Michael Burgess

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and commitment of Raymond Dunning Jr. Mr. Dunning has served his community in a variety of capacities his entire life, and I would like to take the opportunity to recognize this man's life on the eve of his retirement. Throughout his life, Mr. Dunning has been selfless, starting with his commitment to excellence in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program during his college years at Sam Houston State. During his time there, he won numerous awards for achievement, culminating his senior year, where he served as ROTC commander and then was selected from thousands of applicants to receive a Regular Army Commission of Second Lieutenant upon graduation in 1964. While serving in Vietnam, he rose to the rank of Captain, was awarded the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device in May of 68, and then in August of 68 he received a Bronze Star with First Oak Leaf Cluster. Since his discharge from the army, Mr. Dunning has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those around him, both through his professional career and in his spare time. He worked with a hospital management company which helped troubled hospitals get back on their feet. Since moving to Lewisville, in his capacity as President and CEO of the hospital system, Mr. Dunning has worked hard to improve the local health care system by helping to expand the hospital system and also by improving the standard of care. The hospital has more than doubled its bed capacity and added a new ICU and a cardiovascular line. Many men would be happy with those professional accomplishments, but it is what Mr. Dunning has done in his spare time that resulted in him being named Lewisville's Citizen of the year in 1994. He has served on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, helped to grow the local golf tournament, participated in committees dedicated to improving the local police and school systems, and volunteered to be the director of the local United Way. This is just a short list of the many hats he has worn to help the Lewisville area grow and flourish. It is with great honor I stand here today to recognize a man who has touched so many people on a personal level and asked nothing in return.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, this past Monday, June 25, marked the eighth anniversary of the bombing of the Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia. At 9:50 p.m. local time, a truck bomb exploded with the force of 20,000 tons of TNT, and 19 Americans were left dead, Americans who were due to return home 2 days later on June 27. Mr. Speaker, we now know that this was one of the first battles in the global war on terror, and we have since seen other such battles, and other Americans have lost their lives. Now we are engaged in what the President describes as a forward strategy of the war on terror, and he articulated that vision again for the American people 2 nights ago, and I was grateful for his ability to do that. Mr. Speaker, the recollection of our record in what has happened in the past 10 years' time around the world has so changed everything that we do in this House, and the events of last evening have shown us one more time how the world has changed around us. I salute the families of the men and women who died at the Khobar Towers. God bless them, God rest their souls, and God bless every one of our American troops serving today.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, a year ago today, sovereignty was returned to the country of Iraq and the Coalition Provisional Authority left. But, Madam Speaker, over the past several weeks, the negative press over our progress and polls here at home seem to have undermined a lot of the good activity that has occurred there. The goal of the attackers, the goal of the insurgents, is to discourage Iraqis from participating in their own government. A second goal, of course, is to weaken our resolve here at home. Ironically, they seem to be failing in the first choice, but succeeding in the second. Madam Speaker, every time I have traveled to Iraq, I have been struck by the disparity between what I see on my television here at home in the United States and what is actually happening on the ground in Iraq. Our soldiers should not have to look over their shoulders to see if we support them in their mission. I urge my colleagues in this House on both sides to carefully consider their rhetoric when they use words like ``quagmire'' and ``civil war'' in respect to the conflict in Iraq.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Fire-Rescue station of Forest Hill, Texas. The Forest Hill department will soon be unveiling state-of-the-art equipment to help assist in widespread disaster. The equipment to be unveiled was purchased with the funds issued by Texas State Homeland Security Grant and the Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant of $523,000 and $37,600 respectively. On the morning of July 12th, Forest Hill Fire-Rescue will unveil the newest purchases in ``specialized equipment'' that will help serve during times of natural or man-made disasters. In addition to using the grant money in such sensible and viable means, the Forest Hill Rescue Department employed their newly acquired resources as means to establishing the much acclaimed Southern Emergency Response and Preparedness Association, SERPA. SERPA was designed to develop relationships with other local departments and to create standard operating guidelines in the case of widespread emergencies. Mr. Speaker, as their Congressman, I want to congratulate Fire Chief Pat Ekiss and his department for allocating the grant funds in a useful manner and to thank them for their dedication in assisting and saving others. It is with the service and dedication of department's such as the Forest Hill Fire and Rescue that ensure the continuing protection and prominence of our communities and nation.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and commitment of Mrs. Veda Green. Mrs. Green was named the Spirit of JPS Volunteer of the Year by JPS Health Network for her years of outstanding and dedicated community service in multiple capacities for the JPS Health Network. Mrs. Green received the award at the annual JPS Health Network Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon in recognition of the over 4000 hours of community service she has worked during the last 8 years. Veda earned a reputation as someone who truly cares about others through her work as a volunteer at the information desk and in pastoral care. JPS Health Network is an organization committed to improving the health of families throughout my district. The Network includes John Peter Smith Hospital, the JPS Institute for Health Career Development, and a network of community-based health centers, home care and psychiatric services at Trinity Springs Pavilion. That such a large organization with so many different great people associated with it would choose Mrs. Green speaks quite highly of her. It is with great honor I stand here today to recognize a woman who has touched so many people on a personal level and asked nothing in return.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Leadership Training Institute of America, the leading training program for students seeking instruction in personal development in leadership and character. Their training program gives students the necessary tools to lead the next generation of young Americans in the traditions, principles and wisdom imparted to us by our founding fathers. The quality of this training assures me of America's bright future as the leader of the world. The Leadership Training Institute of America is a cultural think tank providing training and opportunity in leadership development and cultural dynamics. This organization encourages youth to apply and excel in leadership and critical thinking skills, study world view conflicts and strategies, network with outstanding leaders, and pursue careers in influential sectors of society. The Leadership Training Institute of America trains and equips young men and women to be leaders with high standards of personal morality and integrity. The participants are exposed to the major philosophies, views, and issues of our world today and are encouraged to become leaders with convictions built on scientific knowledge, historical record, and Biblical wisdom. Our Nation is in great need of young men and women of character to lead in every arena of our society. The Leadership Training Institute of America encourages students to use their talents and abilities to set a standard of excellence in their homes, schools, businesses, or whatever profession they might pursue to establish a new standard of excellence and integrity for the next generation. It is with great appreciation that I rise today to commend the vision and accomplishments of this outstanding organization. I salute the dedicated staff of the Leadership Training Institute of America and encourage its increased influence among our Nation's youth.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor that I rise today to recognize the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce (FWMBCC)'s 25 years of devoted service to the enhancement of the economic development in the African American community in my district. Since its founding in 1979, the FWMBCC's tireless efforts, on behalf of the black community of Fort Worth, have accomplished a great deal. I would like to mention a few of their accomplishments. The FWMBCC has done much to improve minority involvement in the Fort Worth economy. In 1985, the FWMBCC contracted with the Fort Worth Convention and Visitor's Bureau for sales, and marketing initiatives to attract minority association conventions. Three years later, it established two enterprise zones in a partnership effort with the City of Fort Worth. It initiated the development of a comprehensive plan for redevelopment of Southeast Fort Worth in 1991. The FWMBCC strives to get others involved as well. In 1989, it signed a Community Reinvestment Act Agreement with Bank One (Chase Bank) to benefit low to moderate income families. It also recruited the OmniAmerican Federal Credit Union to build a branch location in Southeast Fort Worth on Rosedale in the Poly neighborhood. It also lobbied to pursue development of workforce support for the Alliance Corridor, including public transportation to the growing Alliance business community from Southeast Fort Worth. The FWMBCC is about more then just money, as shown by the way it adopted Como Elementary School under the Fort Worth Independent School District's Adopt-a-School program. Showing further concern for education, it collaborated with Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. on a strategic plan resulting in the refurbishing of the F.W. Carver School for use by the Fort Worth Housing Authority and the I.M. Terrell School. The FWMBCC believes strongly in integration of both race and gender. It established the Women's Business Issues Division as a part of the FWMBCC--the first women's division in the nation affiliated with a Black Chamber in recognition of the business assistance needs of women of color to much acclaim. It also served as an advocate on behalf of people of color for business opportunities in Sundance Square and other business areas in and around the City of Fort Worth as well as integration of the Colonial Country Club. I would like to applaud the FWMBCC on its first 25 years, and encourage it to keep up its impressive work.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, almost 3 decades ago, the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth came together and made an historic agreement to have one regional airport. This local agreement was codified by congressional action known as the Wright amendment. There are those in Congress today who now seek to repeal the Wright amendment. But, Mr. Speaker, it is my belief that if there is a change to occur to that agreement that it should come from the local level and not from Washington. I think the mayors and county officials on both sides of the Trinity River should make this decision, and if they come to us, if they propose a change to the agreement, then and only then should Congress become involved. Our community in North Texas is fortunate to have two thriving airports. We serve millions of satisfied customers and employ hundreds of thousands of North Texans. We should not jeopardize that which is working well already. As a Republican, I am all for competition. But as a Republican, I am also for local control, and I do not believe in a Washington top-down approach to problems. And, finally, as a Republican, I believe it is important to keep our word and keep our covenant, and that is exactly what we should do with the Wright amendment today.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, when you hear Governors talk about Medicaid, the one word they use, regardless of party or what region of the country they represent, the one word they use over and over again is ``unsustainable.'' In 2005, the Medicaid program has grown to become a program that costs Federal and State governments $330 billion a year and covers 50 million beneficiaries. States grapple with the cost of the program, providers struggle to participate in Medicaid, and beneficiaries ask whether it is meeting their needs. Mr. Speaker, if we were creating this program today, I doubt the current Medicaid system is one that any one of us would visualize. We should not shy away from reviewing this program to ensure that it is meeting its stated mandate: to provide quality care for the disabled, poor, elderly, and the frail. Is the program meeting this mandate? In terms of sheer magnitude, the Medicaid program has become unworkable, and growth is a constant. The program cannot continue to grow at its current rate and meet the needs of those that its covers. Oftentimes health care policy is a study in crisis management. We have come to a point with Medicaid that we will be pushed to make trade-offs. We must ensure that Medicaid serves as a true safety net, and we must have the institutional courage to review this program and make changes where necessary prior to its ultimate collapse from its own weight.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, within the past few weeks the Canadian Supreme Court has issued an opinion that it is unconstitutional for the State of Quebec to outlaw the private practice of medicine and private health care in the State of Quebec. This is an interesting development because we are frequently told that our neighbor to the north has solved their health care problems, while the United States languishes behind. In an editorial yesterday in the Wall Street Journal, they point out that the Canadian Supreme Court found that access to a waiting list is not the same as access to care, and, in fact, for surgery across the board, no matter what type of surgery, the waiting time is over 18 weeks in Canada, and it would be longer if the United States were not just to the south of Canada. Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit probably takes a lot of the problems of the waiting lists in Toronto. Surely, those clamoring for a single payer system in this country must now rethink their position. The Wall Street Journal points out that there are two ways to allocate goods and services. One is by price and a market-driven economy, and one is by placing people in waiting lines as in a government-run system. Mr. Speaker, a doctor I knew from Cuba several years ago told me, sure, we have equality in our medical system in Cuba; unfortunately, that equality is absolutely at the bottom. We do not need to duplicate that here in the United States.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give tribute to Rudy Eastman, from the 26th Congressional District of Texas, for his lifelong contributions to his community and to his fellow citizens. Eastman committed his life to the promotion of African-American theater through his service as a teacher for the Fort Worth Independent School District and later as the founder of the Jubilee Theater in Forth Worth. Eastman passed away on May 31, 2005. I would like to recognize and celebrate Eastman's life today. Born in Oklahoma in 1944, he later moved to Texas where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1966. That same year he began teaching in Fort Worth while studying theater at the University of North Texas and Texas Christian University. In 1972, he helped form the Sojourner Truth Players. While still teaching students who routinely earned recognition in State competition, Eastman in 1981 founded the Jubilee Theater. Through the perseverance of its founder, the Jubilee Theater would realize its goal of providing an outlet for African-American theater. Eastman produced innovative plays of his own, but also shared his knowledge with others, and helped many young talents realize their own dreams. Above all, he made African-American theater accessible to the people of Fort Worth and through this was able to positively impact race relations in the area. It was my honor to represent Rudy Eastman. 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 and serve their fellow man by them.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, it is my duty to clearly state the necessity of men's health awareness. This week is National Men's Health Week, and it comes at an important time as we pause to honor our Fathers. As a practicing physician for over 20 years and now having the pleasure of sitting on the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, I wholeheartedly understand the importance of regular health screenings. On May 10 of this ear, I introduced the Medicare Osteoporosis Measurement Act to address the issue of male osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a degenerative bone condition that can make bones fragile and can gradually erode quality of life for our seniors. But contrary to popular belief, osteoporosis is a serious health problem for men, as well as women. Two million American men suffer under this debilitating illness, and 12 million more are at risk for developing the disease. It is crucial that men everywhere seek out regular health check-ups. Routine medical examinations are key to detecting--and preventing-- serious men's health concerns like high cholesterol and blood pressure, prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. In addition, men should strive to equip themselves with the knowledge and information necessary for personal health awareness. They need to know about important illnesses facing men and at what age specific screenings are needed. Dr. Robert Admire, founder of Denton Urology in 1997, has been a leader in the field of men's health for 30 years. He sits as a diplomat for the American Board of Urologists and was Chief of Staff for Denton Community Hospital for over a decade. In addition to his work at Denton Community Hospital, he also works at Presbyterian Hospital of Denton and Denton Regional Medical Center. A graduate of U.T. Southwestern Medical School, Dr. Admire completed his residency at Parkland Hospital just a few years behind me. Today, I am honored to represent Dr. Admire in Congress. He is an upstanding member of the medical community as well as the community at large currently serving on the board of trustees for Liberty Christian School in his hometown of Argyle. The fight for better men's health is a partnership. It is a partnership between men and their physicians. For this reason, I honor Dr. Admire, his staff and National Men's Health Week.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, with all of the negative press these days, one of the big stories that has been missed is how productive this Congress has been since the first of the year. In fact, this may be one of the most productive Congresses this country has seen since the Second World War. Let me go through with my colleagues very quickly the 20 pieces of major legislation we have passed this year and the five appropriations bills we have passed since the beginning of the year. We passed a class action fairness bill. We passed a highway bill and energy bill and our budget and the Real ID Act, which will strengthen our borders, and a bill for broadcast decency. We passed a continuity of the Congress bill, gang deterrence, funding for first responders, vocational and technical funding, homeland security. We have repealed estate tax for the second time, spyware prevention, bankruptcy bill, core blood registry, stem cell funding, restrictions on interstate transport for minors seeking abortions, job training. Under appropriations, Homeland Security, Interior, funding for the military quality of life and the Agriculture bill yesterday, plus the supplemental earlier in the year, a tremendous record of accomplishment that this Congress could be proud of on a bipartisan basis because most of those bills did pass with a significant number of Democratic votes.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues Congressman Blunt and Congressman Strickland in introducing legislation that would prohibit insurers from denying payment to health plan participants for injuries sustained while engaged in certain recreational activities like horseback riding or motorcycling. In January 2001, the Department of Labor, the Internal Revenue Service and the Health Care Financing Administration, issued a rule in accordance to the Health Insurance and Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) that was designed to guard against discrimination in coverage in the group health market. These rules prohibited health plans from denying coverage to people who engage in recreational activities like horseback riding and motorcycling. However a loophole was created that allowed insurers to deny payment for services based upon the source of the injury. The rule states that: ``While a person cannot be excluded from a plan for engaging in certain recreational activities, benefits for a particular injury can, in some cases, be excluded based on the source of the injury.'' A plan could, for example, include a general exclusion for injuries sustained while doing a specified list of recreational activities, even though treatment for those injuries, a broken arm for instance, would have been covered under the plan if the individual had tripped and fallen. This loophole creates a situation that is especially unfair to people who ride motorcycles, horses, snowmobiles, or any other form of motorized recreation. Millions of Americans enjoy these activities safely every year within the framework of state laws and utilizing proper safety precautions. Should something extraordinary occur resulting in an injury, these individuals deserve the same consideration when it comes to their medical expenses as every other American. They should not be denied payment for health services for the mere fact that the injury occurred on horseback or on a motorcycle. The legislation that we are introducing today will remove any ambiguity when it comes to participation in certain recreational activities or modes of transportation should an injury occur. I want to thank Mr. Blunt and Mr. Strickland for joining me on this legislation. I look forward to working with them along with the multitude of groups that have made this legislation such a high priority, especially the American Motorcyclist Association and the Motorcycle Industry Council. I urge all of our colleagues to join us as cosponsors and stand with America's riders.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the teamwork and spirit of the State and National Champion Keller High School girls' softball team. These young women have established themselves as true champions among the citizens of Keller, Texas. The Keller High Lady Indians Girls softball team recently won the State Championship in Austin, Texas, and was crowned National Champion by the USA Today National Fastpitch Coaches Association. The Lady Indians have exhibited their commitment to each other and their common goals this past season by completing their District 5-5A schedule undefeated. Among their successes were four victories at the prestigious Tournament of Champions in Arizona. Throughout the season these outstanding women have shown the success that comes from working as a team to achieve a great goal. Under the leadership of head coach Moe Fritz and assistant coach Lesley Weaver, the team--Aly Presswood, Amber Tramp, Kirsten Shortridge, Becca Byers, Brittany Cusumano, Kori Pickowitz, Michele Huffman, Kylie King, Erin McInally, Adria Park, Kati Pickowitz, Tiffanie Boone, Alisha Rams, Erin Hinojosa, Hayley Siebman, Sara LaSala, Maria Levasseur--has demonstrated the essence of the American spirit. It is with great honor that I stand here today to recognize this group of individuals who have made their community so proud. It is this dedication and perseverance that is personified by these women that makes us certain that the future is bright for our nation and for our communities.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service and commitment of Business Flooring Specialists which was recently honored as the number 45 ``Fastest-Growing New Business in America'' by Entrepreneur Magazine's Hot 100 list. In 2002, relying on a combined 45 years of experience and knowledge, President Jeff Bennett and Vice President Dale Walton established a successful company that specializes in professional floor covering and installation. Despite its rapid growth and new-found success, Bennett and Walton still personally oversee every project to guarantee that each project is done efficiently and with great detail. Just 3 years later, with the effort and loyalty the two founders have instilled, Business Flooring Specialists has become one of the premier flooring companies in North-Central Texas. As their Congressman, I am honored to represent a company and group of individuals that are so strongly committed to instilling a tough work ethic and satisfying its customers. I congratulate Business Flooring Specialists for its dedication and wish them continued success.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and commitment of Mr. Brandon Hobon. Mr. Hobon has established himself as a leader and true patriot to the community of Denton, Texas. Mr. Hobon was recently recognized by the Denton Police Department as ``Volunteer Officer of the Year.'' After serving in the police department for 11 years, Hobon has received one of the department's most prestigious honors. After graduating from college with a pre-law degree, Hobon turned down a bright future as a lawyer to better serve and protect his community. After graduation, Brandon Hobon entered the police academy where he finished second in his class, and earned advanced certifications and credentials in crime prevention, hazardous material response and terrorism training. In addition to serving and protecting our citizens, Mr. Hobon dedicates considerable amount of time mentoring young school children, and visiting and assisting in senior citizen programs. It is with great honor that I stand here today to recognize an individual who has dedicated his life to protecting and assisting others. It is with the service and commitment of men such as Brandon Hobon that ensure the continuing protection and prominence of our communities and nation.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and commitment of Mayor Euline Brock. Ms. Brock has established herself as a leader and true servant to my hometown Denton, Texas. Mayor Brock was recently presented the William J. Pitstick Regional Cooperation Award from the North Central Texas Council of Governments. The award recognizes individuals who have promoted good, strong leadership and spirit of regionalism in solving multi-jurisdictional problems. Since first elected Denton's mayor in 2000, Mayor Brock has become a lead spokesman for promoting regional and inter-jurisdictional cooperation. In addition to her mayoral duties, Ms. Brock serves on the prestigious Texas Municipal League's Legislative Committee and was recently appointed by the U.S. Council of Mayors to serve on the Energy and Environment Committee. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I stand here today to recognize an individual, a friend, who has dedicated her time as the Mayor of Denton not only to her constituents but also has reached out and assisted those outside her district as well. It is with the service and commitment of individuals such as Mayor Brock that ensure the continual growth and close relationship of North Texas communities.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize Essner Manufacturing and its achievement of being registered as an AS 9100 Quality Management Standard (QMS)--a designation specific to aerospace component manufacturers. This project took nearly 200 hours to complete and was a complex undertaking. Working alongside Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC) to earn the registration, Essner is a model for other manufacturing centers. Their commitment to making quality products like precision sheet metal fabrications and machined parts is evident. I extend my congratulations to Dale R. Westerfeld, President of Essner and Dave Johnson, the TMAC Project Manager. I am proud to represent a company that is so strongly committed to quality products and a positive work environment. I congratulate Essner Manufacturing and wish them continued success in their future endeavors.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and commitment of Mr. Graham Jackson. Mr. Jackson was recognized by the North Central Texas College/Small Business Development Center for his zealous business approach and his passionate entrepreneurial spirit. In early 2000, while working in the classroom support services department at the University of North Texas, Mr. Jackson recognized there was a distinct need for an audio/visual rental service in the Denton area. Electing his mother as his business partner and with some assistance from the Small Business Development Center, Jackson opened Audio Visual Solutions in August 2000. With clients such as Denton Presbyterian Hospital, the City Hall of Gainesville, and the Denton Civic Center, and with this year's sales estimated to increase three-fold compared to 2004, Jackson has established himself as a true business pioneer. In addition to Audio Visual Solutions, Mr. Jackson dedicates a considerable amount of time giving back to the Denton community by volunteering at the Denton Children's Advocacy Center and serving on the Board of the Denton Young Professionals organization. Despite several setbacks along the way, and the fact that over 80 percent of small businesses fail within five years, Mr. Jackson has relied on character and personal perseverance to become successful in his field. It is with great honor I stand here today to recognize a man who not only is the epitome of the entrepreneurial spirit, but one who has devoted his time giving back to the community that has given him so much.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, and so it was said by Pericles, the Athenian leader some 24 centuries ago, ``Not only are they commemorated by columns and inscriptions, but there dwells also an unwritten memorial of them, graven not on stone but in the hearts of men.'' Those words resonate true today as they did centuries ago. Above all, I am awed by a greater sense of pride and appreciation for our fallen soldiers and those serving abroad. We approach this day with solemn affirmations of the sacrifices of our brave men and women, and in celebration for every joy and freedom bestowed to us from the Almighty. This day was born of human necessity and the answer to an overwhelming desire to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live not with fear, but with hope. No matter where he or she has served, a soldier stands in place for you, for me, for us as a country and for freedom everywhere. May they always be honored for their commitment and respected for their bravery. For the stance taken by each man and woman is written down in the archives of history. The stories and memories shape our vision of the world and provide footsteps for future generations. Bow one head; say one prayer; lay one flower; remember one soldier; and may we all give thanks to God and honor Veterans today.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the majority leader and my chairman for yielding me this time. I do rise in opposition to this bill today. The debate that we are about is expanding Federal funding, not limiting research. There are no bona fide treatments available for embryonic stem cells. There is nothing in the laboratory, and there is certainly nothing in the clinics available to patients. Honesty is an important part of this debate, and I am concerned that more than a promise has been offered to people who are suffering and the reality is that those potential treatments are much more limited than they have been portrayed. The President, I think, wisely put parameters, set boundaries around this type of research back in 2001. Let us not forget that private funding for stem cell research is available today. A couple who has an embryo developed in an IVF clinic is perfectly free to take that embryo to a lab at Harvard or California and have a stem cell line developed. The reality is in a poll of my reproductive endocrinologists back home: that never comes up as an issue. But 22 cell lines are currently utilized. There are an additional 31 cell lines available, per Dr. Zerhouni's testimony before our committee, that will be developed after the issue of animal growth medium becomes overcome. And there are two papers out this past week that indicate that that date may be quickly upon us. Mr. Speaker, I think it is important that we follow the money in this debate. The reality is if there are indeed a third of the population of the United States who would benefit from this research, I believe that the big biotech money would be jumping into this. We would not be able to keep them out. They would be buying patents and capturing cell lines for their future use. If there is one thing we learned in the last Presidential election, it was that both major candidates asserted that life begins at conception, and we are talking about taking a life. Remember that that inner cell mass that we are talking about that is taken at about 2 weeks of development, if we put that on a timeline of a human pregnancy, about 5 days later we are going to see a heartbeat on a sonogram. So, Mr. Speaker, this is what the debate is all about. I urge us to protect life and vote against this bill.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man, like so many others in our Nation, who were truly American: Matthew Walden Freeman. Although I did not personally know Midshipman Matthew Freeman, I knew of his valor and patriotism. His passing is somberly remembered by those who knew him best. A senior at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in New York, Matt had shown a dedication to service his entire life. A graduate of Ryan High School in Denton, Matt was honored to be awarded status as an Eagle Scout. While Midshipman Freeman was not activated, he was a reservist and served as Navy Second Class. During his time at the Academy, Midshipman Freeman devoted time and effort into helping others. The Superintendent of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) issued an Academy Achievement Ribbon for Meritorious Service to Matt for his waterborne rescue and relief efforts following the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York City. As an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Matt interfaced with the midshipmen volunteers who manned Academy vessels used to ferry firefighters, rescue personnel and emergency equipment throughout New York Harbor in support of the New York City Fire Department's emergency operations. He personally participated in three watch tours and spent over 40 hours on the scene. As an EMT, he provided first-aid services to firefighters working ashore near the disaster and to midshipmen rescue personnel traveling aboard Academy vessels. He also helped manage the EMT watch throughout the Academy's operation and assisted with their blood drive on 9/11. Along with the 89 other midshipmen participants, he displayed the highest levels of leadership, professionalism and compassion and served as an inspiration to his peers during the difficult days of the rescue and recovery operation. Through his unselfish service, Midshipman Freeman brought great credit to the Regiment of Midshipmen during a time on national crisis and served as role model to his fellow midshipmen, the 4th class in particular. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Regiment of Midshipmen and the USMMA. He received a citation for outstanding performance in support of Operation Guarding Liberty, following the attack on WTC. Today, we honor Matt Freeman for his commitment to America. I want you to know, on behalf of a grateful Nation, we say, ``Thank you.'' He will always be remembered for his kindness and generosity to others, and may he serve as a role model for others in the future.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service and commitment of Sherry Davidoff, Morgan Harvard and Julianna Tisdale. These individuals have shown great dedication and loyalty in mentoring and making a difference to those in need of it most. Ms. Davidoff, Ms. Harvard, and Ms. Tisdale were recently honored by The Colleyville Woman's Club at the annual Youth Volunteer Service Awards with the Circle of Hope Award. This prestigious award recognizes youth who have demonstrated laudable public service throughout their community. The selfless way in which they serve as mentors and volunteers speaks volumes to their loyalty and adherence to better assist those who require it most. It is the noble efforts of individuals such as the aforementioned that improve our community and strengthen America. It is with great honor that I stand here today to recognize these ladies who have dedicated their young lives to assisting others. Their contribution and services should serve as an inspiration to others in their field and those who wish to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, we are going to take up a bill this morning that would greatly expand Federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, and that is the issue this morning, the issue of Federal funding for this process. The question is, are we going to use taxpayer dollars for destruction of human embryos in order to further a certain line of research? President Bush in 2001 outlined his policy. There are 78 stem cell lines available at the National Institutes of Health available for study. Today's bill would in fairness expand those lines but would do so at the expense of human embryos that would be human embryos destroyed with taxpayer dollars. Mr. Speaker, there is no prohibition on any couple who has an embryonic at an IVF clinic, at a reproductive endocrinologist clinic, who wishes to donate that embryo to a private lab for development into a stem cell line. That can happen today. There is no such prohibition. But, Mr. Speaker, the issue today is whether or not we are going to use taxpayer dollars to fund that process. I believe the President had it right in 2001. It was correct to put parameters and boundaries around this research.