Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Jett Williams, the daughter of the legendary Hank Williams, for her outstanding professional achievements.

Jett Williams was born in Montgomery, Alabama, on January 6, 1953, five days after the death of her father, Hank Williams. She was adopted by her grandmother, Lillian Williams. When Ms. Williams passed away in 1954, Jett was adopted by a family living in Mobile, Alabama. It was not until adulthood that she

began to search for her real identity. In 1989, the Alabama Supreme Court recognized Jett Williams as the daughter of Hank Williams.

Through her fight to be recognized as the daughter of Hank Williams, Jett Williams was assisted by attorney Keith Adkinson, who became her husband in 1986. The next year, she began her professional singing debut in Evergreen, Alabama. In 1990, she published her autobiography. Finally, on the occasion of the anniversary of the 75th birthday of Hank Williams, Jett Williams and Hank Williams, Jr. made their first appearance together, demonstrating their family relationship.

Carrying on the Hank Williams tradition, Jett Williams performs throughout the country, and on August 16, 2003, she will once again return to Alabama for her annual Kowliga Reunion on Lake Martin to honor her father and one of country music's best known legacies, Hank Williams.

Mr. Speaker, Sgt. 1st Class Christopher R. Willoughby of Phenix City, Alabama, died this past Sunday in Baghdad. Sgt. Willoughby was a member of the Army's 221st Military Intelligence Battalion based at Fort Gillem, Georgia, and was killed when the vehicle he was riding in rolled over. He is survived by his wife Jeanine and his two sons, Blake, 9, and Collin 16 months.

Chris Willoughby always wanted to serve his country, Mr. Speaker. An Auburn University graduate, Willoughby had just begun a promising new career in accounting when his National Guard unit was called to active duty. Like every other soldier, he dutifully left behind his young family to serve our country overseas.

Words cannot express the sense of sadness we have for his family, and for the gratitude our country feels for his service. Sgt. Willoughby died serving not just the United States, but the entire cause of liberty, on a noble mission to help spread the cause of freedom in Iraq and liberate an oppressed people from tyrannical rule.

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, Mr. Speaker, for the House's remembrance on this day.

Mr. Speaker, one of the promises I made when I came to Washington was to improve the lives of East Alabama seniors. Unlike retirees in our country's metropolitan areas, the seniors of the Third District face far greater challenges.

For starters, most Third District seniors lives in rural areas with few choices in health care providers. This undoubtedly means higher health costs and fewer costs when it comes to doctors, and higher out- of-pocket expenses for covering the same level of basic medical needs.

Part of the problem, Mr. Speaker, is Medicare does not fairly and adequately reimburse doctors for their services. This is not fair, especially when retirees just across the Georgia border have far better access to doctors who are reimbursed by Medicare at higher rates. Seniors should not be penalized just because they live in rural areas.

But assuming we fix the reimbursement problem, this still leaves Medicare as a program designed for the 1960s, yet providing care in 2003. That's why I'm pleased to be in the House today to offer my full support for adding a prescription drug benefit under Medicare.

Earlier this year, Speaker Hastert appointed me to his Prescription Drug Action Team to help craft a prescription drug benefit for Medicare. I've taken this responsibility around the Third District to listen to seniors describe what they think this benefit should do, and how it should be designed.

First and foremost, we must reduce the costs of prescription drugs. Modern medicine relies on these life-saving drugs more than ever, and doctors shown no signs of slowing the expected growth in prescriptions. But with Alabama seniors now paying an average of $1,200 per year for prescriptions, these costs are getting out of hand.

Consider seniors on fixed incomes, Mr. Speaker. These Alabamians, already strapped with highly monthly bills, now face the costs of prescriptions rising beyond their means. We've already seen prescription drugs double or even triple in cost over the years. What will these seniors do when these drugs are priced out of reach? Will they be faced with filling their medicine cabinet or their pantry?

Mr. Speaker, this simply cannot continue. The U.S. House of Representatives has drafted a bill, the Medicare Prescription Drug Modernization Act of 2003, which includes a prescription drug benefit for seniors in both the traditional fee-for-service and in the new integrated health plans. The bill is not limited to adding prescription drug coverage for our state's seniors, but also includes much-needed modernizations to Medicare and improvements for health care providers, such as an increase in Medicare payments to doctors to ensure that seniors continue to have access to physician services. Most importantly, the bill includes improvements and increased funding for rural hospitals in the Third District.

This is hardly a perfect bill, but it is a good bill. The legislation helps Alabama's seniors receive better health care under Medicare and provides immediate relief from high prescription drug costs. President Bush supports it, and is ready to sign this bill should the House and Senate pass it.

Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to be in this House today and have the chance to improve the lives of Alabama's seniors. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, as well as those in the Senate, to help pass this important legislation now, and send it to the White House for President Bush to sign into law.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Connie B. Pope, of Opelika, Alabama. On May 17, 2003, Connie Pope will be sworn in as the new President of the Alabama Federation of Business and Professional Women's Club at their 84th Convention in Birmingham, Alabama.

Ms. Pope has been a member of the Business and Professional Women's Club since 1993 and has been an active member of the Opelika Chapter, where she has held all officer positions including two years as President of the club. In addition, on a statewide basis, she has served on various committees, as well as the officer positions of Secretary, Vice President, and, currently, President-Elect.

Connie Pope holds undergraduate degrees from Auburn University in social work and Troy State University in human resources. For the past eight years, she has worked as a legal assistant for attorney Margaret Mayfield of Opelika. In this position, she has been able to assist women in safety and equality issues, as well as long-range family and career planning. Along with her professional obligations and her positions with the Business and Professional Women's Club, Ms. Pope has found time to participate in other organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the National Association of Legal Secretaries, her church, and her local PTA. She has been married to John Pope for eleven years and has a son, Zachery, who is six years old.

Congratulations to Connie Pope and best wishes as you assume your new duties as President of the Alabama Federation of Business and Professional Women's Club.

Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 150, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote Nos. 109, 110, and 111 on April 7, 2003, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Staff Sergeant Burt Aderholt, a hero of our first war on terrorism in Afghanistan. Sergeant Aderholt of Auburn, AL, was wounded on January 16, 2003, during an attack on a patrol in western Afghanistan. His unit came under small-arms fire 23 miles southeast of the town of Shindand, and Sergeant Aderholt had to be evacuated to Germany and then to Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital. He has undergone a number of surgeries.

Sergeant Aderholt was born in Jacksonville, AL, where his paternal grandparents still live. His family moved to Auburn when he was 13 years old so that his father could take a teaching position at Auburn University. His maternal grandparents (the Burts) also live in Auburn.

Sergeant Aderholt's military career did not begin with the Army. Following graduation from high school, he joined the Navy and eventually began training as a Navy Seal. He was unable to complete the final round of training and returned home. Sergeant Aderholt then joined the Alabama National Guard and again moved into one of the most rigorous specialties when he joined the 20th Special Forces Unit. He has always pushed himself in the service to excel. His desire to serve his country in the armed forces is shared by his sister, Katy, who is now overseas with the Army.

I salute Staff Sergeant Burt Aderholt and individuals like him who are serving their country by fighting for freedom overseas.

Mr. Speaker, last week the Auburn University swim team dominated the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships by winning the men's national title.

The Tigers routed their nearest competitors by 196.5 points and qualified 11 swimmers for the championship finals and four more for the consolation finals. This was the men's team third national title ever.

But the men were diving on the heels of the Auburn women's swim team, who during the previous week, won their first-ever National Championship.

Mr. Speaker, these young men and women symbolize the strength of the human spirit and the joy of achievement. Let us congratulate them for their victories by acclaiming together in the House: ``WAR EAGLE!''

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for your consideration of these Americans. As a tribute for the families of these proud young men and women, please enter their names into the Congressional Record:

Auburn University Men's Swim Team: Lyle Babcock, Chad Barlow, Seth Barry, George Bovell, Fred Bousquet, Will Brandt, Matt Bricker, Kurt Cady, Patrick Calhoun, Justin Caron, James Galloway, Mark Gangloff, Caesar Garcia, Derek Gibb, Joseph Gonzales, Andy Haidinyak.

Auburn University Women's Swim Team: Jenni Anderson, Maggie Bowen, Sally Brown, Demerae Christianson, Eileen Coparropa, Kirsty Coventry, Lauren Duerk, Magda Dyszkiewicz, Erin Gayle, Margaret Hoelzer, Kelly Jones, Heather Kemp, Jana Kolukanova, Rachel Korth, Alessandra Lawless, Leslie Lunsmann, Cassidy Maxwell, Jeri Moss, Kelsey Patterson, Ashley Rubenstein, Becky Short, Laura Swander, Erin Volcan, Amy Wheatley.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 92, my plane was late arriving into Baltimore. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, James G. Patterson of Cusseta, Alabama, died February 26, 2003, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Montgomery. He was 69 years old.

Born August 22, 1933, in Valley, Mr. Patterson was a retired veteran of the U.S. Army. James G. Patterson was a proud Alabamian and a model citizen who loved the military. He was a retired employee of Wellington Sears Utilization Plant.

Mr. Patterson was also an active proponent of civil rights. As a member of the Alabama National Guard, he protected 1960s civil rights marchers, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., at events in Alabama and Mississippi.

Mr. Patterson is survived by his daughter, Betty J. Teel of Valley; his son, James Earl Patterson of Washington, DC; and three grandchildren, Michael Corbin Teel, Jamie Patterson and Alexandra Patterson. His children remember their father warmly.

Mr. Speaker, from the cab of an 18-wheeler to a seat on one of the most influential committees in Congress, the road Sonny Callahan has traveled getting to our nation's capital was never dull.

Congressman Callahan was first elected to the United States House of Representatives on November 6, 1984 and served the people of Alabama's First Congressional District for eighteen years.

Prior to coming to Congress, Sonny Callahan was a successful small businessman who knew what it was like to meet a payroll each month. This experience taught him valuable lessons in paperwork and management and solidified his views as an outspoken advocate of less govenment.

A veteran of the Alabama legislature, Sonny Callahan came to Washington in 1985 committed to providing a conservative voice in Congress. Ten years later Callahan was tapped to chair the powerful House Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations. In so doing, he became one of the 13 ``Cardinals,'' an honorary title bestowed on the Appropriations subcommittee chairmen who, by virtue of their positions, are among the most influential members of the House.

During this same time, Callahan won rave reviews for his skills as a legislator, with The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post praising on him as ``an unlikely champion.'' He later became the chairman of the influential House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development in the 107th Congress.

Mr. Speaker, Sonny Callahan was a dedicated public servant and an honorable Alabamian. Let us take this time to reflect on his work in this historic chamber and thank him for his dedication to his country and the people of Alabama.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 33 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mae Emma Brooks of Centre, Alabama. On February 22, 2003, she will be honored by St. Mary's United Methodist Church, of Centre, Alabama, which has been her church for the past 74 years.

Mrs. Brooks began attending St. Mary's in 1920 at the age of 5 and became a member the church in 1929. In addition to raising 6 children and her membership in the Progressive Women's Guild Order of the Eastern Star, Mrs. Brooks has devoted her entire life to her church. She was the Church Secretary for 42 years, the former President of the Women's Society of Christian Service, a choir member for more than 40 years and head of the Board of the Communion Stewards for more than 50 years.

Because of her devotion to St. Mary's United Methodist Church and its congregation, I salute Mae Emma Brooks and join this fine church in thanking Mrs. Brooks for her generous life of service.

Mr. Speaker, on December 30, 2002, Dr. Martha C. Myers died doing what she loved--helping and healing people as a missionary in Yemen.

Her death last Monday was the result of an Islamic extremist who smuggled a gun into her hospital and opened fire. The gunman killed not only Dr. Myers but also two of her American colleagues and seriously wounded another. This act of senseless brutality against those devoted to goodness reminds us just how dangerous the world is even for those doing God's work.

Dr. Myers, a Jefferson County native, grew up in Montgomery wanting nothing more in life than to be a missionary. The daughter of Dr. Ira and Dorothy Myers, Martha Myers graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1963, and after completing her medical degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, committed to missionary life and doing what she believed God wanted her to do.

In 1977 she was assigned to Yemen as a missionary for the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, working in the 80-bed hospital which treated more than 40,000 patients a year. Dr. Myers' medical career spanned 25 years as an obstetrician and surgeon, saving lives and giving hope.

Her brother Stephen said Martha gave away most of her small medical salary to others she felt more in need. She even recently divested her savings account to help pay the cost of a kidney transplant for one of the hospital patients.

Dr. Myers was a model citizen, a committed Christian, a shining example for us all.

President Bush has promised to bring to justice those responsible for the slayings. I join the President and my fellow citizens in strongly condemning this brutal act of murder and will work to ensure the United States Government and Yemeni officials work together to investigate the causes of this attack. We can not and should not tolerate the merciless killings of innocent Americans working and living abroad.

Let us send our condolences to the family of Dr. Martha Myers and our prayers that their grief may be soothed. But most importantly, let us keep the memory of Dr. Myers alive so her mission may not die in vain, but serve as a shining example for future American missionaries working to spread peace and hope throughout the world.