Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, on Monday, May 24, 2010, I was not present for votes 291, 292, and 293.

Had I been present for rollcall No. 291, expressing the sense of Congress that a grateful Nation supports and salutes Sons and Daughters in Touch on its 20th Anniversary that is being held on Father's Day, 2010, at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, the District of Columbia, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 292, Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 293, Antitrust Criminal Penalty Enhancement and Reform Extension Act, I would have voted ``aye.''

Madam Speaker, on Thursday, April 29, 2010, I was not present for rollcall vote 241.

Had I been present for rollcall vote 241, a motion to recommit H.R. 2499, the Puerto Rico Democracy Act, I would have voted ``aye.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize two milestones for Hot Springs National Park located in my home state of Arkansas. This day not only marks the 178th anniversary of Hot Springs Reservation-- which later became Hot Springs National Park--but it also marks the release date of the Hot Springs National Park quarter, the first installment of the U.S. Mint's America the Beautiful Quarters program.

On April 20, 1832, Hot Springs Reservation was the first piece of federal land set aside for preservation primarily because of the area's natural hot springs, which people have used for more than two hundred years for recreation and for their therapeutic qualities. The Reservation--eventually becoming known as ``The American Spa''--became Hot Springs National Park in 1921.

Because of its important place in American history, the U.S. Mint also released the Hot Springs National Quarter today as the first of 56 quarters in the America the Beautiful Quarters program, which Congress established in 2008. The U.S. Mint will subsequently release five new coins per year and one in 2021 honoring the rest of our Nation's many national parks, forests and wildlife refuges in the order they were first preserved by the federal government.

It is also fitting that we reach these two milestones during National Park Week, a time to celebrate and recognize national and state parks, national monuments, and historic sites in the United States.

I stand today proud to represent Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas. This truly is a great honor and will draw much-deserved recognition and unprecedented attention to one of our nation's most beautiful and unique national parks. God has blessed Arkansas with many natural wonders and Hot Springs National Park is just the beginning. I invite all Americans and their families to come to Arkansas and see what makes these hot springs and our state so special.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff's (UAPB) men's basketball coaches and players for their first ever National College Athletics Association (NCAA) Tournament win in the history of the school's program.

On March 16, 2010, the UAPB Golden Lions defeated the Winthrop Eagles 61-44 at University of Dayton Arena in the opening-round game of the 2010 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. The win also marks the first NCAA Tournament win for a team from the Southwestern Athletic Conference in 17 years.

As the No. 16 seed in the South Regional bracket, the UAPB Golden Lions now face Duke University, the No. 1 seed, in Jacksonville, Florida, on March 19.

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is an extraordinary institution of higher education and a renowned historically black university. It has a long history of successful alumni and its influence reaches across this country. This basketball team's achievement will bring some much-deserved national attention to the university, its stellar academic record, its dedicated student body, and, of course, its strong athletic program.

I have the privilege of representing UAPB in the U.S. House of Representatives and stand even prouder today on this historic win. I wish them the best of luck on their Friday game against Duke.

Today, I encourage all my colleagues to help me congratulate this deserving team and all of our young men and women in college athletics who represent our Nation's next generation of leaders, many of whom may one day walk these very halls in Congress.

Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, January 13, 2010, I was not present for votes 4 and 5.

Had I been present for rollcall 4, supporting the initiatives of Chicago Wilderness and the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for rollcall 5, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 101 West Highway 64 Bypass in Roper, North Carolina, as the E.V. Wilkins Post Office, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a true American hero. On December 30, 2009, our state and nation lost a great patriot when former Navy SEAL Special Warfare Operator First Class Jeremy Wise, aged 35, died in an attack on a CIA outpost near Khost, Afghanistan. He died when a terrorist detonated a bomb at the facility killing seven Americans in the attack.

Petty Officer Wise was raised in Arkansas by his loving parents, Dr. Jean and Mary Wise, and graduated from Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. Although I never had the honor to meet Petty Officer Wise, I extend my deepest condolences on behalf of all Arkansans to his family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances for this devastating loss.

Petty Officer Wise joined the U.S. Navy in 2001 where he rose to the rank of Special Warfare Operator First Class as a Navy SEAL, joining an elite group of service men and women. Petty Officer Wise served with the U.S. Navy until September 2009. After his Naval service, he headed to the front lines in Afghanistan as a security contractor doing the important work over there that needs to be done to secure our nation here at home. Throughout his extended period of service to our nation, Petty Officer Wise was an exemplary serviceman who embodied the true patriot.

My deepest thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Dana; son, Ethan; parents, Jean and Mary; and the rest of his family during this extraordinarily difficult time.

Today, I ask all members of Congress to join me as we honor the life of Navy SEAL Special Warfare Operator First Class Jeremy Wise and his legacy, as well as each man and woman in our armed forces, and those in harm's way supporting their efforts, who give the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of James Terrell Jordan of Monticello, Arkansas, who passed away on December 27, 2009, at the age of 84. Having fought for freedom in World War II, James then committed his life to the people of Arkansas through public office for over five decades.

James was born in Drew County, Arkansas, to his late parents Alvin and Linnie Jordan, and attended schools in Monticello and California. He was a member of the 101st Airborne Division in World War II, serving as a paratrooper and receiving a Purple Heart Medal.

Following active duty on the frontlines, James returned to serve his community beginning as Drew Country treasurer in 1956. He then served as county judge for eight years before becoming mayor of Monticello for 17 years. Having also given his time and energy to numerous agencies, councils and committees, James was awarded the ``Man of the Year'' award in 1985 from the Drew County Chamber of Commerce.

James was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives in 1986 and served for 12 years. Representing District 92, he served on the Committee on City, County and Local Affairs and the Committee on Public Transportation. His lifetime love of education led to his eventual appointment to the University of Arkansas Board of Visitors by Governor Mike Huckabee.

I had the distinct privilege of serving with James during my time in the Arkansas state legislature and he was someone I respected and trusted for sincere advice and counsel. As an admired and respected public officer, James worked tirelessly to better the lives of those around him.

James was well known for far more than being a member of the Greatest Generation who committed himself to the state he loved so much; he was also known to many as a good friend and role model.

My thoughts and prayers and those of every Arkansan are with his wife, Bonnie; two sons, Terrell and Jerry; daughter, Cindy; his nine grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and the rest of his family and friends during this difficult time. James will be profoundly missed and the people of Arkansas are deeply grateful to his lifetime of exemplary effort and legacy of community service and leadership.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Joseph ``Jodie'' Mahony II of El Dorado, Arkansas, who passed away on Saturday, December 5, 2009, at the age of 70. Having served 36 years in the Arkansas state legislature, Jodie was a legend in Arkansas government and politics and his presence will be deeply missed.

Jodie committed his life to making Arkansas a better place to get an education, to live and to work. He was first elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives in 1970 and served 24 years before winning a Senate seat in 1994. In 2002, after two 4-year terms, when newly adopted term limits kept him from seeking re-election as senator, he ran for the House again, where he was still eligible to serve two more 2-year terms.

Jodie retired officially from elected office in 2006, but his presence remained at the State Capitol where he served as a part-time aide to the House Speaker during the 2007 legislative session. Throughout his career, Jodie filed 1,429 bills, with much of his efforts focused on public and higher education, the developmentally disabled, child support enforcement and natural resources conservation.

In addition to Jodie's public service, he and his family have played an influential role in the state's legal history. The grandson and son of lawyers, Jodie followed in his family's footsteps to become a lawyer, and today, in its 113th year, the Mahony law firm is the oldest operating law firm in the State of Arkansas. Jodie also served in the U.S. Marine Corps in active duty and the reserves.

Our State is better for Jodie's service to it and its people. I never thought of Jodie as a politician, but rather as a statesman. He had the respect of every legislator for his knowledge, fairness and commitment to our great State. I had the privilege of serving with Jodie during my time in the Arkansas state legislature from 1991 through 2000 and he was a friend, a role model and someone I trusted for sincere advice and counsel.

My thoughts and prayers and those of every Arkansan are with Jodie's family during this difficult time, especially to his wife, Bettie Anne; his two sons, Joseph K. Mahony III and Michael Emon Mahony; and three grandchildren, Jordan, Alexandra and Joseph K. Mahony IV.

Jodie will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Although he is no longer with us, Jodie's many contributions to improving our state will continue on forever, serving as a reminder of his hard work and many good deeds throughout an accomplished legislative career and life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Greg Arnold who will be the 94th individual inducted into the Arkansas Aviation Hall of Fame on Thursday, November 12, 2009, at the Aerospace Education Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Greg Arnold is president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Truman Arnold Companies (TAC), a Texarkana, Texas, based company founded by Truman Arnold in 1964 as a branded petroleum jobber. Today, TAC is a leading national petroleum marketing company, offering a variety of services through a network of petroleum terminals and aviation Fixed Base Operations (FBO) facilities. A rapidly growing company, TAC currently employs more than 500 highly trained people.

As president of TAC for more than 16 years and CEO for 6, Greg has served as president of the Arkansas Oil Marketers Association, president of the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce, vice president of the Independent Liquid Terminal Association, board and campaign member of the United Way of Texarkana, board member of CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital and CHRISTUS St. Michael Health Care Center Foundation, chairman of the Governor's Task Force on Flooding on the Lower Red River, board member of Century Bancshares and member of the Red River Redevelopment Authority. He recently completed a term as board chairman of the National Air Transportation Association, one of the aviation industry's leading advocacy organizations.

Greg and his wife, Ashley Arnold, have three children: Anthony, Regan and Carsen.

Established in 1980 by the Arkansas Aviation Historical Society, the Arkansas Aviation Hall of Fame inducts those who make a difference or play a significant role in the history of aviation on the national or state scenes. Greg Arnold has had a major impact on aviation in Arkansas and in this country and he deserves a place on this esteemed list. His commitment to community, to state, to country and to excellence in his field is what makes Greg the respected and admired leader he is today.

I applaud Greg's vision and leadership in the field of aviation. I offer my deepest gratitude and admiration for all that he has done to make our state a better place to live and I extend to him my congratulations on this prestigious accomplishment.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my dear friend and pastor, Rev. Carlton Cross, from my hometown of Prescott, Arkansas, and today's guest chaplain in the U.S. House of Representatives.

As an ordained deacon and elder, Rev. Cross has been serving in the United Methodist Church for the past 20 years. Leading congregations throughout Arkansas, Rev. Cross is well respected and admired wherever he goes.

Possessing a great passion for mission work, Rev. Cross' impact on the community reaches far beyond the pulpit, including his active involvement in the Ozark Mission Project for the past 15 years.

Rev. Cross is a graduate of Arkansas State University and holds a Master of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Tracy, have 10-year-old twins, Brady and Shelby.

Rev. Cross currently serves First Methodist United Church in Prescott, where my family and I are members. As a close personal friend and my spiritual guide, I can attest to Rev. Cross' sincere commitment to his church, his community, his faith and his country.

It is my distinct privilege and honor to recognize Rev. Carlton Cross as guest chaplain on this day in the United States House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the nearly 600 employees at Aerojet-General Corporation's Camden, Arkansas, production facility and their achievement of the milestone shipment of their 5,000th MK 104 Dual Thrust Rocket Motor to Raytheon Missile Systems and the United States Navy.

Aerojet is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader principally serving the missile, space propulsion and armaments markets. This most significant milestone will be commemorated with a celebration ceremony held in Camden, Arkansas, on Wednesday, October 28, 2009.

The MK 104 Dual Thrust Rocket Motor provides the main propulsion for the Standard Missile 2 (SM-2), the United States Navy's primary surface-to-air air defense weapon. SM-2 is an integral part of the AEGIS Weapon System aboard Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. The MK 104 Dual Thrust Rocket Motor also is the second stage propulsion for the Navy's newest defensive weapon, the Standard Missile 6 Extended Range Active Missile (SM-6), which will provide extended-range, anti-air warfare capability over both sea and land. The MK 104 is also utilized on the Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) for Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) from sea missions.

Aerojet has manufactured the MK 104 Dual Thrust Rocket Motor since 1987 at its Camden facility. The Standard Missile family of products, which also include the MK 72 booster and MK 125 warhead, is a noteworthy element of Aerojet's industry-leading tactical propulsion portfolio produced in Camden, generating significant employment opportunities for the area.

On the occasion of this milestone, I am proud to recognize the dedicated, hardworking employees of Aeroject in Camden and their achievements so far. These Arkansans are working hard to ensure our men and women in uniform have the resources they need to carry out their missions effectively and quickly and they deserve our sincere appreciation.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to share my support and acknowledgement of September as Craniofacial Acceptance Month.

Each year, approximately 100,000 children are born in the United States with some form of facial disfigurement. In many cases, reconstructive surgeons can correct these problems early--often while the children are still infants. In other cases, however, reconstruction is not as easy or even possible.

The Children's Craniofacial Association (CCA) is an organization that supports these children and their families. Nationally and internationally, CCA addresses the medical, financial, psychosocial, emotional, and educational concerns relating to craniofacial conditions. CCA's mission is to empower and give hope to individuals and families affected by facial differences. I am honored to acknowledge that 2009 marks their 20th anniversary and am pleased to share my support and thanks for their designation of September as Craniofacial Acceptance Month.

In 2001, my constituent Wendelyn Osborne brought the craniofacial disorders issue to my attention. At a young age, Wendelyn was diagnosed with Craniometaphyseal Dysplasia (CMD). CMD is a rare disorder that affects only 200 people worldwide. Specifically, CMD involves an overgrowth of bone which never deteriorates. In Ms. Osborne's case, this caused an abnormal appearance, bilateral facial paralysis and deafness. Other cases can include those characteristics, as well as blindness and joint pain. Wendelyn has undergone many extensive reconstructive surgeries to counteract the medical difficulties that comprise her disorder.

Unfortunately, the majority of reconstructive surgeries, such as those Wendelyn has undergone, are not covered by insurance companies. Rather, many of them are treated as strictly cosmetic. As a result, individuals are forced to fight their insurance companies just to receive the life-saving surgeries they need. The fact that these surgeries have been grouped in the same ``cosmetic'' category as surgeries that simply make people look better or younger is a tragedy.

It is my hope that further education and understanding of craniofacial disorders will allow our nation to move forward and update existing laws to better meet the medical needs of those needing reconstructive, not cosmetic, surgery. I urge my colleagues--especially in a year focused on health care reform--to join in this effort and help recognize these conditions through Craniofacial Acceptance Month so that all Americans can access the care they need.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a true American hero. On August 18, 2009, our nation lost a brave soldier when Army Private First Class Jonathan C. Yanney died in Arghandad, Afghanistan, in support of operation Enduring Freedom at 20 years of age. He died of wounds sustained when his military vehicle struck an improvised explosive device.

PFC Yanney grew up in Norwood and Litchfield, Minnesota, but his father resides in Grapevine, Arkansas. Although I never had the honor to meet PFC Yanney, on behalf of the state of Arkansas, I extend my utmost condolences to his family, friends and all who knew him for this devastating loss.

PFC Yanney was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division at Fort Lewis, Washington. 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.

A young, decorated soldier, Yanney's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Badge, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Bar, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Weapons Qualification Badge Bar--Weapon Rifle Expert, and the NATO Medal.

My deepest thoughts and prayers are with his mother, Jane; his father, Russ; his brother, Josh; and, the rest of his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.

Today, I ask all members of Congress to join me as we honor the life of Army Private First Class Jonathan Yanney and his legacy and all those men and women in our Armed Forces who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a dedicated patriot and a true American hero. On August 17, 2009, our nation lost a brave service member when Army Specialist Matthew D. Hastings died in Baghdad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, from a non-combat related incident.

Army Specialist Hastings lived in Claremore, Oklahoma, but his father resides in Jefferson, Arkansas. Although I never had the honor to meet Specialist Hastings, on behalf of the State of Arkansas, I extend my utmost condolences to his family, friends and all who knew him for this devastating loss.

Army Specialist Hastings was assigned to the 582nd Medical Logistics Company, 1st Medical Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command, Fort Hood, Texas. He graduated from Broken Arrow Alternative Academy in 2005 and joined the military a year later as a light-wheel vehicle mechanic. According to those who knew him, he loved to hunt and fish, took great pride in his work and treasured time spent with his family and friends. I am sure he will be sorely missed.

My deepest thoughts and prayers are with his mother and stepfather, Lawanda and Roger Lowry; his father, Chuck Hastings, Jr.; his sister, Michelle; and, the rest of his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.

Today, I ask all members of Congress to join me as we honor the life of Army Specialist Matthew Hastings and all those men and women in our Armed Forces who give the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

Madam Speaker, on Monday, July 13, 2009, I was not present for votes because I was attending a meeting with President Obama in the Oval Office.

Had I been present for roll call 530, The Motion to Adjourn, I would have voted ``aye.''