Jo Bonner

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my deepest condolences to the family of the late Walter Lee Hovell, Sr., a respected philanthropist, businessman and community leader from Mobile, Alabama. After serving in the United States Marines, Mr. Hovell attended Spring Hill College on the G.I. Bill. Upon graduation, he began his career at Mobile Gas Company in 1961, where he worked as an accountant and rose to the deserving position of president and CEO. Mr. Hovell held this position until his retirement in 1995. As a citizen of Mobile, Mr. Hovell was always working tirelessly to serve the community he loved. Walter Hovell was devoted to improving health and education services for all Alabamians. He served on the Board of Directors for the United Way, The Salvation Army, the United Cerebral Palsy Council of Mobile and the Alabama School of Math and Science. Mr. Hovell was also a founding member of the Southwest Alabama Medical Education Consortium. In 1973 he received a lifetime membership to the Home of Grace board for his help incorporating the organization, which helps women addicted to drugs and alcohol. Madam Speaker, as a result of his selfless service and dedication to improving the quality of life for all Mobilians, Walter Hovell was named Mobilian of the Year in 1993 by the Civitan Club of Mobile. He was also the honored recipient of a ``Certificate of Merit'' in 1991 from President George H.W. Bush. In his private life, Walter was a proud man of God. He was an ordained deacon and taught Sunday school classes throughout his life. He was also a devoted father to his three children and grandfather to his nine grandchildren. To his wife, Barbara, and daughters Cynthia, Heidi and son, Walter, and their entire family, I express my deepest sympathies. Walter Hovell was truly an extraordinary citizen and friend to all. His generous spirit and unsurpassed vision will be truly missed.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise to offer tribute to a remarkable South Alabama businessman, Mr. Emile Joseph Zoghby, who passed away on July 3, 2010 at the age of 91. Described by his son, Edmund, as an ``old-school Southern gentleman,'' Mr. Zoghby was a longtime merchant in downtown Mobile with a well known reputation for quality who contributed significantly to Mobile's economy. A graduate of McGill-Toolen High School and Springhill College, both in Mobile, Mr. Zoghby served in the United States Army from 1941-1945. Upon completion of his service to America, he returned to Mobile to help run his family clothing business, as the eldest of five sons. His care for customers and determination to succeed made him and his clothing store, Zoghby's, invaluable to the city of Mobile. But even more than his impeccable taste was his well loved personality. He was the consummate salesman and his customers were among his best friends. Mr. Zoghby was also a devoted family man, showcased by his 66 year marriage, and always committed to his seven children. Madam Speaker, Emile Zoghby lived a full, rich life complete with a wonderful family, treasured friends and a legacy of helping others that will be hard to replicate. My condolences and prayers go out to his lovely wife, Josephine, and their children, Mary Jo, Edmund, Melanie, Alex, Linda, and Diane, as well as 15 grandchildren and nine great- grandchildren. We mourn with you over your loss, just as we celebrate Mr. Zoghby's remarkable life and all those he touched. May he rest in peace.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to lend my voice in support and recognition of the Day of Prayer to benefit the people of the Gulf Coast, which is scheduled to take place this Sunday, July 18, 2010, in Alabama. As every Member of the House knows, the April 20th explosion of the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Rig caused the loss of life of 11 rig workers and is the cause of the largest oil spill in our nation's history. The aftermath and impacts of this disaster will be felt for many years to come. The destruction of the coast and the industries that depend on the coastal fishing and seafood industries as well as the tourism industry, has displaced and caused the loss of jobs and income for hundreds of thousands of families along the Gulf Coast. Those who are struggling to make ends meet and to provide for their families deserve our thoughtful consideration at this difficult time. The collective prayers and support of faith based ministries, institutions and congregations, can make a direct difference in the lives of those devastated by the oil spill, by connecting directly with families affected by the disaster. In this spirit, I urge the people of the United States to pray for a solution to the gulf oil spill, each according to his or her own faith, and to join many in South Alabama who will mark July 18, 2010 as a day of prayer for those suffering in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon disaster.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the Taiwanese government for their efforts in assisting the ongoing response to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. More than 70 days have passed since the Deepwater Horizon platform sank on April 20, 2010. During this time, the United States has received assistance from seventeen countries and four international bodies in the form of equipment, expertise and general assistance. Particularly worthy of mention is Taiwan's offer of 600 feet of fire boom to the Gulf. When the government of the Republic of China received the request for boom from the International Spill Control Organization and British Petroleum, officials in Taiwan cut all the red tape and immediately airlifted the boom to the Gulf for use. Efforts like these, when the United States is truly in a time of need, should not go unnoticed, and Taiwan's latest offer is another genuine example of Taiwan being a responsible member of the international community. I believe Taiwan has a vital role to play in this and many other areas. We thank Taiwan for its offer of assistance. Taiwan is a true friend of the United States.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the congregation of the Second Saint Siloam Missionary Baptist Church of Brewton, Alabama which celebrated its centennial on June 13, 2010. I the same year that the citizens of Brewton mark the 125th anniversary of the founding of their town, the worshipers of Second Saint Siloam Missionary Baptist Church point to their historic sanctuary which has provided inspiration and spiritual direction for many in that community for a century. Founded on June 10, 1910 by its first congregation of approximately 150 people, the membership of Second Saint Siloam Missionary Baptist Church has grown to over 550 today. The impressive brick structure, which is based on a two-story, cross design with a three-sided colonial balcony, is listed in the Alabama Registry of Historic Places. On Sunday, the church centennial celebration included the dedication of a historic marker in commemoration of the event. The church's first pastor, the Reverend William Franklin, led his new congregation into their beautiful house of worship where succeeding generations have reflected under the guiding hand of God. I wish to extend my personal congratulations to Reverend Willie J. Blue and the congregation of Second Saint Siloam Missionary Baptist on this most special and historic occasion. May they continue to serve their community as they honor our Lord Jesus Christ.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Chairman, I rise to claim time in opposition to this amendment, although I am not opposed to it.

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Chairman, I would just like to respond briefly to the gentlelady from Connecticut, our friend and distinguished colleague, to set the record straight. When EADS wins the competition this time, as they did the previous time, they intend to create almost 48,000 jobs in the United States, many of which, quite honestly, will be in my district in Alabama. But they will be in all 50 States. So this is not a competition between American jobs and European jobs. This is American jobs throughout the country between two great competitors. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BONNER. In response to my friend from Missouri, and in agreement that we need to be assured of fair competition, that's why I do not oppose this amendment. I believe this amendment was made better last night. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BONNER. With that, I would like to respond to my distinguished chairman and my friend from Washington State with this point. The WTO has only had an interim ruling, and everyone knows that. And within weeks, the WTO should be able to consider the complaint of the European Union against Boeing. To that point, $16.6 billion in R&D subsidies have been recorded for Boeing versus $3.7 billion for Airbus, $2 billion in export-related tax subsidies, $6 billion in local and State government subsidies, and $2 billion in foreign government subsidies for moving manufacturing jobs out of your State, my friend, into Japan and into Italy. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BONNER. It's interesting listening to both sides of this debate. We actually, I think, see this amendment in two different ways, and yet we are going to end up being on the same side. This amendment, as it has been revised, is far superior to the form in which it existed less than 24 hours ago. The amendment now applies in an evenhanded way to both competitors in the tanker competition and, for that reason, I think we have made the amendment better. However, allow me to offer a word of caution to my colleagues that merits our consideration. As my colleagues know, this ongoing procurement process that, in fact, was mandated by Congress, is just weeks away, July 9, in fact, from where both companies are going to turn in their final bid. And unless we muddy this process up, we are only a few months away from selecting a winner and finally moving forward to building the replacement for the Air Force's 50-plus-year- old fleet of tankers. The word of caution to my friends is this: Congress needs to be very careful that we do not inadvertently build obstacles or additional delay into this program. After all, our warfighters have waited long enough. And we must be extremely careful that we maintain a level playing field that is essential for vigorous competition. We all know that competition will dramatically increase the odds of a better tanker at a better price, and there are only two companies in the world that are qualified to build these tankers. To that point, on Tuesday of this week, the Department of Defense reiterated that ``we would not have welcomed EADS North America's participation into this important competition unless they were a company in good standing with the Department of Defense.'' Those of us who support EADS' bid have long argued for a level playing field, one in which both sides can compete fairly. Some on one side, however, appear to fear that fair competition is not possible unless it is a sole-source contract, a blank check signed by the American taxpayer. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Bright), my friend and my distinguished colleague who serves on this committee of jurisdiction.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the congregation of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church of Bay Minette, Alabama upon the occasion of their 100th Anniversary which they celebrate this week. Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1910, when a group of concerned Christians realized a need to fellowship in a church of their own, rather than having to travel to a neighboring community. The name of Bethlehem Baptist was adopted and Reverend Issac Jones was named the first pastor. Initially, before they had a building, the congregation met under a brush arbor and in the homes of various members. Over the last century, the faithful congregation of Bethlehem Baptist encountered many trials and tribulations, including a fire that destroyed their first building, yet they never lost their faith or their love for their church. Their present sanctuary was built in 1963 and has been enhanced over the following 47 years, adding on an annex, two classrooms and an office complex. In August of 2000, the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist congregation was the proud host of the Eastern Shore Baptist Convention. I wish to extend my congratulations to Pastor Jimmy Price, and all the congregation of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church as they proudly celebrate their 100th year, and I wish them every success as they look to a future of continued service to the Lord and their community.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to former Alabama Congressman Sonny Callahan, who was honored on April 8 with the Mobilian of the Year Award, presented by the Cottage Hill Civitan Club. Former Congressman Callahan received the Bienville Plaque and a proclamation from Mayor Sam Jones. I was honored to deliver a tribute to Sonny Callahan's life and career during the award celebration on April 8 and below is an excerpt of my remarks. The Sonny Callahan story is much like that of many other young men his age--and from that time in Mobile's past. But Sonny, according to those who have known him the longest, was always someone special. He had the good looks, the charm and personality that made other people feel good about themselves when they were with him. He had a natural charisma and intellect, often masked with that Reagan-esque self-deprecating humor, that made Sonny, even to his peers and colleagues, a natural-born leader that people gravitated to for his counsel and advice, for his often unique perspective on life . . . or simply for a little humor and levity to lighten the moment. As the story goes, we know he used those talents early on in the world of business and it was a success story that made for a natural campaign brochure. I'll never forget what our wonderful friend, mentor and advisor, the late Bill Yeager, told me when I was first interviewing to be Sonny's campaign press secretary back in 1982 . . . Bill said, ``Jo, Sonny's story of a self-made man who grew up with all the reasons not to succeed, but overcoming one obstacle after another, always finding a way to be successful, is not just biographical hype. ``Even if he is sometimes hard to pin-down,'' Bill told me, Sonny is truly one of the most decent human beings I have ever known.'' And as Bill Yeager often was in his judgment of others, he was right on the money as it related to Sonny. Sonny's early success on the campaign trail . . . he was elected to the Alabama House in 1970 and only once--in the 14 times his name appeared on the ballot--did he not finish first--was an omen of even bigger opportunities that would come. But Sonny wasn't just someone who loved politics . . . he loved helping people. And that, my friends, is a distinction that sadly, too few of us make when it comes to lumping everyone in politics in the same vat. There were the light-hearted moments . . . like the time when Sonny was driving to Montgomery when the legislature was in session and his friend, Tommy Sandusky, had finally gotten one of those Motorola car phones almost a year after Sonny had gotten his first car telephone. The story goes that Tommy was so proud of the fact that he had finally caught up to Sonny, that he pulled up to Sonny in his car at a stoplight in Montgomery, picked up the phone and called him to say, ``hey Sonny, I just wanted you to know that I'm calling you on my car phone.'' . . . to which Sonny--with that quick Callahan wit replied without missing a beat--``Tommy that's great . . . unfortunately, I can't talk right now because my other phone is ringing.'' Sonny was always one step ahead of most of us. But the light-hearted memories take a back seat to the stories that were never written in the press but were the headlines of Sonny Callahan's amazing life. I got a call the other day from a lady who said when she heard that Congressman Callahan had been named Mobilian of the Year, she simply wanted me to be sure and mention that had it not been for Sonny, her son . . . who at age two had meningitis which left him deaf and blind . . . would have been institutionalized. When her father arranged for her to go see Sonny to tell him her plight, Sonny promised her that he would help. And help he did. Sonny found the money to start the area school for Deaf and Blind here in Mobile, patterned after the one in Talledega, and today, some 44 years later, her son was able to graduate from high school, go on to college and is now a successful young businessman. With tears of gratitude, this lady wanted me to say ``thank you'' to the man who helped give her son a new lease on life. But that is just one of the many rich subchapters of the Sonny Callahan legacy. In truth, they all have a similar storyline. Also from his days in the Legislature, there was Callahan Tuition tax credit that help Alabama's private colleges, like Spring Hill, Birmingham Southern and Huntington, assist young Alabamians with their dream of a college diploma. Perhaps most lasting, there was also the Heritage Trust Fund that Sonny's leadership helped establish for the oil and gas leases that were being let in the mid-1970s. This fund mandated that the State invest the principal and instead live off the tens of millions of dollars that would accrue in interest every year, assisting dozens of worthwhile state programs over the past 30 years. When Jack Edwards retired from Congress in 1984 after an impressive 20 years of service, Sonny got in the race to succeed him--with Jack's full blessings and support, no less--and shortly thereafter he began what would become an equally-impressive 18-year-run. The kind of commitment to helping others that Sonny had become known for in the legislature soon became the hallmark of his Congressional service as well. About six months after Sonny had taken office, we had the long-awaited dedication of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. It was every politican's dream . . . a beautiful, festive day, thousands of people in attendance, and everyone was in an upbeat mood. Jack, naturally, was invited to sit on the speaker's platform with the governor, both senators, the mayor and all of the other dignitaries of the day. After all, Jack Edwards had spent practically his entire 20-year-tenure in Congress trying to keep the funding going for what was the biggest public works project in American history. But true to form, when it came Sonny's turn to speak, the newly-minted freshman congressman took the microphone, thanked everyone for coming out and said, ``you know, Jack, you certainly accomplished a lot for our area during your 20 years in Congress. But let the record show that it was during my first six months in Congress that we were finally able to finish the Tenn-Tom!'' Jack likes to tell people that he knew then that he had backed the right man to follow in his footsteps. While others in Congress have spent their time building monuments to themselves, Sonny quietly went about doing the work that a true member of the ``People's House'' takes pride in doing for it was always about the ``people'' that Sonny worked for . . . the young mother who had that blind and deaf son . . . the veteran whose government had forgotten him long after his service had ended . . . or the worker who toiled in the hot, un-air conditioned plant and never knew what the inside of a college classroom looked like, but who, when he became injured on the job, turned to Congressman Callahan for the help he needed. As he gained seniority and certainly after his party had taken the majority in Congress with the historic 1994 election, Sonny never let the additional titles and responsibilities that came with those leadership positions change what was important to him. Sure, when he became the Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations--the committee that funds all of America's foreign aid--Sonny would come to the office often to find a line of Kings, Presidents and Prime Ministers waiting for just a few minutes of his time. But Sonny would remind his staff . . . don't get too impressed, these folks are here to see ``the chairman.'' If it were not me, they'd be standing outside someone else's office. And never once, when Sonny had control of a budget that was greater than the budgets of two or three states combined . . . did he ever think talking to a head of state was more important than talking to Mayor Shell in Atmore, Judge Biggs in Monroe County or some person who didn't have a title, but who just needed to talk to ``my congressman about a personal matter.'' If our friend, Mayer Mitchell, were still alive, he would be the first to tell you that when Sonny flew to Israel to meet late one night with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to discuss a new plan that Sonny had conceived to decrease the economic aid to Israel while, at the same time, increase the military assistance to our best ally in the Middle East, neither Mayer nor even President Bill Clinton, who had told Sonny just hours before the trip that this couldn't be done, gave him any chance for success. But succeed he did. And that's why when President Clinton needed a Republican to step up and provide the crucial support for his administration's plan for Bosnia--back when most Republicans and a lot of Democrats weren't eager to go along--the president turned to Sonny to provide that leadership. Soon thereafter, others on both sides of the political aisle followed his leadership and this humble, self- described, ``back-bencher'' in Congress, was fast becoming a major player on the international stage. From the pages of the Washington Post to the Wall Street Journal, conservative and liberal pundits alike called Chairman Callahan ``an unlikely champion.'' But once again, the folks in his hometown were always more comfortable calling him Sonny, not even congressman, and to him, that was his reassurance that he had not lost touch with those for whom he worked. The list of his signature accomplishments throughout southwest Alabama is literally endless. I honestly don't know of a complete assessment. But here's just a quick stab at some of the highlights . . . Sonny secured the initial funding for what is today the Mitchell Cancer Center at the University of South Alabama . . . he helped make the initial down-payment on the new library at Spring Hill College . . . he found the funding to restore the historic GM&O Building in downtown Mobile . . . he secured the first installment for a new bridge to replace congested tunnels along Interstate 10 . . . The money to replace the 14 mile rail road bridge, funding for towns like Fairhope, Bayou La Batre, Jackson and Thomasville . . . Sonny got the money to help refurbish the historic old Monroe County Courthouse, just as he secured the funding for the Foley Beach Express. When they start construction on the new VA cemetery in Baldwin County, it will be because of Sonny Callahan's determination--and leadership--several years ago, that this dream will one day soon become a reality. But as I have said before, Sonny never did any of this for personal gratification or recognition. He did it because it was what the people of his district needed and wanted. After he retired from Congress, grateful communities and groups alike began the naming process . . . a tiny little bridge near Foley, the airport in Fairhope, a building at Mercy Medical, a Boys and Girls Club in West Mobile. No one did more to help make sure Mobile Bay was included in the National Estuary Program, or build on the work started by his predecessor to help expand and protect Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and Weeks Bay Estuary. A few years ago, The University of Alabama was able to complete work on the finest child development center in the nation, thanks solely to Sonny Callahan's leadership. At about the same time, the University of Alabama Birmingham established an endowed student scholars program in his honor because, as they said, his creation of the Child Survival and Diseases program--back when he was in Congress-- guaranteed that children and adults--``from the Black Belt of Alabama all the way to Bangladesh--today enjoy cleaner water, safer food and a lower incidence of disease because of Sonny's labors.'' In 2004, our local veterans made him the ``Patriot of the Year,'' Governor Riley appointed him to serve on the board of the Alabama Port Authority . . . And I'm telling you . . . I literally could go on and on. There were also the gaffes . . . we've all made them and most of us, when we do, it eats us to the core. Not Sonny. He always kept things like that in perspective . . . like the time he admitted to being in the desert when Operation Desert Storm commenced. Sonny was in the desert . . . at a luxury hotel in Palm Springs playing golf . . . but that wasn't the sand most people were thinking about at the time. Or the time that he told both President and Mrs. Clinton that they needed to slow down the money spigot going to other countries . . . you can imagine how much fun the press secretary had at the time trying to explain his comment ``it's Halloween in Washington and if you want to get some treats, just put a turbain on your head and go knock on the White House door.'' The Washington press corps loved that line, Sonny got the President's attention but I got a migraine dealing with that one. And of course, when Secretary of State Madeleine Albright was in Mobile, he meant it as a compliment when he said, ``Madeleine, you are like a flamingo in the barnyard of politics.'' She has actually told others that she couldn't have had a more supportive chairman to work with than Sonny Callahan so, congressman, I think she knew you were paying her a compliment. But I'm going to close by saying this to tonight's honoree . . . and I want to say this as all of your friends and family are listening on . . . As I've been reflecting back over our almost 3 decades together, your story really isn't like most everyone else's . . . for when you were given the opportunity . . . an opportunity that few people in life are really ever afforded . . . to do great things and to make your mark, you did--and I truly mean this--you always did it with humility and with humor . . . without the malice and nasty partisanship that is so prevalent in Washington today . . . you did it because of the greater good that would accrue to the benefit of untold numbers of people that you might not ever meet or know . . . but you did ``it'' . . . whatever ``it'' was . . . because ``it'' was the right thing to do at the right time to do it. Thank you, Sonny, for always being our champion. Before I turn the microphone over to Mayor Jones, I would be extremely remiss if I did not thank two other groups of people who deserve special recognition . . . first of all, to Sonny's family . . . certainly his brothers and sisters and countless cousins, but most especially, his beloved Karen . . . wife, partner, soul-mate and mother to their six children. Sonny used to say that Karen must have been the inspiration for the song, ``Wind Beneath My Wings,'' because she was always there for him, standing off in his shadow, never having the sunlight on her face . . . but he could fly higher than an eagle, because she was the wind beneath his wings. I must admit that until I was elected to Congress, myself, in 2002--thanks in no small part to Sonny and the incredible reputation he had earned--you know, when Sonny retired he had the highest approval rating of any sitting member in the entire U.S. Congress at 92 percent--contrast that today with an approval rating for Congress, as a whole, at an embarrassing 13 percent nationally--and I don't know that even I fully appreciated the demanding, difficult--and yet absolutely critical roles--that the spouse and family of a public figure play. But Karen, for all sacrifices that you, Scott, Patrick, Shawn, Chris, Kelly and the always close-to-our-heart, Cameron, have made . . . for the nights, the days, the weeks and the years that y'all have shared your wonderful husband-- and daddy, and now granddaddy--with everyone else . . . thank you. Mobile--and indeed the entire state of Alabama--is a better place to live because of the man you love and tonight, the man we honor. Finally, and I know Sonny would be the first to agree with this, but I must also thank the tremendously dedicated, loyal and extremely talented staff that Sonny brought together during his many years in the public arena. No one person can answer all the mail, return all the phone calls, make all the contacts that are required to be made and do everything else that is expected of a person who has 635,000 constituents--as well as a national responsibility-- and while Sonny was the best I have ever seen in this often- misunderstood job, he was able to do what he did because he surrounded himself with a team that was second-to-none. Together, his family and his staff can take great pride in knowing that the lives Sonny has touched . . . and the legacy Sonny has built . . . is a living testament to your unselfish love, loyalty and admiration of a man known by kings and presidents . . . movie stars and musicians . . . truck drivers and ditch-diggers . . . simply as our friend, Sonny Callahan.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise to note the recent quieting of a beloved and tireless conservative voice in Louisiana, Mr. Haywood H. Hillyer III. Mr. Hillyer was a passionate public servant and a man of action. He was a Republican in Louisiana when Republicans were as rare in that state as a July snowfall. His dedication to conservative principles and his boundless enthusiasm played a pivotal role in transforming the Republican Party into a viable political force in Louisiana. While in college, Haywood Hillyer was among a group of students who interacted with conservative icon William F. Buckley, Jr. His passion for ideas led him to found and edit a conservative college newspaper, The Liberator. When Mr. Hillyer helped take on the monumental task of growing the Republican Party in the Pelican State, there were a mere 10,000 followers statewide. Today, there are over 750,000 Republicans in Louisiana. Haywood Hillyer served on the Republican State Central Committee of Louisiana for 25 years, and ran for governor. Mr. Hillyer was also a great patron of New Orleans jazz music, and was featured as a commentator in several jazz documentaries, recalling listening to local jazz pioneers in their youth, and he continued to support local jazz organizations throughout the rest of his life. Haywood Hillyer graduated from Tulane University and Tulane Law School. He served as an attorney for many years for what is now the Milling Benson Woodward law firm. Haywood was elected to several positions within the Louisiana State Bar Association and the Federal Bar Association. He was also an amateur sailor and racer, and a civic leader. On behalf of conservatives throughout the country, I wish to pay tribute to Mr. Hillyer for his distinguished leadership and exemplary life. Mr. Hillyer is survived by two sons, Haywood Hillyer IV and Richard Quin Hillyer; a stepson, Tyler Wood Duncan; and a stepdaughter, Halley Randolph Rash, as well as countless other friends and family. They are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a distinguished public servant from my home state, a man who has who has served as Mayor of the City of Foley, Revenue Commissioner for the State of Alabama and now, has returned to his beloved home county to assume the responsibilities as Baldwin County's new Probate Judge, the Honorable Tim Russell. On April 16, Governor Bob Riley appointed Commissioner Russell to be the next Probate Judge of Baldwin County. Tim's selection was an outstanding choice. As an Army Captain during the Vietnam War, Tim demonstrated leadership and loyalty to his country--vital qualities he still possesses. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his military service. As a businessman, Tim led Baldwin Mutual Insurance Company as president, while also taking the mantel of public service in his home town. He was elected mayor of Foley in 1996 and was re-elected twice, serving until 2006. On March 3, 2008, Governor Bob Riley appointed Tim Russell as Alabama Revenue Commissioner. In this statewide position, Tim was responsible for the operation and management of the state's revenue collections, which exceed $8 billion annually. And as a key member of Governor Riley's cabinet, Tim used his experience in both business and public life to help advance the governor's agenda of always putting Alabama first. Throughout his 8 years in office, Governor Riley has always prided himself on assembling a truly world-class Cabinet and Tim Russell is one of the reasons why this statement was so true. Tim's able stewardship of this major state agency made him the logical choice to replace former Baldwin County Probate Judge Adrian Jones, who recently retired to spend more time with his family. Tim officially took office on May 3, 2010. Madam Speaker, Judge Russell has held numerous posts in many community organizations, including the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, the South Baldwin United Way, the Foley Rotary Club, and the Foley Library Board, to name just a few. Tim has been the epitome of a servant leader and he and his wife, Sandy, are great friends, as well, to Janee and me. With this latest responsibility, I am confident that Judge Russell will continue to make his family, his friends and all of South Alabama extremely proud. I congratulate Tim on his appointment and wish him and his family continued success and much happiness.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to commend Honor Flight South Alabama and the 98 World War II veterans this very special organization is bringing to Washington, DC on May 12, 2010. Founded by the South Alabama Veterans Council, Honor Flight South Alabama is an organization whose mission is to fly heroes from Mobile, Baldwin, Washington, Clarke, Monroe, Covington, and Escambia counties in Alabama to see their national memorial. Over six decades have passed since the end of World War II and, regrettably, it took nearly this 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 Mobile Regional Airport to board a US Airways 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 Wednesday evening, where some 1,000 people are expected to greet them. Madam Speaker, today's journey of 98 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--for 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 freedom we enjoy. I salute each of the 98 veterans who made the trip today. May we never forget their valiant deeds and tremendous sacrifices. David Allen, Mordecai Arnold, Herman Bailey, Russell Bartlett, Howard Beach, John Benson Jr., Jerry Bethea Sr., Ernest Bishop, Jean Branum, Melvin Brassfield, Janice Britton, Thomas Brown Jr., Bruce Calder, John Carey, Marvin Carpenter, Richard Cassady, Frederick Centanne, Joseph Champaign, Sidney Chandler, Edmund Clark, Jean Couch Jr., James Crawford, George Davis, Quentin Davis, Roy deDrew, Daniel Dennis Jr., James DeVaney Jr., Kenneth Duffee, Roy Dye, Philip English Jr., Vasco Fast Sr., Joseph Ferguson, Leroy Gilley, Johnnie Green, Joseph Greer, William Gross Sr., Willie Hankins, Curtis Hass, Mary Hirschfeldt, Robert Hohl Sr., William Howell Jr., Herndon Inge Jr., Donald Ingraham, William Johnson, William Jones, William Kirkland Jr., Junius Klein, John Klein, Louis Knowles, John Loper, Elaine Lortie, Robert Lowell, Jack Lufkin, Kenneth Marshall, Robert Marshall, Lindsey May, Dallas McElroy, Oscar McKeithen, John McKinley, Robert Meador Sr., Frank Mitternight Jr., William Molaschi, Bennie Mullins, Robert Nester, Albert Peck, Richard Peterson, Nelson Richardson, Malcolm Roberts, Archie Robinson, Derrel Rochford, Dorothy Rowell, Ernest Rupert Jr., Virgil Russell, William Russell Jr., Wallace Sabin, Robert Scott, Nina Seacrist, Thomas Shell, Odis Shepherd, Patricia Small, Prentiss Spotswood Sr., Thomas Sutton, William Svetkovich, Melvin Tarver, John Terrell Jr., Winters Thomas, Stanley Thurston, Samuel Vaughn Sr., Dale Wagner, William Waller, Dwight Ward, Audie Waters, John Webb, Louis Williams, Benjamin Williams, Harold Winger, Anton Witte and Paul Wyckoff

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, spring break just ended, but if you thought Washington tax-and-spenders were taking a vacation from their money- grabbing ways, you were badly mistaken. Every day it seems another headline is proclaiming the administration's latest plans to dramatically increase your taxes in order to pay for its trillion- dollar spending binge. Now, there are some close to the President who are throwing out the possibility that after the election they are going to throw out a value added tax not in place of our current tax system, but in addition to it. Mr. Speaker, this isn't the latest video of spring breakers going wild, this is a real life example of government gone wild. The President, backed by the largest Democrat majorities in Congress since the 1970s, has doubled the Federal deficit in just 1 year, and has forced down our throat a government takeover of health care that, mark my words, the American people don't want and we cannot afford. Ironically, hardworking taxpayers will have until midnight tonight to file their tax returns. They have worked 4 long months just to pay their Federal tax bill. And soon they will be working even longer to feed this addiction. This has got to end.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, it is with tremendous sadness that I rise to note the passing of a noteworthy World War II veteran and a truly great American, Mr. John Franklin Gray, who recently passed away at the age of 87. Named the 2007 Mobile Bay Area Veteran of the Year, Mr. Gray was a remarkable man in every way imaginable. He was a trailblazer as one of the first African Americans to be accepted into the United States Marines Corps. Trained at the Marine Corp's African American boot camp at Montford Point, Camp Lejune, N.C., he served more than a year and a half in a segregated unit while fighting in the Pacific. John Gray's service was highlighted in the Ken Burns PBS television documentary, ``The War.'' Mr. Gray, like so many of America's ``Greatest Generation,'' helped our country win the war, and then returned home to Mobile, Alabama where he devoted much of the remainder of his working lifetime to educating our young people in the Mobile County public schools. After more than 50 years in the school system, he retired as assistant principal at Mobile's Shaw High School. Those who knew him best said John Gray was proudest of his service to the students and his service to America. He was a Marine to the end and loved the Corps. On a personal note, I considered it one of my great honors to have gotten to know Mr. Gray in the twilight of his life. Whenever he and I were together--whether it was at a Veteran's Day parade or at a welcome home ceremony for one of our units returning from Iraq or Afghanistan, Mr. Gray was always the epitome of a Marine's Marine, standing tall and proud for freedom and for liberty. On behalf of the people of South Alabama, and on the part of a grateful nation, I wish to thank Mr. John Gray for his distinguished service and his exemplary life. And I extend my condolences to his wife, the Rev. Edwina Gray, his six children, John Gray, Gordon Gray, Danielle Gray, Rhonda Gray, Alice Gray, and Gable Gray, as well as countless other friends and family. They are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of a groundbreaking public servant, businessman and beloved church member in Escambia County, Alabama, who passed away on April 3 at the age of 77. Over the course of his long life in south Alabama, William America, Sr. epitomized hard work and community service. At an early age, he followed his heart to serve the Lord. He later carried that same devotion into his careers as a local businessman and public servant. A native of Camden, Alabama, William America settled in Atmore in 1945 with his parents. An active member of his church choir, he formed his own quartet at the age of 15. After starting a family with his wife, he spent decades reaching out to the people of Atmore and Escambia County through his many activities. William America was the manager and owner of America's Superfood store and also served on the United Bank Board of Directors. But being a businessman was only the beginning for Mr. America. He was president and founder of the United Civic Club, president of the Escambia County Branch of the Alabama Democratic Conference (ADC), president of the Progressive Civic and Recreational Club (PCRC), and a member of the NAACP, the Hospital Board and the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. America didn't stop there, however. He also took to the airwaves as a broadcaster on a local religious radio station where he had a considerable audience. Above all, William America is best known for another of his public activities--serving as Escambia County's first African American County Commissioner. Commissioner America spent eight years in office, four of which as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner America left a large imprint on the lives of his community through his uncommon devotion to serve his fellow man. I wish to extend my condolences to his wife, Pauline Powers America, and their five children, Shirley Jean Williams, Cynthia Paulette (Alton) Williams, William America, Jr., James (Lesa) America, and Ellen (Manuel) Valenzuela, and their entire family.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate my friend Bob Grip for recently receiving the award of Best TV News Anchor in Alabama. A trusted name in South Alabama for a quarter century, Bob is primary news anchor for WALA-TV FOX10 in Mobile. On March 20, 2010, Bob Grip was named the 2010 Best TV News Anchor in the State of Alabama by the Alabama Broadcasters' Association. This was his third such award. Mr. Grip's exemplary reporting has also recently earned him honors for ``Best In-Depth Reporting'' and ``Best Community Service'' by the Mobile Press Club. Bob has also been honored for producing ``Fox 10 News Fugitive Files,'' winner of the 2002 ``Best Series'' award from the Alabama Associated Press Broadcasters Association. Due to this program's success, he was spotlighted in 1996 by FBI Director Louis Freeh with the ``Director's Community Leadership Award.'' ``Fugitive Files'' has helped capture more than 400 suspects. In 1988, Bob traveled to the Vatican to produce a half hour documentary on Mobile Archbishop Oscar Lipscomb's visit with Pope John Paul II. Bob also brought Fox 10 News viewers reports from Europe following the death of Pope John Paul. During 1993, Bob flew to Kuwait to present a series of live and taped reports on Operation Desert Peace, a trip designed to honor the families of those who died in the first Persian Gulf War. Bob Grip is a cum laude graduate of Boston College, where he earned bachelor's degrees in Communications and Secondary Education. He also received a Master's degree in Journalism from The Ohio State University, where he was also a Teaching Associate in the School of Journalism. In his spare time, he also teaches Broadcast Journalism at Spring Hill College in Mobile, and is constantly volunteering his time and tremendous talents to a number of worthwhile causes. On behalf of the people of South Alabama, I thank Bob Grip for his dedication to his profession of informing the public, and I congratulate him on his many achievements and send best wishes to his family, including his wife, Marie, and their two daughters Erin and Mary Kate, and their families.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 3590, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and H.R. 4872, The Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010. These severely misguided bills authorize $1.2 trillion in new mandatory spending over the next decade, impose costly unfunded mandates on States, increase taxes on small businesses and families by more than $500 billion over ten years, and provide a clear path for federal funding of abortions. Both President Obama and Speaker Pelosi have talked about the ``historic'' nature of their health care legislation. While they claim to be acting upon the unrealized goals of a century of past Presidents and Congresses to expand health care access to all Americans, the real history that's being made by the passage of the legislation is less inspiring. Rather than seeking a national consensus to forge a truly historic, and badly needed reform of American health care, the President and the Speaker instead cynically crafted alone a one-sided, purely partisan bill that ignores the desires of the majority of the people. Unlike the Social Security and Medicare Acts which enjoyed strong bipartisan support in their day, the President and the Speaker's health care legislation, which will impact nearly one-sixth of the economy, did not see one single Republican vote in support of their effort. Furthermore, 34 members of their own party joined Republicans in opposing this blatant power grab, dressed up as health care reform. The reason for this lopsided vote is clear. The Democrat health care plan facilitates a backdoor takeover of American health care. The Federal Government would force small businesses and even individuals to buy health coverage or face stiff penalties. This mandate may well be unconstitutional and, in many states, including my State of Alabama, there are already attempts to challenge this in court. This $1.2 trillion health care scheme will increase federal deficits by $59 billion over the next ten years, while inflicting a painful combination of Medicare cuts and tax increases, affecting millions of seniors, families and small businesses. Ironically, the elderly--the most vulnerable to high medical costs-- will suffer the loss of $200 billion from the popular Medicare Advantage program, upon which over 170,000 Alabama seniors rely. In all, a total of $500 billion will be taken from Medicare to pay for the broad health care expansion. But that's not all. This bill will also, for the first time, levy Medicare taxes on investment income. It imposes a new tax of 3.8 percent on unearned income. Small businesses would also be forced to provide a government- approved level of coverage or face a $2,000 penalty per employee. Businesses already providing coverage would face the same penalties if the government deems the coverage ``unaffordable.'' What's more, individuals would also have to buy government-approved insurance--whether they want it or not--or face fines. The IRS will become the health care enforcement agency, hiring up to 16,000 new workers to ensure that everyone buys federally approved coverage. The Democrat health care bill will also place an unfunded mandate on States to expand Medicaid rolls. In my State, it will move an additional 400,000 people into an already cash-strapped Alabama Medicaid program. Alabama will have to come up with an additional $61 million annually to sustain this mandatory expansion of Medicaid, which will cost State and Federal taxpayers a total of nearly $1.1 billion a year. As Governor Bob Riley recently said, ``I am deeply concerned that sustaining this level of coverage would translate into a substantial tax increase on the people of Alabama.'' Equally troubling is this health care bill's green light for the federal funding of abortions. Despite the President's Executive Order barring the use of any Federal funds for abortion, there is no permanent prohibition over using Federal funds to pay for abortions. Whatever deal Rep. Bart Stupak and his group think they may have struck with the President, it does not carry the force of law. Executive orders are signed by the President and they can be revoked by the President--and frequently, they are. Mr. Speaker, Republicans have been shut out of the President's and your health care bill from the beginning. We offered to sit down and start from scratch to write a bill the American people could actually support, including the ability to buy insurance across State lines, give small businesses the power to pool coverage, and address liability lawsuit abuse. The Congressional Budget Office said the Republican health care plan would increase access to care, lower premiums by up to ten percent and reduce the Federal deficit by $68 billion over ten years. Sadly, this kind of real reform was all but ignored by the administration and the Congress. This is truly a sad day for this House and for our country. Americans wanted and deserve so much more than a cynical push for bigger government. I am committed to supporting efforts to fix this badly flawed legislation and replace it with true health care reform that Americans can support.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this flawed health bill.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, here we are on the verge of one of the most significant votes that Congress has ever taken. The only time that I can think of which perhaps rivals the importance of this vote has been when we have had to decide to send our Nation's finest young men and women off into the perils of war. And yet it is mind-boggling, literally unconscionable to think that we are about to slap the American people in the face and have the audacity to say, We know better than you. In town meetings, at TEA Party rallies, from emails, faxes, letters, and literally millions of phone calls that have jammed the Capitol switchboard, the voices of America have spoken out, begging, pleading with their elected Representatives, Please, slow down, start over, and do this the right way. Sadly, instead of listening to the American people, the Democrat majority, at least most of them, have chosen to tune the people out, to ignore the angst, the fear, the frustration, and the anger and hope that somehow this will all go away. Let me assure you it will not. This whole process has been an insult. It is an outrage. It is an all-out attack on freedom and liberty, on fiscal responsibility, and on the sanctity of human life. On Thursday afternoon, right after work a man from my district left his wife and children, drove all night some 998 miles all the way from Fairhope, Alabama, to Washington, D.C., just to go door-to-door to those Members who were still on the fence to encourage them to do the right thing. When I thanked him for making the trip, he said, Congressman Bonner, I just couldn't sit back and look my children in the face and tell them one day years from now I didn't do everything I could do to keep this from happening. Earlier this morning, another man from Mobile walked into my office. He had stopped in Knoxville, Tennessee, to pick up his mom, and together they came for the same reason: to thank those of us who are saying ``no,'' and to reach out to every last undecided Member of Congress and beg them to listen to the American people. All day long we have watched people come into our offices from towns in Monroe and Escambia Counties in my district to folks from New Jersey, all the way to the coast of California. All of them, literally thousands, who descended on the Hill today came for the same reason, to leave no stone unturned before the vote tomorrow afternoon. Common sense tells us that with a bill this big and with so many last-minute deals that have been made, there are going to be a lot of angry people, a lot more throughout the entire country when all the details of this legislation are known in the coming weeks and months. Isn't it ironic that just the other day the Speaker of the House told a group, ``We have to pass this bill to find out what is in it.'' Well, earlier today we found out how true that promise was with the disclosure that Democrats have now added a new 3.8 percent Medicare surtax that will hit average middle-class taxpayers who have invested in real estate. Just what an already depressed real estate market needs. Or the fact that just a couple hours ago on this very floor the House attempted to fix another little problem that we discovered in this bill, a provision that, if left unchanged, could have taken more than 9.5 million veterans out of TRICARE. Once again, just another example of the dangers of passing legislation on the fly. While the outrage of the American people did help succeed in taking ``deem and pass'' off the table earlier this afternoon, we are still left with reconciliation, a process that leaves many Americans dizzy in terms of the ever-changing rules that are being rewritten to try to pass this bill. The American people remember reconciliation. Back in October of 2007, then-Senator Obama said of reconciliation, and I quote, ``We are not going to pass universal health care with a 50-plus-1 strategy.'' And a couple years earlier then-Senator Biden said, and I quote, ``I say to my friends on the Republican side, you may own the field right now, but you won't own it forever. And I pray to God, when Democrats take back control, we won't make the same kind of power grab that you were doing.'' Back home this might sound like doublespeak. Sadly, in Washington it is just another day at the office. Mr. Speaker, while many people understandably are focusing on the vote that will take place tomorrow on the third Sunday in March, trust me, the vote that will be taken on the first Tuesday in November is the vote that will allow the American people to have the last word.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to United States Navy Captain Joseph Gould (Retired), who bravely served his country in time of war and continues to play a role in honoring America through his authorship of a much revered poem, Old Glory. Captain Gould was born in Brunswick, Georgia, in 1920 and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in May of 1942 before being deployed in World War II. Captain Gould's 23 years as a Navy officer include service as commander of the LSM449 Amphibious Ship, executive officer of the USS Radford Destroyer, commander of the USS Silverstein DE534 Destroyer Escort, and commander of 15 ocean mine sweepers. He concluded his military service assigned to the Pacific Fleet as a Fleet Intelligence Officer at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Captain Gould retired from the United States Navy on November 1, 1965. A resident of Fairhope, Alabama, Captain Gould penned a patriotic poem, Old Glory, to honor our nation's flag. This inspiring tribute has been adopted by the Baldwin County Commission in its presentations to honor local World War II veterans. I would like to include Captain Gould's poem in the Record, and on behalf of a grateful nation, I thank Captain Gould for his service to America. Old Glory (By Joseph Gould) I have survived quite a lot of hype Since Betsy Ross designed my prototype, Some have been false, some have been true; I've selected some pertinent facts for you. I was with Paul Revere at the end of his ride; The first man on the moon had me at his side. I was with the lads at Bunker Hill, Aboard ``Old Ironsides'' I'm flying still. I went with George across the Delaware, Inspired Francis Scott Key in the rockets' red glare. Abe Lincoln flew me from a Gettysburg steeple And ever since then I've been liberating people. I stormed ashore with Marines at Guadalcanal, Climbed Mount Suribachi with a G.I. pal. I rode with Patton 'til we reached the Rhine, And only stopped when the Allies drew the line. I've seen our enemies brought to their knees Including the Germans and Japanese. I watched Ronald Reagan as he stood tall and said, ``Mr. Gorbechev, tear down this wall!'' I've sailed the seven seas with the boys in Navy blue, Made the journey to the North and South poles too. I've basked in the sun on many a tropic isle; I've marched city streets in grandiose style. Today you can find me in the Middle East Helping to suppress the Terrorist Beast That hates and despises our way of life and Continually causes much worldly strife. Now that you've heard my story true I have a request to make of you; Promise that evermore I shall wave Over the land of the free and home of the brave. I am Old Glory, the Stars and Stripes--forever!

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, on Sunday, January 24, 2010, George Werneth, a veteran reporter for the Mobile Press-Register in my congressional district passed away at that age of 65. George Werneth was an institution in Mobile journalism, covering maritime operations and military news for approximately four decades before his retirement. George had a reputation for sound reporting and fact checking as noted in the Press-Register's own story about his passing. He was absolutely devoted to rooting out the truth and took great pains to verify all details. It was said that the newspaper never had to run a correction for any of his news stories: he was that reliable. George was well known and respected by Mobile area veterans for his devotion to military news coverage, which was his beat for approximately half of his reporting career. He loved the military and shared a bond with those who donned the uniform of our country. In honor of his efforts, George was made an honorary member of the Marine Corps League at the American Legion Post 88 in Mobile. His departure from local reporting was keenly felt when he put down his pen and pad for retirement in November 2008. George Werneth's absence in the lives of his family, friends, former colleagues--the community he loved--will be even more profoundly felt. I offer my condolences and prayers to his family, including his son Joseph Carey Werneth, his brother Carey Werneth and his two grandsons, Skylar Carey Werneth and Dylan Mesean Werneth.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise to personally welcome to the House, our guest chaplain, John L. Beaver of Mobile, who hails from the First Congressional District of Alabama. John L. Beaver was appointed National Chaplain of The American Legion on August 17, 2009, during the closing session of the 91st National Convention in Louisville, KY. A retired U.S. Air Force veteran with more than 20 years military service from the Vietnam War era to the time of the Lebanon/Grenada conflicts, Chaplain Beaver has performed religious duties at the local Post, District, State and National levels since joining the American Legion in 1989. Chaplain Beaver is well known and respected in South Alabama for his humanitarian work with an emphasis on aiding homeless persons. In the aftermath of the September 2005 crisis following Hurricane Katrina, Chaplain Beaver coordinated regional relief efforts on behalf of The American Legion, a fellow veterans' service organization and church organizations. He was instrumental in the operation of supply depots and distribution sites to aid storm victims all along the stricken Gulf Coast. A pastor assistant and Sunday school superintendent, Chaplain Beaver's primary ministry is the visitation of--and care for--shut-ins at area hospitals, assisted living facilities, veteran's homes and homeless shelters through the ministries of the Fowl River and Kingswood United Methodist Churches in the Mobile, Alabama area. I join my colleagues in welcoming Chaplain Beaver to the U.S. House and in thanking him for his service to our veterans and our community.