Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a great leader, a great man, and a great American. When President Ronald Wilson Reagan passed away on June 5, 2004, his death brought more than an end to his valiant ten-year struggle against Alzheimer's disease. It brought an end to one of the brightest and most optimistic periods in American history.

While President Reagan had been out of the public eye and under the loving care of his beloved wife, Nancy, for over a decade, he was never far from our minds or our hearts. During these past ten years, while he was traveling down the road into the sunset of his life, we have all had the opportunity to consider his true greatness and his many achievements. We have all come to understand that he was more than just our president and the most powerful man in the world; he was, instead, the personification of--and the symbol for--the boundless potential possible in this country.

From Dixon, Illinois, to Detroit, Michigan, from Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles, California, and at all points in between, men and women everywhere recognize President Reagan for what he truly was: a gifted leader and a compassionate American with a vision for our future and an unwavering belief in the spirit and goodness of mankind.

To say that Ronald Reagan was an example of the American dream would be an understatement. Ronald Reagan was the American dream, the product of a poor middle class family who, as the result of his own intelligence, determination and strong personality, was able to attend college, enjoy a successful career in broadcasting and motion pictures, and eventually rise to the position of governor of California.

For most, that in and of itself would be a remarkable career. But President Reagan did not stop there. Rather, he continued to focus on what he saw as a need for a strong leader in the White House, someone who could work with a divided Congress and an American public still reeling from the political and economic crises of the 1970s to restore this Nation to its position as the ``shining city on the hill.''

During his eight years in office, he did just that. The ``Reagan Revolution,'' as it came to be known, provided the impetus for significant changes here at home and around the world. The economy in this country which had been in steep decline for a number of years righted itself and enjoyed a strong period of growth for the next nine years. The Cold War was brought to an end, communism in many countries ultimately collapsed, and a whole new generation of men, women, and children around the world were able to enjoy a new, life free from the fear of oppression.

Perhaps his greatest accomplishment, however, was in giving Americans a new sense of hope and pride. President Reagan restored a strong sense of optimism and hopefulness to this country, and made everyone feel proud that they could once again say with assurance and determination, ``I am an American.''

Mr. Speaker, just as our nation paused last week to remember and reflect on this good man and great leader, let us, as a nation, remember President Ronald Reagan in the same way that he is remembered by his family: a man full of love, laughter, and life, someone full of boundless optimism and faith, and someone who always believed that America's best days are indeed ahead.

Our country--indeed, our world--has been blessed that we were able to share in a small way in the tremendous life he led. May we never forget the lessons he taught us or the leadership he displayed, and may we continue to keep Mrs. Reagan and the entire Reagan family foremost in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Speaker, Monday December 8, 2003, was truly a historic day for millions of Americans, especially our senior citizens. During the long anticipated and much planned for ceremony at the DAR Constitution Hall here in our Nation's capital, President Bush signed into law the conference report on H.R. 1, the Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003.

This event, attended by lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, as well as from both Chambers here in this building, was a landmark moment in the history of the Medicare program. It marked the culmination of years of effort by Members from this Chamber, as well as by some of our colleagues in the other body.

Make no mistake, the revisions to the Medicare program will provide great benefits to the senior citizens of this country who need the help the most. By signing up now for the new prescription drug discount card, seniors will be eligible for at-the-register savings of between 10 and 25 percent today. Soon, 75 percent of the drug costs of up to $2,250 will be covered by Medicare; and before long, catastrophic coverage of up to 95 percent will take effect for amounts over $3,600.

This new plan includes incentives for employers to keep their current employees enrolled as well as retirees under their existing plans as well as employers who will be able to include new provisions of this Medicare plan, the expanse of which is in their new plans.

In my home State of Alabama, the Medicare program will assume responsibility for the prescription drug cost of nearly 140,000 seniors who are currently eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid coverage.

Mr. Speaker, the revisions to the Medicare program are more extensive than can be covered during the time we have this evening, but there is also one important fact to remember: this plan is purely voluntary. Many Americans may well be satisfied with the coverage that they currently have, and they do not have to do anything. They can stay where they are. Senior citizens have the right to choose whether or not they want to enroll in this important new program. Unfortunately, with all of the great news about this new program, many American seniors have failed to take action at this point largely because there is still confusion about the specifics of this program.

In a survey conducted in my district just recently, residents were asked how they felt about the new Medicare prescription drug plan. Sixty percent of those questioned said that they actually approved of the measure, although many did have additional questions

and reservations about specific parts of the plan. Nearly 30 percent were not sure how they felt or had no opinion at all.

In a series of town hall meetings I recently had in my district in south Alabama, I received more questions regarding this plan and how it would impact the seniors in my district and their families. These questions and the survey results are not surprising. Such sweeping changes in a program as important as Medicare, which has basically remained consistent since its inception since the 1960s, undoubtedly has caused some confusion.

In an effort to help answer some of these questions and help clear up some of the clouds of confusion that exist, I will be hosting two senior citizen seminars on Monday, June 7, in my district in south Alabama. The primary focus of these events is to focus the attention on the Medicare bill.

I am pleased that representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services will be in attendance to help answer questions, as well as my friend and our colleague, the distinguished gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Gingrey), who will also be on hand to discuss this important issue. Before beginning his outstanding service here in the Congress, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Gingrey) was a practicing physician. And he is well qualified not only as a legislator but also as someone who has participated in the medical profession for so many years of his life.

Moreover, I have representatives from the Social Security Administration as well as the Department of Veterans Affairs to answer other questions that are pertinent to our senior citizens at this twilight of their lives.

My hope is that these two seminars, the first in Fairhope, Alabama, and the second in Mobile, will do much to provide useful information to help answer questions that are so important and so timely.

Mr. Speaker, I would encourage my colleagues on both sides of the political aisle to do likewise in their district, to try to reach out and help explain some of the questions that still exist with this new law. The assistance this program is providing is desperately needed by our senior citizens.

Mr. Speaker, on April 27 and 28, 2004, I was unavoidably detained in my district and was not able to vote on rollcall votes numbered 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, and 138. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcalls 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, and 138. 1 would have voted ``nay'' on rollcalls 136 and 137.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the staff, students, and friends of Leinkauf Elementary School of Mobile, Alabama, as they celebrate 100 years of providing quality education to the students of that area.

The school was named for William H. Leinkauf, a member of the Mobile County Board of School Commissioners from 1871 to 1894. When it opened its doors in November 1903, the school had an enrollment of just 51 students. In the century that has passed since that time, the school has witnessed a tremendous growth in its student body that has increased to a present level of more than 600 boys and girls. At present, it is believed Leinkauf Elementary is the oldest continually operated public elementary school in Mobile County, and, perhaps, in the entire state of Alabama.

Leinkauf Elementary has a long and proud tradition of providing one of the finest educational settings anywhere in the country. The teachers and administrators have, from the school's opening, demonstrated a clear understanding of the needs of the students and have met these needs with compassion, care, and a personal interest in every boy and girl. The admirable traits displayed on a daily basis by the school staff resulted in producing countless successful students, a list which includes such distinguished individuals as Winston Groom, the award-winning author of Forrest Gump, and former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Leinkauf Elementary School on its 100th anniversary. In a time when Americans are placing more emphasis and more effort into providing quality educational opportunities for their children, Leinkauf continues to set the standard for success in this area. I congratulate the faculty, staff, and students currently at the school, and I also congratulate the generations of students who have used their education and their experiences there as a springboard to success later in life.

It is my hope Leinkauf Elementary School continues its story of success for another one hundred years.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to pay tribute to Sister Mary Eileen Wilhelm, R.S.M., on the occasion of her retirement as President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Medical in Daphne, Alabama.

For the past 36 years, Sister Mary Eileen has served the families of south Alabama with compassion, dedication, commitment and a tremendous amount of love.

As a member of the Order of the Religious Sisters of Mercy, Sister Mary Eileen has spent her career finding and implementing the most effective, up-to-date methods of meeting the healthcare requirements of some of the neediest patients in the Gulf Coast region.

She received her Nursing Diploma from the Providence Hospital School of Nursing in Mobile, her Bachelor's Degree from Mount Saint Agnes College in Baltimore, Maryland, and her Master's Degree in Health Care Administration from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. At the conclusion of her academic studies, Sister Mary Eileen served her hospital administrative residency at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

From 1959 to 1966, she served as a staff nurse, first at Saint Martin dePorres Hospital in Mobile, and then at Stella Maris Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. She then accepted a position as Director of Nursing Services at Villa Mercy in Daphne, Alabama, an organization which over the years has developed into the modern day facility known as Mercy Medical.

Along with her active involvement in the life and growth of Mercy Medical, Sister Mary Eileen has played a large role in the activities of numerous organizations in Alabama and throughout the United States. These include, but are certainly not limited to, membership on the Catholic Health Association, the St. Joseph's Health System Board of Trustees in Atlanta, Georgia, the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas (Baltimore Regional Community), the Southwest Alabama Hospital Council of the Alabama Hospital Association, and the Mercy Medical Board of Trustees.

Additionally, Sister Mary Eileen has been named to ``Who's Who of American Women,'' ``Who's Who in Religion,'' and ``Who's Who in Health Care.'' She was a 1994 graduate of ``Leadership ALABAMA'' and currently serves as a member of ``Envision Mobile-Baldwin.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Sister Mary Eileen Wilhelm for her tremendous contributions to the citizens of the First Congressional District of Alabama. The experience and enthusiasm she has brought to her job and the concern and compassion she has displayed throughout the years to everyone with whom she has had contact are unquestioned and unparalleled.

She has indeed been a genuine asset both to her order and to the thousands of men, women and children she has assisted for over four decades. I am proud and honored to call her my friend, and I offer my heartfelt thanks and congratulations as she enters this new phase of her life.

Mr. Speaker, Baldwin County and indeed the entire First Congressional District of Alabama will say goodbye tomorrow to a dear friend, a wonderful lady and a truly outstanding public servant. Today, however, I rise with a heavy heart to honor the life--and mourn the death--of that special friend, Baldwin County Commissioner Mary Frances Stewart, who was killed in a tragic car wreck early Saturday morning.

Without a doubt, Commissioner Stewart was the epitome of a true Southern lady. Both gentle and genteel, Mary Frances somehow found a way in almost everything she did to make people feel good about themselves and good about their government.

Moreover, she had that rare knack for being equally devoted to her family and her constituency in Baldwin County. It goes without saying but her death leaves a void both in the life of the county she so dearly loved and in the wide circle of her family and many friends--a void that quite frankly will be nearly impossible to fill.

A native of rural Georgiana, in Butler County, Mary Frances was a graduate of Georgiana High School and received both her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Education from the University of South Alabama.

She began what would become a distinguished 23-year career in teaching in the Alabama public school system, spending 13 years with the Mobile County school system. Commissioner Stewart spent the last ten years of her teaching career at Foley High School in

Baldwin County where she specialized in American and Alabama history.

During her years in the classroom, Mary Frances spent untold hours in an effort to stir her students with a passion for and ownership of their government. Whether taking her students on field trips to Montgomery or Washington, D.C., she always challenged her students to learn about the past as they prepared for their future. To say her career in education was a success would be a major understatement; few people can lay claim to being awarded both ``Mobile County Teacher of the Year'' and ``Baldwin County Teacher of the Year'' honors, awards that bespeak the tremendous recognition and respect she enjoyed from her peers.

Following her retirement from teaching, Mary Frances became active in local politics and eventually ran for a seat on the Baldwin County Commission. She was elected to a four-year term representing the residents of Commission District Four in the south-central part of the county and had served with admiration and distinction since that time. As a member of the commission, she served as Chairperson of the Road and Bridge Committee and as Vice Chairperson of the Environmental Resources Committee.

In addition to the many demands of her elective office, Commissioner Stewart also served on numerous boards and foundations whose goals are to advocate the special interests and needs of the residents of Baldwin County. During the past several years, she served as a member of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, the South Baldwin Regional Medical Center Foundation Board, the Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation Board, the Junior Achievement of Mobile/Baldwin Board, the Community Health Hospital Board, and the Department of Human Resources Quality Assurance Committee.

Commissioner Stewart was selected by former Alabama Governor Fob James to serve on the State of Alabama Aeronautics Board. She also served on the Board of Trustees of Morgan's Chapel United Methodist Church in Bon Secour, Alabama, where she was an active member.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated public servant, a long-time advocate for Baldwin County and a true friend to one and all. Commissioner Mary Frances Stewart will be deeply missed by her family--her son, Ed Stanford, her daughters, Tammy Stanford-Henley, Jo Stanford, and Fran Kollins, and her five grandchildren--as well as the countless friends she leaves behind.

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

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

Fannie Belle Callahan was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend to the Mobile community throughout her entire life. At the time of her passing on March 15, 2004, she had devoted 94 years to the care of her children, her family, and her city.

Raised with her three siblings in the small community of Crichton, Alabama, Mrs. Callahan was required at an early age to go to work to help support her family following the death of her father. By the age of 17, she had already worked as a telephone operator, a cashier at Mobile's Saenger Theater, and a night clerk at the Battle House Hotel. Following her marriage to Herbert Callahan, she moved to East St. Louis, Illinois, but returned to Mobile 3 years later when he obtained a job with the GM&O Railroad.

Widowed at the time of her husband's death in 1950, Mrs. Callahan was once again required to go to work to support her large family of nine children. Although she retired in 1965 after many years of employment with the Mobile District Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, she was not one to sit idly by and watch life go on in the world around her. She became actively involved in the political campaigns of her sons Sonny and George, and following Sonny's election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1984 volunteered her time as the receptionist in his Mobile district office. Mrs. Callahan quickly became the center of her son's office ``family,'' and for the remainder of her life was always referred to affectionately as ``Mom Callahan.''

Throughout her 94 years, Fannie Belle Callahan taught many valuable lessons to her family and friends, and everyone who came in contact with her took away very fond memories of a charming southern lady who could make anyone to whom she was speaking feel they were the most important person at that time. In an article which appeared in the Mobile Register in 2000, Mrs. Callahan reflected on her long and rewarding life and spoke about how her years of hard work were rewarded with the successes her children enjoyed.

Many of her children were also interviewed and offered their perspectives on the lessons they had learned from the matriarch of a family made up of 94 men, women, and children. Perhaps her son, former Rep. Sonny Callahan, best summed up her long life and what she passed on to her children when he said, ``She taught us responsibility. With nine kids, there had to be some degree of responsibility. She taught us to respect people and work hard.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a lovely woman who deeply loved, encouraged, and respected her many family and friends and the entire Mobile community. ``Mom Callahan'' will be deeply missed by her family--her sons, Sonny Callahan, George Callahan, Charles Callahan, and Terrance Callahan; her daughters, Patsy Dempster, Madeline Martin, Margaret Ann Athey, Mary Jane Emick, and Rose Callahan; and her 32 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-greatgrandchildren--as well as the countless friends she leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

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

Fannie Belle Callahan was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend to the Mobile community throughout her entire life. At the time of her passing on March 15, 2004, she had devoted 94 years to the care of her children, her family, and her city.

Raised with her three siblings in the small community of Crichton, Alabama, Mrs. Callahan was required at an early age to go to work to help support her family following the death of her father. By the age of 17, she had already worked as a telephone operator, a cashier at Mobile's Saenger Theater, and a night clerk at the Battle House Hotel. Following her marriage to Herbert Callahan, she moved to East St. Louis, Illinois, but returned to Mobile three years later when he obtained a job with the GM&O Railroad.

Widowed at the time of her husband's death in 1950, Mrs. Callahan was once again required to go to work to support her large family of nine children. Although she retired in 1965 after many years of employment with the Mobile District Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, she was not one to sit idly by and watch life go on in the world around her. She became actively involved in the political campaigns of her sons Sonny and George, and following Sonny's election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1984 volunteered her time as the receptionist in his Mobile district office. Mrs. Callahan quickly became the center of her son's office ``family,'' and for the remainder of her life was always referred to affectionately as ``Mom Callahan.''

Throughout her 94 years, Fannie Belle Callahan taught many valuable lessons to her family and friends, and everyone who came in contact with her took away very fond memories of a charming southern lady who could make anyone to whom she was speaking feel they were the most important person at that time. In an article which appeared in the Mobile Register in 2000, Mrs. Callahan reflected on her long and rewarding life and spoke about how her years of hard work were rewarded with the successes her children enjoyed.

Many of her children were also interviewed and offered their perspectives on the lessons they had learned from the matriarch of a family made up of 94 men, women, and children. Perhaps her son, former Rep. Sonny Callahan, best summed up her long life and what she passed on to her children when he said, ``She taught us responsibility. With nine kids, there had to be some degree of responsibility. She taught us to respect people and work hard.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a lovely woman who deeply loved, encouraged, and respected her many family and friends and the entire Mobile community. ``Mom Callahan'' will be deeply missed by her family--her sons, Sonny Callahan, George Callahan, Charles Callahan, and Terrance Callahan; her daughters, Patsy Dempster, Madeline Martin, Margaret Ann Athey, Mary Jane Emick, and Rose Callahan; and her 32 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren--as well as the countless friends she leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to pay tribute to Petty Officer Third Class David L. Brown, former member of the United States Navy, on the occasion of his receipt of the Purple Heart.

This recognition--long overdue--was made last week as the result of injuries Petty Officer Brown received during the Vietnam Conflict in 1968.

On January 3, 1968, Petty Officer Brown, who served as an equipment operator in country for a total of 13 months, and his unit were involved in action with enemy combatants near Hue City during the Tet Offensive. During the engagement, a lieutenant positioned nearby was wounded by enemy fire. Petty Officer Brown rushed to his aid and while trying to drag this officer out of the line of fire to safety, he was hit in his hands by an enemy mortar round. He immediately received aid from a corpsman, but he and his unit continued to be pinned down by enemy fire for eight days. Petty Officer Brown was eventually evacuated from Hue City and continued his naval service, serving for a period of ten months aboard the USS Ranger.

Following his return to the United States, he served as a ship superintendent at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems' Ingalls Operation in Pascagoula, Mississippi, until his retirement. However, he never received the recognition he was due as a result of heroic services rendered during the Tet Offensive.

In an effort to determine his eligibility for the Purple Heart and other medals and decorations associated with the injuries he sustained in Hue City, Petty Officer Brown contacted my predecessor, former Congressman Sonny Callahan, and requested his assistance in contacting the appropriate officials on his behalf.

Over the next two years, Mrs. Kay Williams, a member of Congressman Callahan's district staff and now a member of my district staff, worked diligently with officials with the National Personnel Records Center, the Department of the Navy, and the National Archives and Records Administration on this issue.

Without question, Mrs. Williams tirelessly pursued every possible avenue in an attempt to secure this recognition for Petty Officer Brown, and in recent weeks was able to contact Mr. Glenn Morichika. Mr. Morichika, a resident of Honolulu, Hawaii, is the only surviving witness to the events of January 3, 1968. Thankfully, Mr. Morichika was able to provide an eyewitness testimony as to Petty Officer Brown's actions.

As a result of this testimony, and the tremendous efforts of Mrs. Williams, Petty Officer Brown was finally awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. This recognition, while long overdue, is certainly well-deserved and is a testament to the dedication to duty and concern for his fellow troops that marked Petty Officer Brown's exemplary service in the United States Navy.

Mr. Speaker, sadly far too many veterans returned home from Vietnam without the recognition they were due. Unfortunately, in Petty Officer Brown's case, he not only demonstrated his willingness to fight for his country, but he returned home only to fight the bureaucracy of his country to get that to which he was always entitled. This is a sad but often-repeated story that thousands of veterans know all-too-well.

Fortunately, in this particular instance, there was a happy ending to this story. Therefore, today, I ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join with me in recognizing David L. Brown for this accomplishment and for his many years of devoted service to his country. I know I join with his many family and friends in congratulating him on this achievement and in extending our heartfelt thanks for his outstanding service to the United States of America.

Mr. Chairman, I was unavoidably detained in a meeting off the Hill and was not able to vote on the Cummings amendment, rollcall No. 88. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 189) celebrating the 50th anniversary of the International Geophysical Year (IGY) and supporting an International Geophysical Year-2 (IGY-2) in 2007-08, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 189, the resolution under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, today we are considering H. Con. Res. 189 which recognizes the 50th anniversary of the International Geophysical Year (IGY). I thank the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Udall) as well as the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers) for leading Congress in the celebration of this important anniversary and milestone.

The IGY, spanning 1957 through 1958, was an internationally coordinated effort to observe and collect data about Earth science. More than 60,000 scientists from 67 countries participated in IGY. Their efforts had a far-reaching effect on a variety of scientific disciplines. IGY scientists paid particular attention to Antarctica, representing the first and only time an entire continent was set aside for cooperative research. That designation continues to this day and was formalized with the Antarctic Treaty in 1959, which currently has 45 signatory countries.

Also, research to develop rockets and satellites for IGY, atmospheric studies laid the technical foundations for the U.S. space program. Modern-day weather and natural-disaster forecasting, including El Nino forecasting and volcanic eruption predictions, are a direct result of IGY research.

Yet many questions remain about the complex interactions of the ocean, land and atmosphere; and today there are more advanced tools scientists can use as they search for answers to these questions. H. Con. Res. 189 calls on the National Science Foundation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to pursue plans for a second International Geophysical Year in 2007 and 2008. This will provide an opportunity for today's Earth scientists to focus their efforts and to inspire the next generation of scientists.

This resolution does not authorize any new money. It simply expresses the sense of Congress about celebrating the anniversary of the first IGY and endorsing the idea of a second IGY. I urge my colleagues to support this timely and important resolution and thank my colleagues on the Committee on Science for bringing this matter before us today.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Chairman, our Nation recently marked the 1-year anniversary of the day when the United States, Great Britain and a coalition of our allied troops from around the world began the campaign known today as Operation Iraqi Freedom. Within just 4 short weeks of that day, the Iraqi military was defeated, the brutal regime of Saddam Hussein was brought to an end, and a people was, for the first time in a generation, able to live free from oppression and cruelty. As significant as this victory was for the people of Iraq, it was also the latest in a growing series of successes in the larger global war against terrorism. This war began on our own shores on that tragic Tuesday morning in September of 2001 and it gave us and indeed the entire world a sudden reminder that the enemies of freedom and peace are still active in the world today.

Since that time, terrorist activities in Spain, the Philippines, Israel, and many other nations around the world have once again reminded us that these same enemies must be dealt with and dealt with quickly. The conflict in Iraq, indeed the global war against terrorism, is still not finished. In order to finish the job, we and our coalition partners must provide the funding that meets the needs of training, equipping, and protecting our men and women in uniform.

In his opening remarks during the recent markup of the fiscal year 2005 budget resolution, the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Nussle), our distinguished chairman, stated that in our budget we were going to do the responsible thing and plan for the costs associated with the ongoing conflict in Iraq and the global war against terrorism. As he said, we do not know the dollar amount necessary for these operations, but we know it will not be zero.

The funding included in the budget resolution for ongoing military operations was indeed a difficult choice, but I submit it was the responsible choice; and I commend the chairman for his principled leadership in this regard.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor Mr. Eddie Mitchell, principal of Baldwin County High School in Bay Minette, AL, on the occasion of his being honored with the Ciba Specialty Chemicals Exemplary High School Principal Award. As one of 25 winners nationwide receiving this year's award, Mr. Mitchell becomes the first educator from Baldwin County and from the State of Alabama to have ever been afforded this honor.

The award is presented in conjunction with the National Science Teachers Association to educators for their work in promoting science education within their schools. During his tenure as principal of Baldwin County High School, and previously as principal of Daphne Middle School, Mr. Mitchell has worked tirelessly in the area of wetlands restoration and in establishing an outdoor science classroom facility at his school. His work at these schools has been instrumental in encouraging an interest in science education among students and in promoting an awareness of the preservation of the environment in which they live.

Mr. Speaker, we in this body have for many years strongly advocated the idea of promoting a strong educational system for students nationwide and providing them with every opportunity to excel in the numerous academic fields comprising their education. Teachers and school administrators are the most important people in the process of providing a quality education, and the success students achieve is a direct result of the interest and involvement of these men and women. Mr. Eddie Mitchell personifies the excellent caliber of individuals who have devoted their lives to educating our nation's young people, and he is to be highly commended for his many years of dedication to providing a quality education to these students.

Along with his many friends and colleagues, not only in Baldwin County but throughout the south Alabama educational community, I wish to extend to Mr. Eddie Mitchell my warmest congratulations on receiving the Ciba Specialty Chemicals Exemplary High School Principal Award.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to pay tribute to James H. Miller, Sr., on the occasion of his retirement from the position of chief of police of the Foley, Alabama, Police Department. For the past 31 years, Chief Miller has served the families of Foley with a great deal of enthusiasm and concern for their well-being and for the well-being of the entire community. In the process of performing his professional duties, he has also gained the respect and admiration of everyone in south Baldwin County.

Following his graduation from the Alabama Police Academy in February 1973, Chief Miller joined the Foley Police Department and, as a

result of his hard work and dedication, became the first African- American officer to be promoted to chief of that department. His efforts in law enforcement and the protection of his community resulted in his receiving numerous awards during his professional career, including the keys to the cities of Baltimore, Maryland, and Tuskegee, Alabama. Additionally, Chief Miller was awarded a citation by Maryland Governor William Donald Schaefer in 1994.

In addition to his work in the field of law enforcement, Chief Miller has been active as a minister for numerous congregations in Alabama and Florida. He received his Bachelor of Theology Degree from Easonian Baptist Seminary in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1982, and his Doctor of Divinity Degree from the Tennessee School of Religion in 1996. During his ministerial career, he has served the congregations of Fannie Baptist Church in Alabama and the First Baptist Church of Warrington, Florida.

Finally, Chief Miller has been extremely active in the life of the Foley community, and has for many years been a member of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Foley Boys and Girls Club, the Optimist Club, the Baldwin County Extension Advisory Board, and the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police. He has also served as Chaplain for the Southwest Alabama Police Academy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Chief James H. Miller, Sr., for his tremendous contributions to the citizens of Foley and of Baldwin County. The experience and zeal he has brought to his job and the concern and compassion he has displayed for everyone in the city are unquestioned and unparalleled. He has indeed been a genuine asset to the police department and to the thousands of men, women, and children he has assisted over the past three decades.

Make no mistake, the chief's talents and experience in the department will be sorely missed, but I am confident he will continue to remain actively involved in the life of the Foley community for many years to come. Along with his many friends and colleagues throughout Alabama, I wish to extend to Chief Miller and his family--his wife Mary Jane; his children, James, Jr., Otis, Daron, Ronald, D.J., and Nicole; and his 27 grandchildren--much health and happiness in the years ahead.

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.

Specialist Christopher Taylor, a native of Kentwood, Louisiana, and longtime resident of Daphne, Alabama, was assigned to the 1165th Alabama National Guard Military Police Company based in Fairhope. Last year, Christopher's unit was activated and deployed to Iraq following the end of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was there that on February 16, 2004

he was killed when he was hit by shrapnel from an explosive placed along a road on which he and other members of his unit were traveling.

Christopher 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. As a result of his hard work, Christopher was advanced to the rank of Specialist, and he was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

Mr. Speaker, as you can imagine both Daphne and his native Kentwood are truly mourning the loss of this fine young man. I feel certain his many friends in Baldwin County, his coworkers at Golden Stevedoring in Mobile, and his family and friends in Louisiana, while mourning his loss, are also taking this opportunity to remember his many accomplishments during his brief 25 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 Specialist Christopher Taylor 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 parents, Michael and Priscilla Taylor; his brothers David and Nathan; his maternal grandparents, Gerald and Betty Starling; and his paternal grandfather, Ernest Taylor. 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 Christopher Taylor was not only a dedicated soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice serving in the uniform of his country, but he was also a true American hero.