Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to the late Sol Rosenberg. Rosenberg, who survived Nazi death camps to become a local titan in industry, philanthropy and civil affairs, died January 30, 2009, in Monroe, La., at the age of 82.

As a young teenager, Rosenberg lived in the Warsaw Ghetto under anti- Semitic law. He was imprisoned in four death camps, participated in the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, served as a slave laborer in two slave labor camps in Poland and survived the iniquitous Dachau Death March.

After escaping from the concentration camp at Treblinka and taking part in the courageous rebellion in Warsaw, Rosenberg was sent to Dachau, where he was finally liberated after the Allies defeated the Nazis.

In 1942, Nazis took the lives of his two sisters and both parents. He also lost his extended family of over 50 uncles, aunts and cousins to this devastating war.

For almost six years, Rosenberg endured and witnessed unimaginable horror. Yet, he outlasted his enemies, miraculously evading the harrowing fate of everyone he loved, and somehow emerged with his compassion and resolve to live still intact.

After World War II, Rosenberg met his wife, Tola, in a displaced persons camp in Germany. Tola was also a survivor of the war that took her entire family.

In 1949, they left Europe for a new life in Louisiana, with little more than the clothes on their backs and a rough grasp of the English language. The couple raised their five children in this state.

In the 1950s, Rosenberg founded Sol's Pipe and Steel in Monroe, which he ran for more than 50 years. Starting this business from scratch, Rosenberg eventually became a leading industrialist and community benefactor in northeastern Louisiana--another testament to his dedication and will to survive.

Rosenberg's involvement in community affairs was expansive, as were his charitable works. Schools, civic and service organizations and many other groups were the recipients of his kindness and charity.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Sol Rosenberg--a friend and inspiration to many, and whose life was a true testament of the human strength and spirit.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Grambling State University (GSU) Tiger Football Team for becoming the State Farm Bayou Classic Champions, the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Champions and the Sheridan National Black College Champions for 2008.

By defeating Southern University 29-14 in the 35th Annual State Farm Bayou Classic on November 29, GSU won the SWAC West Division and earned the opportunity to meet Jackson State University (JSU) in the SWAC Championship Game. This battle provided the Tigers a rematch against the victors of last year's game.

On December 13, GSU secured their 10th consecutive win of the 2008 football season, making the Tigers the new champs of this competitive conference. This win marked the Tigers 22nd time to capture the SWAC Football Championship. In addition, GSU head coach Ron Broadway was named the SWAC Coach of the Year.

Shortly following this victory, the Tigers were crowned the Sheridan National Black College Champions--marking their 14th time to win this national title in the school's history. This outstanding recognition is the second earned by Broadway in three years.

The Tigers finished the season with an impressive 11-2 record-- matching the record of the 2005 GSU Football Team, which also earned these titles.

I would like to recognize the accomplishments of the players, coaches, students and staff that were instrumental in these triumphs.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 2008 GSU Tiger Football Team for all of their successes achieved during this season.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor Mr. Clarence E. Faulk, Jr., on the occasion of his 100th birthday.

Mr. Faulk was born on January 9, 1909 in West Monroe, LA to Clarence E. Faulk, Sr. and Josephine McClendon Faulk.

He married Louise Benson Page on July 8, 1931 and from this union three children were born. In addition, Mr. Faulk is the proud and loving grandfather of 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Mr. Faulk was the publisher of the Ruston Daily Leader from 1931 to 1962, the owner of radio station KRUS from 1947 to 1968, and the owner of Westside Self Storage from 1980 to present.

Moreover, Mr. Faulk and his late beloved wife owned 10 rental houses, one 16-unit apartment house, and eight commercial buildings in Ruston,

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Penny Holmes Abraham for her accomplishments and work benefitting Central Louisiana.

For the past 11 years, Mrs. Abraham has been an excellent art teacher at Alexandria Country Day School and has established an art program recognized throughout the community for its high standards and talented students.

Mrs. Abraham's efforts at Alexandria Country Day School earned a $5,000 prize for the school in the educational competition as part of the ``Heart of Spain'' exhibit in Alexandria.

Her students have won numerous awards, and their works have been highlighted on book covers, presented in art exhibits, as well as featured in fundraisers for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the American Heart Association. Mrs. Abraham and her students have also been a fundamental part of the River Oaks Art Square Van Gogh Gala by contributing hundreds of pieces of art for the auction.

Moreover, Mrs. Abraham has volunteered as the art instructor for children who are being served by the Rapides Children's Advocacy Center and has assisted them in producing art work for a CASA calendar. She created several pieces of art to be used in the show home tour for another CASA fundraiser.

Mrs. Abraham's art work has been displayed in numerous private homes and businesses throughout the area, giving her a prominent role in the professional art community in Central Louisiana.

For these endeavors, it was my honor to select Mrs. Abraham to create the 2008 White House Christmas ornament for Louisiana's 5th Congressional District. Her work, truly illustrative of the region, is displayed on this year's White House Christmas tree.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Mrs. Abraham for her aptitude and accomplishments benefitting Central Louisiana.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the Village of Morganza.

Named after the first American sheriff of Pointe Coupee Parish, Colonel Charles Morgan, the Village of Morganza was incorporated in 1908.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Morgan came to Pointe Coupee Parish in 1830. He was a prominent land-owner in the parish, and served in the Louisiana Legislature and represented the Mississippi River Authority.

During the Civil War, the Village of Morganza was the site of a Union Army encampment. Several battles were fought in this area throughout the war. The largest conflict in Pointe Coupee Parish occurred at nearby Stirling Plantation, on September 29, 1863.

Just before the turn of the Twentieth Century, the Morganza Post Office was organized, and the Town Hall was built in 1968.

St. Ann's Catholic Church was founded in 1916, but was so severely damaged by storms in 1934 and 1935, the structure was later destroyed. The present church building was dedicated in October 1935.

The Village of Morganza is perhaps best known for the Morganza Spillway which helps control flooding on the lower Mississippi River. It is also commonly known for featured scenes in the movie ``Easy Rider'' in 1968.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Centennial Anniversary of the Village of Morganza. I am proud of the residents of this historical community for ensuring its charm and spirit is as strong today as it was 100 years prior.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the outstanding efforts of Keith Bruce and Charles Rhynehart of the United Parcel Service.

These two men who graciously serve Louisiana's 5th District, have been inducted in to the elite ``Circle of Honor'' for their 25 years or more of accident-free driving. The men and women who have achieved membership in to the Circle of Honor are the best of the best. This is an accomplishment I am proud to honor as these men have demonstrated a commitment to safety and high standards in the workplace.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Keith Bruce and Charles Rhynehart of the United Parcel Service, for their dedication to the safety of their fellow drivers and those with whom they share the roads.

Madam Speaker, I am submitting the following earmark declaration:

Requesting Member: Mr. Alexander.

Bill Number: H.R. 2638.

Account: Air Force.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Barksdale Air Force Base.

Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 625, Shreveport, LA 71162.

Description of Request: Construct a new Security Forces Squadron Complex at Barksdale Air Force Base. Security forces command and operations functions are currently housed in a 1930's vintage hangar on the aircraft parking ramp. The Law Enforcement Desk and associated offices (including confinement) and storage of mobility equipment/ personal bags are located across the street in one of our historic facilities. The majority of security operations occur in the Weapons Storage Area (WSA) which is over four miles by road from the current facility. The hanger facility is inadequate in functional layout to accommodate existing requirements. The facility is incompatible with existing land uses as the facility should house a function supporting flight line operations. Delays in construction of this facility will prevent compliance with the base comprehensive plan established land use policies. Already strained base resources will continue to be spent on an inadequate and inefficient facility.

Requesting Member: Mr. Alexander.

Bill Number: H.R. 2638.

Account: FEMA State and Local Programs.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Louisiana State University.

Address of Requesting Entity: 156 Thomas Boyd Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803.

Description of Request: Louisiana State University's (LSU) National Center for Biomedical Research and Training (NCBRT), Academy of Counter-Terrorist Education is a founding member of the Consortium which consists of LSU, New Mexico Tech, Texas A&M University, U.S. Department of Energy's Nevada Test Site, University of Hawaii, Transportation Technology Center, Inc., and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Center for Domestic Preparedness. The National Domestic Preparedness Consortium shall identify, develop, test, and deliver training to State, local, and tribal emergency response providers, provide on-site and mobile training at the performance and management and planning levels, and facilitate the delivery of training by the training partners of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The current mission of the Consortium is to enhance the preparedness of federal, state, local, and tribal emergency responders/first receivers and teams, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector, to reduce the Nation's vulnerability to incidents involving weapons of mass destruction, terrorism and all-hazard high-consequence events by developing, delivering and assessing plans, training, technical assistance and exercises.

-Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 66th anniversary of the creation of the Airborne at Camp Claiborne, La., and to celebrate Central Louisiana's rich military heritage.

Central Louisiana has strong historic ties to America's military history, from colonial days to the present, having served as a major training location for the U.S. military forces in World War I, World War II, as well as more recent conflicts around the world.

On August 16, 1942, the 101st Airborne Division was created at Camp Claiborne, La. The 101st Airborne had a ``rendezvous with destiny'' to defend American interests on the battlefields of the world since World War II.

To commemorate this day in history, the City of Alexandria and the City of Pineville, with Louisiana State University (LSU) at Alexandria, are cosponsoring a historic event on October 3, 2008.

This celebration will recognize and honor the service and sacrifices of the 1st Battalion of the 509th Airborne Infantry, currently based at Fort Polk, La., which saw action in World War II.

In addition, this event will honor the service of Dr. H. Rouse Caffey, former Chancellor of LSU Alexandria and Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, as well as a veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division.

The National World War II Museum in New Orleans, La., which is dedicated to preserving and studying the history of the war, is also collaborating with LSU Alexandria in celebrating this historic event with other organizations including the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the Louisiana National Guard, the Don F. Pratt Memorial Museum at Fort Campbell, Ky., the Louisiana Military Maneuvers Museum, the Kent Plantation House, the Arts Council of Louisiana, the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum, the Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum and the Alexandria Museum of Art.

Distinguished speakers of the event include Thomas Czekanski, Director of Collections at the National World War II museum in New Orleans, La., and Dr. Jerry Sanson, Professor of History and Political Science at LSU Alexandria.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the historic celebration of Central Louisiana's rich military heritage and specifically the 66th anniversary of the creation of the Airborne at Camp Claiborne, La., in 1942.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information for publication in the Congressional Record regarding earmarks I received:

Congressman Rodney Alexander.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and accomplishments of the late Robert Leslie ``Les'' Whitt. He will be remembered as a man with a deep love for people, music, and the Alexandria Zoo.

Mr. Whitt, of Alexandria, LA, died recently from heart complications after living 14 years with a transplanted heart. Whitt was a strong advocate for organ donation and loved speaking for the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency whenever possible.

Moreover, Mr. Whitt was passionate about his service to the citizens and administration of the city of Alexandria. He served as the director of the Alexandria Zoo for 34 years, and received the Dunbar Award for Civil Service in 1993. Mr. Whitt was also recognized for his progressive and inventive zoo exhibit designs. At the age of 16, he joined the American Zoo and Aquarium Association as a professional fellow member and has subsequently served the organization in many capacities including Accreditation Inspection Team Leader. Mr. Whitt served selflessly on numerous committees representing the Alexandria Zoo in worldwide conservation efforts for endangered species.

In addition, Mr. Whitt's talent as a musician, particularly a Hammond B-3 player, was celebrated. He played with many local and regional musicians, as well as with greats like B.B. King and B.B. Major. He was altruistically involved with the youth and was a mentor to young zoo professionals, teen volunteers, Boy Scouts, and musicians.

Thousands of families will never overcome this loss of a true son of Alexandria. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Les Whitt for his exceptional contributions to central Louisiana and unparalleled influence on those of us who were blessed to know him.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Mr. Charlie Weems and his service on the Louisiana State University (LSU) Board of Supervisors.

For 17 years Mr. Weems served on the LSU Board of Supervisors with meritorious distinction, providing tireless energy and superb leadership.

A former chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Mr. Weems was at the forefront of the long, tedious task of upgrading LSU at Alexandria into an institution granting baccalaureate degrees. During his service, he was a tenacious proponent of the Flagship Agenda and Forever LSU campaign that have generated a Top Tier designation by U.S. News & World Report for the first time in LSU history.

Moreover, Mr. Weems was an ardent supporter of standards that led to significant academic achievement and unparalleled performance by the LSU student body. He was instrumental in hiring leadership of the highest caliber that has thrust LSU into the national spotlight in both academics and athletics.

In addition to serving as chairman of the LSU Board of Supervisors, Mr. Weems also served as the chairman of numerous Board committees, including the Flagship committee, Budget and Finance committee, and Athletics committee.

Earning both a B.S. and law degree from LSU, Mr. Weems is a member of the LSU Law Center Hall of Fame and an LSU Law Center Distinguished Alumnus.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Mr. Charlie Weems for his remarkable service and contributions to the LSU Board of Supervisors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Cooper Knecht, a principal at Herndon Magnet School in Caddo Parish. Knecht was recently awarded the Principal of the Year Award from Louisiana State Department of Education and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. This fall her dedication will rise to new heights as she serves as superintendent for Region 7 schools.

Knecht's designation as Principal of the Year was based on evident collaborative and instructional leadership. Knecht was also appointed according to her community contributions, affiliation with educational organizations, and ability to inspire students to achieve scholastic accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the accomplishments of Cooper Knecht. Her dedication to the growth and development of America's future leaders is worthy of applaud. Her leadership is a beneficial element to education in the 5th Congressional District of Louisiana that deserves acknowledgement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) for its recent designation as one of only ten universities in our nation whose elementary education program received full passing marks from National Council on Teacher Quality for its preparation for future mathematics teachers.

As our nation's educators continue to strive to improve and strengthen education in America, the need to ensure our children have a

strong background in mathematics is becoming increasingly important in a generation where breakthroughs in fields such as research and technology are occurring every day.

To keep the United States on the cutting edge of these advancements, we must work to ensure our children are properly prepared from the very first day of their education. Universities such as ULM and the nine other universities acknowledged by the council are surely doing their part to make certain the teachers who complete their programs are ready to meet the challenges of educating the new generation.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the University of Louisiana at Monroe elementary education program and its efforts to produce quality educators in the field of mathematics.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the Rotary Club of Monroe, which for 90 years has faithfully carried on the mission of Rotary International to ``Serve Above Self.''

First established in 1918, Monroe, LA's Rotary Club bears the distinction as one of our Nation's oldest Rotary clubs, founded only 13 years after the original club--the Rotary Club of Chicago--was established. To date, Rotary International includes approximately 31,000 clubs in more than 165 countries.

With a membership of approximately 240 men and women from a host of vocations, the Rotary Club of Monroe takes an active role in the community through many local civic and charitable organizations including the American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, YMCA, Monroe Youth Baseball, the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana, Camp Quality, and the Salvation Army Christmas Party which provides gifts to needy children.

The Rotary Club of Monroe also actively assists local high schools by sponsoring Interact Clubs at four Monroe schools and also sponsoring two high school students to attend Camp RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards). The Rotary Club of Monroe also assists attendees of Boys' and Girls' State and funds an endowed scholarship at the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Rotary Club of Monroe, which will celebrate its 90th anniversary on June 26, 2008, for the countless ways the club has worked since 1918 to enrich the surrounding community and through each individual member's commitment to putting ``Service Above Self.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. I.C. Turnley, Jr., who for the last 50 years has faithfully served the people of Jena, LA, and LaSalle Parish through his medical practice, which he first opened on July 1, 1958.

While enrolled as a pre-med student at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, LA, Dr. Turnley answered the call a great many in his generation answered. He put his education on hold and enrolled in the U.S. military to serve his country in World War II and was awarded commendation for his work at the U.S. Navy Hospital in San Diego. After his service, he returned home to Louisiana to complete his undergrad studies at Louisiana Tech and later earn his medical degree from Louisiana State University in 1956.

In addition to his private practice in Jena, Dr. Turnley served on staff at the Jena Hospital and later the LaSalle General Hospital when it was opened in the early 1970s. He also bears a unique distinction in the State of Louisiana as the longest serving elected official, having served as the parish coroner for the past 48 years.

Beyond his work as a physician, Dr. Turnley has been active in Masonic work in Jena and was elected as Grand Master of the Freemasons for the State of Louisiana in 1996.

The ``Dr. Turnleys of the world'' are the very ones who built up our Nation following World War II; they are the ones who are respected and admired in their communities, the ones who have dedicated not only their talents and abilities but their time and their compassion in an effort to help their fellow citizens. Yet, while many small communities may boast men and women like Dr. Turnley, to Jena, there is no other quite like him.

To honor him, Murphy McMillin, mayor of Jena, has declared Friday, June 20, 2008, as ``Dr. I.C. Turnley, Jr. Day.''

Madam Speaker, Americans such as Dr. I.C. Turnley, Jr., deserve recognition from the United States Congress as well. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Dr. Turnley for all he has done for his community and his country.