Dan Boren

Mr. BOREN

Mr. BOREN. Madam Speaker, the purpose of this statement is to clarify the scope of the resolution before us. It states that it encompasses Quapaw tribal and individual claims ``other than the legal claims that are pending in the Court of Federal Claims on the date of enactment of this resolution.'' A question arises. If one or more of those currently pending legal claims are dismissed by the Court for lack of jurisdiction, would the dismissed claim be considered ``pending'' for purposes of this resolution? In my view, the answer is no. Our intention with the reference resolution is to request from the Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims a report containing findings of fact and conclusions of law concerning the nature, extent, and character of the Indian-trust related claims of the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma and its tribal members for compensation. As the language of the resolution suggests, these claims may be legal or equitable in nature, and exclude only the claims that are already within the jurisdiction of the Court of Federal Claims (including the statute of limitations) and are already pending in the Court of Federal Claims on the date of enactment. If a claim is dismissed as being outside the statute of limitations or for jurisdictional reasons, in my view, it was not pending on the date of enactment. The intent behind the resolution is to have the Court review and render a final and complete resolution of all such claims--that resolution to occur either in the pending cases under the jurisdiction already granted the Court of Federal Claims by the Indian Tucker Act or else under the terms of H. Res. 668.

Mr. BOREN

Mr. BOREN. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to recognize the 80th anniversary of the Federal Home Loan Bank system. Chartered by Congress in 1932, the Federal Home Loan Bank system consists of 12 regional banks acting as a reliable source of critical funding for community financial institutions to finance housing and economic development. The Federal Home Loan Banks provide safe, affordable liquidity to nearly 8,000 banks, thrifts, credit unions, insurance companies and community development financial institutions in every state. As such, they are an essential partner for community and economic development across the country. The Federal Home Loan Banks operate under a cooperative model with ownership resting in its regional members and a management team focused on safety and soundness. This has protected taxpayers over the FHLBanks' entire 80-year history. During the recent economic downturn, the FHLBanks received no taxpayer support, and they were a vital player in supporting a broader U.S. housing market recovery. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge the Affordable Housing Program administered by the Federal Home Loan Banks and funded by contributions of 10 percent of the earnings from each of the FHLBanks. This important program represents the largest single source of private sector grants for housing and community development in the country. The Federal Home Loan Banks have distributed approximately $4.6 billion in private grants through their Affordable Housing Program since its inception in 1990. These grants have helped provide 1.5 million housing units to deserving families in every corner of the country.

Mr. BOREN

Mr. BOREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a man of determination, service, and integrity--State Representative Paul Roan of Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Roan, a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, has served his district and state with distinction during the years of 2000 to 2012. Paul's legislative work has been devoted to helping Oklahoma's brave veterans and emergency responders, protecting the state's natural resources and improving education for young people. His personal career has been built on a foundation of public service. Roan proudly served our country as a member of the United States Air Force, he then spent time as an educator, a police officer and was elected Deputy Sheriff of Pontotoc County, followed by over 20 years of service as an Oklahoma Highway Patrol State Trooper. Representative Roan has been a civic leader in the Oklahoma community for several years, serving as 1st Vice-President of the Oklahoma State Troopers Association, President of Tishomingo Lions Club, Master of Tishomingo Masonic Lodge #91, and a member of Johnston County Chamber of Commerce and American Legion Post 164. It is with great pleasure that I take this opportunity to acknowledge not only his successes in the Oklahoma legislature, but also as a devoted father and family man. Paul Roan is the husband of Betty Roan and father of Chris, Brad, and Angela Roan. The 20th House District of Oklahoma is a better place because of the service of Paul Roan.

Mr. BOREN

Mr. BOREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of L.L. Powell, Jr. of Ashland, Oklahoma, who suddenly died on June 29, 2012. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and the community of Ashland for their loss. L.L. will be remembered as a dedicated and thoughtful servant to his community. While he will be missed tremendously by all who knew him, he leaves with us a legacy of service that will inspire others to follow in his footsteps for many years to come. As an employee of the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant in McAlester, Oklahoma, where he worked for 22 years, L.L. was part of the important effort to produce and field munitions to far corners of the globe for use by the U.S. military. As many will tell you, the ammunition plant is the pride of southeastern Oklahoma, and no one took its mission more seriously than L.L. He was a man of many roles at the ammunition plant. In his capacity as president of American Federation of Government Employees Local 2815, L.L. was an advocate for his fellow federal employees. A calm and steady hand, he worked effectively to resolve disputes and problems. Each spring he traveled to Washington to brief my staff and me on employee issues at the ammunition plant. I could always count on him to shoot me straight. Work was but one place where L.L. made his mark. Always answering the call of duty, he provided a valuable public service to his community by working for the Ashland Volunteer Fire Department. He was an avid supporter of local little league athletic programs, including football and basketball, and participated in local activities such as Pittsburg Play Day, Founder's Day, and the Savanna Booster Club, among many others. Above all things, L.L. was a man who was dedicated to his family. He treasured his wife, Jeannie, and four children. In addition, he enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his twelve grandchildren and close friends. In closing, Mr. Speaker, L.L. was not only someone with whom I enjoyed working on issues of importance to southeastern Oklahoma, but a trusted friend and confidant. Like his family members, friends, and the community of Ashland, I will miss his presence tremendously.

Mr. BOREN

Mr. BOREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4157, the Preserving America's Family Farms Act. I commend my friend from Iowa (Mr. Latham) and his entire staff for all of their hard work on ensuring that the Department of Labor's proposed rule to restrict family farm tradition be reversed. In December, the U.S. Department of Labor proposed updated regulations on labor practices for minors in agricultural operations, including a rule that would have prevented children under the age of 16 from performing certain duties on farms. Historically, family farms have been exempted from such rules, but the new proposal could have been interpreted broadly to exclude operations that are partly owned by extended family members. In response to the proposed rule, Congressman Latham and I introduced H.R. 4157. The bill protects the family farm tradition by directing the Secretary of Labor to recognize and understand the unique circumstances of family farm youth and multigenerational family partnerships when drafting regulations now and in the future. In April, the administration announced that, as a result of loud opposition, they would not finalize the proposed rule. Although I am very pleased that they have decided to abandon the flawed rule and listen to thousands of voices among our rural communities, passage of H.R. 4157 will ensure that, in the future, the Department of Labor does not reissue this proposal or any other rule that would have a similar effect on our family farms. This legislation encourages the administration to work collaboratively with rural stakeholders, such as farmers and ranchers, to understand issues that affect our communities and our way of life. Family farms have a long history of providing invaluable work ethic and leadership experience to future farmers. Many of these young folks dedicate their entire lives to providing us with an abundant and safe marketplace, so we owe it to them to protect the foundation on which this American spirit of hard work is built. Please join me, my friend Congressman Latham, and the over 93 bipartisan cosponsors to pass this legislation.

Mr. BOREN

Mr. BOREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1369, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1021 Pennsylvania Avenue in Hartshorne, Oklahoma, as the Warren Lindley Post Office, a bill that has the support of the entire Oklahoma delegation. All of us who knew Warren knew him for his caring heart. Warren Lindley proved time and again that he would go to great lengths to assist his community. The naming of a post office facility after this great man would not only honor his accomplishments, but also those of the community that he cared so much about and worked so hard to improve. After purchasing a grocery store in Hartshorne, Oklahoma, in 1979, Warren realized that as a small business owner, he could greatly contribute to the economic success of his town. In the years following his initial purchase, Warren helped to open a convenience store, a car wash, a laundromat, a medical clinic, and a water company in order to provide more job opportunities for people in his growing community. However, his charity did not end there. During a historic ice storm, Warren worked to secure food, water, and other necessary items for his townspeople, even personally delivering the goods to those that were most in need. In addition to hiring many local students for their first job, Warren provided numerous employees with the guidance and encouragement needed to earn scholarships for college and grow confident in their future. Warren Lindley was a self-made businessman, a respected community leader, a beloved friend, and an admirable citizen. A post office named in his honor will serve as a reminder to the Hartshorne community to live each day in the service and support of one another. I know tonight that his widow, Clidia, and his family is watching, and they are very proud that his legacy will go on. We will miss Warren Lindley. I urge passage of this legislation.

Mr. BOREN

Mr. BOREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong--very strong--support of H.R. 2362, the Indian Tribal Trade and Investment Demonstration Project Act of 2011. In an effort to reduce unemployment and incentivize investment, H.R. 2362 allows--again, we have said this all along the debate--all 155 World Trade Organization countries to participate in a trial trade program directly with sovereign Native American tribes in the United States. Specifically, it would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to select up to six tribes to participate in a program that would allow them to use their land for economic development. In addition to creating jobs, H.R. 2362 would provide a path for economic empowerment of tribes and encourages foreign and domestic investment in Indian Country. With this bill, we can give tribes the means and the authority to address specific issues plaguing Indian Country. I want to also, as Mr. Moran and many other members on our side of the aisle have done, commend my good friend, Mr. Cole, for his diligence on this issue, for his persistence and for all that he has done for Indian Country. Mr. Cole mentioned in his debate earlier that there are a lot of different organizations that are supporting this legislation. He talked about NCAI and a whole list of others. Again, if you ask Indian Country, ``Do you support this bill?'' they're saying, ``Yes.'' The other people that are saying, well, we're opposed to it, it's not coming from Indian Country. It's not coming from places like my home State of Oklahoma. So I ask my colleagues that are watching this debate to give their deepest consideration and to support this legislation. Again, I want to say ``thank you'' to Mr. Cole, to the chairman and to all the other Members who are supporting this legislation.

Mr. BOREN

Mr. BOREN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H. Res. 397, to reinstate the House Page Program, which was terminated in August of 2011. This is in the context of the Legislative Branch appropriations. Unfortunately, this amendment was not made in order, but we're going to work with the committee as we go forward. The House Page Program was an institution older than Congress, itself. Dating back to the first Continental Congress in 1774, House pages supported Congress by delivering messages, answering phones in the cloakrooms, and serving on the House floor. Young people who served as House pages had the chance to see the inner workings of our government from a perspective many people did not. I had the opportunity to serve as a page for Senator Robert Byrd in 1988, and it is a summer I will never forget. The experience was instrumental in my motivation to become a public servant. The House Page Program was not only a great opportunity for young people to learn about our government, but the enthusiasm of these young people also reminded us every day of why we are here. In a time when we are trying to come together and find bipartisan solutions to our Nation's problems, pages serve as a reminder of our future. As we legislate on the House floor, pages served as witnesses to lawmaking that will affect their generation. They remind us to consider viable long-term solutions to the problems facing America. In September of 2011, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi proposed a new intern initiative to replace the House Page program. While this is a step in the right direction, I believe it is necessary to restore the tradition of young people serving Congress, even before they attend college. I look forward to working with my colleagues to bring pages back to our Halls.

Mr. BOREN

Mr. BOREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the people of the Republic of Azerbaijan and their celebration of Republic Day on May 28. Azerbaijan first declared independence from the Russian Empire on May 28, 1918. Though the Azerbaijan Republic later succumbed to Soviet forces in 1920, in its 2 years of independence Azerbaijan achieved a number of measures on state-building, armed forces, education, economy, and universal suffrage, from which it benefits today. Azerbaijan restored its independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Azerbaijan is a key global security partner for the United States. Azerbaijan was among the first nations to offer unconditional support for US and its allies in anti-terrorism efforts, providing use of its airspace, airports, and troops for operations in Afghanistan. Azerbaijani troops were also part of international contingent in Kosovo and Iraq. Azerbaijan has opened Caspian energy resources to development by U.S. companies and has emerged as a key player for global energy security. The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline project is the most successful project contributing to the development of the South Caucasus region and has become the main artery delivering Caspian Sea hydrocarbons to the U.S. and our partners in Europe. As a proud Co-Chair of Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus I call my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Republic of Azerbaijan on this important occasion.

Mr. BOREN

Mr. BOREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say a few words about my friend Carole King. Carole King is a music legend, with hundreds of pop hits, including the recognizable ``I Feel the Earth Move.'' She has won four Grammys, and is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Many of her songs have been featured in commercials, TV shows, and movies, and she has worked with many music icons such as Eric Clapton and Celine Dion. In addition to her fame as a musician, King is also a strong activist for environmental issues. She is often here in our offices on Capitol Hill fighting for the protection of our wildlife and ecosystems, both in her native Idaho and worldwide. While Carole and I do not always agree on the issues, I have always been impressed by her tenacity. She is truly dedicated to this cause, and her perseverance is something to be admired. Many of us do not have the opportunity to meet someone like Carole. She has a great heart and is a great asset to America. I want to congratulate Carole King on all of her accomplishments. It has been a pleasure to work with her over the years.

Mr. BOREN

Mr. BOREN. It will help our country avoid a potential cybercatastrophe that could threaten our national security and endanger our economic prosperity. With that, I urge my fellow Members to join me and support this important bill. Again, I want to say specifically to our ranking member and our chairman, thank you for putting the country's interests ahead of partisan gain. We're working together in this committee, both Democrats and Republicans, to do what is in the best interest of our intelligence community and the United States of America.

Mr. BOREN. Madam Chair, I rise today in support of the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act. I'm proud to have been a part of this bipartisan effort, led by Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Ruppersberger, to bring this bill to the floor today. There is one fact on which everyone can agree: our country must strengthen its cybersecurity capabilities. To achieve this, we need the cooperation of industry, government, and our citizens, and we need to protect the unique interests of each of these groups. Some may be asking the question, how does this bill protect American industry? It gives private companies the ability to receive classified information from the government to protect their networks. The bill also gives them flexibility to share information with the government without compromising their business equities or harming their customers. This information-sharing partnership will enhance government efforts to analyze and understand malicious codes and other cyberthreats. I think companies that have publicly supported this legislation have gotten a bad rap in the press. I think we all need to remember that these American companies are not the enemy. They employ thousands of Americans and provide essential cyberservices to millions of people. They are profit-making entities that want to satisfy their customers and grow their businesses. These American companies have absolutely no motivation to send private customer information to the government or anyone else. In fact, they have every reason to protect it. Under this legislation, American companies will enhance their capability to protect the private information of their customers by receiving classified assistance from the government. Moreover, they will help their customers and the country by voluntarily informing the government of malware and other malicious conduct and threats that emerge from their networks. But that is not the only way that this bill protects our citizens' privacy. It restricts the government's use and retention of any personal information that companies may choose to share. In addition, it directs the intelligence community inspector general to monitor and report any abuse of users' privacy. Finally, we must also remember that the government is not the enemy. The intelligence community does not want to squander this opportunity to improve our Nation's cybersecurity by abusing the civil liberties or privacy of American citizens. To this end, the bill specifies that the government can only use the information it receives from the private sector for purposes directly related to addressing cyberthreats, national security, and threats to life and limb. In closing, this legislation strikes the appropriate balance between the interests of the private sector industry, the Federal Government, and private citizens.

Mr. BOREN

Mr. BOREN. Madam Chair, as a Congressman serving on the House Committee on Natural Resources and the past Co-Chairman of the bipartisan Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, I support America's sportsmen and the acclaimed activities of hunting and recreational fishing and shooting through the enactment of H.R. 4089. H.R. 4089 is essential to recognizing the importance of and facilitating the expansion and enhancement of hunting and recreational fishing and shooting. It is a compilation of four different bills (H.R. 2834, H.R. 3440, H.R. 991 and H.R. 1558) that promote and advance these time-honored traditions. The Sportsmen's Heritage Act reaffirms that hunting and recreational fishing and shooting are important activities by providing a sound legislative foundation for the advancement of America's sporting heritage. Seventy-five years ago, the conservation community, including hunters, anglers, recreational shooters, and related industries, supported the use of funds from an excise tax on firearms and ammunition--along with the dedicated revenue from hunting and fishing licenses--to be used exclusively by state fish and wildlife agencies to professionally manage fish and wildlife populations and provide access for sportsmen and the larger public to enjoy the benefits of this management. This funding mechanism was eventually expanded to include the fishing and boating communities as well as the archery community. Accordingly, these groups produced the American System of Conservation Funding: a unique ``user pays--public benefits'' approach. This user- pays funding strategy has produced numerous public benefits including: abundant fish and wildlife populations, access to public lands and clean waters, improved fish and wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration, wetland protection and associated water filtration and flood retention functions, improved soil and water conservation, shooting ranges and boating access facilities that are available for the enjoyment of the entirety of the American public--hunters and non- hunters alike. In addition, sportsmen are an economic powerhouse. They directly support jobs, generate billions of dollars in Federal, State and local tax revenues, and invigorate the economies of local communities by spending their money on travel, lodging, food, sporting equipment, and so much more while participating in their sport. Hunting and recreational fishing and shooting are the beating heart of conservation in the United States. This year marks the 75th Anniversary of the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program--a program supported and made possible by the dollars of our Nation's sportsmen. Given the current celebration of the success of this program, it seems timely to support our sportsmen by enacting legislation that will provide them with more opportunities to participate in their sport. We as a legislature must come together-- overcoming partisanship and working collaboratively with our partners in the Senate--to promote, advance and protect our Nation's sporting heritage. I support our Nation's sportsmen and I urge you to join me in supporting H.R. 4089.

Mr. BOREN

Mr. BOREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in honor of my dear friend Frank Cantey, who after 11 years of service will be retiring from his role as Sheriff of Mayes County, Oklahoma. Frank has been in law enforcement since 1973, when he started taking criminal justice classes while working at the Contra Costa County Campus Police Department in California. In 1979, he moved to Oklahoma and has since served on the force in both Delaware and Mayes Counties. After retiring from the Police Department, Cantey was elected Sheriff of Mayes County and took office in 2001. He has served Oklahoma honorably and kept Mayes County safe over the past 11 years. As a member of the Executive Board of the Oklahoma Sheriff's Association, Frank has worked to support public safety through training, education and the promotion of positive interaction among all criminal justice agencies across the state. I had the honor of getting to know Cantey during my first election, and I enjoy seeing him perform in his famous band, the Law Dawgs. Frank has always been dedicated to his wife, Linda, and their two sons Jason and Jeff. It is because of this commitment that he has chosen to retire. I wish Frank the best of luck in his endeavors, and thank him for his tireless commitment to Oklahoma.

Mr. BOREN

Mr. BOREN. Mr. Speaker, last week the world lost an incredible journalist, and Oklahoma lost a son: Anthony Shadid. At the time of his death Anthony was covering the turmoil in Syria, despite the many attempts to limit media coverage of the violence. This attitude marked Anthony's entire career--he put the importance of sharing information before his personal safety. For 15 years, Anthony worked relentlessly to investigate and bring to light the events in the Middle East. Anthony was a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner for his reporting on the US invasion of Iraq in 2004 and for the withdrawal of US troops six years later, but he transcended traditional reporting. He was unafraid as he pushed into the front lines, and he often faced dangerous situations head-on. While Anthony Shadid will always be remembered for his courageous reporting, he also leaves behind a loving family. Anthony's wife, Nada Bakri, is also a reporter for the New York Times; Anthony also has two young children, Malik and Laila. Several members of his family remain in Oklahoma, including his cousin Ed Shadid, a city councilman in Oklahoma City. My family's deepest sympathies go out to the Shadid's and everyone else whose life was touched by Anthony.

Mr. BOREN

Mr. BOREN. Mr. Speaker, as the Co-Chairman of the House Azerbaijan Caucus, I rise today to bring attention to the tragedy that took place in Khojaly, Azerbaijan, a town and townspeople that were destroyed on February 26, 1992. Sadly, today there is little attention or interest paid to the plight of Khojaly outside of Azerbaijan. However, one of our greatest strengths as elected officials is the opportunity to bring to light truths that are little known and command recognition. As a friend of Azerbaijan, I am proud to remind my colleagues that we must never forget the tragedy that took place at Khojaly. At the time, the Khojaly tragedy was widely covered by the international media, including the Boston Globe, Washington Post, New York Times, Financial Times, and many other European and Russian news agencies. Khojaly, a town in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, now under the control of Armenian forces, was the site of the largest killing of ethnic Azerbaijani civilians. With a population of approximately 7,000, Khojaly was one of the largest urban settlements of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan and was destroyed after the attack. Hundreds were killed or injured. Twenty years later, the cause of this conflict has not yet been resolved. As the Presidents of the United States, Russia and France underlined in their statement at the Deauville Summit in May 26, 2011, the current status quo is unacceptable. Azerbaijan has been a strong strategic partner and friend of the United States. The tragedy of Khojaly was a crime against humanity and I urge my colleagues to join me in standing with Azerbaijanis as they commemorate this tragedy.

Mr. BOREN

Mr. BOREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and welcome to Washington, DC Ambassador Elin Suleymanov of the Republic of Azerbaijan. On January 18 Ambassador Suleymanov presented his credentials to President Obama. Ambassador Suleymanov has a distinguished diplomatic career. Prior to his appointment as Ambassador, Mr. Suleymanov served as Azerbaijan's first Consul General in Los Angeles. While Azerbaijan has a new Ambassador to the United States, I bring to my colleague's attention that once again Azerbaijan lacks an Ambassador from the United States. After over a year of vacancy, President Obama nominated Matthew Bryza as Ambassador. After a stalled confirmation process President Obama appointed Matthew Bryza to the position in 2010. Unfortunately he was not given the opportunity for a confirmation vote in the Senate and has recently returned to the U.S. Azerbaijan is a key strategic partner to the U.S. by providing an important transportation route for supplies to our troops in Afghanistan and transit of Caspian oil and gas to the Mediterranean via the BTC pipeline. The relationship between the U.S. and Azerbaijan is too important not to have an Ambassador in place. As one of our few predominately Muslim allies we must do what is right. I encourage my colleagues to urge the Administration to nominate a new Ambassador to Azerbaijan and ask the Senate to act in the best interest of our national security and have an expeditious confirmation vote.

Mr. BOREN

Mr. BOREN. Mr. Speaker, as a Co-Chair of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, I note that January 20 marked the 22nd anniversary of an historic and tragic day in the history of the country of Azerbaijan. On the night of January 19, 1990, 26,000 Soviet troops invaded the capital city of Baku and surrounding areas. As a result of this violent crackdown on the Azerbaijani people more than 130 innocent civilians died, 611 were injured, 841 were arrested and many more were missing. This event remained in the history and in the minds of all the citizens as ``Black January''. This attack was an attempt to stop the independence movement that was gaining momentum in Azerbaijan and to rescue the totalitarian regime, the rule of Communist Party, and the whole Soviet Union. However, this invasion produced the opposite result. It further inflamed the national movement for independence in Azerbaijan and other Republics of the Soviet Union. In a resolution on January 22, 1990, the Supreme Soviet of Azerbaijan SSR declared that the decree used by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR to impose emergency rule in Baku and military deployment constituted an act of aggression. This event is seen as the rebirth of the Azerbaijan Republic. Popular pressure led the country to break away from Soviet rule and declare its independence. On August 30, 1991, Azerbaijan's Parliament adopted the Declaration on the Restoration of the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and on October 18, 1991, the Constitutional Act on the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan was approved. November 1991 marked the beginning of international recognition of Azerbaijan's independence. The United States was among the first nations to recognize independence of this young country. It established diplomatic relations with Azerbaijan on February 28, 1992, and opened an embassy in Baku in March of that year. Today, Azerbaijan has developed into a thriving country with sustainable economic growth and developing democratic institutions. The United States and Azerbaijan are cooperating on a broad range of issues and share a common vision for the future of the region and beyond. I encourage my colleagues to join with me today in standing with Azerbaijanis as they commemorate this tragedy.

Mr. BOREN

Mr. BOREN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 822, the National Right-to-Carry Act of 2011. The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution provides citizens with the individual right to keep and bear arms. This right enables Americans to use firearms for self- protection, for hunting, and for other lawful activities. H.R. 822 would guarantee that individuals who are legally licensed to carry a concealed weapon in their home State could also legally carry a concealed weapon in another State. The bill seeks to protect our fundamental liberty, not restrict it. Just as one State recognizes a driver's license issued by another State, I believe States should recognize conceal-and-carry licenses issued by another. Today, some States already have reciprocity agreements to recognize the conceal-and-carry laws of other States, while some do not. The result is a piecemeal system where a law-abiding citizen may be required to give up his or her weapon at a State line. If passed, this bill would streamline the system by making it more simple and uniform. H.R. 822 does not create Federal standards for obtaining permits nor does it require States to adopt a specific licensing system. Each State's right to determine its own permitting system will remain intact regardless of H.R. 822. Since the founding of our Nation, American citizens have had the constitutional right to bear arms, and I believe this legislation is a commonsense solution to preserve that right. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the rule today and to support final passage of H.R. 822.

Mr. BOREN

Mr. BOREN. Mr. Speaker, as the co-chairman of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, I rise today to honor the distinguished service of His Excellency Yashar Aliyev, the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the United States. Soon, Ambassador Aliyev will return to Azerbaijan after the conclusion of a successful tour in Washington. His leadership has been critical to strengthening the friendship between the United States and Azerbaijan, and I want to recognize and thank him for his service. Before being named Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United States of America by President Ilham Aliyev in October 2006, Ambassador Aliyev served four years as Azerbaijan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations. During this time, he was chairman of the Fourth Committee of Special Political and Decolonization of the 60th U.N. General Assembly, vice president of the 59th General Assembly, vice president of the Economic and Social Council, and vice president of the U.N. Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. As Ambassador to the United States, he has worked with great skill and dedication to enhance the bond between the United States and Azerbaijan. To this important end, he has been tremendously successful on several fronts. Ambassador Aliyev has solidified the strategic partnership between our nations. In recent years, Azerbaijan has participated in initiatives to curb nuclear proliferation, fight international terrorism, and maintain regional security in southwestern Asia. Moreover, it has provided multi-faceted support to U.S. operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Also during his tenure, Ambassador Aliyev has deepened economic ties between the United States and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan supplies oil and gas to the United States and other Western countries, thereby providing vital energy to the global economy. Moreover, American energy companies are participants in a collaborative effort to further develop Azerbaijan's oil and gas reserves in the Caspian Sea. Of great importance to me, the relationship between my home state of Oklahoma and Azerbaijan has continued to grow under the leadership of Ambassador Aliyev. In recent years, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan and the Oklahoma National Guard have engaged in joint training exercises and operations through the National Guard State Partnership Program. Ambassador Aliyev has broadened collaboration between his country and Oklahoma beyond military cooperation. Earlier this year, he visited Oklahoma and met with various elected officials and business leaders. I am confident his visit laid the groundwork for expanding opportunities for Azerbaijan to cooperate with Oklahoma's business community and universities. It has been an honor to work with Ambassador Aliyev. I hope he will reflect on his time served in Washington with a sense of pride. As a result of his work, the relationship between the United States and Azerbaijan has never been stronger. In closing, it has been a pleasure to work with Ambassador Aliyev. I thank him for his dedicated service. He will forever be a trusted friend of the United States. I wish him well in all his future endeavors.

Mr. BOREN

Mr. BOREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge passage of H.R. 473, the HALE Scouts Act. This bill grants the U.S. Forest Service the authority to sell roughly 140 acres of land to the Indian Nation's Council of Boy Scouts. The land for conveyance is adjacent to the Scouts' summer camp, Camp Tom Hale, located in Talihina, Oklahoma. The Indian Nation's Council of Boy Scouts is a nonprofit organization, providing educational programs for boys and young adults to build character, to train in the responsibilities of citizenship, and to develop personal fitness. Camp Tom Hale first opened in June 1930 to serve Boy Scouts in McAlester, Oklahoma. It was originally located in what is now Robbers Cave State Park near Wilburton, Oklahoma. In 1963, the Boy Scout Council in McAlester worked with the State of Oklahoma and the U.S. Forest Service to exchange the camp at Robbers Cave for 480 acres of wilderness area in the Ouachita National Forest. This ``new'' Camp Hale has continued as a summer adventure camp, serving thousands of Scouts during the intervening 41 years. In 1997, the council board developed a strategic plan for a $3.5 million expansion and renovation of the camp. Since then, the council has spent in excess of $1 million continually updating and expanding facilities to meet the needs of scouts. As a result, a renewed emphasis on wilderness and outdoors has flourished, with over 6,000 scouts and leaders from a five-State area attending weekly sessions offered in June and July and enjoying the beautiful Ouachita Forest. Attendance has now exceeded the maximum number of available campsites and program areas, which is causing Camp Hale to begin turning away hundreds of scouts each summer. It is now critical for camp growth that the boundaries be extended to include more area for camping and additional program and training services. Successful completion of this objective will allow the Boy Scouts to continue the expansion of outdoor and leadership training for thousands of youths living in the central Southwest and bring additional usage and enjoyment of the Ouachita Forest for more families. I want to emphasize that the Boy Scouts will pay fair market value, as was mentioned before, for this land, so that this bill will actually bring money to the U.S. Government. It is for the benefit of these thousands of young men across a five- State area that I proudly sponsored this measure. I greatly appreciate the House's consideration of the bill and would like to urge my colleagues to support this bill, this legislation. I can think of no greater thing that we can do than to invest in our young people. And how can you be against the Boy Scouts?

Mr. BOREN

Mr. BOREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today and ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an important day for the Republic of China (ROC), National Day, also known as ``Double Ten Day''. On October 10, 1911, the Qing Dynasty collapsed as a result of the Wuchang Uprising and ushered in the beginning of representative government in China. This year, Double Ten Day holds special significance as the Republic of China marks its 100th birthday. This will be a day of great celebration and thanksgiving throughout the country, and I call on my colleagues to join me in offering congratulations and good wishes to President Ma Ying-jeou and the people of Taiwan. It was under the leadership of Dr. Sun Yat-sen that over two thousand years of dynasties were brought to an end. The past century has seen tremendous growth and development for the Republic of China on Taiwan. It has developed a dynamic democratic system of government, spurred steady economic growth, and encouraged the flourishing of the arts and sciences with an emphasis on free and open dialogue and debate. Under the leadership of President Ma, Taiwan has continued to strengthen its economy through extensive foreign trade. The United States recently welcomed another Taiwanese agricultural trade mission, which offers the promise of strong export market for our farmers and a steady supply of food supply for the citizens of Taiwan. President Ma has also helped ease tensions with mainland China through economic agreements which have led to benefits for all. Because of this, I stand today with the people of Taiwan as they celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China. May their commitment to freedom and democracy continue to flourish in the decades and centuries to come.

Mr. BOREN

Mr. BOREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of Imogene Johnson of Okemah, Oklahoma, who passed away on September 14, 2011, at the age of 90. Imi, as we all knew her, was a very close friend of the Boren family, and I can remember seeing her face at some of my earliest campaign events. She was always there. She was the wife of Oklahoma Fourth District Congressman Glen D. Johnson, Sr., and the mother to Glen D. Johnson, Jr., the former speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and now our current Chancellor for Higher Education. She supported both her husband and her son faithfully, and I know her son especially will miss her. Imi was a civic leader and a dedicated public servant. She was a member of the Okemah Chamber of Commerce, an active member and past president of the American Legion Auxiliary, and a member of the PEO. In 1999, the city of Okemah honored her by inducting her into the Okemah Hall of Fame for her dedication to her hometown. Again, Imi was truly an inspiration to her beloved Oklahoma, and I am honored to have called her a friend. I know she has her son and other family scattered across the State of Oklahoma, particularly in Okemah. She has touched them and many, many other Oklahomans. Again, we will greatly miss her.

Mr. BOREN

Mr. BOREN. Mr. Speaker, as co-chairmen of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, Congressman Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania and I would like to bring a letter to the attention of our House colleagues that we received from the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Yashar Aliyev. Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United States of America, Washington, DC. Hon. Dan Boren, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Representative Boren, I am writing to express my concerns of the reports that on September 13, 2011 the so- called ``Office of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic in the USA'', the Embassy of Armenia to the United States and major Armenian-American organizations are organizing event on the premises of the U.S. Congress, dedicated to the so-called ``20th Anniversary of Independence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic''. According to the news reports Mr. Ashot Ghulian, who presents himself as the ``Chairman of the NKR Parliament'', will be visiting Washington D.C. and will be the keynote speaker at the event. In this regard, I draw your attention to the fact that so- called ``Nagorno-Karabakh Republic'' is a self-proclaimed entity created on the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, supported by Armenia and essentially is under its direction and control. It is entirely unrecognized as such, even by Armenia. As a result of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict hundreds of thousands of the Azerbaijanis were expelled from the Nagorno- Karabakh region and surrounding territories of Azerbaijan. Four UN Security Council resolutions adopted in 1993 following the armed seizure of Azerbaijani territory reaffirm the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan, demand immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of the occupying forces from all occupied regions. By engaging in public campaigns using the Congress premises the agents of the separatist regime pursue the goal of distracting the attention of the Members of Congress and broad American public from the continued occupation of the territories of Azerbaijan by the Armenian armed forces, accompanied by gross violation of human rights of hundreds of thousands of the Azerbaijani IDPs. Their ultimate goal is to consolidate the occupation of these territories and to prevent return of the displaced Azerbaijani population to their homes and properties from which they were forcibly expelled. Allowing organization of such activities on American soil encourages the Government of Armenia to hold on to its uncompromised position in peace negotiations and complicates the already difficult settlement process. Participation of Members of Congress in these events may be qualified as support for the separatist regime and negatively affects the honest broker image of the United States as a Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group tasked to find just and peaceful solution to the conflict. Azerbaijan is an important strategic partner of the United States. Azerbaijan provides multi-faceted support for U.S. operations in Afghanistan and remains a steadfast supporter of Israel. Our two countries cooperate on counterterrorism and nonproliferation issues. Moreover, Azerbaijan greatly contributes to the energy security of the United States and Europe. I ask you to refrain from participating in this event that is directed against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan, a key ally of the United States in the strategic Caspian region and to voice your opposition to using Capitol grounds for such activities. Sincerely, Yashar Aliyev, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Mr. BOREN

Mr. BOREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an important milestone for a prestigious institution of higher learning in eastern Oklahoma. Bacone College, the oldest college or university in Oklahoma, recently dedicated the statue ``Chickasaw Warrior'' at its Founders' Day ceremony. This statue is a gift from its artist, Enoch Kelly Haney, and the Chickasaw Nation. Its dedication is a very special moment for this institution. Standing proudly at the center of campus, this tall, imposing statue depicts a battle-ready Native American man clenching arrows gazing into the distance. In the six months this statue has been on campus, it has become symbolic of the common spirit found everywhere at Bacone. Founded in 1880 by Professor Almon C. Bacone in Muskogee, Oklahoma, Bacone College has been educating students of all backgrounds for the past 131 years. With more than two dozen Native American tribes represented in Bacone College's diverse student body, Bacone is known for preparing its students for success and preserving their cultural heritage. This statue aptly represents Bacone's long-standing relationship with the Native American community. This impressive statue was sculpted by Enoch Kelly Haney. A 1962 graduate of Bacone College, Haney has become an internationally renowned artist and sculptor. His work spans four decades and his statue, The Guardian, stands proudly atop the Oklahoma State Capitol. In addition to his contributions to the field of art, Haney served in the Oklahoma legislature and in 2005 was elected Principal Chief of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma. I would like to honor him for his time and effort in creating this generous gift to Bacone College and for his continuing service to the citizens of the state of Oklahoma. Finally, I want to commend the Chickasaw Nation for donating this impressive statue to the college. Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby described this occasion perfectly when he said this statue reflects the ``unconquerable'' nature of the Chickasaw people and their unwavering determination to persevere. Now this statue will stand as a testament to their spirit, and there is no doubt this extraordinary gift will serve as an icon for Bacone College's future. In these times of limited federal funding for higher education, it is important for the United States Congress to remember the local and regional universities that educate so many of our citizens, thereby empowering them to improve the future of their families and communities. Bacone College is a tremendous asset to eastern Oklahoma, and I recognize the Chickasaw Nation for their contribution to this important institution of higher learning.