Sanford Bishop

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Chairman, I strongly support H.R. 3524, the HOPE VI Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2007. As the name of this program suggests, the revitalization of distressed public housing brings hope to millions of Americans--the hope of living in a community that cherishes family values, the hope of enjoying a stable living environment, and the hope of moving out of poverty and toward self- sufficiency. The HOPE VI program offers residents the ability to improve their housing opportunities by transforming severely distressed public housing into thriving mixed-income communities. The program has worked well since its inception in 1992 and I am pleased that the bill makes a number of significant improvements to HOPE VI to ensure that it is even stronger into the future. These changes include requiring full replacement for lost units and increased involvement of residents in planning the redevelopment. Furthermore, HOPE VI promotes the efforts of Congress in supporting a cleaner environment by requiring compliance with green building standards. In Georgia's Second Congressional District, we have had resounding success with the HOPE VI program. The Housing Authority of Columbus, Georgia was awarded a $20 million HOPE VI grant in 2002. The revitalization plan called for the demolition of 510 units of severely distressed public housing units. At the time of grant award 380 families lived at Peabody. The end result is a new mixed-income community (Ashley Station), set on a beautifully designed site which incorporates new housing, new parks, and new retail and street improvements. In addition, connections were made that improved access to job training, employment opportunities, education, health care, and other supportive services. HOPE VI allowed for a unique public-private collaboration and more than $5,800,000 in ``in-kind'' services were received by the HOPE VI residents. Invigorating the HOPE VI program will strengthen families, reduce poverty, and rejuvenate the spirit of American communities throughout the Nation. The program is more than just ``bricks and mortar.'' It will make the American dream a reality for millions of low-income people. I commend my colleagues for bringing this vital piece of legislation to the House floor and I urge their strong support.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the achievements of the 2007 Georgia AAA State Football Champions, the George Washington Carver Tigers. On December 15th, 2007, the Tigers defeated another great football team in my district, the Cairo Syrupmakers by a score of 16-13 on a rainy, windy day in Cairo, Georgia. The game was an epic battle between two talented, well coached teams. This capped an undefeated 15-0 year for the Tigers and also delivered the school's first State football title in history. And the first state title in any sport since the basketball team accomplished this feat in 1971. I want to extend my congratulations to Principal Chris Lindsey, Coach Dell McGee and the entire Carver family for this great achievement. I also want to extend my congratulations to the Cairo Syrupmakers for a great season. They played all season with courage, spirit, and intestinal fortitude. It takes a great deal of work and sacrifice to assemble a State- championship football team. It takes the dedication of the young men who are playing on the team. It also takes a dedicated coaching staff who have the wherewithal to dedicate their time and energy to not only teaching young men about the game of football, but also the game of life. A winning football team can in many ways bring a community together. This team has brought this community together. The 99 young men that made up this year's football team accomplished something special. By accomplishing this special goal, they developed the character that will help them to succeed in other aspects of life. I am proud to represent these special young men and once again congratulate them on their history-making achievement.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Edward Dubose, the president of the Georgia State Conference of the NAACP and Second District citizen. Edward O. DuBose was born in Atlanta, Georgia, the third oldest of 10 children to Carnell and Margie DuBose. He received his early education through the Atlanta public school system, graduating from Harper High School. He then joined the United States Army where he completed 21 years of honorable service. Mr. DuBose, who also earned a masters degree in clinical mental health counseling, is a licensed professional counselor, anger management specialist, member of the National Board of Certified Counselors, and a member of the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia. As the owner of Oxygen Mental Health Counseling services, he provides in-home counseling to at risk youth and families throughout the State of Georgia and Alabama. In addition to his career as a counselor, Mr. DuBose has served his community through leadership in the NAACP. He has served 7 years as president of the Columbus, Georgia, branch of the NAACP, and 5 years as 2nd vice president of the Georgia State Conference NAACP. In addition, he has served as Georgia State NAACP veterans affairs chairman and as the district coordinator for a 9-county area. Mr. DuBose was elected to the position of president of the Georgia State Conference NAACP on October 2005, and reelected for a second term in 2007. He is the only resident and NAACP member in Columbus history to hold the title of State president. While serving the NAACP, Mr. DuBose led the organization to achieve several landmark accomplishments, including negotiating the only NAACP radio show in Georgia, helping start the first Black History Month Parade in Columbus, Georgia now in its seventh year, and coordinating the largest protest march in Columbus history by rallying over 15,000 people to call for justice for the shooting death of Kenneth Walker. Mr. DuBose is married to Cynthia DuBose and they have three beautiful daughters; Cynthia Harris, Casonya Hardaway Glover, and Kimberly DuBose. Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to honor this man today for his dedication to Columbus, the NAACP, the Second Congressional District, and to the betterment of his State and Nation.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today, along with Representatives Buyer, Shimkus, Taylor, and over 243 original co- sponsors, to introduce a resolution to congratulate the United States Army Reserve on its 100th Anniversary, which will be formally celebrated on April 23, 2008. The resolution also commemorates the contributions of Army Reserve veterans who have helped to ensure that the United States' vital national security interests are protected and defended in times of war and peace. I am very gratified by the outpouring of bipartisan support that this resolution has received. It is indicative of the high regard and esteem in which the Army Reserve is held among Members of Congress and the American public. As a former soldier in the Army Reserve, I know the historic and decisive role it played along with the U.S. Army in promoting integration and the cause of individual dignity. As a current member of the Subcommittee on Defense as well as the Military Construction and Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, I have been extremely impressed by the level of commitment that Army Reserve soldiers bring to their work and to their high degree of professionalism. They truly are ``twice the citizen,'' as Winston Churchill once remarked. Today, the U.S. Army Reserve is composed of more than 30,000 officers and 150,000 enlisted soldiers. They have an active presence in 1,100 communities across the nation, contributing military values, important job skills, and economic support. They are husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, and sons or daughters. They are our neighbors, our friends and acquaintances, and our colleagues at work. These soldiers can be called up at any time to serve our nation and they must be trained and prepared to respond at a moment's notice. Here in the U.S. House of Representatives, 24 Members including myself have been privileged to serve as Army Reserve soldiers. In fact, 2 of the lead sponsors of this resolution, Representatives Steve Buyer of Indiana and John Shimkus of Illinois, still serve in the Army Reserve. As this resolution notes, the role of today's Army Reserve soldier has expanded and changed dramatically since President Theodore Roosevelt first requested that Congress establish a reservoir of trained officers in a reserve status. On April 23, 1908, the Congress responded to the president's request by establishing a permanent reserve corps of trained medical officers. The modest corps represented the humble start of what is today a multi-faceted operational and strategic force. The duties have since expanded such that they have become an integral component of any active U.S. Army mission. They have answered the call of duty in World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War, Panama, the Gulf War, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, and Kosovo. In addition, nearly 25,000 Army Reserve soldiers are currently deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and 18 other countries. Through October 31, 2007, 102 Army Reserve soldiers had borne the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. We dedicate this resolution to their memory and to the memory of all the Reserve soldiers who fought and died to defend our nation's freedoms throughout our history. We dedicate this resolution to our living heroes as well--to those men and women who continue their service to our nation in the U.S. Army Reserve today. Madam Speaker, I again thank my colleagues who are original cosponsors for their extraordinary support for this resolution. I urge our remaining colleagues to join with us in support of this resolution, which is intended to ensure that the first 100 years of the Army Reserve are appropriately commended and that the second 100 years of the Army Reserve are fittingly commenced.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor former Congressman Jack Brinkley, who was recently honored by the Muscogee County Democratic party with the creation of the Jack T. Brinkley Service Award. From his humble beginnings in the community of Faceville, GA, where he and his three sisters were raised by a single mother, Pauline Brinkley, who worked as a lunchroom supervisor in Decatur County schools, Jack Brinkley went on to become a distinguished attorney, State Representative, and U.S. Representative for the third district of Georgia. Jack was quoted recently saying ``Our mother always held her head up high and worked hard.'' Jack also learned to work hard and developed a work ethic that has followed him throughout his life. After high school, Jack went from southwest to north Georgia where he attended Young Harris College with two other future luminaries of public service: Former Congressman Ed Jenkins and former Lt. Governor, Governor, and Senator Zell Miller. There must have been something in the water at Young Harris, because it truly nourished the seed of service in its students. Graduating from Young Harris, Jack became a teacher for 2 years, joined the Air Force as a pilot during the Korean Conflict, and returned to receive his law degree at the University of Georgia under the GI Bill. During the same year, he met and married the former Lois Kite of Phenix City, AL, and eventually moved to Columbus in 1964 to start his law practice. Shortly thereafter, he was elected to the Georgia House, and 2 years later he was elected to Congress from the third district, eventually serving the second longest term of any third-district Congressman since the Civil War. When he retired, he was the senior member of the Georgia House Delegation and a prominent member of the Armed Services and Veteran Affairs Committees, providing much-needed support to Fort Benning, the Robins Air Force Base, and the thousands of veterans in the area. His constituent services were without equal. When Jack campaigned, he promised to ``remember who I am; where I'm from, and who sent me.'' He believed in the Christian principles of friendship, made it a point to remember names, heal misunderstandings, and never miss opportunities to express congratulations or sympathy. Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to know the Honorable Jack Brinkley, and I commend and thank him for his many years of public service.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Shirley Sherrod, who has worked determinedly for more than 20 years as the Georgia Director of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives and Land Assistance Fund, an outstanding organization dedicated to enhancing rural communities through sustained operation of family farms. As a part of her work, Shirley has helped to run one of the countries most successful USDA Outreach and Technical Assistance Projects, providing assistance on debt restructuring, alternating crops, marketing, financial planning, recordkeeping, and farm management to minority and disadvantaged farmers. The project has operated in four states, and seen an increase in the number of minority-owned farms in two of those states. Shirley's leadership with the Federation of Southern Cooperatives exemplifies her lifetime of dedication to her community. Shirley's work began in 1965, where as an organizer for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), Southwest Georgia Project, she helped to start a 6000-acre land trust. She also worked with women to organize childcare and pre-school programs, and was intensely dedicated to the numerous voter registration and education projects which helped African Americans become elected officials. A native of Newton, Georgia, Shirley received a degree in Sociology from Albany State University and later took graduate business studies at Valdosta State University. In 1989, she received a Master of Arts in Community Development from Antioch University. As the Congressman who represents Southwest Georgia, I hold in highest regard individuals like Shirley--those tireless advocates with the courage and conviction to reach out, touch, and impact the farthest boundaries of our community. May the Second Congressional District, Georgia, and indeed the country continue to benefit from her service.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I regret that I was unavoidably absent Tuesday afternoon, November 13, on very urgent business. Had I been present for the four votes which occurred Tuesday evening: I would have voted ``aye'' on H.R. 3315, rollcall vote No. 1082. I would have voted ``aye'' on H.R. 1593, rollcall vote No. 1083. I would have voted ``aye'' on H.R. 3403, rollcall vote No. 1084. I would have voted ``aye'' on H.R. 3461, rollcall vote No. 1085.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Chairman, as one who has suffered the stigma and painful effects of state-enforced legal discrimination based on my race for the first 20 of my 60 years, and having spent all of my professional life as an attorney and as an elected official fighting to eradicate unlawful discrimination based on race, creed, color, religion, gender, age, disability or national origin, and based on my study and understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, I cannot condone discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation. The only appropriate consideration in employment should be the willingness and the ability to perform the job. Sexual orientation, unless it adversely affects job performance, is a private matter and should not be a basis for legal discrimination with the possible exception of the armed services and religious organizations. Accordingly, after prayerful consideration, I must therefore support H.R. 3685, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 3547.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, since its inception in 1997, I have been a steadfast proponent of SCHIP, known in Georgia as PeachCare for Kids, and I rise today to urge my colleagues to join me in sustaining this successful program by voting to override the President's veto. Let me first say that, while my support of children's health care has been unwavering, this is not a perfect bill. Like many of my colleagues, some provisions in the bill concern me. But let us not let ``perfect'' be the enemy of the ``good.'' On health care, our country faces a tremendous challenge, and while disagreement still impedes finding creative solutions to encourage responsibility for health care to solve problems of access for adults, it is our moral imperative to rise up and meet these challenges for our Nation's children. Furthermore, as Members of this body, it is our solemn duty to protect the youngest and most vulnerable among us. This legislation presents us with such an opportunity. It is disappointing to see the administration throwing up so many roadblocks. Indeed, this administration has proven its willingness to ``rise up and meet'' other challenges. Beyond that, it has proven its willingness to sign blank checks for a military operation with an ever- changing, increasingly expensive mission. For the past 4\1/2\ and years we have been engaged in an overseas conflict that has taken a large toll on this country--in terms of both human life and taxpayer money. While it is of utmost importance to ensure our troops continue to have every dollar, dime, nickel, and penny they need to fight this war, we must not neglect our domestic priorities. The SCHIP reauthorization asks the administration to rise up and meet the challenge of one of those domestic priorities. Plainly, the bill asks for just 41 days worth of Iraq war funding to embark on a clearly- defined, targeted, and morally justifiable mission--providing American children from low-income families with comprehensive health care. That's right--just 41 days worth of Iraq war funding would pay for the entire SCHIP bill. Just one week of the Iraq war would pay for 1.7 million children. That's enough to cover all the children eligible for SCHIP in Georgia, as well as several other States. One week of war funding would do all that. To my colleagues opposing this legislation, let me reiterate something many know very well: the President, recently, asked for compromise legislation. This bill, in fact, represents a compromise, as evidenced by its broad bi-partisan support. Forty-three of our Nation's Governors, including Governor Sonny Perdue of Georgia, support this legislation, as do 270 organizations representing millions of Americans, 68 Senators and a majority of Congress. I urge my colleagues to join the bi-partisan majority and vote in favor of overriding the President's veto.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be withdrawn as a cosponsor of H. Res. 106.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Daniel Simmons, on the 16th anniversary of his being called to pastor historic Mount Zion Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. Dr. Simmons is a great many things to a great many people in his congregation, including myself. Since I joined Mount Zion in 1996, I have come to know him as a man of character, a humanitarian, a teacher, bridge builder, shepherd, and leader. Above all, Dr. Simmons, through his own humble and morally strong existence, helps us, as followers of the Word, stride toward the gift of fulfillment graciously bestowed upon us by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. ``Pastor Simmons,'' as we very fondly call him, leads over 2,000 parishioners who participate in over 50 ministry programs designed to fulfill the church's mission statement, ``a vibrant church that reaches the world for Christ through evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, and missions,'' and to help individual spiritual development. Growing up as one of twelve children of Mrs. Pinkie Norwood Simmons and the late Reverend Perry Simmons in the 1200-person community of Cairo, Georgia, Pastor Simmons seems to be the living embodiment of the familiar motto in Philippians 4:13--``I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'' Through the grace of God, he was able to attend Albany State University and went on to receive a masters in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Georgia, and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Bethany Theological Seminary. Before being called to pastor at Mount Zion, Pastor Simmons received his license to preach Greater Second Mount Olive Baptist Church of Albany, and pastored at Mountain Grove Baptist Church of Dawson, Georgia, and Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Sylvester, Georgia. Madam Speaker, Mount Zion Baptist Church, the city of Albany, and indeed the Second Congressional District of Georgia have been truly blessed to have benefited from the tremendous leadership and teachings of Pastor Simmons for the past 16 years. May our community and our country continue to be blessed by the visionary ministry of Jesus Christ that manifests itself in the exceptional service of my pastor and friend, Dr. Daniel Simmons.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Carol R. King, whose death last week at the age of 79 leaves a tremendous void in the Second Congressional District of Georgia and indeed, in our country. Carol was a true pioneer. She volunteered her time and her efforts to a range of causes, and so I feel there are many reasons to honor her today. Carol is perhaps best known for helping to found the first Head Start program in the Southeastern United States. As the longtime Head Start coordinator for the Harambee Child Development Council, Carol helped 16,000 children over a period of 30 years get access to education, health care, and meals that normally would have been out of their parents' reach. Of course, many of us also know Carol as the committed help-mate and biggest supporter of her husband, the late, great civil rights attorney, C.B. King. He was the first black lawyer in South Georgia, and he also represented the iconic Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Throughout the years, Carol was by his side through dangers seen and unseen as he undertook the many legal battles for civil and human rights across Georgia. She was a devoted wife, matriarch of the King family, and mentor to thousands through her work with countless significant community efforts. More than that, she was our friend and devoted church member. We are all better because she touched our lives. Madam Speaker, it is difficult to put into words the sadness I feel at her passing. In many ways, it is the end of an era. However, her life was an inspiration to many, and I am confident her legacy and her work will live on through the many organizations she helped to lead.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I regret that I was unavoidably absent Thursday afternoon, September 29 on very urgent business. Had I been present for the two votes which occurred I would have voted ``no'' on H.R. 3567, rollcall vote No. 922; I would have voted ``aye'' on H.R. 3567, rollcall vote No. 923.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I regret that I was unavoidably absent yesterday afternoon, September 25, on very urgent business. Had I been present for the 11 votes which occurred yesterday evening, I would have voted ``aye'' on H.R. 1400, rollcall vote No. 895; ``aye'' on H. Res. 584, rollcall vote No. 896; ``aye'' on H. Can. Res. 210, rollcall vote No. 897; ``aye'' on H. Res. 663, rollcall vote No. 898; ``aye'' on H. Res. 548, rollcall vote No. 899; ``aye'' on H. Res. 642, rollcall vote No. 900; ``aye'' on H. Res. 557, rollcall vote No. 901; ``aye'' on H. Res. 675, rollcall vote No. 902; ``aye'' on H. Res. 675, rollcall vote No. 903; ``aye'' on H. Res. 675, rollcall vote No. 904; and ``aye'' on H. Res. 95, rollcall vote No. 905.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I regret that I was unavoidably absent yesterday afternoon, September 24, on very urgent business. Had I been present for the four votes which occurred yesterday evening: I would have voted ``Yea'' on H. Con. Res. 193, rollcall vote No. 891; I would have voted ``Yea'' on H. Res. 668, rollcall vote No. 892; I would have voted ``Yea'' on H.R. 1199, rollcall vote No. 893; I would have voted ``Yea'' on H. Res. 340, rollcall vote No. 894.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I regret that I was unavoidably absent yesterday afternoon, September 17, on very urgent business. Had I been present for the three votes which occurred yesterday evening, I would have voted ``aye'' on H.R. 3246; rollcall vote No. 867, I would have voted ``aye'' on H.R. 1657; rollcall vote No. 868, and I would have voted ``aye'' on H. Res. 3527; rollcall vote No. 869.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Robert L. Wright, as the Chattahoochee Council of the Boy Scouts of America's 2007 Distinguished Citizen Award recipient, which honors his outstanding service to the Columbus, Georgia community. There is much to admire about a man like Dr. Wright. As one of the first African American men to attend the Ohio State University, Dr. Wright received a degree in optometry, and later began his optometry practice in Columbus. Then, in 1985, he founded Dimensions International, a defense logistics company, as a three person operation. Today, Dimensions has over 1,200 employees in more than 30 locations. However, I believe Dr. Wright's sense of civic duty, which has been a running theme throughout his life, truly distinguishes him from his peers and makes him a man worthy of praise. He has fought for racial equality, serving as both a moderator and trail blazer in several organizations, including the Georgia Republican Party. He has served as a mentor to other minority small business owners and helped craft policy to aid their success, including serving as associate administrator for minority small business at the Small Business Administration under President Reagan. He also was on the planning committee to create the National Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. Perhaps it is the many challenges Dr. Wright encountered as a young man, or perhaps it is his unwavering belief in human achievement that drives him. No matter the source of his inspiration, I know the numerous organizations that have benefited from his service are extremely grateful. Also, as someone who admires Dr. Wright greatly, I feel blessed to have known him. I am honored to call Dr. Wright a constituent, and friend. May our community and our country continue to benefit from his tremendous legacy of service.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a great man, Mayor Bob Boney of Leesburg, Georgia. I am proud to be able to call Mr. Boney a friend and a constituent of the Second Congressional District of Georgia. He has dedicated most of his life to his community, and the value of his service extends far beyond the meaning contained within his current title. For the past 17 years, Bob has served Leesburg as Mayor. However, his previous experience in business and public service made him well- equipped for the job. He served in the Marine Corps in World War II, served the state as a revenue agent from 1956 to 1966 and was a state prison warden of Lee Correctional Institute from 1966 to 1986. He retired from the latter position with the distinguished honor of having become the longest-serving warden in the State of Georgia. However, retirement from his job within the prison system did not slow Bob down. Four years following his retirement he launched his first mayoral campaign and won. He also never wavered in his commitment to the Leesburg Shrine Club, the Peace Officers Association of Georgia, or the many other political and public service organizations in the state. In addition to being a great leader, Bob is a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a member and past Layleader of Leesburg United Methodist Church. Madam Speaker, people like Bob make my job easy, and it is my privilege to honor this man today for his dedication to Leesburg, to its citizens, to the Second Congressional District, and to the betterment of his state and Nation.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Brigadier General Michael S. Linnington originally of Cape May, New Jersey. BG Linnington, who has served as the Assistant Commandant and Deputy Commanding General for the U.S. Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia, will soon leave for a new post. BG Linnington is a graduate of the United States Military Academy. After graduation in 1980, he was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Infantry. His early assignments included duties as a Platoon Leader, Staff Officer, Aide-de-Camp, and Company Commander at Fort Ord, Fort Riley, and the Berlin Brigade in the divided city of West Berlin. Following successive Company Commands, he attended graduate school at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, and served three years as an Instructor in the Department of Math Sciences at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York. After Command and General Staff College in 1994, BG Linnington served in the 101st Airborne Division (AASLT) at Fort Campbell, and was selected to command 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry (AASLT) in the Republic of Korea, where he served from 1997-1999. Following command, he served as the 2nd ID G3, from 1999-2000. In June 2000, BG Linnington returned to the U.S., attending the National War College with a follow-on assignment as Special Assistant to the Army Chief of Staff. In May 2002, he assumed command of the 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (AASLT) in Kandahar, Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. From June 2002 through June 2004, BG Linnington commanded the 3d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, both in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He departed command for assignment to the Joint Staff, where he was assigned from June 2004 until July 2006. In July 2006, COL Linnington was assigned as the Assistant Commandant/ Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Infantry School/Center at Fort Benning, where he serves today. In addition to his numerous military accomplishments, BG Linnington is a devoted husband and proud father of two children, Tracy, a senior in college, and Michael, a First Lieutenant assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. I am truly honored to be able to call BG Linnington a constituent. Though I wish Fort Benning and the Second District could continue to benefit from his talents for a while longer, I know he is needed and indeed will be of greater service in his new role. I wish him well in his new position. May his commitment to this country continue to bless our Nation.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I am very pleased to rise in strong support of the H.R. 3222, the Department of Defense and related agencies appropriations bill for fiscal year 2008. As a member of Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I am extremely proud of the work of the Subcommittee and our members on both sides of the aisle, in crafting a bill which truly provides for the defense and security of our Nation, our friends and allies, and promotes, supports and preserves the mutual security interests of both our friends and allies around the world. More importantly, I would remind all of us here this evening, that anyone inside, or outside our shores, or for that matter, hiding in the most obscure and remote cave, or under a rock for that matter, who might wish upon us, our citizens and friends--the slightest of ill will or harm--should be very clear that this bill also serves as a stark, ominous and indisputable reminder of this Congress's and our Nation's resolve and dedication to our absolute domestic and global security-- particularly in the face of those who would threaten the very rule of law, democratic ideals, and more importantly, the God-ordained principles of peaceful, fair, and progressive coexistence, among all God's children and nations. It is important that our men and women who honorably serve in the defense of our Nation, have all the equipment, material and other resources they need to provide for the security of this Nation and our interests around the world. Without question, the current war in Iraq and Afghanistan has placed a tremendous strain in this area, as well our potential ability to effectively respond to eminent security treats which may occur elsewhere throughout the world. However, I firmly believe that our bill indeed goes far in meeting those needs and addressing any potential threats which might exist wherever they might arise. More importantly, I, as well as my fellow Committee Members, are absolutely committed to providing our troops every dollar, dime and penny they need to defend our Nation and our interests--both here and abroad. In this regard, our bill fully supports the Defense Department's plans to increase the size of the Army and Marine Corps to reduce the pressure to extend troop deployments. Our bill will cover the costs of increasing the Army by 7,000 new members and the Marine Corps by 5,000 new members--including both the personnel costs and the associated equipment and outfitting costs. For the Army alone, the equipping costs amount to more than $4 million and, for the Marine Corps, the equipping costs amount to more than $2 million. Our bill also provides $925 million, $635 million above 2007, specifically to address equipment shortfalls of the National Guard and Reserve in order to help these forces meet the demands of overseas deployments and respond to natural disasters here at home. This amount meets the requirements identified by the Chief of the National Guard Bureau in the ``Essential 10 Equipment Requirements for the Global War on Terror.'' Additionally, our bill provides an overall increase of 13 percent for home-station training, so that our troops are prepared for any eventual deployment. It also outfits a new 8th Stryker Brigade of the highly successful troop carrier to support the Army's evolution to a larger, more rapidly deployable force. But lest anyone of us here tonight forget no matter the short-term outcome of the current conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan--whether it ends in the next few months, or extends through next year or beyond--it ``will end'' at some point, hopefully very soon. And it is on this issue that I am particularly proud of the work of our Committee. Ladies and gentlemen, not withstanding what we may individually believe to be our moral, national security or political interests in the war in Iraq and Afghanistan we need to meet and provide for the needs of our troops when they return home from the conflict in the Middle East. And, I am very proud that the bill recommended by the Committee takes a proactive stance in addressing the needs of and improving the facilities which our men and women serving overseas will return to, and the resources provided to their families, both in the near and long term. Mr. Chairman, our bill provides $558.4 million more than the President's request, for military family support, including childcare centers, education programs and the family advocacy program which supports military families affected by the war and child and spousal abuse. Additionally, the bill contains $1.3 billion more than the President's request to repair barracks, improve child care facilities, and improve community services at military bases, to address the strain put on facilities by changes in force structure, base closures, and a global repositioning of our troops. Our bill will significantly bolster base security, investing $141.9 million above the President's request for perimeter security force protection and related security improvements, to protect DOD bases, schools, and hospitals from terrorist attacks. I am very proud that Ft. Benning, the ``home'' of the Infantry, is located in my district. And I am particularly pleased that our bill places a very high priority on investing in vital facilities like Ft. Benning, in anticipation of our troops return from the war. As a new member of the Appropriation's Subcommittee on Defense, I was struck by the Department's ongoing challenges in effectively managing its procurement activities, particularly in terms of contractor oversight, and our long term, multi-year plans, commitments and management in this area. From 2000 to 2005, DOD contracting-out increased by 73 percent, but oversight has actually decreased. I am very pleased that the Committee's report on the bill directs several steps to improve the oversight of contractors, including the following: In order to improve the oversight of contractors, the bill increases the budget of certain critical DOD oversight agencies-- including providing an increase of $24 million for the DOD Inspector General, $17 million for the Defense Contract Management Agency, and $12 million for the Defense Contract Audit Agency. The bill also provides $21 million to permit the temporary assignment of 600 contract specialists from the General Services Administration to help DOD oversee contracts. The Committee report requires the Secretary of Defense to develop minimum standards for all contractors performing security functions and to establish a clear set of rules of engagement for those operating in Iraq and Afghanistan, within 90 days of the bill's enactment. The Committee report also requires a report that identifies: (1) DOD acquisition workforce needs; and (2) tools to recruit and retain these personnel in order to provide adequate management of contracts and oversight of contract performance. Finally, I would like to congratulate my Chairman, Jack Murtha, and Ranking Member Bill Young, for the outstanding job they have done in stewarding and leading the important work of our Subcommittee. And I would be remiss if I did not recognize and thank the staff of Subcommittee--David Morrison and his outstanding staff, as well as John Shank and the minority staff, in the outstanding work they do on behalf of this body and the Nation. This is a good bill, and I urge my colleagues to support the FY08 Defense Appropriations bill.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Morgan Grier Murphy, who from 1943 until his death last week at the age of 78, was a faithful servant, leader, and business innovator in Albany, GA. I am proud to have been able to call Morgan a constituent during my 15 years in Congress. Through his leadership in the banking industry, he strengthened the economy of Dougherty County and Southwest Georgia. With his active involvement in the state and local Chambers of Commerce, his work with various environmental and conservation groups, as well as his commitment to One Albany, which addresses diversity issues within the community, Morgan managed to positively influence every major issue in the public sector. He opened up dialogue between formerly segregated parts of Albany, took difficult stances, and inspired others to make a difference. Aside from his professional achievements, Morgan was widely known as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was an avid sportsman who was passionate about hunting, fishing, and golfing. A graduate of Albany High School and Brevard College in North Carolina, Morgan served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Following his time in the military, he returned to Albany where he began his career as a banker and lifelong public servant. Morgan's death leaves a void among the Albany community. He had many passions, and managed to make an impact on many organizations. I find it improbable that just one person will fill his shoes in the community. So, on this the 31st day of July, 2007, I commend Morgan Grier Murphy for his commitment to helping Albany, GA, helping it live up to its name of the ``Good Life'' city. Morgan truly tried to make life better for everyone.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I regret that I was unavoidably absent yesterday afternoon, July 30, on very urgent business. Had I been present for the three votes which occurred yesterday evening, I would have voted ``aye'' on H.R. 2750, rollcall vote No. 758; I would have voted ``aye'' on H. Res. 580, rollcall vote No. 759; I would have voted ``aye'' on H. Res. 580, rollcall vote No. 760; I would have voted ``aye'' on H. Res. 579, rollcall vote No. 761; and I would have voted ``aye'' on H. Res. 579, rollcall vote No. 762.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I am very pleased to rise in strong support of the H.R. 3161, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and related agencies appropriations bill for fiscal year 2008. As a member of this Subcommittee, I am extremely proud of the work of the Subcommittee and our members on both sides of the aisle, in crafting a bill which truly impacts and touches the lives of everyone who lives in this great Nation of ours, as well as millions of individuals around the world. Our bill invests in Rural America, providing funding to accommodate some $5.1 billion in affordable loans for low income families in rural areas, which will support approximately 38,000 single family homeownership opportunities. We invest in rural communities, by expanding resources devoted to economic development programs and access to broadband telecommunication services to bridge the digital divide in rural, underserved areas. We address the health care and emergency needs of rural areas, as well as providing support for the rebuilding of our Nation's rural infrastructure. We invest in the protection of the Nation's Public Health, by providing nearly $930 million for the Food Safety and Inspection Service as well as $1.7 billion for the Food and Drug Administration-- including increases to begin a transformation of food safety regulation, improving drug safety, monitor prescription drug advertisements and expanding the review of new generic drug applications. To fight hunger in America, our bill makes investments which will expand nutrition, providing $958 million for nutrition programs, including the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable program and the Simplified Summer Food program. We provide $5.6 billion for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which is expected to benefit over 8.4 million Americans over the next year. Not only does this bill provide the resources necessary to keep nearly 26 million of the nation's poorest from going hungry, we also expand Emergency Food Assistance Program, so that food banks, soup kitchens, and other emergency feeding sites have needed resources. The bill also expands the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program to all 50 states. We invest in the transformation of our Energy Future, providing $1.2 billion for renewable energy, which was $955.3 million above 2007 and $810.4 million above the President's request--and includes funding for bio-energy and renewable energy research and development, including loans and grants in rural areas. The resources provided will be key building blocks in the expansion of renewable fuel production needed to encourage American energy independence and protect our environment. We invest in Conservation, providing over $979 million for conservation efforts and community development. This bill restores many of the programs slated for major reductions in the president's request, including the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative, Resource Conservation and Development, and the watershed programs which are funded $75 million--more than double last year's levels. This investment will continue our efforts to improve both funding and access to conservation programs that take environmentally sensitive land out of farming and encourage environmentally friendly practices on working farmland. Finally, I would like to congratulate my Chairwoman, Rosa DeLauro, for the outstanding job she's done in stewarding and leading the important work of our Subcommitee. And I would be remiss if I did not recognize and thank the staff of Subcommittee--Martha Foley, Leslie Barrack, Adrienne Simonson, Diem- Linh Joan and Kelly Wade of the Majority staff; and Martin Delgado, Jamie Swafford and Dave Gibbons on the Minority staff, and of course, Michael Reed, and Niki Newberry of my staff. This is a good bill, and I urge my colleagues to support the FY08 Agriculture Appropriations bill.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, a point of order.