Rodney Alexander

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Block High School Class of 1961 as they celebrate their 50 year reunion. The alumni will observe this momentous occasion on Sunday, June 18, 2011. The 1961 class was a cohesive and talented group who became doctors, nurses, elected officials, teachers, business owners, pharmacists, law enforcement personnel and investigators, and some have proudly served our country in uniform. Moreover, of the 43 classmates who graduated on May 18, 1961, only five are no longer with us. This group of alumni is undoubtedly dedicated to each other, and they have gathered for several reunions throughout the decades since their graduation from the Jonesville, La. school. This reunion will surely be another success as they come together to commemorate each other and the significant and memorable occasions that have taken place throughout their lives. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the Block High School Class of 1961 as they gather for their 50 year reunion. I know it will be a joyous celebration.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. I yield myself 3 minutes. Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 35, if adopted, will add provisions to the continuing resolution, H.R. 1473, to prohibit any funds in this act or any previous act from being used to implement the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Most importantly, the resolution will guarantee that our colleagues in the Senate will take an up-or-down vote on this important issue. I think we can agree that this is a vote that the American people have called for and is a vote that we owe the American public. Mr. Speaker, today the House approved an historic spending agreement that cuts nearly $40 billion in Federal spending. When signed into law, Congress will have achieved the first step in addressing our Nation's ballooning debt. Our economy still suffers from apathetic growth, and millions of individuals remain unemployed. At a time like today, when the Federal Government is running record deficits, coupled with significant unsustainable liabilities like Medicare and Medicaid, we simply cannot afford this $2.6 trillion new entitlement program. It only seems fair that a vote on the billions of dollars in both mandatory and discretionary money required to implement the health reform law is part of the discussion. I, along with my colleagues in the House, have long argued for the repeal of this law. Several Members have also maintained that, for this strategy to be successful, it must include efforts to defund the enforcement and implementation of the law through the appropriations process. With the inclusion of this language in the CR, we will move one step closer to reaching that goal. Under new leadership, the House has already begun to tackle the health care law on various fronts. In January of this year, the Chamber approved a full repeal of the health care law. Additionally, during the historic open debate on a previous continuing resolution, H.R. 1, this Chamber debated and approved various provisions that would prohibit or slow the implementation of the health care law by restricting annual appropriations from going toward implementation. In fact, just yesterday, we passed a measure that would repeal just one section of the health care law that included $17.5 billion in mandatory ``automatic'' appropriations. This resolution will go further by eliminating all of the funding, both mandatory and discretionary, which, it is clear, we presently cannot afford. It will also allow time for us to offer up new solutions to our Nation's health care challenges that will not have long-term negative consequences on job creation and economic growth. Putting all arguments on the merits of the health care law aside, this resolution simply ensures that accountability is restored over how hard-earned taxpayer dollars are being spent. The health care law turned hundreds of billions of dollars in discretionary spending into mandatory spending. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 218, I call up the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 35) directing the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make a correction in the enrollment of H.R. 1473, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 35.

Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Rehberg).

Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. King).

Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ALEXANDER. No.

Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, in closing, a key component of this spending agreement is a guaranteed up-or-down vote in the Senate on a provision that would prohibit any funds in this act or any previous act from being used to carry out the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Let's return to Congress its power to review this funding annually and exercise full oversight. House Concurrent Resolution 35 does just that. At a time when we are being called on to rein in government spending, the American taxpayer deserves this vote. I urge my colleagues to support this enrolled resolution to deliver on that promise today and call on the Senate to do the same.

Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to congratulate Ruth Beavers for being selected as a recipient of the Daily Point of Light Award. This award is a testament that Ruth is a true leader for her volunteer service to St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe, LA. Ruth joined the St. Francis Medical Center volunteer program in 2000. As of September 30, 2010, she has devoted 7,764 hours of service to St. Francis Medical Center. Ruth has continually demonstrated the mission of St. Francis Medical Center by her commitment to reaching out to others in their time of need. She has brought comfort and hope to patients and their families with her sincere concern for their welfare. During this past decade, Ruth has dedicated her time, talent and energy to helping others. Her commitment to service is a true example of citizenship. She is truly an unsung hero to St. Francis Medical Center and the St. Francis Volunteer program. Her compassion and faithful service to St. Francis Medical Center's patients, families, and staff exemplifies the best in volunteerism. She is an example of how one person can change the lives of many, and I commend Ruth for her hard work and dedication to making a positive difference in the community. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mrs. Ruth Beavers for this significant achievement.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I stand before you today to congratulate Kay Kellogg Katz who is being recognized as the Monroe Rotary Club's Woman of the Year. She is truly deserving of this honor for her exemplary service and dedication to Northeast Louisiana. A woman who embodies the spirit of public service, Kay's legislative career spans a decade, and she presently serves as a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives. In addition, she is the immediate past Louisiana Republican national committeewoman, which made her an automatic member of the 168-member Republican National Committee. Preceding her legislative service, Kay was a valued member of the Monroe City Council. In this capacity, she served as council chairman and as a member of the Street Improvement Committee. Among her lengthy civic accomplishments, Kay is active with Rotary International, American Heart Association, Ouachita Parish Recycling Commission, Monroe Tree Board, Fort Miro chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Monroe Airport Advisory Committee and Monroe Garden Club. In addition to her citizenship activities and community organizations, Kay is also a committed patron of the arts through her involvement with the Monroe Symphony and sits on the boards of both the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council and the Louisiana State Arts Council. She served as vice president of the Monroe Little Theatre, and in 2000, the Louisiana Museum Association selected her as ``Legislator of the Year.'' She is also associated with the Masur Museum, University of Louisiana-Monroe (ULM) Art Department, ULM Foundation for the Performing Arts, Children's Museum, Twin City Ballet and Masterworks Chorus. Kay is a homegrown hero having graduated from Neville High School in Monroe. She went on to obtain her college degree from Mississippi State University. Her dedication to community and career is exceeded only by her devotion to her loving family. Kay and her late husband Ben Katz are the parents of three. Ben, like his wife, was a faithful public servant. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Kay Kellogg Katz on being named the Monroe Rotary's Woman of the Year. Her commitment, compassion and leadership warrant this laudable recognition.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address a matter of vital importance to our Nation's business and economic recovery. I am extremely concerned about recent actions by the Army Corps of Engineers and its failure to maintain the Lower Mississippi River deep draft navigation channel. Approximately 60 percent of all U.S. grain exports are shipped from the Mississippi River, and 25 percent of all large commercial bulk ships that arrive in the U.S. come through the mouth of the Mississippi River. U.S. Customs and Border Protection estimates that the river system facilitates between $85 billion and $104 billion annually in foreign trade through its district on the Lower Mississippi River. Without immediate maintenance dredging of that channel, domestic transportation costs will significantly increase for a wide range of U.S. products and goods, and many businesses will be placed at a competitive disadvantage for participation in the Nation's export trade. At this time, the Corps is not meeting navigation channel maintenance requirements, and as a result, the width and depth of the channel has been reduced because of silting in the lower stretches of the river. The maritime transportation capabilities of the waterway are deteriorating rapidly, and river pilots now have imposed operating restrictions on commercial vessels transiting the mouth of the Mississippi River, restrictions that will significantly add costs and delays in the export of American products to international markets. Therefore, I urge the Corps of Engineers to maintain the Lower Mississippi River deep draft navigation channel at a depth and width that will not inhibit transportation on this vital waterway.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to congratulate Mrs. Barbara Clover on being named the 2010 National Secondary Art Educator of the Year by the National Art Education Association. She is truly deserving of this honor for her exemplary contributions toward the promotion of art education. Mrs. Clover has been an art teacher at Holy Savior Menard Central High School in Alexandria, La., for 16 years where she has challenged and inspired students to explore their creative sides. Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Clover serves as president of the Louisiana Art Education Association. She views this affiliation as a means to further her advocacy for the arts and art education. In addition, Mrs. Clover has been featured at numerous local art events and has chaired the Youth Art Month program for the Louisiana Art Education Association. For her dedication to enhancing art education, she has been honored nationally five times for her work with Youth Art Month, including four awards of Excellence and one Claire Flanagan Memorial Grand Award, which is the highest award presented by the Council for Art Education, Inc. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mrs. Barbara Clover for being named the 2010 National Secondary Art Educator of the Year. As an excellent teacher and promoter of the arts, she is deserving of this laudable recognition.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the life and achievements of Mrs. Bernice Cleveland, who passed away on January 6, 2011 in Minden, La. Mrs. Cleveland was a passionate humanitarian who dedicated 40 years of service to children and families in the Boyce and Lena areas. For decades, she worked for the Louisiana Head Start Program through the Bo Peep Head Start Center in Boyce, La., teaching the pre-school age group. Her daughter, Sheila Joyce Bryant, says ``She had a passion for children and believed you must have patience in dealing with the little ones.'' For her devotion to Head Start, Mrs. Cleveland received numerous awards and accolades, such as Excellence in Teaching, Excellence in Attendance, and in August of 2005, she was recognized with the 40 Years of Service Award by the Cenla Community Action Committee, Inc.-- Louisiana Head Start Program. Mrs. Cleveland had two brothers, Joseph Jones, Jr. and Nathaniel Jones, Sr., and one sister, Miss Etta Mae Jones, who preceded her in death. She leaves behind her adoring husband, James ``Ted'' Floyd Cleveland, her loving daughter, Sheila, and two granddaughters, Rachel Joyce Bryant and Bathsheba Felice Bryant. Upon her marriage in 1953, Mrs. Cleveland joined her mother-in-law, the late Cora Beatrice Cleveland, and united with Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church where she faithfully served for 50 years. In May 2009, she received a Christian Service Award by the Louisiana Baptist State Convention, and since 1956, she has been a member of the Queen Esther Household of Ruth, No. 2853. She was also heavily involved in the church, singing in the sanctuary choir, teaching Sunday and vacation bible schools and working with the youth department. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the late Mrs. Bernice Cleveland. Her altruistic nature and selfless dedication warrant this laudable recognition. For her unyielding efforts to help others, Mrs. Cleveland leaves this world a better place.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and achievements of Mrs. June Wheeler Peach, who passed away at her home on January 31 at the age of 72. Mrs. Peach was a renowned community activist and passionate humanitarian who dedicated her time to countless organizations and charities. For much of her adult life, Mrs. Peach was active in the operation and financing of nursing homes as well as devoting her energy to care for the elderly. For the past 34 years, she served on the Board of the Louisiana Nursing Home Association--working on almost every committee and in every role possible. At the time of her passing, she served on the Executive Committee and as Secretary of the LNHA, a position she held for the last 32 years. In addition, Mrs. Peach was involved in other community outreach efforts including: the Governor's Commission on HIV/Aids, the Department of Health and Hospitals Advisory Committee on Medicaid, Alexandria Town Talk Advisory Board, Vo-Technical College, Salvation Army, Little Theatre's Sheltered Workshop, Food Bank of CenLa, Central Louisiana Coalition to Prevent Homelessness, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Cabrini Foundation, Rapides Primary Health Care, Region 6 Health Care Consortium, Central Louisiana Health Care Ethics Coalition, Regional Special Olympics, Central Louisiana Community Foundation, YWCA, Alzheimer's Association and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Canterbury House. Mrs. Peach was also heavily affiliated with Friendship House, a nonprofit day-care facility for adults who can no longer care for themselves, as well as an active member of her beloved place of worship, Horseshoe Drive United Methodist Church. For her unyielding efforts to help others, Mrs. Peach earned countless professional and civic awards, and even had the mayor declare October 10, 2008 ``June Peach Day.'' Beyond her humanitarian and professional contributions, Mrs. Peach was a caring wife, mother and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Hill Peach III; parents, Henry Paul and Myrtle Wurster Wheeler; brothers, Jack Glen Wheeler, Harvey March Wheeler and Henry Paul Wheeler; and sister, Alice Wheeler Newkirk. She leaves behind her sons, John Henry Peach and Tom Glen Peach and wife, Jennifer; daughters, Tammy Peach Lee and husband, John; and Cindy Peach Branham; brother, Johnny Wurster Wheeler; sister, Ruby Wheeler Noe; granddaughters, Lainey Peach Branham, Tamera Nicole Branham and Abbey Peach. To say that Mrs. Peach left her fingerprint on the world is an understatement. She was a friend to many, and deemed a gracious and compassionate person by all who had the good blessing to know her. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the late Mrs. June Wheeler Peach. Her altruistic nature and selfless dedication warrant this laudable recognition.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Mr. Ralph Gill, for his exceptional service to the Parish of Rapides on the occasion of his retirement as Tax Assessor. After 42 years of service in the Rapides Parish Assessor's Office, Mr. Gill's retirement becomes effective January 31, 2011. While in this capacity, Mr. Gill served as assessor for the past 16 years and credits the work as both a challenging and rewarding experience that has more than fulfilled his life's goal of serving the public. He is very proud of his accomplishments during his tenure as Tax Assessor and is grateful to the people of Rapides Parish for the confidence and support they gave him throughout his career. Mr. Gill believes his success would not have been possible without the support of the outstanding men and women he has worked with throughout the years. Following his rewarding career of community service, he looks forward to spending more time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He also plans to work on his farm and possibly enjoy some traveling. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Ralph Gill, a man who has served the people of Rapides Parish for over four decades. His commitment, compassion and leadership warrant this laudable recognition.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, it is with enormous pride that I rise today to commend Bro. Stuart Toms upon the occasion of his retirement from the Sweetwater Baptist Church. His unwavering dedication and service to Jackson Parish is admirable and deserving of our appreciation. At a young age, Bro. Stuart began his impressive list of endeavors. In 1959, he was named class valedictorian of Quitman High School. He went on to further his education at Northeast Louisiana University (NLU), which today is known as the University of Louisiana-Monroe. Here, Bro. Stuart excelled as a point guard on the basketball team. In 1961-1962, he helped direct his team to their first league title in the Gulf South Conference (GSC). He was named 1963 All-GSC First Team and was inducted into the NLU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1986. After graduating from NLU, Bro. Stuart continued sharing his love of basketball as a high school coach. In this capacity, he also worked as a math teacher and principal until he retired from the school system in 1984. His talents on the sidelines matched his impressive skills on the court proven by the numerous accolades he earned for his coaching abilities. At his high school alma mater, he coached back-to-back Class B State Championship basketball teams in 1970 and 1971. Among his honors, Bro. Stuart was named Class B Coach of the Year for the State of Louisiana in 1970, inducted into the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1989 and inducted into the Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame this year. Bro. Stuart commenced his career service to the Lord when he was ordained as a Baptist minister in October 1983. Following his ordination, he began as the pastor of Sweetwater Baptist Church where he has continued to serve the congregation for the past 27 years. Through the years, he has addressed numerous revivals, presided over many weddings and funerals and has been on two international mission trips. Beyond his professional career, Bro. Stuart has been married for 39 years to Johnette Pardue Toms. They are the loving parents of Stuart ``Stu'' Toms, Jr., Dr. Catherine Lucas and Mrs. Julie Nelson, and the proud grandparents of Ty and Kale Toms, Lily Lucas and Andrew Nelson. I have been fortunate to have attended his worship services for several years. This truly gracious man is a friend to many, and it is his connection and involvement in his community for which we should all strive to model. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Bro. Stuart Toms. His commitment, compassion and leadership warrant this laudable recognition.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to applaud Greg Gormanous for his exceptional service to the Alexandria community on the occasion of his retirement. His staunch support of both the citizens of Alexandria and his students at Louisiana State University-Alexandria is admirable and deserving of appreciation. Upon his retirement, Greg was the longest serving administrator in the history of LSU-Alexandria, where he served as Behavioral and Social Sciences Chair and the Liberal Arts Division Head and was an avid backer of four-year degree programs. Among his many accomplishments at the university, Greg helped establish three endowed student scholarships as well as initiate theatre and travel courses and the lecture series. In addition to his work in academia, Greg is a strong advocate for the betterment of Alexandria by serving the public as a government liaison. He continues to be a driving force in the community for his committed leadership on various business, civic, educational and governmental boards and committees, such as the Rotary Club of Alexandria, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Mardi Gras Association, the Rapides Primary Health Care Center, and the March of Dimes to name a few. He is also a licensed psychologist and his extensive research has been published in numerous publications. Through his endeavors, both professional and volunteer, Greg has earned the respect and regard of all those with whom he has served and the gratitude of the people that have come to know him. Please join me in extending best wishes to Greg upon his retirement and wishing him future success in all his efforts.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a brave young boy in my district, Christian Shrewsbury. At just one year old, Christian is battling Spinal Muscular Atrophy II, a motor neuron disease, which affects the voluntary muscles that are used for activities such as crawling, walking, head and neck control and swallowing. It is a relatively common ``rare disorder'': approximately one in 6,000 babies born are affected, and about one in 40 people are genetic carriers. Though there is currently no cure or treatment for SMA, I am profoundly inspired by the courage exhibited by Christian and his family each day. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I extend our sincerest gratitude to Christian, for his spirit and the encouragement he provides to other young children and for the joy he brings to all around him.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember U.S. Marine Cpl. Joe Wrightsman for his selfless and valiant service to our nation. On July 18, 2010, our country lost a Marine, and Jackson Parish lost a native son. However, as long as the American flag continues to fly over the sands of Afghanistan and the piney hills of Jackson Parish, Wrightsman's contributions to protecting the freedoms we hold so dear will never be forgotten. A 2005 graduate of Jonesboro Hodge High School, Wrightsman was serving his third tour overseas--an exemplary achievement of a young man of 23 years old. In a generation where so many men and women have answered freedom's call to duty, his example of heroism and devotion embody what has truly made America a great nation for over two centuries. Today, our words seem futile in comparison to Wrightman's service, but as written in 2 Corinthians 1:3, our prayer is ``that the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulations, may be able to comfort those in troubling times.'' I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to U.S. Marine Cpl. Joe Wrightsman and extending thanks on behalf of a grateful nation.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of K-9 Sergeant Thomas ``Tommy'' Alexander, a brave and dedicated Rayville police officer, who was fatally shot in the line of duty on September 11, 2010 at the age of 57. Alexander was a devoted husband and father of two as well as a faithful community advocate. In addition to his duties as an officer, he shared his talent of cooking to help local churches raise money and lent his time to the local high school by taking tickets at games and making travel arrangements for the football team. A lifelong friend said it best as he described Alexander as a ``selfless man, who had God in his heart.'' I extend my deepest condolences to those he leaves behind. Words cannot express the depth of the loss felt by his family, friends and community he loved to serve. Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize the service and sacrifice of Tommy Alexander. He was a remarkable example to us all, and today, I salute him.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise today to commemorate Mr. Rawleigh ``Mike'' Thompson on the occasion of his 90th birthday. On September 12, 1920, Mr. Thompson was born in Hineston, Louisiana. He is the only son of four siblings. Oakhill High School recognizes Mr. Thompson as the first person to receive a diploma from their school and he proudly cites his position as Valedictorian. To attain this achievement, he overcame many obstacles, one of which was to walk and ride two different buses totaling 46 miles round trip each school day. Mr. Thompson married Bessie Lee Jones and they were blessed with seven children. Further blessings now include nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He joined the U.S. Army in 1942 serving in World War II. Upon his departure from the military he worked at a sawmill and then began his career at the VA Medical Center in Pineville, Louisiana. Mr. Thompson was employed at the VA for 29 years and remarkably never missed a day of work. As his family and friends prepare to join together to honor Mr. Thompson, he continues to exemplify a strong character of dedication, compassion and devotion. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Thompson on this truly significant birthday.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, Northrop Grumman recently announced that they would consolidate and close Avondale Shipyard by 2013. In the midst of economic downturn, the gulf oil spill, the drilling moratorium, layoffs from the NASA shuttle program, the decision to close Avondale will very well have a devastating effect on the State of Louisiana. We must find a solution to help those 5,000 employees that would be affected. Article I, section 9 of the Constitution states that ``no preference shall be given by any regulation of commerce or revenue to the ports of one State over those of another.'' If Avondale were making cruise ships, then this wouldn't be a Federal jurisdiction. However, as Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding has built over 70 percent of the Navy's fleet, I believe this is the time to exercise some intervention into this consolidation process. We must assist the State in finding alternative issues for Avondale Shipyard in Louisiana.