Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the members of my Congressional Staff who have served with me over the past four years. As a Member of Congress, my greatest responsibility was to provide exceptional constituent services to our district, and my team did just that. My Washington, D.C. office was also in charge of all aspects of the legislative process, quite a daunting task. I could not ask for a more talented and dedicated team, and I take great pride in the work that each staff member has done on behalf of North Carolina's 8th District.

My team has shown a strong sense of dedication to meeting the needs of our constituents. I greatly appreciate the support and friendship they have shown me during my years of service in Congress.

Elena DiTraglia has been with me since before I took office. As our Director of Operations she was the person who made sure that all functions of the office, my schedule, and too many other things to list went smoothly. Elena, who is originally from Texas, has made the people of the 8th District of North Carolina her priority, and she has served them so well.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and thanking Elena for her hard work on behalf of North Carolina's 8th District, and the United States, and to wish her continued success in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the members of my Congressional Staff who have served with me over the past four years. As a Member of Congress, my greatest responsibility was to provide exceptional constituent services to our district, and my team did just that. My Washington, D.C. office was also in charge of all aspects of the legislative process, quite a daunting task. I could not ask for a more talented and dedicated team, and I take great pride in the work that each staff member has done on behalf of North Carolina's 8th District.

My team has shown a strong sense of dedication to meeting the needs of our constituents. I greatly appreciate the support and friendship they have shown me during my years of service in Congress.

Elizabeth Bonner has served as my Press Assistant during her time in our office. Hailing from the great state of North Carolina, Elizabeth has been an excellent addition to the team. Assisting in all mediums of communication with our district, she has been instrumental in communicating with our constituents.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and thanking Elizabeth for her hard work on behalf of North Carolina's 8th District, and the United States, and to wish her continued success in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the members of my Congressional Staff who have served with me over the past four years. As a Member of Congress, my greatest responsibility was to provide exceptional constituent services to our district, and

my team did just that. My Washington, D.C. office was also in charge of all aspects of the legislative process, quite a daunting task. I could not ask for a more talented and dedicated team, and I take great pride in the work that each staff member has done on behalf of North Carolina's 8th District.

My team has shown a strong sense of dedication to meeting the needs of our constituents. I greatly appreciate the support and friendship they have shown me during my years of service in Congress.

Christopher Schuler has held many positions in our office, and provides invaluable counsel. As Communications Director he helped make sure our constituents were always informed, and that their concerns were always put foremost. In addition to being an excellent writer, he is also very knowledgeable about legislation and has also served as Legislative Assistant, and with his help we have been able to lead the ``Buy American'' effort.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and thanking Christopher for his hard work on behalf of North Carolina's 8th District, and the United States, and to wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the members of my Congressional Staff who have served with me over the past four years. As a Member of Congress, my greatest responsibility was to provide exceptional constituent services to our district, and my team did just that. I could not ask for a more talented and dedicated team, and I take great pride in the work that each staff member has done on behalf of North Carolina's 8th District. Each District Staff member has shown great dedication to meeting the needs of each and every one of our constituents. They go above and beyond to ensure that each constituent is treated fairly and respectfully.

My team has shown a strong sense of dedication to meeting the needs of our constituents. I greatly appreciate the support and friendship they have shown me during my years of service in Congress.

David Deese has served as my Outreach Assistant during his time in the office. In our office, David has brought help to those who may not be able to get to our office, through satellite office hours, community meetings, and chamber meetings. This has proved to be very useful for the folks of our district, and has helped to bring our office to the communities. His many years as a newspaper publisher and editor have made him an excellent liaison to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and thanking David for his hard work on behalf of North Carolina's 8th District, and the United States, and to wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the members of my Congressional Staff who have served with me over the past four years. As a Member of Congress, my greatest responsibility was to provide exceptional constituent services to our district, and my team did just that. I could not ask for a more talented and dedicated team, and I take great pride in the work that each staff member has done on behalf of North Carolina's 8th District. Each District Staff member has shown great dedication to meeting the needs of each and every one of our constituents. They go above and beyond to ensure that each constituent is treated fairly and respectfully.

My team has shown a strong sense of dedication to meeting the needs of our constituents. I greatly appreciate the support and friendship they have shown me during my years of service in Congress.

Chaz Offenburg has served as a Caseworker in our office for more than two and a half years. In that time, Chaz has helped the constituents of our district, and served as a liaison to Federal agencies. Chaz is the epitome of a team player, and was a great member of our office.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and thanking Chaz for his hard work on behalf of North Carolina's 8th District, and the United States, and to wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the members of my Congressional Staff who have served with me over the past four years. As a Member of Congress, my greatest responsibility was to provide exceptional constituent services to our district, and my team did just that. My Washington, D.C. office was also in charge of all aspects of the legislative process, quite a daunting task. I could not ask for a more talented and dedicated team, and I take great pride in the work that each staff member has done on behalf of North Carolina's 8th District.

My team has shown a strong sense of dedication to meeting the needs of our constituents. I greatly appreciate the support and friendship they have shown me during my years of service in Congress.

Chris Kelley has served as my Legislative Director for the past year. In his time with the office, Chris has help to guide and implement the legislative agenda of the office. During his time in the office, Chris has covered issues including agriculture and environment. Chris cares deeply about the agriculture issues facing our nation. Having worked in the House for many years, Chris' commitment to the good of our nation is very evident.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and thanking Chris for his hard work on behalf of North Carolina's 8th District, and the United States, and to wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true, dedicated leader in my state and in my community, Dr. Hector Henry of Concord, NC. Dr. Henry has served our nation as a Colonel in the United States military, and has served as a member of the Concord City Council for more than 20 years.

Dr. Henry proudly served our nation for decades, and came out of retirement following the attacks of September 11, 2001. He was deployed for combat in both Afghanistan and Iraq, most recently completing a 2009 deployment to Afghanistan. While deployed, Dr. Henry made every effort to videoconference in to City Council meetings, so he would not miss a minute of discussion in his hometown. Dr. Henry has served in the United States military in every conflict since the Vietnam War, a truly remarkable feat.

Still a councilman, Dr. Henry continues his service to the people of the W.G. (Bill) Hefner V.A. Medical Clinic in Salisbury, North Carolina, named in honor of our former colleague of this very chamber, Rep. Bill Hefner. Dr. Henry works as a surgeon, treating many of the veterans that call our district home, and continuing his lifelong service of helping his fellow soldier, and his community.

I'm proud to call Hector a friend and a role model. I sincerely thank Dr. Henry for his tireless devotion to making the city of Concord, and our nation, a better place.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great admiration and respect that I rise today to speak of the lifetime of public service that Dr. Hector Henry has led in our great state. I urge my colleagues to join me in commending Dr. Henry for his service, sacrifice, and ongoing commitment to this great nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true, dedicated leader in my state and in my community, Dr. William Purcell of Scotland County, North Carolina. Dr. Purcell grew up in Laurinburg, North Carolina, just south of my home town of Biscoe, North Carolina. He attended public schools in Laurinburg before graduating from Davidson College, and later, the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. After proudly serving our nation in the United States Army Medical Corps in France, during the Cold War, he returned home to North Carolina where he practiced pediatrics in Laurinburg for 36 years. During this time he also served on the Laurinburg City Council for six years, and as the Mayor of Laurinburg for 10 years. He became a member of the North Carolina Senate in 1997 and has proudly served the 25th District for seven terms before announcing his retirement this year.

If there is any indication of the impact this man has had on his community, it is the numerous awards he has received, including the

Distinguished Service Award from the University of North Carolina in 2005, for his commitment to making preventive health care a top priority. Dr. Purcell's dedication to the health of the children of North Carolina continued after his retirement as a pediatrician, making its way into the halls of the General Assembly where he served as a member of the Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, and the Chairman of the Legislative Task Force on Childhood Obesity. To honor this commitment, ABC News Correspondent George Stephanopoulous presented him with the Nathan Davis Award, the American Medical Association's highest award for a public office. Most recently, in 2008, his fellow senators and local news correspondents voted him one of the most effective members of the North Carolina Senate.

Senator Purcell and I have been friends for quite some time now, and this has allowed me to experience first-hand his generosity and his commitment to the well-being of the people of our state. As a former educator, I understand the importance of pediatric health and wellness, and their impact on a student's ability to succeed. I sincerely thank Dr. Purcell for his tireless devotion to making our community a better place.

Mr. Speaker, it is with admiration and appreciation that I rise today to speak of the ceaseless and tireless efforts of Senator Purcell to represent the people of Anson, Richmond, Scotland, and Stanly counties, and our state as a whole. Today, I urge my colleagues to join me in commending Senator Purcell for his outstanding leadership and achievements, and for a life of selfless devotion to those around him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Robert MacLeod, and his service to the United States of America as a member of the United States Coast Guard.

Due to his exceptional service in the Coast Guard, Mr. MacLeod was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device. After serving our nation during the Vietnam War, Mr. MacLeod co-founded the Metrolina Vietnam Veterans Association in Charlotte, NC. He was the inaugural president of the United States Coast Guard Lightship Sailors Association of America at its inception, and led efforts for the establishment of numerous monuments honoring men and women who have served our country.

Today, I ask all Members of Congress to join me in honoring Mr. MacLeod, a great American, and resident of North Carolina, the state which I am proud to represent.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Robeson County, NC, and the celebration of its 225th Birthday. Incorporated in 1787 from Bladen County, Robeson, North Carolina's largest county, is home to roughly 134,000 residents. Named after Colonel Thomas Robeson of the Revolutionary War, it boasts a rich American history. Col. Robeson served as one of the leaders at the Battle of Elizabethtown, an important battle won by the American patriots.

Robeson County is also home to the Lumbee American Indian tribe, and according to the U.S. Census, has the ninth largest population of American Indians in the United States, making up 38% of the population. Robeson County is truly a diverse county. Robeson is also home to the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, a historically Native American college.

Today, I ask all Members of Congress to join me in honoring Robeson County and its citizens, as irreplaceable assets to North Carolina, the state which I am proud to represent.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Lions Club of Concord, NC, and the celebration of its 80th Anniversary. The Concord Lions Club is a local service organization dedicated to providing needed and unselfish service to the community, especially to those who are visually and hearing impaired.

Since its inception, the Concord Lions Club has been a staple in the community. The Club is an avid supporter of many key programs in the area, such as the Camp Dogwood program. The Club pays the fee for interested applicants, allowing all to attend this great camp. In addition, the Club collects used eyeglasses, which are refurbished and given to persons in countries around the world who are in need of eyeglasses, but are unable to afford them.

The Concord Lions Club also offers many services, such as free eye and hearing examinations. Residents with vision or hearing disabilities who are financially unable to pay for tests, eyeglasses, or hearing aids are still able to have these vital accessories with the help of the Club and Cabarrus County Social Services. They also place flags throughout Concord to celebrate federal holidays and help raise money for their many worthy projects.

As a former President of the Biscoe Lions Club, I can attest to the phenomenal work that the Concord Lions Club has done, and to their commitment to bettering the community and helping those in need.

Today, I ask all Members of Congress to join me in honoring the Concord Lions Club, as an irreplaceable asset to the people I am proud to represent in North Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Carolinas Medical Center-NorthEast, and the celebration of its 75th Anniversary. Carolinas Medical Center-NorthEast is a regional 457-bed, not-for- profit medical center in Concord, NC, delivering top quality care to the community.

Over the past 75 years, Carolinas Medical Center-NorthEast has grown from a small, local hospital to a regional referral center, offering state of the art care to thousands. In this time, they have established a reputation for excellence in the areas of cancer care, neurosciences, cardiology, and high risk obstetrics.

In 1937, in an effort to care for his employees, Cannon Mills owner Charles A. Cannon, and George A. Batte, Jr. opened Cabarrus County Hospital. Years later in 1951, in honor of World War II veterans, Cabarrus County Hospital officially changed its name to the Cabarrus Memorial Hospital. During the 1990s, the hospital grew to a 60-acre medical campus with specifically designed centers for women's services, surgery, and cancer and cardiac care. In 2006, NorthEast Medical Center opened the Jeff Gordon Children's Hospital, to work to ensure the absolute best care for children in the area. A year later, in 2007, NorthEast Medical Center joined the Carolinas Healthcare System, and assumed its current name, Carolinas Medical Center-NorthEast. This hospital, which was conceived to care for workers, is now our area's top employer.

Among the awards and recognition that Carolinas Medical Center- NorthEast has received are J.D. Power and Associates Distinguished Hospital Program for Excellence in Maternity Services and Emergency Services. The hospital is also a recipient of the United States Department of Health and Human Services' Medal of Honor for organ donation, as well as a ``Top Performer'' award in patient satisfaction for overall quality from Professional Research Consultants in 2012.

Today, I ask all Members of Congress to join me in honoring Carolinas Medical Center-NorthEast, as an asset to the people I am proud to represent in North Carolina.

Madam Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

I rise in opposition to this amendment, and I'm not going to repeat what my colleague from Georgia just said. He covered the facts well.

I think it's important here that we recognize that relationships matter; and the relationship that we have seen with the military and especially NASCAR seems to be getting the brunt of the attention here, a long-time relationship, an important relationship.

NASCAR grew up in North Carolina. Its home is in my district in central North Carolina. While NASCAR has spread out throughout the Nation, which we're excited about, still the roots are here at home and in kind of rural America.

I don't think it's any coincidence that when we look at our military forces, about 41 percent of our military is from what we describe as rural America, which is only 17 percent of our population. And that relationship between the military and rural America is very important. The relationship between NASCAR and rural America--and all America--is very important. We don't need to interfere with that relationship.

I don't think it's any surprise that the most popular driver in NASCAR drives the National Guard car, No. 88, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. This brings kind of the relationship and the viewing that cannot be done in many other ways, and so we don't need to strike that relationship. We need to build upon that.

And when you start looking at the ramifications, as my colleague talked about earlier, other ways that this money can be used to help build this relationship, we look at NASCAR, the Special Forces working with NASCAR to develop equipment for our military.

I'm cochair of Invisible Wounds, the idea of how we can absorb the energy to help our soldiers that are in combat situations. NASCAR works on this.

The tickets that are given to our military families, to the military themselves, this is all part of that relationship. It works. We need for it to work.

I oppose this amendment and ask my colleagues to also oppose it.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment. I appreciate my colleague from New Jersey for bringing this forward. With full support, I agree with him.

I would like to point out that, just for example, June 17 through 23, that week is EMS fire safety survival week. It's just one of the many weeks that we recognize our firemen for what they do for us and the importance of what they do for us. There is an image of 9/11, the firemen and what they did for our Nation in New York when we were attacked.

But that image is also recurring throughout the Nation, throughout the communities, when firemen come to our homes or come to our businesses or go to scenes of accidents. Anywhere our communities need them, the firemen go. This restoring of the grant is just something that we should do--and I'm glad that we are going to do it--to secure that bond to allow them the training and equipment that they need to take care of us. So this is an investment in them so they can take care of us.

I appreciate my colleague bringing this amendment forward. I'm very happy and proud to be on this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students, faculty, staff and coaches of South Stanly High School in Norwood, North Carolina. This past weekend, the South Stanly Rowdy Rebel Bulls baseball and softball programs finished their seasons with each team capturing its second North Carolina 1 A State Championship, handily winning their championship games held this weekend in Durham and Raleigh, respectively. With their combined victories, South Stanly High School became just the third program in the history of North Carolina baseball and fast-pitch softball to sweep both titles in the same season.

The South Stanly baseball team finished the 2012 season with a 30 4 record, capping the season with a 6 1 victory over Voyager Academy in the State Championship game. I congratulate head coach Terry Tucker, who, in his fourth year with the program, has led the team to its third state championship appearance and its second state championship since 2009.

The South Stanly softball team finished the 2012 season with a 27 7 record, completing the season with a 9 2 win over Camden to win the state title. I congratulate South Stanly softball head coach David Poplin, who led the team to its second title since 1998.

Most importantly, sincere congratulations are due to the dedicated young men and women of these two teams. Their hard work and sacrifice throughout the season put them on the road to championships, and together their dedication and focus has brought two more state titles back to Norwood.

Folks throughout our community have always had a way of banding together in support of one another, and this year's baseball and softball seasons showed a perfect example of that at South Stanly. From dedicated parents and siblings, to friends and church members, our community came out in full force to cheer the Rowdy Rebel Bulls on to victory. I'm honored to represent the people of Stanly County, the players and their dedicated families, and the coaches and faculty of the school.

Before Congress and our great nation, I am proud to recognize the members of South Stanly High School's baseball and softball teams, Coach Tucker and Coach Poplin, Principal Mike Campbell, Athletic Director Sean Whitley and the entire Stanly County community as a whole for another local championship season. Go Rowdy Rebel Bulls!