Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of Taiwan on the occasion of their upcoming National Day on October 10.

The Republic of China, Taiwan, is a strong American ally in the Pacific. Although it is a small island nation, it has a growing and progressive economy, providing its citizens with quality education, health, and affordable housing. Also, with its well-educated population, Taiwan is an ideal place for business entrepreneurship. Much of Taiwan's economic prowess is directly attributable to the stability of Taiwan's political system.

A vibrant democracy, Taiwan's history of democratization is an important example of how other countries can change. In a little more than 2 decades, Taiwan has peacefully transformed its political system, from

authoritarianism to democratic government, providing a role model for other non-democratic political governments in Asia.

We hope that in the years ahead, Taiwan and China will continue to reduce their bilateral tensions. Cross-strait relations have been improving: There are now charter flights from Taiwan to the mainland, relaxation of China-bound investments, more visas for mainland tourists, and more exchange in many areas. Taiwan's new President, Ma Ying-jeou, is committed to pursue reconciliation and truce with the People's Republic. President Ma looks for peace and coprosperity with the People's Republic.

Congratulations to the people of Taiwan and a warm welcome to Ambassador Jason Yuan. Ambassador Yuan is a distinguished career diplomat and will most definitely represent his country well. I look forward to working with Ambassador Yuan, and welcome him to Washington,

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Church of the Nazarene on its 100th Anniversary for providing a place to worship, learn, and assist those in need.

In honor of this special anniversary, the Church of the Nazarene has declared October 5, 2008, as The Centennial Sunday. On that day, churches of this denomination will gather across the globe as one body united around a common worship, a common message, and a common scripture. The Centennial Sunday is an organized effort by the church to remember their heritage and those that have gone before them, as well as look to the future, as they continue, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to spread the gospel further throughout the world.

This occasion serves to highlight the Church of the Nazarene's history and their continued commitment to the cause of Christ. The sustained growth of this church and their pledge to holiness stands as a lasting testament to the determination of a small group who overcame prejudices and divisions as they devoted themselves to God and unity with their fellow man.

During and shortly after this country's bloody Civil War, our nation found itself bitterly divided. At that same time, the Wesleyan-Holiness Movement likewise splintered into numerous divisions over race, region and several theological issues such as baptism and women's role in the church. For the next 40 years the Holiness Movement was reduced to scattered denominations, divided by their location and ideologies.

The year between October, 1907 and October, 1908 marked a significant turning point for the Holiness Movement. Three of the movement's regional denominations made a commitment to put aside past differences and embrace in unity the mutually held convictions of their faith. The culmination of their efforts came to fruition on October 8, 1908 in Pilot Point, Texas, where the denominations met together to form the Church of the Nazarene. Under the leadership of individuals such as Phineas Bresee and Hiram Reynolds, the church again united as one body and began to spread the gospel throughout the world.

Looking back over the past 100 years, the Church of the Nazarene has experienced significant change. Yet, through these years, their mission has remained fundamentally the same. The Church itself has declared that, their ``primary objective . . . is to advance God's Kingdom by the preservation and propagation of Christian holiness as set forth in the Scriptures.'' The Church of the Nazarene has always taken seriously the call to take the Good News to all nations and to fellowship with one another in love. The church continues to serve as a beacon for holiness and Christian community throughout the world.

Madam Speaker, please join me in applauding the Church of the Nazarene as it celebrates 100 years of dedicated fellowship. Clergy and members of the past and present are to be commended for their service to the church and greater community. It is my hope that the Church of the Nazarene continues to stand as symbol of resolve, inspiration, and worship for many years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Michael Dean Rambo of Colleyville, Texas. Michael was an outstanding husband, father, and Scout Master for Troop 28. He educated and guided the youth of his community for a number of years. Michael was always looking for the opportunity to give back to the community in which he lived. He loved his family and friends and they loved him.

Michael was a remarkable friend, neighbor, and public servant with infinite talents and gifts which he shared with all who had the honor to know him. He was an expert in ornithology, astronomy, computer architecture, math, and photography.

Michael always had a childlike wonder and awe of the world around him, an insatiable thirst for knowledge, and a relentless desire for understanding. He was constantly observing everything that the world had to offer. His example and enthusiasm made those around him want to learn more, to do more, and be more.

Michael was always up for a challenge and was always willing to lend a hand. He volunteered on the Longhorn Council for over fifteen years. He was the Cubmaster for Pack

254 before taking the lead roll for Troop 28. Michael was the guiding light for Troop 28 for twelve years, and under Rambo's leadership, Troop 28 earned Colleyville's first Service Award. Michael once said, ``When I took over the Scoutmaster role, I felt I was taking responsibility for a living breathing organism.

Among Michael's many other accomplishments, he earned Eagle Scout honors at the age of thirteen. He earned a Select Student in Science and Math Degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. He went on to earn a master's degree in Computer Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington in Arlington, Texas. Michael was also a three time recipient of The Presidents Volunteer Service Award (2005, 2006, 2007), winner of the 2006 McKesson Corporation Neil Harlan community service award.

His favorite people were his sons, Charles Patrick Rambo and Aaron Michael Rambo, and his wife, Mary Margaret Jameson Rambo. Michael loved to visit the Grand Canyon where he hiked, rafted, and photographed its splendor on multiple occasions. His greatest desire was to travel in space. On May 31, 2008, a photograph of Michael was carried in the flight book of mission specialist Ronald J. Garan aboard the space shuttle Discovery on mission STS-124.

Michael Rambo selflessly served the community, loved his family and friends, and enjoyed life to the fullest. He was a role model of superior citizenship who made a tremendous impact on countless lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Michael Dean Rambo of Colleyville, Texas.

Michael was an outstanding husband, father, and scout master for Troop 28. Michael was always looking for an opportunity to give back to the community in which he lived. He loved his family and friends, and they loved him.

Michael always had a childlike wonder and awe of the world around him and a thirst for knowledge. His example and enthusiasm made those around him want to learn more and do more.

Michael was always up for a challenge and always willing to lend a hand. He was the cubmaster for Pack 254 before taking the lead role for Troop 28. Michael was the guiding light for Troop 28 for 12 years and helped them earn Colleyville's first service award.

Among Michael's many accomplishments, he earned his Eagle Scout at age 13. He earned a select student in science and math degree from Stephen F. Austin University, and he went on to earn a master's degree from UT Arlington. His favorite people were his sons, Patrick Rambo and Aaron Rambo, and his wife, Mary Margaret.

Michael Rambo selflessly served the community. He loved his family and friends, and he enjoyed life to the fullest. He was a role model of superior citizenship who had a tremendous impact on our lives.

Madam Speaker, I am disappointed--and the people of the 24th District of Texas are disappointed--by the continued misuse and abuse of the suspension calendar. Once again, Democrats bring to the floor a bill that prohibits Members from offering amendments. This comes at a time when we could be working on a comprehensive energy bill that would do far more to benefit the American people.

Energy should have been our highest priority this summer, but instead I'm afraid that Congress will leave for a five-week recess without considering real solutions to the energy crisis.

When is the Democratic leadership going to put the concerns of the American people before their desire to placate the radical environmentalists?

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove my name as a cosponsor of H.R. 6041.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations and thanks to Mayor Bob Phelps for all the years of service he dedicated to the city of Farmers Branch, Texas.

Mr. Bob Phelps was born in Oklahoma, but got to Texas as soon as possible. He married his high school sweetheart, Dee, in 1955 and they started their journey together in Dallas. They have a son, Rob, and a daughter, Kim, and three grandchildren, Shane, Shealee and Dusty.

At the age of 19 they bought their first home in Farmers Branch in 1957. Bob started his career with State Farm in 1963 and has won many trips and awards. Some of his accomplishments are: member of the Presidents Club, which is the top 50 agents in the company, select agent, Millionaire Club numerous times, Legion of Honor Club, and the Bronze Tablet Club.

After being involved in several elections in Oklahoma helping his Dad run for county sheriff, Bob became interested in serving the great city of Farmers Branch and was appointed to the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Building Code Board of Appeals in 1984. Bob was first elected to the City Council in 1986 and served 9 years on the Council. Bob was elected mayor of Farmers Branch in May of 1996 and was unopposed in 1999 and 2002 and 2005.

Bob served on numerous boards where he showed the same dedication and determination expressed as the mayor of Farmers Branch. Again, I would like to thank Mayor Bob Phelps for his service to the community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Frankie Lee on the occasion of her retirement as City Secretary for the City of Cedar Hill.

Frankie Lee began her service to the City of Cedar Hill on September 20, 1977, when she joined the City as the Purchasing Agent/Secretary. She is currently the longest serving employee of the City of Cedar Hill, holding a 30 Year Service Certificate.

Frankie was Appointed City Secretary on April 1, 1984, upon the retirement of then-City Secretary Marie Vincent.

During her tenure with the City of Cedar Hill, Frankie has been associated with seven Mayors, four City Managers and numerous Council Members. She has been a first-hand witness to the growth and progressiveness of Cedar Hill, growing from a population of approximately 6,800 in 1980 to 46,000 in 2008.

In her early years as City Secretary, Frankie was in charge of Human Resources, insurance, payroll and zoning. Her current role as City Secretary includes Official Meeting Notices, Minutes, City Public Information Coordinator, Records Management Officer and numerous other duties. For several years she was one of Cedar Hill's Alternate Members of the North Central Texas Housing Finance Corporation.

She has also been responsible for the City's general and special elections and has worked closely with the Dallas County Elections Department to insure the proper management of ballots, early voting, Election Day Voting, and results. It is estimated that in her over 24 years as City Secretary, Frankie has overseen approximately 50 elections.

Frankie has been an active Member of the Texas Municipal Clerks Association, North Texas Municipal Clerks Association, and International Institute of Municipal Clerks. Through the years she has attended many Training and Certification Courses and Professional Seminars presented by these organizations, as well as the Texas Attorney General and Secretary of State.

In 2005, she was a Texas Municipal Clerks' Honor Roll ``Honoree''.

Frankie attended the University of Texas at Arlington and is a Graduate of the Leadership Southwest Class of 1996-97.

She is an active Member of the Cedar Hill Lions Club, serving on the Board of Directors, and has Chaired the Annual Pancake Breakfast for the past three years. Lion Tamer-Elect for 2008-09, she was recently Honored at the Lions District Convention as the Cedar Hill Lions Club ``Grass Roots Lion'' for 2007-08.

A Member of First United Methodist Church of Cedar Hill, Frankie has two grown daughters and one grandson.

Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to commend and congratulate Frankie Lee on all of her accomplishments. Her numerous years of service and dedication to the City of Cedar Hill is worthy of recognition. It is an honor to represent Frankie Lee in the 24th District of Texas and I wish her continued success in the years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations to the 2008 Carroll High School girls' soccer team. On Saturday, April 12, 2008 they earned the UIL 5A State Championship title and finished their season with an impressive 24-4-4 record.

On the afternoon of April 12, 2008, in Round Rock, Texas, the Carroll High School girls soccer team was determined not to let the past few years of history repeat itself. Under Head Coach Matt Colvin and his staff, the Lady Dragons posted an amazing 24 shutouts during the season. In the playoff opener the Lady Dragons shutout the 2005 state champions in regulation before winning in overtime with a score of 2-1. Utilizing the amazing strength of the Carroll defense, the Lady Dragons went on to shut out their next five opponents in the playoffs by an 8-0 margin.

Leadership, discipline, and accountability were the driving forces that took the Lady Dragons to the pitch every match. The team's resilience, fortitude, and determination to overcome challenges helped propel the Lady Dragons to an amazing season capped off with 2-1 victory in the state title match.

The Lady Dragons have proven themselves to be gifted not only on the soccer field but in the classroom. The team exemplifies the enthusiasm and determination it takes to succeed in academics and athletics.

It is a distinct honor to represent Carroll High School in Congress, and I congratulate the players, coaches, fans and family members who made the 2008 season such a memorable one.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Carolyn Kulig on achieving the Girl Scout Gold Award. Receiving the Gold Award is a testament to Miss Kulig's leadership, citizenship, and service to her community.

For her Gold Award project, Carolyn Kulig decorated the library at the Easter Seals facility in Carrollton, Texas. Miss Kulig painted book shelves in lively colors and added color to the walls. She also collected books and videos through donations that will be given to low- income families that have children being treated at the facility. Her efforts will liven the spirit of all that use the library at Easter Seals.

The Girl Scouts of America promotes a positive influence for young women of today. I am honored to represent Carolyn Kulig in earning the highest award bestowed in Girl

Scouts. I commend her commitment and dedication for the betterment of her life, her community, and her country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Farah Jooma on achieving the Girl Scout Gold Award. Receiving the Gold Award is a testament to Miss Jooma's leadership, citizenship, and service to her community.

For her Gold Award project, Farah Jooma worked with Parkland Hospital and researched alternatives more medical insurance. She created a brochure that she distributed to healthcare clinics throughout the Dallas Fort-Worth area. She also held seminars discussing ways of trying to improve medical insurance.

The Girl Scouts of America promotes a positive influence for young women of today. I am honored to represent Farah Jooma in earning the highest award bestowed in Girl Scouts. I commend her commitment and dedication for the betterment of her life, her community, and her country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kelsey Temple on achieving the Girl Scout Gold Award. Receiving the Gold Award is a testament to Miss Temple's leadership, citizenship, and service to her community.

For her Gold Award project, Kelsey Temple educated elementary aged children about bicycle safety. Miss Temple stressed the importance of wearing a helmet, learning and obeying traffic rules regarding cyclists, and bicycle maintenance.

The Girl Scouts of America promotes a positive influence for young women of today. I am honored to represent Kelsey Temple in earning the highest award bestowed in Girl Scouts. I commend her commitment and dedication for the betterment of her life, her community, and her country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sydney Shrum on achieving the Girl Scout Gold Award. Receiving the Gold Award is a testament to Miss Shrum's leadership, citizenship, and service to her community.

For her Gold Award project, Sydney Shrum designed and painted a map of the United State of America on the sidewalk of Rockenbaugh Elementary School in Southlake, Texas.

The Girl Scouts of America promotes a positive influence for young women of today. I am honored to represent Sydney Shrum in earning the highest award bestowed in Girl Scouts. I commend her commitment and dedication for the betterment of her life, her community, and her country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Shannon Michael on achieving the Girl Scout Gold Award. Receiving the Gold Award is a testament to Miss Michael's leadership, citizenship, and service to her community.

For her Gold Award project, Shannon Michael organized volunteers from her church, Girl Scouts, and a senior center to donate baby supplies and materials to make baby blankets. Miss Michael then taught younger girls how to sew and knit the blankets which were given to Metrocrest Social Services to distribute to needy families with babies.

The Girl Scouts of America promotes a positive influence for young women of today. I am honored to represent Shannon Michael in earning the highest award bestowed in Girl Scouts. I commend her commitment and dedication for the betterment of her life, her community, and her country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sarai Ingram on achieving the Girl Scout Gold Award. Receiving the Gold Award is a testament to Miss Ingram's leadership, citizenship, and service to her community.

For her Gold Award project, Sarai Ingram designed and provided a library of books for the Children's Room at the Battered Women's Foundation in Hurst, Texas. In addition, Miss Ingram helped care for the children while their mothers were receiving support at the center for themselves and their families.

The Girl Scouts of America promotes a positive influence for young women of today. I am honored to represent Sarai Ingram in earning the highest award bestowed in Girl Scouts. I commend her commitment and dedication for the betterment of her life, her community, and her country.