Spencer Bachus

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Dr. Robert Morris, a Board certified Ophthalmologist, a founding physician of Retina Specialists of Alabama, and the President of the Helen Keller Foundation for Research and Education. Dr. Morris also serves as Chairman of the International Society of Ocular Trauma and an Associate of Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Dr. Morris, an outstanding professional and true humanitarian, is a leader in promoting better eyesight and vision care in Alabama and throughout the nation. It has been my honor to collaborate with him on a number of projects during my tine in Congress.

Dr. Morris' strong devotion to his patients and craft is evidenced by his ability to innovate new medical techniques including Vitreoretinal surgery while simultaneously managing a large clinical practice. He regularly contributes to national and international journals and conferences of vitreorenal surgeons and other ophthalmologists. His advanced training and surgical skills are particularly recognized in the treatment of severe eye injuries and surgeries of the macular (center of vision). Further, Dr. Morris pioneered techniques of temporary keratoprosthesis (TKP) vitrectomy to completely reconstruct injured or infected eyes. He has been consulted to treat patients who have suffered severe injury to both eyes resulting from terrorist bombs.

Dr. Morris has received numerous awards including the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Best of Show Award in 2001 and 2003 for videos of macular surgery. He is a recipient of the senior honor award from both the AAO and the American Society of Retina Specialists for extensive contributions to scientific activities.

As a teenager, Dr. Morris had a goal of becoming an astronaut. A failed eye test for the ROTC during college in Purdue led him to shift his focus to pre-medicine. Dr. Morris subsequently enrolled in Medical School at the University of Alabama. Six months before graduation, Dr. Morris signed up for the Air Force, with the possibility that becoming a pilot might provide an alternate pathway to space. However, after serving as a reconnaissance pilot in the Air National Guard, Dr. Morris made the decision to fully devote himself to the pursuit of ophthalmology and his choice has changed innumerable lives for the better.

Dr. Morris' professional accomplishments and life story are most impressive, but it is his charitable service that is unparalleled. He is quite literally a miracle worker. As President of the Hellen Keller Foundation, he and his team devote many weeks each year to treating children who have lost their sight.

The Hellen Keller statue currently on display in the United States Capitol would not have been possible without the leadership of Dr. Morris. His tireless dedication was instrumental in ensuring the placement of this statue in the Capitol where generations of children will be inspired by Helen Keller's ability to overcome obstacles, including the loss of vision, to become one of our nation's most esteemed educators and advocates.

Therefore, Mr. Speaker, let us commend Dr. Robert Morris for his accomplishments and professional and charitable service and wish him continued success in his many pursuits. He is one of Alabama's finest citizens and merits our appreciation for his dedication to his patients, charitable endeavors, the State of Alabama and the Field of Medicine.

Mr. Speaker, as I prepare to retire after 22 years in the House, I feel as I did when I first walked into this chamber as a freshman--it is an extraordinary privilege to be able to serve and being a U.S. representative is a humbling opportunity I never imagined I might have.

As Members of Congress, we see the Capitol Dome every day and I suspect that none of us ever fails to be inspired by its beauty and what it symbolizes. It is the incarnation of words attributed to Alexander Hamilton: ``Here . . . the people govern.''

In times of peace and war, prosperity and economic crisis, and social consensus and societal change, America stands unique among nations and in history. The phrase that perfectly explains this is ``American Exceptionalism,'' which I truly believe in. You see it in the leadership that America provides to the world, in the service of our troops and veterans, and in the spirit of our people.

In Congress, I have served with three Presidents and five Speakers and been in this institution for the final years of the collapse of the Soviet Union, the tragedy of the 9/11 attacks, the accounting scandals and later the financial crisis of 2008, and many other historic events. Frequently, the concern expressed in our nation was, ``Will we make it through?'' Each time, America demonstrated its resilience and the reason for that, in my view, is because of our freedom.

It has been my privilege to serve on three great committees: the Financial Services Committee, the Judiciary Committee, and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. My colleagues accorded me the honor of selecting me as Financial Services Committee Chairman, the first to come from my home state of Alabama since Representative Henry B. Steagall in the 1930s. Little did I know that my leadership term on the committee would coincide with the most severe financial crisis to test the U.S. since the Great Depression. During the depths of the financial crisis in the fall of 2008, we worked to prevent a repeat of that catastrophe by stabilizing our weakened banking system; I am proud of my advocacy

of the successful capital purchase program as a solution.

However, if asked about my most satisfying achievement, it would be debt relief. The bipartisan agreement that emerged from Congress and the Clinton and Bush Administrations to provide debt relief to the world's poorest nations has reduced hunger, poverty and disease and lifted tens of millions of children and families from despair to hope. It is an example of what this institution is capable of doing at its finest.

As Dean of the Alabama congressional delegation, I have been honored to be part of a group of House Members and Senators that works across party lines to promote the interests of our state as a whole. Some of the projects that stand out to me are the construction of I-22 and the Northern Beltline, the creation of the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, the location of the National Computer Forensics Center in Hoover, and especially the construction of the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, a shrine to our veterans and their families.

One thing that Members of Congress learn quickly is that their effectiveness is greatly enhanced by a high quality staff. Over the years, I have had many talented and dedicated individuals on my personal and committee staffs. In the past on this floor, I have noted the contributions of Larry Lavender, Warren Tryon, and Gerry Cashin. While time does not permit me to name every staff member, I would like to acknowledge loyal staffers who have been with me during my final year in office: Michael Staley, Tim Johnson, Brett Quick, Philip Swartzfager, Thomas Crockett, Summer Bravo, Brooks McClendon, Katherine Runkle, and Blake Lasuzzo in my Washington office and Christian Sanford, Ethan Vice and Pam Cook in my Birmingham office. Both the institution of Congress and bureaucracy of the federal government are large and complex, and experience matters when you interact with them on behalf of your constituents.

One thing I cannot stress enough is that I would not have been able to achieve anything without the support of my family. My wife Linda is my source of comfort, inspiration, and love. We are blessed with five wonderful children--Candace, Warren, Lisa, Stuart, and Elliott--and seven delightful grandchildren--Christopher, Madeline, Olivia, Rayner, Charlotte, Braden and Lillie. With great eagerness, I look forward to having more time to spend with my beautiful family.

In conclusion, I leave with great respect as well as with an abiding fondness for this institution. A departing hope is that while we vigorously debate policy, as we elected to do, we focus on doing so with respect and civility. My father gave me the advice, ``If you can't say anything nice about a person, don't say anything at all.'' That's not an easy thing to do in politics, but it's a good standard to aspire to. A benefit, I believe, would be an increase in public regard for this legislative body, which is vital in a society where consent comes from the governed. We should strive to make the public proud of their Congress; as Members, we should take personal pride in and honor the tradition of this essential institution.

The people of America look to us for leadership and, in turn, the nations of the world look to America for leadership. This is still President Reagan's beloved ``Shining City on the Hill.'' My hope is that during the time the people of Alabama have given me here, brief in the scope of our country's glorious history, I have been able to contribute in some small way to maintaining the Promise of America for our children, grandchildren, and the generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, it is the privilege of the State of Alabama and the City of Birmingham to be the site of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Dentistry, host to the second annual UAB Dentistry Cares Community Day held on Wednesday, November 5, 2014. UAB Dentistry Cares is an event that brings together UAB and community volunteers, sponsors and partners to provide one day of free dental treatment and oral health education to the homeless and underserved, giving priority to patients suffering from dental infections or pain. It was my pleasure to be able to see this event first-hand and the dedicated work provided by everyone involved, including the dental students, was truly impressive.

Recognizing that lack of Medicaid dental coverage for adults has created a pressing need for primary care dental treatment among the low-income, UAB School of Dentistry and Alabama Dental Association leadership have collaborated on initiatives such as an incentive program to encourage dentists to establish practices in rural and underserved areas of the state. In 2012, the groups also joined to establish the first UAB Dentistry Cares Community Day which was held in October 2013. The day-long event provided emergency dental treatment to over 300 needy adults. Services included examinations, blood pressure checks, x-rays, almost 100 dental cleanings and 130 dental fillings, and over 300 dental extractions, all at an estimated cost of $130,000.

The event has grown to include many sponsors and partners. This year, over 400 needy adults were provided with free dental treatment at one of four clinic sites around the Birmingham area. UAB School of Dentistry

served as the primary site, while Christ Health Center, The Foundry and Jefferson County Health Department dental clinics offered their facilities as an extension of the event.

UAB School of Dentistry is among very few dental schools in the country to host this type of benevolent event through its partnerships with The Caring Foundation--BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama, Henry Schein, UAB School of Public Health, Alabama Dental Association, Brasseler USA, Courtyard Marriott & SpringHill Suites, OKU Honor Society, Oral Arts Dental Laboratories, UAB Health System, and numerous private supporters. In addition to the Alabama Dental Association and three companion sites, other event partners include the Birmingham District Dental Society, Cahaba Valley Health Care, Fortis Institute School of Dental Hygiene, Samford School of Pharmacy and UAB School of Nursing.

Since its founding in 1948, the UAB School of Dentistry has developed a rich history of healthcare innovation and gained an international reputation for excellence. With an accredited predoctoral and eight accredited postdoctoral areas of study, the School is a world class institution ranking number one in funding from the National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research, with a 100% pass rate for students on National Board exams and a positive track record for community outreach and collaboration. The UAB School of Dentistry continues to supply the City of Birmingham and the State of Alabama with nothing but the world's most equipped and knowledgeable scholars and dentists, a tradition of research and rich community outreach experiences like UAB Dentistry Cares day of service.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the combined efforts of the UAB School of Dentistry and its partners who have given of their time and talents to provide critical dental care to Alabama's underserved. Let us congratulate UAB School of Dentistry and its partners on this successful approach to the pressing access to care problem in their state.