Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, in accordance with the Republican Conference standards regarding Member initiatives, I am submitting the following information regarding the earmark I received as part of the H.R. 2638--The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (Alabama).

Bill Number: H.R. 2638--The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009.

Account: AP, Air Force.

Legal Name of Entity: Alliant Techsystems, Inc.

Address of Requesting Entity: 5050 Lincoln Drive, Edina, MN, 55436.

Description of Request: This earmark provides $7,200,000 for RC-26B Modernization. The RC-26B performs critical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in support of national disaster response by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Air National Guard, and in direct support of Special Operations Forces. The Air National Guard (ANG) operates a fleet of eleven RC-26B aircraft that provide support to individual states for disaster relief and counter-drug missions. The RC-26B platform provided excellent, real-time imagery during the 2007 extended fire season and in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. As the demands for the RC-26Bs proven utility increased, non-availability of the platform have prevented ANG crews from performing their domestic assigned missions. Special Operations Command funded the modification of five RC-26B aircraft--to provide ISR missions in support of deployed operations. With five RC-26B aircraft deployed in support of missions outside of the continental United States, an availability vacuum at the state level has occurred. The remaining six RC-26B aircraft (from Mississippi, Arizona, Florida, Texas, West Virginia and New York) are not sufficient to support the disaster relief and counter-narcotics missions of both the ANG and DHS/CBP. Without additional FY 2009 funding to upgrade the RC-26B aircraft, the ability of the ANG to respond to future DOD ISR, DHS/CBP, counter-narcotics and disaster relief missions will be impaired, even as the demands for this low density asset increases. The Air National Guard in Montgomery, AL will benefit from this funding.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (Alabama).

Bill Number: H.R. 2638--The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009.

Account: RDTE, Army.

Legal Name of Entity: Auburn University.

Address of Requesting Entity: 202 Samford Hall, Auburn, AL 36849.

Description of Request: This earmark provides $2,800,000 for Logistical Fuel Processors for Army Development Program. This funding will be used for TARDEC/NAC (i.e., U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center/National Automotive Center) to complete research and development of a hydrocarbon catalytic reforming and cleaning system/methodology capable of taking high sulfur containing logistic fuels such as JP-8 and converting them on demand into high purity hydrogen for use in fuel cell powered APU's (auxiliary power units) and ground-based military vehicles. The funding will be retained by OSD and TARDEC/NAC for administrative and technical support functions and will be used by Auburn University to complete R&D activities. The funds going to Auburn University subcontracting expenses are anticipated for R&D and technical support provided by the Anniston Army Depot, IntraMicron Inc. (of Auburn, Alabama), and at least one other technology provider. All subcontracts from Auburn University will be approved by the DOD technical program manager and the respective contracting officers at the DOD and Auburn University. This request is in direct support of the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center's program on Fuel Cell Development for Military Vehicles as conducted by their National Automotive Center. The technical program is in support of national defense and is being conducted by Auburn University, an entity of the State of Alabama. No cost-sharing is required or is being provided.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (Alabama).

Bill Number: H.R. 2638--The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009.

Account: RDTE, Army.

Legal Name of Entity: Electric Fuel Battery Corporation.

Address of Requesting Entity: 354 Industry Drive, Auburn, AL 36832.

Description of Request: This earmark provides $1,600,000 for Novel Zinc Air Power Sources for Military Applications. Funding will be used for further enhancements to and improvements in the core Zinc-Air battery technology, such as shelf life, power and temperature range, as well as furthering the development of our body-worn energy delivery system (Integrated Power System, or IPS) which reduces Warfighter battery carry weight by up to 80 percent and significantly simplifies outfitting and field re-supply. For example, using the IPS, a deployed Warfighter will save $7000 per year just in his reduction in consumption of AA batteries in the field. Finalizing of current form factors currently in development, coupled with further development of new form factors as field research dictates will result in more Warfighters having access to the intrinsic safety of Zinc-Air batteries, which cannot combust or explode even when penetrated by hot projectiles. This benefit is especially vital as the move toward more and more body-worn gear, powered by body-worn batteries, gains traction in our defense forces. This funding will improve cell reliability, and form factor for Land Warrior/Future Force Warrior. It will also enable energy system field testing. The Ranger Regiment (in Iraq and Afghanistan) and PEO Soldier are testing our technology as their power solution.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (Alabama).

Bill Number: H.R. 2638--The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009.

Account: RDTE, Air Force.

Legal Name of Entity: THY Enterprises, Inc.

Address of Requesting Entity: 440 Hillabee St., Alexander City, AL 35010 USA.

Description of Request: This earmark provides $2,000,000 for Next Generation Tactical Environmental Clothing for Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). Funding will be used to continue research and development of the Next Generation of Tactical Environmental Clothing (NGTEC) being conducted with the AFSOC. Funding will be used for research and development of a lighter, quieter, waterproof material, for engineering and manufacturing, laboratory analysis, field assessment, and for risk and plan management. AFSOC Special Tactics Teams and Combat Controllers operate in environments where the extreme effects of physical exertion over difficult terrain result in hypothermia and other related conditions that degrade mission effectiveness. Current clothing articles provided to our combat airmen do not offer the best protection or prevention of these debilitating conditions. Recent developments in fibers research indicates that better materials can be made available for use in under and outer garments to greatly reduce the effects of moisture on the body. These capabilities, which now include a thermally efficient wicking concept, combined with water-proof and tear resistant fibers should produce a garment with superior

protective characteristics. This technology is at hand, and THY's early prototypes have been field tested and found to resolve several of the shortcomings highlighted by troops from cold weather training exercises in Montana, and from the current combat theaters of operation.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (Alabama).

Bill Number: H.R. 2638--The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009.

Account: RDTE, Air Force.

Legal Name of Entity: Davidson Technologies.

Address of Requesting Entity: 530 Discovery Drive, Huntsville, Alabama 35806

Description of Request: The earmark provides for $1,600,000. The funding is for the continued development and accreditation of Space Control Test Capabilities to support the Air Force's requirement to integrate offensive and defensive space control elements into a single System-of-Systems counterspace system approach; specifically, to address the optimization of C\2\ processes and resources, and to develop a cost assessment tool for the government to test space control systems in a simulated environment before costly hardware development begins. Space Control Test Capabilities supports the Air Force Space Control mission areas and mission support as outlined in the Air Force's ``Strategic Master Plan for FY 2006 and beyond'', the ``Joint Doctrine for Space Operations (JP 3-14)'', and the ``Counterspace Operations (JP 2-2.1)''. The SCTC software suite allows the warfighters the capability to develop net-centric System-of-Systems architecture- based C\2\ models.

Warfighters also have the ability to model Friend or Foe C\2\ structures yielding the analysis of vulnerabilities and/or strengths. Based on funding of $2,000,000, the spending plan would have been as follows, and will be adjusted to meet the final amount mentioned above. Engineering Salaries (including Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Design, Requirements and Documentation, Test Engineering, and Configuration Management): 1,780,000; Software Licensing (Goes toward software accreditation process): $10,000; Travel to Colorado Springs, AF Space Command: $10,000; Government Pass-through Costs: $200,000.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (Alabama)

Bill Number: H.R. 2638--The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009.

Account: RDTE, Army.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Westar Aerospace & Defense Group, Inc.

Address of Requesting Entity: 890 Explorer Boulevard, Huntsville, AL 35806.

Description of Request: The earmark provides for $1,200,000 which provides the digital modeling and simulation infrastructure for systems to defend high priority assets from attack by missiles (cruise and tactical). The funding will be used for salaries of engineers and analysts working on the project. The future Integrated Air and Missile Defense system will provide a lethal net-ready force with an increased span of control and a smaller deployment footprint. The smaller footprint will make sustainment in the field less expensive. The use of networked battle command and improved capabilities for situational awareness and soldier training will dramatically increase overall system effectiveness, survivability and force protection.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (Alabama).

Bill Number: H.R. 2638--The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009.

Account: RDTE, Army.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Torch Technologies.

Address of Requesting Entity: 4035 Chris Dr. Suite C, Huntsville, AL 35802.

Description of Request: The earmark is for $800,000 for Army Aviation Weapon Technology. This funding provides for transferring armed US Navy Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) weapons interoperability technology to both unmanned and manned Army aviation. The resources will (1) transition technology from the Navy to the Army, and (2) establish a means for certifying the resulting interoperability that would be available for the industry base. It is leveraging technology shown to be feasible though a Navy Unmanned Aircraft Systems Small Business Innovative Research Program and transitions the technology to the Army. Analysis conducted by the Army has shown that the benefit from this investment will be a more interoperable approach to weapons integration which is expected to (1) provide as much as 50 percent in cost avoidance for future integration costs for weapons onto manned and unmanned aircraft, and (2) provide a means to provide accredited tools to the weapon and platform originating equipment manufacturers increasing probability for on time an on cost delivery of their products for use with Army Aviation. No matching funds are anticipated from the Army, however, this investment in the FY09 budget sets Army Aviation up for future cost avoidance of the anticipated weapon integration requirements of the Joint Air to Ground Missile (JAGM) and the Aviation Multipurpose Missile System (AMPM).

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (Alabama).

Bill Number: H.R. 2638--The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009.

Account: RDTE, Army.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Frontier Technology, Inc.

Address of Requesting Entity: 75 Aero Camino Suite A, Goleta, CA 93117.

Description of Request: The earmark is for $1,600,000. The funding will be used for Army Aviation Weapon Technology the Enhanced Military Vehicle Maintenance System Demonstration Project with Anniston Army Depot and Auburn University. This project identifies difficult to detect failure modes that must be serviced while the vehicle is undergoing maintenance. It models vehicle conditions to ensure that the vehicle is restored to an optimum state of operation prior to return to service. This cost effective technology can be modified for various military vehicles to detect problems not typically reported using threshold or trend systems. It can detect problems before they happen, preventing breakdowns in battlefield environments. The system will successfully verify that vehicles repaired at the Depot have been restored to an optimum state of operation prior to redeployment. The Enhanced Military Vehicle Maintenance System provides the cutting edge, cost effective technology that can help ensure more rapid and reliable deployment of critical military vehicles during this period when our equipment is under extreme and extended use.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers of Alabama.

Bill Number: H.R. 2638--The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009.

Account: Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Center for Domestic Preparedness (Federal Training Facility).

Address of Requesting Entity: Anniston, Alabama.

Description of Request: The earmark is for $62.5 million. The Center for Domestic Preparedness is located in Anniston, Alabama. It is a key training Federal facility operated by the Department of Homeland Security. It is the only weapons of mass destruction (WMD) training facility that provides hands-on training to civilian emergency responders which includes live chemical agents. The Center is a leading member of the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium. For Fiscal Year 2008, Congress provided $62.5 million for the Center for Domestic Preparedness. In addition, the 9/11 Recommendations Implementation Act of 2007, which the President signed into law on August 3, 2007, included language that authorized increases in funding for the Center over a period of four years. (Sec. 1204, P.L. 110-53). The House Appropriations Committee bill recommended a funding level consistent with the president's budget. The Senate Appropriations Committee recommended last year's funding level of $62.5 million. This bill contains the Senate amount.

Madam Speaker, I respectfully request the attention of the House to pay recognition to a dear friend across the aisle. My collegue, Representative Bud Cramer will retire after eighteen years of service to the people of Alabama's 5th District when this session adjourns.

Congressman Cramer has been a pleasure to work with during my time in the House, and has contributed a great deal to the Alabama Congressional Delegation. His willingness to discuss issues across party lines speaks to his genuine concern for the well-being of his constituents. Congressman Cramer has been a strong, advocate for sensible legislation and has used his positions on the House Appropriations and Permanent Select Intelligence Committees to champion fiscally responsible programs.

I would like to thank Congressman Cramer once more for his dedicated service. I have been honored to work with him over the past 6 years.

Madam Speaker, I respectfully request the attention of the House to pay recognition to a dear friend and exemplary member of this body. My colleague, Representative Terry Everett will retire after 16 years of service to the people of Alabama's 2nd District when this session adjourns.

Congressman Everett has been an invaluable resource for the Alabama Congressional Delegation. His experience and insight were a great help to me when I first came to Washington in 2002. As a member of the Agriculture, Armed Services, and Permanent Select Intelligence Committees, he has furthered the interests of the people of Alabama and the security of the United States.

I would like to thank Congressman Everett once more for his dedicated service. He is a gentleman with the highest regard for duty and principle, and he will be dearly missed.

Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask the attention of the House today to pay recognition the historic town of Wadley, Alabama. On September 13, 2008, the citizens of Wadley will gather to celebrate their town's 100th anniversary.

The town began as a single store established by Mr. Minus Radney in 1906 to serve workers on the AB&A railway which passed through the town. The same year, Mr. Fuller E. Callaway, owner of the Callaway Development Company of LaGrange, laid out plans to acquire land and construct a model community. On September 15, 1908, Wadley was officially incorporated with a population of just 333. One month later, the town opened for settlement and investment with special events and train rates to promote the growth of the new community.

Today, Wadley is home to 640 citizens as well as Southern Union State Community College. The centennial festivities will begin with a parade down Main Street, and continue with performances from a number of local musicians. Play areas for children, storytelling and crafts demonstrations will also be open to residents.

I am pleased to recognize the town of Wadley for reaching this important milestone, and look forward to being a part of its future.

Madam Speaker, I respectfully request the attention of the House to pay recognition to an important day in the lives of two constituents of mine, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Aderholt.

On August 24, the Aderholts celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Joe Marvin Aderholt was born on March 25, 1936, in Cedar Springs, AL, and his wife, Mary Jane Finley, was born on September 19, 1936 also in Cedar Springs. Joe and Jane met and married in the small community of Weaver, AL. Over the years, they have been blessed with two daughters, Alison and Angie, six grandchildren, and five great- grandchildren. Joe and Jane have been active members of Weaver Baptist Church where Joe has been a soloist in the church choir.

They celebrated their 50th Anniversary on August 23 at Weaver Baptist Church with a reception honoring them given by friends and family.

I would like to congratulate Joe and Jane for reaching this important milestone in their lives. They are shining examples of love and dedication for us all, and I wish them and their family all the best at this important occasion.

Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask the attention of the House today to pay recognition to the members of Hopewell Methodist Episcopal Church in Valley, Alabama, who on September 7, 2008, celebrated their congregation's 165th anniversary.

Church founder James M. Spear began holding Methodist class meetings in his home in the early 1840s. Hopewell's first church was erected in 1843, and the congregation moved to the current site in 1853. Since that time, the church has seen many changes, including renovations to its historic sanctuary and the addition of a parsonage in 1966. The celebration on September 7th paid tribute to the work of Hopewell on behalf of its members and community.

I am pleased to recognize the Hopewell Methodist Episcopal Church today for reaching this important milestone in the history of their congregation and wish its members all the best in its next 165 years of faith and witnessing in the community.

Madam Speaker, I respectfully request the attention of the House to pay recognition to an important day in the lives of two constituents of mine, Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Prickett.

On September 13, the Pricketts will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Marshall Prickett was born on October 19, 1934, in Alexandria, Alabama, and his wife, Margaret, was born on July 2, 1935, in Weaver. Over the years, Marshall and Margaret have been blessed with three sons, Marshall, Michael, and Matthew, as well as eight grandchildren.

I would like to congratulate Marshall and Margaret for reaching this important milestone in their lives. They are shining examples of love and dedication for us all, and I wish them and their family all the best at this important occasion.

Madam Speaker, in accordance with the Republican Conference standards regarding Member initiatives, I am submitting the following information for publication in the Congressional Record regarding the earmark I received as part of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2009.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (Alabama).

Bill Number: H.R. 6599, Military Construction--Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act for FY 2009.

Account: MILCON, Army.

Legal Name of Entity: Anniston Army Depot.

Address of Requesting Entity: 7 Frankford Avenue, Anniston, AL 36201.

Description of Request: This earmark provides $1,400,000 for the Lake Yard Interchange. The funding will be used to construct an interchange and inspection building in the ammunition and explosives classification (Lake Yard) area of the Anniston Army Depot. This includes the move of ammunition classification from Turner Yard to the Lake Yard. Additionally, the site utilities will include electrical power, information technology, water, septic tank/field lines. The railroad track work will include new track for the interchange and spur.

Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask the attention of the House today to pay special recognition to the work of East Central Alabama United Cerebral Palsy. For the last 50 years, this admirable organization has pursued its mission of providing personalized educational and therapeutic services to children with a wide range of developmental disabilities.

In January of 1972, ECAUCP opened Calhoun County's first cerebral palsy center. Just 6 years later the center expanded to provide a full range of treatment for children in need. Today, ECAUCP and the State Department of Mental Health spearhead Alabama's Early Intervention Program which benefits developmentally delayed children and their families.

I am pleased to help recognize the fine work of East Central Alabama United Cerebral Palsy, and wish them the very best in their next 50 years of service to our communities.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 1067, recognizing the 50th anniversary of the crossing of the North Pole by the USS Nautilus and its significance in the history of both our Nation and the world.

I want to commend my colleague on the House Armed Services Committee, Representative Joe Courtney of Connecticut, for sponsoring this important resolution, as well as the 20 other cosponsors, including Representative Roscoe Bartlett, the ranking member of the Seapower and Expeditionary Forces Subcommittee.

Submarines have been a central component of our Nation's naval forces for over a century. Congress authorized the construction of the Nautilus in July 1951. After merely 26 months of construction, unheard of by today's standards, the first nuclear-powered submarine--indeed, the first nuclear-powered vessel in the world--was commissioned into the United States Navy. Shortly thereafter, on the morning of January 17, 1955, Nautilus' first Commanding Officer, Commander Eugene P. Wilkinson, ordered the boat away from the pier and signaled the historic message, ``Underway on Nuclear Power.'' From that day forward, Nautilus continued to break all submerged speed and distance records. This included the historic mission to the North Pole on August 3, 1958.

In honoring the USS Nautilus, I note that now, just as 50 years ago, both quality and quantity matter with respect to our naval fleet. Although our current military conflicts have caused us to rightly focus on the health of our ground forces, it is again time for the Nation to have a strategic outlook on the future role of our naval forces. We should do our level best to maintain our maritime dominance and forward presence around the globe.

I will conclude by noting that the USS Nautilus' journey from the North Pole is historically significant and a magnificent scientific and military achievement. I am proud that the United States Navy has set an international standard of excellence.

So, Mr. Speaker, I call upon all Americans to pause and honor the service and sacrifice of not only those brave Americans who crossed the North Pole 50 years ago, but all those who have served and continue to serve in the defense of our Nation and its values.

I urge my colleagues to support this most worthy resolution.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this resolution honoring the extraordinary service and exceptional sacrifice of all those who have served and are serving in the 101st Airborne Division known as the Screaming Eagles.

For more than 65 years, since its formation in 1942, the division has established a record of bravery, commitment, military prowess and excellence that marks it as one of the great military units in American history.

When activated, the division's first commander told his men that, while the division had no history, it had a ``rendezvous with destiny.'' And through five wars, the soldiers of that division have never failed that vision.

In World War II, from Normandy to Holland to Bastogne, and Hitler's Eagle's Nest, the division fought with great distinction. More than 2,000 of its members died defending freedom. Deployed to Vietnam for 7 years, the division never failed to accomplish any mission.

Though few of its battles became household names, the division's 4,000 deaths and 17 Medals of Honor are evidence of the unhesitating courage and sacrifice the division has made in Southeast Asia.

Today, tens of thousands of the 101st soldiers have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, helping to secure liberty for those nations, denying a safe haven to terrorists, and helping to protect America's interests.

So, Mr. Speaker, it is entirely fitting that we honor the 101st Airborne Division as one of the great American military units. More importantly, we must recognize and honor the tremendous debt that we owe to all who have served so well in this storied and historic division.

I want to thank my colleague, Mr. Whitfield, for introducing this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my friend and colleague from Kentucky, Mr. Ed Whitfield.

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

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

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

I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 295, which expresses the deepest appreciation of Congress to the families of members of the United States Armed Forces. I would like to thank Mr. Bilirakis of Florida for introducing this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute today to the force behind the force: the military family. It has long been known that the military services recruit individuals but we retain families. This has never been more true or more critical than it is today.

The support our troops receive from their loving families--mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, spouses, and children--is intangible but it is nothing less than a powerful force multiplier.

Today millions of Americans have one or more family members serving in the Armed Forces. These incredible families attempt to lead normal lives while their loved ones stand in harm's way, fulfilling our Nation's oath to serve and protect. The strength of the military family is astounding. Military parents give their sons and daughters to our Nation and pray relentlessly for their safe return. They look forward to every letter and phone call, while fearing the ringing of the phone and the doorbell at the same time.

As we celebrate military families, let us not forget the sacrifices of the children. Military children are special in their strength and their maturity. They do not always have ``hometowns,'' but they have a heightened sense of family both in the traditional sense and in the special characteristics of the military community.

Military families have an uncanny resilience. They are some of the strongest citizens in this country, and I am privileged to recognize them not only today but every day.

I urge my colleagues to support this very important resolution. Without the support of our military families, the Armed Forces would not be the incredible power they are today.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield such time as he may consume to the sponsor of this legislation, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis).

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

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

I rise in strong support of this resolution commemorating the 60th anniversary of the beginning of integration in the United States Armed Forces.

Throughout the course of our Nation's history, the men and women of the armed services have defended our liberties with bravery, honor and sacrifice. But because our Nation racially segregated its military prior to 1948, generations of African Americans selflessly served our Nation with the knowledge that they were fighting abroad for many of the freedoms that they were frequently denied here at home. Despite this injustice, not only did African Americans serve honorably to fight for all our freedoms, they did so with dignity and bravery that earned many of them our Nation's top military honors.

One of the most important events in our Nation's history that helped move our country toward a more integrated America occurred on July 26, 1948, when President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981. This important order, which we acknowledge with this resolution today, ordered that there be equality of treatment with all persons in the armed services regardless of race, color, religion or national origin.

Even though it took years to accomplish the complete integration of the armed services, it was Executive Order 9981 that began the process.

Of the many units that served with distinction, I particularly would like to recognize the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen, who trained at historic Moton Field in my congressional district in Alabama.

As most of us know, over the course of World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen became one of the most highly decorated units in the Armed Forces. These brave pilots destroyed more than 1,000 German aircraft while accumulating an unprecedented record of flying more than 200 bomber escort missions over central and southern Europe.

These brave Americans served without the loss of a single bomber to enemy aircraft and returned home with some of our Nation's highest military honors. But they also returned home to a racially segregated America. It's that injustice, and the steps our Nation has taken to help right that wrong, that we are helping recognize today. I'm also delighted that this body will help further recognize the occasion with a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda later this month.

I would like to thank Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, and Chairman Skelton for allowing this resolution today. I'd also like to thank my good friend and colleague from Florida, Mr. Kendrick Meek, for his strong support of this resolution.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time at this time so I will yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this resolution authorizing the use of the Capitol Rotunda for a ceremony commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the beginning of the integration of the United States Armed Forces.

And I thank the distinguish Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, Mr. Skelton, for bringing this resolution to the floor.

Throughout the course of our Nation's history, the men and women of our Armed Services have defended our liberties with bravery, honor, and sacrifice. But because our Nation racially segregated its military prior to 1948, generations of African Americans served our Nation with the knowledge that they were fighting abroad for the very freedoms that were frequently denied to them at home. Despite this injustice, not only did African Americans serve honorably to fight for all our freedoms, they did so with the dignity and bravery that earned many of them our Nation's top military honors.

Of the many units to serve with distinction, I particularly want to recognize the Tuskegee Airmen that organized at Moton Field in Tuskegee, Alabama, many of whom I would hope could be a part of this ceremony in the Rotunda. Over the course of World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen became one of the most highly decorated units in the Armed Forces. These brave pilots destroyed more than 1,000 German aircraft while accumulating an unprecedented record of flying more than 200 bomber escort missions over central and southern Europe without the loss of a single bomber to enemy aircraft. The Tuskegee Airmen returned home with some of our Nation's highest military honors including 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 744 Air Medals, 8 Purple Hearts, and 14 Bronze Stars. But they also returned home to a racially segregated America.

One of the many important milestones toward achieving an integrated America occurred on July 26, 1948 when President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981. This important order, which will be recognized under this resolution, ordered there be equality of treatment with all persons in the Armed Services without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin. Even though it took many years to accomplish the complete integration of the Armed Services, it was Executive Order 9981 that began the process and it is that event, among others, that I hope we will honor in the Capitol Rotunda next month.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to bring the attention of this House to House Concurrent Resolution 297, a resolution I introduced with my friend and colleague Mr. Meek of Florida on February 14 of this year. This resolution also recognizes the 60th anniversary of the beginning of the integration of the United States Armed Forces. I look forward to the consideration of this or any other similar resolution honoring this important event in our history.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to drive home the fact that the U.S. needs an energy policy now.

In my home State of Alabama, gas prices have risen over 10 cents a gallon in the last 2 weeks. This just can't continue. Not only does this affect how much folks can afford to drive, but it also raises the prices on everyday necessities like food and clothing. Congress needs to act now.

Increased domestic energy exploration is part of the solution, but Congress also must invest heavily in home-grown biofuels and bioenergy.

Imagine pulling up to the service stations of the future, and you can see all sorts of fuels--hydrogen, natural gas, ethanol, and biodiesel. But we won't get there without strong support from Congress now. The same holds true for initiatives like solar and wind power. No one fuel will power our future, but we all know that Congress must do whatever it takes to help get us there now.

So let's act now to make our country energy independent. Let's pass a bill to open ANWR and the Outer Continental Shelf, and let's invest heavily in alternative fuels and new technology to increase efficiency and conservation.

Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask the attention of the House today to recognize to the work of Dr. Angela Martin.

On August 9, the Martin Foundation will help open the doors to a new medical facility in Anniston, Alabama. The center will provide much- needed acute and chronic medical services for children of all ages and backgrounds, as well as new treatment opportunities for more citizens of Calhoun County.

I am pleased to recognize Dr. Martin today for achieving this noteworthy accomplishment, and for helping bring this important new healthcare facility to our community.