G.K. Butterfield

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of my dear friend, American coaching legend and pioneer, Dr. LeRoy T. Walker or ``Doc'' as he was affectionately known. Dr. Walker's life touched countless athletes, students and loved ones worldwide before he entered into eternal rest on April 23, at the age of 93. Born the youngest of 13 children and the grandson of slaves, Dr. Walker's inherent goodwill and tenacity catapulted him to unknown heights, breaking athletic records and color barriers. He excelled at Benedict College as an honor student and varsity tri-athlete in football, basketball and track. Initially, Dr. Walker sought to pursue a career in medicine, but due to extremely long wait lists at medical colleges that would admit African-Americans, he chose another path instead. With his heart set on service, he went on to earn a master's in health and physical education from Columbia University and a doctorate in exercise physiology and biomechanics from New York University. Dr. Walker knew that his education was not only for his personal betterment, but would benefit his surrounding community as well. Instead of accepting lucrative offers upon graduating, he chose to use his skills in academia in hopes of extending the same opportunities afforded to him. He began his coaching career in 1945 as the basketball and football coach for N.C. College for Negroes--now known as North Carolina Central University (NCCU). He later founded the college's first track and field team as a way to keep his athletes in shape during the off-season. It was during his tenure at NCCU, I had the pleasure of meeting and befriending the man with a golden heart. Upon the news of his passing, many of his former athletes expressed condolences, referring to him as the smartest individual they've ever known and always ``ahead of the game.'' At the Montreal games in 1976, Dr. Walker placed NCCU and Durham, North Carolina in the public eye, when he was named the first African- American U.S. Olympic track and field coach. The American team brought home 22 medals that year. In total, Dr. Walker coached and mentored 11 Olympic medalists, 30 national champions, and 100 All-Americans. A man dedicated to both athletics and academics, he served as Vice- Chancellor and Chancellor of the NCCU. His relentless devotion to students in the classroom and on the sports fields compelled the NCCU to grant Dr. Walker the title of Chancellor Emeritus of the university. In 1986, his dynamic leadership and knack for coaching athletes into medalists led to his induction into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame. He later would be named U.S. Olympic Committee President in 1996, the first African- American to hold the position. When the 1996 Olympic Games took place in his hometown of Atlanta, Dr. Walker as U.S. Olympic Committee President, proudly led the parade of 654 U.S. athletes into the stadium. Though Dr. Walker is no longer with us in physical presence, his remarkable legacy will be a reminder of what one can achieve if they dare to dream. I hope the full breadth of his life gives his family comfort as they celebrate the legacy of Dr. LeRoy T. Walker.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to the potential impact of the merger of two major pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), Express Scripts, Inc. and Medco. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently decided not to oppose this merger, which combines two of the ``Big Three'' PBMs. However, the FTC decision was not unanimous; in fact, one FTC Commissioner who opposed the merger called it a ``game changer.'' The merger of Express Scripts and Medco now means that the top two PBMs will cover approximately 72 percent of the privately insured Americans. This ``mega PBM'' will have the ability to raise prices for health plans and patients, limit access to pharmacy patient care and force patients to use the PBM's mail order pharmacies rather than their trusted community pharmacies, driving up costs for employers, health plans and other federal and state programs. Additional concerns resulting from the Express Scripts and Medco merger include increased market concentration in the PBM market, with decreasing competition. The ``Big Three'' PBMs controlled approximately 80 percent of the national prescription drug plan market for large plans. This merger reduces the options for large plans from three to two. For large health plans that have typically selected one of the ``Big Three'' PBMs, the merger creates a firm with more than 50 percent market share. The new mega PBM alone will control over 40 percent of the national prescription drug volume. Approximately 135 million Americans--more than one-third of all Americans--will rely on this new ``mega PBM'' to manage their prescription benefits. The merger combines two of the three largest suppliers of specialty pharmacy services, consolidating an excessive share of all specialty pharmacy sales. The merger creates the nation's largest mail-order pharmacy accounting for close to 60 percent of all mail-order prescriptions processed in the United States. This is a very troubling situation. I have actively sought to bring this issue to the forefront, through floor speeches, letters to the FTC, and calls for hearings in the House Energy & Commerce Committee. I am concerned that this ``mega PBM'' will only exacerbate the problems for community pharmacies and consumers caused by PBMs currently. Already, many PBMs disallow pharmacies the ability to appeal pricing decisions with which they disagree. It is documented that they often mandate that a covered individual use a specific retail pharmacy, mail order pharmacy, specialty pharmacy or other pharmacy or entity. This is exceedingly problematic in places like the First Congressional District, where there are limited options for seniors and the disabled to reach certain pharmacies. Only a handful of states directly regulate some PBM functions, such as how they conduct audits of pharmacies, and some state boards of pharmacy regulate them to the extent that their activities can be construed as practicing pharmacy. The vast majority of their remaining functions and activities are unregulated. We must do more to rein in some of the worst abuses of PBMs against community pharmacies and consumers. In addition to supporting state actions against the Express Scripts/Medco merger, I am a cosponsor of H.R. 4215, the Medicare Pharmacy Transparency and Fair Auditing Act, important legislation that will protect patients and providers from the egregious practices of PBMs. Similar legislation that includes the provisions of H.R. 4215 has been introduced in the Senate. This legislation will help level the playing field between neighborhood pharmacies and PBMs and ensure Americans have access to see the providers of their choice. PBMs are the little-known, but powerful, virtually unregulated middlemen that administer prescription drug benefits for most Americans.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge a constituent and friend, Mrs. Alice Eason Ballance, who has been the epitome of service to her community. For more than fifty years, Mrs. Ballance has advocated for better educational opportunities, voting rights, and racial equality for African American citizens. On April 20, 2012, the Bertie County, North Carolina Board of Commissioners will officially declare that day ``Alice Eason Ballance Day'' for the County. I can think of no finer individual to bestow such an honor than this great American. Mrs. Ballance was born Alice Eason on July 8, 1919 in the small community of Cedar Landing in Bertie County, North Carolina. She was the youngest of three children following behind brother Willie and sister Mary, reared by parents George and Cynthia Eason. She grew up on a small farm where she learned very early the value and necessity of hard work; a trait she would go on to instill in everyone with whom she worked over the years. After graduating from Bertie County's W.S. Etheridge High School, Ms. Alice married Frank Winston Ballance, Sr. on August 14, 1938 and began to grow a family. Mr. and Mrs. Ballance reared five children: Frankie, George, Frank, Jr., James, and Vashti. She also pursued her passion of seeking to bring reforms to the system of public education that was clearly discriminating against African American children. She felt that it was unconscionable that African American children were required to attend inferior schools. She believed it was immoral and illegal that African American children were forced to walk to school while their white counterparts enjoyed bus transportation. And she found it unacceptable that the African American schools received their books, instructional materials, and other supplies as ``hand-me-downs'' from the white schools when they were no longer useful. As former President of the local branch of the NAACP for nearly two decades, Mrs. Ballance used the political process to make the changes she sought. Over the better part of the 20th century, Mrs. Ballance registered thousands of voters across North Carolina and informed them on the importance of voting. Her efforts impacted local, state, and federal elections in North Carolina and she became a well-known political force throughout the State. Mrs. Ballance's passion has always been ensuring that children-- particularly those without privilege--are well cared for and receive a quality education. To that end, Mrs. Ballance in 1980 opened the non- profit Kiddie World Child Care Center, Inc. in Windsor, North Carolina. For more than 32 years, Mrs. Ballance has served as the Chief Executive Officer--a position this vibrant 93 year old still holds today. She tirelessly manages a staff of 20 that serve up to 50 children each day. She is extremely proud that Kiddie World has graduated more than 3,000 students since it opened more than three decades ago. Mrs. Ballance is a deeply religious individual. She is a long standing member of Cedar Landing Missionary Baptist Church in Windsor, North Carolina. Over the years, she has held nearly every official Church position including Sunday School Teacher and Chair of the church's Kitchen Committee. The Church recently recognized Mrs. Ballance's dedication and longtime service to the Church and its members by honoring her with the title ``Mother of the Church.'' Mr. Speaker, Alice Eason Ballance has dedicated her life in service to friends, family, and all of humanity. I commend and congratulate Alice Eason Ballance on the great honor of having April 20th from this year forward known as ``Alice Eason Ballance Day'' in Bertie County, North Carolina.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Mr. Johnny Barnes, who, after ten years as the Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of the National Capital Area, is retiring. Johnny's tireless advocacy and his outstanding leadership, passion, and integrity during his service with the ACLU have brought about a more fair and just society. Johnny's advocacy efforts also include strong support for DC Statehood and working to get the residents of Washington, DC, a true vote in Congress. Washington, DC, residents pay the second highest per capita federal income taxes in the United States but have no vote on how the Federal Government spends their tax dollars and no vote on important issues such as health care, education, Social Security, environmental protection, crime control, public safety, and foreign policy. Johnny is determined to educate citizens everywhere about taxation without representation for the more than 600,000 Washingtonians who live in the shadow of the United States Capitol Building. Since joining the ACLU of the National Capital Area, Johnny has led several successful efforts to promote the rights of all people. People expect and deserve a fundamental right to privacy. Johnny fought the proliferation of video surveillance cameras in majority-minority communities in Washington, DC. He also fought for the rights of honest people against warrantless searches police checkpoints. Throughout his time with the ACLU, Johnny has given a resounding voice to those who could not be heard. Before joining the ACLU, Johnny enjoyed a distinguished career supporting several Members of Congress in senior positions. From 1984 1990, Johnny served as the Chief of Staff to Washington, DC, Delegate Walter E. Fauntroy. From 1992 1995, Johnny served as Senior Counsel and Legislative Director to Congressman Lucien E. Blackwell from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and from 1995 2000, Johnny served as Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Eva M. Clayton who represented the First Congressional District of North Carolina; the same Congressional District that I have the distinct honor of representing today. Johnny graduated Cum Laude from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, and from the Georgetown University Law Center. He has shared his passion, understanding and expertise in law with countless students as Law Professor at the Georgetown University Law Center, the Potomac School of Law, and Antioch School of Law. Johnny's work as a professor, seasoned Congressional staffer, and leader of the ACLU of the National Capital Area deserve recognition from this august body. I am confident that he will continue to be a strong advocate for civil rights wherever his interests and dedication to the community lead him. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Johnny Barnes on his retirement from the American Civil Liberties Union.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to send warm regards to Mr. William Henry ``Babe'' Woolard who celebrated his 90th birthday on February 29, 2012. Babe is in the very unique position of being born during a Leap Year and on Leap Day. In fact, he celebrates his birthday only every four years so he has only experienced 23 actual birthdays. Babe was born to Mr. Henderson and Ms. Ida Woolard on February 29, 1922 in Williamston, North Carolina and is one of six children. Like many in eastern North Carolina, Babe went in to farming and was a farmer for the Lilley Families in the Lilley's Quarter section of Williamston. Later, he inherited the Woolard family farm located in the Farm Life Community of Williamston and Babe and his son Willie continue to farm the land today. Like many Americans of his generation, Babe was called to serve his country during World War I. He bravely defended the United States and its allies against the tyranny perpetrated by the Axis of Evil by serving in the U.S. Army with the all Black 3,685th Trucking Division. I commend him for his bravery and thank him for his selfless service to this great country. When he returned from his service in Europe with the U.S. Army, Babe married Ms. Verna Mae Brown. The two reared seven children together-- Hattie, Verna, Dianne, Mary, Doris, Angela, and Willie--and they settled back in Babe's hometown of Williamston. Babe and Verna Mae were married for 70 wonderful years filled with love, caring, and compassion until she passed away on June 20, 2011. Babe is many things, but above all else he is a man of God. He has attended Cedar Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Williamston most of his life. The fellowship and community provided by his church has sustained Babe through the highs and lows of life. I admire his faith. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. William Henry Woolard on his 90th birthday--or his 23rd birthday. No matter how you add it up, Babe has always lived his life to the fullest. May he celebrate this and many more birthdays in the future.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, the Republican budget cuts at least $3.3 trillion from low-income programs over the next 10 years while it increases the defense budget. It reduces taxes to a level that will wreak havoc on the Federal Treasury. The rate of poverty is at its highest level in nearly 30 years. The Republican budget would increase poverty and exponentially raise the misery index for hardworking American families. The Ryan budget also wreaks havoc on seniors. The American people must know that this Republican budget--which has been endorsed by all three Republican Presidential candidates--will end Medicare as we know it. Their plan is to get the Federal Government out of the Medicare program. Republicans simply want to provide seniors a small voucher to purchase Medicare insurance on the private market. Most seniors will not have the money to do that. The Ryan budget shows Medicaid cuts of $810 billion. They want to get the Federal Government out of the medical assistance program to low- income families and place that burden on States with an underfunded mandate. Madam Speaker, the Ryan budget is absolutely shameful and misleading. House Democrats will fight it to the end.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, over the past several months, we have seen Republicans wage war on women's health. Nowhere can the Republican zeal for limiting women's access to affordable quality health care be seen more clearly than in their attempt to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. Improving health care has long been a priority for women, reflecting their experiences as patients, mothers, and caregivers. For decades insurance companies have been able to deny coverage and charge higher rates for women simply because of their gender. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act--the greatest advancement for women's health in a generation--this will no longer be legal. This law moves us closer to the day when essential women's health services are covered, prevention is a priority, and care is coordinated. On the eve of the 2-year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, I join my colleagues in protecting health care reform for women, and I rebuke all attempts to continue discriminatory health insurance policies that result in women paying more than men.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of LCDR Dale Taylor of the United States Coast Guard. Lieutenant Commander Taylor was a native of Snow Hill, North Carolina, which is in my Congressional District. Lieutenant Commander Taylor was one of four Coast Guardsmen that tragically lost their lives when Coast Guard Helicopter 6535 went down off the coast of Alabama while conducting a training exercise on February 28, 2012. Lieutenant Commander Taylor was a source of great pride in his hometown of Snow Hill. He exemplified to the community what was possible with hard work and determination. Lieutenant Commander Taylor graduated from Greene Central High School and later Appalachian State University. After receiving his bachelor's degree he joined the United States Coast Guard and completed Officer Candidate School. Shortly thereafter, he received his wings of gold, making him a naval aviator. Lieutenant Commander Taylor epitomized what it meant to serve with honor and distinction. These facts were demonstrated in December of 2003 when Lieutenant Commander Taylor jumped from a Coast Guard helicopter into the Atlantic Ocean during a violent winter storm to save the final person aboard a sinking sailboat. He was awarded the Coast Guard Medal for these heroic actions, and later earned two Coast Guard Achievement Medals and Five Commandant's Letter of Commendation Ribbons, along with numerous unit and service awards. In only 36 years, Lieutenant Commander Taylor accomplished more than most people do in a full lifetime. Lieutenant Commander Taylor is survived by his two sons, Evan D. Taylor and Emmet J. Taylor; his wife, Teresa D. Taylor; and his parents Larry T. Taylor and Judy L. Taylor. I offer my sincere appreciation to his loved ones for his service in the United States Coast Guard and his selfless efforts in the defense of our great nation. I ask that my colleagues join me in offering heartfelt condolences to Lieutenant Commander Taylor's family. I pray that his life serves as a guiding force in his sons' lives. Their dad gave them an example that is paralleled by no other.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Today, I rise to congratulate Cassius S. Williams, a dear friend, who is the recipient of North Carolina State University's Watauga Medal Award. Each year, NC State honors alumni for outstanding contributions to the university by bestowing on them the Watauga Medal Award. Recipients of this historic award understand the enormous value of education, and their commitment to that idea has generated immeasurable prosperity for communities across America. Watauga Medal Award recipients are candles in the dark, men and women of great purpose who have injected their talents into the lifeblood of North Carolina State University. Mr. Speaker, this week Cassius S. Williams of Greenville, North Carolina, joined the ranks of great servants as its newest honoree. Without a doubt, his work will continue to foster a better education for our children that will create a brighter future for North Carolina. The House of Representatives appreciates Cassius Williams.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. We are at a crossroad in America where we must decide if we're going to continue building economic recovery on the backs of middle- and low-income families, or whether we're going to ask wealthy Americans to join in the sacrifice by paying their fair share. Too many Americans have already made sacrifices to aid our slow moving economy and reduce the deficit. The military had to scale back, Federal workers had to take a pay freeze, health care providers had to take a pay cut, but we have not required those who can actually afford it to share in the sacrifice. Changing our Nation's tax policies is not about redistribution of wealth; it's about fairness, doing what's best for the American people. If those who can afford it don't make the sacrifice, the survival of America will be affected. The President's budget will ensure that those who have been blessed with a portfolio that has multiplied under the Bush tax cuts will no longer be the primary beneficiaries of tax cuts and policies. I urge my colleagues to insist that all Americans, including the rich, share the pain of this recovery.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Today, family and friends will gather to celebrate the 100th birthday of Lottie Harris Rollins Dunston, a wonderful human being who has lived in Wake County, North Carolina, her entire life. ``Grandlottie,'' as she is affectionately called, is the second eldest of 13 siblings, 7 of whom are still living and advanced in age. After working her way through historic Fayetteville State College, she went on to become an elementary teacher, where she shaped young minds for 41 long years. Today, Grandlottie is a lover of Shakespeare and politics and, most of all, cherishes her independence. So often she can be seen driving her white pickup truck as she shops for her needs with her 5-year-old chocolate lab, Diva. Madam Speaker, Grandlottie loves her supportive family that includes granddaughter Jacquelyn Rollins Wynn, whose husband serves on the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. We pray that Grandlottie continues to enjoy health and happiness for many more years. Happy birthday to you. And most of all, thank you for making North Carolina a better place to live and work.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in complete disgust of the Republican conferees' attempt to include an education requirement as a condition of receiving unemployment benefits. To require people who would otherwise be eligible for benefits to now either have a high school diploma or be enrolled in a GED program is discriminatory. It is despicable. Adding conditions to receiving compensation does nothing to create jobs or address the real causes of unemployment. It is a difficult time, Mr. Speaker, to be unemployed in America, but Republicans seem determined to make it even more difficult by kicking the unemployed while they're down. With less than a month to craft a long-term tax measure, I urge Republican conferees to stop obstructing the process by insisting on distracting proposals that are only meant to score political points. I am opposed to any education requirement to receive unemployment benefits. I implore my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my concern that Republicans are attempting to penalize unemployed American citizens who do not have a high school diploma. Last month, House Republicans included a provision in the payroll tax cut bill, which is presently in conference, to establish an educational requirement for recipients of benefits. The provision, Mr. Speaker, would require recipients of unemployment benefits to have at least a high school diploma or a GED or be enrolled in classes to obtain such a degree. This requirement, Mr. Speaker, would affect an estimated 248,000 workers in the first 3 months of enactment, and disproportionately affect older workers, forcing certain unemployment recipients to either enroll in adult education programs or forego the benefits they need to support their families. This is a disgrace. In 2010, half a million workers age 50 or over who received unemployment insurance lacked a high school diploma. For most of these individuals who have worked more than 30 long years, returning to high school makes very little sense. They are the bricklayers and the carpenters and sanitation workers and housekeepers in our communities. In the case of workers under the age of 50, adult education might be useful, but is largely unattainable. Currently, State and local adult education programs do not have the capacity--we know that--do not have the capacity to meet this demand. Waiting lists for these programs are proliferating and certain to worsen due to a 20 percent decline over the past decade in Federal funding for adult education programs and $1 billion in cuts to job-training programs in fiscal year 2011. Creating an educational mandate as a condition of eligibility to receive unemployment insurance benefits, Mr. Speaker, is punitive. It's misguided. It's egregious, even by current Republican standards. While there are certainly benefits to receiving at least a high school education, establishing a blanket policy that denies unemployment benefits to low-skill workers who have lost their jobs due to no fault of their own, without ensuring they have unrestricted access to educational opportunities, sets up hundreds of thousands of Americans to fail. It seems incredibly cynical to require participation in adult education and job training as a condition of receiving unemployment benefits while simultaneously eliminating meaningful Federal support for these programs. Mr. Speaker, it is unconscionable to put additional strings on this crucial relief that do nothing, nothing to address the real causes of the current unemployment crisis. It is a difficult time to be unemployed in America. It is a difficult time to be unemployed in America, but House Republicans seem determined to make it even more difficult. I urge my colleagues to join me and stand up against this education mandate and fight for policies that can actually help bring the unemployment crisis to resolve.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Ms. Linda Moody for her lifetime commitment to public service. For the past 47 years, Ms. Moody has worked tirelessly with the Northampton County Department of Social Services, most recently as an Administrative Officer. In her role, she facilitated in helping those in need and advocated for the proper care of children and citizens who are blind and visually impaired. Linda Moody helped grow the organization during its infant stages by providing counseling and instruction to hundreds of employees. She successfully trained and mentored an army of social workers, who now follow in her footsteps. Ms. Moody has been recognized by her peers on several occasions for her outstanding contribution to the social services unit of Northampton County. And, Ms. Moody is even a charter member of the North Carolina Social Services Association, an outlet that allows her to continue advocacy on behalf of disadvantaged families and raise funds for their well-being. However, in her nearly five decades-long career, Ms. Moody credits her primary achievement as helping to ensure the welfare of children and parents. In addition to her outstanding professional achievements, Ms. Moody is an active member of many civic organizations including her church, Seaboard United Methodist Church, where she is the Music Director and Sunday School Superintendent. Mr. Speaker, Linda Moody is a living illustration of the kindheartedness and selfless spirit that makes North Carolinians great. On behalf of the people of the First Congressional District of North Carolina, I thank Ms. Linda Moody for her invaluable contribution to her community and state.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, the book of Matthew describes a well- known scene where the highest deity separates men based on their capacity to sympathize with those who are most in need in their community. In the Bible verse, Jesus admonished a group of men who refused to help him when he was hungry, poor, and sick. These same men asked in response, Jesus when were you hungry, poor, and sick for we would have helped in your time of need. Jesus response, ``Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'' Mr. Speaker, I stand today to recognize the unyielding service of Dr. David Wentzy, a man who has spent his entire life working for the least of those in our beloved community. Dr. Wentzy has amassed 42 years of service as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and as the Director of Northampton County Department of Social Services, where he helped to care for the county's disadvantaged citizens. Throughout his professional career, Dr. Wentzy has served on three North Carolina General Assembly Study Commissions and Councils, was active in the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, and represented the state through the National Association of Counties, just to name a few. In addition, Dr. Wentzy was an active member of many fraternal, professional, military, and civic organizations. All of these demonstrate his exemplary leadership and commitment to the interests of Northampton County citizens. Mr. Speaker, On December 31, 2011, Dr. Wentzy will retire as Director of the Northampton County Department of Social Services, opening the door for someone else to aspire to his impressive track record. But, although Dr. Wentzy is retiring from Social Services, I am certain he will continue to be a blessing to his community in an equally rewarding and selfless endeavor. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of the First Congressional District of North Carolina, I thank Dr. David Wentzy for 42 years of public service to our state and country. It is greatly appreciated.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Let me thank the gentleman for yielding this brief time for me to respond. Mr. Speaker, I want to join my friend from Georgia, Mr. David Scott, in trying to expose some of the hypocrisy that we are seeing playing out here on the House floor today. I'm just so terribly disappointed that House Republicans want to ignore the overwhelming bipartisan Senate vote a few days ago, and you are failing to realize the devastation that millions of Americans will experience. They are going to lose their unemployment benefits. The average family is going to realize a $1,000 tax increase on January 1. And let's not forget our doctors. There are some medical doctors sitting on that side of the Chamber. Medical doctors in this country who treat Medicare patients will see a 27.3 percent decrease in their reimbursement rates. We can do better than this, Mr. Speaker. I urge my colleagues to reconsider their position. Let's go ahead and vote for the 2-month fix, and let's get on into February and let's have this debate that you've been talking about over the last 2 hours.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Command Sergeant Major Patricia Griffin Cardwell. CSM Cardwell passed away last week on December 7. She was a veteran of the North Carolina Army National Guard (NCANG) and is survived by her mother, two brothers, and her niece and nephew. CSM Cardwell was the daughter of Betty Nowarah Griffin and the late Reginald Griffin. She was a native of Martin County, a graduate of Williamston High School, and a member of the First Christian Church. CSM Cardwell began her distinguished 28-year career with the NCANG on December 5, 1979, as a Specialist, and became a full-time member of the Guard in 1984. From 2001-2002, she attended the United States Army Sergeants Major Course at the USA Sergeants Major Academy in Fort Bliss, Texas. CSM Cardwell made history on April 1, 2004, when she was promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major, becoming the first woman to rise to this rank in the NCANG. She was later laterally appointed as a Command Sergeant Major of the 217th Human Resources Battalion Headquarters, and served in a dual status in both this post and as the Chief, Personnel Services of the Human Resources Section at Joint Forces Headquarters in Raleigh until her retirement on December 31, 2007. CSM Cardwell served our country for three decades with tremendous character and devotion. She deserves the highest appreciation and commendation. I pray that her family is able to find peace in this difficult time. I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring her today.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I want to bring attention to a silent epidemic growing in our midst. Right alongside long-term unemployment, the increases in poverty and food prices, homelessness and the steep decline in household incomes is now the shocking rate of food insecurity and hunger. According to the USDA, there are 46 million Americans surviving on food stamps. While Congress considers reductions to food stamp funding, the USDA predicts that the number of people requiring food assistance will substantially increase. Last week, in my district in North Carolina, which ranks second in the country for food insecurity, I greeted thousands of people lined up outside of the Wilson OIC and the food bank of the Albemarle food distribution centers to collect bags of food for the Thanksgiving holiday. Mr. Speaker, to help remedy the challenges to food security, I introduced H.R. 3437, the Eva Clayton Fellows Program Act. This legislation would enable the development of solutions to world hunger and confront food insecurity head on. Food insecurity is not a partisan issue. I urge my colleagues to join me in this fight.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the accomplishments of a truly great soldier and North Carolinian, Lieutenant General William E. Ingram, Jr. In a recent Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on November 10th, 2011, Lieutenant General Ingram was confirmed as Director of the Army National Guard and on Monday, November 28th, 2011 he officially assumed the duties of the position. Also on November 28th, 2011, Lieutenant General Ingram received his new star from Army General Ray Odierno, chief of staff of the Army, and Air Force General Craig McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau. For nearly four decades Lieutenant General Ingram has served our nation as an officer in the Army National Guard. He has commanded at all levels from platoon to battalion, overseas, and was especially effective as the Adjutant General of North Carolina for over nine years. I have no doubt in his ability to accomplish the wide-ranging requirements placed on the shoulders of the Director of the Army National Guard. He will perform his duties well, with honor and enthusiasm. Lieutenant General Ingram was born and raised in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and was a longtime resident of Williamston, North Carolina. I am proud to say both are located in the First Congressional District, which I have the honor of representing. His wife, Lil, has also been a tremendous asset to National Guard families and the citizens of North Carolina. She has worked tirelessly as an advocate for North Carolina National Guard families to help them cope with the deployment of family members through several children's programs, the Family Readiness Program, and even as a co-author of a book for children of Wounded Warriors. Lieutenant General Ingram is a source of great pride for eastern North Carolina. I have witnessed the progression of his career over the years and I am very proud to see his dedication, sacrifices, and contributions recognized with this appointment and promotion. I offer my sincere appreciation for his service to the United States of America and the great state of North Carolina. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Lieutenant General William E. Ingram, Jr. on receiving his recent promotion to the rank of lieutenant general and his appointment as Director of the Army National Guard.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Before I start, Mr. Speaker, let me just take a moment to comment about one of the previous speakers this morning, my dear friend, Congresswoman Barbara Lee from the State of California. Congresswoman Lee has been an advocate for low-income families for as long as I can remember; and especially since I first came to Congress some 7\1/2\ years ago, she has been tenacious on this issue. I just want to publicly thank her for her advocacy. I represent a low-income/ low-wealth district in eastern North Carolina. My district is the fourth poorest district in the Nation, so I understand full well the challenges that she has confronted, and I thank her so very much. Mr. Speaker, I've come to the floor this morning to talk about voter suppression--yes, voter suppression--across the country. Republicans are tightening the restrictions on who can vote and on how Americans can vote. During next year's elections, there will be millions of Americans who will find that since 2008 there are now new barriers that could prevent them from voting. The number of States with laws requiring voters to show government- issued photo identification has quadrupled. Mr. Speaker, it has quadrupled in the last 4 years. Actually, over the last year, it has quadrupled. In fact, at least 34 States have now introduced legislation that would require voters to show photo identification in order to vote. Seven States--Alabama, Kansas, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin--have already signed photo identification bills into law. Before this legislative session, only two States had ever imposed strict photo identification. Under the guise of eliminating voter fraud, 21 million American citizens, or 11 percent of Americans, could be prevented from voting--all because they do not possess government-issued photo identification. Republicans are also seeking to put an end to early voting--a hugely popular voting method that is used by millions of Americans. At least nine States have introduced bills to reduce their early voting periods. Four States have tried to reduce absentee voting opportunities, and two States have reversed early reforms. Once again, it has disenfranchised thousands of taxpaying citizens who have past criminal convictions while a number of other States have made it much more difficult for citizens to register to vote. These new restrictions will undoubtedly disenfranchise young voters, minority voters, low-income voters, and voters with disabilities--all of whom, as we know, traditionally vote with the Democratic Party. In my home State of North Carolina, Republicans have mounted two strong efforts to suppress low-income and African American voters-- House bill 351, for example, a voter ID bill which passed our State House and Senate earlier this year. It was vetoed by Governor Beverly Perdue, and we thank her for being strong in vetoing that legislation. Senate bill 47, which would reduce the early voting period by 1 week, eliminates Sunday voting, and eliminates same-day voter registration. This bill is currently pending now in our legislature. The right to vote, Mr. Speaker, is protected. It is dearly protected by more constitutional amendments--the 1st Amendment and the 14th Amendment, 15th, 19th, 24th, and even the 26th Amendments--than any other right we enjoy as Americans. We must continue to inform our constituents that their fundamental right in this democracy is being infringed and urge them to fight back against this voter suppression epidemic. In closing, Mr. Speaker, it is obvious to me that any objective observer who is looking at this will know the real motive of this effort. It is specifically intended to diminish voter participation of some in our society who support progressive movements and who support the Democratic Party.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Let me thank the Speaker for yielding time to me this morning. As I begin my remarks, Mr. Speaker, I just want to make a brief remark about one of the preceding speakers, Congresswoman Barbara Lee from Oakland, California, who has been an advocate for poverty, food insecurity, human rights, and all of the global issues that we have talked about over the years. And I want to thank her for her leadership on this very important issue. Congresswoman Lee is the founder of the Out of Poverty Caucus here in the House of Representatives, and I am honored to serve as one of her cochairs. But the Congresswoman is absolutely correct; on this Sunday, October 16, we will celebrate World Food Day, a day to increase awareness, understanding, and informed, year-round action to alleviate hunger across the globe and in our neighborhoods. The statistical evidence of pervasive and persistent hunger is absolutely staggering, notwithstanding the human stories of working families in my communities of eastern North Carolina or families in eastern Africa who cannot get enough food to eat on a daily basis. And so I want to take this opportunity to remind all the Members of this body that millions of Americans, millions of people suffer from hunger; and unless we commit to eliminating this scourge, these human beings will suffer persistent poverty, reduced rights, and even death. We must come together, Mr. Speaker, to make hunger and nutrition issues, these issues, a priority. It is a priority in my hometown of Wilson, North Carolina. We have a food bank in my community. It is administered by the Wilson OIC, the Wilson Opportunity Industrialization Center. On at least four occasions, on each occasion each year, this center is responsible for passing out food to those suffering from food insecurity. I have here to my right simply a picture of the last food program in which citizens of our community lined up all night long to receive food in this community. You will see this building. It is a former school. Actually, I went to elementary school there many years ago. This was my first-grade classroom, Congresswoman Lee. This is a former elementary school. It is now the Wilson OIC, and citizens lined up all night long in order to receive food from this program. What a shame. But thank you, OIC, for your effort. Nine hundred twenty-five million people suffer from chronic hunger worldwide--one in seven people. That is an atrocious statistic. Shockingly, in 2011, there is still severe starvation. The worst drought in 60 years caused widespread hunger and starvation across the Horn of Africa, and we need to pay attention to the Horn of Africa. Globally, 12 million people are in danger of starving to death, and children are especially vulnerable. In the United States--the richest country in the world, the richest country that we've ever known--in our beloved country, 48 million people live in food insecure households, and these are yet examples of that. That is one in six people in our country who suffer from food insecurity. The recession that we talk about on this floor every day has exacerbated the plight of many, but the problems with food insecurity began well before 2007. Since the year 2000, the number of people classified by USDA as having very low food security has doubled. My district has been recently classified as the second most insecure district in the country. The Federal Government certainly needs to find ways to cut costs and reduce spending, but that burden should not fall heaviest on the people with the greatest needs. We need to continue our investments in agriculture research to empower scientists to develop more efficient and sustainable methods of production. We should maintain and improve our commitments to foreign aid programs through USAID, improving them to provide greater access to needed resources. Finally, Mr. Speaker, my predecessor in this office, former Congresswoman Eva Clayton, was a strong, clear voice on behalf of the hungry of the country and those abroad. During her 10 years in Congress, she was staunchly committed to improving access and the quality of food stamps, WIC, and other programs. Following her retirement, she was appointed the assistant director of the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization. In this astounding legacy, we will be introducing legislation, probably tomorrow, to honor the work of Eva Clayton: The Eva Clayton Fellows Program Act of 2011. This is a wonderful program. I urge my colleagues to pay attention to the introduction of this bill. It will be significant.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, it is very disappointing to me that the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson) a few moments ago took North Carolina Governor Perdue's words completely out of context. Every day, Governor Perdue of North Carolina is urging this Congress to work in a bipartisan manner to create jobs by passing the American Jobs Act. We need, Mr. Speaker, to help create jobs. We need to help job creators by offering new tax cuts that incent the hiring of workers and cut payroll taxes. The tax cuts in President Obama's American Jobs Act will save a business with 50 employees roughly $50,000 per year and give employees an additional $1,500 per year each in take-home pay. This is real money. It equates to real job growth in the near term. But the American Jobs Act is more than just tax cuts. Investments in education and infrastructure will increase long-term growth. I urge this body to take up the whole American Jobs Act--not cherry- pick its parts--without delay so that the small businesses of America can continue to grow and hire, leading us into prosperity.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Let me first thank Congressman Doyle for yielding me time and certainly thank him for his leadership on this very important issue. Not only has he led on this issue, but he has led on the Energy and Commerce Committee for many years, and I just want to thank him publicly for his friendship and his leadership. Also let me thank Congressman Chris Smith for his bipartisan spirit and his willingness to work on this very important issue. These two men working together have really and truly made a difference. I join the chairman of the subcommittee, Mr. Pitts, and all of the others, in thanking them for a job well done. Mr. Speaker, later today the House is going to take up this legislation, the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act of 2011. Make no mistake about it, I intend to vote for this very important bill. However, I have come to the floor today to make a very simple but important point that I had intended to raise had this bill been heard in regular order and had it been considered by our committee. Although autism occurs in every racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic group, studies show clearly that, on average, a diagnosis of autism or autism spectrum disorder is actually delayed by almost 2 years for African American and Hispanic children as compared to their Caucasian counterparts. Many of my colleagues may not know this, but it is a clear fact, minority children are much more likely to be misdiagnosed with conduct-related or adjustment disorders. Since research shows that early detection yields better, more effective results, it is imperative, Mr. Speaker, that we expand efforts to address disparities in awareness, diagnosis, treatment, and services. In carrying out the programs of the Reauthorization Act, I simply ask the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make every conceivable effort to address the well-documented needs of minority children who are diagnosed with this disease that we refer to as autism. I want to thank you for listening and thank you for your advocacy, and I urge my colleagues to support passage of H.R. 2005.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to pay tribute to some great Americans. I want to join my colleague from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) in recognizing the extraordinary life and work of Senator Charles Percy. He will certainly be missed. Also, I want to extend condolences to the Mondale and Kennedy families, who also lost a daughter this weekend at the young age of 51. But, Mr. Speaker, I have come to the well today to pay tribute to another great American, to a friend in North Carolina who has lost a long but courageous battle to breast cancer at the age of 51. Mrs. Cassandra Lloyd Ward was the daughter of Johnnie and Mary Lloyd of Williamston, North Carolina. She was also the wife of Mr. Everett B. Ward. For 29 long years, they were married. Everett is a well-respected public servant in North Carolina with our State Department of Transportation. Cassandra was a career educator in Wake County, North Carolina. Many of you will recognize that as our capital city of Raleigh. She worked for many years in the Wake County Public Schools. The epitome of educational excellence, Cassandra touched the lives of countless individuals who have now become productive citizens in our communities across America. Cassandra was employed by the Wake County Public School System beginning with Youngsville Elementary, Henry Adams Elementary, Dillard Drive Elementary, and, finally, Forest Pines Elementary School. She was a lifelong member of the North Carolina Association of Educators. Cassandra Ward, Mr. Speaker, was a graduate of Williamston High School in Martin County, North Carolina, also a graduate of historic St. Augustine's College in our capital city of Raleigh, which is an HBCU, a historically black college there in the Raleigh community. As a member of Davie Street Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, Cassandra was a church leader, not only a member of the Presbyterian Church, but she was also a deacon in the church. She advocated that the church serve the least of these in our society. She was a member of a great sorority, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. In that capacity, as a member of the Alpha Theta Omega Chapter, she served and chaired many committees, particularly the Black Family/Black Heritage; Health, Social and Sisterly Relations; Salvation Army; and Christmas Stocking Stuffing committees. Those were a lot of committees. And, Mr. Speaker, she was a very active individual. She also found time to be associated with the Gamma Sigma Boule of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity. She was what was referred to as an archousa. It took me a while, Mr. Speaker, to figure out how to pronounce that word, but she was an archousa of Gamma Sigma Boule of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity. Mr. Speaker, Cassandra Ward leaves a very, very loving family. In addition to her parents and her husband, she leaves three siblings, Johnnie Lloyd, Jr., Jarvis Lloyd, and one loving sister that she was extremely close to, Crystal Lloyd Williams, and her sister-in-law, Felecia Hardy, and her husband, Dr. James Hardy. She is also survived by other relatives and friends, and especially her very special nieces and nephews: Johnnie Lloyd, III; Alecia Hardy, Jarvis Lloyd and Eboni, Jamie Hardy, Jamecia Hardy, Mary Noel Williams, and Gabrielle Williams. They all comprise the wonderful family of Cassandra Lloyd Ward. I ask my colleagues today to join with me in honoring the life and work of this great American, Cassandra Lloyd Ward.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, despite the fact that we face persistent unemployment and slow economic growth, Republicans would rather waste time with debt ceiling disapproval resolutions and risk default again than come up with real answers to our most pressing problems. Democrats want to pass the American Jobs Act right now to get people back to work. We want to offer payroll tax breaks to small businesses that create jobs, not continue corporate welfare to major oil companies. We want to create infrastructure banks to repair and rebuild our communities, not delay these highway projects to score political points. Monday, in Politico, a senior Republican aide was quoted as saying he ``didn't want to hand Obama a win'' on jobs legislation. It's clear that Republicans care more about beating the President than beating unemployment. The jobless of this country cannot wait another 14 months. Pass the American Jobs Act today.