G.K. Butterfield

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I want to thank my friend and my colleague, Mr. Clay from Missouri, for yielding this time to me to speak to this very important legislation. I also want to thank Mr. Westmoreland for his leadership on the committee. This is a bipartisan piece of legislation that I hope this body will pass unanimously. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for H.R. 3382 and to urge my colleagues to support this legislation. I am the primary sponsor of H.R. 3382, and I'm proud to say that I am joined by the entire North Carolina delegation, both Democrat and Republican. I am seeking to name the post office located in the downtown area of Goldsboro, North Carolina, which incidentally is the home of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. We're seeking to name this post office as the Philip A. Baddour, Sr. Post Office. Madam Speaker, Mr. Baddour was my friend. He was also a well- respected member of the Goldsboro City Council for 16 long years. After his service on the council was complete, Mr. Baddour continued to be involved in the civic life of his community, and he leaves a legacy of service in the perfect sense of the word. Madam Speaker, Philip Baddour, Sr.'s occupation was that of a downtown merchant for more than 30 years. His service on the city council was his second calling, and he served in that capacity from 1979 until 1995. During his tenure on the council, he served as mayor pro tempore and was instrumental in improving the lives of the citizens of Goldsboro, of all races and backgrounds. He was known as the people's representative because of his ability to listen and understand the concerns of his constituents and because he always stood up for those who did not have a voice. Upon his retirement from the council, Mr. Baddour was honored with a key to the City of Goldsboro and a resolution from the North Carolina League of Municipalities for his many years of public service. Former North Carolina Governor James B. Hunt, Jr., honored Mr. Baddour as a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, for individuals who have a proven record of extraordinary service to our State. It is the highest civilian honor that can be granted in the State of North Carolina. Mr. Baddour dedicated his time and was very compassionate about his community, a community that had given him so much in his youth. He served as director of Wayside Fellowship and was the recipient of the Cancer Society's Outstanding Crusade Volunteer Award. He was also active in the Cub Scouts and the Boy Scouts of America. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church and served as chairman of the parish council. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Nothing was more important to Philip Baddour, Sr. than his family. He was married to Louise Farfour for 60 years. Together, they reared four sons who have followed in their father's footsteps by themselves being community leaders and outstanding citizens. Philip, Jr., his son, my dear friend, is an attorney and former majority leader of the North Carolina House of Representatives. Richard is the athletic director at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Stephen is a retired public schoolteacher. And Neil is a real estate broker. Philip Baddour also had eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Sadly, Madam Speaker, Mr. Baddour, Sr. passed away in April of 2002 after giving so much to his community, to his State and his country. Madam Speaker, I can think of no finer individual in Wayne County, North Carolina, and no person who is more deserving of this honor than Philip A. Baddour, Sr. The people of Goldsboro and Wayne County and the First Congressional District of North Carolina are grateful for his commitment to community and his great leadership. I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring this great public servant by passing H.R. 3382. Again, I want to thank the gentleman from Missouri and the gentleman from Georgia, my friends, for yielding this time. I thank them for their service.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Yes. There were more, more like 4, 5,000 people in attendance at the dinner, and it was a great success. I want to thank all of those persons who had a hand in making the week the success that it was, particularly Dr. Elsie Scott and the staff of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. You know, Congresswoman, I say in speeches all the time and I will say here on the House floor today, you know, we get credit for a lot of things that we really don't deserve, Members of Congress. We cut the ribbons and take pictures and sit in meetings and engage in unnecessary debate sometimes, but it is the staff that does the heavy lifting and gets the job done. So kudos to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation staff. Let me conclude by saying that since 1868 there has only been 122 African Americans who have served in the United States Congress. That is an actual statistic. Our research shows that 19 African Americans served in the House of Representatives during the Reconstruction. Four of those were from my district that I now represent, which is the northeastern corner of North Carolina. Eight of those were from South Carolina, which is the district that my good friend, the majority whip of this House, Congressman Jim Clyburn, represents. But we have only had 122 African Americans to serve in this body. We have come a long way to have 42 African Americans serving in the House and one in the Senate. We have a lot of work to do, and I am going to close by simply saying that we had a good week and a very successful week. I know it's self- serving for me to say this, Congresswoman, but I think it's the best conference that we have had in our 37 years. So many people deserve the credit.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. I want to first of all thank the gentlelady from Ohio for her leadership here in the Congress. One of the first Members that I met when I came to Washington 3 years ago was Stephanie Tubbs Jones. She is engaged all the time and is certainly representing the constituents of her district. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share a few thoughts with you this evening. We have just finished the 37th Annual Legislative Conference of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. I want to delineate between the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. Those are two separate entities. So often people confuse those entities, but the Congressional Black Caucus proper is simply an unofficial organization of the 43 CBC members, African American Members who are serving in the Congress who meet from time to time to discuss public policy issues. It is not a foundation; it is simply an informal gathering of Members of Congress. By contrast, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation is a very formal organization. It is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt foundation that has been in existence for many years. I want to start off by making that point abundantly clear. The Congressional Black Caucus is composed of 43 members. We hear that number from time to time. That's a very important number. It has not always been 43 members. The African American representation here in Congress has evolved over the years, and now it is at its highest point in its history; 42 African Americans serve in the House. Of those 42, 40 are full voting Members of the House of Representatives. The other two have the right to vote in committees and in the Committee of the Whole, but not in the full House, because they represent the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands. Hopefully one day in the not too distant future even those two Members will have a right to full participation here in the Congress. But having 42 African Americans in the House of Representatives is significant. That is 17 percent of the House of Representatives, at least the Democrats in the House of Representatives come from the Congressional Black Caucus, and so that is very important. So over the years, the Congressional Black Caucus has seen fit to annually produce an annual legislative conference whereby African American leaders from all across the country can come to Washington in fellowship and interact and network with other people across the country, and then we conclude the week by having a gala or an annual dinner. We have just completed the 37th annual conference this past week, and it was a smashing success. I want to thank all of those persons who had a hand in making it happen. Kendrick Meek from Miami, Dade County, Florida, is the leader of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. We used to call him a part of the 30-something club, but he has now passed that great 40- year-old mark, but he is still young and energetic and dynamic.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. No, ma'am, I am not. I am a member of the 60- something. But Kendrick Meek has led our organization, and we had a very, very good conference last week. I am not going to go into all the details, I am sure my colleague, Donna Christensen, who was also my cochair last week may give you details about it, but it was a wonderful week. We had brain trust on just about every topic that you can imagine. We had a gospel extravaganza, and one of my choirs from North Carolina came to Washington and really, really had a magnificent showing in that extravaganza. Then we had a prayer breakfast. We are very close to prayer in the Congressional Black Caucus, because we know it has been our faith that has brought us thus far along the way. Then we concluded on Saturday night with our gala. I don't know how many thousand people were at that dinner.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Thank you, staff. Thank you all of you who had a hand in making this happen, including the chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus itself. I failed to mention the name of Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick. Congresswoman Kilpatrick is leader of the Congressional Black Caucus, and that's a tough job, leading 43 diverse politicians. But she reconciles all of our differences, all of our views and leads the Black Caucus with great distinction. Thank you as well to Congresswoman Kilpatrick.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. We had a southern missionary Baptist preacher who came to Washington and delivered a powerful sermon. When I first suggested Dr. Jones' name a few months ago, a few people were skeptical because they had not heard of him before. When they came up with their name, I had not heard of their name before. So I thought it was time to have a southern minister. Dr. Clifford Jones did a wonderful job, as did Rev. William Barber from Goldsboro, North Carolina, who delivered the prayer for the Nation. Dr. Barber is also the State president of the NAACP in North Carolina, and it was just a wonderful occasion. You would have had to have been there to really appreciate it, and hopefully persons who didn't come this year may see fit to come next year.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, the news about health care in our Nation continues to get more discouraging, especially when it comes to health insurance for children. New Census data shows that the number of children without health insurance in the United States has grown over the last year by 700,000, to nearly 8.7 million children. This means that now one in nine American kids do not have health insurance. To try and reverse these unacceptable trends, the Democratic Congress voted last month to reauthorize the Children's Health Insurance Program. Our legislation will provide an additional 5 million low- income children with the health insurance they need to live healthier lives. These kids are already eligible but not enrolled. Mr. Speaker, President Bush has threatened to veto this legislation, despite bipartisan support it received in Congress and from our Governors. In the face of these discouraging new Census numbers, it is time for the President to end his veto threat and pledge his support for this legislation that will provide 11 million children with the health care coverage they need and deserve.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I support Taiwan's application for United Nations membership. Since 1971, Taiwan has had no representation in the United Nations. Its 23 million people have been deprived of their fundamental human rights. It is now time to remedy this situation. The United Nations has persistently rejected Taiwan's application on the basis of U.N. Resolution 2758 passed in October 1971. The resolution claims that Taiwan is part of the PRC and, therefore, Taiwan's representation in the United Nations would serve no purpose. This argument is flawed since it fails to recognize the fact that Taiwan is a sovereign government with its own national flag, constitution, armed forces and is recognized by more than 20 independent nations. Even more importantly the people of Taiwan have authorized their leader, President Chen Shui-bian to express to the world the desire of Taiwan to belong to this important world body. Madam Speaker, the people on the island of Taiwan are able and willing to contribute to the United Nations and to world peace, justice, and prosperity. Let us give Taiwan our support in its bid to be a member of the United Nations.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, for months now we have heard from our Republican colleagues that September would be a critical month for the war in Iraq. Earlier this year when this Democratic Congress and the American people voiced their overwhelming opposition to President Bush's troop escalation plan, our Republican colleagues said, ``Give the President time.'' The problem is, both the Republican Congress and the Bush administration have been moving the time frame for success on the troop escalation plan. First it was June. Then it was August. Finally, a couple of months ago, Republican leaders agreed that September would be the defining month. It is clear that President Bush has no intention of ending the troop escalation in Iraq, even though the Iraqi Government has failed to meet the benchmarks that he himself outlined earlier this year. President Bush is determined to leave as many troops in Iraq as possible, no matter what the facts suggest. The question now is, will Congressional Republicans finally break away from the President and do what is right for this Nation and for the military? Congressional Republicans must realize that the time has come to change course.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Chairman, I am proud of the Democratic majority for its boldness in bringing this Energy Bill to the House floor on this Saturday morning. You know, 20 years ago it was the academics that were talking about energy independence and climate change. Today, it is a conversation all across America and the American people are expecting us to do something about it. This Energy Bill is not a perfect bill but it is a responsible piece of legislation. It represents the views of competing interests and it begins us on that long road to energy independence. My State of North Carolina is eager to be part of developing solutions. We have lost over 100,000 textile jobs since 1997. This legislation will usher in significant job creation that will replace some of the lost jobs. Microcell Corporation is a hydrogen fuel cell company in my district that's made a giant leap and is now ready to produce their cells on a large scale. With this breakthrough, over 1,000 good paying jobs will be created in this rural district. I am proud to tell you that our State legislature has enacted an ambitious Renewable Portfolio Standard that is reasonably related to our ability to reach energy independence. Other states have done the same thing and others will do so as we move in this new direction. Finally, I am proud to be a part of an effort to include Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the research and development of Cellulosic Ethanol for transportation fuels. These institutions have wanted to be part of developing ethanol from biomass but they have not had the opportunity. This bill makes $50 million available for minority serving institutions to engage in this research on a competitive basis. I introduced this concept to the Energy and Commerce Committee and I am proud that we finally reached a bipartisan agreement to include this language in the final bill. I urge my colleagues to vote for final passage.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Chairmen Dingell, Rangel, Pallone and Stark for their bold leadership in bringing this legislation to the House floor. As Congressman for the 15th poorest district in the Nation, a district where 50 percent of the children qualify for SCHIP, I enthusiastically support passage. The CHAMP Act of 2007 reflects what should be our Nation's priorities. It is the duty of Congress to keep the promise of our Constitution, to provide for the general welfare of our people. What better way, Mr. Speaker, to keep that promise than to guarantee that our children are afforded adequate health insurance. The sad fact is that a majority of uninsured children are minority, including 1.4 million black children and 3.4 million Hispanic children. In my State of North Carolina, 195,000 children are eligible but not enrolled in the program. We have a moral obligation to ensure all children who are unable to afford insurance have that insurance. To do less would be shameful. Let me close, Mr. Speaker, by thanking the gentleman for giving me this time and also expressing disappointment with my Republican friends who have engaged in nothing but obstructionism and filibuster as we have struggled to bring this legislation to the floor. You insisted on reading a 495-page bill, consuming 18 hours of our committee time. You have made your adjournment motions this week, and you have wrongfully suggested that we want to insure illegal aliens. That's wrong. And then you accuse us of taking Medicare benefits from our seniors; and then you use that worn out phrase, ``tax increase''. The American people have figured it out. You are doing every conceivable thing to prevent giving insurance coverage to 5 million children of the working poor. My friends, you are wrong.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, today, many American families will finally receive a long overdue pay raise when phase one of the Federal minimum wage increase takes effect. It has been 10 long years since American workers have seen an increase in the Federal minimum wage, the longest gap in the history of the law. Over that decade, inflation has all but erased the effect of the last increase, leaving millions of families, including military families, struggling to survive. Currently, Madam Speaker, 10 percent of military spouses earn between $5.15 and $7.25 an hour. These 50,000 military families are part of the nearly 13 million Americans who will benefit from the Federal minimum wage increase that takes effect today. Madam Speaker, increasing the minimum wage is just one part of a broader American agenda to strengthen the economy and help working families. Democrats believe that all Americans, not just the privileged few, deserve to make a living wage. I am proud that we passed this legislation, and especially glad that it will help so many of our military families.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen, Mr. Ernest R. Sutton. Mr. Sutton, a native of Elizabeth City, NC, is retiring after 36 years of loyal, dedicated service to the North Carolina Department of Correction. He has served this department in many capacities and now completes his career as the Superintendent for the Pasquotank Correctional Institution. Mr. Sutton is a graduate of Elizabeth City State University in 1977 with a bachelor's of science degree in political science. I have had the privilege of knowing Mr. Sutton for many years as a friend, supporter, and community leader in the Albemarle Region of our state. I first met Mr. Sutton when he was intricately involved in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization founded by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mr. Sutton currently serves as the Chairman of the Leadership Development and Governance Committees for the American Hospital Association. He is also a member of the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County Community Relations Committee. Madam Speaker, Mr. Sutton is an activist for change. In 1997, he introduced the first Hospital/Prison ``Health Fair'' in North Carolina, and played a key role in the transition of Albemarle Hospital from county owned to a free standing Regional Hospital Authority. In 2000, Mr. Sutton led the development of a unique process to search for and secure a new hospital president and CEO for Albemarle Hospital, Elizabeth City, NC. Mr. Sutton served as past Vice-Chair of the International Association of the Friends of Africa; past Chairman of the Albemarle Hospital Authority Board of Commissioners; past Chairman of the Albemarle Hospital Executive Committee; past Chairman of the Personnel and Grievance Committee of the Albemarle Hospital Board of Trustees; and past Co-Chair of the Community Relations Committee of Elizabeth City, NC. He also served as Treasurer of the North Carolina 12th District NAACP, past member of the North Carolina Cultural Alliance, and past member of the North Carolina Council on Alcoholism. Mr. Sutton's work reaches far beyond Elizabeth City. His article ``Ernest R. Sutton: Growing Potential,'' which emphasizes his passion for leadership and human resources development, was featured in the September 2002 issue of Trustee Magazine. He was also interviewed on diversity in health care in the Bridges Magazine--Institute for Diversity in Health Management in the Fall of 2002. As President of Faith Consultants, LLC, Mr. Sutton has conducted several health care lectures and seminars at local universities and for many religious organizations. Mr. Sutton has received many awards for his work. In 1984, he was the recipient of NAACP Outstanding Humanitarian Award, and went on to receive the silver, gold, and platinum Gavel Awards from the Governance Institute of Physicians, Trustees and Healthcare Executives in La Jolla, CA. In 2002, he received the North Carolina Hospital Association Trustee Service Award: Trustee of the Year, and received the Harvard School of Conflict Resolution and Healthcare Negotiations: Graduate with Distinction Award. Over this extensive career, Mr. Sutton has made a tremendous impact on his community. Through his commitment and devotion to service, he has helped to lay the ground work for continued change in both Elizabeth City and beyond. I ask that all of my colleagues join me in paying tribute to an exemplary citizen, Mr. Ernest Sutton.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, on July 4, 2007, Mr. Herbert Woodard, Sr., a resident of my home community of Wilson, North Carolina will celebrate his 100th birthday. And on July 8th, Mr. Woodard's family, friends and members of the community will join together to pay special tribute to this extraordinary man. I have had the privilege of knowing Mr. Woodard all of my life as a family friend and neighbor. A remarkable person with an entrepreneurial spirit, Mr. Woodard was born during a period in our history when significant educational opportunities were not available to African- Americans. As a result, Mr. Woodard only received a fourth grade education. Notwithstanding this tremendous obstacle, Mr. Woodard's work ethic demonstrates that diligence and determination produce lifetime rewards. As a self-employed businessman, Mr. Woodard's businesses have ranged from that of a gas station to baseball parks and hotels. He sold and delivered coal to local businesses, and has even cleaned septic tanks. As an accomplished and humble businessman, he has gained the respect and admiration of his community. Madam Speaker, although a skilled and savvy businessman, Mr. Woodard always makes a practice of giving back to the community. Each holiday season, Mr. Woodard gives turkeys to senior citizens at his church. He also donates to charitable organizations that provide services to children and veterans. Mr. Woodard and his devoted wife of many years, Mrs. Georgia Battle Woodard have nurtured a strong and loving family. During a recent visit to the Woodard home, I asked Mr. Woodard to what does he attribute his longevity, and he said ``I took care of my family.'' What a powerful statement in so few words. Madam Speaker, It is with great pride that I acknowledge the achievements of Mr. Herbert Woodard, Sr. His many accomplishments have made him a well respected person in our community. It is with extreme pride that I ask my colleagues to rise and join me in marking this monumental occasion in the life of Mr. Herbert Woodard, Sr.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, first let me thank the chairman of the subcommittee, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone), for yielding me this time and thank him for his leadership as chairman of the Health Subcommittee. Mr. Speaker, the subject of public health remains a top priority for rural America, including my home district of eastern North Carolina, the First Congressional District. Health has been an issue that has not always included the topic of disparities and the lack of access for minority communities and low-income communities. But under the leadership of this chairman, I am confident that we are now going in another direction and we are going to confront head on the issue of disparities. I want to thank the chairman and the committee for making the decision to go in that direction. But, Mr. Speaker, I have come to the floor today to address the subject of medications that are intended to combat tropical diseases and their access to the developing world. My desire, Mr. Speaker, is for the House to further cooperate and work with the other Chamber in search of a solution to the tropical disease epidemic facing the developing world. These diseases, such as HIV/AIDS and malaria and tuberculosis, continue to inflict millions of impoverished people because of the lack of medicines. In addition to perpetuating extreme poverty, these diseases also prevent millions of people from working and participating in family or community life. So as we discuss this very important issue, I would like for us to also consider the issue of tropical disease-combating medications in developing countries.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, on July 8, 2007 there will be a grand celebration honoring the 100th birthday celebration of Mr. Herbert Woodard, Sr., a resident of my Congressional District--Wilson, North Carolina. On this special occasion, Mr. Woodard's family, friends and members of the community will join together to pay special tribute to this extraordinary man. Mr. Woodard is a remarkable person with an entrepreneurial spirit. Although he only received a fourth grade education, his work ethic demonstrates that diligence and determination produce lifetime rewards. As a self-employed businessman, Mr. Woodard's businesses have ranged from that of a gas station to baseball parks and hotels. He sold and delivered coal to local businesses, and has even cleaned septic tanks. As an accomplished and humble businessman, he has gained the respect and admiration of his community. Madam Speaker, although a skilled and savvy businessman, Mr. Woodard always makes a practice of giving back to the community. Each holiday season, Mr. Woodard gives turkeys to senior citizens at his church. He also donates to charitable organizations that provide services to children and veterans. It is with great pride that I acknowledge the achievements of Mr. Woodard. His many accomplishments have made him a well recognized figure in Wilson, North Carolina. It is with sincere pride that I ask my colleagues to rise and join me in marking this monumental occasion in the life of Mr. Herbert Woodard, Sr.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen, Mrs. Martha Case Jarvis. Mrs. Jarvis was not a pioneer in the field of medicine, but she certainly found innovative ways of caring for the medical needs of her six children. Her field of expertise was not in the world of business, although she taught her children the importance of hard work. Mrs. Jarvis worked two jobs her entire life. She was an exceptional homemaker, and she worked tirelessly in the fields until her health no longer permitted. Between these two occupations, she instilled in her children integrity, honesty, diligence, faith, persistence, and the ability to see that hard work yields great rewards. Mrs. Jarvis was born on June 14, 1917 to the late Joseph and Emily Case in the backwoods of Powells Point, North Carolina. She was the fifth of eight children and is now the sole survivor. Joseph Case was a Surfman in the United States Lifesaving Service, while Emily was the homemaker. Madam Speaker, Mrs. Jarvis met, fell in love, and married Columbus Jarvis in 1934. This union produced six outstanding children: Norma Shirley of Barco, N.C.; Patricia Ann of Wappingers Falls, N.Y.; Ardella J. of Moyock, N.C.; Lenora J. of Elizabeth City, N.C.; William of Camp Springs, Md.; and Leonard of Freeport, N.Y. Norma, now retired, worked as a nurses' aid and was a homemaker like her mother. Patricia Ann, now retired, was a school teacher. Ardella, now retired, was a teacher's assistant. Lenora is currently serving as President, CEO, and Co- Founder of the River City Community Development Corporation. William III retired from the Air Force and is currently employed with the Army and Air Force Exchange System. Leonard is an Independent Insurance Account Executive and the assistant pastor of the Berean Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York. Martha Case Jarvis is the proud grandmother of fourteen and great-grandmother of seven children. June 14th marks Mrs. Jarvis' 90th birthday. She has seen many significant historical events over the past 90 years, including six wars, more presidents than she can remember, and several heartbreaking national disasters. During her life Mrs. Jarvis has faced a countless number of personal trials, but she never faltered. She knew she had a family to raise and a home to run, and she did both with a lot of elbow grease, tenacity, and tender loving care. Outside of her home, Mrs. Jarvis was very active in her church and community. She was a devoted member of the Eastern Stars. She was also one of the first African-Americans to qualify to register and vote in Currituck County. While Martha Case Jarvis did not set the world on fire with inventions or miraculous medical cures, she has certainly made a difference to the hundreds of people she touched along the way. Her children are eternally grateful for her guidance and devotion, and they are honored to follow in her footsteps. I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to this outstanding citizen.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 6 minutes to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Bean), the author of this resolution.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 455) supporting the goals and ideals of National Internet Safety Month, as amended.

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

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, June is National Internet Safety Month, and the resolution before us today highlights this designation. As a member of the Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I want to commend the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Bean) for introducing this resolution and for her efforts to protect our children from the lurking dangers on the Internet. It is not hyperbole to say that the Internet is the most powerful tool ever developed for disseminating information to as many people as possible. Not since the invention of radio or, perhaps, since even the printing press, has a technological development so radically altered the means by which we spread information to the general public. Moreover, the Internet has completely revolutionized the way in which we communicate with each other on an individualized basis. Not since the invention of the telephone has a technology revolutionized the way in which we interact with each other, one on one, regardless of distance or geography. But, of course, with such great revolutions, there are always drawbacks. There will always be some who take advantage of the profound benefits provided by technology and use it for nefarious purposes. As marvelous as the Internet and the World Wide Web have become as a means of empowering ordinary people to communicate ideas in a manner that was once unimaginable, the Internet has also becoming a breeding ground, yes, a breeding ground for poisonous messages and images. It has become the modern, virtual wild, wild west where cyberbandits and thieves roam to prey on unsuspecting consumers by deception and by extracting from them sensitive private information. And at its very worst, the Internet and the World Wide Web can be a complete snakepit, full of predators and scum who would prey on the most innocent and vulnerable members of our society, our children. Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 455 supports the goals and ideals of National Internet Safety Month. The resolution before us recognizes the many national and community organizations that exist to educate parents and children on what steps they can take to protect their families from unsuitable content and from online predators. The Federal Trade Commission is the crown jewel of the Federal Government's mission to protect consumers, and has played a critical role in this regard. In addition to its ongoing efforts to crack down on cybercrime, the Commission has engaged in a public relations campaign to promote awareness and online safety habits. The FTC has established a 1-800 number which serves as a help line and as the designee where consumers can file complaints. Moreover, the Commission has set up a special Web site, www.OnGuardOnline.gov--that is www.OnGuardOnline.gov--to provide tips to consumers in protecting themselves and their children from Internet fraud. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, the FTC is engaged in a public awareness campaign to promote Internet safety through a child-friendly mascot named ``Dewie the Turtle,'' much the same way Smokey the Bear successfully promoted the prevention of forest fires. In addition to the FTC's efforts, numerous private and community- based organizations exist to educate and empower parents, young children and teenagers to have a safe, wholesome Internet experience. They all provide a commendable service that parents and consumers should use to help empower themselves against Internet dangers. These organizations are listed on the FTC's Web site, and I will include the list into the Record at this point. For More Information To learn more about staying safe online, visit the following organizations: Federal Trade Commission--www.OnGuardOnline.gov--The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1- 877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC manages OnGuardOnline.gov, which provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information. GetNetWise--www.getnetwise.org--GetNetWise is a public service sponsored by Internet industry corporations and public interest organizations to help ensure that Internet users have safe, constructive, and educational or entertaining online experiences. The GetNetWise coalition wants Internet users to be just ``one click away'' from the resources they need to make informed decisions about their and their family's use of the Internet. Internet Keep Safe Coalition--www.iKeepSafe.org-- iKeepSafe.org, home of Faux Paw the Techno Cat, is a coalition of 49 governors/first spouses, law enforcement, the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and other associations dedicated to helping parents, educators, and caregivers by providing tools and guidelines to teach children the safe and healthy use of technology. The organization's vision is to see generations of children worldwide grow up safely using technology and the Internet. i-SAFE--www.i-safe.org--Founded in 1998 and endorsed by the U.S. Congress, i-SAFE is a non-profit foundation dedicated to protecting the online experiences of youth everywhere. i-SAFE incorporates classroom curriculum with dynamic community outreach to empower students, teachers, parents, law enforcement, and concerned adults to make the Internet a safer place. Join them today in the fight to safeguard children's online experience. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children-- www.missingkids.com; www.netsmartz.org--NCMEC is a private, non-profit organization that helps prevent child abduction and sexual exploitation; helps find missing children; and assists victims of child abduction and sexual exploitation, their families, and the professionals who serve them. National Crime Prevention Council--www.ncpc.org; www.mcgruff.org--The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) is a private, nonprofit organization whose primary mission is to enable people to create safer and more caring communities by addressing the causes of crime and violence and reducing the opportunities for crime to occur. Among many crime prevention issues, NCPC addresses Internet Safety with kids and parents through www.mcgruff.org and public service advertising under the National Citizens' Crime Prevention Campaign--symbolized by McGruff the Crime Dog' and his ``Take A Bite Out Of Crime'.'' National Cyber Security Alliance--www.staysafeonline.org-- NCSA is a non-profit organization that provides tools and resources to empower home users, small businesses, and schools, colleges, and universities to stay safe online. A public-private partnership, NCSA members include the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Trade Commission, and many private-sector corporations and organizations. staysafe--www.staysafe.org_staysafe.org_is an educational site intended to help consumers understand both the positive aspects of the Internet as well as how to manage a variety of safety and security issues that exist online. Wired Safety--www.wiredsafety.org--WiredSafety.org is an Internet safety and help group. Comprised of unpaid volunteers around the world, WiredSafety.org provides education, assistance, and awareness on all aspects of cybrcrime and abuse, privacy, security, and responsible technology use. It is also the parent group of Teenangels.org, FBI-trained teens and preteens who promote Internet safety. The measure before us today, Mr. Speaker, encourages consumers and parents to take advantage of these resources. Again, I want to thank my good friend from Illinois, Congresswoman Bean. She's such a champion on this issue. I want to thank her for this resolution, and I hope the House will see fit to pass this measure in expeditious fashion. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, the Democratic House listened to the American people and has begun moving our Nation in a new direction by passing more than 45 key measures over the last 5 months, most with bipartisan support. Unfortunately, the President has been a stubborn opponent of progress for the American people. He has threatened to veto much of the House's work this year. This House voted to implement the unfulfilled recommendations of the bipartisan 9/11 Commission, but the Bush administration opposes the bill in its current form. This House overwhelmingly supported a 3.5 percent pay increase for our troops who are serving in combat, but the President has threatened a veto saying a 3 percent pay raise would be sufficient. We passed strong price-gouging legislation that sets tough criminal penalties for wholesalers and retailers who attempt to gouge the public. The President's response? Another veto threat. More often than not, the President is obstructing our efforts to move this Nation in a new direction.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, first let me thank the gentleman from Illinois for giving me this time to speak on this resolution today. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my friend, Congressman Walter Jones, and me in recognizing and congratulating this year's NCAA Division II men's college basketball champions from my hometown of Wilson, North Carolina, Barton College. As Congressman Jones said a moment ago, he and I share Wilson County. And the campus is technically in my district, even though we both legitimately hold claim to that great institution. In one of the most exciting basketball games that I have ever seen in my life, Mr. Speaker, the Barton College Bulldogs captured its first national title after senior guard Anthony Atkinson scored his team's final 10 points, including a layup at the buzzer, to rally Barton from a 74-67 deficit with just 45 seconds remaining. The improbable come- from-behind 77-75 victory was against a previously undefeated and defending national champion, Winona State University. Mr. Speaker, the game capped a tournament full of last-second heroics for Barton College, as they won the semifinal game by one point on a last-second freethrow, and the quarterfinal game on a buzzer-beating overtime three-pointer. The tournament followed an equally exciting 31-5 season in which Barton College became the first team in the history of the NCAA basketball to win four consecutive overtime games. Throughout the tournament and the season, the team showed heart, toughness and tenacity and determination by finding ways to win no matter what the circumstances were. They have had tremendous and deserved support from a community that is so proud of this college and this team. As I was leaving Wilson yesterday, I stopped by the BB&T branch on West 9th Street and there was a large banner in front of the bank congratulating the Bulldogs. We are so proud of this team, and we want our Nation to know of our proud feeling for this team. It is a great honor, therefore, Mr. Speaker, for me to recognize the success, efforts and achievements of these outstanding young student athletes, and their head coach, a great individual, Ron Lievense, and his staff. Their hard work and dedication to team work is something that we are all proud of in Wilson County and northeastern North Carolina. I ask my colleagues to rise and join me in paying tribute to the Barton College basketball team.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, it is with tremendous pride that I rise today to pay tribute to a very special friend, lifelong resident of Weldon, NC, outstanding citizen, and former North Carolina State House of Representatives, Honorable Dock Monteria Brown, Sr. In almost every household in Halifax and Northampton County, Dock Brown is well known for his dedication to community service and public education. Dock is a retired principal, teacher and basketball coach. He continues to influence the lives of thousands of area residents through his tireless devotion. On this First Congressional District 3rd Annual Weldon Constituent Service Day, I am so pleased to pay tribute to Dock Brown for such exemplary service and dedication to our community. After graduating with a masters of school administration and supervision degree from North Carolina Central University, Dock taught and coached at Eastman High School. Later, he became the Principal of Pittman High School. He was honored as the Coach of the Year in the Roanoke Chowan Athletic Conference in 1956, 1961, and 1962 and received the highest honor in the North Coastal Plain Athletic Conference in 1972, 1973 and 1974. Dock inspired his students to pursue athletics and academics while emphasizing the value of moral character and community service. Dock often reflects on how proud he feels when former students return thanking him for his guidance. Before his election to the North Carolina State House as Representative of the District in 1992, Dock was a community leader in Weldon. His involvement in community and civic affairs is surpassed by few. For example, he was appointed to the Selection Committee for Superior Court Judges in 1983; North Carolina Drug Advisory Council from 1975 to 1976 and Halifax County Board of Commissioners from 1984 to 1992. He was Director of the Regional L Council of Commerce from 1990 to 1992; Treasurer of the North Carolina Association of Black County Officials; and Chairman of Riverstone Counseling and Personal Development. He served on the Halifax County Health Board from 1981 to 1985 and Community Based Alternative Task Force as Chairman from 1989 to 1990. Additionally, he was an active member in local political and civic organizations such as the Halifax County Democratic Party; Halifax County Board of Elections; North Carolina Power; Halifax County Coalition for Progress; the Halifax County NAACP, and the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service State Advisory Board. In addition to his dedication to North Carolina, Dock served in the United States Army in Korea for 2 years. He received an Honorable Discharge with the rank of Sergeant. Dock has been married for over 50 years to the former Helen L. Brooks, a retired teacher. They have a daughter and son, Ivy and Dock Jr. Their son-in-law is LTC Terence Singleton and their grandson is Terry Singleton. Dock is currently a member of the Board of Com- missioners for the Town of Weldon and has been a Deacon at the First Baptist Church in Roanoke Rapids for the past 50 years. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise and join me in paying tribute to this outstanding citizen, the Honorable Dock Monteria Brown, Sr.