Max Burns

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I thank the chairman and the ranking member of the Committee on Agriculture for moving this rapidly through the committee and to the floor of the House. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4569 in an effort to stop a nationwide tree epidemic before it further infects America's forest and horticultural industry. Mr. Speaker, my distinguished colleague from Georgia (Mr. Scott) and I introduced this legislation because we recognize the similarities of what could result if sudden oak death disease continues to spread across the Nation in a similar fashion to that of the Dutch elm disease which devastated American forests and cities in the 1930s. The bill would expand the U.S. Department of Agriculture's endeavors to halt the spread of the oak-destroying fungus Phytophthora ramorum and its harmful effect on America's oaks. Phytophthora ramorum invades susceptible trees through the bark, killing portions of the tree, creating an ideal environment for insects and other fungi to invade. Although primarily a west coast disease today, the sudden oak death disease has infected nurseries all across the United States and has recently made its way to Georgia through the sale of plants in the nursery industry killing over 100,000 oaks in the process, putting businesses in danger of closing and millions of trees at risk. Our Nation's oak woodlands, urban forests, agricultural forestry and horticultural industries are all in jeopardy. The sudden oak death disease now affecting several States across our country has everyone waiting for something to be done to address this potentially disastrous problem. Sudden oak death negatively affects ecosystem functions, increases fire and safety hazards, and reduces property values in developed areas. Over 7 million people lived where the initial outbreak occurred in the urban/wildland interface of central and coastal California. Neighborhoods were transformed within months. Dead trees surrounded communities where green trees formerly thrived. Communities were overwhelmed as residential yards, parks, open space and recreation areas were irreparably altered and in need of costly removal of thousands of hazardous trees. The U.S. ornamental industry is valued at over $13 billion in annual sales, the third largest crop value in America. Georgia produces over $601 million in sales annually, and in my district alone, the 12th District of Georgia, we have $66 million in ornamental horticulture sales. Our nursery and horticultural interstate trade, international export markets, lumber companies and gardeners all will suffer a traumatic loss if we do not take action to prevent the spread of the sudden oak death disease. We have seen the early stages of the sudden oak death disease and its capability of spreading far and wide. If we fail to stop this threat to our oak trees, the similar type of disease that caused catastrophic damage among Dutch elms over decades ago, the Dutch elm disease, will seem pale by comparison. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4569 is bipartisan legislation that takes the necessary steps to combat this threat. We need our Secretary of Agriculture to immediately develop a plan to manage this disease that is rapidly spreading across our Nation. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' to protect our 21st century forests and our horticulture industry from the kind of devastation that we experienced in the 1930s with Dutch elm disease.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. I would like to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Oxley) of the Committee on Financial Services and the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Baker), the subcommittee chairman. I would like to thank my distinguished colleagues and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Emanuel) for their support and input. I rise in strong support of H.R. 5011, the Military Personnel Financial Services Protection Act. Mr. Speaker, I introduced H.R. 5011 to halt the fiscal abuse of our servicemen and -women by those in the life insurance and securities industry that use devious sales practices to collect exorbitant fees and sales commissions. Further, H.R. 5011 is targeted at those who use our Federal military installations, both at home and abroad, as a shield to evade individual State insurance regulations and restrictions. The 12th district of Georgia that I represent is home to many active duty, Reserve, and retired military personnel. I have Fort Gordon in Augusta; Fort Stewart in Savannah. I have the Naval Supply Course School in Athens. Georgia is represented by all branches of the military service: Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy. In recent months, my office had become aware of servicemen and -women residing in the 12th district and throughout the State of Georgia that have suffered financially as a result of dubious financial products and questionable insurance policies. Unfortunately, these questionable sales practices are not limited to the State of Georgia and have been found to be pervasive on our military installations within the United States and abroad. Investigations into these practices are currently being conducted by the Department of Defense, the NASD, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the State insurance commission regulators, including Georgia's commissioner of insurance, John Oxendine. Let me provide my colleagues with a few unfortunate examples of what has happened just in Georgia. Young recruits have been approached in group settings during boot camp and asked to fill out savings plan allotment forms that in truth turn out to be primarily payments for insurance premiums and sales commissions. Junior enlisted personnel have been encouraged by senior enlisted personnel to participate in savings plans that are, in fact, insurance products. Junior enlisted personnel and their superiors have received free meals at local restaurants and other gratuities as an enticement to participate in these illicit plans. Junior officers have been provided free drinks and food at base officers clubs and then asked to participate in flawed mutual fund contracts that give the appearance of being endorsed by their chain of command. Retired military personnel now employed by financial insurance firms have used their base and command access to inappropriately influence junior officers and enlisted personnel to participate in these questionable products. Flawed mutual fund contractual plans that are disparaged by the financial and industry experts have been marketed virtually exclusively to our military personnel. Outrageous as these may seem, sales agents banned from military installations in Georgia subsequently moved to Germany and continued their illicit sales practices to soldiers living abroad. I will not, and I cannot, sit by and watch innocent servicemembers suffer from unscrupulous sales practices on our military installations. I say shame on those companies that allowed these practices to take advantage of our military personnel and shame on us for not acting sooner. My staff has been in discussions with the Committee on Financial Services, the government regulators, corporate representatives, and independent financial experts to ensure that H.R. 5011 effectively addresses the illicit sales practice being encouraged by our armed services personnel and to prevent any unintended consequences. H.R. 5011 does not target systematic investment plans or legitimate investment in insurance products, only those flawed mutual fund contractual plans and insurance contracts that require the payments of exorbitant fees and high front-loaded sales commissions. As a bipartisan measure, H.R. 5011 has received overwhelming support from the various financial, insurance, and military organizations and support groups and has been reported out of Committee on Financial Services by a unanimous vote, bipartisan vote of 68 to zero. Working together we can and we must act in a prudent manner to protect our servicemen and -women from harm caused by dubious financial products and questionable financial and insurance sales practices and policies. I urge my colleagues to recognize the importance of acting to protect the financial interests of our armed services personnel and vote ``yes'' on this worthy resolution.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, we have an obligation to the people of America to settle this debate over whether a handful of political activists are allowed to use the Federal courts to impose their moral view on the unwilling majority of the country. The overwhelming majority of the people of the 12th Congressional District of Georgia oppose legalized same-sex marriage. They do not want to play semantic games about the issue. The people in my district and State believe that legal marriage, and the benefits associated with the institution, should be reserved for those whom the benefits were intended, the union of a man and a woman, period. Georgia has placed a referendum for a State constitutional amendment to that effect on this November's ballot lot. That is how it should be. As a Georgia voter, I will support the amendment with my vote, as will the majority of my State. The Federal amendment we consider today will allow those State decisions to determine this issue, as they have since our Nation's founding, rather than allowing a small minority to dictate their opinions on an unwilling majority. We need to speak plainly here today. A vote against this legislation is a vote for legalized same-sex marriage to be forced on an unwilling America. Such a calamity would not just be morally reprehensible to the majority of Americans, it would provide a chilling precedent for undermining our system of self-government. We will pay for inaction on this issue with the loss of government by the people on all issues. I urge my friends on both sides of the aisle to support the amendment to restore the protections of the Constitution and self rule.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 792.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Boehner, Ranking Member Miller, the gentlewoman from California and others who have supported H. Res. 792. Mr. Speaker, this resolution honors the United Negro College Fund on its 60th anniversary. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this resolution.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H. Res. 792, honoring the United Negro College Fund on the occasion of the fund's 60th anniversary. I want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller), ranking member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, for bringing this resolution to the floor of the House. All members on our committee recognize the important role that Historically Black Colleges and Universities play in the postsecondary education environment. Moreover, we recognize the dedication and commitment the United Negro College Fund has made to enhance top-quality college opportunities for millions of students. In my home district, I have two historically black institutions, Paine College in Augusta, Georgia, and Savannah State University in Savannah, two of our State's leading institutions of higher education. The United Negro College Fund is the Nation's oldest and largest minority higher education assistance organization that has helped to raise more than $2.3 billion to assist over 300,000 students attend college. Not only does the United Negro College Fund have a mission to enhance the quality of education by providing financial assistance to students but the organization raises operating funds for member colleges and universities and increases access to technology for students and faculty at HBCUs. Additionally, the United Negro College Fund ensures that first-generation college students have the resources and support they need to pursue the dream of a college education. The contributions made by the United Negro College Fund and its member institutions are undeniable. UNCF member institutions enroll 7 percent of African American college students nationwide and are responsible for producing a significant number of all bachelor's, master's and professional degrees earned by African Americans. In many instances, UNCF member institutions do not have access to the resources or endowment income that other institutions can draw upon. Despite this, with the assistance of UNCF, these institutions tend to keep their tuitions affordable in comparison with other institutions of higher education. For over 60 years, the United Negro College Fund has made it possible for students to pursue the dream of higher education, and the organization has ensured that its member institutions have the resources and support to provide students with educational opportunities. I urge my colleagues to recognize and honor the important contributions that have been made by the United Negro College Fund, its member institutions, and their graduates and to vote ``yes'' on this worthy resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey) and the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) for bringing H. Con. Res. 501 to the floor today. I urge my colleagues to support this measure. All of us have been impacted by the life and work of Duke Ellington.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 501 offered by the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) which honors the life and work of Duke Ellington, recognizes the 30th anniversary of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and supports the annual Duke Ellington Jazz Festival. Edward Kennedy ``Duke'' Ellington was born on April 29, 1899 in Washington, D.C., and formed his first band in 1917. Over the course of his 50-year musical career, Duke Ellington pioneered jazz music and took it to the farthest corners of the world, performing diplomatic tours in Europe, the Soviet Union, Japan and Australia. Among his numerous other public honors, Duke Ellington was appointed to the National Council of the Arts in 1968, received the President's Gold Medal in 1966 from President Lyndon Johnson, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor a civilian can receive in the United States, in 1969 from President Nixon. During his distinguished career, Duke Ellington received many awards and honors from private entities, including 13 Grammy Awards from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, the Pied Piper Award from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, and honorary doctoral degrees from 16 different institutions. Sadly, Duke Ellington died on May 24, 1974 in New York City. After his death, Western High School in Washington, D.C. was renamed the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, home of the famous Hexagon Theater. This school seeks to meet the needs of talented students who are considering careers in the arts by providing intensive arts instruction through arts programs of the highest quality, and strong academic programs that help each student meet the intellectual and artistic challenges of their future. Unfortunately, Washington, D.C. does not currently host its own jazz festival. However, Charles Fishman, who was Dizzy Gillespie's personal manager and producer until his death, and is highly regarded in the jazz world, has established the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival, a nonprofit organization which will produce an annual Duke Ellington Jazz Festival in Washington, D.C. beginning in 2005. Because of the District of Columbia's rich musical legacy, international character, and diverse community, it is an ideal city to host a world-class international jazz festival. House Concurrent Resolution 501 does three things. First, it honors the life and work of Duke Ellington and his immortal contributions to American and world music. Second, it recognizes the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C. on the occasion of its 30th anniversary. Finally, this resolution supports the annual Duke Ellington Jazz Festival to be held in Washington, D.C. beginning in 2005. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Con. Res. 501.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 501) honoring the life and work of Duke Ellington, recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, and supporting the annual Duke Ellington Jazz Festival.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) for introducing H. Res. 778, and urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I rise in support of House Resolution 778, offered by the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone), commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of William ``Count'' Basie, and acknowledging his important contributions to jazz and swing music. William ``Count'' Basie was born in Red Bank, New Jersey, on August 21, 1904. His vibrant musical career took off in 1927 when he moved to Kansas City, Missouri, and joined Walter Page's Blue Devils Band. From there, William ``Count'' Basie joined the Bennie Morton Band and took over as band leader in 1935, renaming the band the Count Basie and his Cherry Blossom Orchestra. Count Basie and his Cherry Blossom Orchestra disbanded, but eventually re-formed as the Count Basie Orchestra, which went on to dominate the realms of jazz and swing for several decades. The Count Basie Orchestra established swing as a predominant force in the musical taste of generations, and their music set the tone for modern jazz. In 1983, William ``Count'' Basie was awarded an American Jazz Masters Award by the National Endowment for the Arts. A historic theater in his hometown of Red Bank, New Jersey, was renamed the Count Basie Theater in 1984, and the United States Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp in his honor in 1996. Over the years, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences awarded William ``Count'' Basie nine Grammy Awards, which led to a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002. House Resolution 778 commemorates the 100th anniversary of the birth of William ``Count'' Basie and acknowledges his important contributions to jazz and swing music. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 778.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 778) commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of William ``Count'' Basie and acknowledging his important contributions to jazz and swing music.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 3428 and H.R. 3734, the measures just concluded by the House.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to thank the gentlewoman from Texas and the speakers here today as they honor Joe Skeen. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3734 in naming the Federal Building in Roswell, New Mexico, for our former colleague.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Pearce).

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to my colleague, the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Mrs. Wilson).

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 3734, introduced by my colleague, the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Mrs. Wilson), designates the Federal building located at Fifth and Richardson Avenues in Roswell, New Mexico, as the Joe Skeen Federal Building. Congressman Skeen was born and raised on his family's farm outside of Roswell, New Mexico. In 1948, Congressman Skeen enlisted in the United States Navy and served for 1 year before transferring to the United States Air Force Reserves, where he served from 1949 until 1952. Following his military service, Congressman Skeen attended and graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural engineering. After graduation, Congressman Skeen worked as a soil and water engineer for the Zuni and Ramah Navajo Indians. He later purchased and ran his family's sheep ranch. Congressman Skeen was long dedicated to public service. He was first elected to public office in 1960 where he won a seat in the New Mexico State senate. He served until 1970. For the last 6 years of his time in the State senate, he served as the minority leader. In 1980, Congressman Skeen ran as a write-in candidate and was elected to serve in New Mexico's 2nd District in the United States House of Representatives. Congressman Skeen served in this body for 11 terms. Congressman Skeen was known for his commitment to property rights, balancing the Federal budget and increased tax relief. He may have been most influential as chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies, enhancing the agricultural viability in both New Mexico and throughout the United States. He was also chairman of the Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies, dealing with natural resources and public land use. I support this legislation and encourage my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.