Michael Burgess

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the superior academic performance of Megan Elizabeth Day, a recipient of this year's Presidential Freedom Scholarship. Thirteen students in the 26th Congressional District are receiving this special recognition. This award recognizes outstanding service and citizenship initiatives by the students who were nominated, and provides an opportunity to acknowledge their leadership. Administered by Learn and Serve America, the scholarship provides $500 in Federal funds, matched with $500 from a community organization or business obtained for the student by their high school or Boys and Girls Club. Winners must have completed at least 100 hours of community service, either through a school-based service-learning program or independently through service at a nonprofit or faith-based organization. Megan is a recent graduate of Bethesda Christian School. The Whitney Masonic Lodge #355 is matching her $500 in Federal funds. Over 38,000 students to date have received this award and I extend my sincere congratulations to Megan Elizabeth Day for being one of them. This student's contribution and services should serve as inspiration to those who wish to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to take this minute and thank the people of my home State of Texas for opening their hearts and opening their State to their neighbors in Louisiana. Almost a quarter of a million residents from the State of Louisiana are now seeking shelter in the State of Texas. In my district in north Texas, truly an unbelievable story has unfolded. The Dallas County Medical Society sent out a fax last week to 3,600 doctors and their membership; 800 members immediately sent back the response: Where do I show up and when? That group put together a response for the hurricane victims that is absolutely unprecedented in my experience in medicine. In my own district in north Texas, from Gainesville to Denton to Keller, to the City of Fort Worth, shelters have been set up, sometimes at a church, sometimes at a summer camp, sometimes at an old hospital, but these centers have provided the shelter and the comfort to the victims of this devastating hurricane. And hopefully, we will get them back on their way, get them the help they need and allow them to rebuild their lives. Mr. Speaker, I again want to thank the people of the great State of Texas for all that they have done to help their neighbors in Louisiana.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, we heard today the majority whip describe a domestic Marshall Plan for rebuilding the southeast United States and particularly the Port of Orleans and the city of New Orleans. I want to just mention how proud I am of the State of Texas, the Governor of Texas, who opened his arms to refugees from Louisiana 400 miles away. We have refugees from Louisiana all over north Texas right now, right next to my district office in Fort Worth, Texas. Last night I spent time with a mother who had been separated from her newborn baby, spent time with a child who had been separated from his parents, truly heart- wrenching stories from this area that were so badly hit by the hurricane. I want to thank Attorney General Greg Abbott for his strong stand against price gouging. I want to thank American Airlines for freeing up assets to fly equipment down to New Orleans or to Baton Rouge and to bring people back. I want to thank DFW Airport for stepping up to the plate immediately and offering their assistance. This has been a widespread effort across North Texas. People have opened their hearts, their homes and their wallets. I trust this exercise will continue. I am now glad that the Congress is here and passed this money to help with the recovery.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give tribute to Burl Jack Akins for his lifelong contributions to his community, family, and country. Mr. Akins passed away at his home in Mesa, Arkansas with his wife Gail, by his side. Born in rural Crawford County, Arkansas to Gene and Bonnie Akins, he was the youngest of three children. In 1947, Mr. Akins joined the United States Air Force and served as an aircraft mechanic for B52's and F111's until 1959. It is worth noting that he was intent on serving his country, so much so, that at the ripe, young age of 16, he lied about his age so he could be admitted into the armed services. Mr. Akins continued as a civilian employee working for LTV Steel and General Dynamics until medically retired in 1971. He and his first wife Barbara, who preceded him in death after 45 years of marriage, had 7 children, 20 grandchildren and 17 great-grand children. It was my honor to know Burl Jack Akins. I extend my sympathies to his family and friends. May the example of this man, whose contributions made richer the fabric of our American culture, be inspiration to all who seek their dreams to serve their fellow man.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Specialist Ernest W. Dallas, Jr. of Denton, Texas. Specialist Dallas was killed in action on July 24, 2005, in Baghdad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. According to initial reports, Specialist Dallas died when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle. Specialist Dallas was assigned to K Troop, 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colorado. Specialist Dallas' family resides in Denton, Texas. I would like to extend my most heartfelt sympathy and condolences to his family and friends who have suffered this loss.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise so that I may celebrate the 25th anniversary of the CareFlite Emergency Rescue Team. This non- profit rescue organization provides a crucial service to north central Texas serving nearly six million people in 100 counties and communities within a 150-mile radius of Dallas-Fort Worth. Just this past year, CareFlite answered the call of duty 19,000 times with one of their six helicopters or one of their 21 ambulances. They are able to get a medical team to a site, stabilize the injured and transport them to the nearest medical facilities in a matter of minutes. Especially in situations where injuries affect several systems, this quick response time can make all the difference. Beyond saving lives, CareFlite is very active in the communities which it serves. They offer the ``Third Rider'' and ``Landing Zone'' programs to educate other medical professionals about their area of expertise; and, perhaps most importantly, CareFlite works closely with the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission to put on their ``Shattered Dreams'' program to educate high school students about the dangers of underage drinking. CareFlite provides an invaluable service to the Metroplex and it is imperative that we recognize that service. These men and women who dedicate their lives to saving others truly make every precious minute count.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Molded Fiber Glass Companies in Gainesville, Texas, located in my district, and to celebrate the passage of H.R. 6, The Energy Policy Act of 2005. Molded Fiber Glass Companies had modest beginnings near Lake Erie in Ohio when they first opened their doors in 1948. Since then they have continued to push the limits of technology and have added offices and research facilities across the nation. In 2001, MFG began producing massive blades to harness the power of wind and open new doors in renewable energy. With this new bill, MFG will be able to provide more energy at a lower price to the surrounding communities. A major component of The Energy Policy Act of 2005 extends the renewable electricity production credit through December 31, 2007 for wind, closed-loop biomass, open-loop biomass, geothermal, small irrigation power, landfill gas, and trash combustion. The provision will encourage the use of renewable energy, like wind energy, thereby increasing the demand for wind turbines such as those manufactured by MFG. This company provides so much to our community, and I am proud to have them within the district I represent. I hope that their dedication to renewable energy and our environment continues well into the future.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in order to recognize the achievement of Mrs. Peggy Heinkel-Wolfe. Mrs. Heinkel-Wolfe has been awarded a contract from the University of North Texas to publish her book detailing the first four years of her son's life before he was diagnosed with autism. After attending the University of North Texas, also my alma-mater, Peggy Heinkel-Wolfe worked with UNT as a research and development specialist and wrote for various publications including the Denton Record Chronicle. She has returned to UNT and is now a web marketing specialist for the university relations office. Mrs. Heinkel-Wolfe's manuscript was chosen from among 34 entries by a panel of literary professionals at the Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Writers Conference of the Southwest. The book will provide insight for millions of individuals across the country who can relate to her son, Sam. The simple yet significant milestones she describes will allow readers a chance to place themselves ``in her house'' and ``in her shoes.'' Peggy Heinkel-Wolfe has captured the incredible compassion in her home and skillfully transposed those feelings into a novel. The compassion her family displays is an attribute every household should strive to instill. I look forward to the completion of her story, and I applaud her for providing insight and advice to all who have the opportunity to read it.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today so that I may recognize the contribution of ENTECH Inc., an energy company in my district, and to celebrate the passing of H.R. 6, The Energy Policy Act of 2005. Located in Keller, Texas since 1995, ENTECH has created solar energy systems which are capable of providing renewable electrical power without emissions and at a reduced cost. ENTECH is the world's leading manufacturer of concentrating photovoltaic solar systems. In addition to electrical output, ENTECH systems can also produce hot water or other thermal energy outputs. ENTECH's ``SunLine'' technology is able to provide clean and quiet energy for plumbing and lighting systems for a variety of applications ranging from commercial establishments to, most recently, the space program. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 will provide tax relief to individuals and businesses investing in solar energy. It also creates a goal of instilling solar energy systems in 20,000 Federal building within the next 5 years. ENTECH is having a significant impact on our community and our Nation, and I am proud to have them within the 26th Congressional District of Texas.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor my friend, Vivian Cockburn. The spirit, courage, and passion she exemplifies as mayor of Ponder, Texas, and in her fight against ovarian cancer and yearly participation in the Annual Ovarian Cancer Walk is inspirational. Mayor Cockburn and her husband, Dan, have made Ponder, Texas, their home for the past 33 years. They were proud to raise their four children--Danny, Amanda, Christina, and Peter--in Ponder and are now blessed with seven grandchildren. Prior to becoming mayor, she was licensed as a vocational nurse for the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Justin in 1976. She then served as school nurse for the Ponder Independent School District in 1984 and for Brandenburg Elementary in Irving, Texas, in 1997. Before serving at Brandenburg, Mayor Cockburn returned to school and received her Registered Nurse's degree from Texas Women's University. . Mayor Cockburn served on Ponder's Planning and Zoning Commission before being appointed as mayor by the Town Council on November 2, 2000. Because of her outstanding leadership and commitment to the community, she was elected in May 2001 and reelected in May 2003 and again in 2005. As mayor, she has played a key role in making a positive impact on the lives of the citizens of Ponder through her strong initiatives of repairing the streets and community for the children, handicapped, and the elderly. Among her accomplishments, the town, under her superior guidance, was able to remodel city offices to become handicap accessible, implement a recycling program for its residents, and communicate with the Texas Department of Transportation to push for the repairs of State Highway 156. With the passage of the Transportation Reauthorization Bill in the U.S. House of Representatives today, $1.6 million will go for FM 156 between Ponder and Krum. It was Mayor Cockburn's determination and commitment that truly made the project a reality, and I was glad to work with her on making this a high priority in the final passage. She also hopes for a city park with a playground where children of the community can safely play. It is my distinguished honor to recognize Mayor Cockburn for her outstanding service and commitment to the improvement and development of the Ponder community. Her leadership and devotion serves as an inspiration to myself and others.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, on July 28, 2005, I was present and did vote ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 448, but was recorded as ``not voting''. I respectfully ask that the record show I did vote ``aye'' on final passage of H.R. 5, the HEALTH Act of 2005, but was not recorded.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time to speak on this important issue today. Mr. Speaker, we, of course, passed this bill some 2 years ago last March. Down in Texas we passed a bill 2 years ago this September and a constitutional amendment that would essentially provide the same type of cap on noneconomic damages that we are discussing here today in H.R. 5. It has been said before that the States are great laboratories for the Nation. If that is the case, let us examine what has happened in Texas in the 2 years since the cap has been passed. When I ran for Congress in the year 2002, we started the year 2002 with 17 insurers in the State of Texas. By the time I took this office at the start of 2003, we were down to two insurers. It is pretty hard to get competitive rates when you have driven 15 insurers out of the market. Since the passage of the Proposition 12 in September of 2003, which allowed a cap on noneconomic damages, we have had 12 insurers come back to the State, which has provided competitive rates, and Texas Medical Liability Trust, my old insurer of record before I left medical practice, immediately dropped its rates 12 percent after the passage of Proposition 12 and then dropped its rates another 5 percent for a total of 17 percent in the first year since Proposition 12 was passed. Most importantly, Mr. Speaker, an unintended consequence of the passage of Proposition 12 in Texas was what has happened in private, not-for-profit hospitals. The Cristus Health Care System in south Texas, a self-insured hospital system, realized a $12 million savings from the first 9 months after that proposition was passed, money that was put back into nurses' salaries, capital expansion, the very things we want our hospitals to spend money on if they were not having to pay it for noneconomic damages. And, finally, I just cannot let pass the statement about price controls. Physicians have lived under price controls, certainly all of my professional career, for the last 25 years. We have managed, sometimes poorly. But what happens when we have price controls is we end up with lines, and one of the biggest problems we have right now is that doctors are dropping out of practice, and we do not have the practitioners there to provide care for the patients.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, this has indeed been a long process. I thank the chairman and I thank the ranking member for providing us with the leadership that has given us this balanced legislative product. Mr. Speaker, conservation, production, alternative energy sources, and new technologies, hybrid vehicles, fuel cell vehicles are all part of this energy bill that we have before us today. In my district back in Texas, significant because we have a big solar panel production plant in Keller, Texas, we have a wind turbine plant in Gainesville, Texas, up in Cook Country. And while people know that we have lots of wind and lots of sun in Texas, you may not know that we have garbage in Texas. And in Denton, Texas, my hometown, we have a new biodiesel plant, and the energy for that biodiesel plant is taken entirely from methane from the city dump, truly a balanced way to achieve new sources of energy. Mr. Speaker, again I thank the chairman for the leadership in bringing this bill for us today, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the outstanding performance of Officer Tom Cleveland at the World Police and Fire Games in Quebec City, Canada. The World Police and Fire Games, the second largest international sporting event, has been a longstanding tradition for Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters in several countries throughout the world. This international event takes place every other year as a chance for them to showcase their athletic abilities. This year, Tom's determination and drive led him to be one of the best among the 10,000 competitors from 51 countries worldwide. He finished 3rd in the 400 Int. Hurdles, 5th in the 110 High Hurdles and 12th in the Toughest Competitor Alive competition. I am proud to recognize Officer Tom Cleveland a fine citizen and athlete. We are proud of his accomplishments and to have him represent and serve the North Richland Hills Community, the 26th District of Texas, and our great Nation.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) for his leadership, and the gentleman from Texas (Chairman Barton), who is always evenhanded, played a big role in us finally getting this bill to the floor. I thank the ranking member, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown), for his work on this bill as well. Mr. Speaker, this is an important bill before us today. As a physician, I know that in order to improve safety, we have got to report errors. The gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Norwood) just pointed out how if you do not report the error, you cannot learn from the mistake and never prevent it from happening again. We have an environment right now that punishes doctors for perceived or actual mistakes by lawsuits and regulation, and it has become nearly impossible to encourage true transparency in the practice of medicine. This opacity has not served anyone well with the possible exception of the plaintiff's bar. I am pleased the United States Congress has finally come to an agreement on a level-headed approach to error reporting and will set quality standards in medicine. I believe this bill will be the first assault on the culture of fear that has permeated medicine for years now; doctors afraid of making a mistake, or doctors afraid of saying I am sorry for fear of being sued no matter how small the mistake, and this may lead to underreporting, overtreatment, and repetition of the same error again. By permitting reporting, this bill takes a critical first step in improving the quality of care in this country. The research on patient safety unequivocally calls for a learning environment rather than the punitive environment that is present in this country. Many organizations are currently collecting patient safety data, and this bill will give them the legal protections that will allow them to review protected information and collaborate on the development and implementation of patient safety and improvement strategies. Mr. Speaker, this bill is long overdue. I agree with the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Norwood) it is but a first step, but it is an important first step, and I am happy to put my support behind this bill that will improve the medical profession and improve the quality and safety of medical care for all Americans.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, it has indeed been an incredible week in this Congress, where we have seen the conference reports for the energy bill and the highway bill both completed, and likely they will come to this House this week. I want to thank the chairman on the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton), who worked so hard on the energy bill. The chairman was fair and listened to all sides of every argument, and I believe he has produced a balanced bill. The fact is, Mr. Speaker, we can neither drill nor conserve our way to energy independence, and indeed this bill addresses that fact and also applies significant attention to alternative energy sources as well as hybrid technology. I want to thank the chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), for pushing so long on a process that was frequently derailed by politics in the highway bill. I believe he also has got a good product and a product that we can afford. On the 50th anniversary of the interstate highway system, I believe it is appropriate we will be voting to extend the highway reauthorization act this week.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, in just a few moments the Space Shuttle Discovery is due to lift off from its pad in Florida. Last year, Mr. Speaker, I was a member of the House Committee on Science; and in that role I want to acknowledge the wonderful work of the scientists and technicians and the crew of the Discovery who uphold the great tradition of our space program. Barely 1 month into my first term in the 108th Congress, we lost the Space Shuttle Columbia over Texas. We felt the concussion from that blast in my north Texas district. Mr. Speaker, the return to flight was pursued in a careful, methodical fashion with a mission of strict adherence to safety. On momentous occasions like today, we remember those who sacrificed their lives, and we honor them by continuing America's quest to observe and learn from our galaxy and universe. May God guard those members while they lift off from Florida and see them safely home.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the courageous and heroic efforts of Mr. Robert Atkinson. On June 25th of 2005, when vacationing at Destin Beach with his wife and two daughters, Mr. Atkinson acted above and beyond the duties of an ordinary citizen. While others ran for safety, he did what many would not think of doing--he jumped into the water while a shark was still in the water. Mr. Atkinson's instinctive and courageous act was an attempt to save the life of Jamie Daigle, a 14 year old girl from Gonzales, Louisiana. He had put himself in danger's way and risked his own life to save another. A hero is someone who shows great courage and is to be admired for his achievements and noble qualities. I feel that Mr. Atkinson's act of selflessness and courage is one that we all can admire. Therefore, it is with great honor that I stand here today to recognize Mr. Robert Atkinson as a hero in the not only the eyes of his daughters and his hometown of Argyle, Texas, but also the 26th District of Texas.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service and commitment of Larry Sigler for his lifelong dedication and commitment to the education and development of our youth. After attending North Texas to receive his math degree and Master's in secondary education, Larry taught at Dallas Hillcrest High School and at Lewisville Middle School, now DeLay Middle School. He then served as assistant principal at DeLay, Hedrick Middle School, and Lewisville High School. He also served as principal of Hedrick before serving as the first principal of Marcus High School. After 19 years as principal at Marcus, Larry retired in 2000. While there, he helped to develop the school into one of the best academic schools in the state. Also, despite graduating from and playing football for the rival school, Lewisville High, he helped to build Marcus's strong athletic program. The Marcus High athletic program has been recognized with both state and district championship on many occasions. It is with great honor that I stand here today to recognize Larry Sigler for his contributions in improving the quality of our secondary education. His commitment serves as inspiration to others in his field and those who wish to make a positive difference in the lives of young people.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Doug and Heather Hutchens, of Argyle, Texas. Their love for children led them to embark on a fairly new procedure. Mr. and Mrs. Hutchens are pioneers in the area of embryo adoptions. This procedure allows infertile couples to adopt excess embryos from genetic parents who participated in the process of in vitro fertilization. Unlike traditional adoptions, this procedure allowed Heather to carry and give birth to her children. After a home study, background check, financial check, and completing the paperwork, the Hutchens created a profile for the genetic parents of the embryos. On their second attempt, Heather gave birth to two twin boys--Sam and Ben, and then two years later, David. Satisfied with their decision, the Hutchens play a key part in promoting the process of adopting embryos. They have taken their efforts to Washington, DC to protest legislation to expand stem cell research. Today, I want to recognize and congratulate Doug and Heather Hutchens. Their commitment to their pro-life and conservative views on life has made them the proud parents of three beautiful boys, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, maybe we can cool things off by talking about a little tax reform. What if we had a tax reform proposal that would immediately eliminate the marriage penalty, repeal the death tax, abolish the punitive alternative minimum tax, eliminate capital gains taxes and allow for immediate expensing for business and capital equipment? Well, in fact we have such reform. In case you missed it yesterday, in the Washington Times Steve Forbes talks about Americans deserve a flat tax, and believes that the stage is set for fundamental tax reform via the vehicle known as the flat tax. Now, fortunately Members of this body do not have to wait. They can cosponsor H.R. 1040 introduced last March that would provide for a flat tax which is voluntary to be available to the American people as soon as it is signed into law. It is basically a measure of trusting the American people and giving them a choice to opt into a voluntary pro growth system. It does encourage investment and savings for the first time in a long time in this country. I think it is reasonable to provide another option to the American people. Mr. Forbes concludes his article yesterday saying America has a great future. The flat tax will help us achieve it. I believe it is time to trust the American people and allow that to happen.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Phil and Bryson Gappa for their act of patriotism and selflessness. As a visual statement to help others remember, Mr. and Mrs. Gappa created a memorial dedicated to honor those who sacrificed their lives for our country. One hundred and seventy hand-painted ornaments, each recognizing and honoring a Texas soldier killed in Iraq, adorn two large trees in the front lawn of their Lewisville home. The memorial and tribute to the soldiers also serve as a heartwarming display for families of the victims. One family described seeing the memorial as a special and spiritual experience. They were moved that the couple had put time and effort into a cause when never even having met many of the soldiers. It is with great honor that I stand here today to honor Phil and Bryson Gappa for their wholehearted public display of respect and patriotism. Through their contribution, they not only stand as devoted American citizens, but serve as an inspiration to others.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Christina Rein for her creativity and ingenuity. Last year, like many parents, Christina felt the frustration of crumpled diapers when they were placed in her diaper bags. She decided she was going to do something about it. With the inspiration from her children, she designed Diapees and Wipees, a pouch created to carry a few diapers and wipes that has helped her tremendously in raising her baby boy. After numerous hours of research on how and where to market her invention, Christina founded the Christina Leigh & Company in 2004. Through her company, she has been able to help relieve the stress of many other parents, as well as starting a fashion trend. Recently, she attended the annual International Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association Trade Show and appeared on morning shows to advertise her product. Her product comes in many fashionable designs and can be purchased in baby boutiques and stores in several states or from her website. Today, I want to recognize Christina Rein for her outstanding accomplishments. Her success as a loving mother and a successful entrepreneur is admirable, and we wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Denton Municipal Electric as it celebrates 100 years in the 26th District of Texas. Denton Municipal Electric has been serving the Denton community since 1905 when the city purchased the utility from Denton Water, Light and Power Company. Since its start, Denton Municipal Electric has grown from serving fewer than 100 residents of downtown Denton to presently providing full electrical service to more than 37,000 customers over 300 miles of overhead power lines, 130 miles of underground cables and over 6,000 transformers. They provide various consumer-friendly programs including allowing customers to pledge money to their monthly bills to assist other customers with short-term financial problems, and incentive programs that credit customers' accounts for installing high-efficiency air conditioners or heat pumps. Denton Municipal Electric, along with providing safe, reliable and cost-effective electricity to its citizens, participates in numerous programs and activities in the Denton Community, including Hope for Kids, School-to-Careers, Communities in Schools, the Juneteenth Celebrations, Senior Citizen Safety Workshops, Electrical Demonstrations, Keep Denton Beautiful and Christmas decorating around the historic downtown square. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I stand here today to honor Denton Municipal Electric for its commitment to playing an active role in the development, improvement and success of the Denton community.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Diana Fairchild, an emergency response communicator in Lewisville, Texas. Ms. Fairchild was recently awarded the Silent Hero Award. The award, presented by the Commission on State Emergency Communications, CSEC, is presented to an individual who employs exceptional professionalism in the field of emergency communications. Winners of the award must be ``solid'' dispatchers whom are ``always reliable and professional.'' Diana's supervisors say she ``always goes the extra mile.'' On her own time, Ms. Fairchild has been known to visit a number of individuals in the hospital or rehabilitation, and she has even made gifts for those whom she has helped in emergencies. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I stand here today to recognize this individual for her professionalism and dependency and big heart she brings to her job. Her prestigious Silent Hero Award echoes her commitment and dedication as an emergency dispatcher. I am honored to represent her in Congress.