Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to give tribute to an Alabamian whose patriotism and devotion to country made him a leader early in life and carried him to prominence in business and public service in later years. I am speaking of former Montgomery Mayor Emory Folmar, who passed away on November 11 at the age of 81.

Emory Folmar was born in Troy, AL, in 1930 and moved to Montgomery when he was fourteen. After graduating from Sidney Lanier High School in 1948, he attended The University of Alabama, receiving a BS in Business in just three years while serving as cadet colonel of the Army

Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring to the attention of this House a very special historical event in my home state, the 200th Year of Celebration of the founding of Citronelle, Alabama.

Located in northwest Mobile County, Citronelle may not be a household name nationwide, but over a hundred years ago the friendly and charming small town was a popular stop for Northern vacationers. To the residents of such bustling Midwestern cities as Cleveland and Chicago, the name Citronelle conjured images of healing springs and bucolic Southern vistas.

In the early 20th century, Citronelle was known as the ``Land of Healing Waters,'' owing to its mineral springs which a 1903 publication compared to the famous Poland Springs of Maine.

Located along the main line of the Mobile and Ohio Railway, for many years Citronelle was celebrated not only for its prized therapeutic waters, but also for its ``salubrious'' air which was reported to aid in the treatment of respiratory disorders. Indeed, the small town soon sported four very nice guest accommodations, including the Illinois Hotel, the Hygeia Hotel and the Hotel Citronelle. The Hygeia Hotel Cottage still stands today and is a local tourist attraction.

It is not surprising that Citronelle would have gained a reputation as a haven for rest and good health. In the late 1700's, the area was already destined for fame because of its curative properties. Native Americans in Southwest Alabama told European settlers about a unique plant thought to cure malaria. The miracle plant--which was named ``Citronella''--was discovered growing in abundance along the hills that would eventually be known as Citronelle.

Along Citronelle's historic journey, the community also found improbable ways to add to its remarkable resume. For example, we all learned in school that Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia on April 8, 1865. What some may not have been told in class is that less than a month later, on May 4, Lt. Gen. Richard Taylor, son of President Zachary Taylor, surrendered his Confederate forces under the ``Surrender Oak'' in Citronelle, Alabama. Citronelle was, therefore, one of five Civil War surrender locations. The legendary oak tree was sadly lost to a hurricane many years ago, but the town's contribution to American history is undeniable.

In addition to being a site of the official end of the Civil War, Citronelle has also occupied the spotlight as a potential rival to America's Western oil fields. In 1955, Citronelle was dubbed the Oil Capital of Alabama and home to the largest oil discovery east of the Mississippi River at that time.

Over the years, the sometimes sleepy town has capitalized on its quaint atmosphere, touting its ``delightful walks through the woods (that) always charm the man or woman who seeks rest and recreation away from the busy city.'' Today, Citronelle remains a beautiful place to live filled with hard-working, dedicated people who love their God, their country and their families. I am proud to represent this lovely city in Congress.

On December 10, 2011, I will join Mayor Loretta Presnell, and other city officials, along with the people of Citronelle, in celebrating the birthday of their historic city. Older than the State of Alabama, Citronelle occupies a special place in our culture and in our hearts.

Congratulations to the City of Citronelle on this special occasion and a very Happy 200th birthday! May there be many more good years ahead in the next chapter of your rich history.

I thank the chairman for yielding me time.

Back home, the American people listen to Members of Congress talk about things that are historic, about things that are important. Today, we're talking about something that's very important. Tomorrow, we'll actually be talking about voting on something that truly is historic. But for the moment, let's focus on, as my friend from Ohio just mentioned, something that this Congress has not seen since 2009, which is a conference report.

That's the American legislative system working. It's where Democrats and Republicans, Senators and Members of the House of Representatives, have come together--to produce a perfect document? Of course not. Conservatives would like to cut more. Liberals would like to spend more.

The fact is that, in this conference report, we cut and terminate 20 programs, saving $456 million. It responsibly addresses disaster spending, and many States and even more counties and cities had been affected by disasters earlier this year. It also contains a CR that will run until December 16 at fiscal year 2011 levels to allow our committee to complete its work.

It also represents an effort, I would argue, Mr. Speaker, that both House and Senate appropriators, Democrats and Republicans alike, are doing something that is responsible in order to avoid the plague of a government shutdown by reaching agreement that will put our Nation on a more fiscally sustainable path.

Tomorrow, it will be more historic in nature. Yesterday, the debt clock ticked over $15 trillion. We cannot ignore that threat. Tomorrow, we will bring to the House floor an opportunity for something that Presidents Jefferson and Reagan both envisioned: a balanced budget amendment.

Today's CR, today's minibus appropriations bill, is an important step for the future of this fiscal year and this country that we love and serve. Tomorrow will be an opportunity, for the legacy of future generations not yet born, to do something even more bold.

I thank the chairman for giving me a chance to serve on the committee, and I urge my colleagues to support the report.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of an outstanding member of our community, former Mobile County Circuit Judge Ferrill David McRae, a longtime resident of Mobile, Alabama, who passed away October 20, 2011, at the age of 77.

Judge McRae was known for his fairness and steadfast dedication to the principles of justice for all. He sat on the bench during historic times and always dedicated himself to upholding the law.

Originally a native of Irvine, Kentucky, but reared in Mobile, Judge McRae graduated from Murphy High School in 1952. He later attended The University of Alabama, earning a B.S. in Accounting in 1959, and a Juris Doctorate from the University's law school in 1961. While at the University, Judge McRae earned part of his tuition money by tutoring football players during the tenure of legendary football coach Paul ``Bear'' Bryant.

For many, earning two college degrees would dominate their time. However, Judge McRae also found time during his scholarly pursuits to honorably serve his country. He was called to active duty in the United States Army from 1957-59 during which time he achieved the rank of sergeant. He continued to serve as a member of the reserves until 1962.

In 1961, with his studies and military service largely behind him, Judge McRae was admitted to practice law in the Trial and Appellate Courts of the state of Alabama, and was admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court.

After just four years of practicing law, Judge McRae had distinguished himself in the local bar such that he became a logical choice to be appointed to the Circuit Court bench by then-Governor George C. Wallace. Judge McRae served a total of five years as a Domestic Judge and seven terms as a Circuit Judge in the 13th Judicial Circuit. He returned to the classroom to teach Business Law at the University of South Alabama for many years. As an avid fan of his beloved Crimson Tide, Judge McRae was also a charter member of the Mobile Red Elephant Club.

Judge McRae's four decades on the bench not only advanced our system of justice, but also the quality of Alabama's court system. He will be sorely missed by all who served with him and by those who benefitted from his fairness on the bench.

Mr. Speaker, I would ask the House to join me in extending our deepest condolences to his wife, Brenda, as well as their surviving children, Corinne, Leslie, Ferrill Jr., Liz, Michelle, their grandchildren, their family and many friends. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to extend very special birthday greetings to an honored member of the South Alabama legal community. Next week, Nick Hare will celebrate his 100th birthday among the company of a proud family and many loyal friends in his hometown of Monroeville.

Born on October 11, 1911, ``Mr. Nick'' graduated from Northwood School, Lake Placid, New York, in 1930. He received his college undergraduate degree with honors from Auburn University (Alabama Polytechnic Institute) in 1932, and three years later earned his law degree from the University of Alabama.

After completing his education, Nick joined his cousin, Francis Hare, in the practice of law in Birmingham. Soon after, World War II intervened and his country called. Nick was inducted into the Army Air Corps where he honorably served America, including working on the famous Manhattan Project to produce the atomic bomb.

After his distinguished military service, Nick returned to Alabama and opened his law office in Monroeville. He soon entered politics, being elected to the Alabama legislature in 1954. During his tenure in Montgomery, Nick served as chair of the Judiciary Advisory Council. He left office in 1959 assuming the role of Assistant Attorney General under Alabama Attorney General MacDonald Gallion. While on the Attorney General's staff, Nick worked with Governor John Patterson to combat loan sharks victimizing Alabamians.

In 1960, Nick turned his gaze to Mobile after he was appointed chief legal counsel for the Alabama State Docks under director Earl McGowan. Later, during the Reagan administration, he served the federal government as an appointee to represent the United States in legal seminars with the People's Republic of China.

Nick Hare has accomplished much in his 100 years. He's been an Army Air Corpsman, a legislator, a state official, federal appointee and a lifelong attorney representing the best interests of the people of Alabama.

Mr. Speaker, it is not uncommon to laud someone you respect with the compliment ``they're a gentleman and a scholar''. In ``Mr. Nick's'' case, he truly is both. A nationally recognized legal mind, an inventor holding eight patents, and an active member of his community, Nicolas Stallworth Hare is a true gentleman and a scholar and a very dear friend to many, many people.

On behalf of the people of Alabama and this House, I am pleased to offer Nick our very best wishes on his 100th birthday. May he continue to have a long, happy and healthy life for many years to come.

Madam Speaker, while long-term unemployment is now worse than at any time since the Great Depression and while Americans in growing numbers are becoming more and more concerned about the direction their country is heading, the one thing that is uniting Americans is the realization that their Federal Government is unnecessarily getting in the way of job creators, of both small and large businesses alike, by tying the hands of employers with bureaucratic redtape and over-the-top, unnecessary and often duplicative regulation.

A recent Tarrance Group survey found that three-quarters of the American people believe that businesses and consumers are overregulated. Another two-thirds believe that regulations have increased over the past few years. Americans, understandably so, are concerned that regulations will create a hindrance to job creation, and most believe that new regulation will either bring more job losses or increased prices.

Madam Speaker, the American people have good reason to be concerned. From higher taxes on workers and businesses to the greater intrusion by the Federal Government into personal health care decisions, there has been plenty of evidence that this administration wants to grow the size and reach and scope of government in ways that we have never before seen in the history of America. At any time, the heavy hand of Big Government regulation is bad news for jobs, but during the middle of the worst recession since the Great Depression, it defies common sense for government to place even more roadblocks in front of struggling businesses.

While largely unseen by the public and, more times than not, not even debated here on the floor of Congress, Federal regulations directly impact jobs and job creation. A Small Business Administration report released just last September, in September of 2010, noted that Federal regulations cost businesses $1.7 trillion each year and that small businesses, in particular, bear a disproportionate share of these costs, averaging over $10,000 for each employee.

Along America's gulf coast, we have recently experienced the direct impact of Federal Government overreach in the oil production industry. The administration's de facto moratorium on new oil drilling has cost our region of the country tens of thousands of jobs--some say as few as 30,000, others as many as 70,000 jobs that have been lost--at a time when the gulf coast is still struggling to recover from the worst manmade disaster in American history.

Just last week, I visited several large and small manufacturers in south Alabama, in Alabama's First Congressional District, that are doing their very best to turn a profit under the mantle of increased Federal regulation.

In one case, a small manufacturer with 28 employees related how they cannot expand their production due to new Federal regulations. In fact, they are now being forced to downsize. Incredibly, when EPA visits companies to perform audits, oftentimes they take away whole file drawers or cabinets full of records. The small business owners pay taxes on company profits from their personal income taxes, and they have to keep a consultant on retainer just to stay in compliance with all of the regulations. A medium-sized manufacturer we visited last week told me--and they've got plants in other States as well, not just in Alabama--that the new proposed regulations that they are looking at would cost their company alone over $100 million in new regulation.

During his jobs speech to Congress, in this very Chamber just last month, the President admitted that government regulations on businesses serve to dampen job creation. He even suggested that he would be willing to work

with Congress to review such actions. But in the following weeks, there has been little evidence to suggest that the President is serious.

Let me be clear: Federal regulations do have their place in ensuring the safety of both workers and consumers. Federal laws have contributed greatly to maintaining our clean air and water as well as the safety of our transportation system, our food and consumer products, to name but just a few. No one is saying we shouldn't have any regulation. But for all the good that a responsible government can provide with reasonable oversight, make no mistake that overzealous regulation can stifle our economy and contribute to a reduced quality of life for all Americans. That is why House Republicans are working to pass legislation to rein in out-of-control Federal regulations that strangle job creation.

Last week, the House passed the TRAIN Act. If enacted into law, this one bill would prevent the administration from imposing some of the most controversial new EPA rules, which further threaten job creation and the economy. It would also force the administration to review the impact of new regulations before they're applied. Today, the House is considering two additional significant regulatory reform bills--the Cement Sector Regulatory Relief Act of 2011 and the EPA Regulatory Relief Act of 2011.

I urge that Congress pass this and help put the government on the side of the American workers and job creators, not against them.

Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of the Committee on Ethics, and with and on behalf of my colleague, Representative Sanchez, the Ranking Member of the Committee, we rise today so that we may recognize the long and dedicated service of Peter Johnson to the House of Representatives. Peter is retiring this week from the Committee on Ethics, where he has performed two important functions for eight years. And well before he joined our Committee, Peter has been serving this community with pride and excellence since 1979.

Unbeknownst to most of the community, Peter has been our connection to so many of you. As both the Systems Administrator of the Committee and the Financial Disclosure Administrator, Peter has kept our office running and your financial disclosures on track. An important part of our tradition of excellent customer service, Peter is the unseen trooper whom anyone with an extension has relied upon. And beyond financial disclosures, Peter has managed the significant amount of material we produce on-line to help you understand our processes, our rules, and our results.

Prior to joining the Committee on Ethics, Peter climbed the ranks of the office of the Clerk of the House, serving the community in the vital function of public disclosure for a number of records trusted to the Clerk's care. Peter has supervised, managed, and administered most of the functions so crucial to the sunlight we welcome in this institution. In the Clerk's office, Peter was an institutional liaison to both the Federal Election Commission and the lobbyist community to ensure, in both arenas, that the House of Representatives served the public's interest in access to important information that the people have relied upon for many years.

In short, Peter Johnson has been a model of professional non-partisan dedication to some of the most important functions of accountability and transparency for the House of Representatives for over 30 years now. On behalf of a grateful Committee and community, we thank him for his service and wish him all the best in his retirement from this journey and his transition to the next.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of a remarkable man, State Senator Harry Edward ``Hap'' Myers, Jr., a lifelong resident of Mobile, Alabama and friend to many who passed away on August 3, 2011, at the age of 72.

During his lifetime, Hap was known for his unbending belief in others and in doing what was right. He was a husband, father, civil engineer, community leader and legislator.

Growing up in Mobile he attended Mary B. Austin Elementary School, Barton Academy, and graduated from Murphy High School in 1957. He received a B.A. Degree in Business Administration and a B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering from Auburn University in 1961.

Returning to Mobile, he began on a path he would follow for much of his professional life, serving and then leading the J.B. Converse

Company/BCM Engineers where he was president and CEO for two decades. Under his leadership, the company grew to become one of America's top 100 engineering firms.

Never one to be content with sitting on the sidelines when his community needed him, Hap was determined to make a difference, greeting new challenges with enthusiasm and his trademark positive attitude. He led the local business community as Chairman of the Mobile Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the board at St. Paul's Episcopal School, and served on the Board of Regions Bank and the Mobile Area Water and Sewer Board, to name but a few of the many organizations where Hap left a lasting mark.

Having succeeded in local business and in giving his time to improve his community, Hap took the next step in 1994, entering the political arena for the first time. For anyone who knew him, there was never any doubt that he would make a fine public servant. Hap went on to be elected a Republican in the Democrat-dominated Alabama State Senate for three consecutive terms. He retired from politics in 2006. Former Governor Bob Riley summed up his political career by noting he ``served for all the right reasons, and he did it with great integrity and class.''

Mr. Speaker, Senator Hap Myers never put himself first and never gave up believing in and doing what was right. He will be sorely missed but leaves behind a legacy of goodness and decency as well as an example for one and all of what a true servant leader is.

I would like to ask the House to join me in extending our deepest condolences to his lovely wife, Toni, as well as his wonderful children, Hap III, Marty, and Sandy, his grandchildren, his family and many friends. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

I appreciate the gentleman from Kentucky yielding time.

As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I rise in support of the continuing resolution that is before us today. This CR continues government operations at an amount agreed to by the Congress and the White House in the Budget Control Act just a few weeks ago, as was noted by the distinguished Democrat whip.

But make no mistake, the American people spoke loudly last November and the message was clear: We need to spend less. And both the House Budget Committee and the House Appropriations Committee have been at the vanguard of meeting that challenge.

But the other message that many of us receive when we go back home to our districts from our constituents is they want this institution to function. They want their elected officials on both sides to put aside the partisan differences and to work to create an environment that fosters job creation and economic growth and that reduces spending and puts our Nation back on a path towards fiscal solvency.

Naturally, I find it disappointing to now learn that some of our colleagues on the other side of the aisle are opposing this bill for purely political reasons after signalling their support just last week.

And to my friends in our own conference who believe we should make deeper cuts in this CR, I would say we agree. The House has voted to reduce spending further on multiple occasions, and this Appropriations Committee has reported many bills to do so as well.

Sadly, in this hyperpartisan political environment with the Republican majority in the House, a Democrat majority in the Senate, and a Democrat White House, the will of the House alone cannot rule the day simply because we wish to do so.

This is a reasonable bill which pays for the disaster funding it contains, and it holds the funding level at an agreed-upon amount and allows the committee the opportunity to do its work in the remaining days of this year before fiscal year 2012 kicks in.

I urge my colleagues to support this passage.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize Honor Flight South Alabama and the World War II veterans this very special organization is bringing on its sixth flight to Washington, DC on September 21, 2011.

Founded by the South Alabama Veterans Council, Honor Flight South Alabama is an organization whose mission is to fly heroes from southwest Alabama to see their national memorial.

Over six decades have passed since the end of World War II and, regrettably, it took nearly this long to complete work on the memorial that honors the spirit and sacrifice of the 16 million who served in the U.S. armed forces and the more than 400,000 who died. Sadly, many veterans did not live long enough to hear their country say ``thank you,'' yet for those veterans still living, Honor Flight provides for many their first--and perhaps only--opportunity to see the National World War II Memorial, which honors their service and sacrifice.

This Honor Flight begins at dawn when the veterans will gather at historic Fort Whiting in Mobile and travel to Mobile Regional Airport to board a chartered flight to Washington. During their time in their nation's capital, the veterans will visit the World War II Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and other memorials.

The veterans will return to Mobile Regional Airport that evening, where some 1,000 people are expected to greet them.

Mr. Speaker, the September 21, 2011, journey of heroes from South Alabama is an appropriate time for us to pause and thank them--and all of the soldiers who fought in World War II--for they collectively--and literally--saved the world. They personify the very best America has to offer, and I urge my colleagues to take a moment to pay tribute to their selfless devotion to our country and the freedoms we enjoy.

I salute each of the veterans who made the trip to Washington. May we never forget their valiant deeds and tremendous sacrifices: Clinton Ames, Jr., Curtis Avinger, Robert Bagwell, Elwood Barden, Jack Bayuk, Sidney Biehl, Clarence Blocker, Byron Bower, James Boykin, Donald Brassfield, Robert Brown, James Butcher, John Butt, Leon Cain, Sr., Leo Cain, Sr., Arlee Carmichael, Alfred Chance, John Courtney, Jr., James Crocker, Joseph Croom, John Cunningham, Dr. George Dacovich, Sr., Robert Denniston, Glenn DePorter, Murray Driskell, James Dyess, Sr., James Edwards, Roy Eveland, Wilbur Ferguson, Vaughn Frederick, Dorothy Frost, Edward Gilbert, Jr., Sidney Gillikin, Bobby Graham, William Grimes, Joseph Hanson, George Harrison, Richard Howser, Gary Hunter, Morris Jackson, William Jenkins, Joseph Kress, Phillip Laden, Peter Leonardis, Roger Lewis, Harlan Mahan, Annie Mathews, Joseph Maury, James McArthur, Hezzie McCaughn, Joseph McCorquodale, Lee McCurley, Grover Mcllwain, Alney McLean, Alfred Meadows, Jr., Mary Moebius, George Moody, Leon Mote, Warren Nelson, Lionel Noonan, Charles Odom, William Olsen, Sr., Robert Ownby, Hurshel Paul, Walter Pawlak, Hilton Peyregne, Frank Phillips, Jim Rainer, Jefferson Ratcliffe, Sr., Willard Ready, J.C. Reed, William Ross, Wayne Roth, James Santa Cruz, Raymond Scott, James Smith, Jerry Stastka, John Taylor, Thomas Turk, Florian Turla, Clyde Ussery, Alfred Webb, George Weldon, James Wicks, Leroy Williams, James Wright, and Harvey Younce.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life of a truly great American, Mr. R. Cater Lee, of Gulf Shores, Alabama, who passed away on August 13, 2011, at the age of 90.

Mr. Lee was a veteran of World War II and a member of America's ``Greatest Generation'' who helped to liberate Europe from Nazi tyranny. He flew 31 missions with the 448th Bomb Group, Second Air Division, of the Eighth Air Force in the European Theatre. He proudly served as a bombardier and navigator aboard the B-24 Liberator. For his courage and service he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters. Mr. Lee so loved his country that he continued to serve in the U.S. Air Force Reserves during the Korean War, attaining the rank of Major.

After his service to his country, Mr. Lee came home to Alabama, eventually settling in Birmingham, where in 1966 he was one of the co- founders of Vulcan, Inc. He would serve as president of the company for twenty years. At the time of his death, he was chairman of the board of Vulcan Inc., in Foley. Not only a patriot and successful businessman, Mr. Lee was also a leader in his community.

He was a past chairman of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and of the Gulf Shores Water Board. He was a former member of the Gulf Shores City Council and recipient of the Free Enterprise Person of the Year Award. Mr. Lee's love of country was only rivaled by his love of family, community, and golf. He served as president of Gulf Shores Golf Club for many years.

Mr. Lee cherished all four generations of his family. The loss of Mr. Lee is one that should be mourned throughout the state and nation, as he was the embodiment of American ideals of patriotism, hard work and giving back to one's community.

On behalf of the people of South Alabama, I offer condolences to his daughter, Linda Lee Koniar and her husband, John, and his two sons, Bubba and his wife, Cheryl, and Tommy and his wife, Sandra. Mr. Lee had eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved with all his heart. My thoughts and prayers go out to all his family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of a truly wonderful man, Mr. Melvin E. Pierce, a longtime resident of Semmes, Alabama, who passed away August 19, 2011, at the age of 73.

Mr. Pierce was a husband, father, friend, an entrepreneur and community leader. He wore many hats over his professional career, and is perhaps best known for his successful painting business. He began a career in painting as an apprentice and used his knowledge to later found and develop the Melvin Pierce Painting Company. He subsequently established Melvin Pierce Marine Coatings, Melvin Pierce Sandblasting, Highway Maintenance, Inc., and Dothan, Inc. of Semmes.

His community involvement ranged from president and founding member of ``Friends of Semmes,'' which pioneered the incorporation of Semmes, to recipient of the 2005 Woodman of the World Outstanding Citizen Award. He was one of the founding members of the Dixie Youth Baseball Program in Semmes. And, in 2003, he was honored with the Award of Gratitude from the Semmes Community Park.

Professionally, he was an active member of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) and the Associated Builders & Contractors. He was a board member of the Mobile Water and Sewer Board, the Abba Shrine Temple, Trade Builder's Association and Woodman of the World. His considerable involvement with contracting gave him the opportunity to play a major role in numerous construction and renovation projects like the Mobile Convention Center and Mobile Government Plaza, the restoration of the historic Alabama Capitol in Montgomery, and the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Melvin Pierce was the epitome of a community-minded businessman and volunteer and his involvement in so many different aspects of South Alabama will be hard to replace. In addition to possessing a charitable heart and an unequalled love of community, he helped found the Christmas parade, Azalea Festival, Easter Egg Hunt and a food pantry in Semmes.

On behalf of the people of South Alabama, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his wife of 50 years, Evelyn, as well as his surviving children, George, David, Deborah, Jay, Regina and Rebecca, as well as his grandchildren, and his family and friends. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Lance Cpl. Travis Michael Nelson who recently lost his life in the service of his country. We will always be indebted to his sacrifice for our freedom and we join his family and many friends in mourning his loss.

Lance Cpl. Nelson was assigned as a rifleman with the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He lost his life during combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan on August 18, 2011, one month after his unit's arrival.

He was a dedicated Marine who loved his country and loved the Marine Corps. He always wanted to be a Marine and beginning at

the age of 14 he devoted his youth to preparing for his eventual role as a defender of America. Prior to his active duty service, he was a member of the Young Marines of Pensacola, Florida and the Pace High School Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program.

A native of Pace, and a resident of Bratt, Lance Cpl. Nelson, also had relatives in the nearby South Alabama towns of Atmore, Brewton, East Brewton and Daphne.

On behalf of the people of Alabama, I wish to extend condolences to his parents, Scott and Beckie Nelson; his brother, Daniel Nelson; his half brother, Chandler Case; sisters, Jenna Nelson, and Anna Nelson; and grandmothers, Anna Sanspree and Louise Nelson; as well as his fiance, Madeline Cates.

You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to add to this tribute the words of Sherry Digmon, publisher of Atmore magazine made in honor of Lance Cpl. Nelson.

``In tragedy, we come together. Atmore and the surrounding area came together in August as we all mourned the death of Marine Lance Cpl. Travis Nelson who was killed while on duty in Afghanistan. He was 19.

Most of us didn't know LCpl. Nelson, but we all knew him. His was the face of the young man who always wanted to be a Marine, who loved the flag and country, and who enlisted to preserve our freedoms.

On Friday, August 26, as we waited for the funeral procession to make its way down Main Street from the First Baptist Church to Oak Hill Cemetery, we looked at the people around us, almost all holding flags-- the veterans lined up on the sidewalk in front of the American Legion building; the kids and the older folks; people who came out of their businesses and stood in the mid afternoon sun.

The Patriot Guard Riders came to Atmore to accompany the body of LCpl. Nelson and his family from Petty Eastside Chapel Funeral Home to First Baptist Church, then from the church to Oak Hill Cemetery. My hat is off to this fine group of men and women on motorcycles who show their respect to the fallen soldier by honoring and protecting the sanctity of his funeral and burial.

Someone in our group said, ``That's America.'' We agreed. And then I said, ``That's Atmore.''

This was one event I hope never to witness again--the funeral of a young soldier. I hope never again to think about how a mama feels when she sees the officers standing at her front door. How a fiancee feels when she finds out her intended has been killed. How the men in his unit felt when they heard he didn't make it.''

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to join with all Alabamians in sending warm personal congratulations to a beloved member of our community, Miss Alice Finch Lee, who celebrates her 100th birthday on Sunday, September 11, 2011. ``Miss Alice's'' compassion for others is matched only by her determination for justice. Her life-long dedication to civility and fairness is a credit to our state.

Monroeville, Alabama not only wears the crown of literary capital of our state with its ties to such giants of letters as Truman Capote and Nelle Harper Lee, among others, but it is also home to a one-of-a-kind legal lion.

Miss Alice grew up in a tight-knit family accustomed to making a difference. Her father, the late A.C. Lee, was a respected businessman and attorney. He owned the local newspaper, The Monroe Journal, while also practicing law. His inscrutable reputation for fairness is believed to have inspired Miss Alice's younger sister, Nelle, in crafting the character Atticus Finch in her world famous novel To Kill a Mockingbird.

Miss Alice was a quick study, joining her father at the age of 18 in running the newspaper. It wasn't long before she also acquired an interest in law. Her decision to attend law school, a move strongly supported by her father, was a bold one considering women were not often seen in the legal profession during the 1930's and 40's. Undeterred, she graduated from the Birmingham School of Law and passed Alabama Bar in 1943.

It was Monroeville's good fortune that Miss Alice came back home and partnered with her father in practicing law in her hometown. Joining what is now considered to be one of the oldest law firms in Alabama, Barnett, Bugg, Lee & Carter, Miss Alice made a name for herself as a calm but reliable voice for equality and an advocate for the disadvantaged. Never seeking attention or accolade, she is best known for her uncommon generosity. A recent newspaper profile accordingly dubbed Miss Alice as ``Atticus Finch in a skirt.''

At the tender young age of 100, Miss Alice still works in her Monroeville law office attending to her clients' needs on a daily basis and giving each the full measure of her attention. When I personally looked in on her last week she was busy reviewing a contract and graciously gave me a few minutes to wish her a happy birthday.

She has been called a trailblazer, a role model and an advocate for what is right. In South Alabama, we are also proud to call her our friend. Miss Alice, on your 100th birthday, we wish you much joy and happiness, with a heartfelt prayer for many more to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the work of Alabama State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Joe Morton, who has been a leader in education for 42 years and will officially retire on August 31, 2011.

Dr. Morton grew up in Pleasant Grove and graduated from Hueytown High School. He then received his B.S. degree from Auburn University in 1969 and later his M.A. in 1973 and Ph.D. in 1974 from The University of Alabama.

Upon graduation from Auburn, he began a life of dedicated service to the field of education. He worked his way up from a school teacher to the superintendent of the Sumter County Board of Education. He is presumed to be the youngest person in the history of the state to be a local superintendent of education at the age of 27.

On July 13, 2004, he was selected by Governor Bob Riley to be the State Superintendent of Education. Along with a longstanding love of education, he has always held to the belief that Alabama students have the capability to compete with top students from around the world.

In order to engage students' interest in reading, he created and co- founded the Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI). The ARI has since become a national model and has helped the National Assessment of Educational Process in 2007 achieve the largest gains recorded in Grade 4 Reading. In 2010, AMSTI was recognized by the Center for Excellence in Education as the model of laboratory education in the United States.

Other educational programs he helped create and co-found were the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) and the Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators and Students Statewide (ACCESS).

At the request of Governor Riley, Dr. Morton also chaired the Seat Belt Study Commission after a tragic 2006 school bus accident in Huntsville. The Commission's research into school bus safety and seatbelts is considered to be the most extensive in the country.

In 2009, he also launched First Choice, a plan to combat high school dropout rates by doubling the number of graduates. First Choice has already helped deliver a greater number of well prepared high school graduates.

As a result of Dr. Joe Morton's achievements in education, Alabama had the fourth largest increase in the number of students who graduated from high school in the nation. His achievements also paved the way for Alabama to lead the nation in student enrollment gains and Advanced Placement exam scores.

Above all, under Dr. Morton's leadership as Alabama's Superintendent of Education, the state has achieved its greatest overall educational rating in its history.

On behalf of the people of Alabama--especially the thousands of school children who will reap a lifetime of rewards because of his leadership--I wish to extend congratulations to Dr. Joe Morton for a job well done and for his many contributions to better the education and the futures of many Alabamians. My colleagues in the Alabama delegation join me in wishing him and his family the very best as they start a new chapter in their lives.