Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it has been more than 6 years since the application was filed for the Keystone pipeline.

This is my background. This is where I made my living to come up. Despite the opposition from environmental groups, the benefits of the pipeline will far outweigh any potential negative impacts. Approval of this should be a no-brainer.

Construction will lead to thousands of jobs, well paying jobs at a time when Americans are struggling to find work. Importing an efficient, reliable source of energy has the potential to decrease gas prices in the future, expand oil refineries along the gulf coast, and lessens our dependence on foreign energy sources.

In addition to the economic upsurge, this pipeline signifies a secure source of energy for our country, if needed. It is not merely an economic issue but a security issue as well. And each day that it is delayed is another day thousands of Americans are out of work.

I challenge you, Mr. Speaker: for those that say these are temporary jobs, talk to the men and women where I come from who have bought cars, bought houses, put children through college with these temporary jobs, as you call them. What, are they temporary legacies? Are they temporary retirements? Because that is what our community is built on.

I commend the gentleman from Louisiana, Congressman Cassidy, for introducing this bill, which not only fulfills the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 but also protects the rights of private property owners should they be affected by the pipeline route.

With my past experience in pipeline construction, I can say that this project is no different from the thousands of other pipelines we lay each year--with one exception: it crosses national borders, giving President Obama the ability to delay it. The President is making political promises when it should be deemed practical.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for all his hard work on getting this amendment before us today.

Mr. Speaker, I am very frustrated that I stand before you today and we can wage a war on Ebola, yet we sit back for hours and allow ISIL to wage a war against us.

A ``no'' vote is the easiest vote to cast. We cannot stand back and do nothing while ISIL continues to threaten our national security and terrorizes the Middle East.

Everyone wants to be a general, but now is not the time to argue amongst ourselves. Back home, people think all we do is argue about petty politics and get nothing accomplished. Now is the time to take action and stand unified behind House leadership and deal with this serious threat.

We are dealing with one of the most barbaric terrorist organizations we have seen in years and the American people cannot afford to have Congress go home without authorizing an effective strategy to annihilate ISIL.

This resolution does not appropriate new funding; it simply gives congressional approval to act in the best interest of our national security without acting unilaterally.

It would be a disservice to American citizens and our allies if we continue bickering while ISIL mobilizes and recruits new members. Destroying ISIL requires a coordinated effort to arm and train those fighting our enemies.

As a veteran, I do not want to see my brothers in arms' blood shed and them die in vain for where we have not completed a mission.

Mr. Speaker, 9/11 is a reminder that terrorism does not recognize boundaries. We are the United States. We must stand united to defeat all enemies, both foreign and domestic, when appropriate, on their soil and not ours.

I urge my colleagues to act now and pass this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Pineville City Marshal, Larry Jeane, who recently passed away at the age of 68.

A resident of Pineville, Louisiana for more than 45 years, Mr. Jeane's service to his local community earned him numerous honors and awards. He served as City Marshal for 17 years and spent 24 years working in the criminal justice, public safety and corrections field where he received the Charles Dunbar Career Civil Service Award for his service. Mr. Jeane was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pineville and an avid supporter of his alma mater, Louisiana College, where he was heavily involved in the athletic department.

Mr. Jeane exemplified strong leadership and dedication to all who had the honor of knowing him. I am grateful for his years of dedicated service to his community and for the pride he brought to the City of Pineville. It is with great pride that I recognize the life of such an accomplished and admirable man, and I ask my colleagues to join me today in commemorating Mr. Larry Jeane and his achievements.

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. Chairman, first, let me just say to Chairman Simpson that I appreciate all the hard work you all have done on this whole committee bill and appropriation process.

I know it is not an easy task, and there is a lot of juggling to offset prices on everything, but my amendment will increase the MR&T, the Mississippi River and Tributaries project, by $47 million, to bring it back to FY14 levels. The FY14 enacted $307 million, and FY15 committee was $260 million.

The offset for this is reducing the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy by $127 million. This number is necessary to make it outlay neutral. This is less than 7 percent of the proposed spending by the committee. Budget authority will be reduced by $80 million.

The Mississippi River and tributaries are the main arteries of commerce for the Nation--as we see in the reports today, that we have flooding going on in the Mississippi River, starting from the north up above St. Louis, coming down.

This MR&T project is the largest flood control project in the world, providing protection for the 36,000-square mile lower Mississippi valley acreage.

The navigation features of the MR&T project seek to facilitate navigation and promote commerce on the Nation's most vital commercial artery. Waterborne commerce on the Mississippi River increased from 30 million tons in 1940 to nearly 500 million tons today.

Since the initiation of the MR&T project in 1928, the Nation has received a $24 return for every dollar invested. The remaining work to be completed will have an estimated 37 to 1 return on investment.

With the Panama Canal expansion project underway, we must continue to invest in this vital resource, not reduce funding. These waterways are too important to our Nation.

I just want to say how important the Mississippi River is to the Nation as a whole, not just to my district and those of us that border the Mississippi River and their tributaries all up and down the central United States.

It is very vital to the agriculture industry, to the commerce industry, to everything, and the flood control. It just has a tremendous impact that we all need to be aware of. I know that this $127 million looks like a lot in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, but we try to find different places that we can take it.

This is one that we found the less neutral, only reducing it 7 percent of its total budget. It was the largest that we found that we could take it from.

Again, I just want to commend the committee on the hard work they have done, and I know it is not an easy challenge at all for them to reduce and have to answer to certain parties for what was reduced and not reduced.

We have worked on this bipartisan--got a lot of bipartisan support on it throughout yesterday and today, and I appreciate your consideration and support on trying to make sure that we do everything we can to take care of the MR&T.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to honor Travis Taylor of Winn Parish for his numerous accomplishments and contribution to the logging industry.

Mr. Taylor, a Louisiana native, became a successful logging contractor after earning a degree in forestry from Louisiana Tech University.

Mr. Taylor's devotion of time and effort to the logging industry is second to none having been recognized at the national level for his progressive influence in the United States Forest Service. Aside from being the founder of Southern Loggers Cooperative and Wood Products Development Foundation, Travis has also been recognized as ``Louisiana Logger of the Year,'' served as President of the Louisiana Logging Council, and served on the board of directors of The Timbermen's Self- Insurance Fund.

Mr. Taylor exemplifies a strong character of leadership, hard work and dedication. He has earned the respect and admiration of everyone he has met along his journey. I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Mr. Taylor and his years of commitment and achievements.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to congratulate River Oaks Square Arts Center in Alexandria, Louisiana on its 30th anniversary.

Opening in February of 1984, River Oaks Arts Center was originally the home of the Bolton Family of Alexandria and was donated solely to be used to promote the arts. It is proudly listed under the National Registry of Historic Places and after years of renovation, River Oaks opened its doors to the community featuring artwork from more than 150 artists.

Over the years, River Oaks Square Arts Center has stimulated interest and appreciation for artists around the local community by its display of work. Located in Downtown Alexandria's Cultural District, this art center continues its mission intended by the Bolton family of promoting and emphasizing the value of fine arts and crafts.

I commend River Oaks Square Arts Center and congratulate them on 30 years of success, leadership, and community contribution and ask my colleagues to join me in honoring them on this momentous occasion.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise today to commemorate Mr. Houston Waggoner on the occasion of his 93rd birthday, which he and his loved ones celebrated on March 17.

Mr. Waggoner is a proud WWII Navy Veteran and the father of eight children. He worked for 30 years as a bag plant manager before retiring and starting a small business, Chatham Automotive Parts and Supply in 1972. After owning his own business for 18 years, he retired for a second time in 1990. He now resides in Jackson Parish and enjoys hunting, fishing, and his involvement with the National WWII Museum in New Orleans where he is a member.

Mr. Waggoner exemplifies a strong character of leadership and dedication. As his family and friends continue to celebrate and honor him, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Waggoner a very happy 93rd birthday.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise today to commemorate Mr. Houston Waggoner on the occasion of his 93rd birthday, which he and his loved ones celebrated, fishing, on March the 17th.

Mr. Waggoner is a proud World War II Navy veteran who has lived the American Dream. As a father of eight children, he worked for 30 years before retiring as a bag plant manager and starting his own small business, Chatham Automotive Parts and Supply, in 1972.

After owning his own business for 18 years, he retired for a second time in 1990. He now resides in Jackson Parish and enjoys hunting, fishing, and involvement with The National World War II Museum in New Orleans, where he is a member.

Mr. Waggoner exemplifies a strong character of leadership and dedication. As his family and friends continue to celebrate and honor him, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Waggoner a very happy 93rd birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Coach Don Shows, who passed away on Monday, March 3, 2014 at the age of 75.

I am proud to recognize the life of such an accomplished and admirable man, worthy of high recognition. Coach Shows had the pleasure of coaching at four high schools in Louisiana, being named head coach of the West Monroe Rebels in 1989. No stranger to success, Coach Shows led his team to eight state championships during his tenure and was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.

Amongst his list of impressive achievements, perhaps the most notable is the life he led both on and off the field, impacting the lives of not only the players he coached, but the student body as well. Many students and players credit Coach Shows for inspiring their own achievements and success in life.

As we honor his life and legacy today, let us always remember that with dedication, hard work and sacrifice, we can achieve anything. I thank Coach Shows for displaying this valuable lesson and for the pride he has brought to the Fifth District of Louisiana. He was a tremendous leader and example to all who had the honor of knowing him and his example and leadership will remain in our hearts forever.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Robert Harper, who passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2014, at the age of 88 at his home in West Monroe, LA.

Mr. Harper was born on August 9, 1925, in Center, TX. He was an Army Veteran and a World War II Prisoner of War. It is with great respect that I commend the service of this brave man who joined hands with countless others to fight for our great nation. We owe a debt of gratitude to all POWs and MIAs for weathering agonizing uncertainty during such trying times. We, and countless people around the world, are the beneficiaries of their courage, vigilance and bravery.

In addition to his selfless service to our country, Mr. Harper was a faithful servant to Mt. Olive Baptist Church and his family. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he will be dearly missed by his wife, Ellen, his children, grandchildren, friends, and community. It is my hope that today's generation of young men and women will follow the example of patriotism and dedication to freedom set by Mr. Harper.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the life of Robert Harper. He was a leader, parent, husband, friend, and example to all of us. Countless lives have been changed for the better by his brave efforts, and he will remain in our hearts forever.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride and pleasure to commemorate Norman and Norma Burmah on the occasion of their 83rd wedding anniversary.

Norman and Norma were introduced at the ``Roof Garden Dance Hall'' in New Orleans during a performance by the legendary Louis Armstrong, and were married on January 26, 1931.

Inspired by their Creole heritage, Norman and Norma created a livelihood by starting a successful catering business. They were blessed with two children, six grandchildren, and thirteen great grandchildren. They have stood steadfast in their faith over the years, still beginning each day in prayer. Norma's love for parties and traveling is what she claims have kept her young at heart. They enjoy the simple things in life: old movies, game shows, watching the New Orleans Saints and entertaining guests at their home. Until 2005, the Burmahs lived in New Orleans, where they met, until they sadly lost their home in Hurricane Katrina. The Burmahs now reside in Marksville, LA, and continue to exemplify a strong character of dedication, compassion and devotion to one another.

I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Norman and Norma Burmah, the longest married couple in Louisiana, as they celebrate 83 years of dedication to one another which serves as an inspiration to all.

[From the Louisiana Family Forum]

Introduced by a close friend, Norman and Norma Burmah met

at the ``Roof Garden Dance Hall'' in New Orleans during a

live

performance by Louis Armstrong playing their theme song

``What a Wonderful World.'' They were married shortly

thereafter on January 26, 1931, and the two have remained

inseparable. ``Maw'' and ``Paw,'' as their family fondly

calls them, begin each day in prayer. Norma claims that she's

a ``young 98'' and continues to prove this through her love

for parties and her independent trip to France only years

ago. Norma has never driven a day in her life! However,

Norman is not shy of his achievements adding that he drove

until he was 97 and rode his first jet-ski at 92! While he's

a student of politics, football and game shows, she a fan of

``Lawrence Welk'' and enjoys old movies. They created a

livelihood together, operating a thriving catering business

inspired by their Creole heritage.

They lived in New Orleans until 2005, and, to this day,

they both remain deeply devoted New Orleans Saints fans!

After tragically losing their home during Hurricane Katrina,

the Burmahs moved to Marksville, La. At 97 years of age,

Norman proudly purchased their new home where they

independently live along with their prize Rooster,

``Jindal.''

They have been blessed with a healthy family consisting of

two children, six grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride and pleasure to commemorate Ms. Eleanor Gremillion on the occasion of her 90th birthday.

Eleanor was born and raised in Marksville Louisiana. She graduated from Marksville High School in 1940 and laid the groundwork for her career in the finance business with her first job in the office of an attorney. Ms. Gremillion worked as the manager of Gulfco Finance Company in Marksville for thirty-two years and served the company as vice president, operations manager and was on the board of directors. Until the age limit forced her to step down, she served as a director of the Cottonport Bank for fifteen years. As civil service director for the City of Marksville, Eleanor's focus was to secure the best possible employees for the town of Marksville.

A daughter of a World War l veteran, Eleanor has been a lifelong member of the American Legion Auxiliary and today, she continues to be actively involved with the organization at the state level. She served with great distinction as state president and subsequently served as a national officer for several years. Eleanor's devotion of time and effort to her community is second to none and since its inception in 1974, she served the Marksville Chamber of Commerce in various capacities and currently serves the Chamber with unwavering dedication as secretary-treasurer.

Eleanor also serves as a board member of the Avoyelles Society for the Developmentally Disabled, secretary of the Hypolite Bordelon Home Society and is on the board of directors of the Avoyelles Commission on Tourism. She served as chairwoman of Marksville's birthday celebrations in the years of 1959, 1969, 1979, 1989 and 1999, Marksville's year of celebration for the bicentennial in 2009 and the Marksville July Fourth parade and activities, which is the longest running event of its kind in the State of Louisiana. She was named Avoyellean of the year in 1969, Citizen of the Year in 1974 and 1989, Woman of Excellence by the Town Talk and the Rapides Foundation in 2005 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Louisiana Tourism Promotion Association Summit in 2009.

Ms. Gremillion has earned the respect and admiration of everyone she has met along her journey. I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to her years of dedication and achievements.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the impressive career of service of Willie F. Cooper. Not long ago, Willie marked 40 years of serving as the State Executive Director of the Louisiana Farm Service Agency and now has a total of over 56 years of work with USDA.

Willie began his career with the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) while he was still in college and began working his way up the ranks until he was eventually appointed the State Executive Director in April 1972, a role he has held ever since. During his career, Willie has distinguished himself by working tirelessly for the farmers of the state of Louisiana while remaining the approachable family man inherent in his humble roots. These attributes have led him to be named ``Progressive Farmers' Man of the Year'' and to be honored by the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation with their Distinguished Service Award.

As impressive as his career has been, his service to his community and his dedication to his family has been equally as impressive. He is an active member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria, a member of the MacArthur Drive Lions Club, and holds a lifetime membership in the Louisiana Lions League for Crippled Children.

So, please join me in recognizing and honoring this great civil servant. His life and career should serve as an inspiration to all who seek to better their community and state.

First, let me just say thank you. What an honor it is to be part of such an elite group, as well as the many people that walked before us in these Halls of Congress. With that comes great honor and great value.

I want to say thank you to everybody in the gallery that got me here. I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for them, and I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for these kids.

As I always said--and I know we are ready to get out of here--they didn't raise no dummy, I can tell you that. I didn't get here by accident.

I just want to say, let's make sure we keep this country, our politicians, and everybody in our prayers. Let's do the right thing by this country and take care of business, like we should. Let's all work together.