Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize Mr. Zachary Look, who is interning in my office with the Uni-Capitol Washington Program. The Uni-Capitol Washington Program (UCWIP) has paired some of the brightest Australian students with various congressional offices for almost two decades and I am happy to be a host again this year. Zac comes to us from Griffith University in Queensland and is currently pursuing a degree in government and international relations. Over the past month, I have found him to be outstanding in his duties and he has gone above and beyond our expectations. He has attended committee hearings, drafted constituent correspondence, and assisted me as well as my staff with research. His Australian accent has garnered the attention of many of my constituents on tours and over the phone. Zac's commitment, hard work, and presence have been an asset to the office.

The program has been in force for 19 years thanks to the vision of Eric Federing, its director and founder. The students who are selected come from a variety of academic disciplines, but all have a common interest: promoting the U.S.-Australia relationship. These student placements are enhanced by the formation of genuine friendships and the exchange of views and ideas between the Australian interns and their respective offices. We are grateful for these friendships and it is our hope that they strengthen the diplomatic ties of our great countries.

I would like to thank Eric Federing for the opportunity to host Zac over the past several weeks. To date, over 210 interns have come through his program representing nine different universities. It enhances opportunities for the individuals who come and enlighten those who they come to. After the internship, many receive jobs on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. or go to work with Federal or various State Parliaments in Australia. Other interns have gone on to work in the Australian Embassy or The World Bank. Simply put, this program selects incredibly talented individuals that are a pleasure to host and work with. It was an honor to have Zac in our office, and I wish him the very best in the future. I thank Zac for his hard work and dedication.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my hometown and my home State of Haleyville, Alabama, as the birthplace of the first ever 911 phone call that was placed 50 years ago tomorrow, February 16, 1968.

This pioneering phone call remains a source of great pride in our city, in our State. The phone call was placed by Alabama's then-Speaker of the House, Rankin Fite; and my predecessor, Congressman Tom Bevill. The call was made on a bright red phone that has been showcased in our city hall for the last several years.

I am proud to report to my colleagues this morning that this red phone, a piece of Haleyville history, will be temporarily showcased as a piece of American history at the Smithsonian. The current mayor of Haleyville, Ken Sunseri, has done an outstanding job in marking this anniversary for our town; and, by the way, his father-in-law, James Whitt, was the mayor at the time the phone call was made.

I want to personally thank the mayor and so many others, including the National Emergency Number Association and all the 911 organizations, for all their efforts to recognize this 50th anniversary of the world's first 911 call.

Mr. Speaker, today, as the House takes up the fifth continuing resolution for FY18, it seems all too appropriate to quote President Reagan where he says: ``Here we go again.''

I rise here on the floor of the House this afternoon to urge my colleagues to support the CR, which, of course, runs through March 23.

As the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations' Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, our Nation's farmers and ranchers will find it hard to access credit during the upcoming planting season. And those recovering from disastrous weather events will not be able to access essential programs in order to help them if we do not finalize a full- year funding agreement right away.

These are just a couple of examples of the hardships that are faced by our citizens here in the U.S. that depend on this legislation.

As I say, this is the fifth CR for this fiscal year. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle must come to the table willing to negotiate on these budget caps.

As Members know, the House has passed each of the 12 appropriations bills. We have done our job. Of course, the other body continues to be the weakest link in all this, as it needs to seriously reform their process in order to do the work of the people.

Finally, I appreciate that this bill includes full-year funding for the Department of Defense. To quote President Reagan once again: ``We have no choice but to maintain ready defense forces that are second to none. Yes, the cost is high, but the price of neglect would be infinitely higher.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support this Defense Appropriations bill.

It has been noted here already: a total of $659 billion for full-year funding for the Department of Defense, including $584 billion for base funding and $75.1 billion for overseas contingency operations. It also fully funds a 2.4 percent pay raise and supports an increase in troop numbers.

When you add the $4.7 billion in emergency missile defense and other funds requested by the President in November, funding for this DOD appropriations totals $664 billion--fully consistent with the NDAA for

Mr. Speaker, I send to the desk a privileged concurrent resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this legislation, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.

I know that some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle will be arguing, and have been arguing, that there is no reason for this bill, that we already have a law on the books to protect children who are born alive.

I was here back in 2002 when the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act of 2002 was enacted. However, that law did not criminalize the actions of abortionists who deny care to babies who survive abortions. Not only do abortion providers not provide care to children who are born alive, some are known to actively prevent their lives from proceeding.

This legislation not only requires appropriate care to be given to any child who survives an attempted abortion, but it also establishes strong criminal penalties for violating such a requirement.

I believe it is important to note that the mother of a child is in no way being prosecuted under this legislation, and women are not being targeted.

On this 45th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, I ask my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Judge Johnny Rogers on the occasion of his retirement as Probate Judge of Lamar County, Alabama. I am proud to recognize Judge Rogers for his many years of public service to Lamar County and to the state of Alabama. He is truly a man who embodies the American principles of hard work, dedication, and devotion to one's community.

Judge Rogers is a native of Lamar County and was educated in the Lamar County school system. After operating Rogers Auto Parts, a successful automotive business in Sulligent, Alabama, for twenty-seven years, he decided to enter public service. He was first elected as Probate Judge, which also serves as Chairman of the County Commission, in 2000, and re-elected in 2006 and again in 2012. His re-election in 2006 was the first time a Probate Judge had been re-elected in Lamar County in over 30 years.

During his term in office, Judge Rogers committed himself to working hard for the citizens of Lamar County, conducting the Probate Judge's office and the County Commission in an effective, efficient and courteous manner and striving to improve the quality of life for all citizens of Lamar County. He created the ``Existing Manufacturing Program'' to help retain Lamar County's manufacturing jobs by offering incentives and abatements to local businesses. He also worked tirelessly with the local economic development authority on industrial expansions by Nacco Material Handling, Weyerheuser, and Steel Dust Recycling, resulting in a capital investment of over $250 million and the addition of hundreds of jobs.

Another goal of Judge Rogers was to expand the availability of county water. Since he took office he has secured $2.4 million in Community Development Block Grant funds to provide county water to 282 homes and constructed over 51 miles of new waterlines.

Judge Rogers is highly respected by the people of Lamar County for his honesty and dedication. He is also one of the friendliest people you could ever meet, and I am proud to call him my friend.

Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to honor Judge Johnny Rogers on his many accomplishments and for his enduring impact on his community, his state, and nation. I join his family, friends and colleagues in wishing him God's richest blessings in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize the talents, achievements and dedication of Mrs. Sue Southern of Haleyville, Alabama on the occasion of her retirement as Municipal Court Clerk of the city of Haleyville, Alabama, which is in Alabama's 4th Congressional District.

Sue Southern began her career with Haleyville 29 years ago back in 1988 and since then has worked alongside numerous municipal judges, attorneys, mayors and members of the city council. I was fortunate to be one of those municipal judges during her time of service. I worked alongside of Sue in the mid-1990s as a young municipal judge for the city, having just graduated from law school a couple of years earlier.

As someone who worked alongside Sue for several years, I can say without a doubt, she always strove to make sure that every person who came through the court system was treated fairly and with dignity, yet she made sure the trains ran on time, as they say.

During her almost three decades as municipal court clerk, Sue has taken a particular interest in strengthening domestic violence laws in the state of Alabama. She has seen numerous cases come through the court system, of women who had nowhere to turn and no way to escape abusive relationships. Sue worked to change this and give a voice to countless women across Alabama.

Sue's family is also immeasurably important to her. She is married to David Southern and has two children, Brian Berry and Jason Berry. Sue also has four grandchildren: Blake, Madison, David and Katie.

Sue will be missed by those she has served for so many years, but I know she will continue to be active in her community. She has earned this retirement with her many years of dedication. I wish her all the best in her retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the talents, achievements and dedication of Mrs. Debra Hood on the occasion of her retirement as City Clerk of Haleyville, Alabama.

Debra Hood began her career with Haleyville 30 years ago and worked alongside numerous mayors and members of the city council. She has also worked with numerous municipal judges and attorneys in the municipal court system. As municipal judge for the city of Haleyville, I had the privilege to work alongside Debra back in the mid-1990s. Debra's goal was always to advance the city of Haleyville and make it a better place to live, work and raise a family.

During her three decades as clerk, Debra Hood has taken a particular interest in community and economic development. Her work has directly helped the city of Haleyville to continue to be one of the most prosperous communities in Winston County.

Debra, along with other local leaders, played a valuable role in keeping hundreds of jobs in Haleyville through Exxel Outdoors. Exxel provides 100 jobs for area citizens and is one of the major manufacturers of sleeping bag in the nation.

I would be remiss if I did not point out the most important job Debra has had as city clerk: the chief election official of the city. She has overseen numerous municipal elections in the past 30 years, ensuring that the people of Haleyville had their voices heard at the ballot box.

Debra's family is also immeasurably important to her. She and her husband Gary have two children, daughter Dana Saylor and son Bruce Hood. Debra and Gary have six grandchildren: Sydney, Bryant, Titus, Elijah, Abigail and Lydia.

Representing the city of Haleyville, my hometown, and the Fourth Congressional District, I appreciate the hard work and the dedication that Debra has given the city over the past three decades.

Debra will be missed by those she has served for so many years, but I know she will continue to be active in her community. She has earned this retirement with her years of dedication. I wish her all the best in her retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise also in support of H.J. Res. 123, which obviously would extend funding for the Federal Government for the next 2 weeks.

We have had a highly condensed schedule this year, but the Appropriations Committee has made tremendous progress in an open and very deliberative process as we have moved forward over the last several months.

As an example, the Subcommittee on Agricultural Appropriations, which I have the privilege to chair, received input from over 350 individual Members, and we produced our bill in less than 2 months.

Just a few months ago, as most of my colleagues here in the House know, the House took up and we passed all 12 appropriation bills. The chairman and the leadership delivered on the promise that they would do so.

Now we are coming to the end of the year; there are final negotiations to be done. I and my colleagues agree that a CR is not the best option; however, I would ask my colleagues to support this resolution to ensure that we have basic services that continue for our constituents until we have the final time to complete our work.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the great leadership and character of Dr. Humphrey Lee on his retirement from Northwest Shoals Community College in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

Dr. Lee was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. After graduating high school, he entered the University of Alabama where he earned his bachelor, masters and doctoral degrees.

After leaving the University of Alabama, Dr. Lee dedicated the next 42 years of his life to the two-year college system in the state of Alabama. His four decades with Alabama's two-year college system carried him to Brewer State Junior College and Shelton State Community College. Finally, Dr. Lee became President of Northwest Shoals Community College in 2004.

During his 14 years serving as President at Northwest Shoals Community College, Dr. Lee made workforce development the keystone of his administration. To achieve this goal, Dr. Lee oversaw tremendous growth and improvement in the programs offered by the school in areas such as Automotive Service Technology, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning and Cyber Security, just to name a few.

While Dr. Lee is retiring from Alabama's two-year college system, I know that he will remain, as he always has been, very active in the local community, as he serves on numerous boards and is the current Chairman of the Shoals Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Lee has two sons; Preston who is married to Kristina; and Spencer who is married to Marie, with two grandsons, Brayden and Landon.

Once again, I congratulate Dr. Lee on his many years of service to education in the state of Alabama, as well as on his well-deserved retirement. I wish him the best in the coming years and on future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, this weekend the State of Alabama will host the 2017 National Singing Convention in my home county of Winston County. This event will take place in Houston, Alabama on November 16- 17 at Houston Baptist Church. The convention this year will be under the leadership of the 2017 president, Mr. Dylan Feezell.

Southern Gospel Music is often referred to as America's music. Gospel music gave rise to bluegrass and country music. The importance of gospel music is honored each year with the National Gospel Singing Convention.

The National Gospel Singing Convention first began in 1936. In the eight decades since its inception, the National Singing Convention have played a major role in the development of gospel music in America and around the world. The first convention was also held in Alabama, in the city of Birmingham.

I am proud to have this convention in the district I represent, the Fourth District of Alabama. This annual convention is not only an opportunity to fellowship and to promote gospel music, its main purpose is to exalt and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I use this occasion to emphasize the fact that Southern Gospel Music has made a tremendous positive impact on America and our nation's music. It continues to thrive and it make an impact on our communities, our culture and our faith.

Furthermore, I want to congratulate Mr. Dylan Feezell and the officers for their leadership of this year's convention in Houston, Alabama and wish them the best on a successful weekend.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend President Trump for nominating Michael D. Griffin to be Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (USD/

Mr. Speaker, I received the sad news earlier this week that the Honorable James (Jim) Martin passed away from this life at the age of 99, in Gadsden, Alabama. Jim Martin was not only a former member of this body, but he was the Congressman for the district of Alabama, which I now represent.

James Martin was born in Tarrant, Alabama on September 1, 1918, the son of a railroad engineer and school teacher. Martin attended school in a log cabin. After graduating high school in 1936, he attended a business college, and then started a job as a clerk at Pan-American Petroleum in Birmingham.

In 1941, shortly before America was drawn into World War II, Martin decided to join the U.S. Army. Martin served as a captain and was part of the American effort to liberate Europe from the Nazis.

Martin and his men liberated concentration camps and saw the horrors of war firsthand. In an interview with the Library of Congress, Martin said, ``I'm not the same person I was before World War II.''

After fighting in that war, he came back to Alabama and settled in the city of Gadsden. It was in Gadsden where he met his future wife Pat Huddleston.

It was in 1962, that Martin decided to enter politics. He challenged then U.S. Senator Lister Hill, the incumbent Democrat. Martin came within 6,000 votes of upsetting Hill.

Alabama voters elected Martin to the U.S. House of Representatives in November of 1964. Martin took office as the Member of Congress from Alabama's 7th Congressional District in 1965 which was the year I was born. He served one term, from January 1965 to January 1967.

To say that Congressman Martin was a trailblazer in Alabama politics is an understatement. His election in 1964 marked a change of course in a state that had been dominated by a single party for decades.

During his time in Congress, Martin worked diligently to represent the wishes and interests of his constituents back in Alabama. He was a great leader and one of those rare individuals who could convey his conservative message in words like few others.

In 1966, Martin chose not to seek reelection to Congress, but instead decided to seek the Governorship of Alabama. While Martin did not win the election against the wife of George Wallace, Lurleen Wallace, his showing was remarkable. Martin received more support than any Republican candidate for governor since Reconstruction.

Then in the 1990s, Martin served as Alabama's Conservation and Natural Resources director under Governor Fob James. Just as Martin had been a trailblazer in politics, he did the same during his time serving in this capacity.

Martin convinced the state to purchase Cathedral Caverns in Marshall County. It has since become a state park. He also started Alabama's Forever Wild Program. Its mission

is to secure Alabama's wild and natural wonders and to save them from development.

After leaving public life, Martin remained active, engaged and involved in his community. I would regularly see Congressman Martin around the Gadsden area as he always had a lot of advice for his congressman.

Martin is survived by his wife, Pat, two sons Douglas Martin, Jr. and Richard H. Martin, and one daughter, Annette Graham Martin, along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

James Martin's remarkable life and legacy will live on for many generations. It is my honor and privilege to recognize him and his accomplishments and have this statement included in the Record of the Congress in which he served, a tribute to his service, his love for his state and country and his faith in his creator.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the tremendous work of Elizabeth Dent, who has been an invaluable part of the staff of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture for the past 3 years. Elizabeth came to work with the subcommittee I chair after working several years with a former appropriator, Congressman Jack Kingston.

Elizabeth has been a valuable member of the subcommittee team. She is diligent, dedicated, and keen to details, something that is very important to the appropriations work.

She is always eager to volunteer and lend a hand to accomplish whatever tasks may be needed in assisting in the agricultural community. She has become an integral part of the team, and she will be greatly missed on our subcommittee.

Elizabeth will be leaving the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture to work for the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee. I thank her for her outstanding work. The Senate Appropriations Committee is very fortunate to have her work on the staff. We wish her all the very best, and we look forward to working with her in her new capacity.