Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of a man who has dedicated his life to service and a greater cause, Fred E. Allen of Mt. Pleasant, TX.

Mr. Allen has been an outstanding citizen and patriot throughout his life. Much of his energy has been directed through the noble organization of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, which has played an important role in the history of this nation since its founding. Many influential Americans have been members of the Masons, including Presidents, Members of Congress, Justices, and Governors, and their ranks have included scientists, engineers, doctors, lawyers, entertainers, clergy, entrepreneurs, businessmen, and pioneers-- basically all walks of life.

In October of 2009 Mr. Allen was honored with The Grand Cross by the Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite. This is the highest individual honor that The Supreme Council bestows. It is a rare honorary degree that is bestowed on Thirty-third Degree Masons, and is awarded only for the most exceptional and extraordinary services. Mr. Allen is one of those exceptional Masons, a man who, in the words of the philosopher Jeremy Benson, sought ``the greatest good for the greatest number.''

It is a privilege to pay tribute to such an honorable and devoted citizen in the Fourth Congressional District of Texas, and I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognition of this great American, Fred Allen.

As we enter into the most important and eventful week of the 30 years since I have been up here, I think of the consequences of the votes we will cast, both Republican and Democrat. When we passed the health bill on this very floor, the Democrats, with a 40-vote advantage on the House floor, passed H.R. 3962 with only a five-vote advantage, which showed that the outrageous health bill had been lessened in severity in the Commerce Committee and was softened up enough for the Senate to kill it.

Then a series of Senators negotiated gifts they were not entitled to, each receiving a different consideration, into being the coveted 60th vote. If we take the floor back, I would consider subpoenaing those who may have made the overtures to compare it to the law of bribery or corrupt deals. I would send the results to the Federal and State prosecutors. The bribery penalty as set out in 18 U.S. Code section 203 is imprisonment for not more than a year and a civil fine of not more than $50,000 for each violation.

I consider offering a bribe, for a personal benefit, as worse than accepting one. Let's clean up the United States Congress and listen to our people whose only request is to take back their country.

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

The bill before us today is the same bill that was before this body 3 days ago. As such, I don't have much to add today except to compliment the gentleman from Washington and tell him that he has made a difference in the time he has been here and he will be missed when he leaves in November. And it is tough to go against a bill that I'm in favor of the thrust that he has, but I have some concerns about it.

I will simply reiterate that I'm supportive of the underlying goals of this legislation. It fosters continued research into the causes of harmful algal blooms, explores ways to manage these events, and sets up mechanisms to potentially predict when they might even occur. While supportive of the goals of the measure, I and several of my Republican colleagues, and there is a difference among us on this side, have some concerns about the authorization levels in this bill as well as the potential for unfunded mandates on States and localities.

This bill authorizes funding that is almost three times the amount that had been appropriated in recent years and is 50 percent higher than the last reauthorization in 2004. In authorizing legislation, we must be mindful of fiscal constraints both at the Federal and the State level.

I look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Baird and my colleagues on the House Science and Technology Committee as this bill moves through the process.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mack).

I yield the gentleman 1 additional minute.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time.

In closing, I just want to point out once again to be guarding against unfunded mandates on States and localities. This bill will reach probably a conference committee somewhere down the road. I would like to have that remembered.

In authorizing legislation, we have to still be mindful of fiscal constraints both at the Federal and the State level. The President's budget request for the NOAA program is $12.7 million. Forty-one million dollars in authorization is significantly above the request. It is a good program, a great thrust. I support the thrust. I just ask those who vote upon it, for or against it, to remember the unfunded mandate danger and the fact that it is well above.

I now see my colleague from Michigan, Dr. Ehlers, here, who is probably going to disagree with me. I will yield him 5 minutes.

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

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to take a few minutes to remember a patriot, a great Texan, and a great friend, Charlie Wilson. I had the pleasure of serving with Charlie in the Texas State Senate and then in the House for another 17 years, and though we didn't see eye to eye on every issue, it was not often we disagreed.

Charlie was a courageous and kind man with a strong sense of justice that compelled him to work for the good of others. I think that, more than anything else, will be the enduring part of his legacy. He decided to commit his energy, and the efforts of this country, to helping the Afghani people against the Soviets, not just because it was the Cold War and it was us versus them, but because he saw the atrocities committed against the Afghani people and he knew that the United States could

not sit by and just allow it to happen. It was actions like that and his dedication to American values that ultimately helped President Reagan bring down the wall between East and West and bring democracy to so much more of the world.

Charlie was also known for his ability to party, and it is true that he knew how to have a good time. He was married earlier in his life before coming up here to Washington, and I remember once, he had been dating this Russian beauty, and there were loud talks and rumors in the tabloids that wedding bells were inevitable, and then one day I woke up and the headlines read that the matrimony was off. So I asked him what happened, and he said to me, ``Ralph, you knew I wasn't going to marry that girl,'' and I said, ``Charlie, how was I supposed to know that?'' And he said, ``You ever see a three legged fox get near a trap again?''

Well, he was a wise old fox indeed and managed, himself, to trap the love of his life, the beautiful Barbara Alberstadt, and she blessed the last 11 years of Charlie's life. We're all sad that he's gone, but I for one am proud to have served in this Congress with such an outstanding man, Charlie Wilson.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1055, supporting the goals and ideals of National Robotics Week, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.

National Robotics Week, which annually occurs during the second full week of April, recognizes the transformative role of robotics technology, the ability of robotics to inspire and educate, and the need to underscore education at all levels. This event celebrates the U.S. as a leader in robotics technology, which becomes more prevalent in our lives with each passing year.

The mission of National Robotics Week is to educate the public about the social and cultural impacts of robotics technology and to inspire students of all ages to pursue careers in robotics and other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics-related fields.

Events are scheduled around the country for this purpose. For those who cannot attend in person, the National Robotics Week Web site provides other ways for parents and teachers to get involved.

Affecting numerous sectors of our economy, including national defense, robotics will continue to be an emerging market, with substantial growth expected. As such it is important for us to recognize the many aspects of the specialized field.

Despite the projected growth, the United States is facing a shortage of graduates in STEM-related fields. National Robotics Week is yet another tool to help parents and teachers motivate and inspire our children to learn about the exciting role robotics plays in our everyday world. Somewhere out there, the next Isaac Asimov is receiving inspiration. Perhaps it is at a National Robotics Week event.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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

I rise today in support of House Resolution 1069, which honors and congratulates Willard S. Boyle and George E. Smith for receiving the Nobel Prize in physics on December 10, 2009, for their invention of the imaging semiconductor circuit, the charge-coupled device, or CCD. This accomplishment, achieved by Willard S. Boyle and George E. Smith while working at Bell Laboratories, has greatly influenced the way human beings view the world.

The invention of the charge-coupled device allows for the direct capture of images electronically rather than on the basis of film. The CCD has given the power of instantaneous imagery to people worldwide. This image-capturing device is not only more efficient but also is more accurate than conventional photography. It has allowed for the development of high-resolution picture-making and has helped create the ability to process and to develop photographs in a real-time setting.

Their design has gone on to be the core of every digital camera, camcorder, and telescope in existence today. In addition, CCD is used in various surgical cameras, as well as in cameras used by NASA. They have enabled millions of people worldwide to capture images sharply and effectively.

It's with great appreciation that we recognize these men today for their accomplishments and for their achievement in winning the 2009 Nobel Prize in physics. I encourage my colleagues to join me in support of this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Lance).

I congratulate Mr. Baird for his leadership.

Having no further requests for time, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

H. Res. 935 honors John E. Warnock, Charles M. Geschke, Forrest M. Bird, Esther Sans Takeuchi, and IBM for being awarded the 2008 National Medal of Technology and Innovation. The National Medal of Technology and Innovation is awarded annually to the Nation's leading innovators. This award recognizes those who have made significant contributions to their country. Additionally, it's intended to also inspire our youth to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics-related fields of study.

Together, Drs. Warnock and Geschke founded Adobe Systems. Adobe Systems enabled documents to be successfully sent electronically from program to program through technology that's today known as PDF. Since their retirement as software executives, both have contributed generously to programs that help encourage young engineers and innovators.

Dr. Forrest Bird of Idaho served as an aviator during World War II. Following the war, he founded Bird, Inc., which developed amphibian aircraft and innovative breathing equipment to reduce the risks of altitude sickness. Using this same technology, Bird later developed medical respirators, which are still in use around the world, and contributed to lowering breath-related infant mortality rates.

Dr. Esther Sans Takeuchi of New York began her distinguished career as a scientist for Greatbatch, Inc. In her years there, she developed a lithium/silver vanadium oxide battery, which was essential to producing implantable cardiac defibrillators. Today, more than 200,000 of those ICDs are implanted each year, most with batteries originally developed by Takeuchi.

IBM's Blue Gene Server Group represents a new age of American innovation. These supercomputers have enabled business and science to visit new calculations previously unattainable. In addition, these computers have been recognized as the most energy efficient of their type in the world today.

On October 7, 2009, President Obama honored the 2008 recipients of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation during a White House ceremony. I join the President in recognizing these distinguished Americans and urge my colleagues to do so.

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

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Harmful algal blooms are those blooms that produce toxins that are hazardous to plants and animals. The

most recognized harmful algal bloom is red tide, since it discolors the water and makes seafood inedible. Such an event causes many States severe economic harm through beach closures and restrictions on seafood.

This bill fosters continued research into the causes of red tide, explores ways to manage the blooms, and sets up mechanisms to potentially predict when they may occur. These are all areas of research that are beneficial to our economy and to human health, and I commend the vice ranking member of our committee, Dr. Vern Ehlers, for his commitment to address this important issue through his cosponsorship of this legislation.

While I'm supportive of the goals of this measure, I do need to convey some concerns that I and several of my Republican colleagues had in committee. The bill addresses a problem that affects nearly every State. However, we want to make sure that the original and the regional research and action plans that are called for are not a top-down mandate but a true collaboration between the Federal Government and the States and local areas directly affected by these blooms. We want to make sure we are not imposing undue burdens on States that they would not voluntarily take on themselves.

I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Madam Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise in support of H.R. 4061. We are all aware of the importance of cybersecurity and how it has grown dramatically in recent years, as most of the critical systems upon which we depend, from telecommunications to electricity to banking and commerce, rely on secure and reliable computing.

There are short-term policy actions that we can and must take to protect our networks, but over the long term the key to cybersecurity is winning the technological race against our adversaries. That is what this legislation is really aimed toward.

The Science and Technology Committee has a long record of leadership on these issues, dating back to the 1980s, led well by the gentleman from Tennessee, and the agencies and programs we oversee are critical to the success of Federal efforts to address cybersecurity weaknesses and their threats.

This bill will help to support these efforts through authorization of activities in three general areas: the first one being basic research at the National Science Foundation; the second one, expanded NSF scholarships to increase the size and skills of the cybersecurity workforce; and third, increase R&D standards, development and coordination, and public outreach at the National Institute of Standards and Technology related to cybersecurity.

Now, these are modest but important changes that will help us do a better job of protecting our communications network, and I am pleased to join my fellow Texan, Mr. McCaul, as a cosponsor, along with two of our key subcommittee ranking members, Dr. Ehlers of Michigan and Representative Smith of Nebraska.

I also want to note my appreciation for what this bill doesn't do. It avoids calling for any activities that could amount to being regulatory in nature. I think this is important. The committee heard from multiple outside witnesses that heavy Federal involvement in private sector cybersecurity processes would actually be counterproductive to security. I hope we can ensure this bill continues to restrain from such action as it moves through the legislative process.

This is a good bill, and it represents a small but important step in the government's overall efforts to address cybersecurity issues. I want to thank Chairman Gordon and our colleagues in the majority for working closely with the Republicans on this legislation, and I look forward to continued cooperative efforts as we move forward.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, last year the fourth district of Texas and our Nation lost a distinguished gentleman and historian from Ector, Texas. H.G. Dulaney passed away on July 4th, 2009 at the age of 91. The great H.G., a legendary presence aide in his own right, was a longtime aide to the late Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn and served for many years as Director of the Sam Rayburn Library in Bonham.

H.G. Dulaney, son of Horace Greeley and Lucy Dulaney, was born in Fannin County on May 11, 1918 and lived there all of his life, except for a few years in Washington working for Speaker Rayburn. He graduated from Ector High School and attended Draughon's Business College in Dallas. He married Rita Redman on September 9, 1941 in Colbert, Oklahoma, and they had two children, Loretta and Mike. H.G. served in the Army Air Force from 1942-1945 during WWII, spending 18 months in the India-Burma theater. Following his release from the service he returned to Fannin County where he briefly worked for Bonham Abstract Company and the Farmers Home Administration Department of Agriculture.

In 1951, 33-year-old H.G. Dulaney was persuaded by a local attorney, Buster Cole, to go to Washington to work for Speaker Rayburn. H.G. enjoyed telling the story of his first trip to Washington, D.C. with his shoes squeaking with every step he took and his many remembrances of ``Mr. Sam,'' probably the most powerful man who ever led the U.S. House of Representatives. H.G. spent several years as a Congressional Aide to Speaker Rayburn, taking dictation and writing letters, among many other tasks. Mr. Sam ultimately became like a father to him.

In 1956, Mr. Sam appointed H.G. to take care of his personal business at the library. While the library construction was being completed, H.G. studied at the Library of Congress and the National Archives to prepare himself for his new job. He took special courses in accounting and library science at Southeastern University in Washington, D.C., and after he took over as Library Director in 1957, he continued his studies at East Texas State University.

H.G. Dulaney is a name that is synonymous with the Sam Rayburn Library. He was actively involved in preparations for the Library from its inception through construction and opening in 1957, and served as the Director of the Library until 2002, including its transfer into The University of Texas at Austin in 1990. Following his retirement, he was the Director Emeritus and Consultant at The Sam Rayburn Library. During his years at the Rayburn Library he served as Co-Editor of ``Impressions of Mr. Sam--A Cartoon Profile'' (1987) and ``Speak, Mr. Speaker'' (1978) and was the Editor of the Sam Rayburn Newsletter (1957-2002). Throughout more than half a century of operation, H.G. nurtured the Library and shared his wealth of knowledge and insights about Speaker Rayburn with visitors and students from all over the country.

H.G. was a member of Ector United Methodist Church, Ector Masonic Lodge, Dodd City Lions Club, The Texas Historical Commission, and the Fannin County Historical Commission. He also served a number of years on the Ector Carson Cemetery Board and The Public Housing Authority Board. In 1980, H.G. received the Good Government Award from the Zeta Gamma chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the Political Science National Honor Society, and he was also named Bonham Citizen of the Year in 1997, among many other awards he received over his lifetime. In September 2002, in honor of his official retirement from the Sam Rayburn Library and Museum, the Fannin County Commissioner's Court and the City of Bonham signed a proclamation declaring H.G. Dulaney Day. In addition, the main exhibit gallery of the Rayburn Museum was renamed in his honor, commemorated with the permanent installation of his portrait. In 2005, H.G. was doubly honored by the Friends of Sam Rayburn. He was given the Inaugural Public Service Award and the award was named in his honor--the H.G. Dulaney Friends of Sam Rayburn Award for Public Service. The same year, the Sam Rayburn Foundation established a scholarship in his name.

H.G. is survived by a son, Mike, and his wife Marla Dulaney and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Horace Greeley and Lucy Dulaney, his wife Rita Redman Dulaney and daughter, Loretta Dulaney Chapman.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in memory and in honor of this great American and historian who dedicated his life to preserving the history of this institution. He will be truly missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and accomplishments of a man who generously helped shape his state and community. Jack Finney of Greenville, Texas passed away on January 1, 2010, at the age of ninety-three.

Jack was born to Reginald Horace Finney Sr. and Valma Bracken in Commerce, Texas on August 15, 1916. Finney attended Paris High School in Paris, Texas. He later graduated from Texas A&M in College Station with a degree in agricultural administration.

Jack founded Finney's Holsum Bread Company in Greenville shortly after graduation. At age thirty-six, Jack was appointed to the Texas A&M Board of Directors where he recruited the famous ``Junction Boys'' football coach Paul ``Bear'' Bryant. President and CEO of the Association of Former Students at Texas A&M University, Porter Garner, called Finney a great Aggie and states, ``He was always there when Texas A&M needed him.''

Jack was a proud resident of Greenville, stating in a 2006 interview, ``I could've left Greenville when I sold the bakery, but I stayed here. This is where I was meant to be.'' He donated land to the city where a public library and swimming pool now sit. He was also a major contributor to the nearby Texas A&M University at Commerce and Hunt Memorial Hospital District Foundation.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Lou House Finney. He will be missed by his large family and the grateful citizens of Greenville.

Madam Speaker, Jack Finney was my good friend for many years. I could always rely on Jack to give me his honest opinion about any issue--as well as his support. Jack was the heart and soul of Greenville, and he will be greatly missed. As we adjourn today, let us do so in memory of this great American, Jack Finney.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a fellow veteran and treasured citizen of Garland, Jack Hittson, who passed away last year, at the age of eighty-three.

Jack, a fifth generation Texan, was born June 19, 1925 in Palo Pinto, Texas. He graduated from Strawn High School at the age of sixteen and enrolled at the University of Texas at Arlington. Before completing his studies, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a pilot. Jack returned to college following World War II and graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry at the age of twenty-three.

Jack first practiced in Panama where he met and married his wife, Elizabeth Weltzin. Shortly thereafter, they moved to the Alaskan Territories where Jack began work with the Alaskan Health Service. Jack went on to attend the University of Tennessee at Memphis to specialize in orthodontics.

Following graduation, Jack was re-commissioned during the Korean War and stationed in Orleans, France. He returned to Garland after completion of his commission and started one of the first orthodontic practices in North Texas.

Jack was actively involved in the community where he volunteered his time and resources to the benefit of the YMCA, Boy Scouts, Masons, Garland Dental Club, Texas Dental Association, and the Texas Democrats.

Jack will be missed by his wife and the greater Garland community.

Madam Speaker, I commend Jack Hittson for his service to the North Texas community and his country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a lifelong teacher and public servant, Janet Coyle of Rowlett, Texas, who passed away last year at the age of ninety-nine.

Janet was born on April 7, 1910 in Brownwood, Texas to Charles and Janie Simpson. She taught elementary school in Garland, Richardson, and Rowlett for twenty-five years where she followed her personal motto, ``There is something to love in every child.''

Janet served as President of Classroom Teachers of Garland from 1959 to 1960. She later volunteered her time as the first woman on the Rowlett Planning and Zoning Commission. She was a charter member of the Rowlett Historical Society and was given the Chamber of Commerce Heritage Hall of Fame Award in 2007.

Janet was an active member of her church, First United Methodist of Rowlett, for seventy-seven years. She is preceded in death by her husband of fifty years, William ``Bill'' Coyle. She will be missed by her three daughters, Nancy Yarnes, Susan Kiby and husband, Larry, Beck Buttram and husband, Will; and son, Billy Coyle and wife, Missy.

Madam Speaker, I commend Janet Coyle for her lifelong devotion to education and public service in her community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and achievements of William Boyd of McKinnney, Texas, who passed away last year at the age of seventy-one.

Bill was born August 8, 1938 in McKinney, Texas to Roland and Nanette Boyd. He received both an undergraduate and JD from SMU in Dallas. He was elected Collin County District Attorney even before completing his law degree.

Bill realized his passion for law and gave up his political ambitions to work for the successful law firm his father founded. Over his career, Bill handled many prominent cases. He was well-known in north Texas area for his work with the Dallas police and firefighters in a back-pay lawsuit.

Bill was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of McKinney, Texas where he served as Chairman of the Board of Deacons. He was preceded in death by first wife, Betty Boyd.

He will be missed by wife, Barbara White Boyd and a host of friends. Bill and I stayed in touch. I received much advice that I acted on. Bill was a great lawyer and a super friend.

Madam Speaker, I commend Bill Boyd for his commitment to the legal community, and I ask the U.S. House of Representatives to retire at close of House business today in honor of this fine friend.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a respected public servant, Zaner Fay Culberson of Royse City, Texas, who passed away this past June at the age of ninety-five.

Zaner was born to Tom and Hattie May Culberson on March 13, 1914 near Gilmer, Texas. In 1939 Zaner married Robert Robison. They soon moved to Caddo Mills, Texas, where they jointly founded the Caddo Mills Enterprise and purchased the Royse City American in 1942. They started the Tawakoni News in 1963. Robert passed away in 1975, and Zaner continued operation of the newspapers. She went on to found four more local papers in the region.

Zaner served as Mayor of Royse City from 1980 to 1982. She was a longtime member of the Chamber of Commerce of Royse City and the Texas Press Association. In 1979 Zaner married to John Benetin, whom she led into the newspaper industry.

Zaner was an active member of the Royse City United Methodist Church where she taught several classes and served as a member of the administration board. She was later President of the United Methodist Women for the region. She is preceded in death by husbands, Robert Robison and John Benetin. She will be missed by a host of nieces and nephews and the entire Royse City community.

Madam Speaker, as we adjourn today, let us do so in memory of Zaner Fay Culberson, who for many years I could count on for wisdom and support. I commend Zaner for her lasting impact on the newspaper industry and devotion to community service.