Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise to commend Mr. Clarence Owen Brown, who is being honored tonight for 50 years of teaching excellence. He has influenced and inspired hundreds of students in Central Louisiana, and his exemplary contributions and dedication to enhancing the countless young minds should be celebrated.

Born January 19, 1936 in Ball, La., to Clarence Walter and Hazel Elba Bailey Brown, he is the brother of Howell Brown, Aubrey Brown and Norma Brown Simpkins.

He attended grades 1-12 at the ``old'' Tioga High School, where he later returned to instruct. Mr. Brown continued his education at Louisiana College graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a minor in music. He then received a Master of Science degree in biology from Northwestern State University (NSU), as well as post-graduate degrees from NSU, Louisiana State University and Louisiana Tech University.

Mr. Brown has devoted half a century to educating students in Central Louisiana. His lengthy service includes teaching high school in Rapides Parish Public Schools for 30 years with 28 years at Tioga High School, one year each at Cheneyville High School and Peabody High School. Since 1991, he has been an educator at Alexandria Country Day School.

Beyond the classroom, Mr. Brown has been the director of television ministries at First United Methodist Church from 1983 to present, and has served as interim music director on several occasions.

In addition to his professional and service contributions, Mr. Brown is a caring husband, father and grandfather. He and his lovely wife, Miriam Jordan Brown, are the proud parents of Paul David Brown and Stacy Brown Wolf and grandparents to Mary Rose and Owen Hayes Wolf.

With 50 years of teaching underneath his belt, Mr. Brown has definitely left his fingerprint on the world. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Mr. Clarence Owen Brown for the indelible impact he has had on his students' lives.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay special tribute to an outstanding young man who was selected to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy. Lionel Wayne Magee III will follow in his parents' footsteps by serving our country in uniform.

Magee, an 18-year-old senior at Seoul American High School on Yongsan Garrison, the Republic of Korea, is poised to attend the prestigious academy this fall. With him he brings an enormous amount of leadership and passion to the incoming class of cadets. While attending high school, Magee was committed to a range of extracurricular activities including varsity football, Taekwondo, National Honor Society, Boys State, Eagle Scout as well as numerous volunteer hours in support of the community.

Attending one of our Nation's military academies is an invaluable experience that offers a first-rate education while providing those who undertake it some of the most challenging and rewarding opportunities of their lives.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Lionel Magee on his acceptance into the U.S. Air Force Academy and in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Block High School Class of 1961 as they celebrate their 50 year reunion. The alumni will observe this momentous occasion on Sunday, June 18, 2011.

The 1961 class was a cohesive and talented group who became doctors, nurses, elected officials, teachers, business owners, pharmacists, law enforcement personnel and investigators, and some have proudly served our country in uniform. Moreover, of the 43 classmates who graduated on May 18, 1961, only five are no longer with us.

This group of alumni is undoubtedly dedicated to each other, and they have gathered for several reunions throughout the decades since their graduation from the Jonesville, La. school. This reunion will surely be another success as they come together to commemorate each other and the significant and memorable occasions that have taken place throughout their lives.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the Block High School Class of 1961 as they gather for their 50 year reunion. I know it will be a joyous celebration.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 218, I call up the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 35) directing the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make a correction in the enrollment of H.R. 1473, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 35.

I yield myself 3 minutes.

Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 35, if adopted, will add provisions to the continuing resolution, H.R. 1473, to prohibit any funds in this act or any previous act from being used to implement the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Most importantly, the resolution will guarantee that our colleagues in the Senate will take an up-or-down vote on this important issue. I think we can agree that this is a vote that the American people have called for and is a vote that we owe the American public.

Mr. Speaker, today the House approved an historic spending agreement that cuts nearly $40 billion in Federal spending. When signed into law, Congress will have achieved the first step in addressing our Nation's ballooning debt. Our economy still suffers from apathetic growth, and millions of individuals remain unemployed. At a time like today, when the Federal Government is running record deficits, coupled with significant unsustainable liabilities like Medicare and Medicaid, we simply cannot afford this $2.6 trillion new entitlement program. It only seems fair that a vote on the billions of dollars in both mandatory and discretionary money required to implement the health reform law is part of the discussion.

I, along with my colleagues in the House, have long argued for the repeal of this law. Several Members have also maintained that, for this strategy to be successful, it must include efforts to defund the enforcement and implementation of the law through the appropriations process. With the inclusion of this language in the CR, we will move one step closer to reaching that goal.

Under new leadership, the House has already begun to tackle the health care law on various fronts. In January of this year, the Chamber approved a full repeal of the health care law. Additionally, during the historic open debate on a previous continuing resolution, H.R. 1, this Chamber debated and approved various provisions that would prohibit or slow the implementation of the health care law by restricting annual appropriations from going toward implementation. In fact, just yesterday, we passed a measure that would repeal just one section of the health care law that included $17.5 billion in mandatory ``automatic'' appropriations.

This resolution will go further by eliminating all of the funding, both mandatory and discretionary, which, it is clear, we presently cannot afford. It will also allow time for us to offer up new solutions to our Nation's health care challenges that will not have long-term negative consequences on job creation and economic growth.

Putting all arguments on the merits of the health care law aside, this resolution simply ensures that accountability is restored over how hard-earned taxpayer dollars are being spent. The health care law turned hundreds of billions of dollars in discretionary spending into mandatory spending.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Rehberg).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. King).

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

No.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, a key component of this spending agreement is a guaranteed up-or-down vote in the Senate on a provision that would prohibit any funds in this act or any previous act from being used to carry out the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Let's return to Congress its power to review this funding annually and exercise full oversight.

House Concurrent Resolution 35 does just that. At a time when we are being called on to rein in government spending, the American taxpayer deserves this vote.

I urge my colleagues to support this enrolled resolution to deliver on that promise today and call on the Senate to do the same.

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

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to congratulate Ruth Beavers for being selected as a recipient of the Daily Point of Light Award. This award is a testament that Ruth is a true leader for her volunteer service to St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe, LA.

Ruth joined the St. Francis Medical Center volunteer program in 2000. As of September 30, 2010, she has devoted 7,764 hours of service to St. Francis Medical Center. Ruth has continually demonstrated the mission of St. Francis Medical Center by her commitment to reaching out to others in their time of need. She has brought comfort and hope to patients and their families with her sincere concern for their welfare.

During this past decade, Ruth has dedicated her time, talent and energy to helping others. Her commitment to service is a true example of citizenship. She is truly an unsung hero to St. Francis Medical Center and the St. Francis Volunteer program. Her compassion and faithful service to St. Francis Medical Center's patients, families, and staff exemplifies the best in volunteerism.

She is an example of how one person can change the lives of many, and I commend Ruth for her hard work and dedication to making a positive difference in the community. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mrs. Ruth Beavers for this significant achievement.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I stand before you today to congratulate Kay Kellogg Katz who is being recognized as the Monroe Rotary Club's Woman of the Year. She is truly deserving of this honor for her exemplary service and dedication to Northeast Louisiana.

A woman who embodies the spirit of public service, Kay's legislative career spans a decade, and she presently serves as a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives. In addition, she is the immediate past Louisiana Republican national committeewoman, which made her an automatic member of the 168-member Republican National Committee.

Preceding her legislative service, Kay was a valued member of the Monroe City Council. In this capacity, she served as council chairman and as a member of the Street Improvement Committee.

Among her lengthy civic accomplishments, Kay is active with Rotary International, American Heart Association, Ouachita Parish Recycling Commission, Monroe Tree Board, Fort Miro chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Monroe Airport Advisory Committee and Monroe Garden Club.

In addition to her citizenship activities and community organizations, Kay is also a committed patron of the arts through her involvement with the Monroe Symphony and sits on the boards of both the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council and the Louisiana State Arts Council. She served as vice president of the Monroe Little Theatre, and in 2000, the Louisiana Museum Association selected her as ``Legislator of the Year.'' She is also associated with the Masur Museum, University of Louisiana-Monroe (ULM) Art Department, ULM Foundation for the Performing Arts, Children's Museum, Twin City Ballet and Masterworks Chorus.

Kay is a homegrown hero having graduated from Neville High School in Monroe. She went on to obtain her college degree from Mississippi State University.

Her dedication to community and career is exceeded only by her devotion to her loving family. Kay and her late husband Ben Katz are the parents of three. Ben, like his wife, was a faithful public servant.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Kay Kellogg Katz on being named the Monroe Rotary's Woman of the Year. Her commitment, compassion and leadership warrant this laudable recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address a matter of vital importance to our Nation's business and economic recovery. I am extremely concerned about recent actions by the Army Corps of Engineers and its failure to maintain the Lower Mississippi River deep draft navigation channel. Approximately 60 percent of all U.S. grain exports are shipped from the Mississippi River, and 25 percent of all large commercial bulk ships that arrive in the U.S. come through the mouth of the Mississippi River. U.S. Customs and Border Protection estimates that the river system facilitates between $85 billion and $104 billion annually in foreign trade through its district on the Lower Mississippi River. Without immediate maintenance dredging of that channel, domestic transportation costs will significantly increase for a wide range of U.S. products and goods, and many businesses will be placed at a competitive disadvantage for participation in the Nation's export trade.

At this time, the Corps is not meeting navigation channel maintenance requirements, and as a result, the width and depth of the channel has been reduced because of silting in the lower stretches of the river. The maritime transportation capabilities of the waterway are deteriorating rapidly, and river pilots now have imposed operating restrictions on commercial vessels transiting the mouth of the Mississippi River, restrictions that will significantly add costs and delays in the export of American products to international markets. Therefore, I urge the Corps of Engineers to maintain the Lower Mississippi River deep draft navigation channel at a depth and width that will not inhibit transportation on this vital waterway.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to congratulate Mrs. Barbara Clover on being named the 2010 National Secondary Art Educator of the Year by the National Art Education Association. She is truly deserving of this honor for her exemplary contributions toward the promotion of art education.

Mrs. Clover has been an art teacher at Holy Savior Menard Central High School in Alexandria, La., for 16 years where she has challenged and inspired students to explore their creative sides.

Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Clover serves as president of the Louisiana Art Education Association. She views this affiliation as a means to further her advocacy for the arts and art education.

In addition, Mrs. Clover has been featured at numerous local art events and has chaired the Youth Art Month program for the Louisiana Art Education Association.

For her dedication to enhancing art education, she has been honored nationally five times for her work with Youth Art Month, including four awards of Excellence and one Claire Flanagan Memorial Grand Award, which is the highest award presented by the Council for Art Education, Inc.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mrs. Barbara Clover for being named the 2010 National Secondary Art Educator of the Year. As an excellent teacher and promoter of the arts, she is deserving of this laudable recognition.

Offered By: Mr. Alexander

Amendment No. 529: At the end of Sec. 1632, insert the

following:

For Fiscal Year 2011, the Administrator of the Federal

Emergency Management Agency may not use the assumption that a

currently existing levee or flood control structure does not

exist to designate an area as having new flood hazards

pursuant to issuance, revision, updating, or other process to

implement changes in flood insurance maps, except in cases

where no affected community notifies the Federal Emergency

Management Agency of objections to the Administrator's hazard

modeling processes within 90 days of enactment of this Act.

Nothing in this section shall be construed to establish,

provide, or otherwise imply that the presence of an existing

levee or flood control structure pursuant to the prior

sentence thereby accredits such levee with providing 1-

percent-annual-chance flood protection.

Offered By: Mr. Alexander

Amendment No. 558: Page 254, after line 17, insert the

following new section:

Sec. 1633. For fiscal year 2011, the Administrator of the

Federal Emergency Management Agency may not use the

assumption that a currently existing levee or flood control

structure does not exist to designate an area as having new

flood hazards pursuant to issuance, revision, updating, or

any other process to implement changes in flood insurance

maps used under the national flood insurance program under

the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001 et

seq.), except in cases where no affected community notifies

the Federal Emergency Management Agency of objections to the

Administrator's hazard modeling processes within 90 days of

the enactment of this Act. Nothing in this section shall be

construed to establish, provide, or otherwise imply that the

presence of an existing levee or flood control structure

pursuant to the preceding sentence thereby accredits such

levee with providing protection from a flood of a level that

has a 1-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any

single year.

Offered By: Mr. Alexander

Amendment No. 559: At the end of the bill (before the short

title), insert the following:

Sec. 4002. None of the funds made available by this Act may

be used to designate an area protected by a currently

existing levee or flood control structure as having new flood

hazards pursuant to issuance, revision, updating, or any

other process to implement changes in flood insurance maps

used under the national flood insurance program under the

National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.)

and pursuant to an assumption that such currently existing

levee or flood control structure does not exist, except in

cases where no affected community notifies the Federal

Emergency Management Agency of objections to the

Administrator's hazard modeling processes within 90 days of

the enactment of this Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the life and achievements of Mrs. Bernice Cleveland, who passed away on January 6, 2011 in Minden, La.

Mrs. Cleveland was a passionate humanitarian who dedicated 40 years of service to children and families in the Boyce and Lena areas. For decades, she worked for the Louisiana Head Start Program through the Bo Peep Head Start Center in Boyce, La., teaching the pre-school age group. Her daughter, Sheila Joyce Bryant, says ``She had a passion for children and believed you must have patience in dealing with the little ones.''

For her devotion to Head Start, Mrs. Cleveland received numerous awards and accolades, such as Excellence in Teaching, Excellence in Attendance, and in August of 2005, she was recognized with the 40 Years of Service Award by the Cenla Community Action Committee, Inc.-- Louisiana Head Start Program.

Mrs. Cleveland had two brothers, Joseph Jones, Jr. and Nathaniel Jones, Sr., and one sister, Miss Etta Mae Jones, who preceded her in death. She leaves behind her adoring husband, James ``Ted'' Floyd Cleveland, her loving daughter, Sheila, and two granddaughters, Rachel Joyce Bryant and Bathsheba Felice Bryant.

Upon her marriage in 1953, Mrs. Cleveland joined her mother-in-law, the late Cora Beatrice Cleveland, and united with Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church where she faithfully served for 50 years. In May 2009, she received a Christian Service Award by the Louisiana Baptist State Convention, and since 1956, she has been a member of the Queen Esther Household of Ruth, No. 2853. She was

also heavily involved in the church, singing in the sanctuary choir, teaching Sunday and vacation bible schools and working with the youth department.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the late Mrs. Bernice Cleveland. Her altruistic nature and selfless dedication warrant this laudable recognition. For her unyielding efforts to help others, Mrs. Cleveland leaves this world a better place.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and achievements of Mrs. June Wheeler Peach, who passed away at her home on January 31 at the age of 72.

Mrs. Peach was a renowned community activist and passionate humanitarian who dedicated her time to countless organizations and charities. For much of her adult life, Mrs. Peach was active in the operation and financing of nursing homes as well as devoting her energy to care for the elderly. For the past 34 years, she served on the Board of the Louisiana Nursing Home Association--working on almost every committee and in every role possible. At the time of her passing, she served on the Executive Committee and as Secretary of the LNHA, a position she held for the last 32 years.

In addition, Mrs. Peach was involved in other community outreach efforts including: the Governor's Commission on HIV/Aids, the Department of Health and Hospitals Advisory Committee on Medicaid, Alexandria Town Talk Advisory Board, Vo-Technical College, Salvation Army, Little Theatre's Sheltered Workshop, Food Bank of CenLa, Central Louisiana Coalition to Prevent Homelessness, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Cabrini Foundation, Rapides Primary Health Care, Region 6 Health Care Consortium, Central Louisiana Health Care Ethics Coalition, Regional Special Olympics, Central Louisiana Community Foundation, YWCA, Alzheimer's Association and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Canterbury House.

Mrs. Peach was also heavily affiliated with Friendship House, a nonprofit day-care facility for adults who can no longer care for themselves, as well as an active member of her beloved place of worship, Horseshoe Drive United Methodist Church.

For her unyielding efforts to help others, Mrs. Peach earned countless professional and civic awards, and even had the mayor declare October 10, 2008 ``June Peach Day.''

Beyond her humanitarian and professional contributions, Mrs. Peach was a caring wife, mother and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Hill Peach III; parents, Henry Paul and Myrtle Wurster Wheeler; brothers, Jack Glen Wheeler, Harvey March Wheeler and Henry Paul Wheeler; and sister, Alice Wheeler Newkirk. She leaves behind her sons, John Henry Peach and Tom Glen Peach and wife, Jennifer; daughters, Tammy Peach Lee and husband, John; and Cindy Peach Branham; brother, Johnny Wurster Wheeler; sister, Ruby Wheeler Noe; granddaughters, Lainey Peach Branham, Tamera Nicole Branham and Abbey Peach.

To say that Mrs. Peach left her fingerprint on the world is an understatement. She was a friend to many, and deemed a gracious and compassionate person by all who had the good blessing to know her.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the late Mrs. June Wheeler Peach. Her altruistic nature and selfless dedication warrant this laudable recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Mr. Ralph Gill, for his exceptional service to the Parish of Rapides on the occasion of his retirement as Tax Assessor. After 42 years of service in the Rapides Parish Assessor's Office, Mr. Gill's retirement becomes effective January 31, 2011.

While in this capacity, Mr. Gill served as assessor for the past 16 years and credits the work as both a challenging and rewarding experience that has more than fulfilled his life's goal of serving the public. He is very proud of his accomplishments during his tenure as Tax Assessor and is grateful to the people of Rapides Parish for the confidence and support they gave him throughout his career. Mr. Gill believes his success would not have been possible without the support of the outstanding men and women he has worked with throughout the years.

Following his rewarding career of community service, he looks forward to spending more time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He also plans to work on his farm and possibly enjoy some traveling.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Ralph Gill, a man who has served the people of Rapides Parish for over four decades. His commitment, compassion and leadership warrant this laudable recognition.

Madam Speaker, it is with enormous pride that I rise today to commend Bro. Stuart Toms upon the occasion of his retirement from the Sweetwater Baptist Church. His unwavering dedication and service to Jackson Parish is admirable and deserving of our appreciation.

At a young age, Bro. Stuart began his impressive list of endeavors. In 1959, he was named class valedictorian of Quitman High School. He went on to further his education at Northeast Louisiana University (NLU), which today is known as the University of Louisiana-Monroe. Here, Bro. Stuart excelled as a point guard on the basketball team. In 1961-1962, he helped direct his team to their first league title in the Gulf South Conference (GSC). He was named 1963 All-GSC First Team and was inducted into the NLU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1986.

After graduating from NLU, Bro. Stuart continued sharing his love of basketball as a high school coach. In this capacity, he also worked as a math teacher and principal until he retired from the school system in 1984. His talents on the sidelines matched his impressive skills on the court proven by the numerous accolades he earned for his coaching abilities. At his high school alma mater, he coached back-to-back Class B State Championship basketball teams in 1970 and 1971. Among his honors, Bro. Stuart was named Class B Coach of the Year for the State of Louisiana in 1970, inducted into the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1989 and inducted into the Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame this year.

Bro. Stuart commenced his career service to the Lord when he was ordained as a Baptist minister in October 1983. Following his ordination, he began as the pastor of Sweetwater Baptist Church where he has continued to serve the congregation for the past 27 years. Through the years, he has addressed numerous revivals, presided over many weddings and funerals and has been on two international mission trips.

Beyond his professional career, Bro. Stuart has been married for 39 years to Johnette Pardue Toms. They are the loving parents of Stuart ``Stu'' Toms, Jr., Dr. Catherine Lucas and Mrs. Julie Nelson, and the proud grandparents of Ty and Kale Toms, Lily Lucas and Andrew Nelson.

I have been fortunate to have attended his worship services for several years. This truly gracious man is a friend to many, and it is his connection and involvement in his community for which we should all strive to model. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Bro. Stuart Toms. His commitment, compassion and leadership warrant this laudable recognition.