Saxby Chambliss

Mr. CHAMBLISS

Mr. CHAMBLISS. Yes, it would, too. It would limit that operation.

Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment; and I would take issue with my friend, the gentleman from Florida, who mentioned some folks by name who are getting payments. He mentioned Scotty Pippin. According to the figures he mentioned, this provision, this amendment, would not apply to that individual because he does not reach that payment limitation. Mr. Chairman, what we are asking to be done here with this amendment is to change the rules in the middle of the stream. We have got farmers who have been operating under the current law for years and years and years, and they have structured their farming operations within the confines of the law. That law now seeks to be changed in the short term. We could have farmers reconstruct their farming operations; but if they did, the tax consequences to the American farmer would be huge. That would be enough to put the farmer out of business. I take issue with my friend, the gentleman from Michigan, that this does not have anything to do with the marketing loan provision. It absolutely does. We have to look at the payment limitation and work it in coordination with the marketing loan provision. That is why we have the payment limitation and why we have the marketing loan provision. But more importantly, I was up here a little bit earlier. I had an example of the Walker farm that we used in Alabama, where it was deemed to be, by a lot of people, a corporate farm. What it is is a 7,000-acre operation that is operated by seven families, all of whom, seven of whom, qualify as producers, as actively engaged in farming, who have money at risk in the operation. Those are the folks who this amendment would seek to really hurt. That provision would really destroy that operation; and if those folks have money at risk, then they ought to be able to come under the payment limitation rule and not be excluded.

Mr. CHAMBLISS. I yield to the gentleman from Michigan.

Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2646, the Farm Security Act of 2001. The Farm Security Act is the result of the undying passion of the gentleman from Texas (Chairman Combest) for the betterment of American agriculture. The comprehensive bipartisan process that was participated in by my good friend the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Stenholm) gave us Committee on Agriculture members the opportunity to listen to producers all across the country. The open door process gave us the ability to craft a balanced bill that is good for all. The Farm Security Act is a culmination of 2 years work. The House Committee on Agriculture has held 47 field hearings and one forum between March of 2000 and July of 2001 in preparation for this farm bill. In the full committee, field hearings held across the committee this year, and the hearings held by the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management this year, producers expressed to us their desires to continue planting flexibility and also to establish a safety net. The commodity title of H.R. 2646 does just that. It preserves the planting flexibility from the current law; it provides a safety net for commodity prices; it significantly reforms the peanut program and puts it on par with traditional commodity programs. The safety net provided in the bill is a more responsible way of providing assistance to producers. Rather than sending off-budget, ad hoc assistance to farm country, which we have done over the last several years because it has been absolutely needed, a countercyclical mechanism will provide economic assistance when triggered. The commodity title is a plan that is ideal, not only for Texas, not only for Georgia, but good for the whole country. And in the words of Dean Gale Buchanan of the College of Agriculture at the University of Georgia, ``It is important to realize that while farmers are directly impacted, the magnitude and importance of agriculture ultimately touches every single American.'' Over 80 national and regional producer, processor, banking, and environmental groups have voiced their support for the Farm Security Act. Some groups which are unfamiliar with agriculture and farming, will try to make you believe that big farms are bad farms; that these big farms are corporate farms rather than family farms. Well, I want to give you an actual example of what is sometimes referred to by the opponents of agriculture of a corporate farm that is actually a family farm. This is a farm that exists in the State of Alabama. I have titled it the Walker Farm. There are three brothers who are the primary farmers in this operation. This operation this year tills 7,000 acres, and it is comprised of these three brothers and their children, a total of seven individuals who are actually engaged in farming under the FSA regulations. Each one of those thus is responsible basically for a 1,000-acre operation, but this in and of itself is looked to as a corporate farm. What we have here is we have Mike Walker, who is the primary operator of the farm. His wife, Michelle, is actively engaged in the operation because she keeps all the books, and she has for years. His brother, Jack, is part of the farming operation, is actually one of the guys who drives a tractor on a regular basis; and, again, his wife Jill participates in the bookkeeping and management operations of the farm. They have another brother, Paul, who is an active participant. Then each of them have children and wives of those children that are actively engaged in farming. This particular operation this year had 7,000 tillable acres, and they grew peanuts, cotton, hay, and corn. These individuals participated in the crop insurance program, which was of benefit to the local community, provided funds in the local economy through the insurance industry. They participate in all types of conservation practices, like no till farming, like terracing their land. They are good stewards of the land. They, in addition, participate in the Boll Weevil Eradication Program, which is a program that is creative and innovative that the government put in place several years ago, that has allowed cotton farmers all across the country to eradicate the boll weevil, which has been a significant problem for years. At the same time, these farmers have challenges. They have challenges that the ordinary businessman does not have, challenges like drought. For the last several years in our part of the country, we have had significant drought, and that has been one of the reasons why we had to come forward with disaster programs in this town to send out to ag country. In addition to drought, on the opposite end of that, at the end of the year we have been subject to having hurricanes. Once we had the drought, then it came time to harvest the crop, and hurricanes blew in from the Gulf of Mexico and did not allow the farmers to get into the field to harvest what crops they did make. These are the everyday challenges that farmers all across America have to face. Land acquisition is another problem. Land that our folks have rented in past years is now being developed. They simply are having to pay too high a price for land when they buy it, and they are having to pay too high a price when they rent it, because it is now being developed from a commercial standpoint because farmers cannot make a living. The other issue that is critically important in agriculture today is low commodity prices. Commodity prices are currently at the lowest point they have been in the last 30 years. I asked some of these Walker folks about some particular issues they deal with. I asked Mr. Walker about cotton prices, for example, which today are the lowest they have been in the last 16 years. He said, ``Most farmers are going to have to make extraordinary yields this year on cotton production just to break even.'' I said, ``Well, what about the size of your operation? Why are you a 7,000-acre operation?'' He said to us, ``Staying in business required getting bigger. Our margins per acre are so small that in order for our family to make a living, we had to keep growing.'' I asked him about surviving. What about survival of the family farm? He said, ``We don't indulge in extravagancies. When it is possible, we reinvest in the business. We are still here today because we work together, we have continued to adapt to change, and we have reinvested in our business.'' Now, I come from a State where agriculture is the number one industry. My home county is the most diversified agriculture county east of the Mississippi, and I know firsthand what the problems are. The problems are real. This bill addresses the problems that farmers all across America have by providing a safety net; and, Mr. Chairman, I urge its passage.

Mr. CHAMBLISS. The limit is there now. We have the certificate provision to take care of it, over and above that. But we would destroy the current structure of the way farms are set up if we changed the payment limitation at this point in time. I would urge a no vote on this amendment.

Mr. CHAMBLISS

Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, I want to pay tribute to Mr. Carl Swearingen upon his retirement as the Chairman of the National Board of Advisors established for the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, Georgia. Carl is the kind of man that strives to achieve the maximum of his ability. Following his service in the U.S. Air Force, he began his telephone career with BellSouth in 1972. With increasing responsibility in 1977 he became the general public relations manager for Georgia. By 1985 Carl was appointed assistant vice-president for public affairs in Charlotte, N.C. Four years later in 1989, he was promoted to state president of BellSouth Telecommunications in Georgia. He was elected a corporate officer and promoted to his current position Senior Vice President, Corporate Compliance and Corporate Secretary from BellSouth Corporation of Georgia in June 1998. He exemplifies strong character, leadership, fine management skills, and a dedication to improving education and his local community. Each of these qualities are demonstrated through the position he holds on several boards including the University of Georgia Foundation, Berry College, American Cancer Society, Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education, and Georgia Industry Trade and Tourism. We hate to see him retire from his position as Chairman of the National Board of Advisors established for the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, Georgia where he has served since 1993. He and his wife have personally donated their time, money, and hard work to guarantee the educational programs offered by the museum have grown to reach 62,000 children a year. He has been responsible for raising millions of dollars from corporations and foundations throughout the country to benefit the museum. His leadership has been vital in the expansion and success of the museum and the educational programs associated with it. He is now heading a campaign called Century 2000 The Next Generation to raise 30 million dollars for the expansion of the museum and its programs. Setting high standards, hard work and dedication have ensured his continued success. We all appreciate his service to the industry, the Museum of Aviation, and the 8th District of Georgia. He is a spectacular example of a fine businessman, family man, and role model for people of all ages. I wish him all the best in his retirement and continued success in all his future endeavors.

Mr. CHAMBLISS

Mr. CHAMBLISS.1 Mr. Speaker, America is the most free, most open, most democratic nation in the world and yesterday we paid tremendous price for our freedom. Yesterday's vicious attack on the United States was a heinous and despicable act of murder targeting innocent American families. The devastation are unspeakable, the consequences are unimaginable. Every single American has been touched by tragedy like no other event in American history, and our national will has been seared by images of death and destruction. Our hearts and prayers are with the families of those whose lives have been lost. We have been hit at our hearts and we mourn our national loss. Today, we put politics aside and focus on our principles and our policy. We are not Republicans or Democrats, we are Americans, speaking with one united voice against this terror that has been perpetrated against us. I commend President Bush and the administration for their steady and unwavering leadership in this crisis and Gov. Pataki, Mayor Giuliani, DC Mayor Anthony Williams, and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge and all the people who have answered the call of duty to respond in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. America's first responders are our first line of defense and these professionals deserve our gratitude and praise for the work they are doing. However, today it is pointedly clear that we continue to live in a dangerous world with very real threats to our nation. There are still terrorists who seek to destroy our country, chemical, biological, and nuclear demons still hover, and enemies of freedom and democracy still persist. Terrorists are becoming more and more sophisticated and we have been warned that terrorists acts against us are inevitable. The United States has been tested. But our enemies should not be deceived. We are firmly resolved to find the perpetrators and punish those involved in any way in these despicable acts. Our determination is firm, our reach is long, and our nation is united. This assault on our families and our values and our Nation will not stand. It is important now that as we rebuild we also recognize the road ahead of us. Much work must be done to eliminate terrorist threats around the world and to protect our citizens at home and abroad.

Mr. CHAMBLISS

Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr./Rev. Wayne Bevill who is retiring after twenty-five years of dedication and service to the Macon Rescue Mission. Dr. Bevill has been such an inspiration to everyone he comes in contact with and will be loved and missed by the staff and Board of Directors. I have been pleased since my election to the House of Representatives to have served on the Advisory Board of the Macon Rescue Mission and to have participated in the Grand Opening ceremonies for their fine new facility in Macon. After working so closely with Wayne Bevill on a number of faith-based endeavors, I have learned what an outstanding man he really is. His extensive list of contributions to the community is astounding. He graduated from Rice Seminary and served as a chairman of multiple foundation, including the Bibb County Child Abuse Protocol, the Task Force Against Domestic Violence, the Middle Georgia Task Force for the Homeless, and the Bibb County Commission Task Force. He has received numerous awards for his service in helping victims of domestic violence, abused children, and homeless people. In fact, he opened the first shelter for battered women. By serving as Executive Director of the Macon Rescue Mission, he started the Macon Area Food Bank and ran the Dove Center for five years. Because of Dr. Bevill's commitment and hard work, the Macon Rescue Mission moved into its new facility in October of 2000, where it remains one of the finest and up to date facilities in the state of Georgia. In honor of his many accomplishments, Dr. Bevill received an Honorary Doctorate from Toccoa Falls College in May of 2001. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to call to the attention of the House of Representatives the many accomplishments that have followed in the path of Dr. Wayne Bevill. I feel privileged to know such a dedicated and upstanding citizen. I thank him for his efforts to improve the lives of so many others in Macon and across Georgia.

Mr. CHAMBLISS

Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, when the people of Georgia's 8th district first elected me to be their representative, I felt that our number one priority as legislators should be to operate the Federal government within its means. My view on this important matter has not changed. I cannot, in good conscience, cast a vote in favor of a pay increase for Members while the Federal government is operating under such strict spending limitations. I have committed to the folks back in Georgia to getting our Federal government's fiscal house in order. With the economy slowing and our work in Congress to keep government spending in check, it is wrong for us to give ourselves a pay raise. We must keep big government in check and remain fiscally responsible. As I have for the past few years, today I voted to oppose a pay raise for Members of Congress. By voting against the previous question on the rule, I want to go on record as being opposed to a cost-of-living-adjustment for Members of Congress.

Mr. CHAMBLISS

Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Chairman, I fully support H.R. 2330, because it provides funding for programs that will help assure the vitality of agriculture in America and particularly in Georgia. This bill allocates funding for essential programs, which allow further development and progress in food production. In addition, H.R. 2330 provides financial support for agricultural research that is crucial for finding solutions that will allow and promote more cost-effective production methods and higher quality results. By allocating funding for research, this bill will help resolve problems inhibiting productivity and development. More specifically, research in pest and disease control, such as nematode and tomato spotted wilt disease research will enhance strategies used to combat crop yield losses. Also, funding is included for the development of more efficient agricultural water usage that is critical to locations in south Georgia where agricultural water usage comprises 50% of all water consumed. Furthermore, the bill includes funding for the improvement of cotton fiber quality. Funding is necessary for purchasing equipment that would be used in developing a research cotton micro gin for evaluation of cotton fiber in Georgia. Also, funding for pecan scab research is important to explore diseases that limit and inhibit pecan production. Support for these research efforts, coupled with funding for promotional and marketing efforts, will help enable farmers to practice more efficient methods and minimize the devastating losses with which they have become all too familiar. I urge my colleagues to vote for this bill and support American Agriculture.

Mr. CHAMBLISS

Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Senator Hugh Marion Gillis, Sr. for his dedicated service to his country and to the state of Georgia. This year Senator Gillis his attained a distinction achieved by no other member of the Georgia House or the Senate and only one other state legislator in the nation by completing 50 years of service in the Georgia General Assembly. Senator Gillis comes from a proud family tradition of public service. Without opposition he won the Senate seat that his father left and was then elected President Pro Tem, a seat his father too held. Senator Gillis served 12 years as a member of the House of Representatives from 1941-44, and again from 1949-56, and he first served in the Senate from the 16th District in 1957-58 and returned as the Senator from the 20th in 1963, where he has served with dedication and diligence for 38 consecutive years. Gillis was born in Soperton where he graduated from Soperton High School and then went on to study at Georgia Military College and earn a B.S. degree in agriculture from the University of Georgia. It has been said that ``Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.'' Senator Gillis has stood up to the challenge of leadership and power with wisdom and humility to be one of the most respected politicians of Georgia. He has served in the General Assembly longer than any other Senator currently in office. Senator Gillis is by all accounts the nation's longest-serving legislator. His combined Senate and House terms exceed 50 years. In his years of service, Senator Gillis has served as the Chairman of the Senate Natural Resources Committee and a member of the influential Appropriations Committee. Other committees Senator Gillis has served on are the Reapportionment Committee and the Finance and Public Utilities Committee as well as the Economic Development, Tourism and Cultural Affairs Committee. He has also served for six years as the Senate President Pro-Tempore, the highest-ranking Senate official next to the Lieutenant Governor. Senator Gillis is known for his legislative work and also for his civic volunteering and community service. Senator Gillis has received numerous awards for his civic work, such as the title of Treutlen County Citizen of the year. Senator Gillis has served on the boards of Private Colleges, The Georgia Poultry Federation, Georgia Forestry Association, and Future Farmers of America. Senator Gillis is also a deacon at Soperton First Baptist Church and a member of the Lion's Club. He has served as chairman of the Treutlen County Hospital Authority for 22 years. Senator Gillis, a widower is the father of two sons, Hugh Jr. and Donald; and a daughter, Jean Marie. By profession, he is a farmer and timber grower. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to call to the attention of the House of Representatives the many accomplishments that have followed in the path of Senator Gillis' career. I am privileged to know such a dedicated and upstanding citizen and to call him my good friend. I thank him for his efforts to improve the lives of so many others across Georgia.

Mr. CHAMBLISS

Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Sheriff Cullen Talton of Houston County. His dedication to the people of his county is deserving of the utmost recognition. Sheriff Talton being one of the most respected sheriffs in the state, became a recipient of the Liberty Bell Award on June 11, 2001. This esteemed award is given by Bar Associations across the United States to recognize special people in their communities. The award praises the achievements of contributions that exceed the work of the common man. The Houston County Bar Association presents the Liberty Bell Award each year to celebrate the work of someone who has contributed to our legal system beyond the significant call of duty. The recipient of this award is generally someone who has dedicated his life's work to better the legal system in hopes of making his community a better place for those who are to follow. Sheriff Cullen Talton has lived in Bonaire, Georgia, his whole life. Sheriff Talton has served 29 years as Sheriff of Houston County and 6 years as County Commissioner. While serving his community as a law enforcement officer he has also maintained a personal life that deems recognition as well. Sheriff Talton married his high school sweetheart, Peggy Sears and they have been married for 51 years. Together they have raised four children, Carline, Pattie, Cully and Neal. There are also four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Keeping his faith as the focal point of his life he has been a life long member of Bonaire United Methodist Church. Sheriff Talton is a member of many civic organizations and has received an abundance of awards for his civic work over the past 35 years. Sheriff Talton is a member of the Georgia Sheriffs Association and the National Sheriff's Association. His pet project is serving on the Board of the Georgia Sheriffs Boy's Ranch in Hahira. This Boy's Ranch is a place where underprivileged children can have a home. Sheriff Talton has been honored as Georgia's Sheriff of the Year and has received the Warner Robins/Houston County Chamber of Commerce Good Government Service Award. He serves as a board member of the State of Georgia Department of Corrections and is Chairman of the Board of Security Bank in Houston County. Sheriff Talton is a successful leader because he believes that the way to take care of the people is to know the people. He has maintained a respected Sheriff's Department because he maintains his open door policy to the citizens. This keeps him close to the community making him aware of its problems as well as its victories. The Liberty Bell Award speak volumes for the work that Sheriff Talton has done. He is greatly appreciated. If it were not for the dedication of people like Sheriff Cullen Talton our counties, states and country could not march forward. Mr. Speaker, Sheriff Cullen Talton has devoted his life to better serving his community. He spends tireless energy towards bettering his community and for that Sheriff Cullen Talton deserves our recognition and gratitude today.

Mr. CHAMBLISS

Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for the opportunity to speak today, and I thank him for his leadership on this and other matters relative to the agriculture community in our country. I rise in strong support of this bill. I would say to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer) I share the same concerns that he does about conservation, and I hope we can address that to a greater extent in the farm bill. But what we are doing today is coming forward with a market assistance package, and I emphasize that because it is not a disaster bill. A market assistance package is necessary for our farmers because, for the fourth year in a row, we are facing low commodity prices all across the spectrum. This bill is responsible. It addresses the needs of producers. It puts an amount of money in the pocket of producers as quickly as we can do it. Our folks need that relief now. At the same time, if the American people are going to be assured that they are going to continue to have quality food products at low-commodity prices, we need to pass this bill today.

Mr. CHAMBLISS

Mr. CHAMBLISS. Madam Speaker, I support this bill to authorize funding for the National 4-H Program Centennial Initiative. From its beginnings as the Corn Club for Boys and Tomato Canning Club for Girls, the 4-H program has grown to one of the largest youth organizations in the United States with more than 6.8 million participants. Today 4- H'ers can be found building model rockets, organizing canned food drives for the needy, showing livestock, delivering a speech before local government officials on issues critical to youth, and much more. In celebration of the centennial of the 4-H Program in 2002, the National 4-H Council has proposed a public-private partnership, to develop new strategies for youth development for the next century. As our world becomes increasingly global and technology-oriented, the demands and challenges facing youth continue to change. This bill will allow the program to change as well. The bill calls for the federal government to provide a $5 million federal grant that may be matched by non-federal sources. Today, as a former 4-H member I ask for your support of the youth of America by passing this bill and allowing this great youth organization to evolve into the next century.

Mr. CHAMBLISS

Mr. CHAMBLISS. Madam Speaker, I support this resolution to honor our National Guard troops in Bosnia. Especially the men and women of Georgia's 48th Brigade now serving in Bosnia. Georgia's National Guard has a long and cherished military history dating back as far as the 1730's. From helping to secure American independence, to the Spanish American War to World War I and II, to Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf, Georgia's National Guard has played an important role in protecting the defending American interests around the world. From the headquarters and part of the 148th Forward Support Battalion in Macon to the 2nd Battalion of Company A of the 121st Infantry based in Moultrie and Valdosta, the 48th Infantry Brigade (Mechanized) continues to honor its past by proudly serving in Bosnia. The men and women of the 48th have spent months undergoing extensive training and preparation for this deployment. They have put their jobs and family lives on hold and all told will have been away from their homes and families for almost a year. Today, we say thank you to the families and employers for their sacrifices in supporting our National Guard. And we say thank you and God bless you to the citizen soldiers who are doing such an outstanding job to support U.S. peacekeeping efforts in the Balkans.

Mr. CHAMBLISS

Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on H.R. 1088, the Investor and Capital Markets Fee Relief Act. While I commend Representative Fossella, Chairman Oxley, and Chairman Burton on their work to reduce fees imposed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, I am bothered by the lack of inclusion of pay parity for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission while a pay parity provision for the SEC is included. The SEC and the CFTC are the only federal financial regulators governed by the pay scales outlined in title V of the United States Code. The CFTC, as does the SEC, experiences difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff. Including provisions solely for the SEC would only further disadvantage the regulatory body over which my Subcommittee has jurisdiction. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission cannot currently offer salaries competitive with the private sector; the Commission's ability to compete with fellow public financial regulators will be further hindered. Over a 22-month period, the Commission lost over 40 percent of key staff to better paying positions. Of those who left for better pay, over 20 percent went to the Securities and Exchange Commission-- where a 10 percent pay differential was offered within title V. One can only expect for this number to increase if the SEC becomes exempt from title V as other federal financial regulators have. Concerns over recruitment and retention of staff will only be augmented due to this provision in the bill. The Commodity Futures Modernization Act, signed into law December 2000, is now being implemented by both the CFTC and SEC. Six months after the bill has become law is not an appropriate time to disadvantage the agency. The best lawyers are needed to implement this bill that is critically important to the financial industry. Although I have supported H.R. 1088 on the merit of fee reduction, I am disappointed that Chairmen Oxley and Burton could not grant my request to include equitable treatment to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission regarding pay parity.

Mr. CHAMBLISS

Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to pay tribute to Donald M. Leebern, Jr. a man whom, either knowingly or unknowingly, has touched and blessed the lives of many people in the state of Georgia. He is known by those closest to him as modest, personable and self- deprecating; however, ``on field'' or in the business world, he is a proven winner who works to succeed. Don attended the University of Georgia where he played football, and started on both offense and defense. He played on the Bulldog's 1959 SEC Championship team that went on to win the Orange Bowl. Earlier this year, ``Big'' Don, as friends affectionately call him, was inducted into the Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame. Pat Dye, a teammate of Leebern's at UGA and also former Head football coach at Auburn University, had this to say of Leebern, ``it didn't make any difference, practice or playing. He was always full speed. He absolutely would not lose. He'd find a way to win.'' Pat Dye was absolutely correct. Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall, Leebern was picked by the Dallas Texans in the first ever American Football League draft. As he was getting ready to debut in the AFL, his father passed away. Instead of pursuing what would have been a career of fame and fortune in professional football, Don decided to return home to Columbus and take over the family business, Georgia Crown Distributing Company. It is not surprising what happened to the business. Georgia Crown Distributing Company has grown into one of the top 500 private companies in America. He built the small struggling wholesale beverage distributor into a thriving and diversified regional business, making him one of the most influential people in Georgia. He served on the Georgia Athletic Board and is a member of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents, which he chaired in 1994 and 1995. Leebern has been able to use his influence to better his community by, among other things, getting state funding for a basketball arena and physical education building at Columbus State--the Lumpkin Center. The University of Georgia's Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall is where future Georgia football legends practice. It is also where Georgia's football history is housed, from Frank Sinkwich and Herschel Walker's Heisman Trophies, to photos of legendary Coach Wally Butts and jerseys of former Bulldog quarterback Fran Tarkenton. But there is only one name that anyone will see over the locker room at the Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall, specifically they will see, ``The Donald Leebern, Jr. Memorial Locker Room.'' Certainly, it's a fitting reminder of all the good things Don has done for Georgia and the impact he's still having on future generations. Don Leebern has certainly made a significant contribution to the state of Georgia and his life has certainly been a story of success. Congratulations, Don for a life of service. I applaud you for all you have done and wish you many more years of success in the arena.

Mr. CHAMBLISS

Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, today, I recognize the 99th Air Refueling Squadron from Warner Robbins, Georgia. They were recently named as the military's top tanker group for the third consecutive year. The ``Ramrods,'' part of the 19th Air Refueling group, are the only unit in the Air Force's 50 year history to win the General Carl A. Spatz Trophy for three consecutive years. Since 1975, this trophy has recognized the best air refueling squadron within the Air Force. This refueling group has worked hard to earn this prestigious, national award. They were one of the most needed tanker groups in 2000. The ``Ramrods'' flew air refueling missions on every major deployment last year. Along with these deployment missions they had to carry out their normal exercises and long term troop commitments to areas such as the middle east. The Warner Robbins 99th squadron was called upon to fly top-ranking Air Force and civilian officials around the globe, and they provided refueling support to military units in the Middle East after last falls's horrible terrorist attack on the USS Cole. The National Defense University selected the squadron to represent the Air Force on four high visibility missions around the world. It is easy to see that these missions are very important in the military strength that this nation enjoys. This group is to be congratulated for their hard work, skill, and accomplishments in the Air Force.

Mr. CHAMBLISS

Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, a year ago, Mr. Chen Shui-bian, a former mayor of Taipei, captured the imagination of Taiwan voters and won Taiwan's presidency. Twelve months later, Mr. Chen has impressed the world with his leadership. At home, Chen has continued to push for greater democratic rights and accelerated economic reforms, especially banking reform. He has pledged to make his people and the world proud of Taiwan's human rights record and to do everything possible to stimulate Taiwan's domestic economy. In addition President Chen has announced on a number of occasions how he will try his best to conduct meaningful dialogues with Mainland Chinese leaders, hoping to achieve eventual reunification with the mainland. Mr. Speaker, Taiwan is an open, free and democratic country, home to over 93 political parties, and virtually every level of public office in Taiwan is vigorously contested through free and fair elections. Most important of all, Taiwan is our friend and one of our most important trading partners. We wish Taiwan well, and its President good luck and good fortune on the eve of his first anniversary in office. We welcome President Chen to the U.S. and wish him the best.

Mr. CHAMBLISS

Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from the Sixth District of Georgia (Mr. Isakson) for his leadership on this issue. He is certainly one of the most knowledgeable Members of this House when it comes to education. Mr. Chairman, I want to take the opportunity to commend the President for ensuring that his administration makes education of our children its number one priority. While this bill is not a perfect bill, I think we owe a great debt of gratitude to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner) and the ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller), for the great leadership that they have provided here; and I commend them for bringing both sides together and bringing issues that are important to both sides more towards the middle. While there are a number of provisions in this bill that I think are very critical, the most important provision, in my opinion, is the Reading First Initiative that we have in this bill that is going to provide flexibility to our States and is going to make reading a number one priority. My wife is a fifth grade teacher. Her number one frustration with her fifth graders is the fact that too many of them are reading on a first or second grade level and some of them even below that. This bill makes sure that every child in America becomes more proficient in reading by the time they leave the third grade. As one can imagine, it is frustrating to a teacher not to have children that can read, but imagine the frustration of those children who want to learn but simply are handicapped because they do not have the basic skills. I commend the administration, and I commend the leadership on the Committee on Education and the Workforce for ensuring that we give priority to the issue of reading and making sure that all of our children learn to read and that we put accountability back on the State and local governments to ensure that they are doing the things necessary to make sure that all of our children are reading much more proficiently and at the early grade level.

Mr. CHAMBLISS

Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, I want to pay tribute to Mr. Ed Willis who is retiring as principal of R.B. Wright Elementary School. The warm and caring manner in which Ed led the school let every student know that they were special and loved. Ed is the consummate educator because he lets his teachers teach and supports them in their efforts. His students always achieve the maximum of their ability. Ed is the epitome of the caring, professional administrator. His goal has always been to develop the total child: academically, socially, physically, and culturally. He commands excellence from himself and his staff, and his rewards come in seeing his students succeed. Ed's life is an example of Christian living. He has been a teacher, coach, father, principal, husband, son, and devoted friend. He has given of himself to this community, making it a better place to live, by loving young children who have attended his school. His calm pleasant demeanor and enthusiasm for his job were often conveyed to his faculty and students. He recognized them for their large as well as their small accomplishments in a genuine effort to encourage them to grow as citizens, not only while at R.B. Wright, but in the community- at-large. Ed has lived according to John Wesley's rule: Do all the good you can To all the people you can In all the ways you can At all the times you can To all the people you can As long as you ever can Ed exemplifies strong character, leadership and compassion. Through his leadership he is shaping children's ideas about themselves, the country, and the world. He has nourished their appetite for learning. They are developing habits and values that will last them a lifetime. Ed always shows that he believes intellect and character go hand-in- hand. His optimism and excitement is shared with all those associated with R.B. Wright Elementary School. Ed is a fine diplomat. He is understanding and patient. He sets high standards for the young people who have attended R.B. Wright Elementary School. He is an excellent teacher and administrator, as well as a fine Christian family man. He is a spectacular example for children, calling every child by name and always greeting them with a smile. Ed is a thoughtful, encouraging, and compassionate principal who is very successful and loved. He is an effective leader, friend, and excellent role model. He ran a tight ship at R.B. Wright Elementary School and will be greatly missed.

Mr. CHAMBLISS

Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, it is indeed a privilege and a pleasure for me to have Dr. Laudis H. Lanford as the guest chaplain in the House today. My good friend, Rick Lanford, is vice president for development at the Methodist Home for Children and Youth in Macon, Georgia, where he is affectionately known as ``Daddy Rick.'' Dr. Lanford is a graduate of Emory University in Atlanta and Candler School of Theology, where he received a Master of Divinity, and the McCormick School of Theology, where he received a Doctor of Ministry. Rick's love of the Lord is exhibited in his everyday life, but no place more than in his work with the 110 orphaned and abused children at the Methodist Home. Rick has made a strong commitment to his community and his State. He is chaplain for the Macon City Police, the Bibb County, Monroe County, and Jones' County Sheriff's Department. He is also chaplain for the Georgia Sheriff's Association and serves on the Gang Awareness Task Force Committee. Dr. Lanford changes lives of young people in our part of the State every day. I am proud to have him here today, but I am even more proud to call him my good friend.

Mr. CHAMBLISS

Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize Mrs. Carolyn Crayton, the founder and executive director of both the Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful Commission and the Macon, Georgia International Cherry Blossom Festival. She has dedicated herself to community service, ensuring that our communities stay clean and beautiful. She has worked tirelessly since 1964 as the Founder and Executive Director of Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful Commission. Carolyn has been the recipient of the Keep America Beautiful's Leadership Award and the Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson Award. She was also awarded the Queen Mother's Award, which was presented by the Keep Britain Tidy Group, this being the only time this honor was awarded outside the United Kingdom. Carolyn was invited to appear on Good Morning America in 1984, as one of several people who have made a difference in their community. In 1988, she received the Georgia Clean and Beautiful Woman of the Year Award, which is now named the Carolyn Crayton Award. Carolyn is also responsible for founding the Georgia International Cherry Blossom Festival. Carolyn's dedication and hard work are the reason we are able to enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival and all the beautiful cherry blossom trees. She and her organization are responsible for their presence in the State of Georgia. She has received a Certificate of Merit from the Georgia Garden Clubs of Georgia and the Ladies Home Journal Heroine Award. Carolyn has done such a wonderful job with the production and management of the Georgia International Cherry Blossom Festival, she was named the Festival Director of the Year in Georgia in 1995. One year later she was inducted into the International Festivals and Events Association's Hall of Fame. In 1999, she received the Deen Day Smith Award. Unfortunately, Carolyn is retiring this year. I would like to recognize and commend her for all the hard work she has done for the State of Georgia, more specifically Macon. She has selflessly given her time and effort as an active community leader and should be an example to all of us. Carolyn and her husband Lee are dear friends and I am very proud of the great contribution they have both made to the State of Georgia.

Mr. CHAMBLISS

Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, like all my colleagues, I am just saddened and shocked by the news of the death of my good friend Norm Sisisky who was one of the folks who was kind of like the glue that helped hold this place together. The minority leader is exactly right, there was not a partisan bone in Norm Sisisky's body. I had the pleasure of serving on the Committee on Armed Services with him, and for a short time on the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Nobody cared about the men and women in every branch of the service as much as Norm Sisisky. We were just in a hearing on the MWR panel down there, which Norm and I served on for 6\1/2\ years together. One of the Air Force generals was telling a story about Norm that is just so typical of him, in which he gave up some of his time during a break where he should have been devoting himself to his family, and he devoted himself to helping some young men and women in the United States Air Force. It just was so typical of Norm because he loved every branch of the service, and just stood for what is right about America. Norm Sisisky stood out in this body as a man whose integrity and honesty was unparalleled. He was just a great gentleman in every respect, and I see my good friend, the gentleman from California (Mr. Condit), sitting over there from California. It is really going to be strange, I say to the gentleman from California, when I come in and I do not see Norm sitting back there with you and the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Taylor) and the other folks, and I do not hear that craggy old voice giving me the devil about something, like he did every time I walked in. But we are just thankful for the time we were able to serve with Norm, and to his family we certainly extend our heartfelt sympathy. Our prayers and thoughts will continue to be with them. He was a great American, he was a great friend, a great Member of this body. He will truly be missed.

Mr. CHAMBLISS

Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize an individual, Ernest Pepples, for his significant efforts on behalf of a valuable yet ever more challenged industry. Ernie has had a distinguished and honorable career within the global and U.S. tobacco industry and deserves the recognition of Congress at the time of his retirement. Mr. Ernest Pepples joined Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation in 1972 and was appointed vice president and general counsel and became a member of the company's board of directors in 1975. He was named senior vice president in 1980. At the time of his retirement, he was responsible for the company's legislative representation and government affairs efforts including its relations with Congress. Prior to joining Brown & Williamson, he was partner in the Louisville, Kentucky, law firm of Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs. A native of Louisville, Mr. Pepples is a graduate of Yale University and the University of Virginia Law School. He also is a member of the American, Kentucky, and Louisville Bar Associations. Throughout his career, Ernie has served in leadership positions for a variety of boards and councils including the board of directors of the Tobacco Merchants Association of Princeton, New Jersey, and the Kentucky Tobacco Research Board of Lexington, Kentucky. Now, in recognition of his retirement from Brown & Williamson and the tobacco industry after 30 years of service, I believe he should be duly recognized by this body for his integrity and personal efforts to find common ground on many difficult issues. Indeed, Ernie developed a reputation as a leading expert on regulatory and business issues involving not only tobacco manufacturers but also tobacco growers, suppliers, consumers, wholesalers and retailers. My district in Georgia has been a direct beneficiary of Ernie's talent. It is with this background that I say thank you Ernie for his dedication and service over the years and congratulate him on an outstanding career. He has worked hard for his home state of Kentucky, Georgia and the entire tobacco community within our country. Those of us who have been privileged to work with Ernie will miss his hard work, honesty, and dedication. We will also miss his great smile. Congratulations Ernie on an outstanding career and best wishes to you and your family upon retirement.