Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask for the House's attention today to recognize Miss Maggie Morgan, who on April 11th received a Taylor Medal from the University of Mississippi.

Maggie is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Gary H. Morgan. She attended The Donoho School in Anniston, Alabama. After graduating in 2009, she went on to attend the University of Mississippi, and this May, she will graduate as an Honors Scholar with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forensic Chemistry.

During her time at the University of Mississippi, Maggie has set a standard of excellence in her academics. The Taylor Medal, which she was awarded, is the highest academic honor awarded by the University of Mississippi. To be eligible for this award, a student must have a grade point average of 3.9 or higher and exhibit exceptional scholarship in one field of study combined with superior academic work in all other subjects.

Upon her graduation from the University of Mississippi, Maggie plans to attend the University of Alabama School of Medicine.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Maggie on her academic achievements and wishing her luck in all of her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, April 15, the dreaded tax day, is almost here. According to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, Americans will have to work 108 days this year just to be able to pay their taxes--108 days. That's just not right, and Americans are sick of it. The good news is Congress has a chance to do something about it this year.

So what would the average American want to see in a new Tax Code?

One, lower tax rates on individuals and businesses, with an assurance that those rates would remain low;

Two, no ridiculous special interest loopholes or giveaways, especially those that have nothing to do with creating jobs; and

Three, making sure that everyone pays their fair share.

If Congress aims for these goals, Americans should get a Tax Code that encourages work and investment, resulting in economic growth and job creation.

And let's not forget, we cannot allow any future growth-generated revenue to be spent on wasteful government programs. Instead, the revenue should go toward eliminating the deficit and then paying down our debt.

Let's cut spending, lower our deficit, and fix our loophole-ridden, work-penalizing, and jobs-killing Tax Code once and for all.

Mr. Speaker, this week, the House will vote on the House Republican budget resolution. This will be the third straight year that the House will pass a budget. The budget is not just a plan for this coming fiscal year, but it's also a plan to balance our budget in this Nation in 10 years.

The national debt is now $16.7 trillion. That works out to about a $147,000 of debt per taxpayer. Our Nation cannot continue to spend and borrow at this rate. The House Republican budget tackles our spending problems head-on, while protecting our military from indiscriminate cuts.

It also outlines a plan to reform our burdensome Tax Code. By getting spending under control and reforming our Tax Code, this budget would help create jobs, and that's exactly what our economy needs right now.

Congress has a responsibility to future generations to get the budget balanced, and I strongly encourage my colleagues to support this effort.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask for the House's attention today to recognize Mrs. Blondell Hollingsworth, who is turning 95 on April 7th, 2013.

Mrs. Hollingsworth was born on April 7th, 1918 in Burwell, GA. Later in her life, she attended Garner School of Nursing and then worked at Garner Hospital as a nurse. In 1939, she married Mr. Ralph Hollingsworth. After that, she worked at Hollingsworth jewelry.

The Hollingsworths were blessed with one daughter, Sylvia Sue Hollingsworth, who was born in 1941. Mrs. Hollingsworth has three grandchildren, Angela, Tracey, and Holli, and she has six great- grandchildren. Their names are Ashley, Laura, Cierra, Pierre, Leigh, and Lindsay.

Mrs. Hollingsworth is a member of Central Presbyterian Church in Anniston, Alabama, where she currently resides. Her family is planning on having a quiet party to celebrate this milestone.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to join Mrs. Hollingsworth's family and friends in wishing her a very happy 95th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, we recently learned that Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also known as ICE, released thousands of illegal immigrants out of our detention facilities across the country in anticipation of the sequester cuts. This was done not after the sequester became law or the cuts became reality, but in anticipation.

This is the latest in a string of lapses in judgment by ICE Director John Morton. Because of his repeated questionable actions, I've called on Mr. Morton to resign.

Rather than making commonsense cuts like reducing administrative staffing, cutting overhead, or taking other action, ICE chose to release thousands of known criminals directly onto our streets and into our communities. ICE's justification for this plan is that those individuals will remain in a monitoring program while deportation proceedings are ongoing. Really?

It baffles me that ICE officials continue to insist that someone who has already committed a crime by entering this country illegally would willingly participate in a monitored self-deportation program.

The sequester has started and across-the-board cuts will affect us all, but we cannot stand by while ICE makes irresponsible decisions. I call on John Morton to resign and make a full accounting of this debacle to the American people.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, the Anniston Army Depot is in my hometown and my district. It serves as a critical installation for our brave warfighters and our Nation.

Now with President Obama's sequester just days away, the depot, along with other vital military installations across our country, faces devastating cuts, possibly resulting in furloughs for already hurting families.

I agree we need to cut spending, and we need to reduce the size of our Federal Government; but I also believe, for our national security and for our warfighters' readiness, we must cut spending in a smarter way.

Friday will mark the beginning of the $85 billion in Federal cuts across the board this year. I stand here today to urge President Obama to do the right thing: support what the House has done twice and replace these sequester cuts with smarter, more responsible reforms. And let's do it without trying to raise taxes again on the American people in just two months' time.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask for the House's attention today to recognize Ruth Sarro who is retiring on March 31st.

Mrs. Sarro began her career as a 4-H agent over 30 years ago. Working with the 4-H of Alabama was the fulfillment of her childhood dreams. As a child, Mrs. Sarro enjoyed participating in her local chapter. She competed in local, county, district and even state 4-H contests. Her fond memories led her to pursue opportunities within the 4-H system.

In 1980, she graduated from the University of Montevallo in Alabama and began working in the Bullock County extension office as a 4-H agent. In 1982, Mrs. Sarro transferred to the Calhoun County Extension office in Anniston, Alabama. During her years as a 4-H agent she worked extensively with schools and teachers in Alabama. In fact, she worked with over 22,000 students between 1980 and 2004.

In 2004, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System was restructured, and she became a Regional 4-H agent. She works with 97 volunteers in Calhoun, Cleburne and Randolph counties.

Mrs. Sarro will be remembered for her dedication to the 4-H systems of Alabama. She is a true success story of what dedication to a cause can bring about. Countless students, teachers, volunteers and members of the community have been inspired by her.

Mr. Speaker, we join her family and friends in celebrating Mrs. Sarro's retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask for the House's attention today to recognize Jan Jennings who is celebrating her 60th birthday on Thursday, February 7th, 2013.

Mrs. Jennings was born on February 7th, 1953 in Anniston, Alabama to Johnny and Ruby Reaves. She is one of seven children. She graduated from Saks High School and went on to attend Gadsden State University, where she got her degree in Nursing. She later received her Business degree from Jacksonville State University in 1989.

In 1983, Jan married Jeff Jennings, also a native of Anniston, Alabama. Later, in 1987, they welcomed their only child, Jessica. In 2010, they adopted their beloved labradoodle, Tully.

For almost 20 years, Jan practiced as a nurse at Regional Medical Center in Anniston, Riverview Medical Center in Gadsden, and Montclair Baptist Hospital in Birmingham. Jan then left to pursue her dreams of traveling the world when she joined the medical sales industry. Jan is still in the industry today, working as a Trainer for EndoGastric Solutions.

After over 40 years of living in Anniston, Alabama, Jan and her family relocated to High Point, North Carolina, where they live today. Although she lives in North Carolina, Jan remains a dedicated fan of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide.

Mr. Speaker, we join her family and friends in celebrating Jan's birthday and wishing her many more.

``He shall receive ambassadors and other public ministers; he shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed, and shall commission all the officers of the United States.''

Article II, section 4:

``The President, Vice President and all civil officers of the United States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.''

Article III, section 1:

``The judicial power of the United States shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their offices during good behavior and shall, at stated times, receive for their services a compensation, which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office.''

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask for the House's attention today to recognize Richard Henry Railey who is retiring from the United Parcel Service in Opelika after 34 years of service.

Mr. Railey was born on October 18, 1957, in Ashland, Alabama, to Talma and Georgia Alberta Railey. He graduated from Wadley High School in 1976 as Class Salutatorian, lettering in both football and baseball and serving as Class President.

He attended Southern Union State Junior College receiving an A.S. Degree and serving as President of the Student Government Association. He then attended Auburn University and graduated in 1981 with a B.S. Degree in Vocational Agri-Business with a teaching certificate.

In November of 1978, Mr. Railey started working part-time at UPS while in school at Auburn. In 1979, he was promoted to part-time management and in 1984, to full-time management. In April of 1981, Richard married Debbie Renee Gilbert in Pine Mountain, Georgia, and later they had two sons, Patrick Ryan Railey and David Richard Railey. While at UPS, Richard has also volunteered at United Way, taught Junior Achievement at Opelika High School and Auburn High School and achieved many job promotions during his time there.

Mr. Speaker, we join his family and friends in celebrating Mr. Railey's retirement and wish him the very best.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to join my colleagues Congressman Spencer Bachus and Congresswoman Terri Sewell in asking for the House's attention today to recognize Dr. Phillip Hammonds who is retiring as the Superintendent of Jefferson County Schools after nearly 40 years of service to Alabama's school systems.

Dr. Phillip Hammonds received his Bachelor degree in English Education from Evangel College in Springfield, Missouri. Soon after, he received his Master's degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He went on to earn Doctoral degrees from both the University of Montevallo and the University of Alabama.

While earning his numerous degrees, Dr. Hammonds also served Alabama schools in various capacities. From 1973-1983 he work for Sylacauga High School. In 1983, he began working for the Sylacauga City School System, where he stayed until 1996. He also served as the Superintendent of Sylacauga City Schools from 2001-2003. From 1996- 1997, Dr. Hammonds was the Superintendent of Education for Pell City Schools. In 1997, he began his work for the Jefferson County School System, and in 2004 he was appointed Superintendent.

Because of his faithful service to Alabama's school systems, Dr. Hammonds has been the recipient of numerous awards. In 1989, he was honored as the Outstanding Graduate Student in School Administration at the University of Montevallo. In 1991, he received a Faculty Recognition Award from the University of Alabama. He was also named the Outstanding Alumnus in School Administration by the University of Montevallo in 1996. In 2007, he was recognized as the Outstanding Superintendent of the Year by the Alabama Congress of Parents and Teachers. Finally, in 2010, he was appointed to the Board of Directors for the The Capstone at the University of Alabama.

Mr. Speaker, we join his family, friends and the state of Alabama in this celebration in his honor. We will miss Dr. Hammonds' leadership in Alabama, and wish him the very best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend members of an outstanding family who have spent their lives building successful businesses and giving back to their community. Jimmy and Chris Pursell started Pursell Technologies, Pursell Farms and FarmLinks all located in or around Talladega County in Alabama.

Jimmy Pursell grew up in Talladega, Alabama and graduated from Auburn University in 1952. In 1953, Jimmy married Chris Parker of Sylacauga, Alabama. Jimmy spent four

years in the Air Force after college and then moved with his wife to Sylacauga to join his father-in-law in the fertilizer business at Parker Fertilizer.

In 1964, Jimmy and Chris took over the business and focused mainly on fertilizer. In 1997, the consumer division of the company was sold and the remaining portion became Pursell Technologies.

In 2001, the family established Pursell Farms, a 3,500 acre site in Fayetteville, Alabama and FarmLinks, an 18-hole golf course and nursery. FarmLinks has been the number one public course in Alabama and attracts visitors from all over.

The Pursells have three children--Taylor, Chris and David--who have all worked for their company at some point. The Pursells have created over 250 local jobs and run their company with Christian values. The Pursells also have supported local schools and their community and created three student programs at Auburn University.

On December 3rd, the Pursell family will travel to a special event held at the United Nations in New York City to be awarded this prestigious honor by Sylacauga native Jim Nabors.

Mr. Speaker, I offer my congratulations to the Pursell family and thank Auburn University for educating outstanding students and citizens such as the Pursells.

Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to recognize Lew Watson who is retiring as Mayor of the City of Lincoln, Alabama, on the 40th anniversary of the day he first took the oath of office.

Carroll L. ``Lew'' Watson was born in Norfolk, Virginia, to Carroll and Ruth Watson on May 9, 1943. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1961 and graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor's of Art degree in 1965.

After graduation from college, he joined the United States Army where he served until September of 1969 when he retired at the rank of Captain. He later attended Birmingham School of Law and received his Juris Doctor degree on May 23, 1982.

Watson was first elected mayor in 1972 at the age of 29 when Lincoln's population was a little over 1,100. Over the years, Lew was able to help build local infrastructure and help recruit industries like Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC which helped the city grow and prosper to what it is today. During his time in office the city's population grew by over 450 percent.

Watson's children include Carroll Lewis Watson and his wife Alyson, Samantha Bluhm and her husband Patrick, David G. Watson and his wife Azumi, and Jessica Laffosse and her husband Michael.

Mr. Speaker, we join his friends and family in this surprise celebration in his honor. We will miss Lew's leadership in Lincoln, and wish him the very best.

Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to recognize Sergeant First Class Kito Kajuan Wilkins, who will be retiring from the US Army's 3rd Infantry Division, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade.

Originally from Anniston, Alabama, Wilkins entered the Army in 1992. Upon graduation from boot camp, he became a Bradley Vehicle Driver at Fort Benning, Georgia. Soon after, he became a Squad Leader and Platoon Sergeant in Illesheim, Germany. From 1999-2002, he was stationed in Fort Hood, where he served as a Technical Inspector. After serving as a recruiter in San Antonio, Wilkins was deployed to Iraq to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. After his deployment to Iraq, Wilkins served in Fort Eustis, Virginia as an Instructor. From 2008-2010, he was stationed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, as a Platoon Sergeant and Section Chief. Currently, his duty location is Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia. While stationed there he has deployed to Pakistan, where he took part in the Pakistani Humanitarian Mission Flood Relief, and Afghanistan, where he served his final deployment.

Because of his dedication to our country, SFC Wilkins has received countless awards. These include: 7 Army Accommodation Medals, five Army Achievement Medals, six Army Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, one Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, one Global War on Terror Service Medal, one Silver Recruiter Badge and one Basic Marksmanship Qualification Badge.

In addition to his dutiful service to our country, SFC Wilkins is a tireless volunteer. He has logged over 1,500 volunteer community service hours teaching youth football, basketball and soccer. Because of his volunteer efforts, Wilkins has received two Humanitarian Service Medals, a Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, an Army Service Ribbon and two Overseas Service Ribbons.

Mr. Speaker, I offer my sincerest gratitude to SFC Wilkins, a true American hero, for his service to our nation.