Floor Statements

Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to Kathryn Tucker Windham, who passed away in her home on Sunday, June 12, 2011, at the age of 93. Kathryn was a renowned storyteller for whom I had deep respect. She enjoyed an accomplished career as an author, playwright, photographer and journalist. Kathryn also demonstrated a fierce dedication to her community. I mourn her passing.

Born on June 2, 1918, Kathryn spent the majority of her childhood in Thomasville, AL, where she also began her career in writing and photography. She graduated from Huntingdon College in Montgomery and remained supportive of her alma mater for the duration of her long and successful career.

Kathryn's trailblazing accomplishments include publishing many well- loved ghost stories and autobiographical memories as well as three cookbooks. She was also recognized as the first woman journalist in the South to cover a police beat at a major daily newspaper, and she had stints at the Alabama Journal, the Birmingham News, the Selma Times- Journal, the Area Agency on Aging and WUAL radio. Kathryn also wrote several plays, including a one-woman show that she, herself, performed. She was also a contributor to NPR's ``All Things Considered'' and a regular at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee. Always giving back to her community, Kathryn founded the Alabama Tale-Tellin' Festival, which takes place each year in Selma.

Kathryn's achievements garnered recognition, both in the State of Alabama and nationally. She received the Alabama Humanities Foundation's Alabama Humanities Award, the University of Alabama's Society of Fine Arts' Alabama Arts Award, the National Storytelling Association's Circle of Excellence Award and Lifetime Achievement Award as well as numerous other distinguished awards and honors throughout her lifetime. Additionally, the Alabama Southern Community College in Thomasville opened the Kathryn Tucker Windham Museum in her honor.

I am honored to have known Kathryn and to have enjoyed her great works of literature and journalism. She was truly an inspiration to her community, the literary world, and the nation. Her legacy will forever be preserved through her timeless stories. My thoughts and prayers are with her friends and family, especially her children, Dilcy Hilley and Ben Windham, as they mourn the loss of this gracious and wonderful woman.

Kathryn cleared a path for women writers and journalists to follow after her and should be revered for her bravery, stamina and grace. Her life's contributions to the State of Alabama will forever be remembered.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to proceed in morning business for 8 minutes.

Madam President, I rise to thank my colleagues in the Senate and countless others across the country for their outpouring of support and offers of assistance to my State of Alabama in this time of need.

On April 27--this last week--an unprecedented tornado system struck the State of Alabama, claiming hundreds of lives and destroying thousands of homes and businesses. At last count, 236 people in Alabama alone were dead, with thousands more injured and a lot missing. It will take many years and potentially billions of dollars for my State to fully recover from this catastrophic disaster.

We have received calls from my fellow Senators, many of whom recently experienced destruction in their own States due to floods and deadly storms, with offers of help. To those who have reached out, I wish to offer my sincere gratitude on behalf of the people of Alabama. I also wish to thank President Obama and FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate for their swift response and commitment to restoring our State.

Their words of encouragement to disaster victims during their visit to Alabama helped ease the grief burdening local families, and their work with Gov. Robert Bentley and Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director Art Faulkner has provided vital assistance during these difficult times. This continued level of Federal coordination is critical to ensuring that Alabama gets back on its feet as quickly as possible.

I have never in my life seen such devastation to the extent I saw during my visit to my home State of Alabama recently. Giant oaks lie flattened and splintered. Homes throughout the State were demolished, leaving thousands homeless and reliant on the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and others for shelter. At one point last week, over 1 million Alabama residents were without power--almost one-quarter of the State's population. It was gut-wrenching to walk through scattered rubble and realize it was once the site of someone's home or someone's business. The scale and the magnitude of destruction can only be described as hell on Earth.

In our State, while larger cities such as Birmingham and Tuscaloosa-- my hometown--suffered extensive damage, so did other rural areas. Communities such as Pratt City, Pleasant Grove, Concord, Rainsville, Hackleburg, Cullman, and many others also incurred the wrath of the storm system and are now trying to assess the extent of their damage.

In DeKalb, Marion and Franklin Counties alone, we have seen nearly 100 deaths. Virtually every part of the State was touched by storms, and all of us were affected. The pain and loss that families are experiencing are still fresh. Many remain in shock.

However, we must also recognize that Alabama was not the lone victim of the storm. As we continue our cleanup and recovery efforts, so do the people of Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, Virginia, Louisiana, and Kentucky. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the affected States. We stand willing and able to assist you, as you have offered similar support to us.

I want to reassure the people of Alabama and all the affected States that we will do everything we can on the Federal level to restore life as it was before. My staff and I are working with the State, FEMA, and the other Federal agencies to ensure as quick and efficient a recovery as possible.

Thousands of Alabamians have opened their homes, donated supplies, made contributions, and rushed to help in any way they could. After witnessing the selfless generosity of complete strangers and the sheer resilience of those affected by the storms, I have never been more proud to call Alabama my home.

It will take a lot of work and help from volunteers, but I am convinced that, together, we can overcome this terrible tragedy.

Madam President, I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I rise today to once again introduce my flat tax bill, the Smart, Manageable and Responsible Tax Act, referred to as the SMART Act.

In the United States, there are few, if any, days that are viewed with the same resentment and contempt year after year as April 15: national tax day.

Our current Tax Code totals more than 70,000 pages, making tax compliance unnecessarily complex, confusing and costly. During the past 10 years, there have been over 4,400 changes to the Tax Code, including an estimated 579 changes in 2010 alone.

The inclusion of the additional 1099 tax reporting requirements in the health care reform bill are just one example of the onerous requirements throughout our Tax Code.

As we have learned since the passage of these requirements last March, incremental improvements to the Tax

Code are not easy. It took Congress over a year to finally agree to repeal the 1099 changes that common sense tells us are essential to alleviating the burdens on small business. Yet our Tax Code is riddled with other similarly ill-conceived requirements.

Over the course of a year, individuals spend an average of 26 hours, over half of a work week, preparing for their tax filings.

Although this has been standard practice for decades, I do not believe average taxpayers should have to pore over IRS regulations for hours or pay someone to prepare their returns. Unfortunately, under our convoluted tax system they are left with little choice.

I have said a number of times before that our current tax system is unfair. It punishes success and stifles economic growth. The best remedy is to adopt a single tax rate for all taxpayers. Transitioning to a flat tax would not only increase fairness in the Tax Code, it would also increase the incentives to work and invest.

By eliminating the thousands of tax loopholes, deductions, and credits that can often only be utilized with extensive tax planning and expensive advisers, hardworking Americans can rest assured that corporations with billions of dollars in profit and sophisticated taxpayers are not able to unfairly reduce or eliminate their tax liabilities and leave middle-class Americans footing the bill.

The SMART Act also reforms our corporate Tax Code. The United States currently has the second highest corporate tax rate in the world. American companies routinely make the difficult decision to move operations overseas to reduce their tax burden. Under my legislation, companies would pay a flat tax rate of 17 percent on their profits. Cutting the corporate tax rate in half would increase domestic companies' competitiveness with foreign corporations and eliminate the incentives to shift jobs overseas.

This bill provides a simple, commonsense solution to the complexities and inequities of the current tax system. Taxpayers would be able to determine their tax liability quickly and easily, and file a tax return the size of a postcard.

The SMART Tax would repeal the current Internal Tax Code and replace it with a single tax rate for all taxpayers of 17 percent on all salaries, wages, and pensions. The only exemptions would be a personal exemption of $13,410 for a single person; $17,120 for a head of household; $26,810 for a married couple filing jointly; and $5,780 for each dependent, with these amounts indexed to inflation.

Additionally, under my legislation, earnings from savings and investments would not be included in taxable income. Eliminating this double taxation would increase the savings rate in our country and immediately spur investments in the economy, create jobs and boost economic growth.

Approximately 60 percent of individual taxpayers now pay preparers to complete their taxes for them. An additional 29 percent of individuals use tax software to assist with their filings. What this means for most people is that in addition to paying the government every year, they must pay someone or buy software to tell them exactly how much to pay their government.

The American people want and need fundamental tax reform that would save time and money and bring fairness to our tax structure. The legislation I am introducing today would implement much-needed reforms that eliminate onerous paperwork and promote economic growth in our country.

I recognize that this bill is a monumental shift away from our current tax laws, but our economy needs a boost, and we must not allow the enormity of the task to deter us from enacting better, more efficient tax laws. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this legislation.

Mr. President, I rise today to once again introduce my flat tax bill, the Smart, Manageable and Responsible Tax Act, referred to as the SMART Act.

In the United States, there are few, if any, days that are viewed with the same resentment and contempt year after year as April 15: national tax day.

Our current Tax Code totals more than 70,000 pages, making tax compliance unnecessarily complex, confusing and costly. During the past 10 years, there have been over 4,400 changes to the Tax Code, including an estimated 579 changes in 2010 alone.

The inclusion of the additional 1099 tax reporting requirements in the health care reform bill are just one example of the onerous requirements throughout our Tax Code.

As we have learned since the passage of these requirements last March, incremental improvements to the Tax

Code are not easy. It took Congress over a year to finally agree to repeal the 1099 changes that common sense tells us are essential to alleviating the burdens on small business. Yet our Tax Code is riddled with other similarly ill-conceived requirements.

Over the course of a year, individuals spend an average of 26 hours, over half of a work week, preparing for their tax filings.

Although this has been standard practice for decades, I do not believe average taxpayers should have to pore over IRS regulations for hours or pay someone to prepare their returns. Unfortunately, under our convoluted tax system they are left with little choice.

I have said a number of times before that our current tax system is unfair. It punishes success and stifles economic growth. The best remedy is to adopt a single tax rate for all taxpayers. Transitioning to a flat tax would not only increase fairness in the Tax Code, it would also increase the incentives to work and invest.

By eliminating the thousands of tax loopholes, deductions, and credits that can often only be utilized with extensive tax planning and expensive advisers, hardworking Americans can rest assured that corporations with billions of dollars in profit and sophisticated taxpayers are not able to unfairly reduce or eliminate their tax liabilities and leave middle-class Americans footing the bill.

The SMART Act also reforms our corporate Tax Code. The United States currently has the second highest corporate tax rate in the world. American companies routinely make the difficult decision to move operations overseas to reduce their tax burden. Under my legislation, companies would pay a flat tax rate of 17 percent on their profits. Cutting the corporate tax rate in half would increase domestic companies' competitiveness with foreign corporations and eliminate the incentives to shift jobs overseas.

This bill provides a simple, commonsense solution to the complexities and inequities of the current tax system. Taxpayers would be able to determine their tax liability quickly and easily, and file a tax return the size of a postcard.

The SMART Tax would repeal the current Internal Tax Code and replace it with a single tax rate for all taxpayers of 17 percent on all salaries, wages, and pensions. The only exemptions would be a personal exemption of $13,410 for a single person; $17,120 for a head of household; $26,810 for a married couple filing jointly; and $5,780 for each dependent, with these amounts indexed to inflation.

Additionally, under my legislation, earnings from savings and investments would not be included in taxable income. Eliminating this double taxation would increase the savings rate in our country and immediately spur investments in the economy, create jobs and boost economic growth.

Approximately 60 percent of individual taxpayers now pay preparers to complete their taxes for them. An additional 29 percent of individuals use tax software to assist with their filings. What this means for most people is that in addition to paying the government every year, they must pay someone or buy software to tell them exactly how much to pay their government.

The American people want and need fundamental tax reform that would save time and money and bring fairness to our tax structure. The legislation I am introducing today would implement much-needed reforms that eliminate onerous paperwork and promote economic growth in our country.

I recognize that this bill is a monumental shift away from our current tax laws, but our economy needs a boost, and we must not allow the enormity of the task to deter us from enacting better, more efficient tax laws. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this legislation.

I agree with Chairman Johnson.

Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. W.R. ``Willie'' Jones, who passed away on Friday, March 25, 2011. Willie was dedicated to providing hope for a better life for underprivileged children in Montgomery, AL, and he was a personal friend. Along with the children and families whose lives Willie helped to change, I mourn his passing.

Willie Jones was born on April 3, 1955, and was an alumnus of Alabama State University. He began his life of dedication to the YMCA by participating in the organization's programs as a youth. Starting in 1968, he worked part time as an aquatic instructor at the Cleveland Avenue YMCA in Montgomery, where he would later become the executive director. His involvement didn't stop there; Willie also served as a senior vice president of the Montgomery YMCA. He held famous father/son banquets that attracted top sports talent to the Cleveland Avenue YMCA and provided inspiration for young boys and their fathers.

I have always recognized the Cleveland Avenue YMCA as an important place for the advancement of underprivileged youth. The facility opened in 1960 in conjunction with Martin Luther King's efforts to obtain equal opportunities for all people, including children. Willie and I worked together to fund and open the Cleveland Avenue Cultural Arts and Education Center, CAEC, in 2000. The CAEC is the largest YMCA facility in the country that is entirely dedicated to the arts. It is a true testament to Willie's commitment to helping America's youth through creative and educational initiatives.

In addition to his work for the YMCA, Willie served as the chairman of the Montgomery County Community Punishment and Corrections Authority and advocated for prison alternatives for nonviolent offenders, another passion of his. He also served on the Montgomery Housing Authority board of directors and the Montgomery County Recreation Commission.

Willie's advocacy extended beyond the boardroom and into city and county meetings, which he regularly attended. He was often spotted around the community networking with nearly everyone he met. Willie was a great friend to me and to all people, young and old. His selfless life's mantra was, ``This isn't about Willie Jones, it's about the kids at the YMCA.'' I am honored to have assisted with obtaining Federal funding for the Cleveland Avenue YMCA and to have known this man who was so committed to his community and to the greater world around him.

Willie is loved and will be missed by his wife Versie and two children, Jeff and Jennifer. My thoughts and prayers are with them as they struggle with Willie's premature and unexpected death. A tireless advocate for underprivileged children and nonviolent offenders, Willie championed the notion of a ``second chance'' for kids throughout the community and will be fondly remembered for the legacy of service he left behind him.

I ask unanimous consent that I may proceed as in morning business for 10 minutes.

Mr. President, I rise to introduce a piece of legislation that I have introduced in every Congress since 1987--a proposed constitutional amendment requiring Congress to balance our Nation's budget. This bill has bipartisan support and will allow us to finally begin to get our fiscal house in order.

A balanced budget amendment to the Constitution, I believe, is the only certain mechanism that will break the cycle of deficit spending.

I believe we must ensure that the government does not continue to saddle our children and grandchildren with the current generation's debts. Essentially, this amendment that I propose requires the United States not spend more money than it receives in revenue, except in times of war, or when suspended by a vote of three-fifths of both Houses of Congress.

This bill that we propose will provide financial stability to our Nation. Bailouts, stimulus programs, government takeovers of private industry, and costly new programs have consumed and overwhelmed the Federal budget.

Over the past 30 years, annual deficits have become routine and the Federal Government has incurred massive debt--nearly $14 trillion and rising quickly.

For a moment, let me share this chart with you. It says, ``The Case for a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution.'' If we go back to 1980--just 30 years ago--we owed, as a nation, $909 billion--not yet a trillion dollars. That was after nearly 200 years of government, including the First World War debt, the Depression, the Second World War, the Korean war, and the Vietnamese war, and many deficits. But from 1980 to 1990, this jumped to $3 trillion. From 1990 to 2000--a 10- year span--it jumped from $3 trillion to $5.6 trillion. That was pretty bad. But from the year 2000 to 2010, which ended a few weeks ago, it went from $5 trillion to $13 trillion--in 10 years. It is slated now, in the next 11 years, to go to $25 trillion. That is unsustainable.

In fact, for the record, the United States has only had 2 years in its entire history where it has been debt free. Look back a while. It was 1834 and 1835. I repeat, only 2 years free from debt. It seems to me that the most powerful Nation in the world has had its weaknesses exposed. Foreign markets cannot stand on our wobbly financial legs. The reverberations of our fiscal ineptitude have not only cost American jobs, which we badly need, but have weakened how other nations perceive us. Something must be done.

Unfortunately, we don't have to look back far in history to see an example of a once great empire sitting on the curb with its hand held out. Greece's excessive public spending, coupled with a massive borrowing campaign, has put its fiscal insolvency woes on the entire European Union. Greece's bond rating was downgraded to ``junk'' by Standard and Poor's in April. Bondholders were warned they could recover as little as 30 percent of their initial investment. The euro weakened and the European stock markets plunged. The question is, will the dollar soon be seen as ``junk'' to the rest of the world? I hope not.

American taxpayers are rightly infuriated by the Federal Government's disregard for the same economic principles that govern every household and business budget. Unfortunately, until the Federal Government is required to spend only the amount of money it takes in, I fear we will continue to write checks the Treasury cannot cash.

In fiscal year 2010, the total interest alone on the Treasury debt securities was $413 billion. I believe this money could be better spent on improving education, supporting our law enforcement or, even better, by returning it to the people who earned it, the taxpayers.

We hear on a daily basis the rhetoric about tough choices, sacrifice, and austerity. What we need to hear more about is basic mathematics when we are talking about the budget. A balanced budget amendment to the Constitution is the solution, I believe, to a perpetual problem that we do not have the political will to fix. It will finally put our Nation on a path to paying off our national debt. The adoption of an amendment that would require the Federal Government to do what every American already has to do--balance its checkbook--is what this country needs to prove that Washington is serious about accomplishing this feat.

A balanced budget amendment is simply a promise to the American people that the government will spend their hard-earned tax dollars responsibly. Some opponents of a balanced budget amendment state that it is a drastic measure not necessary at this time. They are also correct that it is bold. But I believe it is also necessary.

I have introduced this legislation, as I said, in every Congress since 1987. If not now, when?

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I rise to introduce a piece of legislation that I have introduced in every Congress since 1987--a proposed constitutional amendment requiring Congress to balance our Nation's budget. This bill has bipartisan support and will allow us to finally begin to get our fiscal house in order.

A balanced budget amendment to the Constitution, I believe, is the only certain mechanism that will break the cycle of deficit spending.

I believe we must ensure that the government does not continue to saddle our children and grandchildren with the current generation's debts. Essentially, this amendment that I propose requires the United States not spend more money than it receives in revenue, except in times of war, or when suspended by a vote of three-fifths of both Houses of Congress.

This bill that we propose will provide financial stability to our Nation. Bailouts, stimulus programs, government takeovers of private industry, and costly new programs have consumed and overwhelmed the Federal budget.

Over the past 30 years, annual deficits have become routine and the Federal Government has incurred massive debt--nearly $14 trillion and rising quickly.

For a moment, let me share this chart with you. It says, ``The Case for a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution.'' If we go back to 1980--just 30 years ago--we owed, as a nation, $909 billion--not yet a trillion dollars. That was after nearly 200 years of government, including the First World War debt, the Depression, the Second World War, the Korean war, and the Vietnamese war, and many deficits. But from 1980 to 1990, this jumped to $3 trillion. From 1990 to 2000--a 10- year span--it jumped from $3 trillion to $5.6 trillion. That was pretty bad. But from the year 2000 to 2010, which ended a few weeks ago, it went from $5 trillion to $13 trillion--in 10 years. It is slated now, in the next 11 years, to go to $25 trillion. That is unsustainable.

In fact, for the record, the United States has only had 2 years in its entire history where it has been debt free. Look back a while. It was 1834 and 1835. I repeat, only 2 years free from debt. It seems to me that the most powerful Nation in the world has had its weaknesses exposed. Foreign markets cannot stand on our wobbly financial legs. The reverberations of our fiscal ineptitude have not only cost American jobs, which we badly need, but have weakened how other nations perceive us. Something must be done.

Unfortunately, we don't have to look back far in history to see an example of a once great empire sitting on the curb with its hand held out. Greece's excessive public spending, coupled with a massive borrowing campaign, has put its fiscal insolvency woes on the entire European Union. Greece's bond rating was downgraded to ``junk'' by Standard and Poor's in April. Bondholders were warned they could recover as little as 30 percent of their initial investment. The euro weakened and the European stock markets plunged. The question is, will the dollar soon be seen as ``junk'' to the rest of the world? I hope not.

American taxpayers are rightly infuriated by the Federal Government's disregard for the same economic principles that govern every household and business budget. Unfortunately, until the Federal Government is required to spend only the amount of money it takes in, I fear we will continue to write checks the Treasury cannot cash.

In fiscal year 2010, the total interest alone on the Treasury debt securities was $413 billion. I believe this money could be better spent on improving education, supporting our law enforcement or, even better, by returning it to the people who earned it, the taxpayers.

We hear on a daily basis the rhetoric about tough choices, sacrifice, and austerity. What we need to hear more about is basic mathematics when we are talking about the budget. A balanced budget amendment to the Constitution is the solution, I believe, to a perpetual problem that we do not have the political will to fix. It will finally put our Nation on a path to paying off our national debt. The adoption of an amendment that would require the Federal Government to do what every American already has to do--balance its checkbook--is what this country needs to prove that Washington is serious about accomplishing this feat.

A balanced budget amendment is simply a promise to the American people that the government will spend their hard-earned tax dollars responsibly. Some opponents of a balanced budget amendment state that it is a drastic measure not necessary at this time. They are also correct that it is bold. But I believe it is also necessary.

I have introduced this legislation, as I said, in every Congress since 1987. If not now, when?

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I rise to honor a distinguished colleague, Senator Barbara Mikulski, who is celebrating a major milestone--today becoming the longest serving female in Senate history.

Elected to the House in 1976 and the Senate in 1986, Senator Mikulski is the first woman to win statewide office in Maryland, the first female Democrat to serve in both the House and the Senate, and the first female Democrat elected to the Senate in her own right.

As one of the most effective Senators, Senator Mikulski used her experience as a social worker and activist to ardently work on behalf of her constituents giving them a strong voice in the U.S. Senate. A leader in the Senate she has successfully fought for a variety of issues ranging from women's rights to protecting our law enforcement.

Throughout our 8 years of serving together in the House and 24 years in the Senate, Senator Mikulski and I have worked on many issues together. We have a strong bipartisan relationship that is reflected in the numerous accomplishments we have achieved working together as the chair and ranking member on the CJS appropriations subcommittee. I have always appreciated Senator Mikulski's candor, sense of humor, and willingness to cross party lines to work in the best interest of our Nation.

Mr. President, I congratulate Senator Mikulski on reaching this historic milestone today. I am honored to call Senator Barbara Mikulski my colleague but prouder to call her my friend.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. President, I rise today in support of the Navy's acquisition strategy to purchase 20 littoral combat ships, LCS.

The Navy's plan would allow 20 littoral combat ships to be awarded to two shipyards: Austal, which will build 10 ships in Mobile, AL, and Lockheed Martin, which will build 10 ships in Wisconsin.

Under the new procurement strategy, our sailors will receive the ships they need to operate in shallow waters and

combat the threats of surface craft, submarines, and mines. These ships will be used for a variety of security issues from sweeping for mines in coastal waters to fighting pirates and chasing drug smugglers. They are a needed asset for our Navy.

The Navy's dual acquisition plan, included in the continuing resolution, brings significant advantages to the LCS program.

Our Navy will receive this capability faster, bring assets into operational service earlier, and will assist the Navy in reaching a 313-ship Navy sooner.

The LCS strategy will stabilize the program and the industrial base with an initial award of 20 ships. This will sustain competition throughout the life of the program.

It is critical to ensure that the capabilities of our naval fleet are the very best and that our Armed Forces receive the equipment they need in executing future operations.

However, as the foundation of our ability to project force globally for the next half century, we must obtain the best platform for the taxpayer investment.

The LCS dual award does both.

The dual procurement of the LCS will bring tremendous cost savings to the program that would not have been realized had the Navy moved forward with a down select of designs.

According to the Navy, the acquisition savings for a dual award is projected to be $2.9 billion as measured against the President's fiscal year 2011 request. Of these savings, approximately $1 billion is directly attributable to the dual award.

Acquisition decisions made in the near term will affect fleet effectiveness and operating costs for decades to come.

This is the best outcome for all involved. The Navy will be able to obtain the best solution for the taxpayer investment.

I urge my colleagues to support the dual acquisition strategy included within the continuing resolution.

I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.

I object.

Mr. President, I wish to pay tribute to Charles Carr, who passed away on December 2, 2010, following a life dedicated to service, family, and his community. He was a personal friend and, along with his family, I mourn his passing.

A native of Blount County, AL, Charles was a graduate of Oneonta High School and Snead State Junior College. After earning his bachelor's and master's degree in education from Auburn University, Charles began his distinguished career as an educator in the Blount County public schools. Later, he taught at Snead State Junior College and Wallace State Community College. Charles was a well-liked and admired educator by his former colleagues and students.

After serving 13 years in the classroom, his love of teaching and public service led him to Alabama's State capitol where he served on the staff and in the cabinet for Governors George Wallace and Guy Hunt as the director of postsecondary education. There, he also served as a mentor to many of those who would cross his path and give a helping hand to those who felt they did not have a voice. In doing so, he built a wide network of friends across the State.

After leaving the government to work as a private consultant, Charles joined Community Bank. Later, in 2002, he became the executive director of the Blount County-Oneonta Chamber of Commerce, a position that brought him joy and satisfaction. He was deeply committed to his community and I know that he enjoyed promoting it through his position with the chamber.

While Charles had great success in his career, he was first and foremost a family man. He was devoted to his cherished wife and son and enjoyed spending time with his extended family. He is survived by his wife Brenda Maynor Carr of Union Grove; son Jonathan Elliott Carr of Washington, DC; and two brothers, Jim Carr of Oneonta and Ken Carr of Houston, TX.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and honoring the life of my friend, Charles Carr. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to my good friend, Betty Rives Allen Callaway, whom I have known for many years.

Betty was born January 17, 1928, in Selma, AL, to Carolyn Young and Vickers Rives Allen. Raised in Old Town, Betty attended Byrd Elementary School, Selma Junior High School, and later, Albert G. Parrish High School. As a young woman in Selma, Betty quickly became a fixture in the community by donating her time and energy to various civic causes.

In 1943, while Betty was a student at Selma Junior High School, the United States was in the midst of World War II. In towns across America, civilians were mobilizing scrap drives to collect metal for war material. Betty, taking an active role in Selma's drive, secured the gift of the old Cahaba Bridge from Dallas County, a locomotive and track from the local railroad, and old buses from Clarence Agee Bus Company.

Her success in the scrap metal drive earned her the privilege of being selected to travel to Mobile to christen the William C. Gorgas, a Liberty Ship named by the students at Selma Junior High School. The trip was memorable for Betty, as she once recalled christening the ship, ``[E]xcept it took me more than once to smash the bottle of champagne.''

Following her graduation from Albert G. Parrish High School, Betty embarked on her professional career. Her penchant for business and sense of style quickly earned her a position in Louise Martindale's dress shop. As a self-described ``conscientious mother and housewife,'' Betty proved to be more than capable of balancing her home and her work. While raising her three sons, Johnny, Vick, and Jimmy, Betty also worked as a receptionist in several local offices and businesses, and later served as the social editor at the Selma Times-Journal.

In 1970, Betty began her career as an aide to some of Alabama's political figures, including U.S. Representatives Bill Nichols, Walter Flowers, and Earl Hilliard. Betty also served with distinction for 8 years in my office during my time in the U.S. House of Representatives. As a member of my staff, Betty helped countless Alabamians navigate Federal bureaucracy, many times going above and beyond her call of duty.

Betty's service to her community extended far beyond her duties as a legislative aide. As an expert on Selma history, Betty was instrumental in the effort to restore Cahawba, Alabama's first capital. She also worked to revitalize Selma's Water Avenue, one of the Nation's most historic riverfront streets. A true civic leader, Betty served on the Alabama Sheriffs' Boys Ranch Advisory Committee and as a member of the board of directors of the Selma-Dallas County United Way. She was also the first woman named to the Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce's board of directors.

In 1997, Betty moved from Selma to Point Clear. However, in May, her lifelong friends from Selma were glad to see her return home to live. Today, Betty enjoys spending time with her son, Johnny, and daughter- in-law, Teresa, as well as with her six grandchildren, Caroline, Allen, Ben, Michael, Rachel Holt, and Clare.

I wish Betty much luck on the next phase of her life, and I ask this entire Senate to join me in recognizing and honoring the life and career of my good friend Betty Callaway.