Robert Aderholt

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I do want to thank my colleagues for taking time to call attention to this topic that we have been discussing tonight. And certainly from the very beginning of our history in this Nation, religious expression and faith was the norm amongst conversations that our Founding Fathers had. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Forbes) along with several of my colleagues tonight pointed out that as we stand here tonight in this Chamber that as we look around the room and we see the reliefs under the ceiling of the Chamber, and we see the 23 different lawgivers that are depicted above the gallery doorways, the most prominent relief, of course, has been noted is that of Moses who handed down the Ten Commandments. And of course those Ten Commandments were handed down to the children of Israel from God Himself. Furthermore, it has been noted here tonight that ``In God We Trust'' is above the Speaker's chair, as it is our national motto. And of course let's not forget that as we started the legislative day today, before we voted on the legislation just a couple of hours ago, a chaplain said a prayer that began the legislative day. And of course that has been the custom dating back to the days of our Founding Fathers. The Founding Fathers no doubt believed that God had His Almighty hand in the founding and the building of this Nation. George Washington himself believed that America's independence from Britain ultimately depended on God and not man. I find it interesting that it is not unusual for the Founding Fathers when they dated documents at that time they would use the phrase ``in the year of our Lord Jesus Christ 1776'' of what the date may have been. A few months ago, I was walking down the stairways just outside of the House Chamber, and one of the paintings that is above the stairways is the ``Signing of the Constitution.'' And I have passed by that painting hundreds of times. Of course, most Americans are very familiar with that famous painting. But for some reason, one thing caught my eye that was not usually the case, and I noticed there was an open book there near where the presiding officer was over the signers of the Constitution. And I took a closer look and noticed that it was an open book. And at the top it said ``Saint Matthew.'' And certainly I don't think it is any coincidence that that book was open on that particular day. One may ask why our Founding Fathers were so concerned about this issue. And one reason I believe that they were so focused on this issue and thought it was so important is because they had this radical belief that we are all endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights. And this was indeed a radical concept in the time, because in England your rights were granted to you by the king. Therefore, if the king or the queen granted your rights, or if man granted your rights, then the king or the queen or the man could take those rights away. However, if God granted those rights, no person, be he king or queen, could take them away. They were a gift of God. So when one asks the importance of religious history and faith in America, one can point to many reasons. And one reason that we can point back to is that in the United States of America, rights are granted by God and not by man.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, as Members of Congress, we know how difficult the transition to Washington, DC, can be for our spouses. The Congressional Club provides them a home away from home, encouraging bipartisan friendships. The Congressional Club was established in 1908, by a group of 25 women from Washington who sought to establish a nonpolitical group which would bring the spouses of Members of Congress together when in Washington, DC. The Club was officially chartered by a unanimous Act of Congress in 1908, and remains the only club to be established by Congressional action. President Theodore Roosevelt signed the Congressional resolution into law on May 30, 1908. Today, the Club is a charitable organization active in the Washington, DC, community and hosts events for the spouses of foreign dignitaries. Since its beginning, the Congressional Club has participated in a wide range of charitable work, including rolling bandages, purchasing two evacuation planes for wounded soldiers, and honoring local fire and police departments. They have hosted Christmas parties and end of school pizza parties for inner-city children, appreciation days for local nursing home senior citizens. The annual First Lady's luncheon raises tens of thousands of dollars for charity. To celebrate its 100th anniversary, the club has a year full of festivities and ceremonies that include a Founder's Day program, a birthday cake at the First Lady's Luncheon, an anniversary postage stamp, and a 100-year pin/pendant designed by past president Lois Breaux. I would like to thank all the members of the Congressional Club for all their work and dedication over the years. Congratulations on your first 100 years. I wish you many, many more.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Madam Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. ADERHOLT. Madam Speaker, I move to reconsider the vote on adoption of the resolution. Motion to Table Offered by Mr. Welch of Vermont

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank every Member who has worked on this piece of legislation, and there has been a lot, especially Mr. Barton and Mr. Deal who have gone beyond the call of duty in their work. I have been in meetings with them for many hours, so I appreciate their work. I think we are all disappointed that it has taken so long to come up with a solution, but in the end we have arrived at a correct decision. When SCHIP was first brought to the floor in 1997, I was a new Member of Congress. It was a bipartisan bill that was enacted by a Republican House and Senate. And it was signed into law by a Democrat President. This year's process has been anything but bipartisan. I think it would be fair to say that the political rancor in the debate that has occurred over the last several months has surpassed anything that most of us have seen while we have been in Congress. But it is time to move forward and it is time that we remember what is important in this whole process, and that is the children that need health care in America, that are simply the poor in this country. In my home State of Alabama, SCHIP has been a tremendous success and has helped a new generation of children live happier and healthier lives. I'm pleased that this Congress has decided to extend this vital program into 2009 and provide a level of certainty to State health directors that did not exist under our previous resolutions. This is a good solution, and I encourage my colleagues to support it.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in mourning the loss of one of our own, it's been mentioned here tonight, Representative Jo Ann Davis. Representative Davis, as has been said and as we have discussed tonight, battled cancer for several years, and of course, as we know, lost her battle Saturday morning. At a time when others would have considered retirement, Jo Ann Davis continued to represent the people of the First District of Virginia with distinction. Through her service she set an example of courage in the face of adversity. She refused to allow a disease that afflicts far too many affect her life and take her away from the work that she loved so dearly. As the first female elected to the House of Representatives from the Commonwealth of Virginia, Jo Ann was a leader and example to all of us. But of all of Jo Ann's accomplishments, of all the roles she played, she would not be ashamed to tell you that her decision to follow Jesus Christ was the most important decision for her. The people of Virginia were privileged to have known her as a public servant. The Members of this Congress were honored to share her as a colleague. I was honored to consider her a friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband, Chuck; her sons, Charlie and Chris; along with her granddaughter, Charlotte. May God give each of them an extra measure of peace during this time.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in remembering one of our own, Paul Gillmor. It is moments like this that you realize the fleeting nature of time. Indeed, we truly realize the shortness of time and the greatness of eternity. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, his friends and all of the people that he touched during the time he was on this Earth. Representative Gillmor was a friend. He was a gentleman who I had the pleasure of getting to know as a neighbor. Because we lived across the street from each other at one time, there were several occasions that we shared a ride home after a long night of votes. During those times, I was able to gain a small measure of the man and discovered him to be generous, kind, and, above all, considerate. The people of Ohio were privileged to have known him as a public servant. The Members of Congress were honored to share him as a colleague. His friends were rewarded with his company, and his family was embraced by his love. We will miss Paul and remember our time with him and honor his memory. May God give Karen and his children an extra measure of grace during this most difficult time.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Madam Speaker, I would like to commend the outstanding achievements of Dr. George V. Irons Jr., native Alabamian, who has treated the hearts of Americans, literally, for over five decades as one of our nation's foremost cardiologists. Dr. Irons' accomplishments began at an early age. As a high school junior, he won the prestigious Bausch and Lomb National Science Award, based on a nationwide scientific talent search--written competitive examinations sponsored by the University of Rochester, New York. He graduated from Woodlawn High School with a straight ``A'' record--first in his class--and served as president of his student body. At Howard College (now Samford University), he completed a rigorous four year pre-med curriculum in 35 months with a perfect 4.0 G.P.A. For his excellence in scholarship, leadership and service, he was awarded the John R. Mott Trophy, and as the outstanding graduating senior he won the Birmingham Exchange Club Trophy, Danforth Award, and ODK National Award. He also found time to letter in varsity track; the mile relay team of which he was a part won their conference championship. Dr. Irons graduated from the University of Alabama Medical College at Birmingham with a straight ``A'' record. While in medical school, he was selected by the American Medical Association as one of the top two medical students in the country. For his superior scholastic record, leadership and service he received the Alabama Medical School's Stuart Graves Award. Since then his professional accomplishments have been truly phenomenal. After duty as flight surgeon (Captain, U.S. Air Force), and internship, Barnes Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, Dr. Irons served as Chief Resident in Cardiology, University of Chicago (Billings Hospital). Dr. Irons then joined the Duke University Medical School Faculty in 1964, where he was named Fellow in Cardiovascular Diseases. Since 1966, he has been in active practice in Charlotte, North Carolina, as the first board certified cardiologist in western North Carolina. Dr. Irons is Founder and President of Mid-Carolina Cardiology, the premiere coronary care provider in the Carolinas, serving some ten cities in several states. He begins his sixth decade of active practice. Having published in leading medical journals here and internationally, he was honored by induction as a Fellow into the American College of Cardiology and received a special citation Award of Merit from the National Association of Cardiologists for his research contributions to the science of coronary disease. For distinctive scientific accomplishments, he received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Alpha Epsilon Delta National Pre-Medical Society. He has served the Nation in numerous medical associations, such as the Alabama Medical Association, American Society of Internal Medicine, Council on Clinical Cardiology (Fellow), American College of Physicians (Fellow), American Heart Association (Fellow), and the American Board of Internal Medicine (Diplomate), Alpha Omega Alpha (President). Recently the State of North Carolina honored Dr. Irons for his half- century of service as eminent cardiologist, President and Founder Mid- Carolina Cardiology, and as the first board certified cardiologist in western North Carolina. He was also honored by his home state. The State of Alabama, on February 28, 2007, by Joint House Senate Resolution, honored him for his lifetime of achievements as distinguished cardiologist and for his notable research contributions to the science of coronary disease. Madam Speaker, I commend Dr. Irons lifetime scientific achievements, distinguished research and his superior devotion to optimal patient care. His dedication and exploration in the science of coronary diseases to provide a better life through improved medical technology and treatment, reflect great credit upon all who serve our Nation in his profession. Madam Speaker, I view Dr. Irons as America's foremost cardiologist and proudly salute him for the nationwide impact of his work.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to oppose the amendment, and I'm sure that my friend and colleague from Arizona means well in this endeavor. But I must say that I support the National Textile Center. As you know, Mr. Chairman, our domestic textile manufacturers are facing tremendous competition from around the world, and much of that is due to the way that our trade laws in this country are structured. And it's not the fault of our domestic manufacturers. The only way we can remain competitive against cheap labor in these foreign countries is through cutting-edge technology. The National Textile Center strengthens our Nation's efforts by bringing together diverse research and also those in the industry so that our textile producers can produce to lead the world in technology. So the end results, therefore, will be workers in the United States can continue to produce the highest-quality products and in the most efficient manner. This center that we're discussing today, the National Textile Center, provides real-world applications that are needed to make sure that the textile industry in America survives. For that reason, Mr. Chairman, I rise to support this center and to oppose the amendment that is being offered before us at this time.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our guest chaplain, Dr. Billy Franklin Hudgins. Dr. Hudgins has served selflessly as a pastor in Louisiana, South Carolina, and now in the district I represent in Alabama where he's the senior pastor of Cross Creek Community Church of Hokes Bluff, Alabama. In addition to pastoral work, Dr. Hudgins has also been very involved with both State and national church leadership organizations. Among the honors he's received, he's served as president of the Alabama Baptist Convention Pastors Conference. He also served as trustee of the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. Hudgins has been a teacher and a coach over the course of his career. He has spent 5 years as a bi-vocational pastor and 35 years in churches belonging to the Southern Baptist Convention. If that wasn't enough, at a time when others look toward retirement, at the age of 60, Dr. Bill Hudgins helped start the church he currently serves in Hokes Bluff. Dr. Hudgins is joined in Washington today by his wife, Connie, with whom he'll be celebrating 46 years of marriage in a matter of weeks. I'm honored to welcome Dr. Billy Hudgins as our guest here in the United States House of Representatives this morning as someone who is a servant and has spent his career as a follower of Jesus, and one who has helped others do the same along life's way.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the Chairman's support for this legislation to be brought to the floor. I also want to say that I appreciate Congressman Coble, his lending his support for this legislation and making sure that it gets to the floor today. And as Chairman Conyers noted, Congressman Davis of Alabama and Congressman Braley of Iowa have been very helpful in this effort as well. So I'm glad to have their support. One other person that has been very supportive that actually called this to my attention initially was a friend of mine from Alabama, Mike Turner, some time ago brought this issue to my attention, and so I'm glad that we can work on this and try to get this resolved here on the floor of the House and through the United States Congress. I'm pleased to have been able to work together with the committee of jurisdiction to find a satisfactory solution to this issue dealing with recognition across State lines. During the hearing that was held during the 109th Congress, which has already been mentioned, by the Subcommittee on the Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property, then Ranking Member Howard Berman pointed out that though the topic of notary recognition between the States is not necessarily the most exciting issue, it is an extremely practical one. And to my colleague who, of course, now chairs that subcommittee, I would have to agree with him on both points. During the hearing, which was held back in March of 2006, we heard from several witnesses who all agree that this is an ongoing and a difficult problem for interstate commerce. To businesses and individuals engaged in businesses across State lines, this is a matter long overdue that is being resolved. H.R. 1979, the bill today, will eliminate confusion that arises when States refuse to acknowledge the integrity of documents from another State. This act preserves the right of States to set standards and regulate notaries, while reducing the burden on the average citizen who has to use the Court system. It will streamline the interstate, commercial, and legal transaction consistent with the guarantees of the State's rights that are called for in the Full Faith in Credit Clause of the United States Constitution. Currently, as the law is today, each State is responsible for regulating its notaries. Typically, an individual will pay a fee, will submit an application, takes an oath of office. Some States require the applicants to enroll in educational courses, pass exams and even to obtain a notary bond. Nothing in this legislation will change these steps. We are not trying to mandate how States regulate notaries which they appoint. In addition, the bill will also not preclude the challenge of notarized documents such as a will contest. During the subcommittee hearings on this bill that were held back in the 109th Congress, Tim Reineger, who serves as the executive director of the National Notary Association stated, ``We like this bill because it is talking about a standard for the legal effects of the material act, the admissibility of it, not at all interfering with the State requirements for education and regulation of the notaries themselves.'' This is an issue that has really lagged on for many, many years. When I was first elected to Congress back in 1997, this was an issue that I was first made aware of, and here we are in 2007, and this issue is still not resolved. And this is an issue that people who deal with notaries on a daily basis deal with, to a lot of frustration. And simply, this legislation that we have before the House today and that will be going before the United States Senate, hopefully in a very short period of time, will address this problem. It will try to expedite interstate commerce so that court documents and so that when notaries are in one State or the other, they will be fully recognized. And again, I think it must be stressed that it is in no way trying to mandate what a State should do or should not do. It simply allows there to be more free flow of commerce between the States and particularly when you're talking about the regulation of notaries themselves. Again, thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your support, Congressman Coble for your support of this legislation, and allowing it to be able to move forward today. And I would urge my colleagues that when this bill comes for a vote, that they would support it under the suspension of the rules.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. First of all, I would like to thank Mr. Smith and Mr. Stupak for their leadership on this amendment. What we are doing here on this amendment is no small thing. Mr. Chairman, I believe it should be noted for the record that most Americans do not believe that abortion is an appropriate form of family planning. To suggest it is simply wrong. It would never be considered proper within the United States and it isn't proper that taxpayers' money be spent for this purpose overseas. The amendment that we are debating today in question is not anti- family planning. There are a number of alternatives to abortion which do not rise to the level of concern that this proposal engenders. This is only anti-family planning if one considers abortion to be a method of family planning. I reject this way of thinking and urge the adoption of this amendment. When President Bush adopted our Nation's current policy, he was right. Prohibiting the expenditure of taxpayer dollars to fund abortions outside the United States is a policy that has been in place for many years. Therefore, I urge all of my colleagues who care about the sanctity of human life to vote in favor of the Smith-Stupak amendment.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of Congressman Space's amendment, which is of course funding for the ARC, Appalachian Regional Commission, in this year's Energy and Water appropriations bill. Many Americans may not be aware that this was a program that was established back in 1965. ARC was created to address the persistent poverty and the growing economic despair of the Appalachian region, which is an area that extends from southern New York to northeast Mississippi. At that time in 1965, one out of every three Appalachians lived in poverty. Per capita income was 23 percent lower than the U.S. average, and high unemployment and harsh living conditions had, in the 1950s, forced more than 2 million people in that area to leave their homes and seek work in other regions. Even today, ongoing changes in declining sectors of the economy, such as manufacturing and textiles, exacerbated by globalization, changes in technology, and the recent downturn in the economy have hit this region very, very hard. It has threatened to reverse a lot of the economic gains that were made in these communities over the past several years. For an area that has suffered economically for so long, we can't allow this to happen. By funding the ARC at least at last year's level, $65 million, we will ensure that the people and the businesses of Appalachia have the knowledge, have the skills and the access to telecommunications and the technology to compete in a technology-based economy. As has been mentioned here by Congressman Space, this restoration of funds will be offset by $30 million for the Department of Energy's administrative account. ARC has been a responsible steward for the Federal funds that it has received over the past several years. For example, in fiscal year 2006, across all investment areas each dollar of ARC funding was matched by $3.14 in non-ARC public project funding, and each ARC dollar invested leveraged $11.55 in private investment in ARC projects over time. The 410-county region still faces a complex set of issues. However, this program has made a difference, and we are seeing results. Over the last 10 years, funding for the ARC has remained level at $65 million. And the region continues to receive less Federal assistance per capita than the rest of the country. Additionally, in the past, the House of Representatives has voted to authorize the ARC levels at the higher level of $65 million. I would like to thank Congressman Space for his assistance in this program, and also Chairman Visclosky for his attention to this matter.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Chairman, I would like to reference two positive programs within this Homeland Security Appropriations bill that are making a difference in the 4th District of Alabama. For several years, Congress has included funding in this bill for local Assistance to Firefighters Grants. The purpose of this grant program is to award grants directly to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations. These awards aim to enhance our first responder's ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel, with respect to fire-related hazards. Using a competitive process overseen by fire service subject matter experts, DHS awards grants to applicants whose requests best address the priorities of the program. This is especially important in the district that I represent in North Alabama. As a rural area, North Alabama is home to many volunteer fire departments and rescue squads. These people work hard to protect their communities and provide first rate care of their neighbors. Unfortunately in too many instances they are forced to do so with older equipment that doesn't provide the proper safety or performance that they need to do their jobs. This problem isn't for lack of care; it's in large measure due to a lack of funding. The Fire Grant program has proven to be a tremendous asset that has helped meet the needs of the fire departments and EMS organizations that I represent. I am pleased that this important program has received increased funding this year. That means that more organizations will be able to participate and upgrade equipment and training that they might otherwise have been unable to do. As a result they will be better prepared to save lives, protect homes and businesses and continue to serve their communities in a meaningful way. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Chairman and Ranking Member for their support of another important program within Homeland Security, textile transshipment enforcement. As a district with a heavy textile manufacturing presence, I am very aware of the problems faced by this important industry. Today foreign manufacturers are utilizing unnatural and unfair business practices that are hurting U.S. textile manufacturers. One such scheme involves the transshipment of goods to evade duty or quotas on textiles being brought into the country. Over the last several years, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, CBP, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement have been very successful in stopping many of these illegal textile transshipments. In 2006, Customs announced that they seized more than $100 million in wearing apparel and textile goods that were misrepresented, smuggled or illegally transshipped in an effort to circumvent U.S. textile trade laws and regulations. Of that amount, $3 million worth of socks were confiscated. This program is making a difference and giving U.S. textile manufacturers an opportunity to compete. I fully support this funding and am pleased that this Congress continues to recognize its importance.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to call attention to this, the first Thursday in May, as the National Day of Prayer. The 56th annual National Day of Prayer is being recognized today, May 3, across our great Nation in tens of thousands of ceremonies and services nationwide. The National Day of Prayer traces its history back to 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a Nation. In 1952, a joint resolution of Congress was signed into law by President Truman. In 1988, President Reagan signed a law permanently marking the first Thursday of every May as the National Day of Prayer. As in previous years, President George W. Bush signed a proclamation regarding the 2007 observance. He specifically asked that the Nation remember in their prayers the members of our Armed Forces, their families, as well as the students and families affected by the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech. Chairman Shirley Dobson and Vice Chairman Brian Toon have done an outstanding job in coordinating these events that will take place across this land. Dr. Charles Swindoll will serve as Honorary Chairman. Mr. Speaker, across the street, here on Capitol Hill in the Cannon House Office Building at noon is when the events will begin. However, whether you're in Washington, D.C., you're in Alabama, North Dakota, I encourage the American people to come together in the spirit of Jesus and take a few minutes to thank God for the blessings upon this Nation, and ask Him to guide and protect us in the days to come.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Mr. Lucious Carroll Richardson, known to his friends as ``Sonny,'' who retired from the Alabama Department of Veteran's Affairs on August 31, 2006. He is a man who truly embodies the American principles of hard work, patriotism, dedication to one's family and service to one's community. For the past 30 years, the veterans in Walker County, AL, have had no better friend than Sonny Richardson. During that time he unselfishly served Walker County and the State of Alabama with great dedication and distinction. He worked tirelessly to ensure our veterans and their families received the benefits they had earned. His one driving goal was simply to help people. As Sonny once said, ``this job is not a position, it is a calling. If you are not interested in helping people, then you do not need to be in this job''. Sonny began his career with the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs in January 1977. At that point there were approximately 6,800 veterans in Walker County receiving approximately $4,800,000 in benefits. Today, more than $19,400,000 in benefits are distributed to approximately the same number of veterans. It was also on his watch that a new Veterans Clinic was opened at Walker Baptist Medical Center in Jasper. In 1987, he rose to the rank of district manager and upon his retirement was supervising two different districts covering 21 counties in north Alabama. One of Sonny's better known accomplishments was his role in Walker County's annual Veterans Day parade. For 21 years he was the organizer of the parade. Due to his leadership the event grew to become the second largest Veterans Day parade in the State of Alabama. He turned over the reins as organizer 5 years ago to concentrate more on serving the needs of the veterans in Walker County. However, the Walker County Veterans Day parade continues as an annual tradition. Sonny is a veteran of the United States Army and retired with 20 years of service. During his military career he earned two Bronze Stars, one Meritorious Service Medal and four Army Commendation Medals and served in Korea, Germany and Vietnam. Upon retiring from the Army, Sonny went back to school and received his bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is the recipient of numerous awards for his service to the veterans and the community. In 1988 he was selected for the Fourth Congressional District Distinguished Citizen Award and was the Walker County State Employee of the Year for 1983, 1984 and 1985. He was also twice selected by the American Legion as the Veterans Service Officer of the Year. Madam Speaker, it is a great privilege for me to honor Lucious Carroll Richardson for his many years of dedicated service to our Nation's veterans. He has had an enduring impact on his country, community, friends and family. He is a man of great dignity and character who takes pride in the accomplishments of those he has helped over the years. It is clear that he has been a friend and advocate to the veterans of Walker County and the entire surrounding area. Madam Speaker, no doubt Sonny will be greatly missed in his position with the Department of Veterans Affairs. However, I know that Sonny will still remain a friend to those who have served their country. Sonny is an inspiring role model for all of us and I join his friends, family and colleagues in wishing him God's richest blessings in his retirement.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Madam Speaker, today is a day that we will look back on and know that fundamental decisions regarding our Nation's history were made. The discussions that we are engaged in will go a long way in determining our future in the ongoing global war on terror and Iraq's role in that fight. When this vote is cast on the non-binding, Democratic resolution, we will be sending a message to the world. The only question remaining is what message will we send? Will we say that America remains steadfast against the rising tide of hate and intolerance offered by militant Islamists? Will we say that we don't have the stomach to finish the fight against terrorists who actively seek to kill us and destroy our way of life? The war in Iraq has become such a flashpoint that we struggle to separate the politics of the situation from the reality. The politics attacks the intelligence that led us to war, questions our Nation's elected leadership, and condemns the decisions made along the way. It leads to the resolution that we now have before us. The reality recognizes that we are at war now and our troops are putting their lives on the line each and every day. It says that if this is a fight that we believe in, a fight against global terrorism, we must do everything possible to support the men and women who are carrying it out on our behalf and never giving a hint to the contrary. Unfortunately we are at a point today where some have forgotten exactly who and what we are fighting. Prior to 9/11, we failed to understand the hate of people like Osama bin Laden and what could result from it despite all evidence to the contrary. In 1979, 66 American diplomats were held hostage in Iran for 444 days; in 1983, 241 Marines were killed in Beirut when their barracks was attacked; militant Islamic terrorists bombed the World Trade Center in 1993; 225 people were killed in attacks on U.S. embassies in Tanzania and Kenya in 1998; and, in 2000, 17 American sailors were killed when al-Qaeda attacked the U.S.S. Cole. Today we are at a historic crossroads: we either boldly tackle the issue of militant Islam that exists on the Iraqi front and is part of this world-wide struggle, applying the lessons we have learned from the years leading up to 9/11, or we approach the issue as we naively demonstrated before 9/11 and expect more attacks and more American deaths. The war in Iraq has gone on longer than any of us would have wished. We've seen too many funerals for too many sons and daughters, husbands and wives. To all those who have lost a friend or loved one, our hearts go out to you. It should be noted that mistakes have been made, of that there can be no doubt. We must know without question what led us to this point, and that time will come. But now is not that time. Not while we still have American service men and women in harm's way. History will play its part, teaching us our mistakes and urging us not to repeat them. But we don't have the luxury of waiting on history to pass its judgment. Without resolve, it is certain we will fail in Iraq and there will be far-reaching consequences for our Nation, the region and ultimately the world. Since September 11, there have been major terrorist attacks in Karachi, Bali, Moscow, Casablanca, Riyadh, Istanbul, Madrid, London and Amman. If we allow the terrorists present in Iraq to win, we can expect more of the same. We can expect to see another Afghanistan--a puppet government established to support and back the aims of their terrorist masters. This is totally unacceptable. Victory in Iraq is our only option. It is the only path through which we can hope for peace. Without victory, our terrorist enemies gain confidence in their opposition to the United States and their ability to defeat us militarily. We embolden them and offer them the opportunity to further their attacks against American men, women and children. The resolution that we are debating will send a message to the world. What will that message be? My fervent hope and prayer is that it will be a message of resolve, a message of strength, a message of victory. Now is the time to support our troops in the field unequivocally and vote against this nonbinding resolution. We don't want anyone to construe our action here today as not fully supporting our men and women who serve us in Iraq.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Madam Speaker, because of a death in the family, I was absent for rollcall votes 24 through 33. If I had been present for these votes, I would have voted as indicated below. Rollcall No. 24--``Yes''; Rollcall No. 25--``Yes''; Rollcall No. 26-- ``Yes''; Rollcall No. 27--``Yes''; Rollcall No. 28--``Yes''; Rollcall No. 29--``No''; Rollcall No. 30--``No''; Rollcall No. 31--``Yes''; Rollcall No. 32--``Yes''; and Rollcall No. 33--``Yes.''

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate, pay tribute, and honor a great jurist who has served on the bench for over 40 years in his home State of Alabama. Born on December 6, 1935, to Ruby and Jesse Clifton, he grew up in Winston County, Alabama, and graduated from Haleyville High School in 1954. He pursued his undergraduate degree at Birmingham-Southern College. Thereafter, he attended the Cumberland School of Law in Lebanon, Tennessee, and obtained his law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law. As a young attorney, he joined the faculty at the Cumberland School of Law, which by that time had moved from Lebanon, Tennessee, to Birmingham, Alabama, which is known today as Samford University. It was during this time that he authored, along with Professor Sam B. Gilreath, Caruther's ``History of a Lawsuit,'' eighth edition. In 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Frances Brown, and they have been married for over 48 years. They have one son, who is married to the former Caroline McDonald and, two grandchildren, Mary Elliott and Robert Hayes. In 1962, he began serving as judge of the Court of Law and Equity in Winston County and served there until 1973. Then in 1977, he took office as one of two judges serving the 25th Judicial Circuit in the Alabama court system and has remained on the bench for 30 years. He has served the public for more than 40 years and has presided over each case that has come before him with integrity and with impartiality. He is someone who has a brilliant legal mind; but most important, he has compassion for all individuals, regardless of their background or their social standing. He is a man of faith, prayer, and integrity, who has a great love for his family, his country and his God. He has taken his job seriously from the first day he stepped up to the bench to preside. In addition to his responsibilities on the bench, he has been a businessman and has pastored Fairview Congregational Church in Hackleburg, Alabama, for over 40 years. Mr. Speaker, I know all these things to be true about this individual and his character and his reputation because I personally observed him. Many times Members don't always have that kind of perspective when they come to the floor. I can say these things in all truthfulness as I stand here on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives because this man, the judge I am talking about, Bobby Aderholt, is my dad.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to voice my opposition to the expansion of Federal funding of embryonic stem cell research that is represented by this bill, H.R. 3. This bill unnecessarily opens the door to research that sacrifices one life for the potential health of another. I will never believe that this is a fair and equitable trade, especially when there are other avenues of research that are available. On its own, stem cell research is a worthy pursuit to help solve many of today's medical mysteries, but a line must be drawn when this research destroys human life, as in the case of embryonic stem cell research. There are ethical stem cell alternatives which no one objects to, and they are flourishing. In fact, as of today, and it has already been noted here on the floor, stem cells from noncontroversial sources, like umbilical cord, have been used to treat humans suffering from more than 70 different afflictions. In debating this issue, we need to be clear on the facts, and I would urge my colleagues to oppose this bill and respect the sanctity of human life.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the country of Kazakhstan on the occasion of its 15th anniversary of independence from the former Soviet Union on December 16, 1991. Kazakhstan has been at the crossroads of trade and empires for centuries along the ancient Silk Road, and today plays an increasingly important role in the stability and security of the Central Asian region, and of our world. I had the privilege of visiting Kazakhstan along with Congressman Jim McDermott, Congressman Maurice Hinchey and former member Don Bonker in January of this year to see first hand the accomplishments that have been made since 1991. While in Kazakhstan we spent considerable time with members of the President's Cabinet and the current speaker of the senate, Nurtai Abykayev learning about current work going on in their country and their endeavors in making Kazakhstan a real leader in Asia and the world. In the first few years after independence, Kazakhstan successfully rid itself of the fourth largest nuclear arsenal in the world and closed the world's largest nuclear test site at Semipalatinsk, an unwanted legacy from the U.S.S.R., and continues to be a model for the global community. In 2005, the U.S. Senate unanimously adopted a resolution congratulating Kazakhstan on the 10th anniversary of the removal of all nuclear weapons from the country and commended Kazakhstan-U.S. cooperation in this sphere as a ``model.'' Earlier this year, this House unanimously adopted resolution 905 congratulating Kazakhstan on the 15th anniversary of the closure of the world's second largest nuclear test site in the Semipalatinsk region of Kazakhstan and for its efforts on the nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Kazakhstan condemned the terrorist attacks against the U.S. on September 11, 2001 and has been a staunch supporter of the U.S. led international coalition against global terrorism since. Kazakhstan provides free overflight rights and a major international airport for U.S. and coalition aircraft for operations in Afghanistan. Kazakhstan works with the international community to bring peace and stability to Iraq following the U.S. led campaign to end Saddam Hussein's regime. Kazakh military engineers in that country have destroyed more than 4 million pieces of ordnance since 2003. On a visit to Astana in 2005, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said, ``Today, Kazakhstan is poised and ready to break a path for a new Silk Road, a great corridor of reform . . . A strong and prosperous and democratic Kazakhstan will once again energize the global transmission of learning, and trade and freedom across the steppes of Central Asia. This nation has a glorious past and it is destined for a hopeful future. Kazakhstan's greatest days lie ahead of it. And the United States wants to be your partner.'' During his 2006 visit to Washington President Nazarbayev and President George W. Bush signed a joint statement which says, ``We are satisfied with the progress made by Kazakhstan and the United States of America in the promotion of our strategic partnership, and announce our commitment to promote stability, prosperity and democratic reforms in Central Asia and outside of the region.'' The joint statement also stipulates the U.S. support for Kazakhstan's plan for accession to the group of the 50 most competitive countries in the world, according to the strategy of President Nursultan Nazarbaev, and for Kazakhstan's membership in the WTO. The document recognizes Kazakhstan's leadership in regional integration, considering its significant contributions in Eurasia and Afghanistan. The joint statement outlined a number of directions of the bilateral cooperation underlining ``we announce our intention to further strengthen our strategic partnership via strengthening strategic dialogues on energy, military collaboration, trade, investments and democratization. We express solid confidence that our enhanced strategic partnership will assists to security, prosperity and democracy development in the 21st century.'' President Nursultan Nazarbayev has called for a massive transformation of Kazakhstan's political life and strengthening the country's move to democracy in a March 2006 speech to the first session of the State Commission. The priorities include significant strengthening of the role of the national Parliament, increasing the numbers of deputies in both houses of Parliament; continuing the introduction of elections of akims--mayors--at district levels, and the introduction of a bill on local self-government. ``Democracy is the choice of civilized people, and it is our choice too,'' President Nazarbayev said. Mr. Speaker, because of Kazakhstan's peaceful transition to democracy, its strong commitment to eliminating nuclear weapons, and her strong support for our country in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks, I rise today to congratulate all her people on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of their independence.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the chairman's support in allowing this bill to be brought to the floor to the House of Representatives today. I would also like to thank my friend, Mike Turner of Freedom Court Reporting in Alabama, who first brought this matter to my attention. I am pleased we have been able to work together with the committee of jurisdiction to find a satisfactory remedy to the issue of recognition of notarizations across State lines. During the hearings held on this bill by the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property, Ranking Member Berman pointed out that, ``Although the topic of notary recognition between the States is not necessarily the most exciting issue, it is an extremely practical one.'' To my colleague across the aisle, I would have to agree with both points. During that hearing in March, we heard from several witnesses who all agreed that this is an ongoing and a difficult problem for interstate commerce. To businesses and individuals engaged in business across State lines, this is a matter long overdue which is being resolved. H.R. 1458 will eliminate the confusion that arises from States who refuse to acknowledge the integrity of documents notarized out of State. H.R. 1458 would require that documents be recognized in any State or Federal court if the subject affects interstate commerce and the document is duly notarized by a seal or if a seal is tagged to an electronic document. Currently, each State is responsible for regulating its notaries. Typically, an individual will pay a fee, will submit an application, and takes an oath of office. Some States require applicants to enroll in educational courses, pass exams, and even obtain a notary bond. Nothing in this legislation will change these steps. It shall be made clear that we are not trying to mandate how States regulate notaries public they appoint. In addition, the bill would also not preclude the challenge of notarized documents such as a will contest. During the subcommittee hearing, the executive director of the National Notary Association stated, ``We like this bill because it is talking about a standard for the legal effects of the material act, the admissibility of it, not at all interfering with the State requirements for education and regulation of the notaries themselves.'' Thank you again, Mr. Chairman, for your support of this legislation and allowing the legislation to move forward today. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1458 under the suspension of the rules today.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to pay tribute to the late Mr. Tyrus ``T.P.'' Turney and to recognize his many accomplishments. He was truly a man who embodies the American principles of hard work, dedication to one's family and service to one's community. T.P. Turney was born December 17, 1935 in Morgan County, Alabama to Alonzo Fletcher Turney and Alice Pauline Sharp Turney and raised in Northern Alabama. Mr. Turney served 18 months in the United States Army in Germany and worked for 43 years and three months at a chemical lab in Monsanto, Alabama. In 1976, Mr. Turney was appointed to serve on the Morgan County Board of Education and was re- elected the four following terms. He was a member of the Brewer Lions Club for 17 years and served as an officer for the Morgan County Cattleman's Association. He was a member at the First Christian Church in Hartselle, Alabama where he also served as a Deacon, an Elder and as Chairman of the Board. T.P. Turney was an avid supporter of Gospel music. He had a great love for new book ``convention'' singing and was, at the time of his death, President of the Morgan County Singing Convention. He was a devoted family man with great respect for his father and mother and the values that they instilled in him at an early age. Mr. Turney loved his country and was proud he had an opportunity to serve in the U.S. Army. T.P. Turney passed away at his home in Valhermoso Springs, Alabama on Sunday, July 23, 2006. He is survived by his wife, Sandra; two sons, Steven Turney of Trinity, Alabama and Irby Gray of Orlando, Florida; three daughters, R. Jeannine McCormick of Gardendale, Alabama, Teresa Burton of Saraland, Alabama, and Tammy Cowan of Okeechobee, Florida; two brothers, Gerald Turney of Valhermoso Springs, Alabama and Carleton Turney of Somerville, Alabama and seven grandchildren. T.P. Turney was an inspiring role model for all of us and I join his family and friends in remembering him today.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I commend President Nursultan Nazarbayev for his vision and commitment that made possible the recent Congress on World and Traditional Religions. It was a historic event. The remarks recently by Pope Benedict XVI, quoting medieval text, and the fierce reaction in the Islamic world underscore the need for an open and candid discussion, as occurred in Astana. At this year's forum, there were 43 delegations from 20 countries, including 43 representatives of Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, and other distinguished leaders. Though not all religious viewpoints may have been represented, the gathering had an impressive roster of participants--notably UNESCO Secretary General Koichiro Matsuura, United Nations Deputy Secretary General Sergei Ordjonikidze, particpated as well as NGOs dedicated to religious freedom issues. Cardinal Theodore Edgar McCarrick, past Archbishop of Washington, D.C. was among the delegates attending the event from the United States. The Second Congress on World and Traditional Religions convened at a time when the world is beset with conflict, regrettably much of it rooted in religious strife. At some point, religious leaders, and the governments who represent them, must rise above their differences, be they ethnic, cultural, geographic, religious, by seeking God's will as the best means of achieving peace and reconciliation in the world. And make no mistake, seeking common ground and mutual respect should not be viewed as a license for censure of thought or speech. Every human being has an inalienable right granted by God to believe as he or she chooses and to freely express that belief, whether as an act of worship or persuasion. Our common ground becomes soggy if we lose the ability to advocate for our viewpoint, while making sure we give due respect and deference to the viewpoints of others. President Nazarbayev, who is in Washington, D.C. this week at the personal invitation of President George Bush, and Speaker Nurtray Abikayev, Chairman of the Secretariat of the Congress, are to be commended for organizing this very important event. Mr. Speaker, though we may all have different ways to express or define what freedom of religious expression and worship means, we all agree that each individual must have the right to worship freely without intrusion of the government. Therefore, I commend gatherings such as the one that took place in Astana, Kazakhstan earlier this month, and I commend the country of Kazakhstan for hosting this event and believe many worthwhile and much needed issues were raised and discussed. I would also like to have included in my remarks the text of the Declaration of the II Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. Declaration of the II Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions We, the leaders of world and traditional religions, gathered at our Second Congress in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan: Building on the success of the First Congress, which took place in the city of Astana on 23-24 September 2003 and engaged internationally recognized world religious leaders in an important initiative of inter-religious dialogue; wishing to help strengthen mutual understanding between cultures, religions and ethnic groups which form the basic components of world civilizations, and aiming to prevent conflicts based on cultural and religious differences; acknowledging that religion, having always been a fundamental element of human life and society has, at the beginning of the new century, assumed a significant new role in establishing and preserving peace; recognizing the great responsibility held by religious leaders for spiritual teaching and advocacy on behalf of current and future generations, and their vital role in establishing a spirit of mutual respect, understanding and acceptance in the face of new challenges; underlining the unique character of every religion and culture, and considering cultural and religious diversity to be an important feature of human society; expressing concern about increasing inter-religious and interethnic tensions in the world deriving from the exploitation of religious and national differences as a justification for violence which causes suffering to innocent victims; stressing that extremism and fanaticism find no justification in a genuine understanding of religion and that the vocation of all religions demands the refusal of violence and appeals to respect and peaceful co-existence with peoples and religions; believing that the difficulties in inter-religious and intercultural relations are related both to a fundamental imbalance in international politics, economics, social, humanitarian and information resources, and to the manipulation of religion for political ends; discussing and debating the above-mentioned concerns within the main theme of the Congress--``Religion, society and international security'' in the context of two special blocs. I. ``Freedom of religion and recognition of others''; II. ``Role of religious leaders in enhancing international security'' Appeal to people of all religions and people of good will across the globe, and: Call upon them to abandon enmity, discord and hatred; and embrace common respect and generosity, recognizing the reality of cultural, religious and civilizational diversity; declare our determination together to tackle and ultimately eliminate prejudice, ignorance and misrepresentation of other religions by placing particular focus on what religions hold in common as well as what distinguishes them; condemn all forms of terrorism on the basis that justice can never be established through fear and bloodshed and that the use of such means in the name of religion is a violation and betrayal of any religion that appeals to human goodness and dialogue; reject all false inventions and wrongly created stereotypes about the violent nature of religions and attempts to attribute terrorism to any particular religion; call upon all to work together to address and eliminate all causes of terrorism, thus promoting human flourishing, dignity and unity; declare our rejection of any form of pressure or violence to convert followers of one religion to another; reaffirm the pivotal role of education, youth policy and cultural activity for understanding, solidarity and social cohesion. We also call upon the global community, international and regional organizations, states and governments all over the world to: Actively support the process of intercivilizational dialogue; exert sustainable efforts towards creating a culture of peace, strengthening its principles as a firm basis of international politics and the life of all people; work to establish a more fair world, to consolidate international law and justice, and to implement UN resolutions and signed international agreements, and to find effective means of establishing peace and security all over the world; heed the voices of victims of oppression and terrorism and use all means to seek a just settlement of the existing conflicts, thus addressing the grievances that nurture violence; reject totally the development, production and possession of weapons of mass destruction and promote the strengthening of non-proliferation regimes; respect and protect the sanctity of religious symbols and places and take appropriate measures. Based upon the abovementioned, we, the leaders of world and traditional religions, resolved to: Take concrete collective measures for encouraging and highlighting positive perceptions of inter-religious relations by organizing joint meetings, seminars and addresses in the mass media, the Internet and other places of influence; strongly promote interreligious tolerance among younger generations to make them more devoted to dialogue and encourage them recognize universal values; integrate questions of the dialogue between civilizations and religions into curricula at all educational levels with a view to helping young people to respect and understand religious and cultural difference without hostility; use our spiritual influence, authority and resources to further establish peace, security, stability and contacts between each other in order to make a combined contribution to the prevention and resolution of disputes among different religious communities; offer our experience and best efforts to governments and people or groups and powers involved into conflicts in order to assist them in easing tensions, forming where appropriate joint delegations to conduct negotiations with them; commit to make efforts to promote and realize the goals stated in this Declaration, and to assign the Congress Secretariat to propose a plan for the best possible translation of these recommendations into reality; conduct the Congress of religions on a permanent basis and hold the third Congress of the leaders of world and traditional religions in 2009. For the Secretariat to present proposals on time and place of the next forum; bring to the attention of the General Assembly of the United Nations the conceptual and practical role performed by the Congress in promoting dialogue among civilizations, cultures and religions and its considerable achievements in interreligious understanding, inviting support for the further activity of the Congress.