G.K. Butterfield

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, the bill we are considering on the House floor today, which is Senate 781, the Do-Not-Call Registry Fee Extension Act, is identical to H.R. 2601, which was introduced by my friend Mr. Stearns, the former ranking member of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. On December 11 of last year, the House passed H.R. 2601 by voice vote, and I urge similar swift passage of S. 781 today. Madam Speaker, this bill extends the authority of the Federal Trade Commission to collect the fees that administer and enforce the provisions relating to the national do-not-call registry. In 2003, Congress passed the Do-Not-Call Implementation Act, which authorized the FTC to establish fees sufficient to implement the national do-not-call registry as originally authorized by the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act of 1994. As has been said on numerous occasions, this initiative has proven to be one of the most popular laws in history. Consumers have registered more than 145 million telephone numbers since the registry became operational in 2003. The FTC's authority to annually establish the appropriate level of fees to charge telemarketers for access to the registry expired several months ago, in 2007, and S. 781 restores that authority and renders it permanent. I will restate what I said back in December when we considered this legislation on the House floor. As Members of Congress, it is in our best interest to swiftly pass this bill in order to avoid the wrath of millions of angry constituents who are being called by telemarketers during dinner time. We need to facilitate the continuing operation of the do-not-call registry and vote for this bill. As a result of an agreement reached with the chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, we are sending to the President's desk for his signature the Senate-passed version of the bill introduced by Senator Pryor. However, Senator Pryor's bill is identical to Mr. Stearns' bill, and my friend from Florida deserves all the credit for this fine piece of legislation. As is the case with the vast majority of bills passed out of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection, of which I serve, this is a bipartisan measure that was crafted in consultation with the appropriate agency of expertise, in this case, the Federal Trade Commission. The original House bill passed the subcommittee by voice vote on October 23, and a week later on October 30 was unanimously approved in the full Energy and Commerce Committee. Majority and minority committee staff worked together on this bill. I am so proud of how they worked together. Mr. Stearns, as well as the ranking member, Mr. Barton of Texas, who is the ranking member of the full committee, should both be commended for their cooperation with Chairman John Dingell and Chairman Bobby Rush. I also would like to congratulate and welcome the distinguished gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Whitfield) as the new ranking member of the subcommittee on which we serve. I am positive that the track record of bipartisan cooperation will continue under Mr. Whitfield's leadership. Unfortunately, it is my understanding that Mr. Whitfield, I looked forward to seeing him on the floor today, but he is currently in Kentucky dealing with the frightening devastation wrought by last night's tornadoes. Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his constituents and all those who were adversely affected by this tragedy, not only in that State but in other States as well. With that, Madam Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote. At this time, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. I want to thank the gentleman for his comments. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I am going to urge my colleagues to vote ``aye'' on this measure, and let's send it on to the President's desk.

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

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 781) to extend the authority of the Federal Trade Commission to collect Do-Not-Call Registry fees to fiscal years after fiscal year 2007.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great leader and powerful figure in North Carolina by naming the post office located at 725 Roanoke Avenue in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina as the Judge Richard B. Allsbrook Post Office. Unfortunately, Judge Allsbrook passed away on October 26, 2007, just a few months before we were able to bestow upon him this great honor. Judge Allsbrook was a native of Halifax County, North Carolina--one of the largest and most populated areas of my congressional district. He was born in 1929 to State Senator Julian and Mrs. Frances Allsbrook. In his formative years, Richard Allsbrook attended Roanoke Rapids High School where he excelled academically. After graduating, Richard attended the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill where he received a bachelors of arts degree. He went on to attend law school at the prestigious University of North Carolina School of Law, and subsequently served for 4 years with the United States Navy as a second lieutenant. Mr. Speaker, after honorably serving his country in the military, Richard returned to Roanoke Rapids to practice law with his father in the firm of Allsbrook, Benton and Knott. During his 20 years as a practicing attorney, he always took time for his clients and worked diligently to ensure that they were represented to the best of his ability. His meticulous nature and even temperament served him well when he was appointed resident superior court judge for the Sixth Judicial District in 1978. Over the next 22 years, he tempered justice with mercy, earning a reputation as a fair, compassionate jurist. All those present in his courtroom--attorneys, defendants, jurors, witnesses and court personnel--consistently found him to be well- prepared, respectful, and courteous. I had the privilege of practicing law before Judge Allsbrook on many occasions prior to my election as Resident Superior Court Judge when I became his colleague. After serving as Senior Resident Superior Court Judge for over two decades, he retired in September 2000 and worked as a mediator in the North Carolina judicial system. Judge Allsbrook attended the Rosemary Baptist Church for over 50 years. He was a dedicated deacon, trustee and Sunday School teacher where he worked to enrich each person with whom he came into contact. He was also dedicated to improving the community through his involvement in the Kiwanis Club where he served as president, and also the Roanoke Rapids Chamber of Commerce where he also served as president. Because of his dedication and commitment to the community, Judge Allsbrook received the Jaycees' Distinguished Service Award and also received the Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award. Mr. Speaker, sadly, Judge Allsbrook's devoted and loving wife Barbara passed away in February of last year--just 8 months before Judge Allsbrook. Judge Allsbrook and his wife Barbara reared two children, Barbara Alison who resides in Roanoke, and Richard Jr., who resides in Boston. Judge Richard Allsbrook was indeed a pillar of the Halifax community. He was my dear friend and I am so proud to have known him. Roanoke Rapids, Halifax County, and the State of North Carolina is a better place because of Richard Allsbrook's sacrifices and contributions on behalf of so many. This legislation--H.R. 4211--has bipartisan support and is cosponsored by the entire North Carolina Congressional Delegation. It is my hope that my colleagues here in the House will join me and my North Carolina colleagues in voting ``aye'' on H.R. 4211.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Tibotec Therapeutics for their innovation and corporate responsibility in developing new, effective treatments for people living with HIV/AIDS. On Friday, January 18, 2008, the Food and Drug Administration approved Tibotec's second HIV drug, INTELENCETM (etravirine), for the treatment of HIV infection. In my home state of North Carolina, there are an estimated 31,000 people living with HIV/AIDS, many of whom may not be aware that they are infected with this life-threatening illness. Unfortunately, the Black Community in North Carolina as well as others across the southern United States are disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS. A high percentage of people in these communities are diagnosed in the later stages of HIV disease--a fact that further complicates their chances for successful ongoing treatment. Furthermore, Black women are disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS in our state, with an HIV infection rate almost seventeen times higher than among non-Hispanic white women. We are all aware of the success HIV therapies have had on prolonging and enhancing the quality of life for those infected with HIV/AIDS. As the infected population lives longer and becomes increasingly resistant to current treatment regimens; there is a growing need to focus on access to newer therapies for treatment experienced. HIV drug manufacturers are being challenged to meet the treatment needs of this changing population. Federal and State governments, public health programs, medical and community-based providers in addition to drug manufacturers are all challenged to find ways to better serve disproportionately impacted and underserved communities. Tibotec Therapeutics is also a leader in reaching out to underserved communities highly impacted by HIV. A primary example of this is Tibotec's GRACE study, a first-of-its- kind clinical trial that will compare gender differences in the efficacy, safety and tolerability of an FDA-approved HIV therapy in women, and will also explore racial differences in treatment outcomes. Tibotec Therapeutics, an operating company of Johnson & Johnson, has a strong history of advancing the science of HIV treatment, and INTELENCETM is another shining example of this cutting-edge research and development. INTELENCETM, also known as TMC 125, is the first new drug in the NNRTI class to be approved in a decade. It brings new hope to HIV patients, whose HIV virus has become resistant to other HIV therapies, including drugs in the same NNRTI class. Notably, the FDA approved INTELENCETM through an accelerated approval procedure--a process that is reserved for the early approval of drugs that show a meaningful therapeutic advantage over existing treatments for serious or life-threatening diseases. Finally, Tibotec Therapeutics acted responsibly in pricing INTELENCETM, a fact recognized by many leaders in the HIV community. In fact, one leading HIV patient advocate stated, ``With the introduction of INTELENCE, Tibotec Therapeutics has demonstrated exceptional leadership in working with the HIV community in an effort to address pricing and access issues. Tibotec has repeatedly recognized the necessity of responsibly pricing HIV products and should be commended for its leadership in this regard.'' This type of responsible corporate behavior is especially welcomed in my state of North Carolina, which has struggled in the past to provide access to HIV therapies for eligible lower-income individuals. In closing, I would like to once again, I commend Tibotec Therapeutics for its innovation and corporate responsibility. I applaud the fact that North Carolinians living with HIV/AIDS will now have access to a new and important treatment option, affording them the possibility of living healthier and productive lives.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentleman for yielding and thank the chairman and chairwoman for their passion and leadership on this very important issue. I rise today in support of the amendment offered by my good friend and colleague from Florida, Mr. Mahoney. Mr. Chairman, I represent the First District of North Carolina, which is the 15th poorest district in our country. One of the towns in my district is called Henderson, North Carolina. Last year, this town was one of three, one of three towns across the country, to receive the HOPE VI Main Street grant that this bill attempts to remove. As we all know, HOPE VI Main Street grants seek to revitalize and rejuvenate older downtown business districts while retaining the area's traditional and historic character. The purpose of this program is to provide assistance to smaller communities in the development of affordable housing and the revitalization and reconfiguration of obsolete commercial offices or buildings into sustainable and affordable housing. Mr. Chairman, towns like Henderson need these grants. We need these grants to reinvigorate the communities and to spur outside commercial investment. The point is, in closing, that HOPE VI Main Street grants are needed for rural America. I want to thank Mr. Mahoney for his leadership and passion and thank him for bringing forth this amendment.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise and ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the Monitors, one of eastern North Carolina's most noted bands. On January 25, 2008, members of this band will come together at the Boykin Center in Wilson, NC, to celebrate 50 years of making music. Madam Speaker, Bill Myers and Cleveland Flowe came together and organized the band in 1957 setting the Monitors in motion over the next 50 years. And they are still grooving today. I want to say that Bill Myers is married to my very special cousin, Diana Davis Myers, and Cleveland Flowe was my band teacher when I was in high school many years ago. Bill Myers is the only original member of the band who performs once or twice per month. Cleveland Flowe and his wife, Cathy, now live in Charlotte, NC. The Monitors' music varies according to the crowd. The band is very versatile and can take an audience back on a journey to the World War II era, or can have them doing the twist, jerk, or mashed potatoes into the 1940s, 50s, 60s, 70s or even break dancing to the 80s or ``leaning back'' to those songs that you may hear on the radio today. Although the band has kept up with the time, the members have been able to savor its original flavor and can kick it into gear on command. Madam Speaker, all one has to do is just name the occasion--a concert, Mardi Gras, Hawaiian luau, wedding reception, prom, cabaret, or a street festival, and the Monitors will have you springing to your feet and dancing to the beat. The Monitors' claim to fame is their noted performances as back-up band with such greats as Otis Redding, Millie Jackson, Major Lance, Faye Adams and Joyce Thorne, and as the opening act with Ray Charles and Roberta Flack. Further, a little known history fact is that in the early stages of her career, Roberta Flack was lead singer for the Monitors. Madam Speaker, this celebration is not only a time of reminiscence for the members of the Monitors which include Bill Myers, Cleveland Flowe, Jerome Morgan, Willie Dupree, Dick Knight, Fred Moye, Donald Tuckson, Sam Lathan, Clark Mills, Jr., Mollie Hunter and Gerald Hunter, but it is a charitable occasion where proceeds of the concert will be divided between the Arts Council of Wilson and the Charles H. Darden High School Alumni Association. Madam Speaker, I applaud the Monitors for the joy that they have brought into the lives of people across the Nation through their musical talents. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending to this renowned band our heartfelt wishes and God's continued blessings.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I respectfully pause today with a heavy heart as I share with my colleagues the sad news of the passing of my good friend Attorney Louis Jordan who was a native of Warren County, NC and lived in Goldsboro, NC. Louis slipped away from us last night leaving his wife Nancy James Jordan and their two adult children, Kevin and Kelly. A good number of years ago, both Louis and I attended North Carolina Central University. It was there that we became roommates and subsequently grew to be very close friends. After graduation, I returned to my hometown of Wilson and Louis settled in Goldsboro. For more than 35 years, Louis provided a tremendous service to the Wayne County community through his community-oriented practice of law. Madam Speaker, with many years between us and our law school days, our paths once again crossed. I was a sitting Superior Court Judge and Louis was a practicing attorney who argued many cases before me. He was never one to shy away from a fight and was equipped to slay any legal giant. Louis represented his clients well. Louis later became an ordained minister and through his ministry exhibited his true dedication, commitment and loyalty to his community. He was a great mentor to the youth of the community and contributed great counsel and leadership to the City of Goldsboro's Board of Education and the Goldsboro public schools. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Attorney Louis Jordan. The City of Goldsboro, the State of North Carolina and the United States of America have suffered a great loss.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of America's most deserving citizens, Mrs. Bella Russell who will be celebrating her 100th birthday on January 1, 2008. Mrs. Russell resides in Warren County within my Congressional District and is the grandmother of our friend and colleague, Congressman Albert Russell Wynn. Although Mrs. Russell was born in the County of Warren, she moved to Camden, NJ as a young child where she attended the public schools. In later years, Mrs. Russell married John Wesley Russell and through this marriage, three children were born. She is now the matriarch of this wonderful family with 15 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren. From the State of New Jersey, the family relocated to North Carolina where they acquired a 200-acre farm. While Mr. Russell operated the farm, Mrs. Russell dedicated much of her time as a homemaker and occasionally assisted on the farm. She was also very actively engaged in her community and served as 4-H Club Leader for more than 10 years. Madam Speaker, Mrs. Russell has dedicated 70-faithful years of her life as a member of Russell Union RZUA Church. She has served as Church Mother for 50 years and took great pride in organizing church clubs and groups. Madam Speaker, over her lifetime, Mrs. Russell has lived through some of the most significant historical periods of our time. Like so many of the great historical monuments she has stood the test of time and has survived Reconstruction; lynching; WorId War I; the Great Depression; WorId War II; the period of segregation; the Civil Rights Movement; Voting Rights Movement; School Desegregation and other momentous times. She is indeed a walking history reference and we take great pride in recognizing her for being blessed with such longevity. I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Mrs. Bella Russell, a most deserving American.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, for the past 34 years, Rocky Mount, North Carolina has known only one mayor--Fred Turnage. During his tenure, he showed time and time again that he was one of our State's finest and most effective leaders. Part of what makes him such a great leader is that he truly understands how to be a public servant. Mayor Turnage wanted to improve the quality of life of every single person living in Rocky Mount; he always had big plans for improving the city for the people; and, he always worked as hard as he could to achieve his goals. Mayor Turnage successfully navigated the city through its darkest time in the aftermath of Hurricane Floyd in 1999. The storm dumped 20 inches of rain on a region already saturated by two previous storms. Floyd engulfed neighborhoods, communities and entire towns with floodwaters and killed 16 people in the Twin Counties. Almost a tenth of the city was flooded; 1,000 structures were destroyed with damage estimated at $400 million; and, hundreds of residents were evacuated from their homes. During those dark days, Mayor Turnage provided the strong leadership needed to give people a sense of comfort and the belief that the community could rebuild and be stronger than it was even before the storm. Under his leadership, Rocky Mount successfully moved forward with a plan to rebuild, expand and strengthen the city beyond what it had been prior to the storm. Grants, private funds and city budget commitments paid for the new Imperial Centre, Rocky Mount Sports Complex, YMCA, Braswell Memorial Library, several parks and the train station. During his three decades at the helm of the city, Mayor Turnage helped to successfully navigate the community as it moved from a tobacco and textile city to one that relies on diverse factories, small businesses and tourism. Mayor Turnage has presided over more than 700 City Council meetings and he's missed just six in his 34-year tenure. Two of those absences occurred because he was out of town on city business. He grew up in Rocky Mount, graduated from what was then Rocky Mount Senior High in 1954 and moved on to Wake Forest University. He graduated from law school in 1961 and returned to Rocky Mount to work as an attorney. He then worked as assistant clerk of court for about 18 months before he opened his own law firm. In those days there were no district attorneys, so he ran successfully for prosecuting attorney for Nash County. In 1971, he was elected to the City Council. At age 37, two years later, he was elected Rocky Mount's youngest mayor. In December, Mayor Turnage turned over the gavel and the city had its first new mayor in 34 years. Mayor Turnage, and his wife, Norma, have been strong and steady leaders for their community, and they have succeeded in making their community a better place for everyone there. Please join me in recognizing the great accomplishments of Rocky Mount's mayor, Fred Turnage.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of America's most deserving citizens, Mrs. Margaret Beulah Colvert Allen, who will be celebrating her 100th Birthday on August 2, 2008. Although Mrs. Allen was born in Statesville, NC, she presently resides in Congressman Bobby Scott's Congressional District, so we are both equally pleased and proud to share her as our friend and constituent. Over the years, Mrs. Allen has assumed many different roles. She was a dedicated homemaker and was also employed for several years as a substitute teacher, seamstress, supervisor of arts and crafts at her area community recreation center, and a food service worker at the Veterans Administration Hospital. Madam Speaker, Mrs. Allen has dedicated 75-faithful years of her life as a member of the Saint Paul A.M.E. Church. She has served as steward and stewardess and on several different committees including the Committee of Concern, which she chaired for many years. Mrs. Allen was also very involved in her community's Y.W.C.A. and the elementary and high school Parent Teacher Association. By all accounts, Mrs. Allen is a ``wonderful mother.'' Due to her husband's early death, Mrs. Allen was forced to rear five children as a single parent. Marion A. Christian, John C. Allen, III, Charles C. Allen, Beverly A. Henderson and Lynne C. Allen are the Allen children. All of the Allen children completed college and have reared successful children of their own. Madam Speaker, over her lifetime, Mrs. Allen has lived through some of the most significant historical periods of our time. Like so many of the great historical monuments she has stood the test of time and has survived Reconstruction; lynching; World War I; the Great Depression; World War II; the period of segregation; the Civil Rights Movement; Voting Rights Movement; School Desegregation and other momentous times. She is indeed a walking history reference and we take great pride in recognizing her for being blessed with such longevity.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 2484) to rename the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development as the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. I want to thank the distinguished gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Terry). You are absolutely correct. This legislation is only meant to change the name of the single institute within NIH and to have no other effect, no other effect on the NIH or its organization. We do not intend to change or even signal any other change at the NIH.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to express my strong support for S. 2484, a bill to rename the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development as the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. I am proud to lend my support to a bill aimed at honoring such a compassionate and wonderful human being. Often we miss out on the opportunity to honor people while they are with us. Today, I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will join with me in seizing the moment and commemorating Eunice Kennedy Shriver, a tireless advocate for children. While Eunice Kennedy Shriver is perhaps best known for her efforts on behalf of those affected by mental retardation and for the creation of the Special Olympics, she has also been a leader on many other fronts. In particular, it is wholly appropriate that we name the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development after Eunice Kennedy Shriver, as she was instrumental in establishing the institute just over 45 years ago during the administration of her brother, John Fitzgerald Kennedy. In the nearly half a century since its founding, the institute has helped make great strides in the advancement of child health and human development, including dramatically reducing sudden infant death syndrome and infant mortality. One of the goals of the institute is to ensure that children have the opportunity to reach their full potential and live healthy and productive lives. Her commitment and dedication to helping children meet these goals has been unwavering. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, it is important that we, before it is too late, that we honor this great American, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, today by renaming the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development after her. I support this good bill and urge all of my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the Senate bill now under consideration.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlelady from the District of Columbia for her friendship and thank her for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to offer my support for H.R. 3179, the matter that has been introduced by Mr. Towns of New York, which is entitled the Local Preparedness Acquisition Act. This is a fine piece of legislation, and I urge our colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this matter.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlelady from the District of Columbia for her friendship and thank her for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I want to very briefly comment on H.R. 4210. This is a bill that I introduced to name the post office located at 401 Washington Avenue in Weldon, North Carolina, after a very dear friend of many, many years, Mr. Dock M. Brown. We are seeking to name this post office as the Dock M. Brown Post Office Building. Dock Brown, Mr. Speaker, has been a friend and supporter for many years. He is a pillar of leadership in the Halifax County community and throughout our congressional district. And I might say parenthetically, Mr. Speaker, that the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia also has roots in Halifax County, North Carolina, and it is just ironic that she happens to be on the floor at this very moment. Mr. Speaker, Dock Brown was born on January 30, 1929, in Halifax County to a wonderful couple, Nelson and Vilvie Brown. Dock Brown's father, as was my father, was a veteran of World War I. Dock would soon follow in his father's footsteps by also serving our country as a sergeant in the United States Army. Mr. Brown graduated from J.A. Chaloner High School in 1948 and entered historic Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, that fall. In 1951, just 1 year before he was to graduate from that institution, Dock Brown was drafted into the United States Army and was given orders to fight in the Korean War. Dock Brown served 12 long months in Korea before returning to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, his native home State, to serve out the remainder of his tour. Immediately after his discharge, Dock Brown resumed his education at Shaw University, where he received his undergraduate degree in history. To fulfill his dream of becoming a school teacher, Dock attended another great institution, which was my alma mater, North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina, where he received a master's degree in sociology and school administration. Dock Brown is an extraordinary educator. He taught history at Weldon High School and Eastman High School for 24 years and served as principal of Pittman High School for 10 years. His positive impact on the youth in Halifax County cannot be measured. He touched so many young lives, and it was Dock Brown's encouragement that has served as a catalyst and foundation that propelled many of those young people to grow into well-established, productive, progressive citizens. Dock Brown also served as an appointed official in Halifax County. He served on the County Board of Health. And for 19 years he served on the Board of Mental Health, where he served as chairman for the last 4 years of his tenure. He was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the State Mental Health Association for his tireless dedication to the issue of mental health. He served 7 years as a trustee at Elizabeth City State University and 2 years as an appointee to the Governor's Commission to evaluate superior court judges. Mr. Speaker, Dock Brown has also served, as we do, as an elected official. For 8 years he served as a county commissioner in Halifax County; 2 years in the North Carolina House of Representatives, representing District 7; 8 years as a commissioner on the Weldon Town Board. For his untiring service to the State of North Carolina, Dock Brown was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by then Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. This is the highest civilian honor granted to a citizen in North Carolina. Religion has played a major part in the life of Dock Brown. He has been an active member of the First Baptist Church in Roanoke Rapids since the age of 11, where he served in many capacities including that of ordained deacon for more than 50 years. He has been married to his devoted wife, Helen Brooks Brown, for 54 years. Together they have reared two children: Dock Brown, Jr. and Ivy Brown Singlton. Ivy is married to Lieutenant Colonel Terance Singlton, II, who proudly serves us in the United States Army. I am so proud, Mr. Speaker, to have authored this legislation to honor this individual. Dock Brown has dedicated his entire life to serving others and has touched entire generations of young people. This legislation has the entire support, bipartisan support, of my delegation. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 4210.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very special high school in my congressional district: North Edgecombe High School. This school, which is located in Tarboro, NC, was ranked among the top high schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. This year, only 34 high schools in North Carolina were recognized with this great honor and I am so proud that the Mighty Warriors of North Edgecombe High School achieved this great feat. The dedication of the administrators, teachers, support staff, parents, and students to ensure the success of the young generation is to be commended. Madam Speaker, North Edgecombe High School is seated in a rural area of my district. It educates over 350 students in grades 9-12. Its population is 90 percent minority and 70 percent are labeled as ``disadvantaged students.'' As we from rural districts know, funding for public schools can be concentrated on the metropolitan areas of the state while the rural areas are seemingly forgotten. With limited resources they continue to prepare all students both academically and socially to successfully meet the challenges of an ever-changing society. The largely affluent Research Triangle Park area which includes Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill had no schools that made the list. This is a true testament to the hard work, dedication and determination of our teachers and students at North Edgecombe High School. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the accomplishment of North Edgecombe High School. It is my most sincere hope that the teachers, students, and parents continue to work hard to ensure that they make the list again in the coming year. I hope other schools in my district will look to North Edgecombe High School as an example of excellence and a model to emulate.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. I want to thank the gentleman for his comments. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I am ready to close this out. But I am sure the American people will be very appreciative that we are willing to extend this to become a permanent program, the do-not-call registry.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, this has been a good debate on this issue, and I want to thank both the gentlemen who have authored this bill for their passion and for their leadership and what they do for the Congress. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to yield 4 minutes to my good friend from Pennsylvania, a gentleman who works so hard for his constituents, Mr. Doyle.