Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in honoring Taiwan President, Chen Shui-bian, and his people on the occasion of their October 10 National Day.

In the past two decades, Taiwan has truly emerged as a model Asian country. Secretary Powell said it well when he remarked, ``Taiwan has become a resilient economy, a vibrant democracy and a generous contributor to the international community.'' In fact, Taiwan's economy is the 16th largest in the world. One third the size of Virginia, Taiwan produces a Gross National Product that is four-fifths the size of Australia's.

In addition, Taiwan's democracy gives its people a full range of political and civil rights, including freedom of speech and assembly. Taiwan also contributes to international causes. For example, in the last 10 years, Taiwan has given $100 million dollars to 78 countries and Taiwan is now providing a significant amount of humanitarian assistance to refugees in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Mr. Speaker, Taiwan has become a close friend of the United States. Our relationship with Taiwan is multifaceted and wide-ranging. While we do not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, our mutual relationship has been able to flourish over many years. The United States and Taiwan have many common interests and shared values. Taiwan has been supportive of the United States, including our efforts in the war against global terror. In turn, the United States should help Taiwan return to the World Health Organization and the United Nations and commit ourselves to the Taiwan Relations Act, thus assuring Taiwan's security.

It is clear to us that the 23 million people of Taiwan prefer the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. They prefer peace, stability and continued prosperity instead of dramatic changes that might undermine or endanger what they have achieved. To reflect the will of the people, in his May 20 inaugural address to the Taiwanese people, Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian was very conciliatory toward China and offered to open talks with China without pre-conditions. In fact, he did not rule out any form of relationship with China as long as it would be acceptable to the people of Taiwan. During this difficult time, the United States should support Taiwan's security, dignity and sovereignty. We should listen to the 23 million people of Taiwan and heed their desire for continued peace and democracy.

Mr. Speaker, in closing I wish to congratulate Taiwan ambassador, Dr. David Lee, and the people of Taiwan on their National Day and wish them every success in their year-end legislative elections.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of America's bravest, Sergeant Russell L. Collier from the Third District of Arkansas.

Sergeant Collier, an Army National Guard medic from Harrison, Arkansas, was killed in action in Iraq earlier this week. He died when he came under enemy fire while aiding fellow soldier Sergeant Chris Potts who had been wounded in ambush. Sergeant Collier and Sergeant Potts became the first casualties of the 206th Field Artillery Battalion of Arkansas's 39th Infantry Brigade.

Sergeant Collier spent most of his adult life sacrificing for our country. In 1975 he enlisted in the U.S. Army, later transferred to the U.S. Navy, and then joined the Arkansas National Guard in September 1999.

Mr. Speaker, Sergeant Russell L. Collier is a true American hero who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. I ask my colleagues to keep Russell's family and friends, especially his wife and 9-year-old son, in their prayers during this difficult time

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the oldest Federal law enforcement agency in the United States, the U.S. Marshals Service. Tomorrow, they will be celebrating their 215th birthday.

I can tell my colleagues that the Marshals Service has enriched the history of the Third Congressional District of Arkansas. We all grew up hearing the stories of the brave marshals as they brought the most dangerous outlaws in the country to justice. We have seen the movies, read the books and all tried to copy their noble behavior.

Since 1789, they have admirably protected and carried out the orders of the Federal court system. From taming the wild West to capturing those who threaten our freedom today, the Marshals Service has consistently upheld their commitment and dedication to their country. I am honored to have the opportunity to acknowledge and thank them for their outstanding service to the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to congratulate the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Simmons) and the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Snyder) on their work on that resolution, which is so important.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the community of Gravette, Arkansas, for winning an Arkansas Community of Excellence Award.

The ACE awards, administered by the Arkansas Department of Economic Development, go to communities that do not wait for ideal circumstances to attract development but actively work to create an environment that welcomes growth.

To that end, the community of Gravette embarked on a plan for change that highlighted their town as the heart of hometown America. Their plan, which included everything from minor beautification projects to a $5 million rural water project, put them in a position to attract more jobs to Gravette. As the town continues to grow, important infrastructure upgrades, like the completion of the railroad overpass, will be crucial to dealing with the changes this growth brings.

Mr. Speaker, the community of Gravette, under the leadership of Mayor Dean Fladager, deserves this award. They put a lot of work into this plan, and it is sure to pay off as this community continues to grow.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of one of America's

bravest, Second Lieutenant James Michael Goins, a Carroll County, Arkansas, native who was recently killed in action in Iraq.

Michael, a member of the Army's 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, was killed on August 15 when a militia member in Najaf attacked his tank.

By all accounts, Michael was not only a great soldier, but also a model citizen. He was high school valedictorian, captain of his high school football and basketball teams, and a recipient of the National Military Scholar Award, an honor going to only 10 percent of the ROTC cadets in the Nation.

He carried himself in a manner that earned praise and admiration from every person he touched. His ROTC professor called Michael the ``finest soldier'' he ``has ever known'' and his high school basketball coach said he ``learned more about life'' from Michael than he gave Michael.

Michael always wanted to be a soldier. Almost immediately upon earning his officer's commission, he selflessly put himself in harm's way in a country far away so that we could live free of terror here at home.

Mr. Speaker, Second Lieutenant James Michael Goins made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. He is a true American hero. I ask my colleagues to keep Michael's family and friends in their thoughts and prayers during these difficult times.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Miller) for yielding me this time.

Mr. Speaker, today I am honored to introduce legislation to my fellow colleagues to name the post office at 2811 Springdale Avenue in Springdale, Arkansas, after Harvey and Bernice Jones. Harvey and Bernice Jones are known throughout Arkansas for their amazing generosity and compassion for their community. Harvey Jones first started the Springdale Transportation Company in 1919 and soon changed the name to Jones Truck Lines, Incorporated, which later became one of the largest privately owned trucking companies in the United States. In 1938 the couple married and together used their success to further the improvement of their community and their home State of Arkansas.

The Joneses were instrumental in the development of Springdale's first hospital, and in 1992 Bernice Jones continued their support for the hospital by pledging $25 million to the Northwest Medical Center of Washington County. Furthermore, the couple provided a wing of the hospital for family members who want to stay close to their loved ones.

Harvey Jones was chairman of the Springdale Memorial Hospital Board,

president of the Springdale School Board, president of the Springdale Chamber of Commerce, and chairman of the board of the First National Bank of Springdale.

After her husband's death in 1989, Bernice Jones continued the couple's philanthropic interests. She paid for the computers and Internet access for the entire Springdale School System and was a lead supporter for the children's library fund. As an eye doctor in Arkansas, I was gratified by her donation of $11.5 million for the 56,000 square foot Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute at the University of Arkansas for the Medical Sciences in Little Rock.

I could go on and on with the extensive list of their contributions and achievements, but probably their most memorable gift to the community is the Harvey and Bernice Jones Center for Families in Springdale, Arkansas. Established by Mrs. Jones in 1995, the Jones Center is a 235,000 square foot facility dedicated to the intellectual, cultural, and spiritual enhancement of families throughout the community.

The center offers ice skating, swimming, and numerous other sports activities. There is a beautiful chapel for services and weddings. An ever-widening array of family classes are offered, including a senior center, a teen arts program, CPR, cancer screening, and many, many more. All of this is free for the community use as long as they behave like ladies and gentlemen. This was Bernice's only rule for the center. The Joneses are still honored extensively throughout the State for their accomplishments. We can continue to honor them by naming the Springdale Post Office after the Joneses. They selflessly rose to answer the call of their community time and time again and will continue to be an inspiration for Arkansas for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Fayetteville's Chief of Police Rick Hoyt, who will be retiring from the department at the end of the month.

A graduate of the Fayetteville school system and the University of Arkansas, Rick joined his hometown police force in 1976. His second day on the job was almost his last as a drunk driver hit him while he was directing traffic. He was thrown 69 feet by the impact and spent several weeks in a full body cast in the hospital. Initially, nobody was sure whether or not he would survive. Rick surprised everyone when he was back on the beat in less than 3 months, a testament to his strong spirit and desire to serve the public.

His dedication to protecting and serving the people of Fayetteville led to a series of promotions within the department. In 2002, he was named Interim Police Chief while the city of Fayetteville conducted a nationwide search to find a permanent chief. Within a matter of months, that search was called off and Rick was given the job. As Mayor Dan Coody put it at the time, ``We are so satisfied with Chief Hoyt that I don't think we could have done any better.''

For the next 2 years, Rick did a tremendous job leading the Fayetteville Police Department. My constituents and I are extremely grateful for service over the 28 years that he worked for the Fayetteville Police Department. I ask my colleagues to join with me today in thanking Rick for his service and wishing him all the best as he enters into a new phase in his life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rollie Boreham for his gracious contributions to the Third District of Arkansas. Rollie will be stepping down at the end of the year from his current role as chairman of the board of Baldor, a Fort Smith-based manufacturer. Rollie helped build Baldor into a leader in their field. In doing so, he also generously devoted his time and resources to countless projects in the community.

Before the year is over, the people of Arkansas will see yet another example of Rollie's generosity when the M&N Foundation dedicates their new office. The M&N Foundation is a Fayetteville charity that helps individuals in need. Merlin Augustine, the head of the Foundation, has needed to be very creative to accomplish what he has in their current facilities. Without Rollie's donation for a new building, they would still be working out of that old basement room.

Mr. Speaker, Merlin Augustine and the M&N Foundation can now do their wonderful work from brand-new facilities thanks to Rollie. Rollie's philanthropy has changed the lives of many Arkansans, and for that he deserves our praise.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant Major Alford McMichael who will be inducted in the Arkansas Walk of Fame in his hometown of Hot Springs this Friday.

Alford McMichael became the first African American sergeant major of the United States Marine Corps on July 1, 1999. He left that post last year to become the senior enlisted adviser to NATO, the first person to fill this newly created position.

During his 30-plus years in the Marine Corps, Sergeant Major McMichael has earned numerous personal decorations including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star.

Mr. Speaker, I had the privilege of meeting Sergeant Major McMichael during a NATO parliamentary assembly trip and can attest to how very worthy he is of this tribute. It is my hope that by being honored on the Arkansas Walk of Fame, future generations will learn the inspirational story of Alford McMichael.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Leadership Training Institute of America and their inspiring mission of faith for America's youth.

LTIA originated in my home district of northwest Arkansas and has successfully spread throughout the country and even to places as far away as Russia. Their purpose is to provide America's future leaders with a strong Christian foundation of faith in today's secular society.

The program challenges students to develop a Christian worldview and apply that perspective to global conflicts. The students may attend a weeklong seminar once a year--here in our Nation's Capitol--where they meet with their congressional representatives as well as renowned Christian leaders. At the same, the students are encouraged to pursue careers in influential sectors of society.

I believe this training is vital in preparing our future leaders to take their place in society. All too often, our youth are placed in negative, even hostile, environments where they never develop a moral compass or kind spirit. LTIA trains young people to live the Christian faith in an age when such action is not encouraged, and the program gives young people the confidence they need to face a materialistic society.

As the former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt said, ``We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.'' I believe the students involved in the Leadership Training Institute of America are part of our brave future and I applaud their efforts to make America an even greater nation than she is today.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate you holding a moment of silence for our fallen heroes during legislative business on Thursday, May, 20, 2004. On the eve of Memorial Day, it was extremely important that we all paused to remember the brave men and women who have given their lives in the War on Terror. I am also grateful for the opportunity to submit the following remarks on Specialist Dustin McGaugh and Private First Class Brandon Smith, the two brave servicemen from the Third District who gave their lives fighting the War on Terror in Iraq.

Specialist Dustin K. McGaugh grew up in Springdale, Arkansas. He was killed in a ``friendly fire'' accident in Balad, Iraq, last October.

Private First Class Brandon Smith was a resident of Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was killed in action in Al Qaim, Iraq, late last March when the Humvee he was traveling in ran over a land mine. That Humvee was rushing to assist U.S. troops who were under enemy fire.

For both these brave men, just getting into the military was quite a challenge. Dustin enlisted in the Army prior to the September 11th

attacks, but he broke his shinbone in basic training. He was so intent on becoming a soldier that he completed his last three weeks of basic training despite an injury that would have sidelined most of us.

When Brandon joined the Marines, he told his friends that he had found his life's calling. However, for Brandon fulfilling his lifelong dream was no simple task. Every morning, he had to run laps around Asbell Park, lift weights and literally lose 80 pounds to be in shape for Marine Boot Camp.

Dustin and Brandon served as inspirations to their fellow soldiers in Iraq and to Americans back home. On the battlefield, Dustin's fellow soldiers said that regardless of the dangers, he could often be found handing out candy to Iraqi children. And back home, community members signed a banner in Brandon's memory, recalling the bravery of a fallen Marine who put his country and his neighbors ahead of himself.

Mr. Speaker, Dustin and Brandon made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. They selflessly put themselves in harm's way so that future generations can live in a world free of terror. Dustin McGaugh and Brandon Smith are true American heroes. I ask my colleagues to keep their family and friends in their thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Sheridan Garrison, whose untimely death was announced today.

In the early 1980s, Sheridan founded Arkansas Freightways, which became American Freightways, a company that serviced points in 40 States and employed 16,000 people across the country, including 1,000 in his hometown of Harrison, Arkansas. In 2000, FedEx purchased American Freightways, making Sheridan the director.

Through the years, Sheridan always kept his focus on being a good community partner. When Arkansas Business profiled Sheridan in 1988, he described how he would like to be remembered. He said, ``I want to be remembered for being a decent person, for doing what I said I would do, as someone who created an environment where people would choose to work and succeed. And for being a decent father, husband and brother, by people who love me in spite of my faults.''

Mr. Speaker, Sheridan will be remembered for all of these traits and more. I ask my colleagues to keep his family in their thoughts and in their prayers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Monsignor John O'Donnell of Immaculate Conception Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Monsignor O'Donnell is celebrating his Golden Jubilee this year, which marks his 50th year in the priesthood.

Born in Philadelphia in 1928, Monsignor O'Donnell was ordained on May 27, 1954. He is a man who is known for his faith, service, and dedication to his neighbors. It seems that everyone at Immaculate Conception has a story about how Monsignor O'Donnell has touched their lives.

Immaculate Conception is the most diverse Catholic church in Fort Smith. It is the perfect fit for Monsignor O'Donnell, who constantly highlights and celebrates the diversity of the parish.

Mr. Speaker, Monsignor O'Donnell has influenced the lives of countless Arkansans. I thank Monsignor O'Donnell for his 50 years of service and being an inspiration to all of us.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor two of the many outstanding teachers in my home State of Arkansas. Melissa Miller, a sixth grade math and science teacher at Randall G. Lynch Middle School in Farmington, Arkansas, was in Washington this week to accept the National Educator Award from the Milken Family Foundation. She was honored by the foundation for her innovative teaching methods that use real-world applications to make learning relevant and interesting to students.

Then there is Tom Woodruff, who teaches at Rogers High School in Rogers, Arkansas. Tom was recently named as one of five national finalists in the NASDAQ's national teaching awards. The awards recognize teachers for their originality, creativity, and effectiveness in advancing interest in, and understanding of, our economic system.

Mr. Speaker, we are blessed to have such dedicated people teaching our children in the Third District of Arkansas. It seems fitting since the PTA has named this week National Teachers Appreciation Week to take a moment to thank Tom, Melissa, and all the wonderful teachers who are helping to shape the future of our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cooper Communities, a northwest Arkansas-based business that will be celebrating its 50th anniversary tomorrow.

In 1954, John and Mildred Cooper began a small home-building business that has evolved into a successful corporation that builds homes, master communities and resorts in Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Alabama, and West Virginia.

By building quality homes and unique master communities, Cooper Communities has helped lure people to the South. In fact, retirees from across the country are relocating to Bella Vista Village, helping to make the Third Congressional District of Arkansas one of the fastest growing regions in the country.

Cooper Communities has been acknowledged as one of the most fiscally responsible developers of planned communities in the Nation. They have also been praised in their environmental efforts, setting aside 20 to 30 percent of the land in each Cooper Community.

Mr. Speaker, I take this time and opportunity to recognize Cooper Communities for its exemplary business practices and contributions to the quality of life in the South.