Presidential Unit Citation for its longest bomber escort mission to Berlin, Germany. On the 50th anniversary of such an accomplishment, I rise to honor these men who succeeded not only in great military feats, but also in breaking down the barriers and boundaries of racial segregation.

As Tuskegee University's President Dr. Benjamin Payton said, ``The Tuskegee Airmen story is about much more than flying airplanes, it is about teaching people to soar.''

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman who is proud to represent Tuskegee University in his congressional district, the third district of Alabama.

Mr. 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 the defense of freedom abroad.

Lance Corporal Brad Faircloth, a native of Mobile, Alabama, was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. In July of this year, Brad's unit was deployed to Iraq in support of ongoing military operations in that country. It was there that, on November 25, 2004, he was killed while he and other members of his unit conducted house-to-house searches in Fallujah, Iraq, looking for members of that country's insurgent movement.

Brad set a standard of excellence and displayed the qualities of discipline, devotion, and dedication to country that are hallmarks of men and women throughout the long and distinguished history of the American military. Following his 2002 graduation from Murphy High School in Mobile, Alabama, and after one year as a student at Delta State University in Mississippi, Brad chose to join the Marine Corps. In recent days, many members of his family said he did so in large part in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, because he felt he should do his part in the fight to protect his country. Brad was an extremely conscientious and dedicated marine, and he was honored recently with the presentation to his family of three Purple Hearts and the Distinguished Service Medal.

Mr. Speaker, I feel certain his many friends in Mobile County and his comrades in the United States Marine Corps, while mourning the loss of this fine young man, are also taking this opportunity to remember his many accomplishments during his brief 20 years, and to recall the fine gift they each received simply from knowing him and having him as an integral part of their lives.

I urge my colleagues to take a moment and pay tribute to Lance Corporal Brad Faircloth and his selfless devotion to not only our country and the freedoms we enjoy, but to a people who are but now in the infancy of a new life--a new freedom--in their own land.

We should also remember his mother, Kathleen Faircloth-Smith; his stepfather, Paul Smith; his grandparents, Dewey and Helen Faircloth; his uncle, Tim Faircloth; and his other family members 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, young Brad Faircloth was not only a dedicated marine who made the ultimate sacrifice serving in the uniform of his country, but he was also a true American hero.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the members of the Baker High School Marching Band for their participation in the 2004 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

Baker High School, located in Mobile, Alabama, is without question very proud of the efforts of its band. For several months, the 220 members of this group, both musicians and flag corps participants, worked tirelessly in preparation for a performance which took place in front of thousands of men, women, and children lining the streets of Manhattan, and for an audience of millions watching the parade on television here in the United States and around the world.

The members of the band spent the past two years holding multiple fundraisers to raise the money necessary to make this trip to New York. These efforts, which included gift wrapping, selling coupon books to friends and neighbors in the Mobile area, and bagging groceries at local supermarkets, were extremely successful and provided the band with the means to travel to this event. Even the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Ivan could not dampen either the enthusiasm or determination of these fine young men and women to participate in this Thanksgiving Day tradition.

The one hour, 45-block walk down Broadway from Central Park to 34th Street in lower Manhattan gave the band and flag corps ample opportunity to demonstrate its abilities, and they did not disappoint. The total of 96 songs performed by the band were enthusiastically received by the thousands along the parade route, and their talents were showcased even further when NBC gave the band the chance to perform for its nationwide television audience on that morning's broadcast of the ``Today Show.''

Mr. Speaker, the residents of Mobile, Alabama, are extremely proud of all of the young men and women who participated in this event. I ask my colleagues to join with me and with the families of all of these students in praising them and their band director, Tripp Morris, for a fine showing for south Alabama and a fine performance for the entire country.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor Mr. John M. Turner, President of Whitney Bank in Mobile, Alabama, on the occasion of his being honored with the Lillian C. McGowin Outstanding Volunteer Civic Leader Award.

This annual award is presented by the Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. The local chapter of AFP represents nearly fifty fundraisers in the Alabama Gulf Coast region and encourages the growth and development of professional fundraisers, as well as promoting the maintaining of high ethical standards in this profession.

John Turner is certainly quite deserving of this recognition, having been extremely involved in the life of the Mobile community for many years. For many years, he has championed numerous educational and non- profit organizations in south Alabama, all of which have been the beneficiary of his efforts and those of his fellow fundraisers. These groups include St. Paul's Episcopal School, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, the United Way, the Mobile Infirmary Foundation, Leadership Mobile, and the Mobile Education Foundation.

The Gulf Coast AFP Chapter undoubtedly received numerous worthy nominations for men and women from throughout Mobile who in their own way also make significant contributions to their friends and neighbors on a daily basis. I am certain it is difficult to make the final selection for this award, but as in the past, this year's winner has shown a tremendous level of community support and charitable giving. I have had the privilege of knowing John for many years and can personally attest to his deep concern for his neighbors and for so many in Mobile who have benefited from his tremendous generosity.

Mr. Speaker, I can think of no higher praise than that received from professional colleagues, and this award is certainly strong testimony to the esteem in which John M. Turner is held by so many in Mobile. Along with his many family, friends, and colleagues throughout south Alabama, I wish to extend to him my warmest congratulations on the receipt of the Lillian C. McGowin Outstanding Volunteer Civic Leader Award. Likewise, I can only imagine how proud John's great-grandfather, the late Congressman John McDuffie, would be knowing that John has continued in the family's strong and proud legacy of dedicated community service and charitable giving.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor Mr. Keith Palmer, President of Palmer's Toyota Superstore in Mobile, Alabama, on the occasion of his being honored with the Lillian C. McGowin Outstanding Corporate Citizen Award.

This annual award is presented by the Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. The local chapter of AFP represents nearly fifty fundraisers in the Alabama Gulf Coast region and encourages the growth and development of professional fundraisers, as well as promoting the maintaining of high ethical standards in this profession.

Keith Palmer and the employees of Palmer's Toyota are certainly quite deserving of this recognition, having been extremely involved in the life of the Mobile community for many years. For many years, they have championed numerous community assistance, educational, and non profit organizations in south Alabama, all of which have been the beneficiary of his efforts and those of his fellow fundraisers. These groups include the Child Advocacy Center, the Ronald McDonald Houses of Mobile and Pensacola (Florida), the Boy Scouts of America, Baker High School, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Semmes (Alabama) Dixie Youth Baseball, and Tanner Williams School.

The Gulf Coast AFP Chapter undoubtedly received numerous worthy nominations for men and women from throughout Mobile who in their own way also make significant contributions to their friends and neighbors on a daily basis. I am certain it is difficult to make the final selection for this award, but as in the past, this year's winner has shown a tremendous level of community support and charitable giving. Many in Mobile can personally attest to Keith's deep concern for his neighbors and for so many in Mobile who have benefited from his and his employees' tremendous generosity.

Mr. Speaker, I can think of no higher praise than that received from professional colleagues, and this award is certainly strong testimony to the esteem in which Keith Palmer is held by so many in Mobile. Along with his many family, friends, and colleagues throughout south Alabama, I wish to extend to him my warmest congratulations on the receipt of the Lillian C. McGowin Outstanding Corporate Citizen Award.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to pay tribute to former Congressman Sonny Callahan on the occasion of his being honored by the Mobile Bay Area Veterans Day Commission with its Patriot of the Year Award.

Congressman Callahan is certainly no stranger to many in this chamber. For 18 years, he served as the representative of Alabama's First Congressional District, during which time he established a level of public service second to none. During his nine terms in the House of Representatives, he worked tirelessly on behalf of the residents of south Alabama, ensuring that their needs and concerns were heard and that their individual problems received the attention they deserved. He displayed a tireless dedication to all citizens of the First District who, in turn, demonstrated their confidence in his abilities by returning him to Washington, D.C., time and again for almost twenty years.

At the national level, Congressman Callahan was one of the most effective and well-liked members to ever serve in the House. A strong believer in responsive and responsible government, he was very conscious of the necessity to work with members from both sides of the aisle and was a master at forging alliances with colleagues regardless of party affiliation. From 1994 to 2000, he served as the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs. For the following two years, he served as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee's Energy and Water Subcommittee. In both positions, he brought both a deliberative approach and a desire for consensus-building to his committees. His strong leadership skills and his desire to work in unison with his colleagues engendered a great level of devotion and praise among the men and women with whom he served.

More than anything else, however, the Patriot of the Year Award is a tribute to Congressman Callahan's efforts on behalf of the veterans in his district. Having served in the United States Navy during the Korean War, he has for many years been keenly aware of the many challenges facing men and women who have served and continue to serve in the armed forces of the United States. Many thousands of Alabamians who devoted large parts of their lives in service to their country could always count on Sonny to provide a voice for them in agencies where they would otherwise have not been heard, and support for them when they had nowhere else to turn.

Mr. Speaker, I can think of no higher honor that could be bestowed on a man whom I not only consider to be tremendous congressman and mentor, but a close personal friend. Along with his family--his wife, Karen, his sons, Scott, Chris, and Patrick, and his daughters, Shawn and Kelly--and his many friends and former colleagues, I wish to extend to Congressman Sonny Callahan my warmest congratulations on receiving the Mobile Bay Area Veterans Day Commission's Patriot of the Year Award.

Mr. Speaker, the city of Mobile, Alabama, and indeed the entire First Congressional District recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor him and pay tribute to his memory.

Mayor Joseph N. Langan was a devoted family man and dedicated public servant throughout his entire life. In 1939, at the age of 27, he entered the field of politics, serving for 6 years in the Alabama House of Representatives. He later served from 1947 to 1951 in the Alabama State Senate. From 1953 to 1969, he served as a Mobile city commissioner, including several terms as mayor at a time when the city was governed by a three-member commission. Mayor Langan enjoyed a very successful career as mayor and was known particularly for his efforts to expand the size of the city. As a result of his efforts, the city expanded its westward boundaries and grew in size from an area of approximately 33 square miles to an area of over 160 square miles.

During his time in both local and State government, Mayor Langan developed a strong reputation as a leader who felt duty-bound to do his part in the strengthening of relations between the black and white communities in Mobile and throughout the State of Alabama. In spite of progressive policies that led to strong public outrage and the end of his careers in both the State legislature and city hall, Mayor Langan dedicated himself to assisting the members of the African-American community in their efforts to advance their causes. During his tenure in the State legislature, he argued for equal pay for both black and white public school teachers. Additionally, during his service as mayor, Mayor Langan was an important part of keeping the community calm at a time when racial riots and crimes were tearing apart Alabama and much of the South. His strong and enduring relationship with Alabama civil rights activist John LeFlore was crucial to maintaining this calm.

Mayor Langan, a graduate of both Murphy High School and Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, was also a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving during both World War II and the Korean conflict. Later in his military career, he held the rank of general and served as commander of the Army National Guard's 31st Infantry Division.

In addition to both his public and military careers, Mayor Langan found time to become actively involved in many community and charitable organizations. He served as a member of the Spring Hill College Board of Trustees and of the University of South Alabama Foundation. He was recognized for his community service and charitable work with the 1957 Mobilian of the Year award.

This sad time for so many in the Mobile community has also given many of Mayor Langan's colleagues and friends the opportunity to remember him and recognize the many accomplishments of his career. Alabama State Senator Vivian Figures say, ``He was always for government being sensitive and inclusive to all citizens . . . He was a real gentleman of distinction.'' Former Mobile city clerk Richard Smith said, ``He wanted to serve, and he served well. He had vision, he had brains, he had leadership.'' And without fail, many in the Mobile community will remember Mayor Langan as one of the finest mayors and public servants to have ever worked on behalf of their city.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated public servant and friend to many in Mobile, Alabama. Mayor Langan will be deeply missed by his family--his wife, Maude Adelle Langan, and his brother, John C. Langan, and his many nephews and other family members--as well as the countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.