John Boozman

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, on September 25th, our State--and our Nation--will recognize nine brave men and women who, when they were teenagers, came forward to claim their Constitutional right to an equal education despite protests, threats of violence and even the Arkansas National Guard. I strongly Support this legislation which honors not only a red- letter date in our State's history, but a seminal event in the movement to unite our country as truly one people, indivisible. Fifty years ago, Minnijean Brown, Elizabeth Eckford, Ernest Green, Thelma Mothershed, Melba Pattillo, Gloria Ray, Terrence Roberts, Jefferson Thomas, and Carlotta Walls, climbed the steps of Central High School. Few other moments in our history can compare to the ascent made by the Little Rock Nine. It was an ascent to a new plateau in the relations of Americans to their fellow citizens and a new plateau on the path to the American we now know. On September 25, 1957, when the Nine made it to the top of those Central High School steps, they stood in a place where, up till that point, others said they could not go. Then, they did what was, in fact, the most important thing that day: They went inside to learn. While Central High School will always be the event at the forefront of our memories when it comes to the history of desegregation, it is my hope that, as we remember the Nine, we can also remember the other schools in our State which preceded them, including Fayetteville, Hoxie, and the community of Charleston--who first broke down the barrier in Arkansas on August 23, 1954. I would also like to remember the names of Joe Ferguson, Jessie Ferguson, Mary Ferguson, Barbara Williams, Robert Williams, Etholia Williams, Time Freeman, Betty Freeman, Myrdle Freeman, Leroy Jones, Raymond Webb, Duty Webb, and Henry Web, who joined their fellow residents of Charleston to bring about peaceful change. As we spend this day reflecting on our past, we should remember all the brave children, families, and educators across the state who--by their courage--set in motion a chain of events which created the Arkansas of the present and will resonate in the Arkansas of the future.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a young man beloved by his family, friends and his community. I rise to remember Specialist Tyler Ross Seideman of the United States Army who was taken from us 2 weeks ago today in Multaka, Iraq. Tyler and 13 of his Army brothers passed away when the Black Hawk he was in went down due to mechanical problems. Tyler, from the small town of Lincoln, Arkansas, was a sniper in the 2nd Battalion of the 35th Infantry Regiment based out of Hawaii. His closest friends described him with adjectives such as ``brave,'' a ``great soldier'' and a ``perfect gentleman.'' I had the opportunity to attend Tyler's funeral this past Saturday. The outpouring of love and support from the people of Lincoln is something I will remember for the rest of my life. My prayers and those of my family are with Tyler's parents, Bill and Lee Ann, and sisters Kiera and Kristen. I thank them for raising a man such as Tyler, and I thank Tyler for his service to a grateful Nation.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I wish to recognize and commend the courageous effort of Marine Corporal Jacob L. Kareus by entering into the Record the following letter: May 29, 2007. Dear Congressman Boozman: I am writing to inform you of the performance of one of your constituents, Corporal Jacob L. Kareus, United States Marine Corps, son of John L. and Katherine D. Kareus of 7001 Ellsworth, Fort Smith, AR 72903. Cpl Kareus recently returned from a seven-month deployment to Haditha, Iraq, with Company E of the Second Battalion, Third Marine Regiment. Upon our arrival, Haditha, a city of approximately 40,000 people on the Euphrates River in the restive Al Anbar Province, had a reputation as one of the most dangerous places in Iraq. Sunni insurgents frequently attacked Cpl Kareus' patrol with small arms fire, sniper fire, grenades and rocket and rifle vehicles. The insurgency maintained a close handle on the populace by an effective murder and intimidation campaign. Through their threatening and pressure of public officials and government workers, insurgents even controlled public works such as water and electricity. Only 15 Iraqi Police remained brave enough to work from the Marine forward operating base, while the recruitment of new policemen was nonexistent. Cpl Kareus and the rest of the Marines in Haditha were the tip of the spear in the Iraq counterinsurgency. Through the heroic actions of your constituent, Cpl Kareus, the city of Haditha saw unprecedented progress. By his deployment's end, Haditha's police force numbered over 200 policemen and officers--many recruited from the people of Haditha--and they conducted operations independent of the Marines. Attacks on Iraqi Police and Marine patrols decreased from an average of 5-10 per day to a handful per month. Intelligence reports on insurgent activity flowed in regularly from the people. The populace, previously terrified to be associated with the Coalition, eagerly welcomed Marines and policemen into their homes for tea and conversation. The marketplace, or souk, bustled again, children played in the streets, and even teenage girls--previously prohibited by the insurgents from going to school--walked the streets five days per week in their school uniforms. As his commander, I wanted to ensure you were aware of the hero from your great state of Arkansas. Cpl Kareus's selfless actions in Haditha honored his nation, his state, and his family. In an age where our ideals of courage and commitment and our resolve have waned, your constituent Cpl Kareus exemplifies the principles of self-sacrifice and dedication to a cause greater than himself. Sincerely, Captain M.W. Tracy, Company Commander, Company E. I wish to thank Captain Tracy for taking the time to write to me of the heroic service of Corporal Jacob Kareus and the Marines of Echo Company. I applaud Corporal Kareus's service to America, as well as to the people of Haditha. The motto for the 3rd Marines is Fortes Fortuna Juvat, which translates to Fortune Favors the Strong. It is our good fortune that we have the strength of character of men and women like Corporal Jacob Kareus serving to protect the freedom of all Americans.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I desire. Obviously, there's nothing in the bill pertaining to any sort of aggressive action against Iran as far as military action. This, or a similar bill, has been introduced several times since the AMIA bombing, and so there's no way that this is being ginned up by the administration. Last October, Argentina's state prosecutor concluded that the AMIA bombing was decided and organized, I quote, ``decided and organized by the highest leaders of the former Government of Iran, whom at the same time entrusted its execution to the Lebanese group of Hezbollah.'' Last March, acting on the state prosecutor's conclusions, INTERPOL's Executive Committee recommended the issuance of red notices for five Iranian officials and one Hezbollah operative in connection with the bombing. This is about an effort to get justice. Delayed justice, as Mr. Kucinich said, is justice that we certainly need to get done. And, again, this is not about ginning up in an effort to support the President with some sort of military operation. This is about taking the actions that INTERPOL, taking the actions that the Argentineans want to take, and encouraging them with a sense of Congress. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Having no further speakers either, I just want to thank the chairman for his hard work on this; thank Ms. Ros-Lehtinen for introduction of the bill, and the staff for their hard work. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Reichert), one of the authors of a portion of the bill, such time as he may consume.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1315, as amended, contains several important provisions to improve the lives of servicemembers and veterans. First, severely injured servicemembers would be able to benefit from VA's specially adapted housing program prior to discharge. I appreciate Chairwoman Herseth Sandlin's vigilance and leadership in this area in bringing this forward. Second, DOD, the Department of Labor, the Attorney General, the Office of Special Counsel and VA would be required to adapt common reporting criteria regarding servicemembers' employment rights under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, USERRA. Again, I appreciate Mr. Reichert for his hard work in bringing this forward. I think this is an excellent provision. Third, VA would be authorized to establish scholarship programs for pursuing degrees in rehabilitation for the visually impaired. Ms. Sheila Jackson-Lee also did a good job in bringing this forward. This is something that I am very, very familiar with in the sense that I am an optometrist and have had the opportunity to visit, not to visit, to deal with these types of patients many times in the past. This is something we definitely need to do. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairwoman Herseth Sandlin for her bipartisan leadership on this excellent bill, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1315, as amended. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, if the gentleman has no further speakers, in closing, I can't tell you how privileged I am in serving on the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee. We are charged with putting veterans to work and providing educational benefits. As the son of an old master sergeant in the Air Force who did 20 years and retired, I understand the importance of this. This bill is an excellent bill. I want to thank the chairman for his hard work and also thank the ranking member, Mr. Buyer, for his hard work. I thank Chairwoman Herseth Sandlin, and again our staffs who do so much work. This bill is an excellent product of bipartisan work on behalf of veterans, and I urge all of my colleagues to support the legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Mr. Filner for his leadership in bringing this bill forward and that of the staff on both sides. The legislation before us, H.R. 23, as amended, would provide $1,000 monthly payment to World War II mariners. The merchant mariners braved great danger and suffered great loss in their service for the allies. This service has been recognized. Since 1988, these wartime merchant mariners have full VA benefits, including health care. This bill goes further than that. It recognizes that these veterans did not have access to the GI Bill when they were young. In providing a monthly payment, H.R. 23 attempts to compensate for the loss of the potential offered by the GI Bill's educational benefits which were used by about half of the 16 million veterans of the Second World War. Thirty other groups also provided military service to the U.S. in World War II and have received veteran status in the same manner as the merchant mariners. We are a little bit concerned that we were not able in this bill to also help these deserving veterans. These groups include the Women's Air Force Service Pilots, the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps and the famed Flying Tigers. They served loyally, selflessly and courageously. Their service also contributed directly to victory in 1945, and yet we haven't been able to accommodate them in this bill. In fairness, their duty must be taken into account. I hope that we can act in the near future and take care of them. I am also concerned that apparently because of the rules of the House, and I voted for PAYGO, that we couldn't find the offsets to fund this benefit. So the issue of funding is being passed to the appropriators. It is unclear where we are going to be able to find the approximately $485 million over the next 5 years to fund the bill. As a believer in the GI Bill, I certainly cannot dispute the fact that the lack of advantage conferred by GI Bill education benefits disadvantaged merchant mariners and their families in the years following their service. Mr. Speaker, our merchant mariners provided intrepid and faithful service. Sixty years ago, they paid the heavy price for the freedoms we enjoy today. For that, they certainly deserve our appreciation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I urge my fellow Members of the House to support this bill. Certainly I will. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I wish to recognize and commend the outstanding contributions of the Leadership Training Institute of America toward the development of the young leaders of America. The Leadership Institute of America is an educational organization providing training and opportunity in leadership development and cultural dynamics. This organization's mission is to identify, inspire, and instruct students for leadership in society by equipping them with skills to allow them to defend their beliefs, including and understanding of why traditional values are vital to a free and secure society. It is these values that have, and continue, to make America great. LTIA students receive exposure to the major world views, issues, and philosophies of today. They are encouraged to pursue careers in influential sectors of our society by applying the leadership, critical thinking, scientific, and historic training they receive at LTIA, which is grounded in the Biblical traditions of America's forefathers. LTIA students represent future leaders in government, education, media, and business. They will be the backbone of our Nation and vital in sustaining its position as a world leader. With great pride, I salute the Leadership Training Institute of America for its unrelenting dedication and commitment in training and equipping young leaders for the challenges they will face tomorrow in our dynamic and ever changing world.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My amendment would encourage the Office of National Drug Control Policy to give careful consideration to States that do not currently benefit from the HIDTA program when considering the request of law enforcement agencies for a new HIDTA designation. The Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 2006 was enacted on December 27, 2006. This law requires the Director of ONDCP to establish regulations under which a coalition of interested law enforcement agencies from an area may petition for designation as a high intensity drug trafficking area. My amendment would require that of the $226 million in HIDTA funding in the underlying bill, $6 million will not be made available until the Director of the ONDCP certifies in writing that specific regulations have been established for the consideration of HIDTA application. Specifically, the Director must take into consideration whether an area that may be designated as a HIDTA lies within a State that already receives assistance from the HIDTA program. I do not believe we should mandate a preference for States like Arkansas that have been overlooked in the designation process, but I do believe we should encourage ONDCP to take this fact into consideration when reviewing HIDTA applications. I have seen the tragic effects of increased drug manufacturing and trafficking in Arkansas, especially the trafficking of meth. Arkansas is one of several States, including Minnesota, North Carolina, South Carolina, Delaware and several others, that have been excluded from the HIDTA program, despite many characteristics that make it both an ideal setting for illegal drug manufacturing and perfectly situated for trafficking. In recent years Arkansas has made great progress and has much to be proud of, but we still face serious challenges when it comes to drug trafficking. Our State has one of the most serious meth problems per capita of any State in the country. Our State has become home to branches of some of the Nation's major gangs and has a transportation network that makes it ideal for drug traffickers targeting metropolitan areas, including St. Louis, Little Rock, Chicago, Memphis, Kansas City and so on. My congressional district has one of the top 10 fastest- growing metropolitan statistical areas in the Nation, and recently our State's largest city found itself high on a list of cities in the Nation suffering from violent crime. Again, I am really discouraged in the sense that despite all of these facts, Arkansas and several States in similar situations have been overlooked in the HIDTA designation process. I don't ask for special preference for my State, but I do request that ONDCP give fair consideration to States in my situation. I want to thank the chairman and ranking member for their hard work on the underlying bill. But again, this is just an effort to try and help the States that are in the same situation as Arkansas. Point of Order

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to thank Representative Giffords for her leadership on this issue, as well as Chairman Lantos for sponsoring the committee amendment clarifying the intent and impact of this legislation. Earlier this year as a result of the Federal sting operation, Congress learned that Iran had illegally purchased parts for F-14 fighter planes from a U.S. military surplus store. According to investigators, the incident was just one piece of a larger ring of illegally sold military surplus parts that found their way to China and Iran. The report prompted the Pentagon's Defense Logistics Agency to suspend sales of the F-14 components. Military surplus offices are supposed to demilitarize parts, which would render them useless for military purposes. They are also allowed to auction the parts but only to buyers who promise to obey U.S. arms embargoes, export controls, and other laws. That was not the case, however, with these particular F-14 parts. As Members are aware, Tehran is in search of several key components for its aging fleet of F-14 Tomcat jets, which the United States sold to Iran prior to its 1979 Islamic revolution. This bill will add another layer of protection to the extensive array of export sanctions already imposed on Iran under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act and related executive orders. The committee amendment recognizes these facts and adjusts the title of the bill to more accurately reflect the purpose of the bill. Mr. Speaker, given the clear and present danger Iran poses to the national security interests of the United States and to the broader peace and stability of the Middle East, this is an appropriate and timely measure for our consideration today. I want to thank again Ms. Giffords and Mr. Pearce, and I support the adoption of the resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 226 recognizes American government officials who played a critical role in the creation of the War Refugee Board in an effort to help rescue Jews and other persecuted minorities during the Holocaust. In the early stage of World War II, there was an extensive flow of information about the extent of Jews and other minorities being systematically murdered by the Nazi regime. A heroic group of U.S. Government officials from the Treasury Department, including Secretary of the Treasurer, Henry Morganthau, as well as Joseph DuBois and John Pehle, urged President Franklin Roosevelt to take more direct and forceful action to help the victims of the Nazi atrocities. President Roosevelt later signed an executive order creating the War Refugee Board. Mr. John Pehle became the executive director of the board which helped to rescue Jews and other victims of Nazi persecution and prevented thousands of people from dying in extermination camps. Furthermore, the board assisted the International Red Cross to provide food and shelter to over 3 million prisoners of war. Efforts by those who worked to establish the War Refugee Board, particularly of Secretary of Treasury Henry Morganthau, Joseph DuBois, and John Pehle, were instrumental in saving thousands of lives during the Nazi extermination policy. H. Res. 226 recognizes and honors these government officials for their efforts, and I urge support for this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to reclaim 30 seconds of my time.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am remiss in not complimenting the gentlewoman from California for bringing this forward. It is very, very important that we do remember what people have done and when good people have stepped forward. We are sitting here and you always want to do your best on the pronunciation of names, and it is sad we don't know these names better than we do. I think you bringing forward this resolution, again it just highlights the importance that we do remember what has happened in the past and we keep it from happening in the future. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this resolution, which recognizes the enduring ties of an alliance first forged over half a century ago in the crucible of the Korean War. It was heartening to see the photographs from Seoul of the thousands of South Korean citizens who gathered in a downtown plaza on June 6, Korea's memorial day, to express their support of the alliance. They waved South Korean flags and the Stars and Stripes together to show enthusiasm for the strong bonds that link our two countries. Later this month, June 25, marks the 57th anniversary of the North Korean invasion across the Demilitarized Zone. This surprise attack in the early hours of a Sunday morning sought to snuff the life out of an embryonic South Korean democracy. President Harry Truman's immediate unflinching decision to come to the aid of an embattled South Korea proved that the United States would not retreat from its rendezvous with destiny. Together with our South Korean and other allies, we turned the tide of war at Inchon and preserved the South Korean state, which we honor as an ally today. South Korea's commitment to the alliance is seen in many ways, as in the 1,200 South Korean military personnel deployed to Iraq, which makes South Korea's contribution the third largest in the coalition contingent. There is also the $460 million which the Republic of Korea has pledged toward postwar Iraq reconstruction, and there are the close consultations we hold together in the six-party process to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue. These are the actions of a true and loyal friend, for which we express our gratitude in this resolution. Let me also take this opportunity to second the words of the United States forces Korea commander, General Bell, that South Korea Sergeant Yoon Jang-ho, who was South Korea's first uniformed casualty in the war on terror, was a hero. Sergeant Yoon was killed February 27 by a suicide bomber in Bagram, Afghanistan. This young soldier, although born in Korea, had spent his high school and college years in Indiana, graduating from Indiana University. He returned to South Korea to complete his military service and volunteered for service in Afghanistan. His loss was deeply felt, both in his home nation of Korea and his adopted hometown of Bloomington, Indiana. The shared mourning of the peoples of two nations for this valiant soldier is one more concrete indication of the ties that bind our two nations. Another, of course, is the talent and dynamism of the 2- million-strong ethnic Korean community in the United States. Los Angeles represents the largest concentrated urban center of Korean culture outside of the Korean Peninsula. For this enriching contribution to America's melting pot, we are extremely grateful. I therefore urge immediate passage of this resolution which recognizes this strong and enduring alliance. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the subcommittee chairman for his hard work. Also, I want to thank the chairman of the full committee, Mr. Lantos, and Ms. Ros-Lehtinen for bringing this forward along with our staff. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 418 that welcomes the delegations of presidents, prime ministers and foreign ministers from the Caribbean to Washington to meet with the U.S. Congress. This delegation brings the President of Suriname, the prime ministers of Barbados, Belize, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago, foreign ministers from the CARICOM countries, and the Assistant Secretary General of the Caribbean Community. These unprecedented meetings are part of the CARICOM Conference on the Caribbean that will take place from June 19-21. The Caribbean Community, or CARICOM, was established in 1973 to unify member countries on foreign policies and trade relations with outside states, and to improve the economic conditions of the region. Fourteen member states will be represented at the meeting, which will focus on trade relations with the United States, energy cooperation, and security concerns, including small arms trafficking and counternarcotics efforts, immigration and the reintegration of the Portuguese in the region, and the prevention of HIV/AIDS. There is always room to improve U.S. relations with our southern neighbors. Other such areas to be addressed during the discussions include encouraging tourism, protecting the environment, addressing energy security and renewable resources, combating the spread of infectious disease, and promoting democracy and good governance. This bill recognizes the deep and historic ties between the people of the United States and the Caribbean, and it commends the Caribbean Community for the establishment of the first-ever conference of this kind. I applaud this important step, and look forward to working with CARICOM to improve the overall relations between the U.S. Congress and our Caribbean allies. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Wally Bailey, a resident of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and his group's recent visit to Capitol Hill during this year's annual recognition of Building Safety Week. On May 9, Mr. Bailey led a delegation of members of the International Code Council to meet with Congress to discuss nationally focused concerns in building safety and fire prevention. This year ICC's delegation focused specifically on a proposal to create a Community Building Code Administration Grant Program, and Mr. Bailey spoke to me persuasively of how this program would expand and support the quality and effectiveness of building code and fire code administration in underserved areas of our country. Mr. Bailey serves as President of the Board of Directors of the International Code Council, a volunteer role to which he was elected in national leadership of a membership association of over 42,000 building safety and fire prevention professionals. It is this group that develops the building and fire codes that are in use all across our country for the construction and maintenance of our residential and commercial buildings, including the homes and the business, schools, and places of worship we visit regularly. These codes, created and maintained through a voluntary consensus development process, are in use by over 22,000 U.S. jurisdictions, including those who govern the quality, safety and energy efficiency of building construction at the local, State and Federal levels. For the past three decades, Mr. Bailey has been a tireless advocate for building safety through superior building codes and effective building code administration. As the Director of Development and Construction for the City of Fort Smith, he supervises activities of a multi-disciplined department that governs codes administration, inspections, plan review, property maintenance, historic preservation and land development. As a matter of note, two years ago he celebrated a quarter century of service to the City. Since 1999, in addition to his work with the City of Fort Smith, Mr. Bailey has served in leadership positions with the ICC, culminating in his present role as President of the Board. Besides his being a distinguished citizen of my District, in my opinion, ICC's membership elected a leader who is an outstanding public safety professional and a truly dedicated public servant. I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize the rest of the ICC delegation who visited Capitol Hill during Building Safety Week 2007, and thank them for their efforts to promote and defend a safe and sound built-environment. Those individuals include: Board Vice President Steven Shapiro, Board Secretary/Treasurer Adolph Zubia, Immediate Past President of the Board Henry Green; Board members Gregori Anderson, Edwin Berkel, James Brothers, John Darnall, William Dupler, Gerald George, Greg Johnson, Barbara Koffron, John LaTorra, Ronald Lynn, Doug Murdock, Ronald Piester, and James Ryan; ICC Government Relations Advisory Committee members Rebecca Baker, James Martin, Betts Nixon, Emory Rodgers, and George Wiggins; ICC Chapter Leaders Paul Aston, Roger Axel, Kurt Kasson, Sheila Lee, and Tina Rakes. Members of ICC's professional staff included its CEO Rick Weiland as well as Dominic Sims, David deCourcy, Sara Yerkes, James Tidwell, Mark Dinneen, Richard Kuchnicki, Laura Scott, Peter Feldman, and International Accreditation Services President Charles Ramani.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Wally Bailey, a resident of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and his group's recent visit to Capitol Hill during this year's annual recognition of Building Safety Week. On May 9, Mr. Bailey led a delegation of members of the International Code Council to meet with Congress to discuss nationally focused concerns in building safety and fire prevention. This year ICC's delegation focused specifically on a proposal to create a Community Building Code Administration Grant Program, and Mr. Bailey spoke to me persuasively of how this program would expand and support the quality and effectiveness of building code and fire code administration in underserved areas of our country. Mr. Bailey serves as President of the Board of Directors of the International Code Council, a volunteer role to which he was elected in national leadership of a membership association of over 42,000 building safety and fire prevention professionals. It is this group that develops the building and fire codes that are in use all across our country for the construction and maintenance of our residential and commercial buildings, including the homes and the businesses, schools, and places of worship we visit regularly. These codes, created and maintained through a voluntary consensus development process, are in use by over 22,000 U.S. jurisdictions, including those who govern the quality, safety and energy efficiency of building construction at the local, State and Federal levels. For the past three decades, Mr. Bailey has been a tireless advocate for building safety through superior building codes and effective building code administration. As the Director of Development and Construction for the City of Fort Smith, he supervises activities of a multi-disciplined department that governs codes administration, inspections, plan review, property maintenance, historic preservation and land development. As a matter of note, 2 years ago he celebrated a quarter century of service to the City. Since 1999, in addition to his work with the City of Fort Smith, Mr. Bailey has served in leadership positions with the ICC, culminating in his present role as President of the Board. Besides his being a distinguished citizen of my District, in my opinion, ICC's membership elected a leader who is an outstanding public safety professional and a truly dedicated public servant. I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize the rest of the ICC delegation who visited Capitol Hill during Building Safety Week 2007, and thank them for their efforts to promote and defend a safe and sound built-environment. Those individuals include: Board Vice President Steven Shapiro, Board Secretary/Treasurer Adolph Zubia, Immediate Past President of the Board Henry Green; Board members Gregori Anderson, Edwin Berkel, James Brothers, John Darnall, William Dupler, Gerald George, Greg Johnson, Barbara Koffron, John LaTorra, Ronald Lynn, Doug Murdock, Ronald Piester, and James Ryan; ICC Government Relations Advisory Committee members Rebecca Baker, James Martin, Betts Nixon, Emory Rodgers, and George Wiggins; ICC Chapter Leaders Paul Aston, Roger Axel, Kurt Kasson, Sheila Lee, and Tina Rakes. Members of ICC's professional staff included its CEO Rick Weiland as well as Dominic Sims, David deCourcy, Sara Yerkes, James Tidwell, Mark Dinneen, Richard Kuchnicki, Laura Scott, Peter Feldman, and International Accreditation Services President Charles Ramani.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support this bill that expresses our appreciation to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, for visiting the United States over the last month. Over the course of her lifetime and during her 55 years on the throne, Queen Elizabeth has played a vital role in the United Kingdom's successes through her strong leadership in diplomacy. She has been a great source of stability for her nation. During times of peace and times of unrest, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip have displayed amazing courage and have inspired the world community. The relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is a special one. The Americans and British have been working together for generations, furthering the deep-rooted commitment each country has for peace and security. I would like to thank Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip for reaffirming the trans-Atlantic friendship between our two countries with their visit last month to the United States. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.