Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1071) to specify the size of the precious-metal blanks that will be used in the production of the National Baseball Hall of Fame commemorative coins.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and submit extraneous materials for the Record on H.R. 1071.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1071, introduced by our colleague from New York (Mr. Hanna), along with Mr. Doyle and Mr. Gibson, two other Representatives from the State of New York.

This is a two-line amendment of the most technical sort. It amends the National Baseball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act, sponsored by Mr. Hanna and Mr. Doyle, and passed last year by this Congress. The legislation calls for the Mint to strike and issue next year's coins in commemoration of the Hall of Fame's 75th anniversary.

The coin will be domed, Mr. Speaker, the first of that kind ever done by the Mint. As they did the technical work of preparing to produce the coin, the Mint discovered that using a standard coin blank and stamping the center part into a dome drew the edges of the coin inward a few thousandths of an inch; not a big deal, but enough to be out of spec with the finished size of the coin designated in the legislation.

To avoid making a coin not in compliance with the law, or having to purchase expensive custom coin blanks, this bill simply eliminates the requirement for the finished size and specification that the coins be struck on standard commemorative coin blanks. The result will be a less expensive coin and less work for the Mint.

This is truly a technical amendment, Mr. Speaker. I urge its quick passage.

With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Hanna), who is the sponsor of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gibson).

Mr. Speaker, I want to commend my New York colleagues for

bringing this bill. Obviously, those of us who visited Cooperstown, it's a wonderful place, and I can really think of no better way to start the celebration of the 75th anniversary than to go view the film, ``42,'' about Jackie Robinson.

Baseball has a rich history. It has a history, as with other sports, of bringing people together, putting aside their personal, emotional, or ideological differences. It is a wonderful movie and a lesson for all of us.

With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 360) to award posthumously a Congressional Gold Medal to Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Wesley to commemorate the lives they lost 50 years ago in the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, where these 4 little Black girls' ultimate sacrifice served as a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and submit extraneous materials for the Record on this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 4 minutes.

Mr. Speaker, it's an honor to manage this bill and to have worked with my colleague and the sponsor of this legislation, Congresswoman Terri Sewell, who is the driving force behind this legislation. She's worked tirelessly to bring this bill to the floor, and it has come to the floor with bipartisan support. Through her work, and those of many Members on both sides, including the Alabama delegation, we're proud that this bill has 296 Members as cosponsors.

The bill, as the title reflects, posthumously awards a Congressional Gold Medal that recognizes these four little African American girls. Their pictures are on the floor of the House. You can see their very tender age. Their lives were cut short by a bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham on September 15, 1953. Many trace this decisive and heinous act to an impetus for a passage of the historical Civil Rights Act of 1964. There was a national revulsion caused by the deaths of these innocent lives, the calculated bombing in a place of worship. It was, indeed, a sad day for the entire country.

It can correctly be said that 50 years ago my hometown found itself the epicenter of the civil rights movement. The images of conflicts and violence from Birmingham that flickered nationally on what were still predominantly black-and-white TV screens shocked the conscience of the Nation and, I believe, most citizens of Alabama.

During the recent Faith and Politics Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage to Alabama, a large bipartisan delegation of Members viewed some of the historic sites in Birmingham. We were led on the pilgrimage by my friend and Congresswoman Sewell's friend, Congressman John Lewis, who, from personal experience, spoke authoritatively about those years. As we know, he was beaten many times himself.

The Sixteenth Street Baptist Church is still a vibrant place of worship. Just a few months ago, we stood in a moment of silence in remembrance of the haunting act of evil that occurred there a half century ago.

Churchgoers gathered peacefully on that beautiful fall morning, as they faithfully did every Sunday, to praise, pray, and worship. In fact, 26 children were making their way to the downstairs assembly room to prepare for a sermon, entitled, ``The Love That Forgives,'' when the bomb went off. The four little girls, whose pictures are on the floor of the House--Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Wesley--were almost instantly killed.

Looking at those faces now, they speak as strongly to me on the House floor today as they did to newspaper readers and television viewers at the time of the bombing. As a Congress and

a country, our eyes were opened and we were shocked enough to finally pass civil rights legislation affirming that the rights and protections of the U.S. Constitution do not depend on what color your skin happens to be.

The civil rights struggle was long and hard, filled with both sorrow and joy. There's a special place in history and in our hearts for all of those who were killed and injured in Birmingham.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I now yield 2 minutes to my friend, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Schock).

Mr. Speaker, I now yield 1 minute to the distinguished majority leader, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cantor).

Mr. Speaker, I now yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Bonner).

Mr. Speaker, I now yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Aderholt).

I yield the gentleman an additional 2 minutes.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge and thank Mr. Hoyer for his recognition of my father's role, of our family's. I am very proud of my father and the courage he showed.

At this time, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the esteemed chairman of the Financial Services Committee, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hensarling).

Mr. Speaker, I now yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fitzpatrick), who has visited the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church with us, and I thank him for doing that.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that 4 minutes of my time be given to Ms. Sewell to manage, and I reserve the balance of my time. I do that in acknowledgement of her fine work on this legislation and those of her colleagues who visited the church.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1 minute.

What we need to fully realize is that the civil rights victories were achieved with the guiding principle of nonviolence. There are many regions and nations of the world that have been trapped in endless cycles of ethnic and political violence across multiple generations that have torn the fabric of their societies and families. We always like to think that could never happen here. It did not happen during the civil rights movement because of the principle of nonviolence.

I journeyed, at John Lewis' invitation, to India where we retraced the steps of Martin Luther King as he retraced the journey of Ghandi. Dr. King took his own religious convictions, affirmed and strengthened by those of Ghandi, and brought back a powerful nonviolent movement which overcame police dogs, water hoses, brutal beatings, bombs, bullets, and acts of violence in a nonviolent way. And love carried the day against hate. That was a proud moment for our country, and it is a model as we go forward.

We in America have the right to petition our government in a peaceful way. Let us use that example and that tradition.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to yield the balance of my time to the gentlewoman from Alabama to manage as she sees fit and give her the right to close, which I think should be her honor.

(Mr. Speaker, it is important to remember that the 4 men suspected of the bombing, Bobby Frank Cherry, Herman Cash, Thomas Blanton, and Robert Chambliss, were not immediately prosecuted because authorities believed it impossible to obtain a conviction in the heated racial climate of the mid-1960s. Alabama Attorney General Bill Baxley successfully prosecuted Robert Chambliss 13 years after the bombing. After the indictment and conviction of Robert Chambliss the bombing investigation was closed. The investigation was reopened in 1995 due to the efforts of Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Rob Langford and local African-American leaders. In 2001 and 2002 a joint Federal and State task force, under the supervision of United States Attorney Douglas Jones and Alabama Attorney General William Pryor, successfully prosecuted Thomas Blanton and Bobby Frank Cherry with the assistance of State and local law enforcement personnel. We in Alabama and the Nation Owe a Debt of Gratitude for the tireless efforts of then Attorney General Bill Baxley, FBI Special Agent Rob Langford, Local African-American leaders, United States Attorney Douglas Jones, and Alabama Attorney General William Pryor as well as those state and local law enforcement personnel who brought these perpetrators to justice.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 150th anniversary of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The OCC is the oldest regulatory agency in the federal government.

President Abraham Lincoln signed into law the National Currency Act on February 25, 1863. The National Currency Act created a new system of locally owned, federally-chartered and -supervised financial institutions and a new position in the Treasury Department, the Comptroller of the Currency, to oversee their safety and soundness.

The National Currency Act became law during the Civil War, which by 1863 had already proven far more costly in blood and treasure than anyone had imagined at the war's outset. Because the act required newly chartered banks to purchase U.S. government bonds to secure their obligations, it brought millions of dollars to the Treasury, helping to ensure that the troops and those who furnished their food and equipment would not go unpaid.

But for Lincoln, Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase, and their allies in Congress, the system ushered in by the National Currency Act was also the fulfillment of a dream to truly unite the country into a vast national market in which a reliable money supply flowed freely from state to state and region to region, stimulating commerce, communication, and a sense of mutual engagement in the enterprise of growth and prosperity for all.

For the past 150 years, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has aided in advancing the great American enterprise. Over that long period, national bank examiners and those who support their work have exemplified professionalism and integrity.

With skill, steadiness, and good judgment, the men and women of the OCC have helped steer the nation's banking system through crisis. During the Great Depression, OCC examiners worked day and night to reorganize banks and reopen them to the public. The banking system went on to play a major part in financing the American war effort between 1941 and 1945, and the rebuilding of the war-torn world thereafter. During the financial crisis of 2008 and 2009, the OCC helped shore up the banking system and its recovery, so that banks could resume the vital functions they perform in support of America's businesses and communities.

Since 2011, the OCC has also been responsible for the supervision of federal savings associations, whose support of housing finance has made it possible for millions of Americans to enjoy the benefits of home ownership.

Now, whereas Congress approved, and President Abraham Lincoln signed, the National Currency Act of 1863, creating the federal banking system and the position of Comptroller of the Currency; and whereas the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has served the people of the United States with distinction, ensuring a safe and sound national banking system to support American business, consumers, and communities, Congress hereby congratulates the OCC on its 150th anniversary and wishes it continued success in the accomplishment of its important mission.

Mr. Speaker, let me rise to announce bipartisan legislation that my good friend and colleague, Terri Sewell, and I are introducing today to honor the four little girls that were killed in the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham with the Congressional Gold Medal.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of this pivotal event in the history of the civil rights movement, which less than a year later resulted in the passage of the Civil Rights Act. We know today that the evil that occurred in this place of God on September 15, 1963, galvanized the conscience of the Nation and led to the passage of laws to ensure equal rights for every American.

The innocent young children killed in the bombing--Addie Mae Collins, Carole Robertson, Cynthia Wesley, and Denise McNair--were eulogized as martyred heroines by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and it is fitting and proper that this Congress recognize the historic significance of their lives.

Ironically, they were studying about the love and forgiveness of God at the time of their death. Let us be mindful that despite this act of violence and the killing of a young 16-year-old black boy and 14-year- old black boy the same day, the civil rights leaders were committed to nonviolence, and they kept true to that commitment.

Despite the violence done to them, they showed forgiveness against the people, and our colleague John Lewis and others helped us avoid, by their commitment to nonviolence, the calamities and replaying of grievances that have destroyed the fabric of many other countries. To them, we should be eternally grateful.

In closing, let this legislation bring us together. I commend your support for it, and I ask for your cosponsorship.

Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to have this opportunity to recognize the distinguished career and civic accomplishments of JDanny Cooper on the occasion of his retirement as the Executive Vice President of the Alabama Association of REALTORS.

If there are three words that one would associate with JDanny, they would be service, integrity, and friendship. These qualities have helped him to be successful in all of his fields of endeavor and, in turn, have made the individuals and organizations that he has worked for successful in their own right.

JDanny was named AAR's Executive Vice President in 1989 and developed a reputation for providing steady and wise leadership and promoting responsible home ownership. JDanny's advocacy of high standards and ethical practices has benefited countless homeowners throughout the State of Alabama, creating stronger neighborhoods and communities.

In 2002 and again in 2005, JDanny served as the first Association Executive appointed as a Committee Liaison by the President of the National Association of REALTORS. He has made presentations to 17 state associations to share successes achieved by the AAR. His contributions were honored nationally in 2004 when he was inducted into the Dr. Almon R. (Bud) Smith Association Executive Leadership Society.

As a citizen, JDanny has always believed in one's civic duty to actively participate in our governing process. He has served as a member of the Governor's cabinet, as the State Director for a United States Senator, as the executive director of a state political party, and as a state manager for a presidential campaign.

Education has been another of JDanny's enduring passions. JDanny holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science and History as well as a Masters of Education degree in Administration from the University of Montevallo. A former schoolteacher and director of a university's Veterans Affairs office, JDanny was named the University of Montevallo's Alumnus of the Year in 2003 and currently serves on the Board of Trustees.

JDanny gives his time to many professional boards and organizations, including the Board of Trustees of the Alabama Center for Real Estate, the Business Association's Tax Coalition, the Business Council of Alabama, and the Alabama Civil Justice Reform Commission. He is a member of the American Society of Association Executives. A volunteer fundraiser for the American Village, he is the Governor's Representative on the American Village Cornerstone of Liberty Commission.

JDanny would be the first to credit his success to the support of his loving family. He and his wife Dianne have two sons, Jay and Robin, and two wonderful granddaughters, Caroline and Ella Kate, through Jay and his wife Susan. In March, Robin will marry the love of his life, Morgan Hightower.

There are not many people you can think of that are known by their first name alone, but JDanny Cooper is one of them. He has achieved that distinction by being a listener, a leader, and a source of inspiration for the many privileged to know him. It is fitting and proper to have JDanny's contributions to the State of Alabama and our country recorded in the annals of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to announce to this House that the Clay Veterans Center in Center Point in the Sixth District of Alabama has been rededicated as the Ryan Winslow Veterans Center.

The renaming honors the patriotic service of Marine Lance Corporal Ryan George Winslow, who lost his life in Iraq defending our freedoms, and also recognizes his parents, George and Marynell Winslow, who instilled in their son high character and a desire to serve others.

Ryan Winslow, who attended Hoover High School and Jefferson State Community College and belonged to Shades Crest Baptist Church, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in January 2005. Deployed to Iraq with the 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Lance Corporal Winslow performed his duties with great dedication, distinction, and drive despite his young age. Tragically, Ryan suffered fatal injuries during combat operations in Al Anbar Province on April 15, 2006. He died at the age of 19. Ryan's memory is held in high honor, respect, and love by his family, friends, and the many individuals that he touched during a too-short life.

Turning personal loss into a passionate resolve to help others, the Winslows have become great advocates for all soldiers and veterans in Alabama. Marynell Winslow played a lead role in founding Gold Star Families of Alabama to recognize service members who have given their lives in defense of our country and provide comfort to their families. Gold Star Families has recently undertaken a project to build a memorial at the American Village to Alabamians who have given their lives in service to our country since 9/11.

The Veterans Center in Center Point is a special place. Opened in December 2010 by Three Hots and a Cot, a truly inspiring nonprofit organization, the center offers safe shelter to homeless military veterans and helps with their transition back to an independent lifestyle. With a staff that includes formerly homeless veterans, the center goes beyond offering housing and meals and provides services such as life skills training, job searches, transportation to VA hospitals for medical appointments, and companionship and stability. It is a model example of the responsibility and duty that we have as a society to assist the veterans who have sacrificed for us.

The tremendous amount of good that has been done and that will be done in the Veterans Center will now serve as a lasting tribute and thank you to Ryan Winslow and his family, and indeed to every serviceman and servicewoman who has given the ultimate sacrifice to defend our great Nation. The name of Ryan Winslow will be proudly born by this sanctuary of hope and recovery.

It is altogether fitting and proper that the U.S. House of Representatives take time to recognize and memorialize this most important occasion.

Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Van Hollen) says that this is political theater, that this is a waste of time. Well, let me tell you that the Financial Services

Committee has cut $35 billion of unnecessary wasteful spending. We started with bailout money, $29 billion that Dodd-Frank said, if a too- big-to-fail company goes broke, we're going to pay off their creditors and counterparties. Now, didn't the American people tell us in 2008 and 2009 what they felt about using their money to bail out creditors and counterparties? People that are making $40,000 and $50,000 a year would have to help pay $29 billion.

We also do away with the HAMP program. Now, is that a waste of time, doing away with this program? The special inspector general for TARP, the Congressional Oversight Panel, and the Government Accounting Office--the Government Accounting Office, many of those employees are your constituents in Maryland--even the editorial writers of The New York Times said--now, this is New York Times. They said HAMP does more harm than good. It's a wasteful program. Even my Democratic colleagues on the Financial Services Committee said, It doesn't work, but we can make it work. Well, let's shut it down.

$2.8 billion. Is that a waste of our time today?

Third, this legislation saves over $5 billion. Is that inconsequential? Is that theater? Because it gives real accountability to a government agency that right now has not, the CFPB. They have unlimited funds. Then it takes $4.9 billion in savings from just by making reforms that this Congress, this House, voted by over 400 Members to do; but the Senate, even though this will save $4.9 billion, they haven't even taken this bill up. 414 of us voted for this bill, and the Senate hasn't taken it up. But I guess I shouldn't be surprised. As the budget chairman said, they haven't passed a budget for 3 years.

My gosh, let's quit talking about this group of Americans or that group of Americans. Let's talk about America as if it's one country. Let's don't engage in class warfare. Let's don't pit one income group or one group against each other.

We're going to take a very small step today, but it's a first step, and it's not an unimportant step towards cutting the national debt. The national debt in the last 4 years has gone up 70 percent. That's a staggering amount.

Now, let me say this. Chairman Bernanke, for 6 years, but particularly the last 4 years, has come before our committee, and he said that the national debt is imperiling our economic future. Let me use his words.

He said:

Our economic security is at risk if we don't cut down on

the debt.

Mr. McKeon was here speaking. Secretary Bob Gates said that it's imperiling our national security. Is that theater? Is the national debt an illusion? Americans don't think so, and today we'll start acting. We'll start acting. And we'll do something else: We'll cut taxes. We'll preserve those tax cuts, except for those millionaires, people making over $1 million, as Mr. Van Hollen said. We're going to let those tax rates go back up, which is exactly what Nancy Pelosi proposed. We're going to take her proposal. And, do you know, as Mr. Van Hollen says, it probably won't get one Democratic vote for something that your leader proposed 3 months ago.

That's political theater, Mr. Van Hollen.

I thank the gentleman from Georgia.

Someone has said that Congress is a place where, when someone gets up to speak, no one listens, but then everyone disagrees.

Well, there was one person that had to listen, had to listen the entire time, and that was Jay Pierson. He was selected by three different speakers--Speaker Gingrich, Speaker Hastert, and Speaker Boehner--to have what was really an awesome obligation. He is truly a man behind the scenes.

As chairman and ranking member of the Financial Services Committee for the last 8 years, we have brought many pieces of important legislation to the floor during the financial meltdown, during the flash crash, during other times of financial stress. Our committee is known for working in a bipartisan way. But that doesn't work all the time. And when I show up and ask for his advice, Jay often says, The Financial Services Committee is bringing a bill. Things are fixing to get messy. Let me say this. Jay, because you were here, things didn't get as messy as they otherwise would.

I, along with every Member of this body, have relied on you for your advice and your guidance; and I, too, along with every other Member, consider you not only a professional, but a friend. So thank you for your 34 years of wonderful service.

Mr. Speaker, as a United States Representative, I have a duty to effectively serve the people in my constituency to the best of my ability. In this mission, it has always been my good fortune to be surrounded by a dedicated staff in both Washington and Alabama that has put service to the public as its first cause.

As the District Director in my Birmingham office, Caleb Goodwyn has provided outstanding service as my ``eyes and ears'' in the 6th District. As Caleb prepares to depart for an exciting new professional opportunity, I want to take this time to thank him for his work on my behalf and on behalf of the people of Alabama.

As I have often said, staff members are public servants every bit as much as those who have been elected. During the past five and a half years, Caleb Goodwyn has represented my office with consummate skill, professionalism, and loyalty. He has been a trusted liaison between my Federal office and mayors and local and State government officials, the business community, law enforcement and fire officials, the nonprofit sector, and the citizens who call my office every day in search of assistance. Caleb's approach has always been to listen and work towards thoughtful solutions to problems.

Caleb is at his best when the issues are the most challenging. He provided poised leadership in my Birmingham office during the response to the devastating tornadoes of April 27, 2011, and has worked with multiple stakeholders on important transportation improvements, economic development for our communities, and the construction of the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, to name just a few.

Caleb has also generously given his time and support to many charitable endeavors, including the ``Three Hots and a Cot'' project for homeless veterans in Birmingham.

A native of Jasper, Caleb is a graduate of Sewanee: The University of the South and the University of Alabama. Prior to joining my office, Caleb gained valuable experience in the Office of Governor Bob Riley.

In his new responsibilities with the PowerSouth Energy Cooperative in Montgomery, Caleb will continue to be heavily involved with local and State economic development. The policy knowledge, experience and relationships that he will bring to his position will help promote economic opportunity for the people of Alabama.

It is my pleasure to wish Caleb and his lovely wife Elizabeth all the best as they begin this new adventure in their lives and to thank him for his diligent service to my congressional office and to the citizens of his home State of Alabama.

Mr. Speaker, Members of Congress are always far more effective when they find loyal, dedicated staff to fight alongside them. These essential employees provide us with invaluable political advice, propose policy solutions to the problems facing our nation, and often work around the clock to accomplish the most important tasks. One of the staff members on the Financial Services Committee, Michael Borden, has been a valuable asset since he joined us back in 2007. Unfortunately, today is Michael's last day with the Committee; however, his distinguished record of public service will continue to benefit the American people long after he leaves Capitol Hill.

Back in the fall of 2008, the Federal government took unprecedented action to respond to the economic crisis. During this time, Michael provided sound advice to Members of the Committee and kept all of us informed under fast changing circumstances. This was an unprecedented time and Michael was here on weekends and late into the night to help Members prepare for the debate and understand the consequences of their votes.

Michael has a passion for ensuring the right policy is achieved. His commitment and expertise are unmatched on many key issues. On an issue dear to me--shielding children from the scourge of Internet gambling, Michael was integral in efforts to ensure that our kids are protected from becoming addicted to gambling at an early age. Michael also worked to ensure homebuyers are protected during the most important financial transaction of their lives with the SAFE Act, which ensures that mortgage originators are honest and fair with their customers. Michael worked to help Republican Members devise a strategy to wind down Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac after they received the biggest taxpayer-funded bailout of them all, and to develop legislative solutions to protect taxpayers from further losses. While we didn't always have the votes for the policy solutions we wanted, I received the sound advice I needed from a trusted member of my team, and I will always be grateful for his service.

Michael has been a trusted and valued adviser to both experienced and new House Members, and a mentor to countless members of our staff. His sound advice, counsel and acerbic sense of humor will be sorely missed. He never sugar-coated anything (his blunt nature and his waistline wouldn't tolerate it) and always gave us his honest opinion on what action we should take, even if it's not what we wanted to hear. There is no doubt that American taxpayers, consumers, and other stakeholders have been well-served by Michael's commitment to sound public policy.

It is with appreciation and gratitude that I take this opportunity to permanently commemorate Michael's service to our committee Members and to our nation.

Mr. Speaker, the State of Alabama will never forget the devastating tornadoes of April 27, 2011.

But the story that has been told since that destructive day is an inspiring one of personal resilience and a resolve to rebuild neighborhoods and communities.

A critical factor has been the commitment that employers have made to their communities.

After a natural disaster of this scale, there is always a choice to confront: rebuild or relocate?

An important part of the economic recovery efforts in Jefferson County was the decision made by Cliffs Natural Resources to rebuild its Oak Grove Mine and Concord Preparation Plant and remain as a strong presence in Alabama.

The tornadoes caused significant damage to the mine preparation plant and overland conveyor system at the coal facility, an employer of more than 500 workers in the western portion of Jefferson County. It also disrupted the transportation system that Cliffs and other companies rely on to receive and move materials.

Most critically, and thankfully, all employees were accounted for after the storms and no one was reported as injured.

Even before the full magnitude of the recovery challenge facing Alabama became clear, company officials were already thinking about how quickly they could begin to resume operations. It soon became evident that this would entail the plant providing its own power and even building a new road. The company's management and workers were undeterred.

In spite of many daunting challenges, underground mining was restarted within two weeks. Within eight months, coal was again being processed to meet our nation's energy demands.

While planning for the long-term work needed for full capacity, the company responded to the emergency needs of the ravaged communities around it. Cliff's donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross and another $60,000 to organizations serving storm victims in the immediate area.

The Oak Grove operations marked a significant milestone on May 16, 2012 with a ceremony that highlighted the rebuilding of the Concord Prep Plant. This engineering and construction achievement represented a $52 million investment and was accompanied by an additional $30 million investment in a new, LEED-certified mine portal facility.

In all, Cliffs invested $120 million towards its Alabama operations and preserved more than 500 jobs during a year when our state needed it the most. It is a tale of resilience, determination, and a strong work ethic that stands out as my state continues its recovery from the historic storms.

Mr. Speaker, honoring our veterans and their families for the sacrifices they have made to protect the freedoms that we enjoy as Americans is not only proper, but a privilege that should always be cherished.

On November 11, 2012, Birmingham, Alabama will mark its 65th consecutive year of serving as a national model for the commemoration of Veterans Day. Birmingham's Veterans Day ceremonies are the oldest and largest in our country. The legacy extends across generations.

Birmingham's reputation as ``the cradle of National Veterans Day'' first took root in the final months of World War II.

Originally, November 11 was recognized as Armistice Day to solemnly commemorate the end of World War I, which was supposedly the ``war to end all wars.''

Barely more than two decades later, America's soldiers would be again called to duty, this time to confront the gravest threat to individual freedom in world history.

As World War II ended with the defeat of the Axis powers, Birmingham's Raymond Weeks, a Navy veteran, began a new mission that would define the rest of his life: ensuring that the service and sacrifices of all of America's men and women in uniform would not be forgotten.

In 1945, the concept of a National Veterans Day became fixed in his mind. In 1946, he personally took a petition and a proposed program, ``National Veterans Day 1947,'' urging the creation of a national holiday to honor all veterans to General Dwight Eisenhower, who was then the Army Chief of Staff. In 1954, then-President Eisenhower signed legislation formally establishing November 11 as Veterans Day.

In presenting the Presidential Citizens Medal to Raymond Weeks on Veterans Day

1982, President Reagan said, ``Mr. Weeks has exemplified the finest traditions of American volunteerism by his unselfish service to his country. As director of the National Veterans Day Celebration in Birmingham for the past years, Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran himself, has devoted his life to serving others, his community, the American veteran, and the Nation. He was the driving force behind the congressional action which in 1954 established this special holiday as a day to honor all America's veterans.''

The tradition of respect and honor established by National Veterans Day in Birmingham would be ably carried on by Raymond Weeks' successor, Colonel Bill Voigt. To this pivotal position of community leadership, Colonel Voigt brought his experience from the Alabama Air National Guard and U.S. Air Force Reserves and a deep and abiding concern for our veterans. His dedication went above and beyond duty. New leadership has been tasked to continue this tradition.

As we look toward the 65th anniversary of America's first Veterans Day and to 2014, the 60th anniversary of the legal holiday, we can cast our vision. It is to continue to honor our veterans.

We would do well by restoring emphasis on General Eisenhower's request of Raymond Weeks in 1947 for Veterans Day to perpetuate world peace: ``I wish you every success in your purpose of arousing all American citizens to the need for cooperating among ourselves to the utmost to achieve the greatest of all goals--assurance of enduring peace.''

The history of Veterans Day is a lesson in character education that can be used to inspire students to learn ``living history'' from our veterans. Alabama teaches character traits daily, including those illuminated by the history of the founding of Veterans Day--patriotism, courage, perseverance, loyalty and citizenship. Raymond Weeks demonstrated these qualities in his pursuit of the creation of a National Veterans Day and stands as an example of good citizenship for all students and every generation.

The symmetry of service has been a powerful constant through the generations in Alabama.

As an example, recently a rededication was held for the Rainbow Viaduct Memorial in Birmingham, which commemorates the heroism of the 167th Alabama Infantry during World War I. At that same ceremony, members of the modern-day 167th Alabama National Guard were recognized as they prepared for deployment to Afghanistan. Almost a century apart, the challenges may be different but the ethos of service and duty remains the same.

It is important to remember both what we honor and who we honor on Veterans Day. We honor soldiers and their devotion to freedom, yes. But we reflect that these are people around us who have willingly and unselfishly served on our behalf: fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, grandparents, a favorite uncle or cousin, a high school buddy or college roommate, a best friend or a childhood playmate.

Some we have joyfully welcomed back from an assignment or waved at during a parade. Others we thank at their gravesite, shedding a tear in their memory. We thank them for their sacrifice, bravery, and patriotism. We forget none of them.

This is what inspires us as we prepare for the annual observance of Veterans Day this coming November, and it is what continues to motivate my native Birmingham to set the highest standard for honoring those who have preserved the precious gift of freedom for all of us.

Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing the U.S. House to honor Army Private First Class Julian Colvin of Birmingham, who lost his life in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan on July 22, 2012, in the defense of his country.

Pfc. Colvin was a dedicated paratrooper and combat engineer assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Although just 21 years of age and on his first deployment, Pfc. Colvin was highly decorated for his service, with awards including the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Ribbon, the Combat Action Badge, and the Basic Parachutist Badge.

But perhaps the highest honors have come from the innumerable testimonials to his high character.

Pfc. Colvin was, according to Lt. Col. Peter Levola, commander of the 508th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, ``a shining example of the inspiration and promise of our young, remarkable Paratroopers--a selfless hero who willingly took on one of the most difficult jobs in the Brigade by leading patrols with a mine detector.''

Services for Pfc. Colvin will be held at the 6th Avenue Baptist Church in Birmingham on Saturday, August 4. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

We will always remember Pfc. Colvin as a young patriot and hero to us all and it is appropriate for our nation to remember his service today.

As the senior member of the Alabama delegation, we join with Congresswoman Terri Sewell in her tribute to our Alabama hero, Army Private First Class Julian Colvin.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in qualified support of H.R. 459, the Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2012. Before addressing the merits of the legislation, I want to pay tribute to its author, the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Paul, who serves as the Chairman of the Financial Services Committee's Domestic Monetary Policy Subcommittee. His tireless advocacy on monetary policy issues and his crusade for a more open and transparent Federal Reserve have been hallmarks of his congressional career. With that career coming to a close at the end of this Congress, it is appropriate that the House consider this bill.

H.R. 459 is bipartisan legislation which will help promote greater public understanding of the Federal Reserve's operations and the impact of its decisions on average Americans. A more transparent central bank will be more accountable for its decisions, which have broad consequences for the American economy, including consumers, savers and small businesses. By de-mystifying the Federal Reserve, we can enhance public confidence in the institution and help address some of the legitimate questions the American people have in the wake of the extraordinary measures that the Fed took at the height of the financial crisis, which have resulted in a tripling of the size of the Fed's balance sheet since 2008.

To his credit, Chairman Bernanke recognized the need for the Fed to improve the transparency of its operations early on in his tenure, and under his leadership, the Fed has made significant strides in this area. Among other initiatives, the Chairman now holds quarterly press conferences, giving the American public an insight into his thinking on the state of the economy and the basis for monetary policy judgments that would have been unheard of under past Fed Chairmen. The Fed has also achieved a greater level of clarity in policy statements issued by the Federal Open Market Committee, and has become much more explicit in its targeting of inflation.

While these are welcome developments for which Chairman Bernanke should be commended, in a representative democracy, maximum transparency is essential to maintaining the trust of the governed. If we err, it must be on the side of the public's right to know. By removing certain statutory limitations on the current authority of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to audit the Fed's operations, H.R. 459 builds on the reforms that Chairman Bernanke has instituted and will make for a more open and accountable central bank, which is a goal we all share.

Having said that, no legislation is perfect, and there is one aspect of this bill that, if not carefully implemented, runs the risk of undermining the Fed's political independence. Specifically, the bill would authorize the GAO to audit the Federal Reserve Board's ``deliberations, decisions, or actions on monetary policy matters,'' thereby removing a limitation that was imposed on the GAO when it was first given statutory authority to audit the Fed in 1978. Proponents of expanding the scope of the GAO's audit authority cite the unconventional policy interventions carried out by the Fed in recent years in its attempt to stabilize the financial system and stimulate the economy as justification for a more robust congressional role in overseeing the central bank's operations. It should be noted, however, that the inclusion in the Dodd-Frank Act of reforms first proposed by Financial Services Committee Republicans that significantly curtail the Fed's emergency lending authorities under section 13(3) of the Federal Reserve Act go a long way toward addressing concerns about the Fed's ability to conduct rescues of individual financial institutions without the review and approval of Congress.

As a general matter, I worry that the level of congressional scrutiny authorized by H.R. 459 may, if not exercised cautiously and responsibly, be incompatible with the need to insulate the Fed from political pressures and ensure that its decisions are based on sound economic principles rather than on jaw-boning from Capitol Hill. I am therefore sympathetic to Chairman Bernanke's argument--which he made in recent testimony before the Financial Services Committee--that a central bank that operates free of such political influence is likely to produce better economic outcomes and a more stable interest rate environment.

Indeed, the danger of allowing political considerations to guide monetary policy judgments was on full display at a recent hearing in the other body, where one of the Senators, citing Congress' inability to reach consensus on how to jump-start our anemic economic recovery, loudly urged Chairman Bernanke to ``get to work'' and implement a more aggressive monetary easing. This kind of rhetoric underscores the need for the GAO to exercise its expanded audit authority under H.R. 459 prudently, and to resist any efforts by Members of Congress to use this new tool to influence decisions on monetary policy. Failure to protect the central bank's independence from such political pressure will have dire consequences for our economy and for the legitimacy of the Federal Reserve as an institution.

Concerns about the scope of GAO's audits of monetary policy deliberations were never aired in the Financial Services Committee because of a decision by the House Parliamentarian to refer H.R. 459 exclusively to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. This referral, which Dr. Paul and I challenged at the time in extensive written correspondence and in meetings with the Parliamentarians, ignored decades of past precedents recognizing the Financial Services Committee's jurisdiction over legislative proposals affecting the Federal Reserve's conduct of monetary policy. While the Parliamentarian ultimately granted the Financial Services Committee a sequential referral of H.R. 459 after it had been reported to the House and scheduled for floor consideration, the initial referral to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform short-circuited the legislative process and denied Members of the Financial Services Committee, including Dr. Paul, an opportunity to fully debate the important issues of Federal Reserve transparency and independence raised by this legislation.

Again, I commend Dr. Paul and Chairman Bernanke for their efforts to bring greater transparency to the Fed's operations.

Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 525, I inadvertantly voted ``no'' when I intended to vote ``aye.''

Amendment No. 12 Offered by Mr. Nadler