Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Blue Shoe Project, which recently won the best traditional blues album at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards Ceremony held on February 10, 2008. The Blue Shoe Project, dedicated to the preservation and advocacy of jazz music in the schools, deserves our congratulations for the Grammy Award and also for passing on the rich history of blues music to future generations.

A Colleyville, Texas based non-profit; the Blue Shoe Project was founded in 2005 by Jeff Dyson and his son, Michael Dyson. The Dyson's shared credit for recording the winning Grammy record, Last of the Great Mississippi Delta Bluesman: Live in Dallas, performed by four legendary blues musicians: Henry James Townsend, Joe Willie ``Pinetop'' Perkins, Robert Lockwood, Jr. and David ``Honeyboy'' Edwards. The album was distributed by the Blue Shoe Project and Jeff and Michael served as executive producers.

The Blue Shoe Project helps spread the history, message and enjoyment of jazz to the schools and community at large. Jeff and Michael have dedicated themselves to the distribution of this uniquely American art form. To date, more than 20,000 students have experienced Blue Shoe Project presentations thus gaining countless followers of jazz music.

Madam Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of the Blue Shoe Project. It is with great pride I offer my congratulations to the Blue Shoe Project for its deserved award and preservation of our nation's heritage and culture.

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

For her Gold Award project, Molly Jarrell made 30 fleece blankets for the Project Linus Foundation to distribute to sick and traumatized children. These blankets give children comfort and help them cope with difficult situations.

The Girl Scouts of America promotes a positive influence for young women of today. I am honored to represent Molly Jarrell 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 Alexa Polaski on achieving the Girl Scout Gold Award. Receiving the Gold Award is a testament to Miss Polaski's leadership, citizenship, and service to her community.

For her Gold Award project, Alexa Polaski cleared and redesigned a garden courtyard at the Mimosa Manor Nursing Home in Keller, Texas. Miss Polaski secured donations from various companies, individuals and garden clubs so she could plant new perennials, annuals and trees. She also provided benches, bird feeders, and garden art. This transformation now allows the nursing home residents an outdoor area to enjoy.

The Girl Scouts of America promotes a positive influence for young women of today. I am honored to represent Alexa Polaski 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 Nicole Gaither on achieving the Girl Scout Gold Award. Receiving the Gold Award is a testament to Miss Gaither's leadership, citizenship, and service to her community.

For her Gold Award project, Nicole Gaither developed an outdoor volunteer program for children ages 11-14 called Outdoor Action Kids. O.A.K.S. provides children the opportunity to perform basic outdoor conservation tasks while helping the staff and adult volunteers maintain Bob Jones Nature Center, a 76-acre park. Miss Gaither developed a coordinator's manual, application, training manual, and training video to ensure her program will continue well into the future.

The Girl Scouts of America promotes a positive influence for young women of today. I am honored to represent Nicole Gaither 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 Rebecca Simpson on achieving the Girl Scout Gold Award. Receiving the Gold Award is a testament to Miss Simpson's leadership, citizenship, and service to her community.

For her Gold Award project, Rebecca Simpson assisted 400 families from Gainesville, Texas who were displaced by the floods in the summer of 2007. Miss Simpson collected necessary household items and personal toiletries and delivered them to the Gainesville Relief Center for distribution. The local Girl Scout Council had specifically called for Girl Scouts

to help in this crisis, and Miss Simpson responded wholeheartedly. Additionally, Miss Simpson painted cabinets for Angel's Attic, a resale and outreach ministy of the Whites Chapel United Methodist Church.

The Girl Scouts of America promotes a positive influence for young women of today. I am honored to represent Rebecca Simpson 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 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 Temple 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.

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

Mr. Speaker, born in North Carolina but a Virginian since the age of 9, Jo Ann Davis set the standard for Republican women in Virginia. After graduating from high school in Hampton, Virginia, she attended Hampton Roads Business College and became a real estate agent. Prior to her election to the House of Representatives in November 2000, she served in the General Assembly of Virginia. Subsequently, she was the first Republican woman elected in her own right to the United States Congress from the Commonwealth. Congresswoman Davis served honorably for four terms as the representative of the First Congressional District of Virginia.

During her tenure, Congresswoman Davis served on the House Armed Services Committee and on the Foreign Affairs Committee. Congresswoman Davis was particularly proud of securing funding for the construction of the Navy's next-generation aircraft carrier, the CVN-21.

In 2001, the House passed her first piece of legislation, H.R. 1015, the SGLI Adjustment Act which increased the

amount of life insurance paid to beneficiaries of the Armed Forces who died in the performance of duty between November 2000 and April 2001.

In 2005, Congresswoman Davis was diagnosed with breast cancer. Tragically, in 2007, the cancer returned and her condition rapidly worsened. Congresswoman Davis died in October at the age of 57 leaving behind her husband, Chuck Davis, and two sons and a granddaughter.

Congresswoman Davis was an inspiration to so many of our Members, as well as her constituents, as she battled breast cancer courageously for over 2 years. Her determination to continue serving the citizens of the First District of Virginia while undergoing treatment set a remarkable standard of perseverance for many of us.

I believe that the naming of the postal service located at 6892 Main Street in Gloucester, Virginia, after Congresswoman Davis is a fitting tribute to her years of public service.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I yield as much time as he may consume to my distinguished colleague from the State of Virginia (Mr. Wittman).

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to yield as much time as she may use to the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Drake).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my distinguished colleague from the State of North Carolina (Mrs. Myrick).

Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers at this time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this legislation to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2650 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, as the ``Julia M. Carson Post Office Building.''

Julia May Carson dedicated her life to the service of this country. Her career in public service began in 1972 when she was elected to the Indiana State House of Representatives. This was the first of many victories to come.

In her long and illustrious career, Julia never lost an election. In 1976, Julia ran for the Indiana State Senate, where she served 14 years. In 1990, she became the Trustee for the Center Township, a post she held for 6 years until she ran for the United States Congress, becoming both the first woman and the first African American to represent Indiana in Congress.

As a daughter of a single mother who worked as a housekeeper and a graduate of a segregated public school in Indiana, Julia's background was very different from those of her fellow representatives, but in the 10 years she served the Seventh District of Indiana, Julia never forgot her roots. She tried hard to represent the poor and the working class of Indiana, concentrated her energies on women's rights, children's issues, and efforts to reduce homelessness.

Throughout most of her time in Congress, Julia battled significant health problems. She finally succumbed to a lifelong struggle with lung cancer in December, 2007 at the age of 69.

In honor of her years of faithful service to her country and to the great State of Indiana, I ask my fellow Members to join me in support of this bill and rename the post office located at 2650 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street in Indianapolis, Indiana, in honor of her memory and long-lasting accomplishments.

I would like to thank Mr. Visclosky for introducing this resolution and express my strong support for this bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of H.R. 5472 and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to my distinguished colleague from the State of Missouri (Mrs. Emerson).

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

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of H.R. 5395.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this bill designating the facility of the United State Postal Service located at 11001 Dunklin Drive in St. Louis, Missouri as the William ``Bill'' Clay Post Office Building. Representing the people of St. Louis in this chamber for 32 years, Bill Clay was the consummate advocate for Civil Rights, labor, and his community.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri in April of 1931, Clay grew up in the city and graduated from St. Louis University in 1953 with a bachelors degree in Political Science. After 2 years with the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955, Clay returned home to begin his career serving the people of St. Louis. After spending some time as a real estate broker, Clay was elected to the Board of Aldermen in 1959. He held this position, representing the 26th Ward until 1964.

When Bill Clay, Sr. was elected to Congress in 1968, he was the first African American member elected from Missouri and one of only two African American representatives from states west of the Mississippi River. Throughout his 16 terms in Congress, he gained a reputation for his streetwise urban politics. A staunch advocate for civil rights and social justice, he also served as one of the founders of the Congressional Black Caucus. From 1991 to 1995 he chaired the House Committee on the Post Office and Civil Service and served as the Ranking Member on the Education and the Workforce Committee until he retired. In all that he did while he was serving the people of Missouri in Congress, he still found time to author several books.

Bill Clay, Sr. retired from Congress in 2000 but his legacy lives on through his successor whom I am proud to serve with in this chamber. His successor also happens to be his son, the gentleman from Missouri, William Lacy Clay, Jr.

I urge my colleagues to support me in this resolution honoring a man who spent over 3 decades serving his community, state, and country.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th anniversary of the Carrollton Church of the Nazarene in Carrollton, Texas. Since its inception, the church has stood in the community as a symbol of perseverance and inspiration. This historic anniversary of the Carrollton Church of the Nazarene marks a time of remembrance of a storied past and renewal for a bright future.

On April 6, 1958, a group of twelve founded the Valwood Church of the Nazarene in what would later evolve into the Carrollton Church of the Nazarene. At the time, all adults of the church became founding members. The first pastor was Rev. Monroe Burkhart and the song leader was Mrs. Jo Ann Marchant. Charter members included Rev. and Mrs. R.A. Holloway, Glen and Mary; Rev. and Mrs. M.S. Burkhart and Elson; Mr. and Mrs. Thurman Marchant; Mr. and Mrs. S.E. Marchant, Jr. and Mrs. Irene Cardwell.

The founding members initially congregated at a building commonly referred to as the ``rabbit hutch'' on Harry Hines Boulevard. Over the coming years, the church relocated several times to worship at various locations including Carrollton City Hall, a store in downtown Carrollton, the Carrollton Community Center, individual homes, the basement of Valwood Parkway Baptist Church, local schools, a unit building on Dove Creek and Kelly Boulevard, and finally at Hebron Parkway. While the church has worshiped in many locations, its positive message has always remained the same.

Madam Speaker, please join me in applauding the Carrollton Church of the Nazarene as it celebrates 50 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 the Carrollton Church of the Nazarene continues to stand as beacon of resolve, inspiration, and worship for many years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jerry Herrin on the occasion of his retirement as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce.

Jerry Herrin was born in Arp, Texas in 1939. Mr. Herrin graduated from Arp High School and attended the University of Texas in Austin. Mr. Herrin is married to Nancy. He has three children: Lisa, Mike, and Brad. He is the proud grandfather of five grandchildren: Jesse, Ashley, Keller, Michael, and Andee.

Jerry Herrin began his distinguished career working on the staff of the Austin Chamber of Commerce from 1963 to 1967. Mr. Herrin took his first job as a Chamber CEO in 1968 at the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce. Over the years, he has served as president and CEO of numerous Chambers including Conroe, Garland, and Temple.

Jerry Herrin has served as president and CEO of Grapevine Chamber of Commerce since 1985. Mr. Herrin has dedicated himself to the betterment of the Grapevine community promoting area businesses, and supporting growth of new establishments, for over twenty-three years. Under his tenure, Mr. Herrin has secured dedicated members, many who serve on its committees and board of directors.

Jerry Herrin has provided tremendous support for his community and his outstanding leadership is worthy of recognition. I wish Mr. Herrin a happy, healthy retirement, and a well deserved change of pace. It is an honor to represent him in the 24th District of Texas.

Madam Speaker, I join my congressional colleagues in congratulating Dr. Ma Ying-jeou on his victory in Taiwan's recent Presidential election. The election was conducted with fairness and is free of any controversy.

I wish Dr. Ma every success as he leads Taiwan forward in a period filled with many challenges but also filled with many opportunities for Taiwan to prosper and achieve even greater success. I look forward to continuing to grow our relationship with Taiwan under the leadership of the newly elected President Ma.

The people of Taiwan have every reason to be proud of what they have achieved. In only 12 years Taiwan has made a peaceful and successful transition to democracy and has become one of Asia's most impressive and inspiring new democracies. In those 12 years Taiwan has completed four Presidential elections with close and spirited campaigns.

As an American legislator, I look on the achievements of the people of Taiwan with admiration. The Taiwanese record is a model to the many other countries of the world of what can be accomplished by a transition to a freely elected democratic government. My sincere congratulations to Dr. Ma on his election and to the people of Taiwan for their participation in the election process.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Officer Paul Justin Coffee for being named the 2007 Police Officer of the Year by the Euless Police Department.

Officer Justin Coffee has been with the Euless Police Department since March 2005. Prior to serving and protecting the Euless community, Officer Coffee was a police officer in Bedford, Texas for seven years. He holds an Advanced Peace Officer certification from the great state of Texas.

Officer Justin Coffee, a native Texan, graduated from L.D. Bell High School and attended Tarrant County College. His father is a police sergeant in Hurst, Texas and his brother is a police officer in Bedford, Texas. Officer Coffee is married to Sarah and they have three children.

During Officer Coffee's distinguished career in the Euless Police Department, he has received seven commendations, was nominated for the 2006 Rookie of the Year, and was selected as one of six Field Training Officers for the department. He consistently maintains a high level of competency and has gained much respect among his fellow police officers.

It is with great honor that I recognize Officer Paul Justin Coffee for his dedication and outstanding service to the Euless Police Department and the City of Euless, Texas. I applaud his numerous achievements and wish him continued success in his service. I am proud to represent Officer Coffee in the 24th District of Texas.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Honorable Laura Hill, a Southlake City Councilwoman, community and civic leader, as recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award presented by the Southlake Chamber of Commerce.

Laura Hill has been a tireless public servant with a strong sense of stewardship to the entire Southlake community. Ms. Hill's public service truly speaks for itself. She is not only a City Councilwoman, but the Founder and President of SPARKS (Students and Parents Against Risks to Kids in Southlake), Co-founder and Vice President of the Southlake Angel Society, a member of the Southlake Historical Society, and a graduate of Southlake's DPS Citizens Academy and Southlake's fire rehab team. Somehow, she finds additional time for involvement in numerous other community organizations, as well.

Of the many examples of Ms. Hill's selfless service, one story in particular stands out. Not long ago, a Southlake firefighter had a baby with significant medical problems. Due to the high medical costs, the firefighter's family was struggling to keep up. Upon hearing about the situation Laura immediately volunteered and created a fund raiser with her friends. The event raised approximately $16,000 entirely for the family of the Southlake firefighter.

Whether it is creating fund raisers for those in need, preserving the city's history, solving zoning problems, caring for the children in the community, or volunteering for the city's emergency response team, Ms. Hill is always willing to go above and beyond to serve her community.

I proudly commend the Honorable Laura Hill for her tireless passion and commitment to the betterment of Southlake, Texas. Many community members are grateful for her service and I congratulate her for receiving this prestigious award.

Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to honor the Peace Corps and its 47 years of service. Nearly 200,000 U.S. citizens have served their country, as well as instilling peace and goodwill in 139 countries abroad, since March 1, 1961. The week of February 25-March 3, 2008 was celebrated around the U.S. as National Peace Corps Week.

Currently 15 residents of the 24th District of Texas are serving abroad in 14 different countries. These selfless individuals should be recognized for their commitment to peace and development.

Their names and respective countries of service are as follows: Ryan Alvares--Mozambique; Lauren Banta--Senegal; Andrew Birdsell--Ecuador; Melanie Bittle--Nicaragua; Eric Brooke--Bulgaria; Kira Cha--Costa Rica; David Fox--Macedonia; Courtney Gilman--Gambia; Robert Henderson-- Ukraine; Mary Jones--Georgia; Jamie Lewis--Malawi; Curtis

Miller--Bolivia; Katherine Moore--Kenya; John Poulter--China; and Carin Wunneburger--Senegal.

It is my honor to recognize these individuals and the long-standing institution known throughout the globe. The people of the 24th District of Texas are proud of their achievements. I wish them and all members of the Peace Corps the best of luck and an eventual safe return home.