Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about debt and spending.

This Nation today is $13 trillion in debt, and the Democrat majority intends to spend another $1 trillion to add to that debt limit by the end of this year; $14 trillion of debt, that's unconscionable.

You look at the budget that's coming from this administration that was proposed this year, $3.8 trillion, and we only have $2.2 trillion in revenue. That's $1.6 trillion in deficit spending, all of it on the credit card, and the credit card is maxed out.

People back home ask me, why do you keep spending? Why does the Congress keep spending like this when you don't have the money? I think there's two reasons. I think one is this Democrat majority wants to grow government as much as it can while it still has the super- majorities to do so. I think the second reason is they really want to overhaul our tax system, and they want to do that by creating an economic crisis to justify implementing a VAT tax and reaching back to the high rates of taxation that we had back in the Carter administration.

This is unconscionable behavior, and if it doesn't make you mad, it ought to.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor, and to mourn the death of a brilliant American hero, from my great state of Alabama, Ranger Captain Kyle A. Comfort. On May 8, 2010, Kyle gave that last full measure for God and country in Afghanistan. Our prayers are with him, his lovely wife Brooke Catherine, and their new daughter Kinleigh Ann. May our Lord hold them in his arms, I ask that this poem penned in honor of him, by Albert Caswell be placed in the Record.

Take Comfort

Take Comfort!

As you lay your head down to sleep . . .

All in your hearts of love, so very deep . . .

Of all of those most precious memories, so to keep!

Of all of those Magnificent Ones, who have so brought us

peace . . .

But, with their fine lives . . . as it's but for them we now

so weep!

Take Comfort!

In such hearts of honor and love . . . so very deep!

Who to all of ours so brilliantly do so speak!

As a gentle rain, rolls across Alabama this night . . . All

in our sleep . . .

Are but our Lord's tears, coming down from Heaven from his

heart so very deep . . .

All because of you Kyle, and your most selfless sacrifice so

very sweet . . .

And all of this pain, your family must now so ever keep!

Take Comfort!

In hearts, now so very deep . . .

As this you must, believe!

That a new Angel, our Lord God . . . up in Heaven, has so

received!

To watch over us, indeed!

To fight the darkness, you see!

And on this day, as you hold your family so very tight!

And all, seems so very right!

All because of a Hero, who for us has so died this night!

Because, Freedom is not Free!

But, bought and paid for . . . by all of these, most selfless

souls . . . so indeed!

By men like Kyle, our Most Brilliant of All Lights!

And the families, who now so cry . . . all in their tears of

heartache, this night!

So, hush little baby Kinleigh Ann . . . don't you cry!

For one day, up in Heaven you will look into your fine

Father's eyes!

And you, Brooke . . . his lovely wife . . .

Your Hero Kyle, but wants you to have a happy life!

For there will be an eternity together, up in Heaven so very

bright!

So this night, as you lay your head down to rest . . . but

remember, all of our very best!

Take Comfort, all in how . . . our world they bless!

My Lord, Take Comfort . . . he's yours . . . as we lay his

body down to rest!

Amen!

Madam Speaker, I would like to request the House's attention today to pay recognition to a special day in the life of Mr. Marvin C. Hardy of Sylacauga, Alabama.

Mr. Hardy was born on May 2, 1920 in Coosa County. He attended schools in Coosa County and graduated from American High School in Chicago, Illinois. He spent his early years working on the family farm and later worked two years at Alabama Dry Docks in Mobile as a Navy- certified welder before joining the Army in 1943.

Mr. Hardy is an American hero. He served in the 2nd Infantry Division during World War II, landing at Omaha Beach and fighting through the European Theater. He has been awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry badge, Unit Citation and Good Conduct medal.

After returning home from the war, he began working in construction. Later in his career, he took early retirement to pursue his dreams of owning his own building and construction firm. In his personal life, Mr. Hardy has been married to his wife, Florence, for 64 years. The Hardy's are blessed with two daughters, Susan Wilson and Sherry Starovasnik, and are the proud grandparents of 4 grandsons.

Mr. Hardy is a member of First Baptist Church in Sylacauga and has served in many ministries including Deacon, Building and Grounds committee, Carpenters for Christ, and Brotherhood.

He is an avid deer and turkey hunter as well as a fisherman. In addition to working with wood, he likes to garden and spend time with his family.

I wish Mr. Hardy a very happy 90th birthday.

Madam Speaker, I would like to request the House's attention today to pay recognition to William Gower, a constituent of mine who has been overcoming his disabilities and gaining his freedom by participating in races for the past four years with Tim Thomas, Pastor of Munford Baptist Church in Munford, Alabama.

William Gower is a 37 year-old man with cerebral palsy who tirelessly works to prevail over his challenges and lives a fulfilling life that many individuals without disabilities can only dream of. Together, Tim and William formed ``Team Gower'' and have participated as one in over 30 races.

On Saturday, April 17, 2010, ``Team Gower'' participated in a 15-mile race to raise money to help purchase a new special needs van for William. William has worked hard all his life, and this new van will help ensure he has the independence he wants.

All of us across East Alabama are deeply proud of William Gower and his outstanding strength. He is a role model for us all.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and in mourning of a brilliant American Hero from my State of Alabama, Capt. Kyle A. Comfort. On May 8th 2010, Kyle gave That Last Full Measure for God and Country; Our prayers are with his lovely wife Catherine and new daughter Kinleigh. May our Lord hold them in his hands. I ask that this poem penned by Albert Caswell be placed in the Record in honor of him.

Take Comfort

Take Comfort!

As you lay your head down to sleep . . .

All in your hearts of love, so very deep . . .

Of all of those memories, so to keep!

Of all of those Magnificent Ones, who have so brought us

peace . . .

But, with their fine lives . . . as it's but for them we now

so weep!

Take Comfort!

In such hearts of honor and love . . . so very deep!

Who to all of ours, so brilliantly do so speak!

As a gentle rain, rolls across Alabama this night . . . all

in our sleep . . .

Are but our Lords tears, coming down from Heaven from his

heart so very deep . . .

All because of you Kyle, and your most selfless sacrifice so

very sweet . . .

And all of this pain, your family must now so keep!

Take Comfort . . .

In hearts now so very deep . . .

As this you must, believe!

That a new Angel, our Lord God . . . up in Heaven has so

received!

To watch over us, indeed!

To fight the darkness, you see!

And on this day, as you hold your family so very tight . . .

And all seems so very right!

All because a Hero, for us all has so died this night!

Because, Freedom is not free!

But, bought and paid for . . . by all of these most selfless

souls indeed!

By men like Kyle, our most brilliant of all lights!

And families who now so cry, in tears of heartache tonight!

So, hush little baby Kinleigh Ann . . . don't you cry!

For one day, up in Heaven you will look into your Father's

eyes!

And you, Katherine . . . his lovely wife!

Your Hero Kyle, but wants you to have a happy life!

For there will be an eternity together, up in Heaven so very

bright!

So this night as you lay your head down to rest, but remember

all of our best!

Take Comfort, all in how our world they bless!

Amen!

Madam Speaker, I would like to request the House's attention today to recognize the life of a proud American hero, Captain Kyle A. Comfort.

Captain Comfort, of Jacksonville, Alabama, died in Afghanistan on May 8, 2010, in service to our Nation. He is survived by his wife Katherine Brooke Comfort, their daughter Kinleigh Ann and his mother Ellen Comfort.

Like all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in this conflict, words cannot express the sense of sadness we have for his family, and the gratitude our country feels for his service. Captain Comfort died serving the United States and the entire cause of liberty, on a mission to bring stability to a troubled region and liberty to a formerly oppressed people. He was a true patriot for serving our Nation, and he will be missed.

We will forever hold him closely in our hearts, and remember his sacrifice and that of his family as a remembrance of his bravery and willingness to serve. Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the House's remembrance on this mournful day.

Madam Speaker, I would like to request the House's attention today to pay recognition to the distinguished career of Dr. Benjamin Franklin Payton, who will be retiring this year from his position as the 5th president of Tuskegee University, a position he has held for the past 29 years.

It goes without saying that Dr. Payton has led a highly successful career serving the students, faculty and community of Tuskegee University. As President, his many accomplishments at the University will certainly be remembered long after his departure. Among his many milestones include the launching of Tuskegee University's first Ph.D. programs in Materials Science and Engineering and Integrated Biosciences; his involvement in the reconstruction and renovation of the entire campus; and his success in leading and exceeding a $150 million Capital Campaign. Dr. Payton's work at Tuskegee University, coupled with his previous accomplishments, has earned him many honors and awards including First Place winner of the Harvard Billings Prize, 1957; South Carolinian of the Year, 1972; an appointment by President Ronald Reagan to the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development; and under President George W. Bush, he was appointed to lead the Task Force on Agricultural and Economic Development to Zaire.

All of us across Macon County and East Alabama have been touched by the visionary leadership of Dr. Benjamin Franklin Payton. He will be missed in the community and at the University he has led for so long. On behalf of us all, I congratulate him for his distinguished service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my serious concern about the way the administration is dealing with Israel and how destructive I think their behavior is to our relationship.

I would like to remind the administration that the overwhelming majority of the Members of Congress, Democrat and Republican, but more importantly the overwhelming majority of Americans, fiercely support our friend Israel and expect the administration to reflect that in their behavior.

We have had this President go to Saudi Arabia and to Egypt to reemphasize how important it is to improve relations with the Muslim nations. He didn't visit Israel while he was over there to emphasize how important it was to keep and maintain support for our relationship with that Jewish State.

We have had Vice President Biden go there and condemn the construction of apartments in Jerusalem. Secretary Clinton did the same thing. Vice President Biden was an hour and a half late for a dinner with the Prime Minister. How disrespectful. When President Obama met with Netanyahu in the White House and had dinner with him, he walked out on that dinner. How disrespectful.

We expect more from our President when it comes to dealing with Israel than just disrespect. We expect a reemphasis of our support for Israel.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a very special occasion. On April 23, 2010, Bob and Kay Lord will celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

On April 23, 1960, Bobby Ray and Francis Kay Lord were united in holy matrimony in Beaumont, Texas. Bob and Kay have one daughter, Anieca, the joy of their lives. As they have worked and traveled throughout the world, their house was always open.

Whether you were a young person needing the love and structure of a solid home, or just a place to gather for good food and music, you were always welcomed. All were blessed to witness their faith, love and generosity.

To celebrate their anniversary, family and friends will gather in their honor in Colmesneil, Texas at Lake Amanda, to recognize Bob and Kay's life together and share the great memories over the years.

I salute this lovely couple on the 50th year of their life together and join their family and friends in honoring them on this special occasion.

Madam Speaker, I would like to request the House's attention today to pay recognition to Ms. Susan Errett Cord Pereira who will be turning 70 years old on May 21st. Ms. Pereira is both praised for her entrepreneurial spirit as well as for her generosity. She is a great contribution to the community.

Ms. Pereira and her husband of 48 years, William L. Pereira, Jr., have a natural eye for business. Together they have started several businesses which include Air California, Diamond Sports, Inc., and a very well-known and respected Arabian horse farm.

Besides running successful companies with her husband, Ms. Pereira uses her business smarts to play a large role in many charities including Junior League, Dunn School Board of Trustees, Reno Chamber Music Board of Trustees, and is a co-sponsor of the Pereira Visiting Writers program at University of California Irvine.

She has five children, a passion for Arabian horses, and is a Life Master in bridge.

Best wishes and Happy Birthday to Ms. Susan Errett Cord Pereira.

Today I rise to express how disappointed I am in this institution and the Presidency with what happened this last weekend. When we are in a Nation that is suffering from terrible unemployment and a dramatically poor economic position, to have this House and the President sign into law a job-killing piece of legislation that would put this Nation on the path to socialized medicine is unconscionable. Unfortunately, the country is going to suffer from now until the November elections when the Democrat majority will meet the consequences of their vote on Sunday.

However, in the meantime, I urge the President and Speaker Pelosi to start working on the economy and jobs and trying to get people back to work. I don't know how they can sleep at night knowing that they haven't addressed this up till now, but we've got to start working on the economy, get cash back into the markets for small businesses and put people back to work.

Madam Speaker, I would like to request the House's attention today to pay recognition to the Talladega College women's basketball team, who recently won the 2010 USCAA National Championship.

On March 7th, the No. 2 Lady Tornados defeated the No. 7 Rochester Lady Warriors 48-36 in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. The Lady Tornadoes finished the season with a record of 22-12. The Talladega Lady Tornadoes are lead by Head Coach Romeo Lagmay Jr. and Assistant Coach Kevin Herod.

All of us across Talladega County and East Alabama are deeply proud of these talented young Alabamians. I'd like to congratulate the team, coaches and Talladega College on this outstanding achievement.

Madam Speaker, I would like to request the House's attention today to pay recognition to the Talladega College Men's Basketball team who recently won the 2010 USCAA National Championship.

On March 7th, the Tornados defeated Southern Virginia 65-56 in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. This is their second consecutive National Championship win. The Tornadoes finished the season with a record of 18-15. The Talladega College Tornados are led by Head Coach William Brown and Assistant Coach Randy Pulley.

All of us across Talladega County and East Alabama are deeply proud of these talented young Alabamians. I'd like to congratulate the team, coaches and Talladega College on this outstanding achievement for the second straight year.

Madam Speaker, I would like to request the House's attention today to pay recognition to the people of the city of Talladega, who are celebrating their city's 175th anniversary this year.

Talladega, Alabama, was incorporated on January 9, 1835. Talladega is home to the Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega College, and many other historic sites, to name a few, and is also known for its fascinating history and deep traditions.

On March 25th, a four-day celebration of the founding of Talladega will begin. Included in the festivities are a historic play--presented by Talladega High School; USA Powerlifting, Alabama State Championship; a 5K run benefiting Hope Academy; a national championship celebration parade for Talladega College; a BBQ cook-off; a burial of the time capsule; and concerts by American Idol contestants Bo Bice and Ruben Studdard, to list a few.

All of us across east Alabama are proud of this important occasion for the citizens of Talladega. We look forward to seeing the city continue to thrive and grow, and congratulate local citizens and Mayor Brian York on their 175th anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to this flawed health care bill.