Jo Bonner

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I just want to say thank you for allowing us to have this opportunity on behalf of the 433 other Members of Congress who are not here in person but who tonight, in some form or fashion, have expressed their love, their appreciation and their respect for the dedicated service of Bud Cramer and of Terry Everett. In closing, I just want to tell the people who might be listening in Kansas or in Wisconsin or in Florida or in California that this is an example of the best of America, of the best of two men who grew up in different times but in the same State, who came to Congress 2 years apart and who worked their hearts out to make their country a better place. As the son of an Alabama sharecropper and railroad foreman, Terry Everett knew hard times from the day he was born, never leaving his home area of Dothan and Midland City until he joined the Army following high school. He learned Russian. He served as an intelligence analyst in Europe. After his military service, he came back to his beloved Dothan and worked as a sports reporter. He then covered the police beat for the Dothan Eagle, eventually becoming a newspaper editor and publisher and eventually becoming an owner of several newspapers in southwest Alabama. Terry, on behalf of the people in Autauga, Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Coffee, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Elmore, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lowndes, Montgomery, and Pike Counties--635,000 people who have benefited from your 16 years of dedicated service--a heartfelt thanks for what you have done and for what you continue to do. Certainly, without equal, Bud Cramer was named just a few years ago by Money Magazine as one of America's best Congressmen. What a tribute and what a true statement at that. For a remarkable career, the people of Colbert, Jackson, Lauderdale, Limestone, Madison, Lawrence, and Morgan Counties owe a debt of gratitude for your outstanding 18 years of service, Bud. As the editorial staff of the Huntsville Times said it best, your record has been nothing short of remarkable. The Times Daily went on to say that he has shown that he can represent the people of his district while always considering the best interest of his Nation. These are two outstanding men who will leave Congress at the end of this session, but they will leave a lifetime of service. Bud, especially for you, in the area of child advocacy, you certainly are the national leader in that area.

Mr. BONNER. Thank you, Bud. Terry, would you like to say a few words?

Mr. BONNER. Now, while I know others would like to speak, I think it is appropriate to pause and dedicate the balance of our time to recognizing these two outstanding individuals, outstanding public servants, sons of Alabama. Interestingly enough, they both serve on the Intelligence Committee. Bud had become a leader in the defense world on the appropriations side. Terry has been a leader in the defense world on the authorization side. Ironically, but probably not coincidentally, they both came to Congress having served their communities as Sunday school teachers and long-time community advocates. So for the balance of this time, I would like to yield first to my friend Congressman Bud Cramer, the dean of our delegation, and then to Congressman Everett.

Mr. BONNER. Duncan, thank you so much for being with us.

Mr. BONNER. As this evening continues to unfold, we have heard from so many colleagues from all over the country who are paying homage tonight to Congressman Bud Cramer and Congressman Terry Everett. Congressman John Tanner, one of Bud's closest friends and colleague and one of the leaders in the Blue Dog Coalition asked me, because of a last minute conflict, to enter the following statement. ``Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join our colleagues tonight in paying tribute to my friend Congressman Bud Cramer, who, as you know, will retire later this year after representing Alabama in this body for 18 years. During this time, he has been an important leader in Congress and an excellent public servant for the American people. ``Several years ago, Bud and I, along with a handful of our other Democratic colleagues, formed a small group to fill what we saw as a void within the body at the time, a solution-oriented coalition of moderate Members who could help forge a bipartisan bridge between our colleagues on either side of the partisan aisle. That group was named the Blue Dog Coalition, to which we both still belong. ``I appreciate Bud's leadership on working on bipartisan solutions to the challenges facing our country. A military veteran, grandfather and children's advocate, Bud has dedicated much of his life to his country and helping others. ``Mr. Speaker, Bud Cramer's dedication and commitment have served our country well, and his presence in this Chamber will be sorely missed.'' That comment and so many others from our colleagues in Alabama, Congressman Artur Davis, Congressman Spencer Bachus, Congressman Mike Rogers. I have already mentioned Congressman Aderholt could not be here because of a last minute conflict, but asked his statement to be entered into the record. Friends of Terry Everett and Bud Cramer, Lincoln Davis of Tennessee, Bart Gordon, the distinguished chairman of the Science Committee, Gene Taylor, my neighbor along America's Gulf Coast, so many people from both sides of the aisle and all political stripes who are opening up their heart tonight saying thank you for the leadership that these two outstanding gentleman have provided. Mr. Speaker, without objection, I would like to enter an article on each of these two gentlemen in the Congressional Record. On July 27th, shortly after Congressman Cramer announced his intentions to resign at the end of this session of Congress, The Huntsville Times, Congressman Cramer's hometown newspaper, ran a series of articles about the outstanding, dedicated leadership and service that Bud Cramer has provided. So without objection, I would like to enter this into the Congressional Record. Likewise, on October 1, 2007, and then a few months later in the Dothan Magazine, the first being the Montgomery Advertiser, the capital city newspaper, there were editorials and articles alike praising Terry Everett for his solid performance as an outstanding leader of Congress and an outstanding leader for Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I would like to enter both of these as well. [From the Montgomery Advertiser, Oct. 1, 2007] Everett Has Been Solid Performer Residents of Alabama's Second Congressional District--which includes all of Autauga and Elmore counties and a portion of Montgomery County--aren't prone to frequent changes in the representative they send to Washington. A new representative has been elected just twice in 44 years. Bill Dickinson won the seat in 1964, the year of the fabled ``Goldwater sweep'' that saw five Republicans elected to Congress from Alabama, something that would have been unimaginable only a few years before. He held the seat until 1992, usually with ease, fending off only a handful of significant challenges over the years. Dickinson retired from Congress that year and the Second District, to the surprise of many observers, turned to Terry Everett over two better-known candidates. Its voters have elected him every two years since and likely would continue doing so for some time to come. But they won't have the chance. Everett announced last week that he would not seek another term in the House in 2008. At 70, he said he was looking forward to returning to his farm in Rehobeth. The announcement set off a flurry of speculation and exploration. Chances to run for an open congressional seat are rare, so there surely will be no shortage of candidates next year in a district that covers the Wiregrass area of southeast Alabama, then curls upward to reach into Montgomery County. There will be ample opportunity to consider those candidacies in next year's campaigns. For now, Everett's tenure in office deserves some reflection by those he has represented since 1992. Everett, who previously owned a string of small newspapers, was not exactly a household name when he began his bid for the seat. Nor was he--nor did he ever become--a scintillating campaigner. For those looking for a candidate to ignite an audience or light up a room, Everett was never the guy. Yet Second District voters liked Everett from the start. Something in his low-key, receptive manner and steadfast common-sense conservatism resonated with them. He defeated state Sen. Larry Dixon of Montgomery, long considered a likely successor to Dickinson, in the Republican primary and state Treasurer George Wallace Jr., then a Democrat, in the general election. He would have opposition in future races, but never any opponent of similar stature. Everett understood well the concerns of his district, where military and agricultural issues are especially important. He was a consistent supporter of the major military installations in the district, Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base in Montgomery and Fort Rucker near Ozark. Farmers had a reliable advocate in Washington as well. A subcommittee Everett chaired uncovered and addressed serious abuses in health care facilities for veterans. He served for years on the House Intelligence Committee and is now the ranking minority member. He observed wryly in an interview with The Associated Press that ``some of the most important work I've done I can't talk about because it was on the Intelligence Committee.'' Everett has served the district and the nation well. It should be noted that he's not leaving office right away. Indeed, he'll be there for more than a year. We are confident that he will continue his steady, conscientious representation during that time before entering an honorable and well-earned retirement from public life.

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, as the American people are sitting home tonight watching the President of the United States talking about the state of our economy with so many uncertain questions that are out there about so many different issues, this is a time where the House has completed its work that gives us an opportunity to show the American people how, at least in the State of Alabama, Republicans and Democrats have over the years worked together hand in hand with a love of country at heart to try to make our State, our communities and certainly our great country a better place. And tonight I am privileged to lead this special order which will not take the entire hour but will give some of our colleagues an opportunity to recognize the significant contributions of two such Members, two men who didn't come to Congress at the same time, but who came within a term of each other, and who have, with different life backgrounds, made a substantial contribution to the betterment of their district, the State that they grew up in and love, and certainly this wonderful Nation. And I'm referring to two men of different political paths and different political parties, but two men who have universal respect here in the House of Representatives, Bud Cramer of the Fifth Congressional District of Alabama and Terry Everett of the Second Congressional District. Earlier this year, Congressman Cramer surprised his constituents and really people throughout this city and our Nation's capital that he would be leaving Congress after 18 remarkable years of dedicated service to the people of Huntsville and his district, the Fifth Congressional District in north Alabama. And I think it was actually this time last year when Congressman Terry Everett surprised the people in the Second Congressional District that he too was going to be calling it quits after 16 wonderful years of dedicated service to the people of Alabama's Wiregrass community. Joining me tonight will be some colleagues who know these Members intimately well. And so I will be privileged to recognize them in just a moment and let them say a few words of thanks on behalf of the American people to these two giant legislative leaders and their dedicated service. I also have some statements for the Record, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to enter, because as the night has drawn on and Members have had other obligations, they have not been able to actually be here for some of these comments. But I would like to enter one in particular at this moment from my colleague, Congressman Robert Aderholt, of Alabama's Fourth Congressional District. Of Terry Everett, Robert Aderholt said, ``we value very highly Representative Everett's service and his work with our delegation over the course of his distinguished career. John Quincy Adams once said, if your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you're a leader. Terry Everett is the type of leader that embodies this quote. His actions have inspired many Alabamians to dream more and to learn more. And I am pleased for his great contribution to our State. As Terry leaves this institution at the conclusion of this 110th Congress and goes on to other endeavors, we wish him the very best of luck and ask God's blessings on him and his wife, Barbara, for many years to come.'' And Robert also serves next door to Congressman Cramer. And he asked me as well if I would take just a moment to mention the following about his friend and neighbor, Congressman Bud Cramer. ``Even though Bud and I are members of different political parties, we have cosponsored over 50 bills in this congressional session alone. We've not always agreed on every issue that has come before the House, but I have always respected him and his leadership no matter what the issue has been. Congressman Bud Cramer has served his district and our State well. And it is my pleasure to have worked alongside him for 12 years. He has been a great partner in working on issues for north Alabama. As Bud leaves this institution, he leaves behind friends on both sides of the aisle. Regardless of the path he chooses, he leaves this institution a better place. And I look forward to watching his successes along the way.'' And also, Robert added ``may God bless Bud in all of his endeavors, and we wish him all the best that he looks forward to doing.'' Now I'm very pleased to recognize for a few minutes my distinguished friend from California, the former chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and the current ranking Republican on that committee, Honorable Duncan Hunter, who has known Congressman Terry Everett for every year that Terry has been in Congress. And I would be honored to yield as much time as my friend, Duncan Hunter, might choose to consume.

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the subject of my Special Order.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, in words that the American people can understand, you can put lipstick on a bad bill but it is still a bad bill. And sadly, that is what your leadership's so-called energy bill is. It has been called a sham, which it is; it's been called a hoax, which it is. But the truth is, it is nothing but political cover to allow Members on your side of the aisle an opportunity to say they are for something which we all know the majority of your Members are adamantly opposed to. Why does Congress have the lowest approval rating in the history of the Republic? Because instead of having a real debate on a real energy producing bill, one that will give incentives to the States to actually join in the production of new American energy, this Democratic majority is instead offering up a bill that will not produce a single drop of new oil or a single ounce of new gas. With so much uncertainty in the hearts of the American people today, today's vote is a kick in the teeth to every hardworking American who's tired of paying more for oil and gas. Shame on us. Shame on you.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, the city of Mobile and the state of Alabama lost a dear friend last week, and I rise today to honor Senior U.S. District Judge William Brevard Hand and pay tribute to his memory. Mobile's Press-Register remembered Judge Hand as ``a fair, thoughtful and tough jurist who did not shy away from high profile cases that might upset the powers-that-be.'' Certainly, one of the high profile cases for which history will most remember him was his courageous ruling in favor of classroom prayer. A native and life-long resident of Mobile, Judge Hand attended Murphy High School and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Alabama. His education was interrupted by the call to defend his country during World War II. He served in Europe as a combat infantry rifleman from the Battle of the Bulge through VE Day and also served with the occupation army in Czechoslovakia. When he returned to the United States following the war, he completed his education by earning his law degree from the University of Alabama. After graduation, Judge Hand returned to Mobile and began his illustrious law career by working for the firm his father, Charles, helped found, now known as Hand Arendall. He continued with the firm until President Richard Nixon appointed him to the Federal bench in 1971, and incredibly, he was active in cases as recently as last month. A lifelong member of Dauphin Way Methodist Church, Judge Hand served in all lay capacities of the church. He was named honorary member of the administrative board as well as lifetime steward of the church, the highest honor the church can bestow. I had the privilege of visiting with Judge Hand just last month at the courthouse, and there is no other judge who has served with greater dignity and compassion. Earlier this week, over 1,000 people filled Dauphin Way Methodist Church to honor the life of Judge Hand. Rev. Stephen F. Dill, pastor emeritus of the church said, ``His friendship reached across the boundaries of wealth and status.'' The Rev. Gorman Houston III, senior pastor at Dauphin Way, provided a poignant tribute, noting ``How grateful we are for the life of William Brevard Hand.'' Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated community leader, a friend to many throughout south Alabama, as well as a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Judge Brevard Hand will be dearly missed by his family--his daughters, Jane Hand Dukes, Virginia Hand Hollis and Allison Hand Peebles; his grandchildren, Brevard Dukes Hinton, Ann Chandler Dukes Shuleva, David Dewitt Dukes, Jr., Elizabeth Alan Hollis, Katherine Hollis Taylor, John Connor H. Peebles, and William Battle Peebles; his great-grandchildren, Tom, William and Jane Hinton; and his brother Dr. James Albert Hand--as well as the countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all during this difficult time.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, Bay Minette and indeed the entire State of Alabama recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor him and pay tribute to his memory. Mr. James H. Faulkner, Sr., known to his many friends simply as Mr. Jimmy, was a devoted family man and dedicated community leader throughout his life. In a loving tribute, Mobile's Press-Register noted that Mr. Jimmy ``left behind a lasting legacy of achievements that contributed to the economic, educational, and cultural well-being of his community, his county and his state.'' First and foremost, Mr. Jimmy loved Bay Minette; he loved Alabama; and he loved his country. In fact, he was one of the most patriotic men I have ever known. He answered his Nation's call to service and attained the rank of first lieutenant serving as pilot and flight instructor in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. When Mr. Jimmy went back to Alabama following his military service, he returned to what was already a successful career. He was the owner of the Baldwin Times newspaper and had served as mayor of his beloved Bay Minette. In fact, when Mr. Jimmy was elected mayor in 1941, he was said to be the youngest mayor in America. Years later, Mr. Jimmy went on to serve Baldwin, Monroe, and Escambia Counties by becoming one of Alabama's most respected and influential State senators. He also ran twice for Governor of Alabama. Mr. Jimmy blazed a trail of success in the world of business, spanning 42 years as the owner and publisher of a chain of south Alabama newspapers, and he served as president of seven radio stations in Alabama and Georgia. However, he was not a person to rest on his laurels. Mr. Jimmy's entrepreneurial talents gave him the confidence to start Loyal American Life Insurance Company of Mobile. During most of the past 50 years, he was associated with Volkert & Associates, one of the top engineering, architectural, planning, and environmental firms in the United States. He served on the boards of two Baldwin County banks as well as the board of Alpine Laboratories of Bay Minette. Undoubtedly, Mr. Jimmy's legacy will be his lifelong dedication to improving education. He served as chairman of the board of directors for Alabama Christian College in Montgomery, which was renamed Faulkner University in his honor and now has campuses in Huntsville and Mobile. He was instrumental in bringing a 2-year college to Baldwin County, which became the James H. Faulkner State Community College in Bay Minette. During his tenure as a State senator, Mr. Jimmy was credited with establishing the teachers' retirement system. He was awarded eight honorary doctorate degrees in law and humane letters, and he served on several commissions that worked to improve Alabama's secondary education system. Over his lifetime, Mr. Jimmy received more than 35 awards. He was named the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce Person of the Century in 2000, and in 2003, he was awarded the Alabama Press Association's Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1992, the Alabama State Senate and House of Representatives passed a resolution commending Mr. Jimmy for his outstanding personal achievement. Madam Speaker, there has been no other individual more important to south Alabama or to the life of his community than James H. Jimmy Faulkner, Sr. Mr. Jimmy will be deeply missed by his family--his wife, Karlene Faulkner; his sons, James H. Faulkner, Jr., and his wife, Beverly Faulkner, and Dr. Henry Wade Faulkner and his wife, Ann Blackburn Faulkner; his eight grandchildren, and his 14 great grandchildren--as well as the countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all during this difficult time.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to honor the memory of former Ohio Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones and her lifetime of dedication to the people of Ohio and the United States. I was deeply saddened to learn our colleague passed away so suddenly. We have not only lost a wonderful friend but an individual who made a number of historic achievements during her lifetime. After graduating from law school at Case Western Reserve University, Stephanie began her career with Cleveland's sewer district before serving as an attorney with the city's Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In 1976, she served as an assistant Cuyahoga County prosecutor before her election as Cleveland Municipal Court judge in 1981. Two years later, the governor of Ohio appointed her to a judgeship with the Court of Common Pleas of Cuyahoga County, and in 1991, Stephanie was appointed Cuyahoga County prosecutor. Stephanie was elected to represent the 11th District of Ohio in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1998. Throughout her 5 terms of office, she strove for advances in health care, economic development, and education. Recently, she had become a leader in the fight against predatory lending practices. Most notably, Stephanie's legacy will be her career filled with firsts. She was the first African-American and the first female to serve as prosecutor in her native Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Stephanie was the first African-American to be chief prosecutor in the State of Ohio's history. She also became the first African-American woman to represent Ohio in Congress and the first to serve on the House Ways and Means Committee. At the beginning of the 110th Congress, Stephanie was named chairwoman of the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, of which I am a member. Stephanie Tubbs Jones will be deeply missed by her family--her son, Mervyn Jones II and her two sisters--as well as the countless friends she leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, the city of Mobile and the State of Alabama recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor Judge Joseph J. Micare and pay tribute to his memory. A native of Albany, NY, Joseph Micare served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He graduated from Albany Law School and was past Venerable of the Albany Chapter of the Sons of Italy and a lifetime member of the Bucci McTeague Post. Judge Micare served for many years as the chief counsel for the New York Liquor Authority. He worked as an assistant attorney general for the State of New York before he was appointed administrative law judge with the Social Security Administration. Judge Micare and his family have proudly called southwest Alabama home for the past 25 years. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated community leader, a friend to many throughout Alabama, as well as a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Judge Joseph L. Micare will be dearly missed by his family--his wife of 35 years, Sharleen McClellan O'Hare Micare; his son, Pascal Micare; his daughters, Jan Micare and Gina Micare; his stepson, Shawn O'Hare; his stepdaughter, Meghan O'Hare; his 10 grandchildren, Deana Corrigan, Marc Micare, Jason Micare, Hanna Spongberg, Kate Spongberg, Brandon Grant, Justin Grant, Sam O'Hare, Jack O'Hare, and Dee Dee Micare; his six great- grandchildren; and his two sisters, Rose Delehanty and Angie Shiek--as well as the countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all during this difficult time.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, the city of Mobile and the State of Alabama recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor Charles Joseph Pollman and pay tribute to his memory. A lifelong resident of Mobile, Charles graduated from McGill Institute and Spring Hill College. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps, Second Air Division, in Norwich, England, during World War II. After his service in the war, he used his veteran benefits to attend the Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis, MN, where he studied baking. He followed in the footsteps of his father, Fred Pollman Sr., and became owner and operator of his parents' bakery, Pollman's Bake Shop. He started working in the family bakery when he was just 12 years old, and at the age of 88, he was still going to the bakery several days a week. Three generations of the Pollman family have been baking in Mobile since 1918, and his passing is a tremendous loss to the city. Every Mobilian cherishes Pollman brownies, and many a schoolchild in Mobile County has carried a Pollman po'boy in their lunch box. From ham biscuits to king cakes--Pollman's is the place to go downtown or in west Mobile. It is not an overstatement to say that thousands of wedding cakes have had the Pollman touch. Charles Pollman also devoted much of his time to his community. He was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Council No. 666. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated community leader, a friend to many throughout southwest Alabama, as well as a wonderful husband and devoted father. Charles Pollman will be dearly missed by his family--his wife, Beverly Pollman; their six children, Chase J. Pollman, Mary Corinne Pollman, Thomas L. Pollman, Leannah P. Duncan, Frederick J. Pollman, III, and Page H. Pollman; his sister, Mary Pollman Bender; his seven grandchildren, Zachary J. Pollman, Fred J. Pollman, IV, Michelle C. Pollman, Charles B. Duncan, Adrienne D. Duncan, Blake H. Pollman, and T. Bender Pollman--as well as the many countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all during this difficult time.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, the city of Mobile and the State of Alabama, recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor Jorge Alberto Subirats and pay tribute to his memory. A native of Havana, Cuba, Jorge came to the United States at the age of 12, He, along with his brothers and sisters, left Cuba in 1961 and flew to Miami. Jorge and his siblings soon moved to Birmingham, Alabama, where they were joined by the rest of their family in 1963. Jorge graduated from John Carroll High School in Birmingham in 1967 and from Auburn University in 1972. A resident of Mobile for 36 years, Jorge was perhaps most widely known for his service as a realtor with Roberts Brothers for 31 years, He was consistently one of the company's top agents each year, an achievement due in large part to the trust and admiration he earned from his clients. Jorge met every definition of a community leader--he served as a high school teacher and coach, a swim and dive coach, and a Sunday school leader. He was active in many civic organizations, including the Mobile Area Kiwanis Club and the Mobile Association of Realtors. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated community leader, a friend to many throughout Alabama, as well as a wonderful husband and devoted father. Jorge Alberto Subirats will be dearly missed by his family--his wife of 25 years, Valerie Jean Subirats; their four children, Lindsey Loper, Michael Jorge Subirats, Laura Katherine Subirats, and Katherine Anne Subirats; his mother, Elvira Margaret Subirats; his brothers, Fernando Subirats, Gustavo Subirats, and Luis Subirats; and his two sisters, Silvia Theye and Margaret Hopkins--as well as the many countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all during this difficult time.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor Mrs. Autine Buchanan on the occasion of her 104th birthday. Born in 1904, Mrs. Buchanan has witnessed much change in our Nation and world. The year she was born, the New York subway first opened and the teddy bear was first produced. Mrs. Buchanan has lived through two world wars, and watched our nation develop into what it is today. She also witnessed the birth of many modern inventions--like the helicopter, penicillin, motion pictures, stainless steel, and even scotch tape. Through all this change, she has dedicated much of her life to feeding and caring for the needy. Mrs. Buchanan has been a resident of Mobile and a member of the Fulton Road Baptist Church for 39 years. She is a proud mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She is also a member of the LivingWell Health Center in Mobile. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mrs. Autine Buchanan on the occasion of her 104th birthday. She is a friend to many throughout south Alabama, and I know her friends and family join me in wishing her a happy birthday.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, the State of Alabama recently lost a man who made a profound impact on our State and Nation, and I rise today to honor the memory of Judge Arthur ``Bud'' Gamble, Jr. History will remember Judge Gamble as the district attorney who prosecuted Ku Klux Klansman Collie Leroy Wilkins for the 1965 murder of Viola Liuzzo, a civil rights worker from Detroit who was gunned down in her car following the Selma-to-Montgomery voting rights march. Judge Gamble's memorable closing argument to the all-white jury led to a hung jury and the eventual federal conviction of the Klansman. Judge Gamble's contributions to the Civil Rights movement, his 23 years of service as circuit judge for Lowndes, Crenshaw, and Butler counties, and his dedicated service in World War II demonstrated he was a true American patriot. Born on February 9, 1920, in Greenville, Alabama, Judge Gamble joined the Navy during World War II and flew patrol planes in the South Pacific. After the war, he returned to the University of Alabama and earned a Juris Doctor. He began practicing in his hometown and met Roberta Anne Peacock, whom he married in 1949. His love of law led him to serve in the Alabama Senate during the 1950s. He ran unopposed as the chief prosecutor in the circuit and served two terms. Miraculously, Judge Gamble survived an assassination attempt in 1975 when his car was bombed. He retired almost two decades later in 1992, with much respect from the citizens of the three counties he had served for almost a quarter of a century. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated judge, community leader, and friend to many, as well as a wonderful husband and father. Judge Gamble will be dearly missed by his family--his wife, Roberta Gamble and their daughter, Reverend Eugenia Gamble--as well as the many countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all during this difficult time.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Evonik Degussa Industries located in Mobile, Alabama, on 35 years of business and service to our community. Founded as Degussa, the 160 acre site in Mobile was established 35 years ago. Last year, the German chemical company was purchased by Evonik Industries AG and is now operating as Evonik Degussa Industries. With 44,000 employees in over 100 countries around the world, Evonik Industries is the global market leader in specialty chemicals and presently maintains several locations in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Mobile plant manufactures a range of products from hydrogen peroxide to a binding agent used in more than 250 products ranging from ketchup to paint. The $1.2 billion complex is the company's largest facility outside of Europe with approximately 700 employees. The Mobile plant has announced several new projects just in the last year. In October, Evonik Degussa announced it is adding a new biodiesel project, which will add production of a specialty chemical used to make alternative fuels. Once fully operational, the new plant will have the annual capacity to produce 60,000 metric tons of alkoxides, a catalyst for biodiesel production. Evonik Degussa is also adding a $10 million expansion which will allow for the production of ROHACELL, which is high-tech foam used in a wide-range of products including airplane wings and skis. Earlier this year, Evonik Degussa announced it is considering a $65 million expansion to make a chemical for chicken feed. Evonik Degussa not only creates essentials for everyday use, but the employees and the management team strive to make a positive impact on the citizens of Mobile County through heavy community involvement. The company supports numerous local causes through its ``Essential to the Community'' donation program and gives more than $100,000 each year to the arts, schools, and charitable organizations. In 2006, the Mobile plant donated $115,000 to community activities. These contributions included $55,000 to Mobile civic organizations, $40,000 to educational activities, $10,500 to the arts, and $1,700 to environmental groups. It is evident Evonik Degussa is passionate about serving the Mobile community, and this dedication deserves recognition. Evonik Degussa exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and serves as an outstanding corporate citizen of Alabama. Furthermore, their dedication to improving the lives of their fellow citizens sets them apart from many other companies. Evonik Degussa remains a strong supporter of our community and is a wonderful corporate role model. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating both the employees and management team at Evonik Degussa Industries for 35 years of operations in the Mobile area. I know the employees, their friends, families, and members of the community join with me in praising Evonik Degussa Industries for their many accomplishments. I extend my thanks for their continued service to the Mobile, Alabama business community, the First Congressional District, and the state of Alabama.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mobile County District Attorney John Tyson for his leadership and support in creating the Nation's first Secret Safe Place for Newborns program in Mobile, Alabama. As Mobile's Press-Register recently editorialized, `` `Saving newborns' lives is a legacy of which Mobile can be proud.'' The brainchild of former WPMI-TV reporter Jodi Brooks, the Alabama Secret Safe Place program was created in 1998 through the hard work and support of John Tyson. Due to his leadership, every State has established a program similar to Alabama's as an option for mothers who are unable and unprepared to provide for their newborn baby. These programs allow mothers to turn over their newborns to a local hospital, fire station, police station, or other public entity without being charged with a crime. Within the time limit set by each State's law, the mothers are able to remain anonymous and will not be accused of child neglect. The mothers also continue to have the opportunity, if they wish to change their minds, to return and reclaim their child. When the Secret Safe Place for Newborns program began, it was all too common for distraught mothers, in most cases teenagers, to abandon their newborns in trash cans or in public places hoping someone would discover them. Some even went so far as to murder their unwanted babies. Due in large part to John's efforts, an estimated 500 newborns across the country have been saved over the past 10 years because of infant safe haven programs. John often serves as the spokesman for infant safe haven programs speaking to media outlets throughout the country and around the world on efforts to combat the unsafe abandonment of newborns. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in commending District Attorney John Tyson and so many others for their efforts on behalf of newborns in Alabama and across the country. The success of the Alabama Secret Safe Place for Newborns program is a tribute to their efforts to save infants' lives--they are true heroes.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, it is with both pride and pleasure that I rise today to honor Tiffany Craig, a WKRG-TV5 special assignment reporter, for receiving a 2008 Edward R. Murrow award. A native of Scotland, Tiffany finished high school in Houston, Texas, and went on to study radio, television, and film at Sam Houston State University. Her celebrated career began at KTRK in Houston, Texas. From there, she went to work for KVII in Amarillo, Texas, and then to WBMA in Birmingham, Alabama, before joining Mobile's WKRG-TV5 in 2002. Last year, Alabama landed one of the largest private industrial development projects in the United States, ThyssenKrupp's new $3.7 billion state-of-the-art steel manufacturing and processing facility, and Tiffany traveled to Germany to report from the company's headquarters. She traveled across the Atlantic once again to cover the Air Force tanker competition from the Paris Air Show. Alabama's First Congressional District and indeed the state of Alabama have been blessed with one good news economic announcement after another over the past 18 months. Tiffany and WKRG have provided widespread coverage of each of the recent economic developments for the city of Mobile. This documentary, ``Mobile's Makeover,'' earned reporter Tiffany Craig, editor Ed Smith, photographer Jud Holson, and producer Jennifer Dale a national 2008 Edward R. Murrow Award. Honoring outstanding achievements and excellence in electronic journalism, the Murrow Awards are give by the Radio-Television News Directors each year. This year, the Murrow Award was given to 54 news organizations representing networks, cable channels, and television stations. Madam Speaker, Tiffany Craig's career has already been filled with much achievement, and I rise today to honor yet another of these achievements--a national 2008 Edward R. Murrow Award. May she continue to inform and inspire the people of south Alabama. I know her colleagues, her family, and her many friends join with me in praising her significant accomplishments and a job well done.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, today one of our colleagues introduced the KC-X Recompete Act, and its message is clear: If the warfighter wants a new tanker to replace its aging fleet anytime soon, it has but one choice, the Boeing KC-767. This act would tell the warfighter to take the 767; take it or leave it, or face years of delay if you have to have a new competition. Boeing's 767, mind you, is judged second best to the more capable, more modern, Northrop aircraft, an aircraft that I am proud would be built in my home State of Alabama. Yes, the GAO noted procedural errors in the source selection process, but it did not rule on the merits of these two aircraft. And there is no equivocation in terms of which plane the Air Force wants and desperately needs, the KC-45. Some have tried to preempt regular order and take this decision away from the warfighter. Let's not preempt the voice of the men and women who will take this plane into harm's way. We owe them that much.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Arthur C. (Skipper) Tonsmeire, III on the occasion of the Weeks Bay Resource Center dedicated in his honor. Skipper Tonsmeire was born in Mobile and grew up in a house of eight boys on Dog River. Skipper loves the outdoors more than anyone I know-- he walks, runs, bikes, and swims at Johnson Beach Park every day, and he loves to fly. He received a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Auburn University in 1965 and a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Denver in 1967. Skipper, who serves as president of the Coastal Land Trust and Weeks Bay Foundation, has been an integral force in land conservation and environmental stewardship throughout the United States and especially in southwest Alabama. The Weeks Bay Foundation supports the Weeks Bay Estuarine Research Reserve in its efforts to protect the pristine coastal area of Baldwin County, Alabama. Skipper actively serves in many other associations and organizations. For instance, he has been the director of the Boys and Girls Club in Baldwin County since 1997. Additionally, he is a founding member of the Rotary Boys and Girls Club of Fairhope as well as the Point Clear Rotary Club. Skipper has also been extremely instrumental in the protection of 30,000 acres of property in the Mobile Tensaw Delta and has worked extensively with The Nature Conservancy of Alabama on land protection projects throughout the state of Alabama. Skipper was honored with the 1994-1995 Calder Conservation Award for building alliances over the past 20 years between the local business community, public agencies, and nonprofit conservation groups to protect the environmentally and economically important wetlands of the Alabama Gulf Coast. He also received The Nature Conservancy Distinguished Service Award for Gulf Coast land preservation and was awarded the Gulf Oil Conservation Award and Conservationist of the Year by the state of Alabama. The property on which the Weeks Bay Multi Purpose Classroom Building was constructed was purchased by the Coastal Land Trust and the Weeks Bay Foundation. In addition to this property, the foundation purchased the former Safe Harbor RV Park and numerous other parcels--all of which have been conveyed to the state of Alabama. As foundation president, Skipper took what was once only a dream and turned it into a reality for the Weeks Bay Reserve. His leadership on these land acquisitions was the driving force behind the success of the project. Skipper's diligent efforts to preserve our natural resources have ensured that future generations will enjoy coastal Alabama for many years to come. While Skipper would vehemently deny this fact, we all know that had it not been for Skipper Tonsmeire's vision, there would be no Weeks Bay Reserve or Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. His quiet unassuming way has served the treasures of Alabama and our coast well. Madam Speaker, I cannot imagine a better person whom the Weeks Bay Resource Center should honor other than Arthur C. (Skipper) Tonsmeire, III. It will forever recognize his long-standing commitment to the reserve and to natural resources in the state of Alabama. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout Alabama. I know his family and his many friends and colleagues join me in extending thanks for his service over the years. On behalf of a grateful community, thank you, Skipper, for everything you have done and continue to do for coastal Alabama.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, the state of Alabama recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor the memory of Mr. James P. Hayes, Jr. Jim was born in Brewton, Alabama, and graduated from T.R. Miller High School. He then received both his bachelor's and master's degrees in Industrial Engineering from the University of Alabama. While at the university, he was a member of the Tau Beta Pi honor fraternity and the Delta Kappa Epsilon social fraternity. Jim's many years of public service began when he joined former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman's administration in 1999 and served as revenue commissioner. He later served as director of the Alabama Development Office, executive secretary, land commissioner, and senior advisor to Governor Siegelman. Jim also served as director of planning and acquisitions for the Louisiana Land and Exploration Company, and he was director of First Commercial Bank in Birmingham and BancTrust Financial in Mobile. Not only was he a dedicated public servant, but Jim was also an active civic leader. He was a past president of the Supporters Board of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. He was a supporter of the Lakeshore Foundation, the Crippled Children's Foundation, the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, and numerous other charitable foundations. In 2002, Jim became president of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama and restructured the group. Jim led the EDPA out of debt, while working tirelessly to improve the lives of all Alabama citizens. The work of Jim Hayes did not go unnoticed. In 1994, the University of Alabama named him its Alumnus of the Year. And, he was recently honored when the University of Alabama's James P. Hayes Moral Forum was endowed in his name. In 2004, the University of Alabama bestowed Jim an honorary doctorate and named him a Distinguished Engineering Fellow. In recognition of all his wonderful work, Jim received the Outstanding Civic Leader Award on National Philanthropy Day in 2007. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated businessman, public servant, husband, and friend to all. Jim Hayes will be deeply missed by his wife, Ann Beauchamp Hayes; his sisters, Margaret Hayes Brunstad and Susan Hayes Curry; his five nieces, and his nephew--as well as the many countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the memory of an exceptional leader, longtime Scoutmaster, and dedicated family man, Mr. Dennis Middleton. Dennis owned and operated E. L. Middleton and Son Garage in Loxley, Alabama, for the past 40 years. Dennis, along with his wife, Jean, took in and raised several foster children. He also served as an assistant minister of the First Christian Church of Robertsdale for 30 years. As a member of the church, he worked with the Outreach Minister Program ``Life Connection'' which focused on helping ex-offenders. However, the title for which he was most proud was Scoutmaster of Troop 45 in Robertsdale. For 33 years, Dennis served as a Scoutmaster of Troop 45. He was recently asked what Scouting meant to him, and his answer was ``everything.'' Dennis never expected his life to revolve around Scouting. When asked by the previous Scoutmaster to take charge of Troop 45, he decided to serve until a replacement could be found. Three decades later, he positively influenced countless young lives and was once described as, ``the backbone of Scouting'' in his area. Dennis was a selfless individual, always eager to help anyone in need. For example, a few years ago during a Cub Scout campout, Dennis spent an entire day working on a broken water well. The Cub Scouts later found out that it was his birthday, and instead of being home celebrating with friends and family, he was at the campground making sure the Cub Scouts had water. In recognition of his tireless efforts on behalf of the Scouts, a Scout lodge at the Silver Creek Campground was recently dedicated in his honor. Humbly, Dennis requested the new building not be named for him and instead follow the Scout tradition of honoring American Indian cultures. Today, the lodge is named Toknaawa Pahni, meaning ``Silver Creek'' in Muscogee, the native tribal group. The great contributions made by Dennis as Scoutmaster did not go unnoticed. He was honored with several Scout awards, such as, the Silver Beaver and the Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor. He also received the Who's Who Gulf Coast Award in 1989. Dennis was a member of the Order of the Arrow WOA Cholena Lodge No. 322. He attended the Wood Badge SR 550 and was a member of the respectable ``Bob White'' patrol. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout south Alabama. Dennis Middleton will be deeply missed by his family--his wife of 43 years, Jean Middleton; his daughters, Sabrina Middleton and Beverly Middleton; his son, Dennis Wayne Middleton; his foster son, Allen Kittrell; his sister, Mary Sue Archer and her husband David; his brother, Charles David Middleton and his wife Lillie; his 13 grandchildren--as well as the countless friends and fellow Scouts he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all during this difficult time.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the Mobile, Alabama, FBI Field Office on the 100 year anniversary of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Organized in 1908, America's best investigators were brought together and organized to form what is now the FBI. Over the past century, many of the world's most dangerous criminals have been apprehended by the FBI. The FBI started as an agency covering interstate crimes such as robbery and embezzlement. In the mid 1920s, they were responsible for capturing lawbreakers such as Al Capone, Bonnie and Clyde, and Baby Face Nelson. Countless serial killers, kidnappers, and other violent criminals have also been captured as a result of the hard work and diligence of the FBI. Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, the FBI began a long term transformation from the world's premier law enforcement agency to the world's premier law enforcement, intelligence, and counter terrorism agency. Today, there are over 30,000 employees, including over 12,000 special agents. There are 56 field offices, more than 400 smaller resident agencies in the United States, and 15 sub-offices in cities around the world. The Mobile FBI Field Office is an active member of the Mobile community, providing training to law enforcement personnel including firearm instructor certification, crime scene investigation, basic sniper training, basic SWAT training, civil rights training, instructor development certification, crimes against children training, and terrorism training. The Field Office has also sponsored police officers and police executives for advanced training schools at the FBI laboratory, the FBI academy, and international locations. Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Debra K. Mack heads this office of more than 110 agent and professional support personnel. SAC Mack has oversight of all of the FBI's operational, investigative, and administrative matters as well as the technical operations and financial issues for the 36 counties comprising the southern half of the state of Alabama. In 2007, SAC Mack was inducted into the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame, becoming the first ever FBI Special Agent to receive this honor. The Mobile FBI Field Office has worked hard to protect the people of southwest Alabama. Its partnerships with municipal, county, and state law enforcement offices have resulted in the apprehension of drug- dealers, online child predators, kidnappers, fraudsters, and the forfeiture of assets in the millions of dollars. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating SAC Mack and all of those at the Mobile FBI Field Office on the FBI's 100th anniversary. For all their accomplishments, I extend my heartfelt thanks for their continued service to the people of Alabama and the First Congressional District.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a remarkable political strategist and a superior human being, Mr. Tim Baer. The Birmingham News recently described Tim as ``a plainspoken political operative who helped the GOP take over the state's appellate courts.'' Tim was born near Buffalo, New York, and was raised in Pompano Beach, Florida. However, he called Birmingham, Alabama, home for over 30 years. In 1986, Tim directed a national GOP telemarketing campaign in 19 states with Republican U.S. Senate candidates. In that year, no Republicans were serving on Alabama's appellate courts. In the following years, Mr. Baer individually managed the victorious campaigns of five Republican hopefuls for the state Supreme Court. He also worked voter identification for numerous Republican candidates in multiple election cycles. Tim was probably best known for his service as the state of Alabama's Republican Party executive director. He also worked as director of field operations for the Business Council of Alabama, where he raised money for the group's political action committee, Progress PAC. He also served as an aide to former Probate Judge Mark Gaines, where he supervised Jefferson County elections. In 2000, Tim was instrumental in the successful effort for Alabama Republicans to add to their very slim Supreme Court majority, an effort spearheaded by political consultant Karl Rove. Today, Republicans hold eight of the nine high court seats, due in large part to Tim's efforts. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout the state of Alabama. Tim Baer will be dearly missed by his family--his daughter, Katie Baer; his father, Chet Baer; his sister, Janice Mudd; as well as the countless loyal friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all during this difficult time.