Floor Statements

I thank the gentleman from Georgia for his excellent work on House Resolution 501, which expresses what we as Republicans stand for as we fight to provide accountability for hardworking American taxpayers.

We are for certainty for these taxpayers. We are for unemployment insurance reforms. We are for freezing Federal salaries. We are for certainty for our seniors. We are for fairness for our doctors and hospitals. We are for jobs for the American people in the form of the Keystone XL pipeline, in the form of Boiler MACT, and the other bills that will help put thousands of Americans back to work. We all know that Washington takes too much and Washington wastes a lot of the money that it takes, and the American people want to see more of that money left in their pocket.

Indeed, Mr. Speaker, part of the debate that is taking place today is about a transition that we are going through, and House Republicans are grateful for the opportunity to lead this transition from a government that is addicted to the taxpayers' money--yes, indeed, it never gets enough--to a government that is going to be accountable to the hardworking American taxpayer.

Now, for some of my colleagues, they may want to call that ``radical.'' They may want to call it ``extreme.'' They may want to say that it is holding ideas hostage. It is about freedom. We stand with hardworking taxpayers.

Mr. Speaker, There are citizens making up this great country who never cease to explore, to learn, to grow. Skilled in multiple crafts, these men and women add much to our communities and the quality of our lives. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of one such Renaissance man, Judge Elmer Davies, Jr. Patriot, master of the law, and passionate culinary artist, Judge Davies left an indelible mark on his family and our community.

After receiving his law degree from Tulane Law School, and serving as a Reserve Colonel with the United States Marine Corps, Davies began his public service in the legal field and followed in the footsteps of his father, Judge Elmer Davies. President Roosevelt appointed Davies, Sr. to the United States District Court and he became the first Chief

Judge of the Middle Tennessee District. Davies, Jr. served as District Attorney General from 1972 to 1982 and then as Circuit Court Judge from 1982 to 1989. Serving Tennesseans from Hickman, Lewis, Perry, and Williamson Counties, Davies cultivated a pristine and upstanding legal reputation.

Judge Davies certainly followed his passions; never settling to look from the outside onto a subject he loved. Wanting to learn more about the art of food, Davies went to France to study the culinary arts. Then seeking to serve folks in a very different way, Davies purchased a hotel in the South Pacific and lived his later years in service to one of his many dreams.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Judge Elmer Davies, Jr. and I ask my colleagues to join with me in honoring his legacy. May his life teach us all to serve with greater nobility and live out our dreams in service to others.

Mr. Speaker, they are our neighbors, cousins, sisters, and friends. They are called upon to protect America at home and her interests abroad and do so with swiftness and dedication. From humble beginnings to one of the largest military forces in the world, the National Guard is the oldest component of the Armed Forces and I rise today to celebrate their 375th birthday.

Three regiments were established on December 13, 1636 by the Massachusetts General Court in Salem. The early colonies knew the freedoms they sought must be defended. Seeing a great need for the protection of able-bodied men, but having not the money to pay mercenaries, the North, South, and East regiments were organized with the promise to keep a ready state of mind and preparation to fight when needed. Almost four centuries later, the National Guard operates still by these same watchwords: ready and prepared. From the Mexican War to the Global War on Terror, the men and women of the National Guard have answered this nation's call to service.

For 375 years, the citizen-soldiers of the Army National Guard have protected and defended this great land in times of war, times of peace, and times of calamity. We are ever-thankful for their dedication and watchful eye as they work to protect freedom and freedom's cause. I rise today to honor the National Guard and ask my colleagues to join with me in celebrating the three and a quarter centuries of swift and noble response.

Mr. Speaker, Tennessee is the home to country music and the blues. Music is in the very fiber of our being, and we are proud to continually showcase the thousands of singers, songwriters, performers, producers, and music industry professionals that call Tennessee ``home.'' I rise today to honor eight such professionals whose talents have made Memphis' musical heritage the soundtrack of America.

Barbara Blue, Dani, Lil Rounds, Dawn Hopkins, Valerie June, Amy LaVere, Sheri Jones Moffett, and JoJo Jefferies were named recently as the 2011 Emissaries of Memphis Music. Honored for their contributions to the culture of music that is uniquely Tennessean and uniquely American, these eight women are deserving of praise. I ask my colleagues to join with me in honoring the Emissaries of Memphis Music and thank all of those who add their distinct notes to the musical history of Tennessee.

Mr. Speaker, I would encourage my colleagues in this body to consider the balanced budget amendment and to support it.

I do rise in support of this amendment because hardworking taxpayers know that out-of-control spending in Washington is killing job creation and economic growth. In less than 3 years, President Obama and his administration have added $4.3 trillion to our national debt, which is now over $15 trillion. Astounding. That is $47,900 for every American. Is it really fair for our children and grandchildren to have to shoulder that kind of debt for programs they don't want and having to pay for it with money they don't have? Is that really fair?

The Obama economy is stifling the ability of small businesses and hardworking taxpayers to achieve their goals and dreams. It is time to rein in wasteful Washington spending. It is time to stop the madness.

We need a permanent solution to the fiscal problems that are plaguing this economy, and the clear and commonsense solution is to pass this balanced budget amendment. It's not a new idea. Every year in my State of Tennessee, our State, cities and counties across our State all balance their budget, and 49 other States do. Passing a constitutional mandate would require Congress to balance the budget every year and legally obligate this body to spend only what it takes in.

We can no longer kick the can down the road. We can't wait to replace Washington's blank check with the checks and balances necessary to provide true fiscal responsibility. Passing the balanced budget amendment is an effective component of accountability and spending control. Washington mandates too much, spends too much, takes too much, and takes our freedom.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak about legislation I'm introducing dealing with tax options for songwriters and music publishers. The Songwriters Tax Simplification Reauthorization Act reinstates the ability of American music publishers and self-published songwriters to elect to use a 5 year, 20 percent per year amortization schedule. We had this tax option from 2005 to 2010. Inadvertently, it wasn't reauthorized.

Under current law, tax options available to songwriters and publishers are unworkable, obsolete, and cost-prohibitive. This creates a disincentive to new investment at a time when the music industry is under assault from illegal piracy online and as they are fighting to retain and create jobs.

A 16-year-old singer-songwriter named Bonner Black from Hot Rock, Tennessee, came to Washington last month to build support for this idea. Her dream is the American dream--to write songs that inspire and entertain us. We need this legislation to make certain songwriting remains a part of the American dream.

Mr. Speaker, musical genius is commonplace in Middle Tennessee. From songwriters to executive producers, the notables of Nashville are known the world over for their dedication to the perfect sound. I rise today to honor two pillars of Music City as they receive the Cecil Scaife Visionary Award and are recognized for their contribution to Tennessee's legendary sound.

David Briggs excels at more than the ivory keys. Dedicated to great and beautiful music, Briggs moved to Nashville and worked on over 200 number one hits. Playing keyboard for Elvis, Kris Kristofferson, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, and many more of the greats, Briggs has decades of success as both a musician and an executive of Quadrofonic Sound Studio.

Together with Briggs, Norbert Putnam was part of the original Muscle Shoals Recording Section at Fame Recording Studios. From opening for the Beatles in their first American concert, to becoming one of Nashville's most successful pop-rock bassists, to currently his place as one of the top pop/rock producers in Music City with Quadrofonic Sound, Putnam too has a storied devotion to Tennessee music.

The greatness of Music City is only as strong as the next generation of billboard leaders. I appreciate David Briggs and Norbert Putnam for their contributions to our great music legacy. I also appreciate the hard work and support of those who established and continue the Cecil Scaife Business Scholarship. Your devotion to those who pioneer the way for future music legends helps to strengthen Music City. I rise today to honor two industry leaders whose drive and dedication to offer their experiences to tomorrow's musicians, publishers, composers, and arrangers. I ask my colleagues to rise and join with me in celebrating David Briggs and Norbert Putnam as they receive the Cecil Scaife Visionary Award and continue to offer their experience and wisdom to those who seek the next great note.

Mr. Speaker, the true greatness of our state and country lies in the creativity, integrity, and passion of its people, and we are fortunate to be surrounded by mighty examples of dedication to leadership, service, and support of the arts. I rise today to honor Tim McGraw as he receives the Applause Award. Given each year to those who devote their time, talents, and treasures to the performing arts and arts education in middle Tennessee, Tim McGraw joins Ted Welch as this year's deserved recipients.

From bluegrass, to rockabilly, to traditional country, the notes composing the symphony of country music are as diverse as they are enticing. A common thread among the stars of Music City is their devotion to causes greater than themselves. Tonight's award recipient, Tim McGraw, is no exception. Known the world over for his talents in harmonies and melodies, McGraw can be found in service to the American Red Cross, Nashville Rising, and various state and local foundations.

A successful arts program is one of the markers of a successful community, and I am thankful for all those who remain devoted to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center and its Education Programs. Through music, theater, ballet, and art, TPAC provides elevated experiences to middle Tennessee patrons. I rise today to honor Tim McGraw for his loyalty to not only the arts in his community, but his community as a whole. I ask my colleagues to join with me in celebrating McGraw's contributions to and success in Music City.

Mr. Speaker, the true greatness of our state and country lies in the creativity, integrity, and passion of its people, and we are fortunate to be surrounded by mighty examples of dedication to leadership, service, and support of the arts. I rise today to honor Ted Welch as he receives the Applause Award. Given each year to those who devote their time, talents, and treasures to the performing arts and arts education in Middle Tennessee, Ted Welch joins Tim McGraw as this year's deserved recipients.

Engaged in process of democracy and faithful to the causes of his calling, Ted Welch can be found working with various political organizations, the foundation of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, or the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce. Throughout his years of public service, Welch remained a key figure in TPAC's past. His allegiance to his community is notable and remains part of what makes Middle Tennessee one of the best places to call ``home.''

A successful arts program is one of the markers of a successful community, and I am thankful for all those who remain devoted to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center and its Education Programs. Through music, theater, ballet, and art, TPAC provides elevated experiences to Middle Tennessee patrons. I rise today to honor Ted Welch for his loyalty to not only the arts in his community, but his community as a whole. I ask my colleagues to join with me, his wife Colleen, and his children and grandchildren, in honoring Ted Welch for supporting for the betterment of his neighbors.

We all know that the ObamaCare bill allows for both the implicit and explicit taxpayer funding of abortion, and we all know that the Executive order signed by the President is not worth the paper that it was written on. It repeats the accounting gimmick that allows for Federal subsidies to go to insurance plans that cover abortion. And that's why we need to pass the Protect Life Act, which would apply the principles of the Hyde amendment to every component of ObamaCare. The Protect Life Act eliminates that accounting gimmick and ensures that Americans are not forced to pay an abortion surcharge, if you will, in order to get a health care plan. It ensures State laws are not preempted by Federal law.

This is the right move, the right bill. Americans deserve to have this assurance.

Mr. Speaker, over 140 years ago, recognizing the need for a gathering place of worship and of academics, members of the Doe Creek community built a one-room school house. Fashioned from hewn logs and built on a stone pier foundation during the Civil War era, the school saw its last student in 1948 and fell out of use. Accurately reconstructed and refurbished in 2007, the Doe Creek School is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

One of the remaining one-room school houses in existence, the Doe Creek School continues to be a place of learning and gathering. With funds raised by the Doe Creek community, and built with hands laboring by another's cause, the restoration brought friend and neighbor together in a way that only shared history is able. Just as in generations past, the Doe Creek School will be a place for generations to come to share stories and learn from each other.

I rise today in support of the Doe Creek Restoration Committee as they celebrate being named to the National Register of Historic Places. I appreciate the dedication of all who worked to see this day, and thank the Committee and surrounding community for recognizing the great value in holding firm to one's roots. I ask my colleagues to stand with me in thanking those who offered their time, talents, and treasure to see their history regained.

Mr. Speaker, there are leaders who work to shape the direction of the country and there are workers who toil to shape the direction of the soul. In the Tennessee Seventh Congressional District, there is one leader whose efforts over the past several decades have led many into the goodness of the Almighty. I rise today to honor First Baptist Church Pastor Roger Freeman as he retires from decades of active ministry.

An accomplished author, devoted father, and principled leader, Dr. Freeman serves not solely his beliefs. Dedicated to reaching both inward to his congregation and outward to the community, Freeman spends time serving in state Baptist associations as well as local civic organizations. Dr. Freeman's service reach extends beyond the walls of the church. In 2007, Freeman was invited by the National Park Service to offer the prayer for the lighting of the National Christmas Tree and eloquently represented his community, his family, and his faith.

From Texas, to Louisiana, to Tennessee, and communities beyond, Freeman has spent his life in service to his creed and his calling. I join with his wife and children in offering thanks to Dr. Roger Freeman for his many years of faith and guidance. I ask my colleagues to join with me in honoring Dr. Freeman. As he retires from First Baptist Church, I hope his fidelity to his vocation will remind us all to the higher service of our own.

Mr. Speaker, on this week when NASCAR's Chase for the Cup begins, I rise today to celebrate another landmark achievement for a 3-time Cup winner and resident of Tennessee's 7th District who I am truly privileged to call a good friend. Darrell Waltrip will join the third class of inductees in the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Darrell was born and raised in Owensboro, Kentucky, but began making his mark as a professional driver at the old Nashville Speedway in the 1970s. We are proud that Darrell and his wife, Stevie call Franklin, Tennessee home.

This much-deserved accolade caps D.W.'s legendary career which included three

NASCAR Cup series championships, 84 Cup victories, the 1989 Daytona 500, and five-time winner of The Coca-Cola 600. Darrell had 271 top- five finishes and 390 top-tens, not to mention 13 Grand National Series wins. He's been the American Driver of the Year three times, the Auto Racing Digest Driver of the Year twice, and once NASCAR's Driver of the Decade.

We've seen him race the track, we now seen him announce the sport he loves, and we look forward to watching him be enshrined into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Mister Speaker, I rise today to honor Darrell Waltrip on this great success and ask my colleagues to join me in one hearty ``Boogity, Boogity, Boogity''. Way to go, D.W. It's another checkered flag for you.

Mr. Speaker, fifty years ago, a prestigious group of soldiers were activated into the 5th Special Forces Group at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. Deployed today from Ft. Campbell, Kentucky and serving in regions known and unknown, the men and women of the 5th Special Forces work to gain and secure freedom's cause for the oppressed throughout the world.

The green beret is not the only thing that sets the 5th Special Forces Group apart. Divided into five active duty and two Army National Guard groups, the Special Forces are an integral part of the United States Army and her missions throughout the world. From Vietnam to Afghanistan, these honored soldiers continue to carry out the legacy of excellence, victory, and fidelity to the contract of democracy. Outfitted with the best and the brightest the Armed Forces has to offer, the 5th Special Forces Group celebrates 50 years of special operations as one of the most decorated and well-known Army units.

We owe much of our freedom to those who, like the 5th Special Forces, dedicate their lives to the tenets of this mighty country. With unequalled speed and resolve, they both captured high-profile targets in the Global War on Terror and brought humanity and compassion to areas of the world struggling under humanitarian crisis. As the 5th Special Forces Group continues their work to liberate those in the bonds of oppression, I ask my colleagues to join with me in honoring the mighty work done by the 5th Special Forces and congratulate them as they celebrate 50 years of bringing freedom to the world's darkest places.

Mr. Speaker, one hundred years ago, a group of women from the First Baptist Church in Nashville, TN, decided to put action to their beliefs. Purchasing land in Brentwood, TN, in 1911, the Tennessee Baptist Orphans' Home moved from borrowed space in a local hotel to a permanent home. This move began a beautiful history of dedication and service to the least and most vulnerable among us.

Approximately 200 children a year are cared for, fed, clothed, and taught about the hope found in the Almighty. As children find themselves in houses of great crisis, thanks to the care and support of the Tennessee Baptist Children's Home, they soon find themselves in homes of great love. Need is the only qualification for children to find assistance and by accepting all children regardless of race, creed, or socio-economic background, the TBCH lives fully the call of those who follow Christ.

I appreciate the great work done by the Tennessee Baptist Children's Home and all those who support its mission. From the couples who give their lives to parent other children to those whose prayers make this calling possible, all who offer their time, talents, and treasures to this great cause are helping to make the future brighter for Tennessee's children. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Tennessee Baptist Children's Home and ask my colleagues to join with me in offering great thanks for the work done in protecting Tennessee's children.