Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I stand before you today, offering a candid reflection of the tasks before us. As someone entrusted to be a leader in this great nation, I find myself humbled by the decisions we make and the traditions of this institution. In times of hardship, America has often looked to the House of Representatives, the ``people's house,'' as a place for deliberation and decision. Many great leaders have preceded our place in this Chamber, and many more will undoubtedly follow. By design we find ourselves here again today, in the footprints of those who stood so firm against the winds of adversity. It was in this very room that President Franklin Roosevelt so famously addressed the Nation after the tragic events surrounding Pearl Harbor had unfolded; and Members of Congress were faced with the daunting effort of placing our nation in a second world war.

America was forged long ago as a beacon of democracy, shining bright onto the shores of the world. Ever since our bold proclamation to others that we would shelter ``your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breath free,'' we have called on this body to answer the question: How tired, how poor, how yearning must the oppressed be to warrant our assistance? And so we find ourselves here today, paused at an intersection on the road of democracy. Will we turn back and embolden those that oppress the free and murder

the innocent? After careful consideration, I must vote against this resolution and choose instead to follow the path blazed by those who pledged our commitment to freedom.

On September 11, we were forced to witness the consequences of a decade of inaction against a determined enemy. Osama bin Laden and other radical Islamists, have declared war on every American, for no other reason than we practice freedom and democracy. Beginning in the 1970s, radical Islamists began targeting America with a steady campaign of terror. Although the images of that tragic September day remain seared in our minds, it forced us to awaken from our long period of denial and realize the true determination of our enemy. The war in Afghanistan and subsequent invasion of Iraq have discouraged any major terrorist attack from occurring on our soil in the last 5 years. Our enemy is patient, calculating, and determined. However, by supporting Iraq's efforts to become a free and Democratic society, we have forced the terrorists to focus their resources in the Middle East and away from American soil.

The only impact this resolution will have: is embolden our enemy and convince them of our weakness. The overall commanding officer in Iraq, General David Petraeus, recently agreed that a resolution such as this would only ``give the enemy some encouragement.'' Although I will continue to be an advocate of free speech, we must remain aware of our speech's impact. One can only imagine the result here at home if we formalize a resolution of no confidence in this body.

As a member of this body, I have made clear my support for the war in Iraq and our fighting men and women. I stand behind our military and appreciate the importance of our mission, but am also aware that some mistakes have been made along the way. War is unpredictable and we can do no better than by putting our armed forces in the capable hands of our military leaders. We owe it to the generations of Iraqi's murdered under the reign of Saddam, and our brave country men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, to move forward with our mission.

The decision to commit our military to harm's way, is the toughest made of any leader. Some of my colleagues in Congress will argue that we cannot afford to vote in approval of the job our military men and women have done in Iraq. After looking at the facts, I say we can't afford not to. This non-binding resolution being offered by Democrats, is little more than a political sound bite. Although I have respect for many of my colleagues across the aisle, I urge them to consider the negative effect this resolution will have.

It should be clear to all that have listened to this debate, that this resolution is the first step by the majority party in their quest to cut off funding for our troops in Iraq. This is not fair to our soldiers on the ground and it dishonors the fallen and injured heroes that have so bravely served this Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize John Nance Garner Elementary for its 20th Anniversary of providing a superb education for the students of Grand Prairie, Texas.

The middle years of the 1980's found Grand Prairie south of I-20 to be a quiet, nearly rural collection of established county homes accented by a growing number of brand new housing developments. The need was clear for a new elementary school to serve the children who would eventually explode into this area with a force that no one yet imagined.-

John Nance Garner's doors opened in the fall of 1987 to an enrollment of 368 students with 14 teachers in grades K-5. Named for the 32nd Vice President of the United States under Franklin Roosevelt, the school's mascot was All-Stars.

Twenty years have passed. Unprecedented growth resulting from the creation of Joe Pool Lake brought a generation of children through the doors at 145 Polo Road. A new wing was built in 1996 to accommodate the increasing enrollment, which peaked at over 725 students in 1997. Present enrollment hovers just under 500 students.

Garner Elementary has earned a place of honor in Grand Prairie ISD. It has become a family of dedicated educators and loyal volunteers, as well as a diverse mix of energetic youngsters who are proud to be today's Garner All-Stars.

The world has changed much since 1987, but at Garner Elementary, the focus continues to be making each student feel like an All-Star.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to honor the 20th Anniversary of John Nance Garner Elementary School.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Ms. Lauren Laustern for her academic achievement in receiving the Homeland Security Scholarship from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate. This scholarship will be used to further her studies in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics at Rice University in Houston, Texas. Ms. Laustern and each of the other 200 scholars and fellows visited Washington, DC for an orientation in November of 2006 to formally introduce the Scholars and Fellows to the Department of Homeland Security and other DHS-affiliated organizations and facilities. The Department of Homeland Security Scholars and Fellows Program was developed to inspire, stimulate and support students conducting research relevant to homeland security. The DHS provides many opportunities and resources to a variety of students from all over the county. The program offers two years of support at the undergraduate level and three years of support at the graduate level. In addition the students are also required to complete a 10-week internship to complete their studies. Today I commend her for her hard work and dedication in furthering her education.

Madam Speaker, because of a family medical emergency, I missed 2 recorded votes on January 9. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner.

H. Res. 35--``no''; H.R. 1--``no.''

Madam Speaker, it has been said that a hero is someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with their freedom. Nathaniel Aguirre, 21 years old, certainly understood that degree of responsibility.

At just 17, Nathaniel enlisted in the United States Army Reserve and attended basic combat training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. After graduating from Creekview High School, he completed additional military training and was deployed to Iraq in December 2005.

On the morning of October 22, 2006, Nathaniel was on combat patrol in a village in western Baghdad. After his detachment encountered enemy fire, they confronted the enemy head on in a fight that would tragically cost Nathaniel his life. On that morning, a hero was not born--a hero was revealed.

Nathaniel leaves behind his parents and treasured younger sister Melissa, who had known her brother as a hero long before it was revealed to the rest of us.

Among the many honors bestowed in memory of his heroic acts, Nathaniel was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Army Good Conduct Medal. While these honors will never bring him back, they serve as markers in our Nation's history, identifying Nathaniel Aguirre as an American who understood his degree of responsibility to our Nation and his fellow Americans.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations to the 2006 Southlake Carroll High School football team, which on Saturday, December 23, 2006, earned the title of 5A Division I State Champions and finished its season a perfect 16-0.

The Dragons rallied in the second half to deliver a 43-29 come-from- behind victory over Austin Westlake and on that day it was clear to everyone in the Alamodome that the Southlake Carroll Dragons are a genuine Texas high school football dynasty. In seven seasons under Head Coach Todd Dodge, the Dragons have amassed a 98-11 overall record and have gone 79-1 in the past 5 years. The team has won three consecutive national titles, won the last four of five State championships and has tied the Texas high school record with seven state titles. This year, Southlake Carroll is also ranked as the consensus No. 1 team in the country by seven national polls. The Dragons have shown they are simply the best high school football program in decades.

Throughout its historic championship runs, Southlake Carroll has represented the ideal virtues of amateur athletic programs--teamwork, tenacity, competitiveness and dignity--and its immaculate seasons will be recounted for generations to come throughout the state of Texas.

I could not be more proud than to represent Southlake Carroll High School in Congress, and I congratulate the players, coaches, fans and parents who made the 2006 season such a memorable one.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Chief of Police Jack W. Long as he retires from 30 years of dedicated service to the Duncanville Police Department.

Chief Long graduated from Sunset High School in Dallas, TX, in 1971 and entered the U.S. Army the following year, serving in the military police through 1975. In 1976 he began his career with the Duncanville Police Department and was promoted to Sergeant just 3 years later in 1979. That same year he also obtained an associate's degree from El Centro Community College. In 1981 Long was promoted to Lieutenant and in 1982 he graduated from the Southwestern Law Enforcement Command Management School.

Three years later he graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. In 1993 Long completed the Best Southwest Leadership training and in 1994 he graduated from the 178th Session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA, and also completed graduate work at the University of Virginia that same year.

He has completed more than 2,000 hours of law enforcement training and currently holds a Master Peace Officer Certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education.

Chief Long is intimately involved in the community and is a member of many organizations, including the Duncanville Chamber of Commerce, Duncanville Lions Club, and Texas Police Chiefs Association. He has also served as Chairman of the Boy Scouts of America Committee, Post 886, and as vice president of the North Texas Police Chiefs Association.

He and his wife, Deborah, have one son named Chad.

Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize Chief of Police Jack W. Long's three decades of distinguished service to the Duncanville Police Department and to the city of Duncanville and its citizens. His contributions will leave an indelible mark and his leadership will be sorely missed. I am proud to serve as his representative in Washington, DC.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations to the

2006 Cedar Hill High School football team, which on Saturday, December 23, 2006 earned the title of 5A Division II State Champions and finished its storybook season a perfect 16-0.

On that day it was clear to everyone in the Alamodome that the Cedar Hill Longhorns squad deserved the glowing praise it had received all season long from its adoring fans. Under head coach Joey McGuire and his staff, the Longhorns ripped through four playoff opponents before routing the Cypress Falls Golden Eagles 51-17 in the championship game. A balanced team effort prevailed with both the Cedar Hill offense and defense shining brightly throughout the Longhorns' first ever playoff run. Cedar Hill won with discipline, with heart and perhaps most importantly, with class and dignity.

Over the last few years Coach McGuire has developed a special family- like atmosphere between his players and staff that has resulted in a growing sense of camaraderie and purpose. The team's winning attitude surfaced many times during the regular season and playoffs, perhaps most notably in a comeback, doubleovertime victory over district rival DeSoto that showed the true intestinal fortitude of the Longhorns.

Throughout its historic championship run, Cedar Hill represented the ideal virtues of amateur athletic programs--teamwork, tenacity, competitiveness and dignity--and its immaculate season will be recounted for generations to come in Southwest Dallas County.

I could not be more proud than to represent Cedar Hill High School in Congress, and I congratulate the players, coaches, fans and parents who made the 2006 season such a memorable one.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Heritage Elementary School located in Colleyville, Texas for being named a 2006 No Child Left Behind--Blue Ribbon School. Only 26 public schools in Texas will receive this coveted award this year.

The No child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools program recognizes schools that make significant progress in closing the achievement gap or whose students achieve at very high levels. Schools must make adequate yearly progress in reading, language arts and mathematics.

Heritage Elementary is no exception as Principal Stacy Voigt, her staff, the students and their families have poured dedication and heart into creating a fertile learning environment in Colleyville. They have realized the immense potential of all those involved in making a school Blue Ribbon-worthy.

The No child Left Behind Act is the bipartisan landmark education reform law designed to change the culture of America's schools by closing the achievement gap offering more flexibility to States, giving parents more information and options and teaching students based on what works. Under the law's strong accountability provisions, States must describe how they will close the achievement gap and make sure all students, including those with disabilities, achieve academically.

I extend my sincere congratulations to Heritage Elementary School for receiving this award. This school's contribution and services should serve as inspiration to us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rockenbaugh Elementary School located in Southlake, Texas for being named a 2006 No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School. Only 26 public schools in Texas will receive this coveted award this year.

The No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools program recognizes schools that make significant progress in closing the achievement gap or whose students achieve at very high levels. Schools must make adequate yearly progress in reading, language arts and mathematics.

Rockenbaugh Elementary is no exception as Principal Karen White, her staff, the students and their families have poured dedication and heart into creating a fertile learning environment in Southlake. They have realized the immense potential of all those involved in making a school Blue Ribbon-worthy.

The No Child Left Behind Act is the bipartisan landmark education reform law designed to change the culture of America's schools by closing the achievement gap, offering more flexibility to States, giving parents more information and options and teaching students based on what works. Under the law's strong accountability provisions, States must describe how they will close the achievement gap and make sure all students, including those with disabilities, achieve academically.

I extend my sincere congratulations to Rockenbaugh Elementary School for receiving this award. This school's contribution and services should serve as inspiration to us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Dr. Robert ``Bob'' Hunter for his 50 plus years of public service in the state of Texas and his devotion to higher education.

Dr. Hunter's commitment to educational institutions, the millions of collegiate students and potential students in the state of Texas make him more than worthy of this recognition. Dr. Hunter has displayed a loyalty to higher education that few can match. He served 10 years as Executive Vice President for the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas non-profit organization. Dr. Hunter coordinated the passage of the Texas Tuition Equalization Grant that made attending the university of your choice a reality for thousands of disadvantaged students. As an advocate of education he has served on numerous boards and committees, including being appointed by then Governor of Texas, Dolph Briscoe, to the Advisory Council for Technical-Vocational Education.

After serving in the Navy as a Security Aide to two Admirals in the South Pacific, Dr. Hunter returned home to Abilene, TX. He began work at his Alma Mater, Abilene Christian University where, before his retirement in 1993, was named Senior Vice President. In recognition of his diligent work to further higher education, Bob has received Honorary Doctoral degrees from many highly regarded institutions, including: Pepperdine University, Texas Wesleyan College, University of St. Thomas, McMurry University, Hardin-Simmons University, Austin College, and Abilene Christian University. Currently Dr. Hunter is serving his 10th term as a member of the Texas House of Representatives.

An asset to the state of Texas and its higher education system, Dr. Hunter has consistently served without want of recognition. However, today I commend him for his diligent public service efforts in furthering higher education.

Mr. Speaker, the Wright amendment is the number one business issue in my district, District 24. American Airlines headquarters and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport are both based in District 24.

The job statistics speak for themselves: American Airlines has 7,300 employees in my district, and DFW Airport itself has 16,000 jobs. The airport itself is responsible for almost 260,000 jobs in the metroplex. Therefore, it is obvious that the people of my district have a lot riding on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, the Wright amendment was a unique law created for a unique circumstance; therefore, its repeal calls for a unique solution. I think the bill before us today provides just that, and I urge the House to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6075) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 101 East Gay Street in West Chester, Pennsylvania, as the ``Robert J. Thompson Post Office Building''.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

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

Madam Speaker, H.R. 6075, offered by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Pitts), would designate the facility of the Post Office in West Chester, Pennsylvania, as the ``Robert J. Thompson Post Office Building.''

Born on November 30, 1937, Senator Thompson graduated from Penn State University in 1959 and was known to be a loyal and devoted fan of the Nittany Lions.

He was a native of West Chester, Pennsylvania, and began his career in public service in 1970 as a member of the West Goshen Township Board of Supervisors. He began serving as a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate in 1995, representing the 19th District, which includes parts of Chester and Montgomery Counties. During his distinguished career as Senator, Thompson also served as chairman of the Appropriations Committee and vice chairman of the State Government Committee.

But his contributions were not limited to just the public arena. He and his wife, Nancy, were very dedicated to the community in which they lived. Senator Thompson's list of involvements was impressive. He was the founding Executive Director of the Chester County Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Chester County Hospital Board, a member of the Immaculata College President's Council, and was an elder at the First Presbyterian Church of West Chester.

He passed away in January of 2006 and will be greatly missed by friends, family, and the community.

I urge all Members to come together and vote in favor of H.R. 6075.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6078) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 307 West Wheat Street in Woodville, Texas, as the ``Chuck Fortenberry Post Office Building''.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

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

Madam Speaker, H.R. 6078 as introduced by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Brady) would designate the post office in Woodville, Texas, as the ``Chuck Fortenberry Post Office.'

Chief Warrant Officer Fortenberry was a 19\1/2\-year Army veteran who was serving with the 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, out of Fort Hood, Texas. During the course of his distinguished career, he also served in the 82nd Airborne Division, became an Army Ranger, and worked in Alaska before joining the warrant officer program to fly helicopters.

Officer Fortenberry was killed on Easter Sunday, April 11, 2004, when his AH-64 Apache helicopter was shot down over Baghdad. On that Sunday, a convoy traveling through Baghdad en route to Fallujah came under enemy fire. Someone on the ground called for air support, and Fortenberry and his partner, Chief Warrant Officer Lawrence ``Shane'' Colton, responded within moments. The convoy was saved, but their helicopter was shot down. Officer Fortenberry and his crewman paid the ultimate price for their country and their comrades, and I hope all members will join me in supporting this bill to honor such bravery and sacrifice.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Brady).

Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of H.R. 6078, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4720) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 200 Gateway Drive in Lincoln, California, as the ``Beverly J. Wilson Post Office Building''.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

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

Madam Speaker, in the town of Lincoln, California, Beverly Wilson was known not just a postal carrier but also as a dear friend and a community fixture. She lived in Lincoln for 50 years and worked for the postal service for nearly 30 of those years.

She went out of her way to get to know her customers personally, and she always took new employees under her wing. She was known throughout Lincoln for her famous pomegranate jelly and baked pies, but above all else her community remembers her kind spirit, generosity and warmth.

Beverly Wilson will be deeply missed by all of the people whose lives she touched.

I urge all Members to join me in naming this post office in her honor.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of H.R. 4720, and I yield back the balance of my time.