Howard Coble

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from California for having yielded. As has been mentioned, Mr. Speaker, the distinguished career of Norm Mineta included service in the House of Representatives, where he represented his district in California. As furthermore has been noted, he was subsequently appointed as the U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary, having served as George W. Bush's DOT Secretary. I met Norm Mineta initially in the well of the people's House. It involved one of the first bills that I managed on the floor. In fact, it was my first managed bill. Norm and I were on opposite sides of that bill, and Norm's side prevailed. Norm then came to me across the aisle and expressed his thanks for the manner in which I had managed the bill. I was a fledgling rookie, Mr. Speaker; Norm Mineta, a seasoned, highly-regarded Member of the United States House of Representatives. But this was vintage Mineta, always making others feel special, always elevating others. Once he became the DOT Secretary, Norm learned that I had previously served in the United States Coast Guard. The Coast Guard at that time was a Department of Transportation service. Norm Mineta then began addressing me simply as ``Coasty.'' To this day, I am known by Norm Mineta as ``Coasty.'' So, Norm, your old ``Coasty'' pal is honored to have participated in this resolution recognizing the accomplishments of Norm Mineta. Best regards to you, Norm, and to your family.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. I thank my colleague from Alabama. You indicate your involvement and exposure to textile employment, as did my friend from North Carolina. My late mom was a textile worker, so I, too, appreciate the significance of textile employment. The Berry amendment requires the U.S. Defense Department to buy American for certain products that are judged to be essential to our military readiness. Buy American means that 100 percent of the product is produced and manufactured in the United States. The Berry amendment helps ensure that we have a reliable domestic source for certain vital goods during time of war, and that our troops are equipped with the highest quality equipment. The Berry amendment has worked well. I am not aware of any situation, Mr. Speaker, where it has limited the ability of our military to procure items, and it has ensured that our troops receive the highest quality essential equipment. Finally, it helps contain costs in the long term. H.R. 3116 will expand this requirement to the Department of Homeland Security. DHS, as we all know, has grown. And while the Berry amendment has been successful for our military, I see no reason why it would not be equally successful for DHS. The requirement is not unlimited because government procurement policies are also covered by the World Trade Organization rules. Berry-type requirements are only permissible for agencies that are critical to national security. As a result, Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that H.R. 3116 would only apply to the Transportation Security Administration because of its national security role in securing our various and sundry airports. I am pleased that President Obama supported the Berry amendment while he was serving in the Senate and hope that his views on this matter have not changed, and I think they probably have not. The Berry amendment, furthermore, has been endorsed by AMTAC, the American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition, and NCTO, the National Council for Textile Organizations. Economically, this requirement makes a lot of sense. Currently the Berry amendment is responsible for approximately 70,000 jobs, half of which are in the domestic textile industry. Conservative estimates from textile industry associations indicate another 21,000 jobs could be created by extending the Berry amendment to the Department of Homeland Security. I urge my colleagues to support this Berry amendment, a very worthwhile proposal.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Some recent years ago, Mr. Speaker, I rode with a K-9 handler and his dog in my district during a regular routine run, and he told me that his children regarded that dog as a sibling. The dog lived in the home of the Handler. Some days after I rode with him, I read where the dog had been struck by an automobile and killed. And I called my friend, and he made it clear to me that they had lost a family member, so I appreciate the gentleman's comments from Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, law enforcement officers face extraordinary danger each and every day, as we all know, in their service to our country in their quest to keep us all safe. For that I am sure we are all eternally grateful. We should also be reminded of the very special service, the tremendous work, and the dedication to duty rendered by a very special partner in the protection of our safety and freedoms, the law enforcement service dog. These K-9s and their handlers risk their lives to make our communities and our country safe, protecting us from crime and from terrorism. Using their heightened sensory abilities, these dogs oftentimes are able to detect narcotics, bombs, and other contraband that are not visible to humans. Law enforcement dogs participate in dangerous operations, sparing their human partners the danger of entering a dark and unsearched or unsecured building. Others are trained for and have proven to be very successful at locating missing persons or detecting human remains. These very special K-9s are becoming more and more visible at major transportation hubs, and can be seen daily right here on the Capitol grounds examining vehicles as they enter secured parking areas. The role of the K-9's handler should not go unmentioned as well. While a police officer may work a particular shift and then go home, the job of a K-9 handler is a 24 hour a day commitment. The handler often cares for his or her dog even when the dog has retired from active service. Many K-9s have died while valiantly protecting their handlers in the performance of their duties, not unlike the case I mentioned at the outset. The bond between a dog and their handler is great, and the sense of loss when a dog expires is even greater. There are least 80 organizations at the local, regional, national, and international level devoted to law enforcement service dogs. The Connecticut Police Work Dog Association lists over 1,500 police and military service dogs that have died while ``in-service.'' Many of these were ``in the line of duty'' deaths. The individual stories of these dogs are inspiring and range from the very public event of the World Trade Center collapse of 9/11/01, where Sirius, a bomb-sniffing dog, perished when the building collapsed. The inscription on Sirius' steel bowl: ``I gave my life so that you may save others,'' sums up the loyalty and the dedication that is typical of these dogs to their handlers. I urge my colleagues to join me and the gentleman from Tennessee in supporting this resolution. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, I make infrequent appearances in the House well, but today, I feel obliged to express my disappointment for Mrs. Obama's decision to conduct an elaborate vacation in Spain. She and members of her entourage are spending lavishly, and American taxpayers will subsidize this vacation with lavish payments as well. With the dismal American economy in the tank, this Spanish vacation, Madam Speaker, was ill-conceived, ill-timed, and generously laced with illogical arrogance. It is my belief that the First Lady owes an apology to American taxpayers for this exercise in reckless spending.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. I want to thank the gentleman from Florida for yielding. Mr. Chairman, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill is a horrific tragedy, as we all know; and I want to make certain the responsible parties are held accountable. I also want to ensure that we understand what went wrong to prevent future tragedies. Although I support domestic energy exploration, we need legislation that is focused and implements lessons learned, and the CLEAR Act, in my opinion, does not meet these principles. Specifically, it adds yet another task to the Coast Guard mission without providing the tools necessary to get the job done. I firmly believe the Coast Guard can do its part, but it is our responsibility to make sure that they have the personnel, command structure, and resources to meet its multifaceted mission. The bill also diminishes intellectual property rights. Its mandatory publication requirements for chemical dispersants will eviscerate a number of trade secrets and undermine competitiveness in the chemical industry, it seems to me. It makes no sense to discard trade secrets in the name of protecting the public when the EPA already has such authority and jurisdiction to test, inspect, and approve these products. Finally, this legislation will create new impediments for tapping into our domestic energy supply, make us more reliant upon foreign sources of energy, and compromise jobs. Mr. Chairman, I reiterate, we must address this catastrophe. The CLEAR Act, however, is the wrong approach for the gulf coast, our economy, and my constituents' wallets. I thank the gentleman from Florida again for yielding.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, we call Lexington, North Carolina, the Barbeque Capital of the World. On April 29-30, 2011, the eyes of the barbeque world will be focused on Lexington as it hosts the Inaugural BBQ Capital Cook-off. The Cook-off, which hopes to become an annual competition, will not only feature the tastiest food in the world, but will aid in the restoration of downtown Lexington. With people coming from all over the east coast and midwest, hotels will be utilized, food will be eaten, gas will be pumped, and most importantly, people from all over the United States will come to celebrate the heritage and history of world- famous, Lexington-style barbeque. Uptown Lexington, Inc., has spearheaded the restoration of Lexington and is continuing that goal by hosting the cook-off. The organization has also applied to the Kansas City Barbeque Society for event sanctioning and has asked Governor Beverly Perdue to proclaim the event as a North Carolina State Barbeque Championship. On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District, we congratulate Uptown Lexington, Inc., for sponsoring the Inaugural BBQ Capital Cook- off. We extend best wishes for a rousing success in the Barbecue Capital of the World.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, mob violence serves no good purpose. Last week, a California mob violently disagreed with the jury verdict in a high-profile case. I have no opinion if the verdict is inconsistent with the facts of the case, but I do have an opinion that mob violence offers no solutions. I do not embrace all jury verdicts, but when I am not in agreement with jury verdicts, I do not resort to violence. I do not promote the smashing of plate-glass windows. I do not promote the stealing of goods behind those windows. I do not promote the inflicting of injury upon innocent third parties. Mob members taking the law into their own hands, Mr. Speaker, is opposed to all that is good about America, yet few people have spoken out against it. Surely, the majority of Americans are opposed to mob violence. I reiterate: Mob violence serves no good purpose and should be deterred and rejected.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we wish to extend our congratulations to the East Rowan baseball team for winning the North Carolina High School Athletic Association's 3-A state championship. The title capped off a record-setting 31-2 season. It was a matter of redemption for many of the players after making deep runs into the playoffs and being knocked out the last two seasons. The team's resilience mirrors the work ethic of its Head Coach Brian Hightower. East Rowan won the State Championship series by sweeping Wilson Hunt High school two games to none. Coach Hightower focuses on pitching and defense but we are sure he wasn't complaining too much with the 15-10 final of the championship series. Star pitcher William Johnson got the win for the Mustangs and concluded a brilliant postseason record with zero earned runs in 20 innings pitched. Centerfielder Will Sapp was named MVP of the series and had two doubles in the final game. It took the combined effort of the team, coaches and support from the East Rowan faithful to make this championship dream a reality. The championship team members included: Will Johnson, Parker Gobbel, Thomas Allen, Bradley Robbins, Alex Bost, Curtis Ward, Andy Austin, Justin Morris, Preston Troutman, Noah Holmes, Avery Rogers, Chase Hathcock, Jamey Blalock, Wesley Leroy, Will Sapp, Chris Jacobs, Luke Thomas, Nathan FullBright and Alex Morgan. The coaching staff was led by Head Coach Hightower, with pitching coach Brian Hatley, assistant coaches John McNeil, Matt Miller and statistician Andrew Poston. The East Rowan Athletic Directors Chad Mitchell and Gina Talbert also helped support the championship run. The guidance from school Principals Kelly Sparger, Rick Vanhoy, Debra Murphy and Grayson Hampton also assisted the team. Again, on behalf of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we would like to congratulate the East Rowan baseball team, the faculty, staff, students, and fans for an outstanding championship season.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we wish to extend our congratulations to the Southwestern Randolph High School softball team for winning the North Carolina High School Athletic Association State 3-A softball championship for the third time in 4 years. The Southwestern Randolph Cougars defeated Crest High School 6-1 on June 5, 2010, at Walnut Creek Softball Complex in Raleigh, North Carolina, to win the title. The win did not come easily with the Cougars trailing 1-0 after the third inning. After readjusting to the Chargers' pitching style and hitting fewer pop-ups, the Cougars managed to score a run in the fourth inning. Cougars' pitcher Julia Calicutt was able to stop the Chargers from scoring additional runs in the fifth and sixth innings. Having played two seasons behind Southwestern Randolph's 4-year starter Anna Maness, Calicutt was finally given her chance to shine. Calicutt's athleticism and hard work gave the Cougars the opportunity they needed to claim the state title. The Cougars ended the game tacking on three additional runs in the fifth inning and two in the sixth. ``It's an awesome feeling,'' Calicutt told the Asheboro Courier-Tribune. ``There were doubts at the beginning of the season. We had to do this to prove ourselves,'' added Calicutt. The championship team members included: Cythnia Hayes, Hannah Hughes, Erin Billups, Olivia Hickman, Julia Callicutt, Kelsey Hoover, Victoria Hunt, Sydney Hyder, Sloane King, Ashia Nicholson, Kaylee King, Paige Parrish, Hayleigh Clapp, Brooke Hayes, Hagan Kiser, Felicia Brady, Braden Newlin, and Alexandria O'Connell. Assisting Head Coach Ricky Martinez were Brook Smith, Robert Hayes and Wendell Seawell. Again, we would like to congratulate Southwestern Randolph High School's softball team, faculty, staff, students, and fans for an outstanding championship season.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, I too want to express thanks to the gentleman from American Samoa and the gentleman from Arkansas for having very ably managed this resolution, and I am pleased indeed today to be on the House floor with my friend from New York and my friend from Texas, Mr. Rangel and Mr. Johnson. I rise in support of H.J. Res. 86, and while there is little I can add to enhance the merit of this resolution, I want to remind everyone that technically speaking the Korean conflict has not ended. The recent actions by North Korea against South Korea and the Chinese should not be taken lightly. South Korea is our true ally on the Korean peninsula. Although I have no solution for the growing threat of North Korea, at this point it seems to me the immediate course of action should be for America to continue to embrace and support South Korea. This resolution correctly states that we have successfully partnered with the Republic of Korea to promote international peace and security, economic prosperity, human rights, and the rule of law on the Korean peninsula and beyond. To that end, I encourage my colleagues to support H.J. Res. 86.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 3473. This legislation is absolutely critical to continue our oil spill response efforts in the Gulf of Mexico. The Coast Guard and other agencies involved in the response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill are spending tremendous amounts of time and effort ensuring every tangible resource is available to meet this response. By passing this legislation, we ensure that the Coast Guard can maintain these valiant efforts, while simultaneously ensuring other important missions are met, including maritime safety, security, defense, search and rescue efforts, mobility, and preparedness. As America's maritime guardian. The Coast Guard is always ready, and this legislation ensures this goal can continue to be met. Finally, Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that the oil spill trust fund is funded by the petroleum industry and not the taxpayers. I urge passage.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we wish to extend our congratulations to the North Davidson softball team for its perfect season culminated by winning the North Carolina High School Athletic Association's 4-A state softball championship. North Davidson finished as the runner-up 3 out of the last 4 years, but this year they were able to win it all. The championship game concluded the Black Knight's 32-game perfect season. As a result of the tremendous athleticism of the players, the outstanding direction of coach Mike Lambros, and the unyielding support of the community, the Black Knights had all the components necessary to clinch the State title. Furthermore, this was a particularly special season for coach Lambros who celebrated his first championship after having coached the Black Knights for 30 years. The Black Knight's star pitcher Hannah Alexander won most valuable player honors for her tremendous contribution to her team's success. She only allowed two runs during the entire playoffs. This championship game required tremendous amounts of teamwork and determination. The championship team members included: Amelia Griffin, Allie Nicholson, Paige Wall, Kathy Choplin, Tess Swing, Nichole Tuttle, Jessica Plemmons, Shaundee Woosley, Lauren Grooms, Jordan Clodfelter, Lindy Yount, Hannah Alexander, Morgan Koontz, Tori Hedrick, Courtney Walker, Maggie McDowell, Mackenzie Hauser, Robyn Stanek, Missy Hunt, Eliza Davis, Kayla Harrell, Lauren Beaver, Katie Vick, Samantha Honeycutt, Lauren McNerney. Assisting head coach Mike Lambros on his championship run were Lamar Powell, Billy Gerald, Thomas Vick, Ronnie Plemmons, Jason Martin, Keith Stanek, Ben Lookabill, Blythe Craver, Kendra Israel, Jerry Smith, Jason Israel, Jeff Pace, Charlie Nicholson, and Tim Martin. Again, on behalf of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we would like to congratulate the North Davidson softball team, the faculty, staff, students and fans for an outstanding season.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we wish to extend our congratulations to the Southwest Randolph High School softball team for winning the North Carolina High School Athletic Association State 3-A softball championship for the third time in four years. The Southwest Randolph Cougars defeated Crest High School 6-1 on June 5, 2010, at Walnut Creek Softball Complex in Raleigh, North Carolina, to win the title. The win did not come easily with the Cougars trailing 1-0 after the third inning. After readjusting to the Chargers' pitching style and hitting fewer pop-ups, the Cougars managed to score a run in the fourth inning. Cougars' pitcher Julia Calicutt was able to stop the Chargers from scoring additional runs in the fifth and sixth innings. Having played two seasons behind Southwest Randolph's four-year starter Anna Maness, Calicutt was finally given her chance to shine. Calicutt's athleticism and hard work gave the Cougars the opportunity they needed to claim the state title. The Cougars ended the game tacking on three additional runs in the fifth inning and two in the sixth. ``It's an awesome feeling,'' Calicutt told the Asheboro Courier- Tribune. ``There were doubts at the beginning of the season. We had to do this to prove ourselves,'' added Calicutt. The championship team members included: Cythnia Hayes, Hannah Hughes, Erin Billups, Olivia Hickman, Julia Callicutt, Kelsey Hoover, Victoria Hunt, Sydney Hyder, Sloane King, Ashia Nicholson, Kaylee King, Paige Parrish, Hayleigh Clapp, Brooke Hayes, Hagan Kiser, Felicia Brady, Braden Newlin, and Alexandria O'Connell. Assisting Head Coach Ricky Martinez were Brooke Smith, Robert Hayes and Wendell Seawell. Again, we would like to congratulate Southwest Randolph High School's softball team, faculty, staff, students, and fans for an outstanding championship season.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we wish to extend our congratulations to the Eastern Randolph softball team for winning the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 2-A state softball championship. There is no doubt that the level of athleticism and fortitude these young women possess is without reproach. Eastern Randolph's journey to the state title was one of a remarkable comeback. After being placed in the loser's bracket early in the competition after their first encounter with Central Davidson the team was disappointed, but even more determined. Having successfully defeated South Lenior, the Eastern Wildcats faced Central once again in the championship game. Led by pitcher and Most Valuable Player Jessica Gordan, the Wildcats defeated the Central Spartans 9-2. After pitching three games during the tournament, Gordan tossed a three-hitter with only two walks and three strikeouts. The entire team exhibited superior athletic ability and are well-deserving of their first state title in Eastern's school history. Team members include: Rachel Burgess, Jana Cheek, Liza Elliott, Jessica Gordon, Dallas Heaton, Kailey Hill, Olivia Millikan, Codie Rhodes, Gina Ritter, Brittainy Rush, Kayla Saliga, Kaitlyn Scheuering. The team was led by Head Coach Randall Myers and his assistants Richard Thomas, Gary Heaton and Tony Hill. Also contributing were team managers Leslie Honeycutt and Chesley Honeycutt. Again, on behalf of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we would like to congratulate the Eastern Randolph softball team, the faculty, staff, students, and fans for an outstanding season.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we wish to extend our congratulations to the Wesleyan Christian Academy's baseball team for winning its second North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association 3A state championship in three seasons. Wesleyan Christian Academy defeated Forsyth Country Day School for the title. The team at Wesleyan Christian Academy fought hard to obtain its second state title. The team exhibited exorbitant amounts of determination and teamwork in order to claim the championship title for the second time. Trojan catcher, Chris Ferrante, hit a three-run homer against Forsyth Country Day, which proved to be just enough to defeat the Furies. Ferrante along with teammates, David Anderson and Bennett Hixon, displayed excellent fieldwork that further solidified Wesleyan Christian's lead. This championship game required tremendous skill and athleticism, not to mention, great advice and wisdom from Head Coach Scott Davis and his coaching staff. The championship team members included Donnie Caldwell, Casey Corn, Cameron Hendrix, Bennett Hixson, Nick Blackwood, Kyle Washam, David Anderson, Nathan Midkiff, Chris Ferrante, Vincent Banks, Greg Key, Cameron George, and Ethan Brown. The coaching was led by Scott Davis, and his able assistant John Pavlack. Again, on behalf of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we would like to congratulate the Wesleyan Christian Academy baseball team, the faculty, staff, students, and fans for an outstanding season.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. I thank the gentleman from North Carolina for yielding. ``Hail fellow well met'' were words coined with Ike Andrews in mind. One could have met Ike for the first time, and he left thinking he'd known him for years. He was indeed ``hail fellow well met,'' and I am pleased to join my friend from North Carolina and my other colleagues in honoring the memory of Ike Andrews.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, last Sunday afternoon I attended the Robbins, North Carolina, First Wesleyan Church's Veterans Memorial Dedication. The program was generously laced with patriotic music and appropriate hymns. Veterans, living and deceased, were recognized. It has been said, Mr. Speaker, that many Americans do not practice patriotism as they did in the past, in the World War II era in particular. Not true in Robbins, when last Sunday patriotism was alive and well. And I am appreciative to the Wesleyan Church in Robbins for the invitation that I received to attend that very special day in Robbins Saturday last.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. I thank my friend from California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak on behalf of this bill. Some would say, Well, it's just a symbolic gesture. Well, it may be symbolic, but it is symbolically significant. What better time to impose a freeze against ourselves than now during these harsh economic times of people being beneficiaries of pink slips, of being told their jobs are gone. Then they see that Congress gets an automatic COLA. I think this is a good bill, and I urge its passage. I thank the gentleman from California for having elevated me to the ``distinguished'' category as well. Folks, we are on the right track here. This bill needs to be passed. We need to impose a freeze upon ourselves for the next fiscal year. I think it would send a message which would be well received by our constituencies across this land.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. I thank my friend from Texas (Mr. Smith) for yielding. Madam Speaker, intellectual property has been described as the cornerstone, or one of the cornerstones, of America's economic future; and I think that is an accurate description. H. Res. 1208 supports the goals of World Intellectual Property Day, which falls on April 26 every year, which this year also happened to fall on the 40th anniversary of the World Intellectual Property Organization, commonly known as WIPO. WIPO has grown to 184 member states, and its new director general, Francis Gurry, issued a statement honoring World Intellectual Property Day, which pledged to ensure that the intellectual property system continues to serve its most fundamental purpose of encouraging innovation and creativity, and that the benefits of the system are accessible to all, helping to bring the world closer. Robust and effective laws combined with effective enforcement are absolutely necessary to meet General Gurry's global ambitions. According to the Department of Commerce, intellectual property- intensive industries employ nearly 18 million workers, account for more than 50 percent of all U.S. exports, and represent 40 percent of the country's growth in the United States. USA for Innovation estimates that U.S. intellectual property is worth between $5 trillion and $5.5 trillion. The credit for this success belongs to our great innovators and for our robust intellectual property laws which have enabled innovation to flourish in America. Expanding similar intellectual property protections throughout the world is, in my opinion, Madam Speaker, in everyone's best interest. In this regard, WIPO plays a very important role, and it is my hope that General Gurry will make every effort to help others realize the significance of intellectual property rights and work to help implement and enforce robust laws which ensure that intellectual property will flourish everywhere. I urge support of H. Res. 1208.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, House Resolution 1062, as indicated by the distinguished chairman, recognizes the longstanding service of Coast Guard Group Astoria to the people of the Pacific Northwest. Group Astoria members, along with their partners at the co-located air station, carry out search and rescue, maritime homeland security, fisheries enforcement, and aids to navigation missions throughout their area of responsibility. Group Astoria is one of the last of its kind as the Coast Guard has consolidated its personnel and mission capabilities through the establishment of sectors. Members and assets currently assigned to Group Astoria will be combined with other Coast Guard units to stand up the new Sector Columbia River in Astoria later this year, and it is fitting that we celebrate Group Astoria's long history as it embarks on this transformation. Madam Speaker, House Resolution 1062 gives this House the opportunity to express thanks to members of Coast Guard Astoria and their colleagues stationed at other Coast Guard sectors and groups for their selfless service to protect those in need. Madam Speaker, if I may assume a personal role, some years ago, as an active-duty Coast Guardsman, I was assigned to the Port Security Unit at Astoria at the mouth of the Columbia River. So this resolution is taking me down a nostalgic trail, a pleasant nostalgic trail. The past is coming alive, reviving old memories. So with that in mind, I join with the resolution's sponsor and cosponsors in honoring their service and the service of all Coast Guard members and officers. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we wish to extend our congratulations to the Alamance Christian School's boys basketball team for winning its second State championship in 3 years. This team not only won the North Carolina Christian School Association 3A State championship, but they also broke a school record for wins in a season with 25. Alamance Christian defeated Gospel Light 61-55 in overtime last month. The championship game featured resilience and a determination to win. With the game in overtime, Blake Marley made a clutch 3-point shot, while his teammates Will Shepherd and Brandyn Burns also came through for the team by excelling at the free throw line. The championship game win, as well as their phenomenal record, required great skill and athleticism, but Head Coach Jerry Bailey pointed to the boys love and care for each other as the secret to their success. The championship team members are: Brandyn Burns, Jonathan Racke, Bud Hursey, Will Shepherd, Benton Tuck, Tyler VanNostrand, Anthony Winston, Thomas Klarr, Blake Marley, Kevin Avery, Philip Barker, Alan Barker, Cole Johnson, and Ethan Massey. The coaching staff was led by Coach Bailey and his able assistants Josh Howard and Brad Prentice. Again on behalf of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we would like to congratulate the Alamance Christian School boys basketball team, the faculty, staff, students, and fans for an outstanding championship season. This team will be remembered in the history books for its record-breaking year and resilient win in the NCCSA championship game.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. I thank the gentleman for yielding. When Fred Heineman--and you've pretty well touched on it, David, most of it--when Fred Heineman came to this people's House as a result of the 1994 election, I went to him one day and I said, what are your committees of choice? He said, well, I'm not sure. I said, why don't you select House Judiciary? He said, well, my legal background is not that formidable. I said, your law enforcement background is formidable indeed. He said, well, I'm not sure I could be assigned to Judiciary. I then went to leadership and told them about Fred Heineman. They perhaps knew him but didn't know the great details that David has just shared with us, and I said I think he would like to be on the Judiciary Committee. He was, in fact, assigned to the Judiciary Committee. Then my chairman of the Judiciary Committee asked me if I would introduce Fred to the Judiciary Committee during his first meeting as a member. I went to Fred, and I said, Fred, I would like to introduce you as the former chief of police of the Raleigh, North Carolina, police department, but I would also like to introduce you as a cop. I said, would you be offended by that? He looked into my face, and he said very proudly, ``That's who I am. I am a New York cop.'' And with those words, he told me that he valued his time on the Raleigh police force as chief very significantly, but he valued equally significantly his time as a New York cop. I thank you, David, for taking time to honor the memory of Fred Heineman and, as you said, we wish our best to Mrs. Heineman and the family.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to this flawed health care bill.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the proposed government takeover of our health care system. I have not come at this decision lightly. Although a small portion of my constituents support this proposal, the vast majority want nothing to do with it. Clearly there are areas of our health care system that need to be improved. That being said, this bill is a complete overhaul of the system. Make no mistake about it. This bill will put the government in control of our health care. It is a train wreck waiting to occur and considering our current economic morass, we need no train wrecks. It is with the best interests of all of my constituents, their children and future generations that I will oppose this legislation.