Robert Aderholt

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor State Representative Allen Layson on the occasion of his retirement from the Alabama House of Representatives. Allen is a man who embodies the American principles of hard work, dedication to one's family and service to one's country. I am honored to stand before this body of Congress and this Nation to recognize his many accomplishments. Allen was born on December 16, 1931 in Eatonton, Georgia. He graduated from Eatonton High School in 1947. He entered the United States Army Reserves in 1948 and volunteered for active duty service in 1951 and was discharged in 1953. Immediately after leaving the Army, Allen attended the University of Georgia and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry in just three years, graduating in 1956. Allen and his family moved to Pickens County in 1969, and he soon demonstrated his outstanding leadership to the Reform community. He served as president of the Reform Rotary Club, is the founder of the Reform Area Public Library, is a member of the American Legion, a member of the Pickens County Mental Health Association, a Master Mason, and a member of the Boy Scout Troop Committee. First elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1986, Allen has served the Sixty-First district with distinction for the past twenty years. During his tenure he was a strong proponent of our Second Amendment rights and worked hard to protect the family and our religious liberties. A social and fiscal conservative, he voted consistently to ensure that Alabama provided an economic atmosphere in which business and industry could grow and prosper. Allen is a true friend of the volunteer fire fighter. Through his efforts, a three mil revenue tax was enacted in 1999, and amended in 2004, to provide badly needed funding to the volunteer fire departments in Pickens County. This funding allows the volunteer fire departments to purchase equipment, provide training and cover operating costs. This has greatly enhanced their firefighting capabilities, thus reducing insurance rates and thereby saving money for Alabama families. He served as a Commissioner on the Alabama Forestry Commission from 1979 to 1983, served as president of the Alabama Division for the Society of American Foresters, is a Trustee of the Alabama Forest Products Workman's Compensation Fund, served as president and is a lifetime member of the Alabama Wildlife Federation, is a member of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, a member of the Sierra Club and a member of sixteen volunteer fire departments. Also, Allen has served on the board of directors for the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority since his appointment by Governor Guy Hunt in 1991. He has been distinguished as the recipient of the Governor's Conservationist of the Year Award in Forestry in 1982, the Kelly Mosley Environmental Award in 1985 and the APA Southwestern United States Technical Writing Award in 1981. Of all of Allen's accomplishments, perhaps his greatest achievement was convincing the former JoAnn Kimberly to marry him. They were married on September 15, 1949 and are the proud parents of five children; Butch, Allen, Jr., Kim, James and Michael. Allen and JoAnn are faithful members of Reform First United Methodist Church where Allen has served as a Lay Leader and Lay Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to honor State Representative Allen Layson for his many achievements and his enduring impact on his country, state, 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. Allen is an inspiring role model for all of us and I join his family, friends and colleagues in wishing him God's richest blessings in his retirement.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the majority leader for yielding me time, and thank you for your continued support on this issue. I do rise today to voice my support for the President's veto of H.R. 810. With today's vote, the House will place itself alongside the millions of Americans who believe that all life is precious, even at its earliest stages. This bill, H.R. 810, would make taxpayer dollars available for embryonic stem cell research using embryos remaining from in vitro fertilization procedures. Mr. Speaker, that is the issue. Taxpayers should not be forced to fund what some consider morally wrong. It is still questionable whether embryonic stem cell research will even yield results. I believe we should focus our resources on the proven, the successful adult stem cell research that is working to produce real, meaningful results. That we can all agree on. Proponents of embryonic stem cell research point to their hope of potential lifesaving benefits from such research. I support the goal, but destroying a life to try to save another is not the way to accomplish it. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on this legislation.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4411, which is the Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act. Gambling in any form, especially Internet gambling, is especially dangerous to children. Because these illegal Web sites lack reliable age verification tools, children of any age can access the sites and begin gambling. For adults, these sites encourage gambling addiction with their ease of access, especially with regard to how easy it is to use credit cards. I would like to be clear for the record, Mr. Speaker. I oppose the expansion of gambling in all forms. I have been a long-time opponent of gambling. I have cosponsored tough enforcement measures in the past, including increased criminal penalties and support for international anti-money-laundering efforts. Today's bill includes those measures and takes a strong step to curtail those dangerous sites by cutting off their source of funding. It is an important step toward eradicating this threat and ensuring the safety of our children and our communities. Mr. Speaker, in closing, let me just say, I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation and to vote against the amendment that would be brought up today that would actually gut the results of this legislation.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to the proposed amendment by the gentleman from Georgia. The three States of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida have areas which are dependent on the same water sources. While I sympathize with all those needs, the language in the bill is necessary to prevent the Corps of Engineers from interfering in litigation which is meant to allocate those resources in a fair way among the three States. Mr. Chairman, in 2005 we learned that the Corps of Engineers planned to revise the manuals which govern water sharing between three States-- Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. The corps' ACT manual has not been revised since it was written in 1951, even though nine dams have been built and successfully operated in the ACT Basin since then. In other words, there is no urgent need to revise the manuals, and doing so impacts the water supply of millions of persons in the Southeast. Furthermore, this matter is still in Federal court, and allowing the corps to revise these manuals now will interfere with ongoing litigation. Mr. Chairman, we have tried to work this issue out with the corps directly. On April 14, 2005, the entire Alabama delegation sent a letter to Lt. Gen. Carl Strock, Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, asking that he explain the corps' actions in this matter. In response, on April 26, 2005 Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works John Woodley wrote that the corps ``will withdraw and disclaim any intention to re-evaluate or update the relevant operating procedures and manuals until all relevant litigation has concluded, or the three States' Governors reach an agreement.'' However, Mr. Chairman, after that, the corps did not hold to their commitment. In a letter to Governor Bob Riley of Alabama, dated January 30, 2006, Assistant Secretary Woodley stated that since the relevant litigation has concluded, the corps will now begin revising its manuals. This litigation, however, is not concluded. My understanding is that the ACF litigation has been appealed, and the ACT litigation is still actively underway. Mr. Chairman, if the corps' manuals revisions are allowed to go forward, it will cause great harm to the State of Alabama. We will have inadequate water for drinking, power generation, navigation, recreation, and wildlife. For this reason, it is essential all three States come to a mutual equitable water sharing agreement. It is not appropriate for the corps to unilaterally step in and decree water distribution without the approval of all three States. With all due respect to Mr. Deal's concerns, I must ask for a ``no'' vote in the amendment.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to this proposed amendment by the gentleman from Georgia. We all sympathize with the needs of the water resources that each State has, but we feel the language in the bill is necessary as it is written to prevent the Corps of Engineers from interfering in litigation which is meant to allocate those resources in a fair way among the States of Alabama, Georgia and Florida. Mr. Chairman, let me say, if the manuals are revised and are allowed to go forward, it is our belief that it will cause great harm to the State of Alabama. We will have real concerns over inadequate water for drinking, power generation, navigation, recreation and wildlife. For this reason, it is essential that all three States come to a mutual, equitable water-sharing agreement. We do not believe it is appropriate for the Corps of Engineers to unilaterally step in and to create water distribution without the approval of all three States. With all due respect to Mr. Deal's concern, I must ask for a ``no'' vote on this amendment.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5037, offered by my colleague from Michigan. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude not only to the fallen soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine, but to their families as well. At their darkest hour, their grief does not need to be exploited by those trying to make a political point. This intentional disruption of a brief period of time meant to honor a fallen hero goes against the very fiber of American decency. Free speech and public protests are a right; however, taunting and tormenting families at the very moment they bury heir dead is not a right; it is abhorrent. This bill gives the family members of our fallen heroes the respect that they are owed, and the peace that they deserve as they bury their loved ones. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on this bill, and I hope it is then acted on quickly by the Senate and signed into law by the President.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to pay tribute to Mr. William Newton Heaps and to recognize his many accomplishments. He is truly a man who embodies the American principles of hard work, dedication to one's family and service to one's community. William Heaps was born August 20, 1930 to Johnnie and Louise Vandiver Heaps and raised on a farm in Franklin County in Alabama's Fourth Congressional District. While residing in Russellville, Alabama, William Heaps was manager of the Farmers' Co-Op for numerous years. Later he moved to Clanton, Alabama and there he was sales representative for Fuller Supply Co. of Birmingham for 29 years until his retirement in March of 2000. As an adult he attended singing schools in addition to being privately taught by F.R. Morgan, a student of Vaughan Normal School of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. ``My Title to Those Mansions'' was the first song written by William Heaps and it was published in 1966 by Vaughan Music Company. This was the first of over 100 songs that he has written. As a member of the First Methodist Church of Clanton, William Heaps has served for several years on the administrative board. He has also served as Chairman of the Chilton County Gospel Singing Convention. He was a representative for the Vaughan and the Tennessee Music Companies for a number of years. He has served on the Supreme Cabinet, as Chaplin, as Vice-President and as President of the Convention. He currently serves as a representative for the Gospel Heritage Music Company. He has been a great supporter of and actively engaged in the Alabama State Gospel Singing Convention for many years. As he continues to write music, he resides in Clanton with is wife, Bernice. They have two twin daughters, Shelia Mims and Shirley Henley, and a son Tommy Heaps, who is now a Methodist Minister. They also have one granddaughter, Laura Heaps, and two grandsons, Will Heaps and Scott Mims. William Heaps is a true ``Christian Gentleman'' who is compassionate and respectful toward others. He is a great ``encourager'' with a positive outlook and sound advice. He is an inspiring role model for all of us and I join his friends and colleagues in recognizing one of Alabama's great composers of gospel songs.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate my colleague, John D. Dingell, of Michigan, on his 50 years of service in the United States House of Representatives this week. He is rightfully called ``the Dean of the House,'' as the longest currently serving Member of the House. Only two Members of the House have ever served longer, and Congressman Dingell's congressional career began at age 29, when he won election to succeed his father. John Dingell is known as a Member who is passionate about the welfare of the constituents he represents, and more broadly, all the residents of the United States. He shares his father's great passion for health care for all persons, and was key to the passage of many health care bills, including the Children's Health Insurance Program, and the Mammography Quality Standards Act. His work on health extends naturally to the environment as well, both in terms of holding polluters accountable for cleanup, and in working to preserve America's outdoor treasures for future generations. Michigan, of course, borders Canada, and Congressman Dingell has done outstanding work both in resolving pollution issues with Canada and in creating North America's first international wildlife refuge. As ranking member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and former chairman, John Dingell is known for his extensive knowledge and wisdom, and commands deep respect from both sides of the aisle. I am sure there have been many temptations over the years to leave congressional service for a more lucrative career, but it is a testimony to his dedication and integrity that he has reached this milestone in his career. I extend to him, and to his wife Deborah, and the entire family, my sincere congratulations.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of this legislation, the Border Protection Antiterterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act. I support this bill for several reasons, but I think one of the things that must be noted is it provides the Federal Government with needed authority to secure the borders. It also closes the loopholes in current law that illegal immigrants and their facilitators exploit to enter and remain in the United States illegally. It is estimated that more than 11 million people, as it has been brought out here today, enter the U.S. illegally. That number includes those who have stayed over their visa and those who have entered this country illegally in the first place. Of course, America is a very charitable Nation. We welcome those with open arms who wish to live here, who wish to work here, raise a family here and eventually become naturalized citizens. That is why we have a legal process to do so. Since September 11, 2001, we as a Nation have had to reevaluate our willingness to have among us so many noncitizens that are here illegally. For the sake of our national security, for the sake of government programs that many of our colleagues on this side also cherish, we must pass a bill to begin to perform our duties to secure our borders. This bill also facilitates cooperation between border sheriffs and Federal law enforcement by authorizing reimbursements to local sheriffs, along the border, for the cost of enforcing immigration laws and detaining illegal immigrants until transferred to Federal custody. This has been a growing problem, and the clarification provided in this bill and the financial resources are important. Mr. President, I rise today in support of the Border Protection, Anti-terrorism and Illegal Immigration Control Act. I support this bill because it provides the Federal Government with needed authority to secure our borders. It also closes loopholes in current law that illegal immigrants and their facilitators exploit to enter and remain in the U.S. illegally. It's estimated that there are more than 11 million people in the U.S. here illegally. That number includes those who have overstayed their visas and those who have entered the country illegally. America is a charitable nation; welcoming those who wish to live, work, raise a family and eventually become naturalized citizens. This is why we have a legal process to do so. Since September 11, 2001 we, as a nation, have had to re-evaluate our willingness to have among us so many non-citizens that are here illegally. For the sake of our national security, and for the sake of the government programs that many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle cherish, we must pass this bill and begin to perform our duty to secure our borders. Since the changes will increase the number of illegal aliens in Federal custody, this bill includes provisions to increase the number of beds available to house these illegal aliens. The Department of Homeland Security will expand capacity to house those awaiting court hearings or removal. I want to thank the Chairman for yielding time and I'll close by asking all of my colleagues to support this bill; it is long overdue and a vital first step towards improving border security.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor Mr. James Bertral Galloway, who was born on November 3, 1924, in the Hopewell Community near Geraldine, Alabama. Mr. Galloway was a Navy veteran who served stateside in Chincoteague, Virginia as an air mechanic, near the end of WorId War II. He later married the former Miss Pauline Mayes on October 17, 1970. Until retirement, the two of them taught school at Geraldine High School. Mrs. Galloway taught remediation for 30 years, and Mr. Galloway taught history and also coached basketball. As a devoted teacher, Mr. Galloway also had a passion for the contributions of veterans to our society, and a desire to honor those contributions. Mr. Galloway started the Geraldine Veterans Day Program. Spanning three decades, 2005 marks its 31st year. This program has become a Geraldine staple, and its special nature is attested to by the fact that it prompts surrounding communities to make plans to attend each year. In recent years, the Geraldine School administration, in conjunction with the Student Government Association, has sponsored the Veterans Day Program and has taken it to new heights. The well-organized program, with the participation of the SGA, sponsors, faculty, and of course the veterans themselves includes being escorted to special seating, commemorative speeches, drama productions, and martial music in front of the student body, which numbers over 1,100. Each veteran is recognized by name, service branch, years of service and theater of operations. There is a special memorial component of the program, to honor those veterans who have passed away during the year. Upon conclusion of the formal program, the veterans and their families share a meal together and have the opportunity to visit the school, where the halls and doorways have been decorated with a patriotic theme. It is with sadness I note that Mr. James Galloway passed away on July 13, 2005. I want to publicly express how deeply he will be missed. His efforts will not be forgotten or unnoticed, and although we mourn his absence, we celebrate his many years of unselfish service to the community. His sincerity and devotion to country and service shine to this day. The Veterans Day Program at Geraldine School is one that has enriched countless lives for 31 years. Through Mr. James Bertral Galloway's efforts, and those who followed him, the Geraldine School community has a greater appreciation of the sacrifices made by our veterans.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 564. I inadvertently voted ``aye.'' I would like the record to reflect that I meant to vote ``no.'' Amendment No. 5 Offered by Mr. Moran of Virginia

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks. Mr. Chairman, the Endangered Species Act is a well-intentioned law that has failed in its implementation. Originally billed as a way to recover and rehabilitate endangered species, it has failed at that goal. As it has been pointed out, less than 1 percent of species listed have recovered in the entire history of the act. Almost 3 times that many still listed are believed to already be extinct. Many species that were listed in error, yet because of flaws in the act, they are still listed. This bill today will greatly improve the recovery process so that species may be restored and removed from the list. Mr. Chairman, one of those species is the Alabama sturgeon. It was listed years ago even though it was never proven to be genetically distinct from any other sturgeon. It's simply a regular sturgeon living in Alabama. The economic cost of its listing has been estimated at $1.5 billion. Mr. Chairman, I and the rest of the Alabama delegation worked directly with the gentleman from California to ensure that the bill is helpful to landowners in Alabama and Southeast. The Endangered Species Act today creates an adversarial relationship between landowners and the government. Landowners have little incentive to conserve species on their property. However, this bill will create cooperative conservation agreements between landowners and the government. It will also provide long overdue compensation to landowners whose property has been ``taken'' by the Endangered Species Act. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize our guest chaplain, the Reverend Donald J. Young. Reverend Young's life has been one of service to God and to his country. After graduating from the University of Illinois in 1969, he joined the United States Army and served in Korea. When he left the Army in 1973, he worked in Illinois as a manager of Finance America. He could have had a long career for Finance America, lived in Illinois and raised his family. Instead, he again answered a call to serve and entered the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, graduating from there in 1981. Since entering Seminary his service has taken him to communities in Virginia, in Florida, and most recently in the State of Alabama. In 1995, he was an Associate Pastor of Education and Senior Adults at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Enterprise, Alabama. In 2002, he began serving in his present role as Minister of Education and Senior Adults at the 12th Street Baptist Church in Gadsden, Alabama. He and his wife have one daughter, Dawne, who resides in Orlando, Florida. Reverend Young is joined today by his wife, Deborah, and several members of the 12th Street Baptist Church in Gadsden, along with several others from the Fourth Congressional District. I appreciate the prayer that Reverend Young has offered this afternoon. It is an honor to have him as our guest here in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S.J. Res. 19, a joint resolution calling upon the President to issue a proclamation recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act. As a Commissioner of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), I am pleased to continue to work with my fellow commissioners in Congress, the Administration and our counterparts in the other 54 member nations. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) had its origin in the early 1950s when the Soviet Union first proposed the creation of an all-European security conference. However it wasn't until November 1972 when representatives from the original 35 nations met for nearly three years to work out the arrangements. On August 1, 1975, the leaders of the original 35 participating States gathered in Helsinki and signed the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Also known as the Helsinki Accords, the Final Act is a binding agreement consisting of three main sections, known as Baskets, regarding political, economic and human rights. Since 1975, the number of countries signing the Helsinki Accords has expanded to 55, reflecting changes such as the breakup of the Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia. Institutionalization of the Conference in the early 1990s led to its transformation to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, effective January 1995. The Helsinki Final Act and the process it began provided an important backdrop against which President Ronald Reagan, standing in front of Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, could boldly declare, ``Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.'' This began the process of systemic change, eventually leading to the release of hundreds of cases of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience as well as the reunification of tens of thousands of families. In a step designed to preserve the unity of the Helsinki process, each country that joined the OSCE after 1975 submitted a letter in which the accepted in their entirety all commitments and responsibilities contained in the Helsinki Final Act, and all subsequent documents adopted prior to their membership. To underscore this continuity, the leaders of each of these countries signed the actual original 1975 Final Act document. I have been particularly interested in working with former Chairman Smith and now with Chairman Brownback on human rights and religious freedom. There remains a great deal of work to do on these matters throughout the OSCE member countries. I look forward to continuing to work with the OSCE members and their outstanding staff.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Mr. Donald G. Waldon on the occasion of his retirement as the Administrator of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority. I am honored to stand before this body of Congress and this Nation to recognize his many accomplishments. He is truly a man who embodies the American principles of hard work, dedication to one's family and service to one's community. Don is a native of Columbus, Mississippi but grew up in Mobile, Alabama. He graduated from Mississippi State University in 1961 with a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering and completed post graduate studies in science and engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1963 and Texas A&M in 1964. He is a 1994 graduate of the University of Oklahoma's Economic Development Institute and the recipient of the Southern Industrial Development Council's 1994 Robert B. Cassell Award for Best Research Thesis. Don joined the Army Corps of Engineers in 1961, where he worked in Mobile until 1966, conducting feasibility studies for water resource projects such as ports and waterways, including some early ideas for the Tenn-Tom Waterway. In 1966 he went to work for the Office of Management and Budget of the Executive Office of the President where he advised OMB and White House officials, including the President, on major budgetary, policy and legislative matters involving natural resources. Don worked for OMB until 1974 when he was appointed as Deputy Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of the Interior, a position he held until September, 1975. His duties included management responsibilities for all land and water resource agencies within the Department of the Interior, which at the time had a budget of nearly $2 billion and approximately 12,000 employees. He had oversight over reclamation projects and the development of oil fields, coal mining on public lands, the Alaska Pipeline, the measures taken under the Nixon Energy Initiative, and served on a number of White House task forces, involving energy. In 1975, on the advice of Tenn-Tom project Administrator Glover Wilkins, Don entered an exchange program inside the Federal Government and came to the Tenn-Tom on a 2-year basis, but ultimately stayed for 30. In 1979 Don resigned from the Federal Government and remained with the Tenn-Tom, taking the position of Deputy Administrator. When Glover Wilkins retired in 1984 Don was appointed to the post of Administrator, a position he has held ever since. As Administrator of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority Don has worked tirelessly to promote the development of the Waterway, exploring economic and trade opportunities, and addressing potential barriers to the Waterway's beneficial use. Under Don's leadership the Waterway has resulted in approximately $5 billion in expanded industry. The Waterway has had a tremendous impact on the local communities, not just with industrial development, but by bringing in recreation and tourism dollars as well. Apart from his leadership of the Tenn-Tom Waterway Authority, Don is active in a variety of organizations devoted to the development of our waterways. He is President of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Council, Vice-Chairman of the National Waterways Conference, Inc., Director of the Inland Rivers, Ports and Terminals, Inc. (a national trade group representing inland ports), Executive Committee member of the U.S. Maritime Administration's Heartland Intermodal Partnership, Vice-President of the Alabama-Tombigbee Rivers Coalition and an Advisory Board Member of the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute. Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to honor Donald G. Waldon for his many accomplishments and his 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. Don is an inspiring role model for all of us and I join his friends and colleagues in wishing him God's richest blessings in his retirement.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor Mr. and Mrs. Jesse R. Baxter, Jr. J.R. Baxter, Jr., was born in Lebanon, Alabama on December 8, 1887. Clarice Howard was later born in Henagar, Alabama on October 1, 1897. The two married on June 23, 1918. They shared a commitment to faith and a love for music. Along with V.O. Stamps they founded Stamps-Baxter Music & Printing Company, in 1926. As devoted Christians, they committed their lives to furthering the gospel by setting it to music. Stamps-Baxter Music & Printing Company has played a crucial role in the promotion of gospel music worldwide. Mr. and Mrs. Baxter passed away in January 1959 and May 1972, respectively. However, their contributions to the composition, publishing, and distribution of gospel music are greatly appreciated and will benefit many generations to come. The Baxters were loved and respected by many and leave a legacy of service and humility. It is an honor to know that Mr. and Mrs. Baxter were both born and raised in DeKalb County, Alabama, which I have the privilege of representing as part of Alabama's Fourth Congressional District.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 810. This bill, which we have already heard today, would reverse the embryonic stem cell policy instituted by the President of the United States in 2001, and I believe it is very misguided, in my opinion. I wish to thank the majority leader, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay), and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Weldon) for their work on this legislation against H.R. 810. They have already outlined many of the reasons why the bill should be defeated, but I would like to share some additional thoughts. First, let me say that good people can disagree on this issue. However, what we are discussing today is the Federal funding of the embryonic stem cell. According to the statement of administration policy this morning, the administration strongly opposes passage of H.R. 810. The bill would compel all American taxpayers to pay for research that relies on the intentional destruction of human embryos to obtain stem cells, overturning the President's policy that supports research without promoting ongoing destruction. There are other vast financial resources available to fund this controversial issue. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to vote against and not allow embryos to be killed for Federal funding research that is ethically and scientifically uncertain.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our guest chaplain, Mr. James Sanford Brinkerhoff. Jim has served selflessly as a campus minister on the Auburn University campus for 22 years, working with the Auburn Church of Christ and Auburn Christian Student Center. Auburn University is the largest university in the State of Alabama and is therefore a crucial component of Alabama's educational system. Jim works very hard to ensure that, in addition to receiving outstanding education, Auburn students are exposed to the teachings of Jesus. Through campus ministry, Jim has impacted the lives of many through counseling, teaching, service, and friendship. Students with whom he has worked now stretch across the globe with a common affection and respect for this man. Jim is joined this morning by his wife, Mary, and their three children, Amy, Anna and Ben. I appreciate the prayer that Reverend Brinkerhoff offered this morning; and the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Rogers), who represents the Third Congressional District, and I are honored to have him as our guest in the United States House of Representatives, especially on this day as we celebrate the National Day of Prayer.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to voice my strong support for H.R. 748. And I thank the Committee on the Judiciary for allowing Members to speak on this bill and also particularly the gentlewoman from Florida, who brought this legislation to the floor and who has worked on this legislation to get it through. Needless to say, this bill is something that many of us feel very strongly about, that will protect our daughters of minor age from those who would seek to harm them or that would interfere with that parental/ child relationship. In my State, for example, Alabama, we have a one-parent consent or judicial bypass law that is currently on the books. Three of the States that border Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and Mississippi, have laws that are at least as stringent as those in Alabama. The fourth State, Florida, currently has no parental involvement statute in effect, which in essence means that minor children from Alabama can be taken into Florida to have an abortion with no parental involvement. I in no way believe that this legislation punishes young women. It was put there to protect them. Therefore, I would urge my colleagues to vote in support of this important legislation.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, it is Sunday evening, a time when those of us in the House of Representatives are usually not in session. But tonight is an unusual night and the circumstances before us are unusual. It goes without saying that we of course are discussing the life and death of Terri Schiavo. The situation that Terri is in has been discussed here on this floor tonight already, and you only have to turn on the news or pick up a newspaper to learn about it. However, as I have watched, as I have listened, as I have read the news, I have been shocked at some of the inaccurate statements that have been made about Terri's condition. The bottom line is that once Terri is dead, it will be too late to reconsider what else we will do. The truth is Terri is not brain dead. She is awake. She is aware of her surroundings. Terri is not on artificial life support. No extraordinary measures are being taken. She does need assistance in being fed, but that is not unusual. I have a perfectly healthy 1-year-old little boy, and he needs assistance in being fed, perhaps not through a feeding tube, but nonetheless he needs help. As I said, this is an unusual situation. Usually Congress writes laws with a broad brush, but every once in a while an unusual situation will require special legislative action. That is a situation for us tonight, Mr. Speaker. Tonight, the possible life or death of Terri Schiavo is before us. I ask my colleagues to support this legislation, and may we as a Nation continue to protect the most innocent and most vulnerable among us so that the United States of America will continue to be that light on the hill, that beacon of hope for all mankind.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Mr. David Emerson Housel on the occasion of his retirement as Auburn University Director of Athletics. I am honored to stand before this body of Congress and this Nation to recognize his many accomplishments. David is truly a man who embodied American principles of hard work, dedication to one's family, and service to one's community. On April 1, 1994, David Housel became Auburn University's thirteenth Director of Athletics. Upon accepting the job, he stated that his one goal was to leave Auburn and the athletic department better than he found it. This goal was achieved. Mr. Speaker, I could go on much longer about this gentleman who was born and grew up in Pickens County, Alabama in the Fourth District but time does not permit this morning. It is a great privilege to honor David Emerson Housel for his many accomplishments and his enduring impact on his country, his community, friends and of course family. He is a man of great dignity and character who takes pride in the accomplishments of those he has helped over the years. David continues to be an inspiring role model for all of us and is the embodiment of the Auburn creed. I know I join the Auburn faithful and all Alabamians in wishing David God's richest blessing in his retirement. Mr. Speaker, today I have the privilege to honor Mr. David Emerson Housel on the occasion of his retirement as Auburn University's Director of Athletics. I am honored to stand before this body of Congress and this Nation to recognize his many accomplishments. He is truly a man who embodies the American principles of hard work, dedication to one's family, and service to one's community. David Emerson Housel was born on October 18, 1946 and grew up in the small, west Alabama town of Gordo. In 1956, at the age of ten, David attended his first Auburn University football game, a 34-7 victory over the University of Alabama at Legion Field in Birmingham. After the game he wrote letters to both schools asking for information about their football teams. David told the story to Mr. Neal Sims of the Birmingham News in the December 26, 2004 issue: ``Auburn sent a football guide, along with a note thanking me for being an Auburn fan. I got an Alabama media guide and a bill for two dollars''. As Mr. Sims reports: ``Alabama got its two bucks. Auburn got his heart, and together school and devotee have been linked ever since he grew from child to man.'' David graduated from Gordo High School in 1965 and enrolled in Auburn University on June 9 of the same year. He graduated with a degree in journalism in 1969 and, after eight months with the Huntsville News (during which time he maintained a mailing address in Auburn) he returned to his Alma Mater to accept a job in the Ticket Office, where he worked from 1970 to 1972. He taught journalism from 1972 to 1980 when he rejoined the athletic staff as Assistant Sports Information Director, He was named Director in 1981 and Assistant Athletic Director in 1985. On April 1, 1994 David became Auburn's thirteenth Director of Athletics. Upon accepting the job he said, ``People may agree or disagree with decisions that are made, but they will never be able to question the reasons for those decisions. There will be no agenda other than the betterment of Auburn.'' His one goal was to leave Auburn and the athletic program better than he found it. This goal was achieved. Under David's leadership Auburn won seven team national championships (in the previous thirty-eight years Auburn had captured only one national championship). Auburn has won twenty-nine Southeastern Conference titles in the last ten years (in the previous ten seasons, Auburn had won eight titles). During David's tenure, the Athletic Department has posted its highest graduation rates ever. Also, the Department operated in the black financially every year, one of the very few Division 1A programs to do so on a consistent annual basis. Being the humble man that he is, David refuses to take credit for these accomplishments. Instead he gives credit to the Board of Trustees, the President, and above all, to the Auburn people. ``This is the work of Auburn people,'' he says. ``Whatever we have been able to accomplish is a direct reflection of Auburn people and their support of the school they love.'' David is a past president of the SEC Sports Information Directors, a former chair of the NCAA Public Relations and Communications Committees. He served on the District III Postgraduate Scholarship Committee and has served as chair of the Dean's Council for Auburn's College of Liberal Arts. He also served as a member of the NCAA Championships Cabinet and the Executive Committee of the Southeastern Conference. He serves on the Board of Directors for Auburn Bank, the Auburn Wesley Foundation, the Lee County Red Cross and is a member of the Birmingham Pledge Advisory Board. He is an honorary member of the Auburn Football Lettermen Club and the University Singers. He is a member of the Sports Information Directors' Hall of Fame, the Tony Brandino Hall of Fame and the Gordo Athletics Hall of Fame. He is also an award winning free lance writer and has written two books, ``Saturdays to Remember'' and ``From the Desk of David Housel, A Collection of Auburn Stories.'' In 1982 the Alabama Chapter of the National Football Foundation recognized David with their Contribution to Amateur Football Award. He has also received the Distinguished Service Award from the Walter Camp Foundation of New Haven, Connecticut and the Birmingham Monday Morning Quarterback Club for his career contributions to the sport of college football. Of all of David's accomplishments, perhaps his greatest achievement was convincing the former Susan McIntosh to marry him. Susan is a retired third grade teacher at Wright's Mill Road Elementary School in Auburn and they were married on June 15, 1985. David and Susan are faithful members of Auburn First United Methodist Church. Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to honor David Emerson Housel for his many accomplishments and his 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. David continues to be an inspiring role model for all of us and is the embodiment of the Auburn Creed. I know I join the Auburn faithful in wishing David God's richest blessings in his retirement.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor Mrs. Sue L. Glidewell. She embodies the American principles of hard work, dedication to one's family, and service to one's community. I would like to recognize this outstanding citizen and public servant and her many accomplishments. Mrs. Sue Glidewell was born on August 14, 1931 in Marshall County, Alabama. She later moved to Etowah County and graduated from Gadsden High School in 1949. She married the late H. L. Glidewell in 1950 and had four children: Cathy, who passed away in August of 1976, Gina Passmore, Kelly Stephens and H. L. Glidewell, Junior. She has five grandchildren. As a young woman, she joined the workforce in 1949 when she accepted a position with the Credit Bureau of Gadsden. She first entered public service as an employee of the City of Gadsden Water Department in 1950. This was just the beginning of her many exceptional years in public service. She began her career with Rainbow City in 1967 when she began working as the city clerk. She served in this capacity for thirteen years before being elected Mayor in 1980. In 2004 she stepped down from the office of Mayor after having completed twenty-four years of service to her city. Mrs. Sue Glidewell is a past President and a past Vice-President of the Alabama League of Municipalities. While Mayor, she served on the League's Executive Committee as well as the Committee on State and Federal Legislation. She was also a member of the Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee for the National League of Cities. She is the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Alabama Municipal Insurance Corporation and is a member of the Coosa River Development Task Force and the Etowah County Baptist Association Foundation Executive Committee. Mrs. Glidewell is a member of the Coosa Valley Baptist Church where she sings in the choir and teaches Sunday School. Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to honor Mrs. Sue L. Glidewell for her many years of accomplishments and her lasting impact on her community and family. I am proud to have worked with Mayor Glidewell for the past several years and am grateful for her leadership. I know the leaders of Rainbow City and Etowah County will build upon the legacy that she leaves behind. She continues to be an inspiring role model for all of us, and I wish her all the best in the coming years.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 310. Passage of this bill will mark a very important step, in my opinion, toward protecting American children. I especially do want to thank the committee for their work on this bill, and the gentleman from Texas (Chairman Barton) and the gentleman from Michigan (Chairman Upton) for their work on this legislation. The purpose, of course, of the legislation that we are discussing today is to return decent, family-friendly broadcast television and radio to families across America. I should note that this legislation in no way changes the FCC's current definition of obscenity, indecency, or profanity. Rather, it enables the agency to enforce the existing rules. As has been stated here already on the floor today, it would allow the FCC to impose a fine of half a million dollars against broadcasters for every violation of obscene, indecent, and profane material. Of course, additionally the bill will allow the FCC to fine networks and entertainers for up to half a million dollars if they willfully or intentionally violate indecency standards by airing obscene, indecent, or profane material. Mr. Speaker, I would urge the passage of H.R. 310 today and would urge my colleagues to wholeheartedly support this legislation.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor Jim D. Raby who is celebrating his 70th birthday. Jim is a man who embodies the American principles of hard work, dedication to one's family, and service to one's country and I am honored to stand before this body of Congress and this Nation to recognize this wonderful man and his many accomplishments. Jim was born on August 10, 1934 in the town of Jeff, Alabama. He grew up as a sharecropper in north Alabama, growing primarily cotton. He graduated from Monrovia High School in 1952 and briefly attended Andrew Jackson Business School in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1954, Jim joined the U.S. Navy and served his country honorably as a Seabee and as a Communications Technician. Following his discharge from the service, Jim began work in Huntsville, Alabama for the Army Ballistics Missile Agency (ABMA) as an electronic technician. There he had the distinction of working with the former German Rocket Team, including Dr. Werner Von Braun, during the infancy of the U.S. Space Program. In 1960, ABMA was transformed into the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Jim joined the new agency as a Charter Member. He worked on almost every phase of the Pegasus, Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Skylab programs. Jim's contributions included development of specifications and standards for electronic manufacturing, specifically soldering and crimp terminations as well as cable and harnesses. He installed many of these cables and harnesses in the original Mercury capsule. Jim then established schools for each of these subjects and performed lead activities in the fabrication of electronics for the Saturn and Apollo programs. Jim moved to various contractor facilities (as a NASA employee) throughout the United States to provide NASA guidance on manufacturing methods and techniques as well as providing Quality Assurance functions. He had the last word on flight readiness of electronic and electrical installations and in troubleshooting these systems when problems arose. The Moon landing during the summer of 1969 was the climax of this great era in Jim's life. Jim left NASA in 1975 to work for the U.S. Navy at China Lake, California. While at China Lake, Jim developed the Soldering Standardization Program which standardized requirements DoD-wide and the Solder Training and Certification Program. He also started the Electronic Manufacturing and Production Facility (EMPF). In 1984, Jim left the Navy to start Soldering Technology International, a family business in which he is still active. Soldering Technology International (STI) helps customers build more reliable electronic hardware. Under Jim's guidance, the company has twice been selected to INC Magazine's INC 500 list of fastest growing private companies. STI was also selected as Huntsville/Madison County's Small Business of the Year in the business services category for the year 2000. STI currently employs 45 people and has customers in all 50 states as well as 40 countries around the world. Of all Jim's achievements, he is most proud of his family--wife Ellen, son David, daughter-in-law Sheila, and beautiful granddaughter Ashley. He is also proud of the many friends and admirers that he has come to know over the years. Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to honor Jim D. Raby for his many accomplishments and his enduring impact on his country, community and family. Jim has been and continues to be an inspiring role model for all of us, and I wish him the best of wishes on the occasion of his 70th birthday.