Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a woman of grace, class, and dignity, Mrs. June Russell Wright.

Mrs. Wright passed away on April 22, 2011. She and her husband, Dr. Robert L. Wright, Jr. have been my friends of longstanding for over 40 years.

June was born on November 7, 1939 in Columbus, Georgia to the late Mrs. Ollie Russell Carter.

She graduated from William H. Spencer High School in 1957 and Grady Hospital School of Nursing in 1960 as a registered nurse. Her nursing career spanned over 40 years, with 34 of those years spent at the Columbus Health Department. She worked in numerous clinics and retired as a nurse supervisor of the Tuberculosis clinic.

George Washington Carver once said that: ``How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because some day in life you will have been all these.'' June went far in life because she never forgot this lesson and she always wanted to help other people. Her involvement with her church and social civic organizations dedicated to the betterment of all people is a testament to this fact.

June was an active member of the St. Benedict Catholic Church where she served faithfully and worked with the Liturgy Committee, the Project 2004 Committee and sang in the church choir for over 30 years. She was an active member of the Columbus Chapter of the Links and an honorable Archousa of Gamma Psi Boule. One of her greatest achievements was her induction as a Life Partner in the Horatio Alger Association of distinguished Americans. June truly believed in the mission of the Association that hard work, honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles. She lived her life this way and gave her all to making the world a better place to live.

But, her greatest role in life was that of dedicated wife and loving mother. She has supported and served as the greatest cheerleader to her husband through his career as an optometrist, elected official and successful entrepreneur. Moreover, she has supported her children, Kimberly Wright Lavender and Russell T. Wright in all of their endeavors.

June was truly one of a kind who left an indelible mark on the world that will never be forgotten.

I am proud to have known a woman who has dedicated her life to uplifting others and I am proud to honor her life and legacy with this statement. To God be the glory for blessing the world with a woman such as June Russell Wright. We all are better because she travelled this way.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend James C. Harris, a great man of God, for his 60 years of service as the pastor of Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia.

James Calvin Harris was born in Lee County, Georgia, on April 7, 1925, to the late Elijah and Viola Harris. He was the seventh of eight children and first became a member of St. Matthew Baptist Church of Lee County, Georgia under the late Rev. Allen A Green. Rev. Green licensed James Harris into the Christian ministry on July 9, 1939, and later ordained him on August 10, 1949.

Rev. Harris served our country in the United States Navy during World War II, and married Miss Maggie Jefferson in 1944. He later attended Albany State College (now Albany State University), and finished his seminary work at the American Baptist Theological Seminary in Nashville, Tennessee.

He first became a pastor at New Point Baptist Church in Arlington, Georgia, and preached at six other churches before finding his home at Mt. Pilgrim in 1951. Throughout his tenure, Mt. Pilgrim has become more involved in the community because of Rev Harris' belief that the church and its congregation have a responsibility to be there for those in the community who are less fortunate or downtrodden.

In 1985, he received the Best Congress Award for excellence in execution of the Program of Christian Education Department from the National Baptist Convention's Sunday School Publishing Board--the highest award in the field of Christian Education. In 1991, he received the Sergeant Major Award for spiritual personnel at Fort Benning, GA, and in 2004, the National Baptist Convention again recognized him with the Service Award for his 50 years of service as a pastor to the same church.

There is a reason Reverend Harris is known as the ``sharing minister.'' Because of his dedication to serving the community, Mt. Pilgrim is known as the caring and sharing church. He has always been available to mentor young ministers trying to find their way, providing guidance and direction whenever needed.

Under Rev. Harris' leadership, the outreach ministries he created have helped establish a Baptist Church in Camp Long, Korea, a jailhouse ministry at the Muscogee County Jail in Columbus, and several Christian education programs. By reaching out to those in need and comforting those who are suffering, the

church has become a source of spiritual support for people all across the world.

Rev. Harris has been a friend, advisor, counselor and supporter from the time I first met him in 1972. My wife and I truly cherish his friendship and support.

On the occasion of his 60th anniversary as pastor of Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church, it is a privilege to recognize Reverend Harris for his decades of service to the Columbus community and to God. His unwavering commitment to the ministry and the Columbus community should be celebrated, and I hope that he continues to sing ``He's a Battle Ax'' and spread the word of God for years to come. To God Be The Glory!

Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 273, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

I thank the gentleman from Washington for yielding.

Madam Speaker, today marks the end of the FY11 process, a process that should have been completed a long, long time ago. Failing to stop a government shutdown would have destroyed the American people's confidence in the ability of Congress to govern.

Thankfully, with only minutes to spare last week, the House, the Senate, and the White House came together to avoid a government shutdown, striking a compromise to keep our Federal Government running for the remainder of FY11.

This bill is by no means perfect. I am particularly concerned about the impact of funding reductions to several areas, including a $35 billion cut in Pell Grants for our students; $700 million in cuts for our local and State law enforcement personnel, the people who keep us safe; and I am also very concerned about our rural agricultural communities and the $433 million cut to the Farm Service Agency for direct and indirect loans.

But, Madam Speaker, this bill is a far cry from the draconian meat- cleaver approach of H.R. 1, and I hope my colleagues will think about what we just went through and use this final resolution as an example of how we should approach FY12. Our country cannot afford to repeat the irresponsible process going forward that we resolve here today. Democrats and Republicans on both sides of Capitol Hill must work in a bipartisan fashion to produce a responsible budget that will help grow our economy and responsibly reduce our deficit.

If this spending package becomes law, Congress will have made the largest cut to discretionary spending in the history of this body, cutting nearly $40 billion from the FY10 budget.

The CR provides $73.1 billion for Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, which is $3.4 billion below the FY10 enacted level.

Construction accounts are conformed to the FY11 National Defense Authorization Act, which included reductions to the budget request for FY11. Savings were found by taking reductions in unobligated appropriations from years past, as well as capturing bid savings from projects that have been coming in under budget.

The CR also includes a reduction of $160 million below both the request and the FY10 level for the Department of Veterans Affairs to reflect cancellation of information technology development programs as well as IT program pauses resulting from portfolio management reviews.

The CR also removes funding for the civilian pay raise that was included in the FY11 advances for the VA following the President's decision to freeze pay. In addition, the bill rescinds $75 million from prior year unobligated construction balances. It also rescinds $12 million from the Veterans Benefits Administration for an initiative to place a printer on every desk. Some of these are commonsense reforms that save taxpayer dollars and help put us on a path to fiscal sustainability, and many of these reductions in MilCon-VA were taken in the full year CR passed in the last Congress.

Now, Madam Speaker, the American people want to know that Congress can come together, bridge the partisan differences, and get the country's business done. I sincerely hope that as we finally move on to FY 2012, we remember what we learned in this process and apply it to FY 2012 because no Member of this body wants to go through this ordeal again.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor James and Jean Cantrell, a couple who have dedicated themselves to their community and each other. The Cantrells were married in Lagrange, Georgia on April 8, 1951, and on Friday, April 8th, 2011 they will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary.

Mr. Cantrell is the son of the late Elonzo and Bessie Cantrell. Mrs. Cantrell is the daughter of the late Douglas and Jewel Wright. They have four children, eight grand-children and two great grand-children. What a wonderful example of family values they represent.

Mr. and Mrs. Cantrell have proven themselves to be dedicated community servants. Both have been deeply involved in positive civic and social activities over the years. Mr. Cantrell served his country faithfully in the United States Army. Mrs. Cantrell started a movement in the 1960's that was called Housewives for Fair Prices. This movement boycotted stores across Georgia that charged exorbitant prices for milk, resulting in lower costs for families.

The Cantrell's have been active in Georgia politics for almost half a century. Mr. Cantrell served as Third Congressional District Chairman for the Democratic Party of Georgia while Jimmy Carter was President. Mrs. Cantrell served as the chairman of the Muscogee County Democratic Committee and the first woman to run for Mayor of Columbus, Georgia.

However, their pursuits of public service and causes have been not just for themselves, but notably for others. When the Governor of Georgia decided to close the Warm Springs Hospital which was the Georgia rehabilitation site and home for the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt, both Cantrells led a petition drive to stop this action. As a result, the Governor changed his mind and the hospital remained open. They started the first St. Jude Children's radiothon in Columbus, Georgia and for 25 years it has been a stellar event, helping to raise millions of dollars for children with cancer.

Moreover, through all of their family and community involvement, they have managed to build and grow a successful business called Action Buildings and Truck Styles. For over 32 years it has been one of the largest outdoor building manufacturing companies in Georgia and Alabama, with a manufacturing plant and 10 retail store locations. This is truly a family business and over the last few years, their four sons and other family have been involved in this enterprise.

Throughout their lives, James and Jean Cantrell have been devoted Christians, attending Temple Baptist Church for many years. Their kindness and generosity exemplify their faith and their lives are truly God's love in action.

Mr. Speaker, I cannot think of another couple who have given so much of themselves to so many than James and Jean Cantrell. I cherish their friendship and support, without which, my own career in public service may never have begun nor survived. Therefore, on the occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary, I am proud to salute them for their dedication to each other, their family, their church, and their community. We are all blessed that they have touched and enriched us all so fully. May God continue to bless them, as they have blessed us, in the weeks, months and years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Providence Missionary Baptist Church in Thomasville, Georgia, which is celebrating its 104th anniversary on April 10, 2011.

The Providence Missionary Baptist Church was born out of a spiritual need in the Thomasville community. In response to a divine revelation from God, the late Mother Mary Lousia Williams along with other believers in Jesus Christ proceeded to ``build a house'' for the Lord. Providence began as a prayer house, where it was known as the Providence of God.

Reverend Henry Fennell was the first pastor of Providence of God who served from 1907-1908. He was succeeded by Reverend Robert Raymond who served from 1908-1909. Under Reverend Raymond's leadership, the organizational structure of the church grew from a prayer house into a missionary Baptist church. After Reverend Raymond's superior leadership, Providence Missionary Baptist church has been blessed to have several dynamic pastors including Reverend Frank Martin, Reverend Arthur J. Atkinson, Reverend Eddie S. Sheffield, Reverend James Ceasar Vaughn, Jr., and Rev. Dr. Emory C. Virgil.

For the last 104 years, Providence Missionary Baptist Church has expanded its ministry in the Thomasville community. The church broke ground on a new structure in 1957 and moved into the new location on Magnolia Street a year later. When the new sanctuary opened, the members of the church marched from the site of the old church to the new location and Reverend Atkinson ordained nine Deacons.

Providence Missionary Baptist Church furthered its legacy of giving back to the community in 1980 when it helped establish the Providence Plaza, a low-income residential facility in Thomasville. Reverend Sheffield helped secure funding for the building through a Community Development Block Grant, and relied on the leadership of the late Deacon Elijah Hill, Jr. Deacon Hill had a proven track record for rehabilitating condemned or abandoned houses, turning them into livable and affordable dwellings for individuals needing low-income housing.

The Providence Plaza is a living testimony that the church is most capable of providing shelter for the homeless. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus gave an instruction to the church when he said: ``come unto me all you ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.''

The church has lived up to its vision statement, ``To glorify God, to magnify Christ, and to help somebody'' for the last 104 years, The Thomasville community is a better place because of Providence Baptist Church, and on the occasion of its 104th anniversary, it gives me great honor to recognize the church for all its efforts. I thank the church and its congregation for all their many years of service. I hope Providence Missionary Baptist Church will continue to spread the word of God and continue serving the Thomasville community for many years to come. To God be the glory!

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a gentleman, a scholar, a master musician, a teacher, a community leader, a mentor, a family man, a man of God, and my friend of long standing, Dr. T. Marshall Jones. His life is an example of how one person can make a difference when carrying out God's purpose for his life.

Dr. Jones grew up in rural Virginia where his visually impaired uncle introduced him to music at age five. While other students his age were engaging in athletic endeavors, Dr. Jones was quenching his thirst for music--as a child he would often ride three miles to his piano lessons.

Dr. Jones graduated from Virginia State University and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is a U.S. Army Veteran, serving for two years as a member of the 284th Army and 74th Army bands. Dr. Jones served as a band director at Lapeer State Training School in Lapeer, Michigan. His association with Albany State College, now University, began in 1963 as the director of bands. He took a leave of absence from teaching in 1972 to earn his doctorate of music education degree from the Oklahoma School of Music.

After his return, he was named acting chair of the music department. In 1980, when the music, art, speech and theatre departments combined to form the Department of Fine Arts, Dr. Jones was named the first chairman. After 33 years at his beloved Albany State University, Dr. Jones retired. But the fire for teaching still burned in his heart, so he stayed on for 14 more years as an adjunct professor, retiring in May of 2010.

There is no doubt that Dr. Jones loves music, but more importantly, he loves people. It has been said that, ``Service is the rent that we pay for the space that we occupy here on this earth.'' Not only has Dr. Jones paid his rent in the field of music, but he has also paid his tireless service to the community. He is a dedicated member of the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where he plays a key role in the music ministry. He is a member of the Gamma Omicron Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. where he plays a leading role in the fraternity's mentoring efforts that have reached the lives of thousands of young men.

Because of his efforts in music and other endeavors, Albany State University dedicated their 2010/2011 Fine Arts Lyceum and Performing Arts Series in his honor--an honor that was well earned, and well deserved.

Mr. Speaker, I cannot think of another person who has done more for the arts in Southwest Georgia than Dr. T. Marshall Jones. But, his accolades do not belong to him alone. If not for the dedicated love of his wife, Mary and his family, he would not have been able to bless us abundantly with his love for music and people. To God be the glory for blessing us with a man as talented as Dr. T. Marshall Jones.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great organization and two friends of long-standing, Greg and Cheryl Davis. Davis Broadcasting began Twenty-Five years ago with a vision and determination to make the world a better place to live. But, to understand where Davis Broadcasting is today, you have to understand the man behind the vision.

Greg Davis was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology from Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee, and went on to faithfully serve in the United States Army. He later furthered his education and received his Masters Degree from Eastern Michigan University.

The scripture says in proverbs that: ``Trust the lord with all your hear heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your path.'' Greg Davis has always kept God in the forefront of his life. God directed his path to find a life partner who stood with him in his life's work. And that in turn led to birth of his three children: Geniece, Michelle, and Greg, Jr.

God also directed his path from a Community School Director in Michigan to a 37-year career in T.V. and Radio Broadcasting. He began his career in broadcasting, spending 12 years in marketing and sales management. His television career took him from Flint Michigan to Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Detroit; concluded in Cincinnati, Ohio as General Sales Manager of Multimedia Broadcasting.

He started Davis Broadcasting, Inc. in June of 1986 by acquiring radio stations in Columbus and Augusta, Georgia. Most people would have been happy with these two stations, but Mr. Davis wanted to expand his presence in radio by reaching diverse audiences all across the country. He went on to purchase stations in Macon, Georgia, Columbus, Georgia, Atlanta, Georgia and Charlotte, North Carolina. In 2000, he sold the radio stations in Charlotte and Augusta to expand his operations in the Columbus community that he has grown to love.

His radio stations touch the lives of all people from all walks of life. The different music genres that his stations encompass include urban contemporary, gospel contemporary, music focused on the Hispanic population and sports. His station WFXE-FM, better known to all of us as Foxie 105 has remained as the number one Arbitron rated radio station in the Columbus media market for 24 of the 25 years it has existed.

Finally, Greg and Cheryl Davis and Davis Broadcasting have given back to their community with service on numerous community boards. The Company also puts on annual events such as the Family Day in the Parks and the Needy Children's Christmas party, which provides three to four thousand needy children with a gift at Christmas. They truly understand the words of Shirley Chisholm when she said that, ``Service is the rent that we pay for the space that we occupy here on this earth.''

Mr. Speaker it gives me great pleasure to stand before you to honor the legacy of Greg and Cheryl Davis and the 25-year legacy of Davis Broadcasting--a legacy that endures, and whose best days are yet to come.

Madam Speaker, I have heard complaints from farmers and small business owners across the 2nd congressional district who believe that having to file this onerous 1099 form for any payment greater than $600 is an unnecessary bureaucratic nightmare that needs to be repealed. Small businesses are the engines that drive our nation's economy, and they should focus on creating jobs, not filling out paperwork. Now is the time to reduce the obstacles for small business growth, not increase them, and repealing this provision would help accomplish that goal.

If action is not taken, the 1099 reporting requirements set to be enacted in 2012 will bury our country's farmers and small businesses owners in excessive paperwork. It ultimately will raise the cost of doing business and create an economic burden through increased prices for goods and services. Meanwhile, the IRS will be swamped in 1099 Forms while other vital enforcement activities are not met.

It is undisputed that these requirements are unacceptable. There is nearly unanimous agreement in Congress around repealing this onerous provision. Already the Senate has taken action and approved bipartisan legislation that would fix this problem. Nevertheless, the House Majority has decided to poison the legislation at hand with an offset containing a severe tax increase aimed squarely at middle income Americans. It would raise taxes on middle-income families who simply get a new job, work extra shifts, or receive a bonus for good performance. It is insensitive and even more onerous due to the fact it would place a greater burden on working families trying to purchase health care.

While I support repealing the overly burdensome 1099 requirements-- and while I will reluctantly vote for this legislation--I find the choice that the Majority has put in front of us to be truly objectionable. The current offset will raise taxes and will hurt Americans' access to health care. This choice is unacceptable, and I look forward to working with the Senate and the Administration to ensure that this divisive and unnecessary attack on middle-income Americans is taken out of the final legislation and that a more suitable offset is found.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose Rep. Scott Garrett's amendment to the FY2011 Continuing Resolution. His proposal to erase funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services will effectively eliminate all specific federal funding for libraries. Doing so would cut off access to information for millions of Americans.

I believe our government needs to be more fiscally responsible, but as the son a librarian, I know the high cost these cuts will have in the long term. If we are serious about competing in a global economy, we must provide our children with the tools and resources to succeed, and cutting funds for our libraries will only hinder our chance to win the future.

As a nation, we cannot afford to cut ourselves off from such necessary tools for economic recovery as books, periodicals, newspapers, the internet, and the bevy of information our public libraries provide. If funding for public libraries is removed, the Georgia Public Library Service will no longer be able to provide the following:

The statewide network of high-speed Internet data lines providing access to all 400+ libraries in Georgia

The award-winning, nationally-recognized PINES network and statewide library card system, which is used by more than 2.4 million Georgians and provides statewide lending via a shared database of more than 10 million items

A Statewide daily courier service for interlibrary loans to the headquarters of all 61 public library systems in Georgia--nearly 1 million books shared in this way

``Talking book'' library services for the blind and other Georgians whose physical abilities require the use of books and magazines in audio format or in Braille--encompassing more than 1 million annual circulations

The GALILEO online databases, which contain essential quality digital resources for students (kindergarten through higher education), teachers, professors and public library users

The statewide Summer Reading Program, which served approximately 450,000 children in 2010--an increase of more than 10 percent from 2009

Shared services that provide necessary OCLC cataloging information and interlibrary loan access to every library in the state

Continuing education programs and training for library staff who work in all types of libraries--public, university, K-12 and specialized-- and for trustees

Consulting services to assist in improving local library operations in technology, governance, services to children, and other areas.

As we bounce back from the recession, it is clear that more Georgians are turning to our public libraries for informational and educational needs. Libraries play a critical role in workforce recovery and economic development throughout our state. These funds allow Georgia's libraries to take advantage of economies of scale that benefit all libraries. The loss of these critical funds would force the elimination of services essential to Georgia residents of all ages--and this, Mr. Speaker, is at a cost we cannot afford!

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

While the Military Construction/VA portion of this bill is not cut as much as some other parts of the continuing resolution, the cumulative effect of this CR is really to hurt our veterans. The bill provides $74.2 billion, which is $2.4 billion below the FY 2010; $1.8 billion below the President's request.

Mr. Chairman, it's time to end the theatrics and get to work. This continuing resolution continues the heated rhetoric. If this bill is signed into law, it will hurt our economic recovery, which in turn will affect our veterans. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 15 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans are unemployed, far higher than the national jobless rate. If we follow through with some of these disastrous cuts, we'll see that rate go higher as the operations in Iraq and Afghanistan wind down and our troops come home seeking employment.

For example, as the gentleman from North Carolina pointed out, we're cutting aid that local governments use to

hire police officers. Many of our local police officers are veterans and they are hired with the community oriented policing grants. This will be eliminated. If we cut money for firefighters, this cut will have the same effect as cutting money from the cops. Our veterans will have nowhere to go to continue to serve their communities.

We can do better than this bill. We must be serious because we have serious issues. Veterans have paid the price for the freedoms we enjoy in this country, but freedom is not free. It has been paid for with the lives and the limbs of countless men and women who have served this country in uniform. We owe them better than this.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great public servant to the State of Georgia and our great Nation, Olan Faulk. His work as a rural educator, a community action program administrator, a long-time and effective aide for former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn, and as Mayor of his adopted hometown of Richland, Georgia, are proof positive that Olan Faulk made a difference with his life.

At the age of 80, Mr. Faulk, entered into his eternal rest on Thursday, January 20, 2011. He was born on September 17, 1930 in Cairo, Georgia, one of four children, to the late Elijah and Missy Powell Faulk.

Mr. Faulk was a graduate of Washington High School in Cairo. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Fort Valley State College, now Fort Valley State University, where he was a dedicated lifetime member of the Fort Valley State University National Alumni Association. He taught vocational agriculture for 7 years in the Stewart County School System and later worked for 13 years as Program Developer and Director of Operations for the Enrichment Services Program in Columbus, Georgia. He bravely served his country during the Korean War.

Mr. Faulk's distinguished public service career is highlighted through his work as a Senior Administrative Aide to one of our Nation's most influential and respected Members of Congress, Senator Sam Nunn of Georgia. Following Mr. Faulk's retirement from Senator Nunn's office, Mr. Faulk dedicated himself to full-time community service in his adopted hometown of Richland, Georgia. In 1998, he was elected as the city's first African American mayor, successfully serving two terms.

With an unyielding humanitarian spirit, he served on many city and state boards, councils, and committees. His many memberships and appointments included lifetime membership in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); a member of the Stewart- Webster Rural Health Board of Directors; the Columbus, Fort Benning, and Phenix, Georgia Civilian Military Council; the A. J. McChung YMCA Board of Directors; the Muscogee County Rotary Club; the Georgia Municipal Association, and a proud lifetime member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity

Mr. Faulk was an active volunteer for many organizations and projects, including serving as volunteer sponsor of the Richland Annual Pig Fest, the Stewart County Historical Society, and Habitat for Humanity. In 1993, he was honored as one of the Fifty Most Influential African Americans in the Columbus, Phenix, and Fort Benning Area. In 1996, he was honored when the city of his birth, Cairo, proclaimed December 1 as ``Olan Faulk Day.''

A true Christian, Mr. Faulk was a faithful member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal, AME, Church of Richland, where he served as a church steward and trustee. He later joined the Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Church in Savannah, where he remained an active member.

Mr. Faulk is survived by his loving family: his wife, Risco Faulk; his son, Wendell Faulk of Buena Vista, Georgia; four daughters, Vickie Faulk Clemons of McDonough, Georgia; Angela Mobley Chavis, Marilyn Mobley Geiger, and Carolyn Mobley Pierce, all of Savannah; his brother, Outley Faulk of Milledgeville, Georgia; 15 grandchildren; 10 great- grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and many friends.

Mr. Speaker, Olan Faulk was a great public servant, model citizen, and a trusted friend to my wife, Vivian, and me. His years of selfless service to his community, the State of Georgia, and America are his lasting legacy.

Mr. Speaker, I cannot in good conscience support today's misguided efforts to repeal the new health reform law. It would be a significant step backwards both for the citizens of Southwest Georgia whom I represent as well as the entire nation.

Repealing the law will mean that insurance companies will continue to place lifetime limits on the coverage they provide, drop people from coverage when they get sick, and refuse children affordable health care because of a pre-existing condition.

Repealing the law also will increase prescription drug costs for seniors. It will deny Medicare enrollees free preventive services like colorectal cancer screenings, mammograms, and an annual wellness visit without copayments, co-insurance, or deductibles.

In addition, repealing the law will mean that children under age 26 will no longer be covered under their parents' plan; new small business tax credits that make it easier for businesses to provide coverage to their workers and make premiums more affordable will disappear; and there will be no further expansion of community health centers which are vital to the health care needs of rural Southwest Georgia.

A recent report by the Center for American Progress also found that repealing the law would add up to $2,000 annually to family premiums and prevent 250,000 to 400,000 jobs from being created annually over the next decade. Furthermore, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, a repeal of the law will add $230 billion to the federal debt by 2021.

Mr. Speaker, we cannot let this happen. We cannot and we must not turn back the clock.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Lena Baker. Today, her family dedicates her tombstone, 65 years after she was laid to rest at the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Cuthbert, Georgia.

She was born June 8, 1900 near Cuthbert, in the small community of Cotton Hill where her family worked as farmers. Ms. Baker worked as a maid, cleaning houses and doing laundry to support her three children. She also was employed by Ernest B. Knight, a local gristmill owner.

On April 29, 1944, Ms. Baker was forced from her home by Ernest Knight and taken to the gristmill, where she was held against her will. According to court testimony, Knight brandished the iron bar that was used to lock the door. Ms. Baker, fearing for her life, attempted to leave and the two ``tussled'' over a pistol. During the struggle, the gun went off, killing Knight. Ms. Baker testified that she walked immediately to the house of County Coroner, J. A. Cox, and confessed to the accidental death of Ernest Knight.

Her trial convened on August 14, 1944 at the Randolph County Courthouse, which was then presided over by Judge Charles William ``Two Gun'' Worrill, who kept two pistols on the bench. With an unconcerned lawyer by her side, a jury of twelve Caucasian men--hardly a jury of her peers--found her guilty in a trial and deliberation that, together, lasted less than four hours. Judge Worrill sentenced Ms. Baker to be executed. However, Governor Ellis Arnall granted Ms. Baker a 60-day reprieve so that the Board of Pardons and Parole could review the case.

In January 1945, the board denied clemency. She then was taken to Reidsville State

Prison on February 23, 1945. Ms. Baker's execution date was rescheduled for March 5, 1945. She is the only woman to be executed by electrocution in the State of Georgia.

She went to the electric chair calmly and bravely. Her last words were, ``What I done, I did in self-defense, or I would have been killed myself. Where I was I could not overcome it. God has forgiven me. I have nothing against anyone.''

Ms. Baker is buried in the cemetery at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Randolph County, where she once worshiped. In 1998 a group of church members finally marked her grave.

In August 2005, the State Board of Pardons and Paroles posthumously pardoned Ms. Baker, acknowledging that the 1945 decision to deny clemency to Ms. Baker was ``a grievous error'' and that she could have been charged with the lesser crime of voluntary manslaughter, which would have prevented the sentence of capital punishment.

Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that the dedication of her tombstone today can heal the wounds of the past. May Lena Baker now truly rest in peace.

I thank the gentleman from Arizona for yielding.

Madam Speaker, my wife, Vivian, and I were shocked and saddened to learn of the awful events in Tucson, Arizona, last Saturday. First and foremost, our prayers are with Gabby Giffords, her family, her staff, and the other victims of the senseless tragedy.

Since she was first elected in 2006, Gabby Giffords has been one of the brightest lights in this Congress. I have gotten to know her personally in the Blue Dog Coalition, and she is my friend. I have been especially impressed by her intelligence, her warm personality, and her singular ability to bridge differences and bring people together. These qualities, and the fact that she was attacked while serving her constituents, make the situation all the more heartbreaking.

In the book of Isaiah, it is written, ``Come let us reason together.'' Let us then take this opportunity to pause and reflect on the lives of the victims, the heroism of the first responders, and the bedrock principle of American democracy--reaffirmed in the resolution before us today--the right to assemble peacefully and to petition the government for the redress of grievances.

We must not let violence or the threat of violence deter us from representing our constituents and doing the Nation's business. God bless Gabby Giffords, the other injured, the families of those who were killed, the people of Arizona and the United States of America.