Jo Bonner

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a beloved public servant who defined leadership in his community by reaching out to all points of view. I am speaking of Daphne, Alabama Mayor Bailey Yelding, who passed away on January 22, 2013, after a brief illness. Born and raised in Daphne, Mayor Yelding loved his community so much that he never really left it. He was always proud of his home town, noting to the Mobile Press-Register, ``You live and work in a place where it's all been great for you, why not love it?'' And he gave back so much to the community he loved. After graduating from the Baldwin County Training School in Daphne in 1957, and receiving a degree from Alabama State University, he set his sights on helping young people in Daphne. He soon began a career in local education that would encompass 39 years of his life, changing lives and racking up an impressive record as both a football and basketball coach. At Baldwin County Training School, Coach Yelding earned a 49-16-1 record at the helm of the school's football program. After he transitioned to Fairhope High School in 1970, he went on to become the first African American coach of an integrated high school team in Baldwin County. As head varsity basketball coach, he led the team to a 302-130 record. After nearly four decades of educating the young people of Baldwin County, Coach Yelding then turned his attention to a different challenge--serving his community in elected office. In 2000 he ran for and was elected to the Daphne City Council. For the next 11 years, Councilman Yelding was a reliable voice for all the people of Daphne, reaching out to his fellow councilmen and the community to put the city first. In 2011, the Daphne City Council appointed Yelding to serve the unexpired term of Mayor Fred Small who retired early from office. In 2012, Mayor Yelding ran for a full term on the platform of experience and stability. He survived a lively campaign and a runoff in October 2012 to become Daphne's first popularly elected African American mayor. To everyone who knew him and worked with him, Mayor Yelding was more than the chief executive of the city. He was a pillar of integrity and a consensus builder. In short--a leader. It's not surprising that he was successful in public office. He took the skills he honed as a winning football and basketball coach to city hall, forging teamwork while motivating city employees and the community to greater heights. Mayor Yelding will be remembered not only as a trail blazer, but also as a wise and steady hand at Daphne City Hall. On behalf of the people of South Alabama, I wish to extend my condolences to Mayor Yelding's family, many friends and to the people of Daphne. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Amendment XXI: Section 1: ``The eighteenth article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States is hereby repealed.'' Section 2: ``The transportation or importation into any State, Territory, or possession of the United States for delivery or use therein of intoxicating liquors, in violation of the laws thereof, is hereby prohibited.'' Section 3: ``The article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by conventions in the several States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the States by the Congress.''

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to an exceptional group of young men who, for the second year in a row, have distinguished themselves as the undisputed national champions of college football. On January 7, 2013, the University of Alabama Crimson Tide captured the BCS National Championship with a decisive 42 to 14 victory over the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. By clinching their third BCS national championship in four years, the Crimson Tide has cemented their place in college football history and prompted some to ask if this remarkable team might be unequalled in the storied annals of the game. As Kevin Scarbinsky of the Birmingham News observed in a January 8 op-ed, All the while Notre Dame was reliving history, Alabama was making it. All over the golden domes of the Fighting Irish. Only one team played like a champion Monday in the BCS National Championship Game. Only one team shook down the thunder with old-school football and woke up the echoes of the greatest dynasties in the sport. Yea Alabama. The Crimson Tide became the third program in the poll era of college football history to win a third national championship in four years by taking apart the first program to do it. The Notre Dame champions of 1946, 1947 and 1949 would appreciate the Alabama champions of 2009, 2011 and 2012 because Alabama's third title came at Notre Dame's expense, right in Notre Dame's face. Given that Alabama plays in a Southeastern Conference that's won seven straight BCS titles, in a state with a rival in Auburn that interrupted this parade with its own championship, we're witnessing the greatest run in college football history. Greater than Notre Dame in the 1940s, Alabama in the 1970s or Nebraska in the 1990s. To win it again Monday was special. To do it against Notre Dame, Alabama's historical nemesis, was memorable. To leave no doubt on the scoreboard leaves no doubt in the debate. This was history. This is a dynasty. The best we've ever seen. The best there's ever been. Congratulations to head coach Nick Saban, and coaches Burton Burns, Mike Groh, Doug Nussmeier, Jeff Stoutland, Jeremy Pruitt, Kirby Smart, Lance Thompson, Bobby Williams, Chris Rumph, Scott Cochran, and Joe Pannunzio. And, above all, congratulations to the 2012 BCS Champion Crimson Tide football team: Edward Aldag, Ryan Anderson, Jonathan Atchison, Dakota Ball, Parker Barrineau, Kenny Bell, Deion Belue, Jerrod Bierbower, Chris Black, Chris Bonds, Hunter Bush, Brent Calloway, Caleb Castille, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Landon Collins, Levi Cook, Amari Cooper, Trey DePriest, Denzel Devall, Quinton Dial, Josh Dickerson, Xzavier Dickson, Dillon Drake, Kenyan Drake, Dustin Ellison, Phillip Ely, Malcolm Faciane, LaMichael Fanning, D.J. Fluker, Cade Foster, Jalston Fowler, Kurt Freitag, John Fulton, Brandon Greene, Adam Griffith, Caleb Gulledge, Rowdy Harrell, Dee Hart, Tyler Hayes, Ben Howell, Adrian Hubbard, Brandon Ivory, Kelly Johnson, Nico Johnson, Aaron Joiner, Barrett Jones, Christion Jones, Cyrus Jones, Harrison Jones, Ryan Kelly, Korren Kirven, Arie Kouandjio, Cyrus Kouandjio, Eddie Lacy, Darren Lake, Dillon Lee, Robert Lester, Chad Lindsay, Wilson Love, Isaac Luatua, Josh Magee, Cody Mandell, Nathan McAlister, AJ McCarron, Corey McCarron, Dee Milliner, William Ming, Alec Morris, Taylor Morton, C.J. Mosley, Michael Newsome, Harold Nicholson, Kevin Norwood, Michael Nysewander, Anthony Orr, Tyler Owens, Jeoffrey Pagan, Tana Patrick, Nick Perry, D. J. Pettway, Parker Philpot, Marcus Polk, Reggie Ragland, Russell Raines, Ty Reed, Trey Roberts, Jeremy Shelley, Austin Shepherd, Alex Shine, Marvin Shinn, Blake Sims, Geno Smith, Damion Square, Anthony Steen, Ed Stinson, Vinnie Sunseri, Bradley Sylve, Alphonse Taylor, MK Taylor, Carson Tinker, Dalvin Tomlinson, Brian Vogler, Paul Waldrop, Chance Warmack, Jabriel Washington, Ranzell Watkins, DeAndrew White, Wilson Whorton, Eddie Williams, Jarrick Williams, Jesse Williams, Kellen Williams, Michael Williams, Nick Williams, Danny Woodson Jr, and T.J. Yeldon. And on behalf of Bama fans around the world, Roll Tide!

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the devoted service and the remarkable life of an American patriot and a great Alabamian, retired Rear Admiral James Lloyd Abbot, Jr., who passed away on August 10, 2012, at the age of 94. A distinguished World War II veteran, a much-decorated Naval officer and leader in American exploration of Antarctica, James Lloyd Abbot, Jr., was born in Mobile on June 26, 1918. He attended Murphy High School, Spring Hill College and the U.S. Naval Academy. He graduated and was commissioned Ensign on June 1, 1939. In 1939, he first reported for duty aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CV-6), later transferring to the destroyer USS Gilmer (DD- 233). In 1943, he assumed command of Scouting Squadron 66 and was awarded the Air Medal for meritorious achievement in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Gilbert and Marshall Islands from November 1943 through January 1944. In May 1961, he became Commanding Officer of the USS Intrepid (CVA- 11), which, under his command, won the Air Force, Atlantic Fleet Battle Efficiency Pennant for the fiscal year 1962. Under his command, the USS Intrepid was the recovery ship for Astronaut Scott Carpenter after his 3-orbit flight in May 1962. In February 1967, shortly before advancing in rank to Rear Admiral, he assumed command of the U.S. Naval Support Force, Antarctica; charged with the responsibility of insuring the success and safety of all United States operations on that continent. Under his command the first oceanographic study was conducted far into the ice-covered Weddell Sea. Furthermore, Palmer Station, which was successfully completed and opened by Rear Admiral Abbot on schedule in 1968, was the first permanent United States presence in the Antarctica Peninsula. The Abbot Ice Shelf in Antarctica was named in his honor. His exemplary service, spanning nearly four decades, garnered him many medals commendations. In addition to the Legion of Merit with Gold Star, the Air Medal and the Navy Commendation Medal, Rear Admiral Abbot was awarded the American Defense Service Medal; American Campaign Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal; Navy Occupation Service Medal, Europe Clasp; the National Defense Service Medal with bronze star; and the Antarctica Service Medal. After his retirement from the Navy in 1974, he returned to an active life in Mobile where he was a member of the USS Alabama Battleship Commission and Foundation and served on the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. In 2011, Rear Admiral Abbot was named Patriot of the Year by the Mobile Bay Area Veterans Day Commission. He was also the first inductee into the Murphy High School Hall of Fame. On behalf of the people of Alabama, I wish to extend condolences to his sons, Retired U.S. Navy Captain J. Lloyd Abbot III, and retired U.S. Navy Admiral Steve Abbot, his five grandchildren, extended family and many friends. We will be forever indebted to his exemplary devotion to and service of our nation.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a long-time servant of the House of Representatives, Mr. Jay Pierson, who is retiring after 34 years of advising Speakers, Leaders and Members of Congress. When the American public tunes into C-SPAN, the give and take of congressional debate might make about as much sense as the floor of the New York Stock Exchange just before the closing bell. Fortunately, the House has seasoned experts--truly dedicated public servants--who keep up with the details of floor deliberation and legislation so that Members of Congress are able to cast their votes without confusion. One of the people most responsible for ensuring that House Republicans are informed about important legislation is Speaker Boehner's Floor Assistant, Jay Pierson. Jay's role can perhaps be compared to that of an air traffic controller, closely monitoring the flow of floor debate and shepherding Members of Congress to their appropriate positions. While an air traffic controller may use a radar scope for guidance, Jay relies on his dog-eared copy of Jefferson's Manual of Rules and 34 years of experience. A graduate of Westmont College in Santa Barbara, and a recipient of a Master's Degree from Long Beach University and a Doctorate from the University of Maryland, Jay arrived in the halls of Congress about the same time as the C-SPAN cameras. Dr. Pierson's congressional career began in 1978 in the office of the General Clerk. He began working in the Republican Cloakroom in 1979 for the office of House Republican Leader John J. Rhodes, R-AZ. Over three decades he held positions of member of the House Republican Cloakroom, member of the Republican Floor Staff and Floor Assistant to the Speaker. He was Assistant Floor Manager for Speaker Gingrich, Floor Assistant for Speaker Dennis Hastert, and now Floor Assistant for Speaker John Boehner. For the past decade, Jay has been an invaluable resource to me during floor debate and votes and I will always value his counsel and friendship. Mr. Speaker, as Jay prepares to transition to retirement, I join with my colleagues here in the House in wishing him the very best. Jay's wisdom and expertise will be sorely missed.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the contributions of a remarkable public servant and dear friend, Mayor Harry Mason. In November, Mayor Mason retired after 20 years as chief executive of Pine Hill, Alabama. In his best-selling 1998 book, The Greatest Generation, former NBC Television anchor Tom Brokaw told the story of what he believed was the greatest generation any society has ever produced. ``. . . These men and women fought not for fame and recognition, but because it was the right thing to do. When they came back they rebuilt America into a superpower.'' Harry Mason was a product of that historic generation; a native of Southwest Alabama, a hardworking local businessman, and citizen who stepped up to serve his country and his home town because it was the right thing to do. As an assistant engineer in the Merchant Marine during World War II, Harry was aboard the S.S. Sea Porpoise when it landed 3,000 troops on the beaches of Normandy during the second wave of the famous D-Day invasion to liberate France. On July 5, 1944, the S.S. Sea Porpoise was damaged by a German mine. The ship's complement of 159 crew and passengers, including Harry, were uninjured and the ship survived. When he returned stateside to civilian life, like so many others of our ``Greatest Generation'' Harry eagerly rejoined the workforce helping his father run the family business. He invested his life and his heart in Pine Hill, and according to a recent article in the Thomasville Times, Harry wouldn't have had it any other way. ``Except for the war, I never even entertained a thought of going somewhere else,'' he told the paper. It wasn't long before Harry turned his passion to public service, first as a member of the Wilcox County Board of Education during the tumultuous 1960s and 70s. In 1991, he left his family business of running the Economy Store and instead ran for mayor. Looking back at 20 years of leading his town, he has much for which to be proud. An expansion of the Pine Hill's water and sewer system and city limits come to mind. Perhaps most notably during his last year in office, Pine Hill landed one of the largest industries to come to Southwest Alabama in years. Harry joined state and local officials in welcoming Golden Dragon Copper to the Pine Hill area in February. When completed, this new factory is expected to employ 300 workers with the potential to reach 500. An active presence in the community, Mayor Harry Mason has also served as a member of the board of the Bank of Pine Hill. However, of all his many accomplishments, Harry points to his 20 years' service as chief of the Pine Hill Volunteer Fire Department as his greatest. On behalf of the people of south Alabama, I wish Harry and his wonderful wife, Mittie, the very best for a well-deserved and duly- earned retirement.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate a distinguished member of the Alabama business community, Mr. Keith King, P.E., who is soon to retire from Volkert & Associates, Inc., after 52 years of service. A 1958 graduate of Auburn University's School of Civil Engineering, Keith King was hired by David G. Volkert as a project engineer in 1960. Over the last five decades, Mr. King has witnessed many changes in the Mobile-headquartered engineering company which has grown to become one of the top-ranked engineering, planning, and environmental consulting firms in the United States. Keith served as president from 1983 until 2007 and CEO until 2011. Volkert, Inc. has grown continuously and opened operations centers in 11 States employing over 600 associates. As an accomplished professional engineer, licensed in eight States, Keith King has obtained national recognition for many of the projects he has engineered and managed. He was Chief Engineer for the Interstate 10 Twin Bridges over Mobile Bay, which was named one of the Ten Outstanding Engineering Achievements of 1978 by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). He was principal-in-charge of the Alabama State Docks' McDuffie Coal Export Facility Project, which in 1984 received the Engineering Excellence Award from the American Consulting Engineers Council of Alabama. In 1992, Volkert's Cochrane/Africatown U.S.A. Bridge over the Mobile River was named one of the Outstanding Engineering Achievements by NSPE and received the Federal Highway Administration Award of Excellence. All three of these projects are in the State of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame. Mr. King, himself was inducted in 2001 and Volkert, Inc. was honored in 2002. Keith has worked hard to improve the areas of licensure, continuing professional development, ethical standards, and professionalism. His involvement includes two terms on the Alabama Licensure Board, the Business Council of Alabama (Chairman, 2000-2001); Alabama Society of Professional Engineers (President); National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) (Vice President-Southeast; Chairman, National Membership Committee and Licensure and Qualifications for Practice Committee); Fellow Member of American Society of Civil Engineers and NSPE; Member of the American Consulting Engineers Council. He remains actively involved with Auburn University, where he has chaired the Auburn Alumni Engineering Council and served on the Auburn University Board of Directors. On behalf of the people of south Alabama, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Keith and his lovely wife, Julia, as well as their entire family. Additionally, I wish them both a long and happy retirement, including plenty of deep-sea fishing.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to offer my congratulations to the Spanish Fort High School Toros for their decisive 45-14 victory over McCalla's McAdory High School Yellow Jackets in the Alabama High School Athletic Association's (AHSAA) 5-A football championship on December 6, 2012. Spanish Fort's already impressive gridiron record of capturing two state championships in seven seasons is all the more noteworthy since the Toro's young football program only debuted in 2006. According to the Mobile Press-Register, both teams brought impressive records into the championship game at Auburn University's Jordan-Hare Stadium. ``Spanish Fort had the pinball offense averaging 39.5 points per game. McAdory had the swarming defense that forged an unbeaten season through 14 games.'' However, in the end it was Spanish Fort who dominated the field on both offense and defense, with 377 total yards, while holding the Yellow Jackets to just 187 yards. The Press-Register further noted, ``Spanish Fort (14-1) extended a school record for points in a single season to 598 with its 45-14 win.'' The Toros took an early lead in the game with two touchdowns before the Yellow Jackets answered with seven points. The Toros then fired back with a vengeance--adding 31 points to the scoreboard. Senior quarterback Joel Poe was named the Class 5-A MVP after completing 17-of-24 passes for 177 yards and running for a 10-yard touchdown. The Toros's 5-A victory placed an exclamation point on another season for the record books for Spanish Fort. Congratulations to Head Coach Mark Freeman, and Assistant Coaches Duane Davis, Shawn DeFoor, Joseph German and Greg Crager, as well as to the Toros players--Sammy Tolbert, Edward Autry, Maxwell Goodwin, Samuel Harris, Myles York, Joel Poe, Matthew Hall, Devonte Patrick, Deon Johnson, Blain Crain, Ronald Smith, Jonathan Cook, Darren Tate, Gunner Hendrix, Chason Milner, Tyler Johnston, Eugene Leach, Ryan Brooks, Trey Shabel, Kristian Cotton, Kylan Cotton, Cameron Harrison, Caleb Valrie, Jacob Goodwin, Tony Mitchell, Javon Brown, Dominique Woodward, Miguel Restrepo, Preston Hall, Alexander Theodore, John Campbell, Deonte Cyprian, Caleb Hughes, Stephan Holcombe, Keland Dotch, Marcus Walton, Stephen Wilson, Hayden Falkenberry, Brady Vincent, Delong Harrison, John Williamson, Thomas Johnston, Keion White, David Keener, Drew Kitchens, Jeremy Murray, Braxton Armstead, Justin Murray, Jacob Clark, Matthew Thompson, Todd Shetler, Robert Riley, Iverson Diego Delapena, Samuel Howard, Davoris Thomas, Maurice Cole, Chase Holliman, John Stockton, Cody Shoultz, Grey Curtis, Taylor Murray, Logan Mangum, Victor Dunning, Chase Rowe, Christopher Morehouse, Tyler Brentzel, Brad Andre, Grant Horst, Michael Eubanks, Owen Betts, Trevor Pfeil, Kaleb Hall, Ian Bjuro, Brandon Prince, Hamilton Biggs, Austin Grobe, Wilton Cox, Deandre Townsend, Robert Rella, Mitchell Meador, William Petersen, Jimmy Ogletree, Lawton McGahey, Hunter Wood, Roger Lawhon, Tyler Howell, William Nelson, Darius Johnson, Bryan Williams and Jonathan Hoover.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Mobile's UMS-Wright Preparatory School for a hard-fought season and a tremendous victory to capture the Alabama High School Athletic Association's (AHSAA) 4-A football championship. On December 7, 2012, the UMS-Wright Bulldogs (13-2) defeated the Oneonta Redskins (14-1) by a resounding 42 to 14 margin. Reaching the pinnacle of gridiron achievement is familiar territory for the Bulldogs. UMS-Wright has appeared in the AHSAA state championship game on seven different occasions, winning six ('87, '01, '02, '05, '08, '12). UMS-Wright has more division 4-A state titles than any other school in Alabama and Head Coach and Athletic Director Terry Curtis shares the AHSAA record for most state title victories held by a single coach at five. Over his 13-year tenure, Coach Curtis has amassed a record of 155 and 38. The 2012 UMS-Wright seniors had never been to the Super 6 championship game. With four years having passed since the last trip, this trip also marked the first time for any at the school, coaches included, to have the opportunity to play on the home field of the Auburn Tigers. The Super 6 was previously held at Birmingham's Legion Field, but, like the celebrated college Iron Bowl, the game venue now rotates between Tuscaloosa's Bryant-Denny and Auburn's Jordan-Hare stadium. What a truly amazing experience it must be for these young men to play on the same field they often watch in awe on any given fall football Saturday. The championship game was a thrilling contest that ultimately proved the superiority of the Bulldogs over the top-ranked Redskins. Seconds before the half, UMS-Wright Safety Sam Pettway forced a fumble on the Bulldog three yard line that resulted in a touchback. A touchdown would have evened the game at 21. In the third quarter, after a couple of stalled drives by both squads and coming on 3rd and 32, QB Gunner Roach completed a 33 yard strike to T.J. Dixon in the back of the end zone, making the score 28 to 14. Dixon finished the day with five catches for 86 yards and a touchdown. Sophomore RB Troy Dixon was named Class 5A MVP. He ran for 232 yards on 23 carries and scored three times. UMS- Wright stopped Oneonta twice on fourth down, recovered three fumbles and picked off a pair of passes. Congratulations to Head Coach Terry Curtis, Assistant Coaches Brett Boutwell, Brandon Dean, Richard Ellisor, Gerald Jones, and Jim Sudeiha, and to the Bulldogs, Troy Dixon, Tyrone Dixon, Charles Philips, George Williams, Kendrell Perine, Richard Pipkins, Sam Pettway, Christian Pearsall, Bobby Guthans, Tanner Allen, Robert Beard, Douglas Barber, Easton Russ, Gunner Roach, John Watts, Gordan Stimpson, D'andre Smith, Allen Ladd, Jack White, Timothy Shaw, Jaylon Jones, Hunter Lanier, Champ White, Johnathan Thornton, Jawon McDowell, Benjamin Radcliff, Henry Vanhaneghan, John Pipes, Dex Harvey, Cutter Stimpson, Kemper Sarrett, Thomas Harmon, Walker Chandler, Thomas Taylor, Tucker Powell, Christopher Majure, Kyle Pugh, Cory Fillingim, Nelson Lyons, Christopher Quinnelly, Forbes Sirmon, Kahlil Traywick, Bobby Weinacker, Landon Powell, Christian Hollinghead, Brett Patterson, Glen Barlow, Charles Roush, Andrew Howell, Tyler Guesnard, Gus Addison, Jacob Hurdle, Jack Blankenship, Thomas Iturbe, John Mostellar, Garrett Hollinghead, Charlie Hon, Timothy Squires, Blakely Addison, Hayden Williams, Will Baynes, Andrew Bradley, Ethan Jones, Marvin Mostellar, Emerson Majure, Trenton Fowler, Breland Meador, and Chauncey Callier.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I rise to note the untimely passing of a beloved South Alabama leader who devoted her life's work to advancing the cause of education among Alabama's youth. On December 8, 2012, the people of Mobile received the sad news that State Representative Yvonne Kennedy passed away at age 67 after a brief illness. Her family was reported to be by her side. She leaves behind a rich legacy of leadership in both the Alabama Legislature as well as in Alabama higher education. Born on January 8, 1945, Yvonne Kennedy received her B.S. from Alabama State University, an M.A. from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, a Ph.D. from the University of Alabama, and an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee. After completing her education she returned to Mobile to teach English at Bishop State Community College where she quickly assumed leadership roles, including assisting in the college's efforts to secure full accreditation. First elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in a special election in 1979, Representative Kennedy served nearly 34 years in Montgomery, placing her among the most senior members of the Alabama legislature. In the State Capitol, she was an active and influential member of the House Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure Committee, the Economic Development and Tourism Committee (Ranking Minority Member), and the Children and Senior Advocacy Committee (Ranking Minority Member). She was also former Chairperson of the Alabama Legislative Black Caucus. Believing that public service also involved engaging and preparing our youth for future careers, Representative Kennedy was a luminary in the Mobile education community. In 1981, she assumed the presidency of Bishop State Community College, serving until 2007. She was the first African American woman to head an Alabama state college. Under her leadership, Bishop State expanded its size from one to three campuses. She was a member of the Board of the American Association for Higher Education, and served as a Trustee of Miles College. She gave much of her time to organizations devoted to uplifting our youth. Most notably, she served as National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, a non-profit organization devoted to economic and educational development, physical and mental health, and political involvement. She was active in the Junior Miss Scholarship Foundation and served as Youth Director for the Board of Christian Education of the Southeast Alabama Conference of the CME Church. She was also Chairman of the Mobile County United Negro College Fund Campaign. Representative Kennedy was a long-time member of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Mobile. On behalf of the people of Alabama, I offer my personal condolences to the family and many friends of Representative Kennedy. She was a good friend to many in our community where her selfless attention to the needs of our young people changed many lives for the better. She will be greatly missed.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I rise to pay tribute to Baldwin County, Alabama Deputy Sheriff Scott Jeffrey Ward, who gave his life in the line of duty on November 23, 2012. Deputy Ward was laid to rest on November 27, 2012, in Fairhope, Alabama. Just as our nation's liberty isn't free, we also cannot take for granted the peace and security of our streets and neighborhoods. In America, sadly, a law enforcement officer is lost every 53 hours protecting our families and communities. Last week, for the first time in 25 years, the Baldwin County Sheriffs Department suffered the loss of one of its own. Deputy Scott Ward, age 47, succumbed to gunshot wounds while in the performance of his duties the day after Thanksgiving. A native of Biloxi, Mississippi and resident of Silverhill, Alabama, Deputy Ward was a 15-year veteran of the Baldwin County Sheriffs Department, having served as an investigator, field training officer, defensive tactics instructor and a SWAT member. His service to community was built on a solid foundation of service to country. A veteran of the United States Air Force and more recently the United States Coast Guard Reserve, Deputy Ward was deployed to Afghanistan in 2011. He was a decorated and respected member of the Baldwin County Sheriffs Department. Sheriff Huey ``Hoss'' Mack observed that Deputy Ward ``put himself in harm's way over and over again,'' and he character was one of ``wanting to serve and wanting to help the people.'' On behalf of the people of Alabama, I offer my condolences to Deputy Ward's wife, Andrea Elizabeth Fisher Ward; his mother, Cheryl Ward; his brother, Howard Ward, and their many family members and friends. You are all in our thoughts and our prayers at this difficult time.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the memory of a beloved and respected Alabaman who passed away on October 2, 2012, at the age of 70. Don McGriff was a devoted public servant and a tireless advocate for safer communities at the state and local level. Don McGriff was born in Mobile on April 22, 1942. He was a graduate of Murphy High School, the University of South Alabama, and the Jones School of Law at Faulkner University. Don also served his country honorably in the United States Marine Corps. Active in state and local politics, Don was the Republican Nominee for Alabama Lieutenant Governor against Democrat Jim Folsom, Jr. in 1986. He served as Chairman of the Baldwin County Republican Party and on the Baldwin County School Board. Don's reputation for fairness also earned him bipartisan respect in Montgomery. In 2004, Governor Bob Riley appointed him to serve on the newly expanded Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles. His long political career also included runs for State Senate and State Representative in Baldwin County and service as an assistant district attorney. Don's public service was marked by his unwavering dedication to fighting crime as well as the rehabilitation of those convicted of crimes. Don was a founding board member of We Care Prison Ministries and the Lovelady Center. He was a charter member of the Fairhope Sunset Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow. On behalf of the people of Alabama, I offer condolence to his wife of 46 years, Jeanne Kelly; their son, Kelly; their daughter, Heather; their eight grandchildren and their entire family and many friends You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to an American hero in the truest sense of the word. This weekend, 24-year-old U.S. Army Specialist Eric Hunter returns home to Monroeville, Alabama for the first time since he sustained serious injuries from an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. The day before his one-year wedding anniversary, Specialist Hunter was on patrol when he stepped on an IED. The May 31, 2012 blast took his right foot and eventually his right leg. He also suffered a shattered right wrist and left leg, as well as a broken forearm. The service and the sacrifice of this country's military personnel is both moving and inspiring. Specialist Hunter's dedication to his country is equally matched by his remarkable determination to recover from his wounds. For Specialist Hunter, the road to recovery has been a long one. He was transported to three different hospitals in five days before being flown to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. During his recovery at Walter Reed, he was visited by President Obama and other notables, including singer Neil Diamond. It was also at Walter Reed that Specialist Hunter joined a special program that pairs famous musicians with wounded soldiers to assist their recovery. As a part of Musicorps, Specialist Hunter played his guitar with former Pink Floyd bassist Roger Waters and G.E. Smith, former lead guitarist of Hall & Oates and Bob Dylan's touring band. On November 8, 2012, Specialist Hunter took a seat on stage in the Beacon Theatre in New York City at the 6th Annual Stand Up for Heroes benefit playing alongside fellow wounded warriors and music legends Waters, Smith and Bruce Springsteen. The Annual Stand Up for Heroes event, sponsored by the Bob Woodruff Foundation, has so far raised over $12 million for wounded soldiers. In September 2012, I was honored to join Specialist Hunter, his wife, Kenna, and their children Kensley and Jayce for breakfast in the U.S. Capitol, where I personally thanked him for his service to our country. Specialist Hunter also served a 2010-2011 tour in Iraq before his recent posting in Afghanistan. On behalf of the people of Alabama and the United States, I offer deep gratitude to Specialist Hunter for both his sacrifices for the security of America and his example to fellow wounded warriors as they return to their families and communities to re-enter civilian life. We are proud to welcome him home to Alabama.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to extend congratulations to a distinguished South Alabamian who was recently promoted to the rank of major general in the United States Army Reserve. Maj. Gen. Janet Cobb's service to her country is a credit to the professionalism and dedication of our military and we are proud to have her call South Alabama home. Maj. Gen. Cobb is a graduate of Foley High School and the University of Alabama. After enlisting in the Army Reserve in 1974, she was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in May 1978 from the University of Alabama ROTC program. Maj. Gen. Cobb is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Army War College. Maj. Gen. Cobb has commanded at the Detachment, Battalion, Brigade, General Officer and Directorate command levels. Her deployments include 1184th Transportation Terminal Unit, Saudi Arabia (July-November 1991), 1184th Transportation Terminal Battalion, Port of Ash Shuaybah, Kuwait (November 2002-May 2003), 598th Transportation Group (Terminal) Rotterdam, The Netherlands (2007), and the Central Command Deployment & Distribution Operations Center, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait (2011). In July 2012, Maj. Gen. Cobb completed a six-month mobilization at the Pentagon where she served as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations), Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics (G-4). She is currently assigned to the Pentagon as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Mobilization and Training (Reserve Component Integration), Department of the Army (G-4). While still a colonel, Janet commanded the 1184th Transportation Terminal Battalion from Mobile during the second Gulf War. Of her service, the Mobile Press Register observed, ``Under Cobb's command, the 1184th became well-known among coalition forces in Kuwait not only for unloading a record amount of U.S. military cargo through a Kuwaiti port in 2003, but also for staging a Mobile-style Mardi Gras parade over there, in which Moon Pies, beads and cups were thrown.'' Her awards include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf clusters, and the Joint Achievement Medal. In civilian life, Maj. Gen. Cobb is employed with Kaiser Realty, Inc. in Gulf Shores. She is a resident of the Barnwell community in south Baldwin County. Mr. Speaker, I join my fellow Alabamians in not only expressing deep pride in Maj. Gen. Cobb's contributions to her country, but also in offering our heartfelt congratulations for her recent promotion and wish her all the best in the future.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Elbert Allen ``Larry'' Drummond, Vice Chairman of Drummond Company, Inc., who passed away on July 30, 2012, at the age 68. Larry Drummond was a leader among the Alabama business community and a devotee to preserving Alabama's abundance of natural resources. Larry Drummond was born August 3, 1943, in Birmingham. His early life was spent with his family in the Walker County town of Sipsey. His father had been a coal miner for Debardeleben Coal Company and had decided in 1935 to start his own mine, the beginning of what is now Drummond Company, Inc. He attended Walker County High School in Jasper where he was co- captain and named to the all-county football team. He also played baseball at Walker and was selected for the East-West All-Star Game in Birmingham. He earned a bachelor's degree in Commerce and Business Administration from the University of Alabama in 1965. He also earned a master's degree in accounting the following year before entering the University of Alabama School of Law, where he was awarded the Juris Doctor degree in 1969. During breaks in college, Larry worked in various areas of Drummond Coal operations--preparing a site for mining, drilling at a new mine, cleaning coal for loading, and work at other operations. Returning home with his law degree in hand, he rejoined his family's company. Over the years, he was heavily involved with domestic and international coal sales. Along with his brothers, Larry was instrumental in fostering business relationships with Japan that continue today. He later assumed additional complex responsibilities as Vice Chairman of the corporation and Chairman of its Executive Committee. Larry was active in a variety of civic and educational organizations in Walker County and Alabama. He was a member of the Alabama and the American Bar Associations. At the University of Alabama, he was a member of the President's Cabinet and of the Board of Visitors of the Culverhouse School of Commerce. The Culverhouse School recognized him in 2003 with a Career Achievement Award. He served on the boards of the Walker Area Community Foundation and the Alabama Conservation and Natural Resources Foundation. He also served as a board member for the Alabama Conservation and Natural Resources Foundation and the American Family Business Institute. He was a member of United Way of Central Alabama's Le Societe National. In 2011 Larry was inducted into the Alabama Academy of Honor and into the Alabama Business Hall of Fame. Larry also possessed an abiding love for the outdoors and enjoyed working closely with the Boy Scouts of America. He was a director of the Black Warrior Council of the Boy Scouts, which presented him with the Silver Beaver Award. His leadership of one of Alabama's top energy companies and his stewardship of our environmental resources will be sorely missed. On behalf of the people of Alabama, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, Abbie; brothers, Garry and John; daughter, Terri; sons, Scott and Patrick; five grandchildren, extended family and many friends. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize Honor Flight South Alabama and the World War II veterans this very special organization is bringing on its eighth flight to Washington, D.C. on September 19, 2012. Founded by the South Alabama Veterans Council, Honor Flight South Alabama is an organization whose mission is to fly heroes from southwest Alabama to see their national memorial. Almost seven decades have passed since the end of World War II and, regrettably, it took nearly as long to complete work on the memorial that honors the spirit and sacrifice of the 16 million who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and the more than 400,000 who died. Sadly, many veterans did not live long enough to hear their country say ``thank you,'' yet for those veterans still living, Honor Flight provides for many their first--and perhaps only--opportunity to see the National World War II Memorial, which honors their service and sacrifice. This Honor Flight begins at dawn when the veterans will gather at historic Fort Whiting in Mobile and travel to Mobile Regional Airport to board a chartered flight to Washington. During their time in their nation's capital, the veterans will visit the World War II Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and other memorials. The veterans will return to Mobile Regional Airport that evening, where some 1,000 people are expected to greet them. Mr. Speaker, the September 19, 2012, journey of heroes from South Alabama is an appropriate time for us to pause and thank them--and all of the soldiers who fought in World War II. They collectively--and literally--saved the world. They personify the very best America has to offer, and I urge my colleagues to take a moment to pay tribute to their selfless devotion to our country and the freedoms we enjoy. I salute each of the veterans who made the trip to Washington. May we never forget their valiant deeds and tremendous sacrifices: Hector Anderson, Eason Andrews, Robert Andry, Charles Baggett, James Ballard, Robert Barnes, Edward Beasley, Tommie Beasley, Joseph Betbeze, Jr., William C. Betbeze, Elmore Blake, Floyd Bivens, Nolan Black, Robert Bock, Richard Bolks, Samuel Branch, William Branscomb, Bernard Bringhurst, Wilton Brunson, Benjamin Canavello, Millard Carter, William Chapman, John Cherry, John Clark, Joseph Collie, William Colvin, O.S. Conerly, Jr., Benjamin Cooper, Bob Copley, Quincie Curtis, James Dailey, Carroll Darby, James Daves, John Davis, Perry Davis, Jeffrey Davis, Glenn Dehlin, William Douglas, Robert Drollinger, Robert Eastburn, Russell Faulkner, William Fox, Frank Frith, Aubrey Fulford, Luther Fuller, William Gilly, Edward Gold, Schauss Greben, Horace Gray, Doyle Griffiths, Michael Guarino, Nathan Gulley, Lawrence Hansen, Joe Harris, Jr., Thomas Harris, Jr., William Hatter, Benjamin Hays, Jr., Felix Hills, Jr., George Holladay, Robert Hughes, James Hummer, Alfred Hyde, Willard Johnson, Junior Keller, Roger King, Albert Kinnison, Joseph Knapp, Fred Levin, Lonza Lewis, Bernard Losse, Marjorie Markert, George Massengale, Jr., James Mathews, Jr., Elbert McCall, John McClelland, Eugene McGuire, Amy McHenry, Harold McLain, Olen McManus, Cecil McMullan, Bert Milling, Douglas Modling, Roland Montalvo, John Motes, Norman Mullen, Lloyd Mullen, Arthur Perez, Jr., Riley Pettis, Hiram Phillips, Rufus Pinkerton, Charles Reaves, I.G. Reeves, Hilburn Richards, James Robertson, Rudolph Rolison, Sr., Will Sawyer, Herman Shaddix, Dayton Shell, John Sheppard, John Shiver, Jr., William Smith, William Spaulding, James Stapleton, Preston Stengel, Ross Street, Robert Tanner, Donald Thomson, Shelby Trice, Alexander Trione, Etheridge Turner, John Vickers, Ray Wadsworth, Robert Wallace, Thomas Warner, Jr., Ennis Warren, Harold Watters, Jr., Billy West, Sr., Vernon Whiteside, Lavaine Williams, Walter Williams, and Ross Wingo.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Bob Higgins, senior vice president of the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance. On August 1, 2012, Bob retired from his leadership position, which he has held for the past decade. Bob Higgins joined the Baldwin Economic Development Alliance in 2002. While serving in the BCEDA, he organized many development projects that have led to the betterment of our community. One of these projects, which was facilitated through the Baldwin Business Incubator, created an aviation training center for local high school students at the Fairhope airport. With the recent announcement of Airbus' decision to locate its new manufacturing facility in Mobile, this effort will be instrumental in preparing a workforce for this new industry. Bob Higgins' work has not only helped to create future jobs in our area, but has also aided in supporting local companies as they battled the 2010 oil spill. Through his accomplishments, the Coastal Resiliency Coalition and Business Support Center were created to raise support for those who were severely affected by the oil spill, and their efforts continue today. Though he will be retiring from the BCEDA, Bob Higgins' work with these two groups will not be ending. He now intends to shift his focus and devote more time to worker training to help businesses prepare for the future, while the main focus of the Alliance will be in recruiting industry for the Baldwin County megasite and in support of Airbus. As many of Bob's former coworkers can attest, Bob's work ethic and drive have been influential in transforming Baldwin County into a better place to live and work. Upon his retirement, Bob is looking forward to having more time for personal activities and spending more time with his four grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Alabama and my colleagues in the Alabama Delegation, I would like to extend a personal appreciation to Mr. Bob Higgins for his service to Alabama's past, present, and future through his leadership in the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Mr. Robert Ingram, who is retiring as President and CEO of the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance. Under his leadership Baldwin County became the top ``micropolitan statistical area'' in the state and the 27th out of 576 in terms of economic strength ratings for the United States. Robert's record in economic development is considerable. He is a Past Chairman of the 17-state Southern Economic Development Council, and in 2001, 2003, 2006 & 2007 received the organization's highest award, the Chairman's Award of Distinction. Robert is a past president of the Mississippi Jaycees, past National Vice President of the United States Jaycees, and past International President of the University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Association. He previously served as President of the Mississippi Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and President of the Mississippi Economic Development Council. Robert holds the Professional Community Economic Developer designation, is a graduate of the Community Development Institute, and served on the National Board of Directors of CDI. In 2010, he was named by Janus Economics, an international economic development consulting firm, as the first Janus Fellow, in recognition for his service to the profession. Robert has also served as Senior Vice President of Economic Development for the Metro-Jackson Chamber of Commerce, has coordinated the marketing/recruitment effort of the three-County, Metro Economic Development Alliance, served as President/CEO of the Greenwood/Leflore Industrial Board and served as Economic Development Assistant to the President of the University of Southern Mississippi. Robert holds both a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Business Administration from Southern Miss. On the volunteer side Robert has served as president of a chamber of commerce and chairman of an economic development foundation. In the private sector he has been a senior business developer and commercial lending officer in a major financial institution and made multi-million dollar business loans. In the public sector he has worked in economic development for the State of Mississippi and has created a comprehensive county economic development agency and 501(c) 6 subsidiary ``from scratch''. He also served as Mayor of the City of McComb, Mississippi, where he both reorganized local government and helped consolidate local economic development agencies. On the entrepreneurial side, he was one of seven organizers and a charter director and officer of Pike County National Bank. In his current position, Robert oversees the day to day operation of the Alliance and works closely with private and public sector leaders on countywide and regional community/economic development related issues critical to the future of south Alabama. Robert was active in the regional work of the Coastal Recovery Commission and currently serves on the Board of the Coastal Alabama Leadership Foundation. On behalf of the people of Alabama and my colleagues in the Alabama Delegation, I would like to extend my personal appreciation to Mr. Ingram for his service to Alabama's past, present, and future through his leadership with the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I note the passing of a beloved South Alabama broadcaster and familiar voice of Auburn University football. Mr. Carl Stephens passed away August 1, 2012, at the age of 77. A native Alabamian, Carl Stephens was attracted to sports and broadcasting early in life, taking the mic as a sportscaster at the age of ten in his native Gadsden. He later served as student manager of the college radio station while at the University of Alabama. After graduation, Carl Stephens began his television career with WSFA-TV in Montgomery, which spanned from 1957 to 1998. His booming, pleasant voice and professional over-the-air delivery were for decades synonymous with WSFA News. However, for many Alabamians he was best known as host of a popular children's cartoon show in the late 1950s and co-anchor of the Auburn Football Review for many years. As Sports Director at WSFA-TV in Montgomery from 1963-75, Carl Stephens served as the producer and host of Coach Ralph ``Shug'' Jordan's weekly television show where the popular Auburn phrase, ``You're so right, Carl,'' was born. Following Carl Stephens' opening comments of each show, Coach Jordan would respond with, ``You're so right, Carl.'' Along with his duties as host of the Auburn Football Review and responsibilities at Jordan-Hare Stadium, Mr. Stephens also served as the PA announcer at Auburn basketball and baseball games and as the voice of the Auburn Marching Band at football games. In addition to his work for Auburn, Mr. Stephens was the public address voice for the first 15 Southeastern Conference Football Championship games, 14 SEC Basketball Tournaments and six SEC Baseball Tournaments. Mr. Stephens also did public address work for NCAA Basketball Tournament games in Birmingham. Prior to the 1973 Auburn football season, Mr. Stephens was asked to take on additional responsibility with Auburn as its public address announcer at the old Cliff Hare Stadium. Mr. Stephens held the PA duties at Auburn football for three seasons before moving to Columbia, S.C., to serve as Program Director for WIS-TV for two years. Carl Stephens returned to Montgomery in 1978 as Program/Promotions Manager for WSFA and resumed his PA duties at Jordan-Hare Stadium for the 1979 Auburn football season, which he has held ever since. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Alabama, I wish to extend condolences to his wife, Mary, son Richard, daughter Sandra and entire family. Carl will be missed.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Robert Dickson Lightfoot, for being awarded the Samuel Buford Word Award. This is the highest award given by the Medical Association of the State of Alabama in recognition of service to humanity beyond the usual scope of medical practice. Dr. Lightfoot is a fourth-generation physician who graduated with honors from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 1981 and completed a general and vascular surgery residency at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in 1986. He later returned to school receiving a Bachelors of Science in Psychology in 1997. After participating in several medical mission trips to Central and South America, Dr. Lightfoot and his wife, Tami, realized a need for affordable, quality primary adult health care in their own community. Out of this need, Dr. Lightfoot founded Victory Health Partners in Mobile, Alabama, in 2000 and began seeing patients in 2003 with incomes less than 300 percent of the federal poverty line. What began as an act of faith by one physician and his wife has now turned into a fully functional partnership involving hundreds of volunteers, medical providers, and churches. The clinic has grown from seeing 12 patients on its first day in 2003, to serving more than 18,000 in this past year. The clinic's patients come over 20 counties in Alabama, eight in Mississippi, and four in Northwest Florida. In the past decade, Dr. Lightfoot has seen Victory Health Partners expand to offer dental and eye care, as well as wound care and diabetic classes for adults. Dr. Lightfoot has devoted his life to medicine and providing healthcare to the needy. Through his brilliant acts of generosity, faith, and dedication to his community, Dr. Lightfoot is an accomplished physician who has earned the respect of his patients, staff and colleagues. On behalf of the people of Alabama and my colleagues in the Alabama Delegation, I wish to extend a personal thank you and congratulations to Dr. Lightfoot on his monumental achievement and selfless acts of generosity for the people of South Alabama and surrounding areas. May God continue to be bless him, his staff and all those they serve.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Ed C. Bridges, longtime Director of the Alabama Department of Archives and History, which is the oldest state archives agency in the United States. After 30 years of service in this position, Dr. Bridges will be retiring at the end of the current fiscal year. Dr. Bridges is a graduate of Furman University, where he achieved both the Woodrow Wilson and Danforth Fellowships. He went on to receive his Masters and Doctorate in History from the University of Chicago. This fervent pursuit of knowledge eventually translated into a lifelong career. Before holding his current position as Director, Dr. Bridges wore many hats in the academic world; including, teaching at the high school level in South Carolina, teaching at the collegiate level at the Georgia Institute of Technology, doing contract research at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and serving six years at the Georgia Department of Archives. Outside of his academic work, Dr. Bridges has also participated in numerous state and community activities. He has served as President of the Alabama Historical Association, as a member of the Alabama Historical Commission, on the Governor's Mansion Advisory Board, and many more. He received the Alabama Humanities Foundation's Annual Humanities Award and was inducted into the College of Communications Hall of Fame at the University of Alabama. Dr. Bridges expertise is also recognized beyond the State of Alabama, having represented the United States in archival exchanges with both the former Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China, and as vice chairman of the Information Policy Task Force of State Governments. Ed Bridges embodies the very best qualities of a true scholar, one who knows that knowledge means nothing without the will to pass it on to others and to future generations. Dr. Bridges has done this and more though his outstanding career. On behalf of the people of Alabama and my colleagues in the Alabama Delegation, I would like to extend my personal appreciation to Dr. Bridges for his service to Alabama's past, present, and future through his stewardship and tremendous leadership of the Alabama Department of Archives and History. I would like to wish him, his wife Martha and their family the very best in their future endeavors.

Mr. BONNER

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 extraneous material on H. Res. 755.

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to once again thank members of the committee, as well as members of the pool, for their tremendous service that they render to this institution. And on behalf of the entire House, I want to again thank the nonpartisan, professional committee staff for their extraordinary hard work and commitment to the House of Representatives and to the American people that we all serve. As it is often noted on the floor, especially during somber moments like this, public office is a public trust. And for the vast majority of Members who have been honored with the opportunity, the privilege to serve in this, the people's House, there is an unspoken duty to hold ourselves up to a higher standard. Unfortunately, as Representative Richardson has admitted, she did not live up to that higher standard. And as such, she did a disservice to her staff, to her colleagues. And while it is ultimately up to her constituents in California to be the final judge of her actions, I think it is safe to say she did a disservice to the hardworking taxpayers from all corners of this country who expect and deserve more from their elected leaders. Throughout the course of this matter, the investigative subcommittee heard desperate, sometimes emotional pleas for help from members of Representative Richardson's staff. Representative Dent has shared at least one of the stories with the body today. And even since word first broke yesterday of this resolution this morning, the committee has received calls from other staffers thanking us for bringing this matter to a public resolution. As a former Hill staffer myself, I have great respect for those staffers who were willing to come to the Ethics Committee with their stories and heartfelt concerns. That is not an easy thing to do against a Member of Congress, particularly when that person claims to be your boss and you're made to feel that your job is in jeopardy. At the end of the day, however, we must remember and never forget that the real employer for us all are the American people. I was particularly moved by one of Representative Richardson's former staffers who testified: This certainly should not be an example as to the way an elected official for this country should conduct themselves under any circumstance. And, Mr. Speaker, I am simply haunted by the statement of another staffer that Mr. Dent referenced, a lady who was part of the Wounded Warrior program, someone who was willing to risk her life in service to her country, and ended up coming home a disabled veteran. She told the committee, and it bears repeating: It is sad to say that I would rather be at war in Afghanistan than work under people who are morally corrupt. Mr. Speaker, while some might prefer a harsher sentence, perhaps a few might even think a reprimand is too severe, I urge my colleagues to support the unanimous recommendation of the only evenly divided committee in this House of Representatives. And with that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I'm prepared to close if the ranking member has no further speakers.

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I will yield the gentlelady 5 additional minutes.