Marsha Blackburn

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I do want to speak for just a moment about the war on terror and our efforts in Iraq. It is clear that we have come to a very important time in this effort. The President is going to speak about his strategy tomorrow night. You know, I have been asked many times over the last few weeks, and certainly on Sunday when I was at Fort Campbell, if I would support a surge in the troops. I think that we have to remember that it is important that we listen to the men and women and the commanders in the field as we have this discussion. We have to look at the situation: what does it take to defuse it, to stand up the Iraqis and make it easier to relinquish control to the Iraqis for their country. It is exactly this sort of opportunity and these situations that really animate the work and the leadership of Lieutenant General David Petraeus, the American commander who has been there for a year with the 101st, who was back for a year training the Iraqi troops in Baghdad, and now will return again. He has been called the military's warrior scholar and has drawn deeply on his dual background to create a leadership style that is respectful of military tradition and is innovative. We support General Petraeus. We look forward to his work there and his leadership style as we work to continue to defeat the terrorists and win the war on terror.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in acknowledging the retirement of Mr. Dennis Kamper and his 38 years of public service to the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Memphis District. Mr. Kamper began his career as a student earning both a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Engineering at the University of Louisville. With the Corps, Mr. Kamper has served in the Louisville, Philadelphia, and Memphis Districts. At each assignment Mr. Kamper has received praise for his dedication to providing quality products and services to the Corps of Engineers and their customers. Dennis has been a shining example of the Corps of Engineers' mission through his visionary leadership and exemplary managerial style. These contributions include the design and construction of numerous civil works projects, mentoring and recognition of his employees, his ``open door'' policy, and implementing and institutionalizing the Army Performance Improvement Criteria (APIC). In addition to his professional responsibilities, Dennis Kamper has built a legacy as a model citizen and community leader. He is an active member in his church and the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME), a strong supporter of Memphis District's Adopt-a-School program, and a speaker at numerous Career Day programs promoting the engineering profession. Please join me in honoring Dennis Kamper and wishing him the best in a well-deserved retirement.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. And before that, the votes were not recorded and it was the process. That is why I say we are returning to the way we were, the way they were. And it is different from the way business was conducted from 1995 until now. And I think that is an important distinction for our constituents who have stopped us on the campaign trail and stopped us as we have prepared to come in and take our solemn oath of office today and have said we want to be certain that this Congress is going to function in an open, accountable manner. We want to know what is happening in the people's House, and it is your charge to keep with us to keep us informed.

Mrs. BLACKBURN. I thank the gentleman from Georgia for his work on this issue and for his work on the Truth Squad. Today is a historic day, as my colleagues have mentioned. I commend my colleagues from both sides of the aisle on their collegiality and their tone as we have approached this day, and have recognized the historic importance and the significance of the first female taking the position of Speaker of this wonderful body which is the people's House. You know, as the gentleman was saying, it is so important that we note, we are not here to complain. We are not here to gripe. What we are here to do is to highlight for our constituents some of the content of a rules package that seems to be hastily pulled together that did not go through the committee process, that didn't have hearings, and was brought to the floor for a vote. I think it is important that our constituents know, because we have a lot of new Members of this body, and those voters that voted in the elections this fall did not go to the ballot box voting to have a government that was going to be carried out in the shadows. They went to the ballot boxes saying we want government that is more accountable. We want government that is more open. We want government that is more responsive to the needs of our constituents. We want government that is going to work more effectively and more efficiently for the American people. And the very first vote that is taken on the rules package presented in the people's House today is a vote that would eliminate recorded votes in the Rules Committee. Now, in my great State of Tennessee, we have had this discussion, and in our general assembly in the great State of Tennessee, we have had this debate, and people said over and over again we want those votes recorded. We want sunshine. We want openness. And that is something that needs to be highlighted with our constituents. They need to realize the format that they are wanting to push forward would deny the minority the opportunity to hear, have their amendments heard in the Rules Committee. Dr. Gingrey has highlighted some of the provisions, and he does such a wonderful job with our Rules Committee and the concerns that we have with the format that would go before the Rules Committee that would deny recording some of these votes, which means there is less accountability. So it is our responsibility to come and highlight those things. You know another thing that the people did not vote for this November was to raise their taxes. They did not go to the poll and vote saying, ``Representatives, we want you to make it easier to raise the taxes on us.'' And one of the things that we find with the PAYGO rules is that it is basically pay as you go on a spending spree. Even the Concord Coalition has estimated that this 100 hours would cost $800 billion over 10 years if everything was funded. That is $80 billion a year for 10 years, $80 billion a year additional, additional, new spending. Now, I can tell you one thing for certain. I don't know a lot, but one thing I do know is that the people of the Seventh District of Tennessee do not want to be forking over another $80 billion a year. What they did vote for this November was to see government spending reduced, and that is where they want our emphasis to be. And it is important that we spell this out for our constituents, for the American people, for them to know what is transpiring as we come into the 110th Congress. Words are important and it is important that we provide the clarification that is there and that is needed. And as I have viewed the package that we have debated some today and will debate tomorrow, I have come to realize that one of the things our colleagues across the aisle, the Democrats, have said is they want to go back to the way things were. I even said maybe Barbara Streisand's ``The Way We Were'' should be their theme song because that is how they want to go back to doing business where it is closed. This is what people voted against with the revolution in 1994. They voted then for more openness. This past November, people thought they were going to see more action and more openness, and the first votes that are being taken are closing that process and are excluding people, excluding representatives of as many as 140 million Americans from participation in that process.

Mrs. BLACKBURN. If the gentleman would yield and also yield to Dr. Gingrey, who is on the Rules Committee, but having served in a State legislative body, that is one of the things that our constituents who were tuned into watching so closely would say, how in the world can you represent me and then not tell me how you voted and try to keep that a secret? I am having a difficult time finding words to say how egregious that is and how offensive it is to our constituents.

Mrs. BLACKBURN. And if the gentleman would yield, if my memory is correct, in 1995, when Speaker Gingrich and the House Republicans set the rules, that was at the time that they started recording those votes; is that not correct?

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege today to honor Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Stephens as they celebrate 50 years of marriage. This is a tremendous milestone that embodies the enduring love and profound commitment they have for one another. For those of us who know the Stephens, their marriage is a celebration of life and an inspiration to us all. On December 12, 1957, Clyde and Nellie were married in Corinth, MS. Clyde and Nellie were blessed with three wonderful children, Pam Stephens Kelly, David Stephens and Gary Stephens, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Tonight their family and friends are gathering in Middle Tennessee to celebrate this occasion. Mr. Speaker, a 50th wedding anniversary is truly worth commemorating, and I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Clyde and Nellie Stephens.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking Chaplain Scott Crosley of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) for delivering today's opening prayer. Chaplain Crosley serves as the battalion chaplain for the First Battalion 187th Infantry Regiment, the ``Leader Rakkasans.'' These soldiers only recently returned to Fort Campbell from Iraq. While they were deployed in Iraq, I had the opportunity to visit them at forward-operating base Summerall. The Leader Rakkasans engaged in close combat with insurgent and terrorist enemies. They worked to train Iraqi army and police units, and they continued the work of building Iraqi civil society to offer a better future to the next generation of Iraqis. Chaplain Crosley came to the Army late in life, moving his family from his native California and heeding a call to tend to the spiritual and emotional needs of soldiers at war. In this time of deployment, his efforts helped soldiers deal with the stress of combat, separation from their loved ones and, above all, the loss of nine brother warriors in action. Mr. Speaker, we thank Chaplain Crosley and the soldiers of the 101st Airborne for their great service to our great Nation.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise today to honor Mr. Sam Smithson on his 94th birthday and to thank him for his dedication and service to our country. Born in Williamson County, Tennessee on October 4, 1912, Mr. Smithson was inducted into the Army as a Private First Class in December of 1942. He fought bravely in major battles across Normandy, northern France, the Rhineland, and in the Ardennes as a member of B Company, 612th Tank Destroyer Battalion. On December 17, 1944, Pfc. Smithson was captured by German forces and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp, Stalag XIII-C, deep within Germany. After living in captivity under brutal conditions for nearly six months, the camp was liberated by Allied Forces on April 28, 1945. Mr. Smithson's heroism and determination in the face of adversity earned him a promotion to Corporal upon his discharge from the Army in October 1945. Mr. Smithson and his late wife Fronie were married for 69 years and had one son, Sam Smithson, Jr. On Saturday, September 30th, Mr. Smithson's family and friends will gather to celebrate his 94th birthday. Sam's story is the American story. It's a testament to the determination and love of country that has kept us free for more than two centuries now. It's because of men like Sam that the American Dream lives. We thank God for his service to America, and it's right that we take time to reflect on his life and celebrate his 94th birthday. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in sending our thanks to Mr. Smithson for his service to our nation and our best wishes as he celebrates his birthday.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise today in honor of Marine LCpl Timothy Creager. Timothy is one of America's fallen heroes. He was one of our best and brightest, and he had the courage to put himself in harm's way for our country. On July 1, 2004, Lance Corporal Creager was killed in action while on patrol near Fallujah, in the Al-Anbar Province in Iraq, surrounded by his fellow marines of 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. His sacrifice shows us how precious freedom is--that a man would give his life to preserve it for his family and fellow Americans. We Tennesseans knew Tim as an outstanding student, Eagle Scout, and battalion commander in the Civil Air Patrol at Craigmont High School. In 2003, he gave up his scholarship to the Citadel after his sophomore year because he felt it was his duty to enlist in the Marines. Timothy chose this path because he believed in America. On Veterans Day this November 11, 2006, the Bartlett community will hold a 5K race to honor Timothy. The community will also be dedicating an expanded Bartlett Veterans Memorial to honor Timothy and all those who have served our country. Mr. Speaker, nothing can replace Timothy and no words can express our gratitude to his friends and family for raising the kind of young man who would give his all for America. We can only honor his life and always remember his courage. Our thoughts are with his mom and dad, Kay and Mike. I want them to know their country is grateful and we won't forget what their son did for us all.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege for me today to take a moment and honor a community of people in Clarksville, Tennessee. The First Baptist Church in Clarksville is celebrating a remarkable 175 years of worship and that's an achievement we ought to all applaud. With a history of faithful and dynamic leadership, the First Baptist congregation has blessed the community of Clarksville with their ministry and prayer. Pastor Roger Freeman continues this legacy of good works through faith as the current Senior Pastor of First Baptist. From an active Senior Adult Ministry to a tremendous Preschool Ministry, the church is making our community a better place every day. With strength and faith, the congregation reaches out to the community of Clarksville and offers many a beacon of hope and comfort. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Pastor Freeman and the congregation of First Baptist Church of Clarksville for their continued ministry and with them all the best for another 175 years of dedication to the Lord.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor Dr. Patrick Maxwell for his service to others. In 2005, Dr. Maxwell received the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' Presidential Award for excellence in his field. While Dr. Maxwell is regarded as one of the premier surgeons in his field, he's also known for his charity. Patrick is co-founder of the Tennessee-Kentucky chapter of Operation Smile, past president of the Nashville Chapter of the American Cancer Society, Founding Member of the Aspen Center for Integrative Medicine, and he actively supports his alma mater, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. We appreciate Dr. Maxwell's dedication to giving back to our community and I hope you'll join me in thanking him today.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring two schools in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District that have been ranked among the Nation's best. Both Brentwood Middle School and Franklin Elementary School have earned recognition from the U.S. Department of Education as 2006 No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools. The schools qualified for this distinction by scoring in the top 10 percent in State assessments. While only six schools in Tennessee achieved this distinction, our community has been blessed with two. Mr. Speaker, the students, parents, teachers, and administrators at Brentwood Middle and Franklin Elementary deserve our congratulations for their commitment to excellence. Our students are gaining skills that will make them lifelong learners, and that's a real credit to the community. I would especially like to thank Brentwood Middle Principal Kay Kendrick and Franklin Elementary Principal Mark Tornow for their hard work and dedication.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from North Carolina. I thank her for her commitment to keeping our Nation safe. As an educator and having spent many years in schools teaching, leading, directing those activities, she knows that it is an imperative that, in order for children to learn, they have to feel secure in their environment. In order for parents to participate, they have to have that sense of certainty that there is control and security. And this is something that, yes, in our free Nation we are so blessed and so grateful to be able to just expect that. When we get up in the morning, we expect that we are going to be able to put the children on the school bus, that we are going to be able to go to work, go to the grocery store and participate in those activities with a little bit of control over what happens in those environments and with some predictability and certainty as to what the expectations are going to be. So indeed we are very blessed in that regard. It is an incredible gift that having a strong national defense, how wonderful it is, what a gift that that has allowed us as a people to enjoy. As the gentlewoman said, sometimes in order to look forward and to assess, what we have to do is be certain that we have perspective, that we look at where we have been, where we have come from and where we are heading. In a Nation where we have defense as one of our top priorities and where it is one of the top priorities of this Government, sometimes it is important to cast that perspective and to say this is why we have to say, back to basics, shift our focus, and begin to look at terrorist attacks not as civil disobedience but to view them as what they are, acts of war, and to respond to them as what they are, acts of war. And as the gentlewoman mentioned, this is a problem that has been brewing and that we have had to deal with for decades. Terrorism and terrorists have been attacking our Nation not for a few months, and it did not start on September 11. It has been going on for decades. I think that many of us remember November of 1979 when the Iranian radicals took control of the embassy in Tehran. That was a siege that lasted for 444 days, where they had the embassy and 53 hostages. We all remember how the end of that attack came about. In 1983, we had 63 people that were killed in an embassy booming in Lebanon. 1983, also, there was a suicide bomb attack on the U.S. compound in Lebanon, where 242 Americans were attacked and killed. All the while, attacks that were taking place on U.S. interests but not on U.S. soil. In 1986, a Berlin discotheque was bombed, and we also had 79 servicemen that were bombed, injured in a bombing attack in West Germany. In 1988, we remember December of 1988, Pan Am flight 103 that was blown up by the Libyan terrorists. And then in February of 1993 the first World Trade Center bombing killed 6 people, injured over 1,000 people. That was February of 1993. Going through the following years and leading up to September 11, 2001. In 1995, we had a military complex in Saudi Arabia that was bombed. The Khobar Towers in 1996. The attack in our embassies in 1998. The Cole bombing by al Qaeda in 2000; and then, of course, the al Qaeda-led plot that was enacted on September 11, 2001. Now, Mr. Speaker, what we see from this is the pattern of terrorist activity for two full decades. What we also have seen since September 11 is that no longer do we respond to terrorist attacks as civil disobedience; we respond to it as an act of war, as what it is. One of the things that we have to keep focused on right now, every single day, is that this war on terror is just that, it is a war. Yes, we have the battle in Afghanistan. Yes, the battle in Iraq. And, yes, there are terrorist cells that are scattered around the globe. But we started sending a different message on September 11. And we are very grateful for the work that the intelligence community, that our homeland security organizations, that our American military has done, that the coalition partners have done in working together to fight terrorism, to fight the spread of terrorism. And the reason we do it, Mr. Speaker, the reason the leadership in this House remains so solidly focused on terrorism is exactly what my colleague was speaking of when she opened her remarks. The reason is so that the American people can go about their daily lives exercising the control, exercising the freedom, being certain that those children are going to school in safe and free environments, being certain that they are going into the workplace with safe and free environments. That is the reason that the focus has shifted. That is the reason that it remains the top priority of the leadership of this House. I also want to thank the leadership for the work that they have done on this issue and our colleagues who are sponsoring legislation and bringing it to the floor, this week, last week, the last few weeks as we are preparing to finish up some of the work to increase, increase the funding and the focus on defending this Nation against terrorism. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from North Carolina for yielding. It is an honor to come and spend some time on the floor with her and to talk with the American people about some of the work that we are doing as we lead in the war against terrorism and against terrorists.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, we are a blessed Nation. We have not suffered another attack on our soil since September 11, and we are grateful. We have killed or captured dozens of members of al Qaeda and the Taliban. Our military and intelligence forces are working both hard and smart. After two decades of having U.S. interests attacked by the terrorists, we have taken the war on terrorism to the terrorists' backyard. For decades, whether it was the Iranian hostage crisis, the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, the first World Trade Center bombing, or the USS Cole bombing, we did not view terrorist attacks as a declaration of war. And that is what they were, but we didn't see it. We used law enforcement to go after terrorists and we sought to negotiate. What a mistake that was. But it is a mistake all too many who prefer appeasement want us to repeat. Can any of us even imagine, after Pearl Harbor, President Roosevelt suggesting we negotiate a resolution or that we could simply prosecute those involved? Of course it is unimaginable. We are right to be in the Middle East, and we are right to treat this as the war it is.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor Patricia Holsinger Ryan for her years of service to our Middle Tennessee community. While Patricia recently passed away, we know her legacy is one of charity and dedication. We know that her memory lives on in our memories and in those who benefited from her good works. Patricia was known for her compassion and care for those in Williamson County's senior homes and Alzheimer centers. She brought her warmth and compassion to those in need. Her work with mistreated pets across the State meant homes for thousands of unwanted animals, and was yet another sign of Patricia's commitment to giving back more to her community than she took. We won't forget Patricia and our community is a better place for her life and her work.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam Speaker, I do rise today in support of this legislation to update our wool labeling laws. I want to thank Chairman Barton, Ranking Member Dingell, as well as Chairman Stearns, for their help in bringing the legislation forward. I also want to thank and commend my friend from Illinois, the ranking member of the Commerce Trade and Consumer Protections Subcommittee, Representative Schakowsky, for joining me to sponsor the legislation. The Wool Suit Fabric Labeling Fairness and International Standards Conforming Act will modernize the Wool Labeling Act by using the international definition of ``super'' as an identifier for the quality of wool products. We have written this legislation to protect consumers and industry participants from the mislabeling of certain suiting fabrics. In recent years, many wool products at the wholesale and retail level, including worsted wool fabrics and apparel items, are being marketed and labeled as ``super 100,'' and ``super 120s,'' and so- called ``super'' grades. These refer to the fineness of the yarn contained in the product. The finer the average yard is in diameter, the higher the super's grade. Higher super grades reflect products that are supposed to have higher yarns and therefore sold at higher prices. The Wool Labeling Act, which regulates the labeling of wool products in the United States, has not been amended to reflect the current marketing practice of using supers as an identifier for quality wool products. The International Wool Textile Organization is the international body representing the interests of the world's wool textile industry, which includes the U.S., oversees the implementation of the International Wool Textile Arbitration Agreement. The IWTO has adopted a code of practice regarding the use of the term ``super'' on wool products, and the exact yarn diameter that each level of ``super'' must contain. Woolmark, a company that licenses the use of the Woolmark logo, has accepted the identical definition. Modernization of the Wool Labeling Act has strong support, as my colleague mentioned. It is supported by the National Textile Association, Victor Forstman, UNITE, the Cashmere and Camel Hair Manufacturers Institute, the American Apparel and Footwear Association, Hartmarx, and Hickey Freeman on behalf of the Tailored Clothing Association. As the domestic tailored clothing industry and wool textile mills continue to face significant challenges, this legislation is timely and it is vital to the continued health of this important manufacturing sector in the U.S. I urge my colleagues to support the legislation.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. I thank the gentleman from New York for his dedication to our Nation's security and border security, which is a huge part of that. Mr. Speaker, after our Congress on the Road border security hearings, I would have constituents who would say tell me what you learned. What we learned is this, is that every town is a border town and every State is a border State, regardless of where it sits in this Nation. We also learned that what Americans want is to secure the border first. That is their priority, and they are in hopes that we are going to join them and work with them. We know it has been the House's priority, and we are hoping that the administration and the Senate will join us in this effort. We have also learned that what America wants to see is some type of border wall or fence or technology that is going to get results and that will end illegal entry into this country, whether it is of drugs, whether it is of individuals. They want the illegal entry to end. The Secure Fence Act is a result of our hearings. We have heard. We are heeding what we have heard, and we know this is not the be all and end all, but it is one part of this important process. We get it. We hear the American people. We hear the border guards, and we also hear American law enforcement officers at the local and State level. We are committed to doing the right thing. As I said, I hope that the President and Senate will join us in supporting these endeavors. We welcome bipartisan support on this issue. For those who have sat back and have avoided the issue or refused to take a position, now is the appropriate time for them to basically get off the fence and join us in supporting this. It is responsible, and, indeed, it is an issue of national security.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, last night our President gave a prime time address for the remembrance of September 11, and I know the media is working overtime right now criticizing that speech and saying it was political. I would suggest it is the media and not the American people who are fixated on that. The American people want to know what we are doing to make this Nation more secure. I don't think the speech was overtly political, but let's say for the sake of argument that it was. Now, Mr. Speaker, there are two political parties voting on these security measures, and it boils down to this: you either support the PATRIOT Act legislation or you don't. You either support terrorist surveillance and terrorist tribunals or you don't. You either support aggressively fighting terrorists by using our military or you don't. Mr. Speaker, Republicans voted for these measures. We supported them. And some across the aisle voted for them too; but, the liberals in the Democratic Party don't support these measures; and in my opinion, yes, that would make them weak on security. That is not a partisan political statement; it's the truth.

Ms. BLACKBURN

Ms. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to celebrate the opening of the Village Commons Community Center at Fort Campbell in my district in Tennessee. This is a great day for so many of our military families. We know our service men and women face many challenges as they work to defend America. That's why this new facility with an exercise room, amphitheater, and coffee shop to name just a few features is so important. It adds to the quality of life in a very fundamental way. To date this is one of the most extensive military housing programs developed through the cooperation of the Department of Defense and private donors. It's a real credit to the Fort Campbell community that this project has been completed. An element of this effort I especially want to note though is the addition of a wheelchair accessible playground. Mr. Speaker, this will give those soldiers wounded while defending our country the opportunity to spend time with their children. I know that will mean so much to them and all of us are grateful this program is now a reality.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Franklin Special School District. For a century this district has served as a shining example of quality in public school education. FSSD is recognized within the State of Tennessee and nationally for excellence. It has received straights A's in the 2005 Tennessee State Report Card which is based on student achievement and academic gains. The faculty and staff have demonstrated incredible dedication to the mission of educating students. That's something we all ought to applaud. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the parents and students of the FSSD. I also ask my colleagues to join me in sending a special thanks to Dr. David Snowden, Director of Schools and the Franklin Special School District teachers and staff for educating the leaders of tomorrow. We wish them all the best in the years ahead.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, this Republican majority is dedicated to the security agenda. We have created a plan of action for leading that addresses the issues facing America today. As part of our security agenda, we are promoting border security that halts illegal entry into the country. We are strengthening our national security by fighting terrorism in the Middle East where it begins, not on our own soil after an attack. We are also promoting economic growth and job creation by lowering taxes and reducing regulation in order that families can plan for their very own secure future. Energy security means America must harness our own domestic oil resources, expand oil refining capacity that is limited due to red tape, and at the same time carry out research and development for alternative energy sources while we focus on conservation's best practices. We are fighting to defend the moral infrastructure that has made America great as part of our moral security agenda. Mr. Speaker, we invite everyone to join us in a thoughtful process of securing America's future.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, this past weekend I spent time traveling through my district and talking with people from all across the political spectrum. And I consistently heard quotes like this: ``Let's secure the border. Let's have security first. Let's stop illegal entry into this country.'' Mr. Speaker, I want all of these folks to know that we hear them. We hear them loud and clear. And this House majority is fighting those who would grant amnesty to individuals who have broken our laws. Our majority leader, Mr. Boehner, has written an op-ed today in the Philadelphia Enquirer. I want to thank him for that. He is absolutely right when he says, and I quote, ``Congress has compromised on this issue too long.'' We are standing firm for a security first bill, Mr. Speaker. I look forward to the field hearings that we are going to have across this country in August. The hearings will show those opposed to a security first bill that the American people are on our side in this issue.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to celebrate a few wonderful new changes coming to the Hickman Community Hospital in Tennessee. Patients and visitors at the hospital will enjoy updated dining facilities and improved patient rooms to name just two of the enhancements that will improve the quality of life and the quality of care at the facility. A real team effort went into this project which was funded through corporate and individual donations. The Hickman community came together, worked hard, and made this progress happen. They deserve recognition for this achievement which is the sort of initiative that has helped make the hospital a Critical Access Hospital. I also want to recognize Jim Houser, Jack Keller, their teams at Saint Thomas Health Services and Hickman Community Hospital, leaders in the community, and most importantly, those who pledged support and are making this project a reality.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, you know, we are seeing it on the front page of Roll Call today, talking about the security message, where the leadership in this House has been focused for a long time now. We know that national security is securing this country, making an aggressive move in the war on terror, being sure that we support our troops, making sure that we have a Nation that is safe, where we can live, where we can work, go to school, go to our businesses, have secure communities and be secure in our American hopes and dreams. We also know that a key component of this national security agenda is border security, and I commend the House leadership for staying focused on securing the border first. It is an imperative for us, Mr. Speaker. We have to stop illegal entry into this country. Illegal entry has turned every State into a border State, every town into a border town, and the people of this Nation know that it will not change until we secure our border.