Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true, dedicated public servant who left us much too soon. On Saturday, August 28, 2011, Frank Scroggins, county judge for Lafayette County, Arkansas, died unexpectedly at the too-young age of 62.

Throughout my term in Congress, I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Judge Scroggins and I have long admired and respected him. He was a very good friend.

The people of Lafayette County first elected Judge Scroggins of Stamps, Ark., in 1991 and he had served as county judge ever since. For 20 years, Judge Scroggins gave his all and fully embodied what it meant to be a public servant.

Judge Scroggins was so much a part of his community that, upon his passing, a newspaper proclaimed Lafayette County government had ``lost its cornerstone.'' Indeed, there is a deep absence in the heart of south Arkansas.

Judge Scroggins always worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of Lafayette County, never losing sight of what he was elected to do. From city council to the quorum court to the U.S. Congress, anyone who had the privilege of working with Judge Scroggins can attest to the sincerity, honesty and ferocity in which he served as county judge.

My thoughts and prayers are with his wife of 42 years, Brenda, and the rest of his family and friends during this very difficult time.

Today, I ask all Members of Congress to join me as we honor the life and legacy of Judge Frank Scroggins, who will be deeply missed in Lafayette County and throughout the state of Arkansas.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, July 25, 2011, I was not present for votes 630 and 631. Had I been present for rollcall 630, I would have voted no. Had I been present for rollcall 631, I would have voted yea.

Mr. Speaker, on Friday, May 13, 2011, I was not present for votes 323-329. Had I been present for rollcall 323, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall 324, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall 325, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall 326, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall 327, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall 328, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall 329, I would have voted ``aye.''

Madam Speaker, the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus is the largest bipartisan caucus in the Congress. Every year, we go out and have a little bit of fun shooting sporting clays, skeet, and trap. It's kind of like the baseball game and the football game and all the other stuff that goes on around here where we try to get out and get to know one another better.

This year, just yesterday, out at PG County, the Annual Congressional Sportsman's Caucus Trap, Skeet, and Sporting Clay Competition was held, and I'm pleased to report, Madam Speaker, that for the third consecutive year the Democrats won the trophy. Did I say for the third consecutive year?

Top Gun Member of Congress went to Mike Thompson.

Top Gun Democrat went to Collin Peterson.

Top Gun Republican went to John Kline.

Top Skeet Member was Jeff Duncan.

Top Trap Member was Austin Scott.

Top Sporting Clays Member was Bennie Thompson.

Top Beginner Member was Renee Ellmers.

Top Laser Shot went to Heath Shuler.

With that, Madam Speaker, I would yield to my cochair of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Miller).

I've heard several references this afternoon to this 2-year spending spree, and I would take issue with that, Madam Speaker. It took George Washington through Jimmy Carter to put this country $1 trillion in debt. We've added the other $13 trillion not in the last 2 years, but we have added it since 1981. So I think if we're going to be honest with the American people, we've got to say we've been on a 30-year spending spree, with the exception of 4 years during the Clinton administration where we had back-to-back balanced budgets.

I rise today to discuss the importance of education funding to our children and our Nation's future success and prosperity. While I commend all sides for coming together to make spending cuts, I also believe that there are important investments in education that must be protected, prioritized, and maintained. Proven programs like Title I, IDEA, TRIO and education technology should be maintained and prioritized because they provide essential services to the students with the greatest needs throughout our Nation.

I'm concerned that we are moving away from basic education aid to all States and increasingly relying on competitive grants, which often disadvantage rural school districts and rural students in many States like my home State of Arkansas.

Ultimately, I believe that how we choose to invest our Nation's resources reflects our priorities as a people and as a nation, and if we truly want to grow our economy and create jobs in an ever-increasing global economy, our priority must be on our Nation's education system and ensuring that all students receive a world class education.

As we continue working together to reduce our debt and to reduce spending, I hope that we can put an emphasis on the educational needs of our children and continue to invest in their futures. Our children did not get us in this fiscal mess. Let's not punish them. Rather, let's make the difficult choices and the tough decisions that the people sent us here to make to ensure that we can put this Nation on a path toward a balanced budget.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true American hero who died in service to this great country. On March 9, 2011, U.S. Army Corporal Loren Miles Buffalo was killed in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. According to initial reports, Cpl. Buffalo died of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted patrol.

Cpl. Loren Buffalo, 20, of Mountain Pine, Arkansas, was assigned to B Troop, 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. His mother resides in Ward, Arkansas, and his father resides in Mountain Pine, Arkansas.

Cpl. Buffalo joined the Army in May 2009. He had a passion for learning and for music and was always willing to help those around him. From playing his guitar to organizing the delivering of presents for the Salvation Army, Cpl. Buffalo left a lasting impact on everyone he met. As a dedicated soldier and as a great American, he made this nation a better and safer place to call home. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

When we think of inspiring leaders and American patriots, each of us should look to the too short life of Cpl. Buffalo for guidance. He risked everything to defend freedom and serve this nation and we will always be grateful for his selfless sacrifice. My thoughts and prayers go out to his parents and the rest of his family and friends during this very difficult time.

Today, I ask all Members of Congress to join me as we honor the life and legacy of Army Corporal Loren Miles Buffalo, as well as each man and woman in our Armed Forces, and all of those in harm's way supporting their efforts, who give the ultimate sacrifice in service to this great country. We owe them our eternal gratitude.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true patriot who died in service to this great country. On February 17, 2011, Airman 1st Class Corey C. Owens, USAF, died of a non-combat related incident at Al Asad Air Base in Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn.

Airman 1st Class Owens, 26, of San Antonio, Texas, was assigned to the 47th Security Forces Squadron, Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, and was on his second deployment to southwest Asia. His father resides in Story, Arkansas.

Although I never had the honor of meeting Airman 1st Class Owens, it is clear by the outpouring of praise from his colleagues, friends and family that he was well liked and well respected by all who knew him. In fact, local news reported that when Laughlin Air Base held a memorial service on February 28, they had trouble finding a space large enough.

Airman 1st Class Owens is survived by his current wife, Misty Owens; his two daughters, Xiya and Xoe Owens from his first marriage; his father, Steve Owens of Story, Ark.; his mother, Chris Owens of Springfield, Ill.; two sisters, Ann Kusterbeck of Princeton, Tex., and Sandra Owens of Springfield, Ill.; two uncles, two aunts, two nieces, one nephew and several cousins.

When we think of true heroes, we think of brave Americans like Airman 1st Class Owens who risk everything to defend freedom and serve this great country. We will always be grateful for his selfless sacrifice and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his parents and the rest of his family and friends during this very difficult time. We are who we are as a nation because of patriots like Airman 1st Class Owens.

Today, I ask all Members of Congress to join me as we honor the life of Airman 1st Class Corey Owens and his legacy, as well as each man and woman in our Armed Forces, and all of those in harm's way supporting their efforts, who give the ultimate sacrifice in service to this great country. We owe them our eternal gratitude.

``Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, two-thirds of both Houses concurring that the following articles be proposed to the legislatures of the several States, as

amendments to the Constitution of the United States . . .''

Madam Speaker, on Friday, December 17, 2010, I was not present for votes as I was attending the White House signing ceremony for H.R. 4853, the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010.

Had I been present for rollcall No. 652, H. Con. Res. 336--Sine Die Adjournment, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 653, H. Res. 1776--Rule providing for consideration of H.J. Res. 105--Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 654, H.R. 2142--Government Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Performance Improvement Act of 2009, I would have voted ``aye.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a fallen hero who was a respected and dedicated officer in the United States Air Force. On July 13, 2010, our State and Nation lost a great patriot when Maj. Gen. Rupert H. Burris of the U.S. Air Force, aged 84, passed away at his home in El Dorado.

General Burris was born in Whelan Springs, Arkansas, to his late parents Thomas and Estelle Burris and attended high school in El Dorado. General Burris graduated from Jackson College in Honolulu, Hawaii.

General Burris enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II and served as a crew member of a B-17 bomber in the European theater of operations. He completed more than 30 bombing missions over Germany and France, serving as an armorer and gunner.

Following the war, General Burris re-enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1947, eventually entering Officer Candidate School in 1948. What followed was a long and distinguished military career. General Burris held numerous commands in the United States and overseas, becoming the first nonrated officer ever to head an Air Force major command.

During his highly decorated career, General Burris received many military awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster; Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters; Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Ribbon with ``V'' device; Good Conduct Medal; Vietnamese Honor Medal, First Class; Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm; and the Republic of China Meritorious Service Medal, Class A, Second Degree.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his daughter and son-in-law Clarice and Chris Long; his brother, Thomas; sister, Jane; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. I know I, along with all Arkansans, will sorely miss General Burris' presence and will try to find solace in the fact General Burris defined what it meant to be a true patriot-- dedicating your life to the service of our great Nation and to leave your community better than you found it.

Our Nation is safer and stronger because of the men and women who have dedicated their lives to military service like General Burris. Today, I ask all members of Congress to join me as we honor the life of Maj. Gen. Rupert H. Burris and his legacy, as well as each man and woman in our Armed Forces who gives the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a respected and dedicated public servant. On July 18, 2010, our state lost a devoted citizen when Judge Carol Crafton Anthony, age 56, died following a lengthy struggle with leukemia.

Judge Anthony was a proud mother, a committed jurist and a loyal Arkansan. Judge Anthony built an outstanding career as a local attorney in El Dorado prior to her exceptional service overseeing six counties as a judge in the 13th Judicial Circuit's Fourth Division.

I had the honor and privilege to know Judge Anthony and I admired her passion for law and innovative approach to justice. She pioneered alternative programs for local youths and drug offenders in an effort to break the cycles of bad behavior and abuse and encouraged these offenders to live productive lives.

My thoughts and prayers go out to her husband Aubra, sons Hayes, Hunter and Clay and daughter Hollis. I know I, along with many Arkansans, will sorely miss Judge Anthony's presence and will try to find solace in the fact Judge Anthony defined what it meant to be a public servant: to leave your community better than you found it.

Today, I ask all members of Congress to join me as we honor the life of Judge Carol Crafton Anthony and her legacy.

Mr. Speaker, in the early morning hours of Friday, June 11, a sudden and devastating flash flood swept through the Albert Pike campground in southwest Arkansas. In just 4 short hours, the Little Missouri River along the Ouachita National Forest rose from 3 feet to 23 feet.

The flood swept away tents, RVs and homes, and, tragically, took 20 lives, including many children, making it one of Arkansas's deadliest flash floods in a generation. However, this tragedy's impact is far- reaching, as many of the victims were from surrounding States, including from Congressman Hall's district in Texas and from Congressman Fleming's district in Louisiana. They join me here this evening as we remember those who died in this flood.

I also want to commend the outstanding work of our first responders-- local, State, Federal--and fellow Arkansans who reacted without hesitation and rescued literally dozens of people from the debris and rushing waters. This weekend, I, along with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell and Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor, saw the devastation firsthand and spoke with families who lost loved ones.

My deepest thoughts and prayers and those of all Arkansans and all Americans are with the families who lost loved ones in these destructive flash floods.

Mr. Speaker, I join Congressman Hall and Congressman Fleming in asking that the House now observe a moment of silence in remembrance of each and every life we lost in this tragedy.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a true American hero and dedicated community servant. Lieutenant David Curlin of the Pine Bluff Fire & Emergency Services Department in Arkansas. Lieutenant Curlin passed away on May 22, 2010, in Little Rock at the age of 40 from injuries sustained while fighting a fire in Pine Bluff on January 4, 2010.

Lieutenant Curlin was raised in Watson Chapel, AR, where he graduated from high school in 1988. After graduation, David joined the United States Marine Corps and served in Operation Desert Storm. Following his service in the Marine Corps David joined the Pine Bluff Fire & Emergency Services Department eventually rising to the rank of Lieutenant. Lieutenant Curlin served in Pine Bluff for 14 years while also volunteering with the Watson Chapel Volunteer Fire Department.

Lieutenant Curlin demonstrated the best of Arkansas and of America. As a Marine, he defended and served our great country with honor and pride. As a first responder, he dedicated his life and career to serving his neighbors and protecting his community. We need more heroes like Lieutenant Curlin. His presence will be deeply missed.

My deepest thoughts and prayers are with Lieutenant Curlin's wife Pamela; daughters, Tarah, Katherine and Kaylee; step-daughter, Haley; father and step-mother, George and Phyllis Curlin; mother and step- father, Rita and Joe Gronwald and his entire family during this extraordinarily difficult time.

Our nation is safer and stronger because of brave service members and first responders like Lieutenant Curlin. Today, I ask all Members of Congress to join me as we honor the life, legacy and service of Lieutenant David Curlin.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a model citizen, revered husband and father and one of our Nation's great heroes. On May 24, 2010, our State and Nation lost a true patriot when Major Ronald Wayne Culver,

Jr., aged 44, died in Iraq from injuries sustained during combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Major Culver was raised in Shreveport, LA, by his loving parents, Ronald and Betty Culver, and graduated from Louisiana State University in Shreveport. He lived and worked in El Dorado, AR, for most of his life and has been the commander of the John C. Carroll VFW Post 2413 in El Dorado for the last three years.

He was an active member of the El Dorado community and served on the Union County 4-H Foundation Board, helping to raise funds for the local 4-H program's activities.

Major Culver served in the Army National Guard for 22 years. He carried out his duties with pride in his country and without reservation and each of us owes him our eternal gratitude for his selfless sacrifice.

Major Culver was a highly-decorated combat veteran and received numerous awards and citations during his 22-year career, including the Bronze Star; Purple Heart; Army Commendation Medal;. Army Achievement Medal; Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal with ``M'' device; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Louisiana War Cross; Louisiana Commendation Medal; Louisiana Longevity Ribbon; Louisiana Emergency Services Ribbon; Louisiana Cross of Merit; Combat Action Badge; and Overseas Service Bar.

Major Culver committed his life to his family; his community and his country. My deepest thoughts and prayers are with his loving wife, Tracey, and two children who live in El Dorado, his parents and the rest of his friends and family during this extraordinarily difficult time.

Our Nation is safer and stronger because of brave heroes like Major Culver. Today, I ask all Members of Congress to join me as we honor the life of Major Wayne Culver and his legacy, as well as each man and woman in our Armed Forces who give the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a good man who left this world much too soon. On May 7, 2010, our State and Nation lost a great patriot when decorated Vietnam War veteran, tireless veterans advocate and long-time congressional staffer Captain Don Grigg died at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Little Rock. He was 71 years old.

Captain Don Grigg was a proud Arkansan and an even prouder American. I had the privilege and honor to know and work alongside Captain Grigg for the last 10 years and I am a better person for having done so.

There are few men in America like Captain Grigg. He was a true American hero, relentless veterans advocate, dedicated public servant with strong morals and an even stronger personality. With his passing, America has lost one of its biggest fans and veterans have lost one of their staunchest supporters.

Captain Grigg served this country with bravery and honor in both the U.S. Marine Corps and the Army. He fought in the Vietnam War, earning a Silver Star for gallantry in action, a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts for injuries he sustained in the line of duty.

Captain Grigg has served veterans in Arkansas for many years in a number of capacities, including as a congressional aide to both former U.S. Congressman Jay Dickey and myself. Most recently, he served the people of Arkansas's Fourth Congressional District as senior district aide for military and veteran affairs in our Pine Bluff office. In this role, he worked around the clock to help veterans cut through the red tape and get the benefits they deserved. And, he was never shy about getting the information and help these veterans sought. When Don Grigg called, the VA office answered.

In 2008, Governor Mike Beebe appointed Captain Grigg to the Governor's Commission on Veterans Affairs. Captain Grigg was also one of the originators of the Arkansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial and served on its executive committee, overseeing the memorial's design and construction. And, for more than 15 years, Captain Grigg served as the Coordinator of the Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program of the Southeast Arkansas Economic Development District, devoting his time to help Vietnam veterans find jobs following the war.

Above all, Captain Grigg was known for his love of country and faith in God. He is survived by his loving wife, Lisa; his two children, Grant Grigg and Danielle Pinney; his two grandchildren, Sam and Anna Marie; and, by numerous friends, family members and coworkers whose lives will be less rich because he is no longer in them, including mine. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this extraordinarily difficult time.

Our Nation is better, safer and stronger because of heroes and patriots like Captain Grigg. As I honor him today in the U.S. House of Representatives, Captain Grigg is being laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery alongside thousands of other American heroes.

Today, I ask all Members of Congress to join me as we honor the life of Captain Don Grigg and his legacy, as well as each man and woman in our Armed Forces who gives the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great country.