Michael Burgess

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, we all spend time with search engines. We all spend time with Google. You know, if you Google the term ``gambling'' you'll get millions of matches. And of course, you can't come to a Google page without seeing the Wikipedia. And if you go to Wikipedia to see about gambling, it states that ``Gambling has a specific economic definition, referring to wagering money or something of material value on an event with an uncertain outcome.'' Mr. Speaker, this is exactly what is going on with energy policy here in the United States House of Representatives. Earlier today, the price of oil rose to a record high, nearly $106 a barrel. We all feel pain at the pump. In fact, I drive a hybrid car back home, but it's still getting awfully expensive to fill up. And like any good Texan, I have a Ford F-150 pickup truck, and last week when I had to fill it with metal to drive to the recycler, it cost me almost $80 to fill up the truck. In fact, since the Speaker of the House took the gavel on January 1, 2007, the average price of gasoline has increased by about $1 a gallon. The price of gas now back home for me is about where it was in the days after Hurricane Katrina. You remember Hurricane Katrina wiped out almost all the refining capacity in the United States, and the price of oil went up higher than anyone had ever seen it go before. The price of gas at the pump was higher than anyone had ever seen before, and we're there now. And I've got to tell you, in Texas, this time of year, we generally have our cheapest gas. So what's it going to be on May 1 when we start having to have all of those fancy blended gasolines for the compliance with the Clean Air Act, and the peak of the summer driving season is about to start? We're likely to see gasoline at $4 a gallon back home. And how does the House of Representatives handle this uncertainty and the resulting rise at the pump? By gambling. We bet our energy policy chips on future sources of energy that cannot fully support a country as large or as energy reliant as is the United States of America. Last week, the House of Representatives voted to provide tax breaks to consumers who make green choices, and extends tax breaks to producers of renewable energy to create green jobs. Fair enough. But unfortunately, this scheme ignores the fact that green choices and renewable energy are currently more costly for consumers and are not yet ready for full market use. In addition, the plan offsets these breaks by sending an $18 billion bill to the energy industry that will ultimately pass that cost on to the consumer. Now, I'm not all that good at math, and I'm certainly not a gambler, but for the life of me, no matter how you add and subtract, I cannot understand how we stand to benefit by handicapping the very resources that we rely upon to get to work, to create our jobs, to go to school, to go to the grocery store or even to the doctor's office. By doing so, the democratic majority here in the House of Representatives is gambling American resources on a horse they know full well cannot possibly win the race. Thanks to this legislation, the country has now lost $18 billion that could have been spent by experts in the energy industry to expand renewable and alternative energy capabilities, the same energy capabilities that this scheme purports to promote. I hope these new green jobs are close to home, because workers are going to have to pay for walking shoes in addition to work boots. Mr. Speaker, why is the majority willing to gamble our economic and national security on the uncertainty of the energy sources of tomorrow in order to bow to the billion dollar environmental industry today? Of course, Members of this House want to expand alternative and renewable energy resources. In fact, we must do so, as we just heard in the last hour. We must have clean, safe, reliable, affordable sources of energy to continue to compete in the 21st century. But these are not new technologies in which we are investing. Ethanol has been subsidized since the 1970s, in fact, probably earlier than that. We've had solar and wind power capabilities since the 1980s. Yet, somehow this majority believes that the reason that these technologies have not taken over is because of some sort of cabal by the energy market. So rather than financially support the research into new technology, this body chose to strap higher costs on the backs of already cash- strapped Americans. What about the needs of the Nation's families today? What about the families struggling to pay for oil to heat their homes, gas to drive their cars? Today we face a slowing economy, a credit crunch. We have a hard hit housing sector. So how does the majority respond to those who are struggling to pay for gasoline and heating oil? They say the energy equivalent of ``let them eat cake.'' Let them pay for something that is inherently more expensive than the current market provides. Mr. Speaker, if California wants to cut energy demand by pricing people out of the market, as we just heard in the last hour, that's fine for them. But please don't think that the rest of the American people are going to sit back and let that happen without a fight. Our economy is suffering. Our energy needs are great. This is not the time to double down on short-term schemes that deals long-term problems. America relies on energy to fuel our economy and our lives. That means that America needs real change to spur the development of new technology in the fields of renewable and alternative energy. Let's spur this development in the right way and invest in all forms of energy, and let's do so without prejudice, without handicapping or picking the winners and losers based upon the cleanness or the carbon consciousness index, whatever that is. Let me end by quoting the famous songster, Kenny Rogers, the Gambler, because it seems like an appropriate way to wrap up this discussion. ``You got to know when to hold them, you got to know when to fold them; know when to walk away and know when to run.'' Let's hope the other body walks away from this risky democratic scheme so we can keep Americans from having to pick up the marker for the House's irresponsible gambling habit.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Karen Skordinski of Flower Mound, Texas for her many contributions to the State of Texas and the north Texas region. Ms. Skordinski was recently named one of four recipients of the Emergency Management Award for the State of Texas. The Excellence in Emergency Management Award is presented annually to State and local emergency management projects, activities and campaigns that advance the goals of saving lives and protecting property by mitigating, preparing for, responding to, or recovering from disasters and emergencies in Texas. Recipients of this award must exemplify model emergency management by developing and implementing an exceptional emergency management project, activity or campaign in Texas during the past year. Ms. Skordinski is acknowledged for her work developing Flower Mound's Emergency Management Plan and for the Community Emergency Response Team, CERT, Program. She is the Emergency Management Specialist for Flower Mound and has worked in emergency management for 5 years. Before then, she worked in the town's geographical information systems department, which designs the town's maps. Prior to her work in north Texas, Ms. Skordinski worked with geographical information systems at Cape Canaveral, Florida, and was a geographical information systems contractor for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA. Ms. Skordinski started Flower Mound's CERT program after learning about it from a Flower Mound firefighter. She felt that it was important to start this program in order to get the citizens of Flower Mound more involved in the Fire Department. In the years since Ms. Skordinski began the CERT program, numerous residents have received the training required to respond to emergency situations, making the community safer for all. Madam Speaker, it is an honor today to rise in recognition of Ms. Skordinski's dedication to the safety and well-being of her fellow Flower Mound citizens. She is truly deserving of such an enormous honor. Flower Mound is now a safer city, and all those who recognize the contributions of Ms. Skordinski are truly grateful. She is an inspiration to all Americans devoted to community service.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, as a physician, I understand the high cost of treating mental illness and substance abuse. I am also personally familiar with how the cost of this care can keep people from receiving the help that they need. But the bill before us does not solve the problem. In fact, it creates some new ones. The bill is problematic for a multitude of reasons, and we can visit but a few of them. No insurance plan covers every possible physical diagnosis. Then why are we insisting that insurance plans cover every possible mental health or addiction diagnosis no matter the medical significance? This bill will cost Americans more money and could cost Americans health benefits. According to the CBO, H.R. 1424 will drive up the cost of health insurance for everyone and lead some employers to drop mental health insurance benefits completely. Another problem is the codification of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The DSM-IV is not designed for legal use. It was designed for clinicians so we can adequately diagnose and adequately measure the response to therapy. The Senate bill, on the other hand, is reasonable. It has been developed with input from patient advocates, mental health providers, and employers. This bill has offsets, and the offsets are counterproductive, such as limiting physician ownership in specialty hospitals. They are very few in number, but specialty hospitals are strong in quality and performance. Maybe that is why the Democrats feared them: They represent high-quality performance that results from competition. For example, in my area in Texas, Baylor Health in Dallas was named the recipient of the National Quality Forum's 2008 National Quality Healthcare Award. Baylor has a joint venture, a partnership, with physicians sharing ownership of its facility. The bill before us today jeopardizes the high level of care and patient access to care provided by facilities such as Baylor. The basis for savings calculated by the Congressional Budget Office is flawed data; and quite frankly, it is not relevant to the delivery of health care in the 21st century. And once again, we have another example of how this House leadership will choose politics over policy to the detriment of the American people.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. I thank the Speaker for the recognition. It has been an interesting and entertaining hour that we have just been through. I came to the floor tonight to talk a little bit about the Middle East, but after hearing the comments for the last hour I would just remind my friends that the Senate passed a bill that passed with a fairly significant majority over in the Senate. And if the Senate-passed bill were brought to the floor of the House, we would have our FISA legislation reestablished. There are enough Members on their side combined with the Members on my side where the bill would pass without any difficulty. But it has been the lack of the will of the House leadership to bring this very important bill to the House and once again establish a modicum of protection for America, because, after all, despite all the lofty rhetoric we just heard in the last hour, it is not surveillance of American citizens on American soil, it is surveillance of individuals who are outside of America, outside the shores of America who are communicating with each other. But because of the nuances of the telecommunications system, those wires may pass through the United States, a server may exist in the United States, and therein the problem lies. And it is important, because as I talk about the Middle East I am going to come back to this issue on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, because the lack of a functioning Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is actually hampering some of our progress in the Middle East and I think it is important to draw that distinction. Again, as I said, Mr. Speaker, I just returned a little over a week ago from a trip to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq. As a consequence, I was also in Kuwait briefly. But it is significant, and probably the first time where I have been in those three countries in that short a period of time. It is instructive to visit those countries in that condensed time period, because you really get a sense of how interconnected the successes and/or failures in each of those areas, how interconnected those facts are. All of those regions have their differences. They are significantly different. But certainly the progress in one area helps progress in another, and lack of progress in one signals lack of progress in the other. And I certainly saw evidence of this in all three places where I visited. And, as the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words and I do have several pictures that I would like to share with the House this evening and I will be doing that. First, in Afghanistan. The battle in Afghanistan is clearly interconnected in so many ways with our relationships with our NATO allies. In fact, in Afghanistan, probably in early 2004, just as the NATO handover was beginning, there was a lot of optimism that our NATO partners were engaging in this and NATO is going to function as an alliance. After 9/11, NATO activated article 5 for the first time in its history: An attack on one country was equivalent to an attack on all countries, and we would all respond in kind. So America had been attacked, and here in early 2004 with the arrival of the German troops, we saw the beginnings of the NATO alliance coming and bringing its full weight to bear in Afghanistan. Now it hasn't worked out quite the way we had all hoped it would have, because some of our NATO allies are somewhat recalcitrant, and they really need to begin thinking long term about the stability and the impact of stability in the Middle East and how that impacts the security of the world at large. It is not just for that one narrow area of the world; it is much more widespread. Now, no question about it, American, British, Canadian, Dutch, and Polish soldiers are doing great work and they are fighting against the Taliban in southern Afghanistan. Other areas with other components of the NATO alliance, it is not working quite the same way. In many ways it is regarded as a humanitarian mission rather than a military exercise. But I must stress, this is not a humanitarian mission, it is still a military exercise. Until the Taliban and the resurgent elements of al Qaeda are repulsed and removed, it will remain a military exercise. And the future of NATO depends on how well each of those individual countries could work together through this admittedly very difficult period. If we act together in strength, if we act as an alliance, I don't think there is any doubt that ultimately success will come. But if the activity continues to be fractured, the work becomes much more difficult; and the results will be fractured, the alliance is at risk and, as a consequence, the enemy will be emboldened. That's a shame. Because, remember, the Taliban in Afghanistan is not a popular insurgency. These are individuals who have been seen as oppressive and repressive. When they were thrown off, it was great jubilation by the people in Afghanistan, and there is no joy in bringing the Taliban back into people's lives. The Taliban does employ military age males more or less as day laborers, puts a gun in their hand and gives them a charge to do something. But the reality is, if there were other work available, these individuals would just as soon be doing other work and feeding their families in other ways because, again, the Taliban is not a popular insurgency. One of the things that of course was stressed a great deal in our visit in Afghanistan, our visits with General Rodriguez at the Bagram Air Base was all of the activity that takes place along the border. And certainly, when we went into Pakistan, those same themes were played out again. Not surprisingly, the perspective of the individuals, military generals in Afghanistan, was a little bit different from the political leaders in Pakistan. Suffice it to say there is a lot of activity going on along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, and we see reports of this in our newspapers from time to time. There has been an increase in military activity on our part in some of those areas, and I think that is a good thing. I think they have removed some people who were continuing to cause great harm in the area. But at the same time, as we saw in the trip in Pakistan, it creates some difficulties in other areas. Now Pakistan had just completed a rather large and historic election when we arrived there on February 22. President Musharraf, who had been the leader of Afghanistan, was a military general. Of course in 1999 he was responsible for a coup and deposed the prime minister, Sharif. President Musharraf has pretty much been the single and solitary ruler in Pakistan now for the last 7 or 8 years. His party lost a majority of seats in the parliament in the last parliamentary election. We did meet with President Musharraf. He was quick to point out that he had won his election the October before, so it wasn't about him not winning an election, it was about the elections in parliament. And Mr. Musharraf I think correctly pointed out, as did other leaders that we talked with, that the good news out of the election was it certainly was a repudiation of the more radical Islamist elements, that there was some concern that they were going to gain a greater foothold in the Pakistani parliament. And, in fact, the party of Benazir Bhutto, now under the hands of her husband, Mr. Zardari, had won the majority of seats, the People's Party of Pakistan had won the greatest number of seats in parliament and it appeared very likely at the time we were there that he would indeed put together a coalition government with Mr. Sharif, the former prime minister, and that would then be the ruling coalition in Pakistan. The fate of Mr. Musharraf was at that time still pretty much in the balance. There had been a Senatorial delegation in just a few days before we were through who had suggested, I think it was in the newspapers phrased as a graceful exit. Mr. Musharraf recognized and there was acceptance and recognition that his role of necessity was going to change, but at the same time this is an individual who does care a great deal about his country and, of course, he has been a good ally and friend to the United States. And Mr. Musharraf did feel very strongly that he wanted to continue to play a role in the stability of his country. Mr. Musharraf's perspective of the border areas, the federally administered tribal areas between Afghanistan and Pakistan was again a little bit different from General Rodriguez's over in Pakistan. From Mr. Musharraf's perspective, they had been pursuing a good deal of military options. Not all of those had been successful and there was a concern on the part of the Pakistani military whether or not they were in fact actually trained and equipped to follow through with those missions, and certainly training and equipping the Pakistani army is something where the United States may continue to play a role for some time, though I would stress that the actual military presence in Pakistan is very, very minimal. But the federally administered tribal area has become very problematic from the standpoint of terrorism. It is where the Taliban exists and where the remnants of al Qaeda are hiding out, and there are attempts to regroup and retake territory within the country of Afghanistan, and clearly it is an area that deserves a great deal of attention. Mr. Speaker, I did promise to show some pictures. This is a picture of myself and Senator Hutchison from Texas meeting with Mr. Zardari. This is Benazir Bhutto's widower. We were that day in Pakistan discussing the role his coalition government would play in the future. At the time we were there, it was not settled who the new prime minister would be. Obviously it would be someone who was elected in the People's Party of Pakistan because they held the largest number of seats in the Parliament. Mr. Zardari is someone I had never met before. In our discussions, he said all of the right things and in the right way. Obviously, in any situation like this, the follow-through is what is critical, so the next several weeks and months are critical for the stability of the country of Pakistan. But Mr. Zardari was very gracious to have us into his home and meet with us. Remember, just a few short weeks before he had undergone a fairly wrenching personal episode with the loss of his wife after the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, and they appeared to be doing their best to recover as a family. And now, given the additional responsibilities of the governance of Pakistan, but he did seem to be growing into that role, and I will tell you that was reassuring to watch that. Of course we were not able to meet with Mr. Sharif that day. We did meet with President Musharraf on that trip, but we were not able to meet with Mr. Sharif. Again, this is an area that will bear close scrutiny and watching over the next weeks and months because, again, as I will stress, each of these areas are so interrelated and so tied together. Clearly the Afghanistan-Pakistan border area is one issue, but there are other links to other areas where terrorism is problematic that come out of that federally administered tribal area. The Spanish have discovered recently a link between some of their home-grown terrorists and the federally administered tribal area of Pakistan. Likewise, the Germans have discovered some terrorist links to Pakistan via Turkey. In Britain, several of the terrorist groups within Great Britain can be traced to the federally administered tribal area, that border area between Afghanistan and Pakistan. So it is clear that terrorist activities taking place in that region of Pakistan are having a direct and profound effect on the security of European countries and certainly our NATO allies. The terrorist activity has direct and dire consequences on foreign elections. We saw that happen in Spain several years ago when the March 11 bombings obviously or significantly influenced the outcome of the elections in that country. That behavior in turn led to a new government that then subsequently withdrew its troops from Afghanistan. And subsequently I think the mission was certainly not strengthened by that exercise. But all in all, I would say it was a very informative trip, and I am grateful to President Musharraf and grateful to Mr. Zardari for meeting with us on relatively short notice during that trip. And there is no question, it was very informative to have that level of discussion. I also made my seventh trip into the country of Iraq during that congressional delegation. I had last been in July of this past year, July of 2007. At that point I wasn't quite sure what I was going to find when I returned to Iraq that time. I found the situation to be much better than I expected it to be, and I will say that in the intervening 6 or 7 months since I was last there, the situation has improved even more. No question about it, troop morale has always been good. I have never seen a problem with troop morale in any of the trips I have taken into Iraq. And in this past trip, it was nothing short of spectacular. One of the things that was perhaps a little different about this trip and something that I really had not been able to do on previous trips was venture directly into some of the neighborhoods in and around Baghdad. The reason we were able to do that was because of the establishment of the joint security stations. These are the areas where American troops are embedded with Iraq security forces and Iraqi policemen. They are there side by side day in and day out. This was the concept that General David Petraeus brought to Iraq a year ago when the famous surge or reinforcements were brought into that country. It was a strategy not without some risk and certainly many of us were justifiably concerned about that. I know in my trip into Iraq in July in the C-130 sitting with troops as we were going from Kuwait City into Baghdad, several voiced real concern that, you know, we are going to be living side by side with the Iraqis. If there is an interruption of fuel or material or food, then certainly we could be at risk in these situations because no longer will we be going back to the base every night. You could sense there was some concern. The situation has been one that has been enormously successful. And as a consequence, the Iraqis have gained a great deal more confidence in the American troops that are there and their ability to provide security and to react quickly. And Iraqi citizens are coming forward with much more information, information about the location of IEDs, information about the bomb-making factories, and information about people who may be doing things that are harmful to a neighborhood. So it has been an overall improvement in the relationship between regular Iraqis and the American soldiers and an improvement in our ability to gather that all-important intelligence to be able to fight this war in the way it should be fought. Again, I would stress that it is our men and the Iraqis living side by side. Here we are just arriving at the joint security station. We are getting a briefing there just after arrival. At that point I think they were going over the briefing on the number of IED attacks, and there was basically a Google Earth map with all of the IED explosions plotted out on the map. Red ones were where people were hurt, and blue ones where a bomb went off and no one was hurt, and yellow was where the bomb was discovered after it went off. July and August, those photographs were literally covered with dots of one color or another. And then going through month by month, August, September, October, the numbers diminished rapidly such that in December and January, there were very few dots on the map of any sort at all. And certainly you could see in a very graphical fashion the effect of having our troops embedded on the ground and living side by side with the Iraqis. We had seen this in the summer, in the trip in July in the city of Ramadi out in Anbar province, and now that has been fairly widely reported that there has been the Anbar awakening and the Sunnis who previously would have perhaps partnered with al Qaeda to work against the Americans had changed allegiance and changed sides and saw now the Americans as their helpers and their friends, and the city of Ramadi was markedly different in July of 2007 from July of 2006. And as a consequence then, this same sort of activity now going on in the area of Baghdad that would have been just absolutely impassable 6 months before in the month of July, and we were now able to walk around on the streets. This is within the living quarters that the soldiers have there. The Minnesota National Guard had done some refurbishing and furnishing of the barracks there. They had tried to make it a little more homey. You can see the ubiquitous widescreen television at the top. This is a bench that had been fashioned out of some scrap wood that was around. And they had done a wonderful job as far as making the living conditions as good as could be expected. Again, the morale of our soldiers was unlike anything I have ever seen. Clearly they understand what they are doing, and clearly they understand that they are very close to achieving success. It is something that I wish almost every Member of Congress could go over there and see in these joint security stations because it really is a moving experience. As a consequence of these activities, al Qaeda that was so prevalent in Anbar province and along the Euphrates River Valley have been diminished to a minimum amount. Al Qaeda in Baghdad is significantly diminished as well. There are still some problems in the area around Sadr City, but with some of these embedded areas moving into that area, we will perhaps see some improvement there as well. The former Sunni insurgents have turned their back on the insurgency. They are cooperating with coalition forces. That cooperation again is yielding good intelligence. In fact, in another part of this particular base where we were, this police station we were in, we got to see some of the surveillance activity as it was going on, and remarkable, remarkable efforts by our soldiers, by our men. At one point a device had gone off and caused some injuries in the marketplace, and one of our young men painstakingly went back through the photos and tapes and actually discovered some physical characteristics of the individual that looked as if he may have planted the device. And then partly by luck but partly by good detective work, found that same man in a marketplace later on, brought him in for questioning, and certainly we were able to make the case of the connection between that individual and the bomb that had gone off. One of the great things was that although the detective work was done by our soldiers with their equipment, when it came time to apprehend this individual, he was actually apprehended by the Iraqi police and brought in by the Iraqi police so the citizenry could see that their police force was up and running and functioning. A good news story all along. But one disturbing note was on further study of some of those surveillance photos, apparently this individual who had planted the explosive device had actually had his 3-year-old daughter carry the device to the area and place it in a trash receptacle and that is how the device came to be where it was. Clearly we are dealing with a type of evil that most of us don't understand and can't understand. But this is the type of individual, this is the type of evil that is present in some of these areas, and this is the work that our soldiers are doing to combat that. Again, this is a police station in inner city Baghdad. Six months ago I couldn't have gone there. Certainly 2 years ago there is no way. But now the Iraqi police are taking over. People feel safe. They feel safe to approach local law enforcement. In fact, when we left the building from this police station, out on the street a group of Iraqi men came up and was eager to talk with us. One of the soldiers found a translator for us, and we engaged in quite a lively conversation. To be perfectly honest, it was gratitude that was expressed on the part of the Iraqis who were there, gratitude for helping get their neighborhood back, and gratitude for helping get their country back. Again, it is the type of progress that you almost can't believe if you can't go there and see it yourself. Mr. Speaker, one of the funny things is if this had been a year ago and we were here talking about Iraq, we would be talking about having yet another vote to get us out of Iraq. It seemed like every week we had that type of vote here on the floor of the House. And we are not doing that so much any more. I wonder why. Perhaps because things have gotten so much better there. The news stories a year ago, day in and day out, a bad news story out of Iraq. Well, now you don't see those stories every day. You see odd stories like Ahmadinejad from Iran coming in to visit in Iraq, which I think is problematic. I wish it hadn't happened. But on the other hand, Iraq is a sovereign country and if Prime Minister Maliki wants to meet with Ahmadinejad, I guess. In fact, we have a Presidential candidate who said he will sit down with his enemies. Maybe Mr. Maliki had been listening to that Presidential candidate. I didn't think it was perhaps the wisest and best use of his time. After all, Mr. Speaker, a lot of the explosively formed projectiles that are so deadly, a lot of the IEDs and improvised explosive devices are made with materials that clearly come from the country of Iran. And that has been problematic for many, many months. And Iran's activity as far as continuing some of the disruption in this area, Iran's activity, has indeed, I think, been problematic. We hear a lot about the lack of political progress, and those talking points probably need to be updated. The Iraqi parliament recently passed four major pieces of legislation. They passed the de- Ba'athification reform, they passed an amnesty bill, they passed a provisional powers law, and a national budget. No question about it, there's still a lot of work to be done and that budget execution is one of those things that I watch very carefully because I don't know, you know, quite honestly, with the infrastructure that is there with their banking system, it's very, very difficult to distribute money to the local areas where it is so desperately needed. But nevertheless, they are making the efforts. In fact, there are four things that the Iraqi parliament did this past year. I don't know what our track record is. I think we banned the incandescent light. I don't know that we've done much more in the past year, and there's four things that they've done. One of the biggest changes that I saw last July and one of the things that really gave me great optimism, that one day we would have in Iraq a stable country that was able to govern itself, provide for its own security, provide for its own people and be a partner for peace in the Middle East. Last summer visiting the city of Ramadi where the local political leaders, the local political shift that had gone on in that country; to be sure, the central government in Baghdad has some problems and they're going to have to work through those problems; they're going to have to find solutions to those problems, as any country would. But the fact that local leaders, like a county commissioner, like a mayor, like a county administrator, these are the guys and ladies on the front line. These are the ones the citizens turn to for help when things don't work right, when things go wrong. These are the individuals that should be the first line of contact. And indeed, in the city of Ramadi last summer and then again in this neighborhood, the al Hamandiyah neighborhood in Baghdad, the local political shift was very much in evidence. The local leaders were stepping up and doing the work that is required of local leaders. Still some difficulty getting the funding from the central government, but my understanding on this last trip was that that had improved even from 6 or 7 months before. Obviously, again, that's going to bear watching. And there are lots of areas in need of improvement. But all in all, the progress is going in the right direction. You see that in other things, too. The national electricity hours are up. Some small water projects that were so desperately needed have now been completed. Some primary health care centers have been constructed and more are to open, all signs of progress. That was work you just couldn't do a couple of years ago because the security situation just would not permit it. Again, Mr. Speaker, I remember very well the arguments and discussions and debate we had on the floor of this House just a little over a year ago in regards to what General Petraeus saw, what General Petraeus wanted to do, and giving him the ability, the tools to do that job consumed a lot of our discussion a year ago. But I've got to tell you, I'm glad we found the right man for the job. I'm glad we gave him the tools that he needs. And he certainly seems to be pursuing success with all due dispatch. It's hard to know what the next steps are. You hear a lot of people talk about the troop drawdown that was essentially the surge, and as those numbers come back down are we going to come down below that. We're going to have to have a wait-and-see period. Obviously, in my mind, my opinion, those decisions should not be made by those of us here in the House. Those are decisions that should be made by the military generals on the ground. We did have an opportunity in this trip, as we did last summer, to meet with David Petraeus at some length. We met with the general. We also met with Ambassador Ryan Crocker, a true patriot who's given now a year of his life to be in that country and to provide stability in that country. Things have not always gone to his liking, I'm sure, but nevertheless, I think he can point to a great deal of success. I remember a year ago so clearly, you know, you could take data points almost and make whatever kind of case you wanted to make in Iraq. And General Petraeus stressed to us a year ago that it would be important to look at trend lines over time, that you just simply couldn't look at a collection of data points and make a decision. When we visited with General Petraeus at the American embassy in Iraq, we kind of saw a preview of what he's likely to present to Congress when he comes back in March or April to give his interim report to Congress. He had a variety of charts up. You could see that the trend lines again were all moving in the right direction as far as number of attacks, as far as attacks on citizens, attacks on soldiers. The trend lines for things like electricity and water were going in the right direction, which was up. All in all, the story coming out was very positive. At the time we were there, something had just occurred which was a point of not some insignificant concern, the activity of the Turkish troops on the northern border which had the potential to be very destabilizing because, of course, the Kurdish regiments in that area have been functioning very well, and the fact now that they were being faced with some Turkish soldiers who had come across the border to deal with some terrorism aspects that they thought were going on along the border, clearly that needed to be managed and managed very quickly and apparently has been. But it did have the potential to become much more serious than it was. I stated early on in the hour that there might be a place to draw the FISA, Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, back into the discussion. And certainly that came up during our discussion with the general and the ambassador at the American embassy, or at the embassy in Baghdad that night. Again, remember, we're talking about not surveillance on someone who's in Dallas calling someone who's in Washington. We're talking about surveillance on someone who is in perhaps one of those federally administered tribal areas in Pakistan or someone who's in Afghanistan communicating with someone in Iraq, because that method of communication may be putting up a Web site. There may be an embedded message on a Web site. But because that Web site may be carried on wires that go through the United States of America, then suddenly it becomes something that is under the jurisdiction, in some people's mind, of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. And in order to find out who put the Web site up, you'd have to go through the FISA Court to get that information. But these Web sites tend to be rather ephemeral. They don't stay up that long. But it's problematic because you can't know who put up the Web site. You can't know who visited the Web site. And if you need to, you can't take it down without going through a 72-hour process in the FISA Court. A little less than a year ago, when some of our soldiers were kidnapped in Iraq, we gave their captors a 10-hour head start because of issues with the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and having to go through the courts to get permission. You can't fight a war that way. We're either serious or we're not serious. And I think because of the concern that I heard over being able to protect not just our troops over there, but protect American citizens here at home, I think this is a critical piece of legislation. Again, if we would just simply take up the legislation as passed by the Senate, passed overwhelmingly in the Senate, there are enough Members on my side, there are enough Members on the other side that this bill would be passed and America's protection could once again be more secure. In the meantime, we're playing a very dangerous, dangerous game, not only with our homeland security here in the United States but also as it turns out with our soldiers who are doing so much for us over in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. We talk about a war on terror, but the reality is we're fighting a war against radical Islam. Terror is one of the tactics that's used in that fight. I don't think there's any question that we need to keep our focus on each of those countries, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, certainly redouble our efforts in Afghanistan and really begin thinking long term. You know, we hear people who want to have an 8-month time line. They want to talk about, between here and November, the election day in November. The enemy doesn't have a time line that's that short. The enemy has a time line that's years, decades or longer. And you almost have to think in those terms to be able to satisfactorily prepare and satisfactorily protect our country, because if you're just short-term focused on what happens between now and election day in November, that's probably not going to be sufficient for protecting America. Our enemies are thinking in terms of 100 years. Maybe we need to think in terms of 100 years. Certainly, our America and our allies have to be able to match and keep up with them every step of the way. Each of these battles is winnable. There's no question. From a tactical and strategic standpoint there is no one who can stand up against the United States, so the battles are winnable, but they're not yet won. Again, success in one conflict means success in the other. Failure in one means failure elsewhere. You know, in fact that's not just the Middle East. That's in the United States and possibly extending to other freedom-loving nations in the world. It is not time for us to pull our forces down and just think about coming home. We are very close to, again, establishing on the ground in the country of Iraq a country that is responsible to its people, provides for their benefit and their welfare, is a stable partner for peace in the Middle East. Those are worthwhile goals and we need to continue to pursue those. It is a time that calls for statesmen and not politicians. It does require a vision that does encompass a time line that is longer than just the next 8 months. I can't say it often enough. You're going to have to look to the next generation. You can't just focus on the next election because that's the wrong perspective to have. I want to thank our troops who are working over there day and night in our behalf. It is sometimes seemingly thankless work, but again, I would stress, well, let me just show you one more picture, Mr. Speaker. And although these individuals are dressed in military uniforms, they're actually Department of Defense civilians. They work on the mine resistant ambush protected vehicle facility near Camp Victory just outside of Baghdad. These vehicles, and you can see one in the background, a very heavily armored vehicle. They are built to withstand the mine blasts and the IED blasts. And you see a group of very, very dedicated individuals standing there around that vehicle, very proud of the work they do. Most of these individuals, again, the men and women are civilians from my home State of Texas, not in my district, but up in northeast Texas, the Red River Army depot near Texarkana. In fact, most of the people that we see in the picture are very likely constituents of my neighbor and good friend Ralph Hall. But again clearly proud of the work they are doing. They understand the value that they bring, the benefit that they bring to our soldiers by providing this type of vehicle. They don't have the best shock absorbers in the world, but they are certainly functional and certainly are providing a great deal of protection for our troops. I can't say enough about the wonderful people that are defending us in all three countries. Also in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. We had a brief refueling stop in the United Arab Emirates and got to meet with some soldiers there, a wonderful group of people who are working their hearts out on behalf of their country. The least we can do here in the United States Congress is offer them our faithful support until their mission is complete.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Little Elm, Texas Fire Chief Joe Florentino. Chief Florentino was recently appointed to the position as the first-ever State Coordinator of the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System. Chief Florentino was unanimously selected to fill the post for his work-related qualifications and his leadership abilities by representatives from fourteen fire-related statewide agencies. He originally applied to be one of the 24 regional coordinators, and was surprised by his appointment to State Coordinator. Although he recognizes the challenges that go hand in hand with being the first individual to hold this position, Chief Florentino is optimistic about the road that lies ahead. The Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System, as an annex to Texas' emergency management plan, sets guidelines for responding to fire- related catastrophes that require more assistance than an area can provide. Chief Florentino will serve as the point of contact between those areas in need of support and the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System. Advocates of the program recognize the fact that Texas is on the forefront of this type of intrastate aid system, and hope that its successful implementation will lead to a similar nationwide system in the future. I extend my sincerest congratulations to Chief Florentino on this appointment and commend his dedication and desire to help his community and state. It is an honor to represent such a service-oriented citizen in the 26th District of Texas, and I know his commitment will serve as an example to others.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the individuals from the 26th District of Texas who are currently serving with the Peace Corps in countries all across the globe. Elizabeth Bryant, Blake Childs, Genevieve Dozier, Justin Fleury, Philip Hernandez, Kareem Mansour, and Marianne Montalvo are among the 8,079 Peace Corps Volunteers currently serving 74 countries at 68 posts worldwide. More than 190,000 citizens of all ages and backgrounds have worked for the cause of peace in 139 countries since the organization was founded in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy. Peace Corps Volunteers have made momentous and long-lasting contributions around the world in agriculture, business development, information technology, education, health and HIV/AIDS, youth, and the environment. As we have all seen before, it is possible that a single person can be capable of changing the world. Therefore I know the impact made by these seven individuals is simply unimaginable. Elizabeth, Blake, Genevieve, Justin, Philip, Kareem, and Marianne are currently stationed in 7 different countries for two-year terms. Their commitment to world peace is a trait that is to be commended and their passion for service is something to be both appreciated and emulated. One of my heroes, President Ronald Reagan, often spoke about the importance of voluntary service. He once said it is like ``a spirit that flows like a deep and mighty river through the history of our Nation.'' These selfless individuals exemplify the character and moral fiber of philanthropy. The Peace Corps provides an invaluable service to the world and I believe it is important that we recognize that service. The admirable men and women who dedicate their time to serving others truly make this world a better place. It is an honor to represent seven of those individuals in the 26th District of Texas. I am proud that these exemplary citizens, who undoubtedly act as role models to those who wish to follow in their footsteps.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to give tribute to Wayne Ferguson, a former mayor, council member and land developer from the 26th Congressional District of Texas, for his lifelong contributions to his community and to his fellow citizens. Mr. Ferguson passed away at the Medical Center of Lewisville on February 25, 2008. Mr. Ferguson served on the Lewisville City Council and also as Mayor of Lewisville, Texas in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He went on to serve as the board chairman of the Medical Center of Lewisville, working tirelessly to constantly improve the hospital to meet the needs of the growing community. His never-ending devotion to the city of Lewisville led to his service on multiple other boards and committees, including the city's Tourism Committee and various advisory boards for the Lewisville Police Department. He was a strong supporter of the Lewisville Chamber of Commerce, maintaining close personal and professional relationships with many of the city's leaders. Mr. Ferguson was voted Citizen of the Year in 1989. Mr. Ferguson has been a constant ally and advocate of the Lewisville Economic Development Foundation. He was extremely influential during his career as a land developer, helping to make many of Lewisville's economic developments a reality, including the Vista Ridge Mall and the State Highway 121 bypass. In recent years he has become a strong proponent of restoring and revitalizing the city's Old Town. In 2006, the plaza which hosts the Old Town Farmers Market was renamed Wayne Ferguson Plaza by the Lewisville City Council. About two years ago, Mr. Ferguson developed cancer in his blood cells. He went into remission for a brief period of time after aggressive treatment, but the cancer returned. In an amazing show of solidarity and support for one of their own, the Lewisville community organized a blood drive for Mr. Ferguson to provide him with much needed blood transfusions to battle the cancer. It is perhaps the most telling testament to his many years of fighting for the best interests of Lewisville. In his time of great need, the city he gave so much to for so many years rose up and gave back to him during his exhausting personal battle. Described by friends and associates as both the soul of Lewisville and the city's greatest champion, Mr. Ferguson was also a successful rancher and devoted family man. He is survived by his wife, Judy Kay, daughters Amanda Kay Ferguson and Brenna Kay DeVoe, brother Tommy Ferguson, and three granddaughters. Madam Speaker, I am proud to rise today and honor the memory of such a selfless and honorable individual. Wayne Ferguson was a dedicated public servant, and serves as a role model to all citizens. I extend my sincerest sympathies to his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by many, his service will always be greatly appreciated, and the small Texas community of Lewisville will forever be in his debt.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of North Texas for being recognized as a member of the President's Honor Roll for the 2006-2007 academic year. Launched in 2006, the President's Honor Roll recognizes institutions of higher education all across the Nation that support innovative, effective, and exemplary community service programs. Honorees for the award were selected based on a series of factors, including scope and innovation of service projects, percentage of student participation in service activities, incentives for service, and the extent to which the school offers service-learning courses. In congratulating the winners, U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings said, ``Americans rely on our higher education system to prepare students for citizenship and the workforce. We look to institutions like these to provide leadership in partnering with local schools to shape the civic, democratic and economic future of our country.'' The Honor Roll is jointly sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service, through its Learn and Serve America program, and the Department of Education, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, USA Freedom Corps, Campus Compact, and the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. It is my honor to represent a university that shows such hard work and dedication to their local community. I strongly believe in the philanthropic efforts of those who volunteer and give their time and resources to help others. I extend my sincerest congratulations to the University of North Texas, as well as their fine students, faculty, and staff. It truly is an honor to represent such extraordinary citizens in the 26th District of Texas, and I look forward to the positive impact these students will inevitably have on our Nation's future.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the League of United Latin American Citizens Council #4366 in Denton, Texas. This group is being recognized by Texas Women's University as a 2008 Texas Women's University Founders Award recipient. The Denton LULAC Council #4366 was established in 1981 under the leadership of charter president Frank Devila and 10 other Denton community leaders. Today, members serve on a number of Denton boards and committees, including the Denton Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as well as the committees for the Cinco de Mayo, Cena en el Barrio and Fiesta on the Square celebrations. For more than five years, the Denton LULAC Council #4366 has partnered with Texas Women's University to award scholarships to deserving Hispanic students in the North Texas area. Since 2002, the organization has awarded scholarships to 13 Hispanic students at Texas Women's University. Chancellor of Texas Women's University, Ann Stuart, has said that the university is fortunate to have partners such as Denton LULAC join them in their mission of educating the State's future leaders. The Texas Women's University Founders Award is presented to honor organizations and individuals who have supported Texas Women's University. I am proud to honor the Denton LULAC Council #4366. This group of dedicated and service-oriented individuals is very deserving of this award, and I am proud to represent these citizens in the 26th Congressional District of Texas.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Patsy and Fred Patterson of Denton, Texas, for their exceptional service to the community of Denton and to Texas Women's University. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson have been awarded the 2008 Texas Women's University Founders Award. With a more than 50-year history of community activism in Denton, Patsy and Fred Patterson have established themselves as committed leaders in promoting the city, its events and organizations, and its universities. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson have had leadership roles with several Denton community organizations, including the Denton Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Denton Arts Council, the Denton Community Theatre, the Denton Public School Foundation and the United Way of Denton. One of my heroes, President Ronald Reagan, often spoke about the importance of community service to everyday life in America. He once said voluntary service is like ``a spirit that flows like a deep and mighty river through the history of our Nation.'' Patsy and Fred Patterson and their tireless work are part of this rich history. The Texas Women's University Founders Award was first presented in 1998 to honor organizations and individuals who have supported Texas Women's University. Patsy and Fred Patterson are more than deserving of the Texas Women's University Founders Award and I am honored to represent them in the 26th District of Texas. I am proud to recognize these exceptional individuals who have given so much back to their community.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bright young students of the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science team, one of five finalists in the Junior Engineering Technical Society/ AbilityOne National Engineering Design Challenge. The team, coached by Scott Grant, consists of students participating in a two-year program through the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. At the final competition, which took place in Washington, DC on February 15 and 16, 2008, the five finalist teams were allowed to present their refined prototypes. The Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science team's invention was the ``Ergonomic Spool Assembly System,'' or eSAS, which is a table that combines adjustable height and incline to allow workers in wheelchairs to manufacture spools easily. The eSAS was one of two second place finishers and received the award for ``Outstanding Assistive Technology Design.'' Second place finishers won $1,500 to go towards their school's sponsoring departments. The team received two other awards for the eSAS, ``Best Presentation'' and ``Best Application of Rehabilitation Engineering Design Principles.'' The Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science team was one of 250 teams who initially entered the competition in September of 2007. The annual competition offers high school students an opportunity to improve the lives of people with severe disabilities through assistive technology. The Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science is an early-admission program that provides an accelerated education for bright, motivated Texas high school students who have demonstrated an interest in pursuing careers in mathematics and science. Students in this two-year program complete a rigorous academic curriculum of college coursework at the University of North Texas. Madam Speaker, I believe these students should be recognized not only for being participants in this prestigious program, but also for their outstanding accomplishments in the Junior Engineering Technical Society/AbilityOne National Engineering Design Challenge. I am proud to represent these talented and accomplished young men and women in the 26th District of Texas, and I look forward to the positive impact these students will have on the North Texas community.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. I thank the gentleman for yielding. And, Mr. Speaker, I will just tell you it's a privilege to stand on the floor here today to hear the testimony of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in tribute to this great American. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand here today in support of H. Res. 944, recognizing the 37 years of service of Lieutenant General Russel Honore. At a time it seemed our country's civil fabric was tearing before our very eyes, all of us felt we saw a Nation in peril. The efforts of elected officials at the local level, at the State level, at the Federal level were not up to the task of dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It took officers of the United States Armed Forces who provided the security that the whole country longed to see, and at the center of that was Lieutenant General Russel Honore. Mr. Speaker, it was my honor to go with my committee to the City of New Orleans in October of that year to try to help with the restoration of some of the medical care of the City of New Orleans, and during that trip, I went to the Oschner Clinic, which is there near downtown New Orleans. It's on a natural sort of rise between the Mississippi River and downtown New Orleans, so it was buffeted by the winds of the storm but spared from the floodwaters and was struggling valiantly to keep up with the stream of human injury that was coming through the doors on a 24-hour-a-day basis. Specifically, I spoke with some doctors in the emergency room at the Oschner Clinic. The feeling at the clinic was that they were going to be okay from the standpoint of did they have enough diesel fuel to run their generators, did they have enough medicines, but the civil unrest, which was building outside their walls, clearly continued to imperil them. Again, these were individuals who had ridden out the storm. They had stayed in the hospital during the storm to see the sick and wounded who managed to come in. They had stayed at their posts as the floodwaters rose around them, not knowing if the floodwaters would stop before they got to their doors, but, indeed, stop they did. But you can imagine the heartbreak of this young emergency room physician who described to me 3 days into their turmoil, 3 days into their task, saved from the winds, spared from the waters, but they could hear the civil unrest boiling outside the doors. They could hear the gunshots. They could hear the shouts of the crowds. And they knew that their facility was clearly going to be targeted because they had seen on the news where other health care facilities had been targeted, because of perhaps drug-seeking behavior, who knows why, but they were very much at risk. This emergency room doctor had brought his wife to the hospital because he felt she wasn't safe at home. He described how they had spent the night under his desk in their office waiting for the end to come. They had survived the winds. They had survived the water. They were not going to survive the riots outside the door. And then right before dawn, he heard a helicopter. Not unusual because there were news helicopters circling around the city on an almost continual basis. But this was a different kind of helicopter. It had a much throatier roar. And then there was another one and another one and another one. And they turned on the television to see the landing of Lieutenant General Russ Honore taking command of the city, taking control back. I cannot tell you today the relief in this young man's voice as he described that scenario that unfolded before him. I'm happy to come to the floor with my colleagues and honor the service of Lieutenant General Russ Honore. Thank you, sir, for what you did in restoring order to our country. Thank you for helping that young family in the emergency room that day. This Nation will forever be in your debt.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a student from my district who has been nationally recognized for commendable volunteer service in his community. Greg Weatherford of Little Elm, Texas has been acknowledged as a distinguished finalist in Texas by the 2008 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, an annual honor conferred on the most impressive student volunteers in each State and the District of Columbia. Greg, a senior at Little Elm High School, established the youth service organization ``Young People Who Care'' 4 years ago. This group gives students the opportunity to become active in their community. ``Young People Who Care'' has established, among other things, a district-wide peer tutoring program, a school and community beautification committee, and a school-wide recycling program. Greg will receive an engraved bronze medallion for his achievements. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards was created by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals in 1995 to emphasize to all youth volunteers that their contributions are vitally important and highly valued, and to inspire other young people to follow in their footsteps. Since its founding, the program has become the Nation's largest youth recognition effort based solely on community service, and has honored more than 80,000 young volunteers at the local, State, and national level. Greg should be extremely proud of his achievement. I heartily applaud him for the positive impact he has had on the community. Greg has demonstrated a level of commitment and accomplishment that is truly extraordinary in today's world, and deserves our sincere admiration and respect. It is an honor to represent such an extraordinary young person in the 26th district of Texas, and I earnestly look forward to the positive contributions he will undoubtedly bestow upon the north Texas community.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Christian Community Action for celebrating its 35th anniversary. Christian Community Action, an organization devoted to helping those in need, has made a tremendous impact on area citizens during its tenure in the north Texas community. Founded on February 22, 1973, Christian Community Action began by serving local congregations. The group soon began distributing fliers in needy areas offering assistance to those local families who needed it most. CCA provided gifts of food, clothing, housewares, and repair work, but soon realized that for the group to have the effect they wanted, they needed to find a way to expand their reach and obtain financial resources. It was this decision that caused the organization to connect with area families on a much more personal level. CCA caseworkers learned all about each family's income, budgeting, and spending habits, which presented them with both the information they needed to provide assistance and the coveted opportunity to bond with those they served. Beginning in 1975, Christian Community Action began focusing on larger scale initiatives, such as resale shops. Now the CCA has evolved from a small bible study group to a thriving organization serving Lewisville and the surrounding area with three CCA resale stores, an adult health center, food services, and education and vocational training. I would also like to commend Christian Community Action on the importance of the role they play in helping meet the health assistance needs in Denton County, where there is no county hospital to assist. As an OB/GYN in Denton County for almost 30 years, I'm acutely aware of the needs of the mothers and young children and I especially thank Christian Community Action for their mission in meeting these health needs. It was also through my work with Christian Community Action that the idea for a program within the Consumer Product Safety Commission to increase awareness for second-hand retailers regarding recalled products was initiated. This project was successfully adopted in the Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act, and I commend CCA for their dedication to improving awareness about dangerous recalled products for similar organizations all across the United States. With more than 2,500 volunteers, CCA touches the lives of approximately 12,000 people every year. However, they are far more than a charity group. To the 1,500 patients treated in the health center each year; to the parents of the children provided with lunches, school supplies, Christmas presents, and clothes; to the 1,660 people who have been given educational and vocational training; to these people, Christian Community Action offers hope. The building blocks provided by the CCA create a foundation for those in our community to create better lives for themselves. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I stand here today to honor Christian Community Action on their anniversary. Thirty-five years of service is a milestone to be celebrated.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the opening of the Denton County African American Museum. This museum is being dedicated on Saturday, February 16, 2008, and will reflect the resilience and determination of the African American citizens of Denton County. The museum is located in an original Quakertown house that was restored under the guidance of the Historical Park Foundation of Denton County. With its dedication, the Denton County African American Museum joins the Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum and the Bayless-Selby House Museum as part of the Denton County Museums. The Museum's historical exhibits will feature African American families of Denton County as well as the Quakertown experience. It will also house the collection of artifacts from Dr. Edwin D. Moten, Denton's first African American doctor. The collection includes more than 600 letters written by Dr. Moten to family, friends, and professional colleagues as well as photographs, postcards, medical records, medicine cases, his medical shingle from in front of his office, prescription pads and narcotics register from Denton County. As someone who practiced medicine in the Denton area for nearly 30 years, I am fascinated by the pieces in Dr. Moten's collection from both a medical and a historical perspective. My own grandfather, Dr. Harry Clifton Burgess, was a contemporary of Dr. Moten. While it is interesting to think about how these men practiced before the advent of anesthesia and antibiotics, it is also inspiring to think of the courage that someone like Dr. Moten would have had to practice in such inhospitable conditions both personally and professionally. His perseverance during these harsh conditions is remarkable. Madam Speaker, today I commend people like Dr. Edwin Moten for their inspiration and proudly rise to recognize the culturally rich addition of this important museum to Denton and the entire north Texas area. I also call on north Texans and all Americans to reflect and recall the courage, perseverance, and spirit of those honored in the new Denton County African American Museum. It is an honor to represent the 26th Congressional District of Texas and to commemorate this historical occasion.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, it's been said over and over again that nothing in this world is certain except death and taxes. I was a practicing physician for over 25 years back in Texas, and I will tell you that sometimes death even seems a little less complicated than our tax system. The complexity of the Tax Code is a consequence of countless deductions and exemptions aimed at steering a social agenda, a social agenda, when it's supposed to be a Tax Code. The result is a Federal law fraught with opportunities for avoiding taxes and loopholes to be exploited all at the expense of fellow Americans. Everyone is familiar with the problems inherent in our convoluted Tax Code. Criticizing the Tax Code is as American as apple pie and baseball, and for good reason. Each year Americans spend billions of hours and billions of dollars trying to do their best to comply with our complicated Tax Code. That's not counting the billions of hours they spend complaining about it. Madam Speaker, time is precious, and too often we don't have enough of it for the personal things we like, such as earning a living, raising our families, spending time with friends. And then there is the dollars and cents side of this equation where time is money, and valuable resources are squandered navigating tax law instead of spent growing the economy and creating jobs. Taken together, this is a strong prescription for real change in our Tax Code. We know what works when it comes to changing the code because we caught a glimpse of it when Ronald Reagan cut the code in half in 1986. As a result of that reform, the economy grew, revenues increased, and jobs were created. I can't think of a better prescription for our slowing economy than replicating the reform of the Tax Code on an even greater scale. So what should we do? The prescription is also pretty simple: flatten the tax, broaden the base, and shift the burden away from families and small businesses. The encouraging news is that we have a practical and effective blueprint for making this real change across the board. This blueprint is called the flat tax. In 1981, Robert Hall and Alvin Rabushka proposed a new and radically simple structure that would transform the Internal Revenue Service and our economy by creating a single rate of taxation for all Americans. Today, several States have implemented a single-rate tax structure for their State income taxes, and from Utah to Massachusetts citizens are seeing the benefit. In Colorado, a single tax rate generated so much income, so much revenue, that lawmakers actually reduced the rate less than 10 years after its implementation. In Indiana, the economy boomed after a single rate went into effect in 2003, and since that time, the corporate income tax receipts have risen by 250 percent. Here in Congress we have several people working on the problem. People such as myself; Congressman David Dreier from California, the ranking member of the Rules Committee; and Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, the ranking member on the Budget Committee, are all working to establish a simple tax rate structure for our United States. Other Members are working on it in the other body as well. I brought a poster to show you how a faster, flatter, fairer tax structure would work, and it's pretty simple. Here you go: Your name, a little bit of identification data, write in your income, a line for personal exemptions, calculate your deductions for personal exemptions, taxable income, calculate the tax by multiplying by a flat rate, subtract taxes already withheld, and you're done. What did it take, 30 seconds? Not very long. No more expensive tax attorney bills. Gone are the hours of stressful research trying to figure out whether your military service or your marital status will adversely affect your return. No more headaches trying to determine where the estimated tax payments go. A single tax rate structure would eliminate taxes on capital gains, taxes on dividends and taxes on savings. Personal savings would increase. Businesses would expand and create jobs. Without the heavy corporate income tax, which is currently the second highest in the industrialized world, companies would have less incentive to offshore their headquarters, and more importantly, less incentive to offshore their earnings. And here is where the all-American principle of freedom comes into the prescription: The decision to move to a single rate system would be entirely up to the individual or business, not the government. This would be an optional program. If somebody has constructed their domestic finances or their business finances to maximize earnings under the current Federal income tax code, they will be allowed to stay in the code. But if you are tired of the shoe box, if you want to fill out a single page form and spend the rest of that time with your family or on a personal vacation, you are free to do so. A flat tax would be much less costly, saving taxpayers more than $100 billion per year, and reduce tax compliance costs by over 90 percent. The resulting increase in personal savings, there is a stimulus package that would have an immediate effect on our American economy. Recent polling by American Solutions shows that over 80 percent of Americans favor an optional one-page tax return with one rate. After all, who could complain about making something easier, especially a process that comes at such high cost? Madam Speaker, this is a very political year. We hear a lot of talk about change. You can't turn on the television without hearing talk about change. Let's consider how that change could improve the most complicated of institutions, the Internal Revenue Service, and more importantly, deliver prosperity and return time, return time, to the American taxpayer. That is a stimulus package worthy of everyone's vote.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Ch. Pinecrest Orchard Hill Rock the Boat at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Rock the Boat, better known as Rocky, earned the ``Best-in-Breed'' title among the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels on Tuesday, February 12, 2008, for the second consecutive year. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a part of the toy group, which encompasses twenty-three breeds. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, America's oldest organization dedicated to the sport of purebred dogs, limits entry to 2,500 dogs. Rocky won best-in-breed in his category after going up against a field of thirty-five entrants, and was one of only 169 dogs to receive this honor for 2008. This triumph is the most recent in a string of successes for Rocky and his owners. In his brief show career, Rocky has accumulated six all-breed Best in Show wins, over thirty Toy Group wins, seven Specialty Best of Breed wins and eight Best in Show wins at the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, USA Specialties, making him the American Kennel Club's #1 Cavalier. His list of achievements is only made more impressive by the fact that he is not yet three years old. I extend my sincere congratulations to Rocky, as well as his breeder, owners, and trainer, for his many impressive accomplishments. It is an honor to have such a celebrated canine reside in the 26th District of Texas. I look forward to seeing what the future brings for the talented Rocky.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the grand opening of the Steven E. Copeland Government Center in Cross Roads, Texas in Denton County. The grand opening for this new facility is Friday, February 22, 2008. The center is named in honor of the late Steven Everett Copeland, an enthusiastic employee of Denton County Road and Bridge East. Mr. Copeland is remembered by his fellow workers and supervisors as a person who took pride in a job done well and was dedicated to giving his best to the citizens of Denton County. This center is dedicated to honor both his memory and his contributions to the local community. This center will provide the citizens of Denton County increased access to county services and local government officials, including the County Commissioner for Precinct 1, Constable, County Clerk, Justice of the Peace, Tax Assessor, Probation Officers, and the Denton County Sheriff. Many local officials have already moved into the new facility, saying it allows them to be closer to their constituents and provides more efficient access for the public. Local residents are able to pay county taxes, register vehicles, and receive new license plates for their vehicles. Along with these government offices, the Steven E. Copeland Government Center will also house a community room which is available to the public for use. Denton County has committed itself to providing the best for its citizens, and this new center is a shining example of that commitment. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I congratulate Denton County Commissioner Cynthia White and the Commissioners Court on the opening of this facility. I am proud to represent Denton County in the 26th District of Texas and look forward to seeing the positive effects this center will have on the community.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Thomas K. Fleming. Mr. Fleming, of North Richland Hills, Texas, after 13 years of service, has recently retired from S.C.O.R.E., the Service Corps of Retired Executives. Mr. Fleming helped to establish the local North Richland Hills chapter of S.C.O.R.E. in 1995. Under his leadership, S.C.O.R.E. has offered small business seminars and one-on-one counseling to owners and prospective owners of small businesses at the North Richland Hills Public Library for more than a decade. Under Mr. Fleming's leadership, S.C.O.R.E. has helped thousands of small business owners in the North Richland Hills area by giving them expert, no-cost, confidential counseling to improve the chances of their small business success. The local economy owes many thanks to Mr. Fleming's guidance. While his time with S.C.O.R.E. is coming to a close, I am confident Mr. Fleming will continue to enrich the city of North Richland Hills as a devoted resident. I am privileged to join his family, friends, and coworkers in extending my sincere congratulations on his retirement. Again, Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize Thomas K. Fleming for his diligent work as a dedicated serviceman to his local community. I am honored to acknowledge such a committed and altruistic citizen. It is the servant leadership of Mr. Fleming, and those like him, which truly makes our nation great.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Fort Worth Star-Telegram President and Publisher Mr. Wes Turner. After more than two decades with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Mr. Turner has retired. Mr. Turner began his career at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram in 1975 and rose through the ranks to become the Vice President of Advertising. From 1987 through 1997, he was at various newspapers before returning to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram as Publisher. While at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Mr. Turner devoted his career to ensure that the people of Fort Worth were properly informed about the world around them. I know his readers thank him for his efforts. Besides his work with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Mr. Turner is very active in his community. He serves on the boards of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, Performing Arts Fort Worth and the Longhorn Council-Boy Scouts of America Foundation. He is Vice Chairman of the Van Cliburn Foundation and Campaign Chairman for the United Way of Tarrant County. Even though Mr. Turner has completed his work at the Fort Worth Star- Telegram, we can all be thankful that he will maintain his commitment to the city of Fort Worth by continuing with his other community service endeavors. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Wes Turner on his retirement. His dedication and commitment to providing the truth to the citizens of Fort Worth made us all lead better lives. It is an honor to represent citizens like Mr. Turner in the 26th Congressional District of Texas.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the dedication of Paula Blincoe Collins' mural titled ``Historic Quakertown.'' This dedication will celebrate Black History in the City of Denton. The artwork is the first commissioned public art project for The City of Denton's Public Art Committee and will be dedicated on February 11, 2008. Artist Paula Collins consulted with the descendants of the original Quakertown to select a wide assortment of images that represented life in this community. Collins then depicted these images on the brick mural. Paula Collins is well known for her skills in brick sculpture. Among her many creations are two previously completed projects for City facilities, the ``Woman of Justice'' installed in 1994 and two entrance monuments erected in Denton at the Pecan Creek Waste Management facility in 2000. I am honored to serve a talented individual like Paula Blincoe Collins in the 26th district of Texas and I know that her artwork will both beautify the community and highlight the history of Denton for years to come.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert Hal Jackson, a life-long North Texan who passed away at 87 years of age on Saturday, January 19, 2008. Robert Hal Jackson devoted his life to helping and protecting others. Born on November 29, 1920, in Denton, Texas, he graduated from North Texas State Teacher's College, now known as the University of North Texas, in 1941. Mr. Jackson enrolled in law school at the University of Texas but left to join the Navy Air Corps on January 1, 1942. On November 14th of that year, he married his wife Barbara Hancock before serving three tours of duty in the South Pacific during World War II. He was a member of the VF-17 Skull & Crossbones Squadron and received a Silver Star for his part in the aerial attack that sunk the Yamato, Japan's largest battleship. Upon returning from the war, Jackson finished his degree at Baylor University and Southern Methodist University. He served two terms in the Texas State Legislature representing Denton, and earned his law license in 1952. Continuing his commitment as a public servant, Mr. Jackson chose to be a defense attorney in the criminal courts, believing that the American justice system relied on strong, dedicated lawyers to compel the government to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Mr. Jackson was most assuredly one of those lawyers, receiving respect from both sides of the court room for his unwavering commitment to his work. Mr. Jackson was a member of the Denton County Bar Association, the Denton County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and a founding member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. He served on the Denton Airport Board for two years, and was an avid supporter of the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Jackson was inducted into the Denton County Criminal Defense Attorneys Association's Hall of Fame in March 2006. He is survived by his wife Barbara, whom he was married to for 65 years, and several cousins. Madam Speaker, today I would like to recognize and celebrate the life of Mr. Hal Jackson, one he spent serving our country, both in the war and in the courtroom. His loyalty and allegiance to this nation will be sorely missed, but his memory will remain as an inspiration to those who were fortunate enough to have known him. I extend my sincerest sympathies to his family and friends; he will truly be missed by all.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember June Impson, longtime professor for Texas Women's University and beloved local artist to the citizens of North Texas. Ms. Impson was on the faculty of the Texas Women's University Department of Family Sciences from 1976 until her retirement in 1998. During her career in academia, she continued to pursue art and was an active member of the Denton, Texas-based Visual Arts Society of Texas. She served as an officer in the society, and Ms. Impson also taught workshops and learned alongside her fellow members. Ms. Impson was known for her paintings and collages of flowers, especially the wildflowers of Texas. ``I love nature,'' Ms. Impson once said. ``All of it. Rocks, and dirt.'' Her work was described as ``immediate, bold, and beautifully painted.'' She was thought by many to be inspirational, gentle, imaginative, encouraging, and inclusive and she will be greatly missed in the art community as well as the North Texas and Texas Women's University communities. She was so loved by the art community around her that the Visual Arts Society of Texas established a scholarship fund in Ms. Impson's name before her death. I extended my thoughts to her husband, Billy Roy Switzer, and her two sons, Loren and Keiller, as well as a long list of family members and friends. June Impson will be greatly missed by the many that are fortunate enough to have known her, and I am certain that her artwork will continue to inspire others for years to come.