Howard Coble

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3626) to extend the Undetectable Firearms Act of 1988 for 10 years.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, how many times did we hear the President promise the American people that if they liked their health care plan, they could keep their health care plan? It doesn't matter how many times, Madam Speaker, you say something if it simply isn't true. The fact is that Americans all across this country are getting letters from their insurance companies telling them their plans have been canceled. These are moms, dads, students, seniors, people who work diligently and who should be able to count on their health insurance when they need it. What does ObamaCare offer them? Maybe they lose their plan altogether. Maybe their rates are going up. Maybe they can't visit the doctors and hospitals they have been using for years. Madam Speaker, this has happened. I urge victims to speak out. Go to the House Republican Web site at gop.gov and share your story.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that you accepted our nomination of Surry County minister and commissioner, Larry Phillips from Mount Airy, to lead the House with the opening prayer. In the short time that I have represented Surry County, I have come to know Larry as an outstanding elected official and a principled and thoughtful person. Reverend Phillips is currently serving in his 25th year as senior pastor of Midway Baptist Church in Mount Airy, which is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. He is a graduate of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, holds a master of arts in biblical studies, and is completing his master's of religious education. Mr. Speaker, it has been said in North Carolina there are more Baptists than there are North Carolinians, and Reverend Phillips and his family belong to that very distinguished group. Larry Phillips was born in Cherokee County, North Carolina, and has been married to Melinda Gay Johnson Phillips for 36 years and is father to Andrea and Darren, father-in-law to Meagan, and grandfather to Madison and Branson. Larry Phillips was elected to the Surry County Board of Commissioners in 2012 and serves on the County Commissioners Economic Development Task Force, including the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners and Board of Directors. We are pleased, Mr. Speaker, to have Larry Phillips as our guest chaplain today.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. I thank the gentleman. Mel, I appreciate those generous words. Thank you for your generous words as well. I won't be verbose or lengthy, but just thanks to all of you. I have another year, Mel. I won't be gone for another year. Thank you. Mr. Speaker, it is certainly a pleasure to be here on the floor with Chairman Coble. It is just a point of personal privilege to say that, long ago when I was a staff member up here on Capitol Hill, I had a conversation with the chairman and asked him what I should do next. He suggested that I go and be an assistant United States attorney just like he was before he came to Congress. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COBLE. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from North Carolina for yielding me this time. Both gentlemen from North Carolina have pretty well covered this issue, and I will try to not be repetitive. I rise in support of H.R. 2871. The legislation will realign the Southern Judicial District in Mississippi. It has been reviewed and is fully supported by members of the majority and the minority from Mississippi. H.R. 2871 was introduced in response to a plan originally developed by a committee of Federal judges from Mississippi, which was charged with formulating a plan to close the Meridian courthouse. This courthouse is the only court facility located in the Eastern Division of Mississippi's Southern Judicial District. The primary goal of the judges' committee was to recommend a realignment that best serves the needs of litigants, jurors, the bar, and the public. Given the review and endorsement of the Judicial Conference, the Fifth Circuit Judicial Council, the judges, U.S. attorney, and Federal public defender, local bar association, and Inns of Court, it appears that the judges performed their duty in an exemplary fashion. In brief, H.R. 2871, Mr. Speaker, aligns and redesignates the judicial districts and places of holding court in Mississippi to improve the judicial efficiency. The CBO estimates that H.R. 2871 will create no budgetary impact. Its enactment will enable the affected judges, bar, and the public to be better served by a more rational structure, organization, and composition of Federal judicial districts in Mississippi and permit the Federal judiciary and the Department of Justice to achieve substantial cost savings. H.R. 2871 is a good bill, as has been pointed out, and I encourage my colleagues to support that proposal.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, if you missed this past Sunday morning TV talking heads shows, you missed the political double standard at work. Time and again, the hosts of the aforesaid programs referred to the recent ``Republican government shutdown.'' Wait a minute. Republican government shutdown? There were two advocacy groups to this affair: one, President Obama and the Democratic administration and, two, the Republicans. So it appears to me, Mr. Speaker, that a more accurate description would be the Republicans, President Obama and the Democrat administration and the government shutdown. The Republicans, in spite of the President's adamant refusal to negotiate, requested a 1-year delay for the controversial health care proposal. The President rejected that proposal but, considering the reviews surrounding his health care proposal, which are, at best, dismal, it was an offer the President should have embraced. All of us, in and out of the political arena, should dismiss the application of the double standard that oftentimes is used in this town, and we should encourage objectivity to prevail over subjectivity; and, in so doing, our country will become the beneficiary of good government, of fair government. Good government finally will be promoted in the end, and we will all benefit therefrom.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, October 5, 2013, the town of Madison, North Carolina, will unveil an historical marker to honor a legendary musical family known as The Hoppers. I am proud to say that The Hoppers live in the Sixth District of North Carolina, and that I have been invited to participate in the unveiling of this plaque. The Hoppers, known as Hopper Brothers and Connie until 1981, are musical legends and rightfully deserving of this honor. In the world of Gospel and Christian music, the Hoppers are at the forefront, not only for the quality of their music, but for their commitment to their faith. For more than half-a-century, this Rockingham County family has been spreading musical joy throughout the land. What was started in humble beginnings in 1957 by Claude Hopper and his brothers, Will, Steve, Paul, and Monroe, came to be known as Hopper Brothers and Connie, when Claude, taking a break from his part-time job at the A&P food store in Madison, spotted Connie Shelton driving through the small town and asked her to join his Gospel group on the spot. Now celebrating 50 years of marriage and music together, they have mentored many musicians and singers over the years. Their sons, Dean and Michael, later joined the group as lead vocalist and drummer/ vocalist. Kim Greene of The Greenes married Dean Hopper, and in 1989 she also joined The Hoppers as soprano. Soon, The Hoppers scored a string of number one Gospel hits including Here I Am, Milk and Honey, Mention My Name, Anchor to the Power of the Cross, Heavenly Sunrise, That's Him, and Yes I Am. In 1996, Mike Hopper married Denice, who became the group's pianist. In 1998, their version of Shoutin' Time became their biggest hit. Over the ensuing years, numerous awards and accolades came their way. They have been nominated and received just about every major award in the Gospel music industry. Known as America's Favorite Family of Gospel Music, The Hoppers are not just musicians, but business leaders in music publishing and concert promotions. Best of all, we can claim The Hoppers as North Carolina's own. On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we congratulate The Hoppers on more than half-a-century of outstanding Gospel music. Best wishes to everyone gathered on Saturday, October 5, 2013, as a plaque is unveiled in Madison to honor The Hoppers, a true North Carolina musical treasure.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I have heard some criticize the President for having played golf with Tiger Woods because Woods is not a favorable role model. The President's golfing is not my business. But permit me to tell you what is my business: the frequent use of Air Force One and the related costs thereto. President Obama was the second most traveled President of all time for a single term, spending 95 days on 25 trips. In 2009, President Obama traveled more in his first year than any other President. President Obama spent 41 days traveling to 21 different countries. The most updated figure, Mr. Speaker, on the cost per hour of operating Air Force One is in excess of $179,000 per hour. This is just a tiny fraction of the President's foreign travel plans, which includes backup aircraft, aerial tankers, motor transport, security and diplomatic personnel, accommodations, and advance teams. The First Lady also has been actively traveling, making trips to Ireland, Africa, Western Europe, and Copenhagen. When flying solo, Michelle Obama would likely use a C-40B or C with a cost per flight- hour of between $19,000 and $26,000, or a larger C-32 passenger jet, which has a cost per flight-hour of in excess of $42,000. Presidential entourages have grown quite large in the modern era as well, Mr. Speaker. President Obama was accompanied by more than 500 staff, including security, during his 2009 trip to London. At least 200 security agents alone will be involved in the President's current Africa trip. I am not suggesting, Mr. Speaker, that we compromise safety or security, but the First Family, it seems to me, treats Air Force One and related aircraft as their personal toys--a very expensive toy, I might add. I will admit, Mr. Speaker, that Air Force One belongs to President Obama and his wife, but Air Force One also belongs to you and me and to every taxpayer in America. I simply ask the President and his wife to exercise more prudence and discipline regarding their prided aircraft activities. When the wheels of Air Force One are up, the meter is on, and I'm talking about a heap of taxpayer dollars. Finally, Mr. Speaker, the plague of the soaring debt continues to bother us. I respectively request that President Obama and his wife direct more attention to our soaring debt and deficit and less time on Air Force One.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, there is a company in the Sixth District of North Carolina that recently received a distinguished national award for its commitment to American workers and producing fine hand-crafted furniture in the United States. Edward Ferrell/Lewis Mittman (EF/LM) is the recipient of the ``2013 Best: Made in America Award.'' I would like to congratulate all involved in this company's patriotic efforts. Edward Ferrell/Lewis Mittman is a home furnishings and accessories company located in High Point, North Carolina. Steve Mittman moved EF/ LM to North Carolina in 1992 from New York City where it was founded by his father in 1953. Today, EF/LM continues to operate in its modern High Point factory designed to nurture and support the great craftspeople of North Carolina. EF/LM employs approximately 85 people in a variety of roles. The company is a ``sell to the trade only'' company that manufactures products in all categories of upholstered furniture and case goods. These products are showcased by about 15 managers and sales persons who run individual showrooms as their own businesses. The dedicated individuals at EF/LM work to incorporate surrounding local communities into the development of designs, and often volunteer their time and expertise for local non-profit causes. In addition to providing jobs in the Sixth District, EF/LM makes an effort to utilize local suppliers and other businesses for materials and tasks to further help American consumers and businesses. Recently, EF/LM handcrafted a ``bipartisan'' sofa and hosted an event in which the sofa was staged in the Rayburn House Office Building Foyer. Respective sides of red and blue fabric were sewn together with white fabric to symbolize an invitation for Republicans and Democrats to sit, talk and listen about the importance of creating and sustaining jobs on American soil. I would like to offer special congratulations to Owner Steve Mittman, President and CEO Crans Baldwin, Vice President of Operations Gregg Arrington, CFO and Controller Steve Wilt, Vice President of Design Phillip Jeffries, Director of Supply Chain Mark Peterson, and Showroom Managers Annie O'Connell and Joanna Mon. Edward Ferrell/Lewis Mittman is a loyal, reputable and truly American company that has contributed to High Point's reputation as the Furniture Capital of the World. I am proud to congratulate EF/LM on its ``2013 Best: Made in America Award.''

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, Benghazi matters, and the American people deserve answers. On the evening of September 11, 2012, terrorist factions successfully attacked America in Benghazi, Libya, when they torched our consulate and killed four Americans. Early in the morning the following day, they attacked our annex. Secretary Clinton's response to the American people was that these attacks were in response to a video posted on the Internet. The following Sunday, on September 16, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice repeated Secretary Clinton's assertion on five separate television talk shows. Today is July 10, 2013, and we now know that without question these attacks were strategically planned and had no relation to Secretary Clinton or Ambassador Rice's initial assertions. The investigation into our failure to protect those four Americans who were killed, our consulate, our annex, and the administration's abysmal explanation for informing the American public must continue. Mr. Speaker, Secretary Clinton appeared before a Senate hearing and was asked about certain facts surrounding the attack. She replied: What difference does it make? I suggest that Secretary Clinton may want to consult with the survivors of the four Americans who were slain and ask them what difference does it make. I take umbrage with her response, and I think it was done in a rather uncaring and very impersonal way. Investigating this scandal is our duty and obligation as representatives of the American people and protectors of the public trust. To date, congressional hearings have raised far more questions than answers. We have to look no further than the testimony of Mr. Gregory Hicks before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Mr. Hicks is the former Deputy Chief of Mission in Libya, and his testimony is replete with contradictions from what Secretary Clinton and Ambassador Rice and others have told the American public. The matter, Mr. Speaker, in my opinion, smacks of a coverup. We must continue to pursue and develop answers and explanations as to what happened so we will ultimately know what really did occur on that fateful night and ensuing days. Mr. Speaker, as I said at the outset, Benghazi matters, and we must continue thoroughly to examine this until the truth ultimately surfaces. It matters, and the American public, Americans taxpayers, here, there, and yonder, deserve a final resolution to this episode. I suggest that we continue to keep our eye on the ball, otherwise this is going to disappear into the wind and that would be inexcusable.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, there is a school in the Sixth District of North Carolina that just won its first ever state softball title. I would like to take this time to congratulate all who contributed to this historic achievement. High Point Christian Academy's softball team has exemplified determination and an exceptional work ethic in its quest for a state title. The HPCA Cougars placed second in the state tournaments of 2011 and 2012. Their continued hard work and perseverance, however, paid off even more in 2013. The team finished the regular season 20-3, and entered the North Carolina Independent School Athletic Association 3A Championship Tournament in Gastonia as the first seed. Led by Head Coach Jeremy Cecil, the team defeated Wesleyan Christian Academy 10-8 in an elimination game on Friday, May 17, 2013. The Cougars needed three wins on Saturday to claim the championship, but they were not intimidated in the slightest. They began their Saturday win streak with a 14-4 win over Metrolina Christian. The Cougars then swept second-seeded Hickory Grove in a best-of-three final series to clinch the championship, winning 1-0 and 5-4. The state champions include Lindsay Cecil, Austen Coats, Maddie Faulkner, Sydney Harris, Kirsten Hart, Ashlyn Kennedy, Abigail Lyle, Sloane McPeak, Rachel Norris, Lindsay Payne, Hannah Self, and Nikki Zittinger. Cecil, McPeak, and Kennedy were also named 2013 All-State Team Members. It has been an exciting season for the students, faculty, staff, and families of High Point Christian Academy. On behalf of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we congratulate HPCA Headmaster Richard Hardee, High School Principal Keith Curlee, Athletic Director Corey Gesell, Head Softball Coach Jeremy Cecil, Assistant Softball Coaches Bryan Coats, Jessica Burcham, Shane Kennedy, and Brad Self. Congratulations to the 2013 softball team on its NCISAA 3A State Championship.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, as we approach Memorial Day 2013, I hope that everyone spends some time this holiday to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our nation's freedoms. We also need to thank those who serve today in harm's way for their dedication to the ideals and principles that made this country great. I would like to take this opportunity to tell the story of one such man who performed heroic feats on the battlefield, and thankfully, is still with us today so that we may honor him for his service. That man is named C.W. (Dick) Weaver, Jr., and he lives in the Sixth District of North Carolina. Dick Weaver is a man who was destined to receive honors for his leadership ability in many aspects of his life. He graduated in 1951 from Rankin High School in Guilford County, North Carolina, where he was Valedictorian and President of the Senior Class. As an athlete at Rankin, he was All Conference for two years in baseball and football. He then attended Lees McRae Junior College until he became a United States Marine. Dick was shipped overseas to join the Korean Conflict. On March 28, 1953, Sergeant Weaver was subject to devastating enemy artillery fire. The unit received word that one of the men had been wounded and was lying helpless and unprotected. Under heavy artillery fire, Sergeant Weaver rushed to the stricken man and carried him to cover. He was painfully injured in his heroic act of courage. Sergeant Weaver, by his outstanding leadership, indomitable courage, and selfless efforts on behalf of another, served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest tradition of the United States Naval Services. For his action, he was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart by the President of the United States. Sergeant Weaver spent 11 months in a military hospital for his wounds. Joseph J. McCaffrey, in a letter to Sergeant Weaver's mother wrote, ``that his action inspired his men to get the wounded men out of danger.'' McCaffrey added, ``that he literally walked into an artillery barrage and certain death.'' Dick Weaver returned to Lees McRae and was graduated in 1957. He was student body president, Phi Beta Kappa, Best All-Around Student, Most Valuable Player in baseball, and the recipient of a prestigious Morehead Scholarship to the University of North Carolina, from where he was graduated in 1959. After serving in personnel positions at Cone Mills, General Dynamics, and Duke University, Dick founded and served as president of Dick Weaver Associates from 1975 to 1995, and his company was rated by the College and University Personnel Association as one of the top three in the nation. Dick Weaver has been a friend of mine for decades. As youngsters, we competed against each other on the ball fields of Piedmont North Carolina. In all the years that I have known Dick, I never really knew of the heroism he displayed in Korea. Dick is a humble and self- effacing gentleman who doesn't seek out the glory. I wanted to take this moment, as we celebrate Memorial Day 2013, to honor Dick Weaver and the countless others just like him who serve our country with dignity and distinction.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, Vandalia Christian School in Greensboro, North Carolina, wrapped up its spring sports season with two more championships--girls soccer and boys baseball. I say two more because this past fall, Vandalia Christian won State championships in boy's basketball, boy's soccer, and cheerleading. It is a year unlike any other, five championships for one school from the Sixth District of North Carolina. The boy's baseball team finished the regular season with an impressive 15-game-winning streak. This was the first time in school history that the boys won championships in soccer, basketball, and baseball in the same school year. A ton of credit can be given to VCS triple threat athlete, Houston Miller, who was a part of all three championship squads and pitched for the Vikings throughout the season. On May 10, Vandalia defeated Wilson Christian, 8-3, for the championship. This was the boy's baseball second championship in the past two years under Coach Luke Oates. Those who assisted Coach Oates included Assistant/Pitching Coach Ryan Nelson, Statistician Alyce Lentz, and Bookkeeper Laura Joyce. The team roster include the aforementioned Houston Miller, Michael Matthews, Nathaniel Hobbs, Josh McClellan, James Wagoner, Jasper White, Noah Joyce, Ethan Willis, Brayden McMillan, Jordan Mitchell; Bryson Gordon, Jacob Cable, Hunter Miller, Tyler Crook, Matt Hobbs, Henderson Lentz, and Rex Atkins. On May 11, the Vandalia girls won the State soccer crown with their win over Wilmington Christian after the game came down to a series of penalty kicks (PKs). Katelyn Roop scored in regulation for the Vikings, while Allison Garner, Sydney Mitchell, and Laurie Powell scored the penalty kicks. The Vikings went three for four in PKs while VCS goalie Makayla Miller stopped three of four PKs by Wilmington Christian. The team was led by Head Coach Bobby Kaiser and Assistant Kristen Kaiser. The championship squad includes Katie Talkington, Laurie Powell, Melissa Pando, Ashley Pollard, Sydney Mitchell, Cristan Lewis, Abby Pack, Addy Hargett, Rene Burton, Lauren Chestnutt, Kalie Hazelwood, Elizabeth Fondow, Courtney Wood, Kara Smith, Whitney Dickens, Jill Georgevich, Allison Garner, Madison Ellis, Katie White, Makayla Miller, and Katelyn Roop. Everyone who calls themselves a Viking should be rightfully proud of the five State championships this year. Congratulations to Principal Jeremy Cordova, Athletic Director Luke Oates, the faculty, staff, students, and particularly, the athletes of Vandalia for winning five sports crowns this year. The citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina are proud to say that we are the home of the champions from Vandalia Christian School.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, yesterday our House Speaker indicated that it was our high honor to host Her Excellency, the President of the Republic of Korea. She expressed profound gratitude to us for our friendship with Korea and shared with us improvements realized by her country since the guns fell silent in 1953. Many refer to the Korean war as the ``Forgotten War,'' but, Mr. Speaker, there was no evidence on Capitol Hill yesterday to suggest that this war has been forgotten. The Korean President referred to this Chamber as ``this hallowed ground of freedom and democracy.'' The past came alive yesterday as our Congress hosted this very distinguished leader from Korea.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, America has the strongest military in the world because it is composed of patriotic volunteers--the men and women who put their lives in harm's way to keep our country safe. I want to recognize and congratulate a young North Carolinian who was recently promoted to Major in the U.S. Army. I have known Bryan T. Taylor since he was a child, and I served with his father in the North Carolina General Assembly and the United States House of Representatives. Bryan was appointed to the United States Military Academy by the late Sen. Jesse Helms. At West Point, he served as captain of his senior class and on the West Point honor guard during the difficult year of 9/ 11/2001. He graduated in 2003 near the top of his class and was physics mentor in his third year. From West Point, Bryan took additional training as a combat engineer and was stationed in Korea near the DMZ. From there, he entered combat in Iraq and spent 12 months in Ramadi, where constant battle was waged by both the U.S. Army and U.S. Marines. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant during that combat and returned home. After his promotion to Captain, he served in Central America, and in 2008 he returned to Iraq. His Major promotion service was held at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Sgt. Karen Vannov and Lt. Col. Jeff Moran conducted the promotion service. Present at the ceremony were Bryan's wife, Sgt. Miriana Perez Taylor, his parents Charles and Elizabeth Taylor, bringing prayers and greeting from his mother-in-law and father-in-law Lucia Macias and Leoncio A. Perez. I have nominated many young men and women to our service academies during my tenure in Congress. And I have known many brave men and women who have served their country with honor. On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, I would like to thank Major Bryan T. Taylor and the other hundreds of thousands of our military for their service and sacrifice in keeping our country free. May God bless them one and all.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, there is a school in the Sixth District of North Carolina that just won its third state championship this school year. Vandalia Christian School of Greensboro won state titles in basketball, soccer and cheerleading. I would like to take this time to congratulate all their squads. The story of the boys' basketball team from Vandalia Christian School is all but ordinary. On February 23, the Vikings capped off the 2013 season with a 13-point win over Raleigh Christian Academy resulting in their first NCCSA Class 2-A championship in 28 years. The road was not easily traveled; they lost in the championship game the year before and one of their players, Will Zimmerman, was diagnosed with leukemia and had to undergo chemotherapy treatments through the rest of 2012. Considering the circumstances of making it deep into the playoffs just to meet defeat, and the tragic diagnosis of a teammate, you would have expected to see a demoralized team the following year. The Vikings, however, did the opposite. They turned defeat into a learning experience--and the strength of Zimmerman into spirit--and they carried his jersey to every game to lay over an empty seat on the bench giving them the desire to make a run at the title. Lead by Head Coach Tommy Adams and Assistant Luke Adams, their hands were full with an incredibly tense game. Raleigh Christian nearly overcame a 20-point deficit despite having one of its senior players go down with an injury and transported off the court by medical personnel. Vandalia would hold on for the win thanks to the supporting cast of players including Tyler Metcalf, Houston Miller, Michael Fields, Andrew Owen, Chase McNeil, Aaron Whittman, Christian Gravely, Tyler Christian Daniels, Zachary Dark, Brandon McDowell, James Wagner, Ethan Willis, Will Zimmerman, and Nathaniel Hobbs. And behind the scenes, managers Kloe Atkinson, Kani Totten, Storm Somers, and Gabriel Fields aided the cause. Coach Adams said the circumstances surrounding Zimmerman gave the team added motivation to get back to the championship game. With his cancer in remission, we are proud to announce that Will sat courtside to motivate and cheer his team to victory. Vandalia's varsity boys' soccer team also experienced success when it won the NCCSA 2-A state championship. It was the Viking soccer team's first title since 1994. They were coached by true Viking blood, VCS alumnus, Coach Jason McCall. With goalie Jeffrey Welker accounting for six saves, the Vikings took on Wilmington Christian on October 27, 2012, with a stifling defensive approach, shutting out Wilmington 2-0. VCS scored both goals in the first half with a header by Houston Miller and then a put back by Joshua McClelland. Both goals were only separated by 10 minutes, giving Wilmington Christian an early uphill battle from which they could not overcome. Assistant Coach Junior Hannig accompanied Coach McCall in their quest for the elusive state title with the assistance of first team all-state Joshua McClelland, second team all-state Michael Matthews and Houston Miller, along with Tyler Metcalf, Jasper White, Zachary Dark, Jake Stone, Cates Banner, Jeffrey Welker, Matthew Hobbs, Arthur Ascensio, Will Zimmerman, Andrew Strickland, Colton Toft, and Bradley Casey. Every team will tell you that they need people cheering for them in their quest for glory. In the case of Vandalia Christian School, the teams with Vikings on their chests were supported by a cheerleading squad that also was crowned state champion this school year. Lead by head Coach Kim Hazelwood, the VCS cheerleaders included Ally Crook, Morgan Kennedy, Alyce Lentz, Morgan McDowell, Victoria Johnson, Ali Willard, Leanne Powell, Grace Wilson, Lauren Michaels, and Ashley Pollard. All in all, it has been quite a year for the students, faculty, staff, and families of Vandalia Christian School. On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we congratulate Principal Jeremy Cordova, Athletic Director Luke Oates, and the basketball, soccer, and cheerleading squads of VCS for their state championships.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, if somehow America could combine in one human being all the qualities we admire in our fighting men--bravery, strength, skill, determination, loyalty, patriotism, and compassion for his fellow soldier--since the middle of the 20th century--its name would have been Kenneth Walton Simpson of North Carolina. The list of men and women to whom America owes a debt of gratitude is long indeed, and prominent on that list is Kenneth Simpson. This is a small expression of that gratitude to this honest-to- goodness American fighting man who, now an octogenarian, spent 23 years serving this country as a soldier, who performed his duties gallantly and with remarkable heroism, then retired without the array of military decorations that perhaps should have adorned the last uniform he wore. The essence of this fighting man has been captured in a new book, Warrior: From Grenades to Greeting Cards, the True Story of an American Fighting Man, by North Carolina author Wilt Browning. Wilt is my constituent and friend and a noted journalist and author. Simpson's story is the stuff of heroism, American style. It is as though he was from childhood destined to be a fighting man, and in his post-military career his fighting spirit remarkably wound up shaping an American industry in the second half of the century. Ken once was perhaps the youngest American fighting man since the Civil War. At the age of just 14, he talked his way into the fight when World War II was raging. When the Navy found out that this seaman assigned to the destroyer escort USS Edwin A. Howard was far younger than he had claimed, they put him ashore in the Philippines. He spent two months hitch-hiking his way back to North Carolina in something of a Huckleberry Finn odyssey. He still calls that journey the greatest adventure of his life. ``What young boy wouldn't love an adventure like that?'' he still asks today, puzzled that most of us would find such a challenge daunting indeed. Ken wasn't about to let a little thing like age keep him from serving his country, and when he turned 18 he legally signed on once again, this time in the Army. His fighting days had only just begun. He rose through the ranks as an enlisted man and then an officer, a man's man in charge of men. It was during the Korean Conflict that the rare commitment and courage of this man was most remarkable. Again and again, he led his men into battle and never lost a one though he on several occasions personally braved enemy fire to return to the battlefield to rescue wounded fallen comrades. Once wounded himself, he was ordered by doctors to recuperate far from the sounds of battle. He refused to leave his men, and returned to the front lines once again and to more battles. To this day, Ken carries in his aging body the shrapnel from twice having been blown up by grenades, and he bears the scars that testify to the fact that he has faced and survived many battles. He served our country for all those years as a military man, and then he served his fellow Americans as something of a rogue in the greeting card industry. And he did that so well that his efforts saved two major national companies from disappearing prematurely at the hands of corporate raiders and kept hundreds of Americans at work for years in the greeting card industry. Simpson lives a quiet life now in a home atop Walker Bald, a tall mountain in western North Carolina, which he shares with his wife Laura. Though his steps have slowed and his hearing is no longer as keen as it once was--despite the concussions of nearby exploding grenades of the past--he remains the epitome of an American fighting man. And America owes Kenneth Walton Simpson and fighting men such as him our sincere appreciation. On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, I am proud to bring his story to light through this statement in the Congressional Record and to highlight Wilt Browning's outstanding book about an outstanding North Carolina and American hero.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, this week, the House will consider the Path to Prosperity budget, reaffirming, once again, that the House Republicans are the only ones in Washington offering serious solutions to government's spending-driven debt crisis. Americans at home must prepare a balanced budget for themselves and their families. Our plan would bring the same common sense to Washington once the budget is balanced over the next decade. Our budget is not balanced by raising taxes on hardworking Americans, but by responsibly reducing spending on government waste and reforming mandatory spending to ensure that programs on which Americans rely remain strong for decades to come. Our budget saves taxpayers $4.6 trillion over the next decade. The Senate Democrat budget, however, calls for $1.5 trillion in new taxes and $7.3 trillion in new debt. America, Mr. Speaker, deserves better. That's why the House Republicans have proposed the Path to Prosperity to get our economy back on track and create more jobs and opportunities for more Americans.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on February 28, 2013, due to illness. If I was present that day, I would have voted ``yes'' for Rollcall vote 54 and ``no'' for Rollcall vote 55. I was unable to vote on March 6, 2013, due to illness. If I was present that day, I would have voted ``yes'' for Rollcall vote 62.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, January is the traditional month in which New Year's resolutions are developed. I'm suggesting that President Obama and Mrs. Obama adopt a resolution in the event they failed to do so in January. President Obama and Mrs. Obama, it appears to me, Mr. Speaker, regard Air Force One very casually; and I believe that on some occasions two planes, at least two planes, have been dispatched to the same destination. Air Force One, Mr. Speaker, belongs to the President and Mrs. Obama, but Air Force One also belongs to the American taxpayer, and I would welcome a New Year's resolution that would provide a generous lease of all future Air Force One dispatches with prudence, discipline and, last but certainly not least, fiscal austerity. America's taxpayers will be appreciative. Incidentally, Mr. Speaker, Air Force One, designated by the Air Force as VC-25, incurred an operational cost per hour of $179,750. And on some occasions, additional aircraft accompanied Air Force One, naturally adding to the cost. I'm going to now, Mr. Speaker, insert my oars into waters that involve the former Secretary of State, Mrs. Clinton, during a recent Senate hearing. A Senator who was examining Secretary Clinton suggested or implied that the administration may have misstated the nature of the Benghazi attack, to which Mrs. Clinton responded: ``What difference at this point does it make?'' I submit, Mr. Speaker, that the survivors of the four Americans who were murdered in that attack would welcome any and all information surrounding that infamous invasion. The survivors are grieving, and any information that could illuminate in any way this tragedy that occurred in Benghazi would welcome any and all information, it seems to me. Yes, Secretary Clinton, at this point it may well make a difference.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, or ``AIA,'' which was signed into law on September 16, 2011, is the most substantial reform of U.S. patent law since the 1836 Patent Act. The AIA re-establishes the United States patent system as the global standard. The bill that we discuss today, H.R. 6621, makes necessary technical corrections to the AIA to ensure that the bill realizes its full potential to promote innovation and create jobs. The AIA represented the culmination of nearly a decade of work by Members, key staff, and officials from both the Bush and Obama Administrations. The bill helps to bring our patent system into the 21st century and sets our nation's innovation infrastructure on the right path for decades to come. At the center of our successful efforts to enact the AIA and this technical corrections measure over the last decade has been Blaine Merritt, the Chief Counsel of the Committee on the Judiciary's Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Competition and the Internet. Blaine has been a constant and tireless public servant, who has served the American people with quiet distinction and professionalism for nearly three decades. On the occasion of his retirement from the U.S. House of Representatives, I want to note a few of his many contributions to our work and to the betterment of the American people. A native of Greensboro, North Carolina, Blaine's congressional career began in 1985 in our office where he began his public service as a Legislative Assistant. In 1988, he was promoted to Legislative Director, a position he served in until he was called to serve on the professional staff of the Committee on the Judiciary in 1997. Once on the Committee, Blaine was appointed Chief Counsel to the subcommittee with oversight over our intellectual property laws and courts related issues in 2000. In that capacity, Blaine served three successive Republican Chairmen--Representatives Henry Hyde, Jim Sensenbrenner and Lamar Smith. During his service on the Judiciary Committee, Blaine established himself and became recognized as one of our nation's foremost authorities on the law of patents, copyrights and trademarks as well as an expert on all matters that relate to the Federal judiciary and congressional procedure. Blaine's contributions to landmark legislation are innumerable. Counted among the bills he helped to steer to enactment are the American Inventor's Protection Act (AIPA), the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and the aforementioned Leahy-Smith AIA of 2011. Mr. Speaker, I've been blessed to represent the good citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, from where Blaine hails, since 1985. Throughout my tenure, I and countless other Members of the ``People's House'' have benefitted from his sound counsel, seasoned judgment and quiet leadership. As Blaine embarks upon the next phase of his career, I hope he takes a little time to relax and watch his beloved ``Blue Devils'' basketball team that is undefeated and ranked number one in the Nation. I thank my friend for his invaluable service and wish him ``Fair Winds and Following Seas'' always.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, there is an old saying that goes, the ``third time is a charm.'' In the case of the football team at Northern Guilford High School, the new expression should be, the ``third time is perfection.'' That is because this football team, located in the Sixth District of North Carolina, just won its third straight state high school football championship. This time, however, the title capped a perfect 15-0 season. On December 1, 2012, the Nighthawks of Northern Guilford High School defeated Charlotte Catholic 64-26 to capture its third consecutive NCHSAA Class 3-AA championship. Senior T.J. Logan led the way by rushing for an unbelievable 510 yards and scoring eight touchdowns. This was the third straight title for longtime Head Coach Johnny Roscoe. In 2010, Northern Guilford went 14-2 to win the first championship. In 2011, the Nighthawks completed a 14-1 season to secure its second straight title. This year, no one stopped the Nighthawks on the way to a 15-0 season that culminated in their third crown in three years. What is left for Northern Guilford to accomplish following this three-year run? I'm sure Coach Roscoe, always the perfectionist, could point to many areas for improvement during the season and the title contest. But it is hard to argue against perfection. I think Ed Hardin, the outstanding sports columnist for the (Greensboro) News & Record stated it best: ``We might never see anything like this again in these parts,'' Hardin wrote, ``and in the coming years we'll look back and debate about this team. Was it the best we ever saw? Was the remarkably talented (T.J.) Logan the best player we ever produced in Guilford County? You could make that argument. The game played out like the season. Fast start, confounding moments and then brilliance.'' That brilliance was a team effort all the way and led by Coach Roscoe, who has been around football for four decades. Coach Roscoe was ably assisted by Brian Thomas, Ben Hepler, Richard Burton, Todd Sharp, Lee Meekins, Chris Vaughan, Chris Harris, and Justin Davis. All of these coaches will tell you that the Nighthawks' perfect season was also due to the fine efforts provided by Team Trainer Justin Ollis, Assistant Trainer Valerie Smith, Team Physician Kirstin Shepperson and Team Managers Jenne Livingston, Sydney Monroe, Taylor Phillips, Ashlyn Thomas, and Mercedes Wiglesworth, along with Ball Boy Britt Thomas. Every one of the 2012 champion Nighthawks can take pride in the completion of this perfect season. They include: Tre Purcell, C.J. Freeman, Brett Welch, Cameron Harris, Mook Reynolds, Robert Willcox, T.J. Logan, AJ Love, Nick Jones, Austin Coltrane, Justin Wallace, Daniel Kelly, Matt Page, Burney Sindab, Tucker Hord, Molick Scott, Chris Ripberger, Malik Parker, Matthew McGarry, Max Maynard, Rory Bergen, Bernard Sindab, T.J. Ruff, Josh Parker, Johnny Loflin, Jacob King, Ryan Johnston, Nick Fryer, Mason Monroe, TyShawn Reese, Austin Simmons, Josh Covington, Max Klietsch, Dylan Hakala, Trey French, Eric Hong, Josh Steele, Kamen Smith, Chris Forlano, Trevor McKee, Steven Branz, Jalen Hollins, Malik Hampton-Prioleau, Andrew Keen, John Wagoner, Tristen Simmons, Alex Hasler, Carlos Williams, Terrell Headen, Bret Unkel, and Duncan Taylordean. A winning season also requires support from school administrators and leaders and Northern Guilford has a winning team there, too. Congratulations are appropriate for Principal Will Laine, Assistant Principals Doug Foutty and Travis Ward, and Athletic Director Brian Thomas. All can take pride in three straight state championships. Last, but far from least, we have to mention Nighthawk Nation. I am sure that everyone associated with the football team will tell you that Northern Guilford's formidable fan base spurred them on to victory. No doubt that the students, parents, faculty, staff, and supporters of Northern Guilford football are beaming with pride following a third state championship. The seniors on this team will move on to their next adventures. For the returning Nighthawks, I am sure they have already begun their dreams of four in a row. If that happens, I plan to be back here again next year offering my own congratulations. For now, on behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we congratulate and thank the football team at Northern Guilford High School for showing us how perfection can be achieved. The third time is a charm indeed.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, on December 5, 2012, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand celebrated his 85th birthday. I would like to take this opportunity to express my well wishes to him and join the people of Thailand in commemorating this important occasion. King Bhumibol acceded to the throne in Thailand on June 9, 1946. During his reign, Thailand has transformed into a prosperous, modern state, with a strong and growing economy. Thailand today boasts a robust agricultural sector, modernized manufacturing and services industries, and is increasingly becoming an influential participant in the global marketplace. King Bhumibol has played an instrumental leadership role in moving Thailand in this modernizing direction. King Bhumibol has used his position to advocate for causes such as sustainable, human-centered development. Since the early 1950s, he has helped Thailand modernize by working hard to address critical development issues facing people, particularly those living in remote, rural areas. He travelled to virtually all corners of the country to meet and learn about people's problems and work with them on solutions. In addition to key projects in areas, such as public health, education, environmental preservation, and reforestation, King Bhumibol has specifically been focused on improving agricultural development, applying scientific knowledge to initiate development projects that have helped improve Thailand's agricultural output, and increase the food security and welfare of the Thai people, thereby contributing to the strength of the country's agricultural exports. His hard work on behalf of the Thai people has not only earned him their love and respect, but the respect of leaders throughout the region and the world. The end of this year brings much to celebrate. As we celebrate the King's birthday, we look forward to next year's marking the 180th anniversary of the U.S.-Thailand Treaty Alliance. Thailand was the United States first friend in the region and has remained a loyal ally for almost 200 years. President Obama recognized the importance of this partnership in his visit to Thailand in November. After his audience with King Bhumibol, he stated that the King is ``a leader of wisdom and dignity who embodies the identity and unity of this nation.'' On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we are pleased to congratulate our great friend His Majesty King Bhumibol of Thailand, and on behalf of the people of the United States of America wish him the happiest of 85th birthdays.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6116) to amend the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands to provide for direct appeals to the United States Supreme Court of decisions of the Virgin Islands Supreme Court.