Jo Bonner

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the great accomplishment of a talented group of young men who worked together to propel the Spanish Fort, Alabama, Toros to the pinnacle of the State Class 5A championship. On December 2, the Spanish Fort Toros varsity football team ended a historic season by defeating Briarwood Christian 14 to 0 to win the Alabama Class 5A title. This victory represents the first time the Spanish Fort Toros have captured a State football championship during their brief four years of fielding a team. I would like to congratulate coaches Bryant Vincent, Tommy Walker, Chase Smith, George Brown, Richard Kelly, Duane Davis, Wayne Davis, Earnest Hill, Justin Moore, Michael Beasley, Rob Milam, and the entire Toros team: Connor Mitchell, Otis Smith, Christopher Beasley, Billy Harris, Blake Dees, Joel Poe, Ameriol Finley, Barkley Sims, Garrett Horst, Davares Ambrose, Shane English, Jonathon Cook, Demarco Montgomery, Matthew Harris, Conner McGavin, Troy Brown, Daniel Pond, Michael Tynes, Matt Hall, Devontae Patrick, Brett Lesinger, Kylan Cotton, Hunter Glass, Jarred Hodges, Brendan McCants, Dillen Malone, Alex Thomas, James Rocket, David Sullivan, Cory McCarron, Cameron Bosarge, Keland Dotch, Marcus Walton, Alec Morgan, Jake Clemmenson, Blain Crain, Jack Wilson, Bobby Creighton, Brandon Sledge, Tyler Bexley, Brannan Crosby, Aaron Caldwell, Conner Gates, Jake Brackhan, Byrson Stringer, Russell Whisnant, Tanner McNair, Grant Horst, Will Martin, Chase Holliman, Patrick Connick, Zac Fowler, Reed Pennington, Grey Curtis, Victor Dunning, Chris Morehouse, Zack Burnett, Cameron Gates, Patrick Williamson, Cade Burgin, Osmond Curtis, Walker Betts, Reese Dismukes, Chandler Wilson, Kaleb Hall, Hampton Cline, David Bertagnoli, Kevin Townsend, Timothy Pharez, Grant Curreton, Jared Burtrico, Adam Adcock, John Jagaee and Brandon Hayliger. Congratulations Toros.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor my alma mater, Greenville's Fort Dale Academy, for its outstanding achievement in capturing the Alabama Independent School Association's Class AAA title. On November 19, the Fort Dale Academy Eagles soared to victory over their rival, the Monroe Academy Volunteers, winning the state championship by a 49 to 21 margin. Both teams were outstanding this year, and while I represent Monroe Academy in Congress, I hope they will allow me to express my pride for this unique achievement by my alma mater. I wish to congratulate the Eagles' head coach James ``Speed'' Sampley, assistant coaches Daniel Autrey, Josh Beverly, Clint Lowery, Jason Taylor, Jimmy Gardner, Jimmy Phelps, Bert Rice, and Will McInvale; and, the Eagles varsity players, Taylor Windham, Matthew Bender, Eli Blackmon, Ryan Salter, Andrew Callen, Stephen Till, Stewart Matthews, Hunter Armstrong, Ryan Taylor, Dylan Jones, Patrick Russell, Chip Taylor, Mason Stinson, Dow Gardner, Ethan Gregory, Luke Hamm, Zane Speir, Taylor Loftin, Perry Singleton, Jacob Phillips, Miller Owens, Brandon Matthews, Manny Norrell, Sawyer Reeves, Chase Whiddon, Loredo Russell, Caleb Luckie, Tripp Neilson, Patten Thompson, Charlie Scofield, Alex Bloodworth, Taylor Hartley, Cade Tillery, Brady Clark, Larry Harold, Tyler Jones, Ethan Edgar, Davis Crocker, Bud Thagard, Chase Smith, Chance Williams, Alex Medley, Jonathan Scott, and Will Davis. Congratulations on an excellent season and for bringing Fort Dale Academy its first state crown.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the outstanding achievement of the Daphne High School Trojan varsity football team in capturing the Alabama Class 6A title. On December 3, the unbeaten Trojans held tough, despite a determined Hoover High School that was knocking on the one yard line, to cinch a 7 to 6 victory at the State Class 6A championship game. It was truly a classic in Alabama high school athletics. I would like to congratulate the Trojan coaching squad, Glenn Vickery, Brian Campbell, Milton Sutton, Mike Vickery, Lawrence Yelding, Bart Sessions, Mike Barnard, Benny Houston, and Nathan McNair as well as the entire Trojan varsity team, including, Israel Lamprakes, Leo Battiste, Kyndal Minnefield, T.J. Yeldon, Torren McGaster, Tyrell Holloway, Ryan Anderson, Justin Jackson, Chris Hill, T.J. Fleeton, Chris Sain, Cartels Young, Horace Johnson, Russ Mosely, Douglas Perdue, Adam Lofton, Brandon Roberts, Trey Jenkins, Zack Morgan, Markell Jones, Jonathan McGaster, Robert Nettles, Jr., Rodrick Tate, Michael Pierce, Jalan Coleman, Trey Rembert, Josh Johnson, Zach Houston, Preston Conley, Trey Thomas, Bennett Barr, Patrick Wilson, Clark Newsome, Daniel Coole, Jeremy Freeman, Zach Sanchez, Malik Pruitt, Dominic Edney, Zack Taylor, Caleb McMillan, Cain Knox, Kevin Wilson, Pierce Parker, Josh Kirchharr, Willie White, Trent Johns, Greg Jenkins, Nic Morgan, Andy Headley, Ben Lewis, Ashton Mcquitery, T.J. Jackson, Carlos Barrera, Jordan Davis, Colton Byrd, Jonathan Perry, Anthony Rudolph, Lucas Carson, Cameron Lemcool, Hunter Broadus, Elliot Williams, Kevin Caldwell, Matthew Mabry, Jeremy Sparks, Ronnie Williams, Monya Brown, Robert Alexander, Jonathan Parslow, Jacob Olmsted, Ryan Olson, Dalis Houston, Clay Myers, Blake Douglas, Adam Daniel, Serge Kolotov, David Phillips, Alex Jackson, James Reyner, Eric Lee, David Carroll, Ryan Pugh, and Duquan Able. Congratulations, gentlemen on a truly amazing season and Alabama Class 6A victory.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, December 15, 2010, I was unavoidably detained and unable to cast my vote on H. Res. 1761, a resolution congratulating Auburn University quarterback Cameron Newton on winning the 2010 Heisman Trophy as the most outstanding college football player in the United States. As an original cosponsor of this legislation, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on H. Res. 1761.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mr. Norman Floyd McGowin, Jr., of Chapman, Alabama; a philanthropist, devoted steward of the land and expert aviator who recently passed away at the age of 79. A graduate of Lawrenceville School in 1949, Floyd McGowin earned his undergraduate degree in International Relations from Yale University in 1953. After college, he served his country in the United States Marine Corps and Reserves, rising to the rank of First Lieutenant. After returning to civilian life, Floyd became a principal in his south Butler County, Alabama family business, the W.T. Smith Lumber Company, one of the oldest and largest lumber operations in Alabama. When the company was sold to Union Camp in 1966, he remained at the helm, serving as President of the Rocky Creek Logging Company until his retirement in 1991. Floyd was a distinguished business leader, serving on numerous boards of directors of forestry-related organizations and financial institutions. He was also instrumental in pioneering aviation mapping techniques for forest management. In addition to his many business accomplishments, Floyd was also known as a skilled aviator. In 2009, he was honored with the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. He completed over 50 years of flying with more than 13,000 hours in 58 types of aircraft, including flying for 10 years as a professional airshow pilot. He was inducted into the Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame in 1997. At the time of his death, he was the owner and operator of McGowin Field in Chapman, established in 1930, which is the second oldest active civil airport in Alabama. He also served on nonprofit educational foundations promoting flight. He was Chairman of the Wright Brothers/Maxwell Field Foundation of Montgomery, Alabama and Vice President and Director of The Discovery of Flight Foundation of Warrenton, Virginia. He served proudly as a Director of the Alabama Archives and History Foundation. He completed a manuscript titled The Forest and the Trees, which is under contract with New South Books awaiting commercial publication. Madam Speaker, South Alabama has lost a patriot and a pioneer with the passing of Floyd McGowin. We owe a debt of gratitude for his contributions to forestry management and the preservation of America's rich aviation history. I wish to offer my condolences to his wife of 57 years, Rosa Tucker, his son, Dr. Norman F. McGowin, III, and his daughters, Tucker Slaughter and Lucy Moore, as well as his numerous grandchildren and other relatives. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor and recognize the exemplary service of my colleague, and friend, Congressman Artur Davis, who has represented Alabama's Seventh Congressional District since 2002. A native of Montgomery, Congressman Davis graduated with honors from both Harvard University and Harvard Law School and has equally distinguished himself in public service. As a law student, he worked for the Southern Poverty Law Center and the late U.S. Senator Howell Heflin. After law school, Artur Davis compiled a near 100 percent trial conviction record as a federal prosecutor in the Middle District of Alabama. From 1998 to 2002, he worked as a litigator in private practice. Congressman Davis was first elected to Congress in 2002 and has served four terms representing his west Alabama district which encompasses twelve counties, spanning from Birmingham and Tuscaloosa to the Black Belt. Congressman Davis and I both represent portions of Clarke County and it has been my personal pleasure to work with him and his staff during his 8 years in the House. We were both elected in the same class of 2002 and have labored together to help expand economic opportunity for southwest Alabama. I am particularly grateful for his support of efforts to enhance the Port of Mobile and the Alabama State Docks as well as his valuable assistance in ongoing major economic development projects for our region. Artur made his mark in Washington as an effective legislator who has won national attention for his leadership on a range of issues. He serves as a member of the prestigious Ways and Means Committee, which oversees economic policy. Congressman Davis is only the tenth Alabamian in 190 years to serve on this committee, which is the only congressional committee actually described in the Constitution. He was the chief advocate for legislation to save the HOPE VI program for revitalizing public housing communities. He has also been a strong voice for creative ideas that would expand health care and improve educational performance benefitting rural and urban areas alike. Artur has garnered a variety of honors during his tenure on Capitol Hill, including being selected by Esquire Magazine as one of the 10 best Congressmen in America. As they prepare to leave Congress, I extend my best wishes to Artur and his lovely wife, Tara, and thank them both for their honorable service and leadership for the people of Alabama.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the distinguished service of my colleague and friend, Congressman Parker Griffith, who has tirelessly represented the people of Alabama's Tennessee Valley region during the 111th Congress. A native of Shreveport, Louisiana, Parker Griffith spent much of his career in medicine before turning to public service later in life. In 1970, he earned his medical degree from the Louisiana State University Medical School and served in residency at the University of Texas' M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. His medical career includes the LSU Service Charity Hospital in New Orleans and the University of Texas Medical Branch, UTMB, in Galveston, Texas. Dr. Griffith also served as a Medical Corps captain in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1970 to 1973, before later moving to north Alabama. Dr. Griffith was the first radiation oncologist in north Alabama and a pioneer in the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer. He established the first Comprehensive Cancer Center in north Alabama to treat all types of cancer. As a physician, he provided free and discounted care to patients without insurance. Parker retired from medicine in December 1992, and with his wife, Virginia, he co-founded the Griffith Family Foundation, which awards cash grants to elementary school libraries in northern Alabama. Since its establishment in 2005, the foundation has donated over $50,000 to area schools. Dr. Griffith's political career began in 2006 when he won a seat in the Alabama State Senate, representing the 7th district, including the Huntsville area. During his term in the State Senate, he worked to improve Alabama's healthcare system, lower taxes and expand early childhood education programs. In 2008, Dr. Griffith was elected to Congress, representing Alabama's Fifth Congressional District. In the U.S. House, he was selected as a member the influential Energy and Commerce Committee, widely considered one of the three most powerful in the House of Representatives. He also served on the Oversight and Investigations, Energy and Environment and Communications, and Technology and the Internet subcommittees. During his time in Congress, Dr. Griffith advocated for NASA and the Marshall Space Flight Center, Redstone Arsenal and the TVA--all vital to his district. He also proudly voted to lower taxes, invest in education and create jobs. As Parker and his wife, Virginia, leave public service for now and return to Alabama full time, I thank them on behalf of the people of Alabama for their esteemed service and I wish both of them the very best.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life and memory of a remarkable civic leader who was recently called from us. The Rev. Wesley A. James never held an elected political office, yet his influence over his beloved Mobile, Alabama surpassed many who have. A native of Mobile and a 1970 graduate of Central High School, Rev. James continued on to the University of South Alabama where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice Administration. In 1979 he graduated from Virginia Union University School of Theology where he received a Master of Divinity Degree. He was also active on campus as president of the student body, director of resident life, and an instructor of freshman orientation. In 1981 he graduated number one in his class from Southwest Police Academy located at Faulkner State Community College in Bay Minette, Alabama. From 1990 to 1995, he was a fellow at Boston University School of Public Health. And, in 1997 he earned a Doctor of Ministry Degree, with emphasis on community development from Virginia Union University School of Theology. Rev. James took the helm of Franklin Street Missionary Baptist Church in Mobile in 1988, leading the church's ministry until his untimely passing last month. While his role as pastor and spiritual guide for his flock was central to his life's calling, Rev. James took an equally active role in his community where he served on a wide variety of boards and coalitions. He was both past chairman and member of the board of the Mobile Water & Sewer Service. He served on the MWSS for twenty years, overseeing a seventy million dollar budget. He also served three years on The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Board. Leaning on his law enforcement and pastoral backgrounds, Rev. James was both an active member of the National Board of Directors of the Community Coalition For A Drug Free America and a founding member of the Coalition for A Drug Free Mobile County. He was also moderator of the Mobile Baptist Sunlight Association where he oversaw programs for 87 Baptist churches in Mobile and Washington Counties. Rev. James was noted for his unbending devotion to local schools and his ability to reach across the community to bring together different views for the common good. His love of Mobile and its patchwork of communities no doubt inspired his dedication to serve the people on so many different levels. Madam Speaker, we all mourn the loss of Rev. James and on behalf of the people of South Alabama, I wish to extend my condolences to his wonderful wife, Gwendolyn, their children, Sophia, Wesley, Abron, and their extended personal and church family for their loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the distinguished service of my colleague, Congressman Bobby Bright, who represented the people of Alabama's Second Congressional District during the 111th Congress. A native of Dale County in the Alabama Wiregrass region, Bobby Neal Bright brought to Washington a determination to look after both the rural and urban areas of his sprawling southeast Alabama district, and he did so very well. Born into a large family and raised on hard work, Congressman Bright attended Enterprise State Junior College and later Auburn University where, in 1975, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. He later received a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice from Troy University and a Juris Doctor degree at Thomas Goode Jones School of Law in Montgomery. After graduating from college, Bobby wore many hats as a teacher, financial advisor, corrections officer, law clerk, and later practiced law for 16 years. He first entered public service in 1999, when he was elected mayor of Alabama's capital city, Montgomery. He was subsequently reelected twice, serving nine years in office. Under his leadership, Montgomery experienced unprecedented job growth, including the construction of Hyundai America's car plant just south of town. During his tenure, he initiated a downtown and riverfront revitalization project which re-invented Montgomery's tourism industry, bringing attractions such as the Renaissance Hotel and Spa and The Montgomery Biscuits minor league baseball team. Upon being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008, Congressman Bright leveraged his leadership skills for Alabama's River Region and the Wiregrass. He quickly won a seat on the House Armed Services Committee in order to look after the district's largest employers, Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base and the U.S. Army Aviation Center at Fort Rucker. Congressman Bright also served on the Agriculture and Small Business committees which enabled him to look after the other major pillars of the local economy, including Alabama's peanut and cotton farmers and the small businesses which dot the landscape from Deatsville to Dothan. As this Congress draws to a close and Congressman Bright prepares to return to Alabama, I wish him, his wife, Lynn, and their three children, Neal, Lisa and Katie, the very best of luck in their future endeavors.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This is a solemn moment for this House in a time where, in a little under an hour, all of our Members will have an opportunity to make a statement with their vote. As such, and because the rules allow Mr. Rangel 30 minutes to defend himself against the recommendation of the committee, and the committee's time is being evenly divided between the chair and the ranking member, I want to inform the body that there will only be three Members on this side of the aisle who will speak. I say this because there have obviously been a number of Members who have approached me, even some on this committee, asking for time. But out of respect for all, and especially in light of the rare nature of this debate, I intend to recognize our time only to myself, Mr. Hastings, the former chair of the Ethics Committee and our colleague who served for almost 2 years on the investigative subcommittee, as well as our colleague, Mr. McCaul, who served as the ranking member of the adjudicatory subcommittee during that phase of this matter. Naturally, if other Members care to have their views inserted into the Record, we would have no objection. With that, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. McCaul).

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield the gentleman another 15 seconds.

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, at this time I now yield 3\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Hastings).

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

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This is a sad day, but a necessary day, to complete final action on a matter that honestly should have been concluded with a public trial. Mr. Rangel chose to walk out of that hearing and failed to present his case. Instead, we are left with a vote, an important vote, I would suggest, not only for Mr. Rangel, but equally a significant vote for this House as an institution and for how we are seen by our employers, the American people. Watching at home, some are probably looking on with a curiosity of sorts as we dispense with this unpleasant yet constitutionally mandated responsibility to punish our own when necessary. In fairness, today's action may also confirm what many of us already know--that Washington, D.C. truly is disconnected from the real challenges and worries that much of the rest of America is facing every day: the angst of a father whose son is standing guard in some dangerous remote location in Afghanistan, or the uncertainty of that single mom who was just told this week that she had been fired. Not only does she have to worry about whether she can afford Christmas for her children, but whether she can pay the car note or the rent without a job. All across America, these are the real life crises that our constituents are facing. And yet here on the House floor, one of our colleagues is dealing with something that to him, and I believe to all of us, should be considered a serious matter and one that deserves our utmost attention. As I noted back on July 29 when the investigative subcommittee reported this case, there is no debate but that Congressman Charles Rangel has led a compelling life story, one that all of us, including myself, can respect. He was a private, as his autobiography said, left to die on that battlefield in North Korea. He earned the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for bravery. And he was a fatherless high school dropout who went from pushing that handcart in the streets of New York City to becoming one of the most powerful figures on Capitol Hill. We all know the story. But my friends, Mr. Rangel's life story is not why we are here. After all, every American has their own unique story to tell. Regretfully, this is a day that did not have to be if only Mr. Rangel had settled for the lesser sanctions that today he hopes this body will somehow consider. During the course of the investigation, he was given multiple opportunities to settle. Instead, he chose to fight on, declaring his innocence in saying the committee did not have a case. If only Mr. Rangel had paid his taxes, as we are all required to do. As chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, he certainly knew something about requiring Americans to pay their taxes. But the Ethics Committee found by clear and convincing evidence that Mr. Rangel himself had failed to pay his taxes for 17 years, violating U.S. as well as State and local tax laws on income derived from his beach villa in the Dominican Republic. My friends, when you go back home this weekend try explaining to your constituents that it's okay for a powerful Member of Congress, the chairman of the tax-writing committee, to not pay his taxes. Just don't ask your constituents to do the same. If Mr. Rangel had just used the Ethics Committee as it is intended to be used, to give advice and counsel on how we can use our names to benefit worthy causes, such as creating a school for underprivileged minority students to encourage them to consider public service. There's nothing wrong with that idea. Actually, it is rooted in the most noble of American missions: education. But rather than finding out how he could do it the right way and legally, Mr. Rangel instead chose to use both his personal and committee staff, as well as other official resources of his office, to help solicit donations of up to $30 million each for a school and library to ensure his legacy. Donations from some of the 100 biggest and wealthiest corporations in America, many of whom had direct interests before this very committee that he chaired. The Ethics Committee found by clear and convincing evidence that Mr. Rangel solicited those donations from the very lobbyists of those companies who were coming before his committee. As Members of Congress, we are all required to file financial disclosure statements. It's not easy to do, and sometimes it's easy to make a mistake. But again, this committee found on clear and convincing evidence that Mr. Rangel for 10 years failed to file his reports promptly, and they had numerous omissions, including the failure to disclose over a half a million dollars. Ladies and gentlemen, my colleagues, there is a lot to be said today, and a lot has been said. Keep this in mind as you consider the report of the only truly bipartisan committee that stands in this Congress, the only one that's evenly divided, and sent this recommendation of censure to you for your consideration. Mr. Rangel is a man who has spent more years on the Hill than all but five of our colleagues, and he has served his district for longer than 26 of our Members have been alive. Even so, this recommendation of censure was not made lightly, and it was not made without respect for the totality of his life or the seriousness and number of charges for which he has been found guilty. It is a sad day for sure, Mr. Speaker. But now the entire House has a responsibility to join the Ethics Committee in rendering your judgment. I have no doubt that the people that we work for will be watching with interest. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay homage to the memory of a much-beloved member of South Alabama's business community, Mr. Wendell L. Sawyer, Sr., of Mobile. Mr. Sawyer passed away on August 29, 2010, at the age of 73 after a battle with leukemia. America is made great through the contributions of local community leaders, either in business or in public service, who give more than their share to better the lives of their fellow man. Wendell Sawyer was just such a person. Born in Monroeville, Alabama in 1937, Wendell moved with his parents to Chickasaw in Mobile County where he grew up, graduating from Vigor High School. A hardworking businessman with a friendly manner and generous spirit, Wendell labored in the retail furniture business for nearly 55 years. He began his career with Sokol Furniture in Pritchard, Alabama. When the business closed in 1970, he established his own store, Sawyer Furniture, which became an icon in the community and the flagship for a chain of five locations in the Mobile area. Sadly, his Pritchard furniture store was lost to a fire earlier this year. But local residents and customers remembered Wendell as a special kind of businessman; a person who always treated others as best friends. He also helped those in need, returning the kindness that his community had bestowed upon him and his family for more than a half century. Madam Speaker, Wendell Sawyer was a pillar of our community and his loss will be sorely felt. On behalf of the people of south Alabama, I offer condolences to his children, Wendell ``Del'' Sawyer, Jr., Dawn Sawyer Cooper, John H. Sawyer, and his grandchildren, Jaclyn Sawyer, Wendell ``Trey'' L. Sawyer, III, Jacob Cooper, Zachary Sawyer, Cameron Cooper, Rachel Sawyer, Rebecca Sawyer, Kristen Sawyer and Joshua Sawyer, as well as his brothers and sisters, Elaine S. Sanford, Terrill Sawyer, Norville Sawyer, Malcolm Sawyer, and Emily S. Blount. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I am honored to bring to the attention of the House the work of a remarkable American and constituent of mine, Mr. Ron Hayes, of Fairhope, Alabama. As blessed as we are to be living in America, we would do well to remember that our society continues to be enhanced through the noble efforts of those who tirelessly and passionately pursue a better quality of life for us all. These often unsung heroes seek only the reward of knowing they have transformed our laws and our land for the better. I rise today to honor one such individual who has spent nearly two decades advocating for the safety of all Americans in the workplace and to provide timely moral support to the accident victims and their families. His efforts have made a difference. Ron Hayes began his journey to improve workplace safety in 1993 when he lost his beloved 19-year-old son, Patrick, to a grain silo accident in Florida. Facing tremendous emotional pain, Ron and his wife, Dot, sought details of their son's death as well as survivor's benefits from local, state and federal agencies, only to be met with delays and few answers. After two years of navigating the bureaucracy, they resolved to learn everything they could about workplace safety standards and sought ways to both improve job safety rules and enforcement. Ron Hayes' dedication resulted in the revision of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's, OSHA, grain handling standards. But this was only the beginning.. Ron and his wife founded the Families In Grief Hold Together Project, a non-profit group devoted to assisting families and workers cope with the consequences of workplace accidents and deaths. Some 10,000 people lose their lives while working each year. Ron Hayes worked with OSHA to create a policy which the agency often uses in communicating with family members after a workplace accident. Since its founding, the FIGHT Project has reached out to nearly 800 families, providing valuable help in the grieving process, negotiating the red tape and finally, in healing. Ron Hayes could have stopped there, but his dedication to improving worker safety has motivated him to speak to almost 50,000 workers and taken him to some of the largest companies in the world. He has testified before Congress on numerous occasions and has served as a special advisor to the Senate Labor Committee. Ron Hayes has been awarded many awards for humanitarian efforts. Madam Speaker, on behalf of this entire House, I commend Ron Hayes' selfless dedication to worker safety while providing comfort and valuable counsel to families. In our society it is possible for one person, or in this case a husband and wife, to make a difference that will positively impact the lives of millions. Ron Hayes has shown us that a lone voice for good can not only be heard, but can change society for the better.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mr. Jack Friend, a respected Mobile businessman, historian and author who recently passed away at the age of 81. A consummate scholar, a lover of military traditions and the foremost authority on the Civil War history of Mobile Bay, Jack Friend was passionate about Mobile and its past. A native of Mobile, Jack Friend was a graduate of McGill Institute, the Virginia Military Institute, and the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. Jack proudly served in the U.S. Army as a 1st Lieutenant and tank company commander in Korea. His deep reverence for military service and his country were an important part of Jack's life. After his military service, he founded a market research company in Mobile which he headed for some 25 years. Jack made his mark as a local military historian. In 2004, he wrote the definitive work on the Civil War history of Mobile Bay--``West Wind, Flood Tide: The Battle of Mobile Bay.'' Jack was also a lover of the outdoors, sports fishing and local wildlife and was a member of many civic and historic organizations in Baldwin and Mobile counties. I wish to extend my condolences to Jack's family for their loss: his wife, Venetia Friend; his sons, John Friend and Danner Friend; and his sister, Emily Bayle; and five grandchildren. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the memory of a beloved citizen of Mobile, Alabama and denizen of the arts who passed away October 15, 2010. Wilbur Pillman was a graduate of McGill Institute and served with the U.S. Navy, Pacific Theatre, during World War II. He was a talented artist, dancer and director, appearing in many musical productions of the Mobile Catholic Theatre Guild later the Mobile Theatre Guild. He was president of the First Theatre of the Deep South in Prichard, took part in Mobile Optimist Club's annual minstrel, and served in many church, civic and social organizations as performer and director. Wilbur formed and directed the Phi Gamma Chi High School Sorority annual ``Follies'' for many years, and directed and performed in the Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority's annual ``Minstrel''. He directed and performed in the American Business Women's yearly ``Riverboat Follies'' as well as the Insurance Women's annual show for ``Boss Wright'' He co- directed and performed in the annual Epsilon Chapter, and the Phi Delta Kappa Business Men's Fraternity show for the March of Dimes. Wilbur also served as guest artist, director and performer for many local conventions, the Convent of Mercy's annual ``Soiree'', as well as the Shriner's annual charity benefit shows. Mr. Pillman had the lead in three local productions of ``The Music Man'' as well as starring as ``George M''. He also lent his talents to many of Mobile's Mardi Gras Mystic Societies where he designed costumes, wrote tableaus, narrated the balls, choreographed the skits, and often performed to open some of the balls. Through the University of South Alabama he spoke for many years to the visiting ``Snowbirds'' on the history and background of Mardi Gras and its activities, often appearing in a colorful costume. He was a regular volunteer at the Mobile Carnival Museum as a docent from its beginning. As a member of his beloved Mystic Stripers Society since 1955, he was knighted into the Royal Order of Stripers in 2000, being the third recipient of this honor. In 2008, upon the celebration of his 50th year as the society's official Court Jester, Wilbur was honored by the Stripers when the theme of their annual parade and ball was based around the Court Jester, and he also served as Grand Marshall for two of Mobile's women's Mystic Organizations parades. Wilbur was an icon of the Mobile area performing arts and especially Mardi Gras, and his absence will be deeply felt across our community. On behalf of the people of Mobile, I offer my condolences to his sister, Miss Alilee Pillman; his grandchildren, Elizabeth, Michael, Joseph, Mary Grace, Sarah and Emma Rose Kennedy, Christina, Jennifer, and Theresa Cranford, Claire, Sophie, and Dane Arden, and Aubrey River Gewehr and his many many friends. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the outstanding record of outgoing Austal USA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bob Browning. During his tenure, Mr. Browning helped to transform the face of Mobile's industrial waterfront and secure the long-term return of Navy shipbuilding to Alabama's port city. On November 16, Bob Browning officially stepped down as CEO for Austal USA shipbuilding in Mobile to pursue a new business opportunity. He has held Austal USA's top position for the last 2 years after joining the company in 2007. Bob arrived at Austal as it was establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with in building quality, high-speed ships. For the last decade Austal has been expanding its footprint along the Mobile River and Bob played a significant role in making Mobile home to the largest aluminum shipyard in the world. Bob guided the growth of Austal's high-speed military shipbuilding program by preparing it to successfully compete in major military contracts. In 2008, Austal secured a coveted $1.6 billion contract to build joint high-speed vessels, JHSV, for the U.S. Army and Navy. The program is continuing with Austal on track to build the fourth and fifth vessels. Bob has also well positioned Austal to successfully compete for a $5 billion U.S. Navy contract to produce ten littoral combat ships. Austal and partner General Dynamics were awarded a contract in 2005 to construct their first LCS, the USS Independence, which was commissioned in January 2010. Under Bob's leadership, Austal has since become the leader in the contract to build the full 10-ship Navy LCS fleet. The Navy is expected to make a decision by the end of the year. The award would mean a doubling of Austal's local workforce of 1,800 employees. As Bob and his family transition to new challenges, I wish to convey the appreciation of Alabama's coastal community for a job well done. His leadership and his dedication to our local workforce have made our region stronger.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, it is with sadness that I rise to inform the House of the passing of long-time South Alabama State Representative F.P. ``Skippy'' White. Representative White died on October 21, 2010, after an extended illness at age 69. Skippy was the epitome of a public servant. He served with distinction in the Alabama House of Representatives for three decades, proudly representing the people of Baldwin and Escambia counties from 1982 to 2006. He began his career in public service as a firefighter and later councilman for his beloved hometown of Pollard, Alabama where he held office for seven years. In 1982, he was elected as a Democrat to the Alabama House of Representatives and served in that capacity for 24 years. In fact, he was the longest serving legislator from Escambia County. During his career in the Alabama State Legislature, Representative White worked tirelessly on behalf of south Alabama. He was distinguished as an outstanding legislator and served on the House Rules Committee and the Joint Transportation Committee. He is credited with improving the roads and bridges in his district where he took a great personal interest. On behalf of the people of south Alabama, I extend deepest sympathy to his lovely wife, Clara; their wonderful children, Todd, Hugh, and Sarah Anne; and his family and many friends. Representative Skippy White was much loved and respected by his constituents for his tireless dedication to Baldwin and Escambia counties. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, it is a real pleasure to rise today to pay tribute to the outstanding achievements of Dr. Susan Ivester Rees, who was recently recognized for her efforts to protect our Gulf Coast from the devastating impact of future hurricanes. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina--a storm which dealt an unprecedented amount of destruction and loss of life to the Gulf Coast--Congress authorized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to undertake comprehensive planning to help strengthen the region's ability to withstand the assault of future natural disasters. One of the studies authorized by Congress was the Mississippi Coastal Improvement Program (MsCIP), undertaken by the Army Corps of Engineers' Mobile District. Dr. Susan Rees' leadership and active involvement in the project as Program Manager--working with coastal residents and marshalling the best ideas from across government agencies--was instrumental in shaping the final plan which won her praise from the Corps of Engineers, as well as other Federal, State and local leaders for its comprehensive nature. Dr. Rees' extensive public involvement was pivotal in the formation-- and approval--of 15 major construction projects, including the opening of canals to improve water flow, beach reconstruction, and rebuilding the Bay St. Louis seawall. In recognition of her tremendous efforts and considerable leadership in the Mississippi Coastal Improvement Program, Dr. Rees was presented with the Lt. Gen. John W. Morris 2010 Civilian of the Year Award at the 2010 USACE Summer Leaders Conference in Seattle, Washington on August 2, 2010. Dr. Rees is also a member of the scientific advisory board of the Alabama Center for Estuarine Studies at the University of South Alabama; a member of the executive committee of the Mobile Bay Estuary Program; and a member of the advisory council for the Mississippi- Alabama Sea Grant Consortium. I wish to congratulate Dr. Rees--as well as her husband, Fred, who, himself, has dedicated many years in government service, for their exemplary efforts to protect and enhance the quality of life along America's Gulf Coast. Susan is to be commended for her dedication to preserving our environment and making our coastal communities safer. Madam Speaker, I join my colleagues in wishing Dr. Rees much success in her future endeavors.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the upcoming birthday of an important institution in my Congressional district that has provided a virtual lifeline for generations of Mobilians and others from throughout Southwest Alabama. On October 21, the Mobile Infirmary Medical Center will celebrate its 100th Birthday. When the Mobile Infirmary first opened its doors in 1910, it served the public with 32 hospital beds and four operating rooms. Its facilities have evolved with time, relocating and growing to 258 beds in the early 1950s. Today, the Mobile Infirmary Medical Center is the largest non- governmental, not-for-profit hospital in Alabama. With more than 700 beds and 30 operating rooms, the Mobile Infirmary Medical Center is the region's health care leader, respected statewide for its specialty care and ``patient-first'' approach. The Mobile Infirmary Medical Center enjoys an expert reputation for the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular disease. The facility performs more than 4,000 procedures in its heart catheterization lab and more than 700 open heart surgeries a year, making it one of Alabama's busiest cardiac care hospitals. The Mobile Infirmary Medical Center also offers the latest cancer therapies and treatments available and its research program provides treatment options not found anywhere else on the Gulf Coast. In celebration of its 100th birthday, the facility plans several events next month, including a public viewing of its remodeled atrium and a reunion of everyone born at the Mobile Infirmary Medical Center. One hundred years ago, the Mobile Infirmary was a vital part of our community--delivering babies, saving lives and comforting the suffering. Today, it continues to fulfill that important role for Mobile and all of Southwest Alabama and, indeed, the central Gulf Coast. Madam Speaker, on this 100th anniversary, I offer my heartfelt congratulations for its exemplary service to our community and I am confident that the legacy of the Infirmary as a leading health care center will long endure. Happy Birthday, Mobile Infirmary. And special thanks to the thousands of men and women who, over the years, have helped fulfill your core mission of health care excellence.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the incredible contributions of one of America's top economic development recruiters, Mr. Neal Wade, who will soon leave his home State of Alabama after accumulating a most impressive record of accomplishments. Faced with many of the same economic challenges as other states, including the rapid decline of the textile industry, Alabama has spent much of the last decade recreating its image and reaching out to new industries. And even when you include the impact of the global recession, which has spared few, the results have been nothing less than impressive. Our State has made significant gains in landing a variety of top tier projects, including German steel manufacturer ThyssenKrupp Steel and Austal USA in my congressional district, as well as expansions in Alabama's automakers--Mercedes, Honda, Hyundai, and Toyota. We have also been at the forefront of developing our aerospace presence in ways once thought impossible with the commitment by EADS and Airbus to grow their U.S. footprint in the State of Alabama. Without question, the man at the helm of Alabama's economic development efforts during this productive period has been Neal Wade. Mr. Wade, a Sanford University graduate, spent the 1990's leading the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama. As president and CEO of the partnership of the State's leading businesses aligned to promote economic development, he demonstrated his unrivaled leadership capabilities and caught the eye of Governor Bob Riley who appointed him director of the Alabama Development Office in 2003. In this new capacity, Mr. Wade wasted little time courting major new industry, including ThyssenKrupp, National Railcar, and more recently, Hyundai Heavy Industries. His efforts did not go unnoticed outside of the State. Twice during his stewardship, the Alabama Development Office was named the top economic development agency in the United States. Mr. Wade recently announced that he is leaving his post at the ADO to become the senior vice president for economic development at the St. Joe Company. It is an understatement to say that Alabama will greatly miss the steady hand and wise counsel of Neal Wade. However, we wish him and his wife, Mary Ann, the very best in their future endeavors. Madam Speaker, Alabama is a different State--and a much better place to call home--because of the tremendous team of Governor Bob Riley and ADO Director Neal Wade. While we will miss this dynamic duo next year, the seeds of the new investment that Neal has helped plant over the past several years will no doubt bear fruit for generations to come.