Howard Coble

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Thank you, Mr. Leader. Thank you very much.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we wish to congratulate the girls' softball team of Central Davidson High School for winning the North Carolina 2-A championship. The Spartans won the title on Saturday, May 31. The team was led by seniors Allison Barnak, Lindsay Thore, Hannah Buie, Alison Lohr, and Gina Antonucci, who were an integral part of back-to-back championships along with a 54-game winning streak. This year's title, which was won at the Walnut Creek Softball Complex in Raleigh, culminated an outstanding season for the Spartans, who were led by Head Coach Gene Poindexter. Not only did they win a State championship, the Spartans finished the year ranked 8th in a national poll of high school softball teams. The championship contest began and ended quickly. Chelsea Leonard led the way, pitching a one-hit shutout to lead the Spartans to a 7-0 win against formidable South Lenior. The team was led with 2 hits each from Kara Lohr, Whitney Lohr, Hannah Buie, and Nicole Perry. While there were many strong efforts, the championship win was a team effort including juniors Carrie Jernigan, and Chelsea Leonard, sophomores Leanna Hildebrand, Whitney Lohr, Haley Hanes, Nicole Perry, Laura Fritts, Emily Mills, Mindi Morris, and Haley Thore, along with freshmen Kara Lohr and Emma Comer. And just as important as the players on the field were the leaders off the field. We would like to recognize, head coach Gene Poindexter and his able assistants Jim Welborn, Bryan Starnes, Greg Leonard, Sterling Charles, Steve Hayes, Mike Pickett, Jordan Stogner, Brittney Taylor, and Richard Cid. Also assisting the team during this incredible season were scorekeeper Ernie Antonucci, public announcer Stewart Koonts, as well as team managers Chris Keel and Brandon Gilchrist. Again, on behalf of the Sixth District, we would like to congratulate Principal Emily Lipe, Athletic Director and Head Coach Gene Poindexter and everyone affiliated with the Central Davidson Spartans on having another great season and for winning the North Carolina 2-A softball championship for the second year in a row.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we wish to recognize some singers from Moore County in our district who won a national competition. Because of the quality of performance of the Pinecrest High School Chamber Ensemble and Sotto Voce last year in San Francisco, both choral groups were able to participate in this year's Heritage's ``Festival of Gold'' National Choral Competition at Orchestra Hall in Chicago. They were competing against 21 other high schools from across the nation and both groups took first place in their respective divisions. The scoring was determined by three reputable judges in the world of choral music and based out of 100 possible points. Out of these Pinecrest's 30 member Sotto Voce received an average of 95.33 points, placing them in first place in the Women's Choir division. Participating in the Sotto Voce division were Paige Baker, Keyvietta Baldwin, Braylin Bayless, Lauren Bonville, Casey Cooper, Ashlee Covington, Brittany Cullifer, Leah Dannelley, Kate Davis, Kelcie Frye, Caroline Gallagher, Erin Hennings, Ginni Holderfield, Lynn Hollyfield, Alease Jeffries, Auriel Jeffries, Haley Johnson, Ruth Jones, Dani Mayo, Gina Mendence, Kelly Nelson, Alexis Oxendine, Catherine Pittman, Michelle Porter, Rachel Stewart, Stephanie Vaughn, Linsdsay von Gal, Chelsi Wright, Joanne Wu, Haley Yarborough, and Elise Zawatteri. The Chamber Ensemble, with an average of 96.33, took first place as well in the Chamber Choir division. Singing in the Chamber Ensemble were Braylin Bayless, Kevin Bean, Jonathan Blue, Spencer Bowman, Lia Brazile, Matt Carriker, Rashad Covington, Tolisha Covington, Brittany Cullifer, Leah Dannelley, Sarah Floyd, Adam Fogleman, Caroline Gallagher, Bradley Gibson, Matt Hazzard, Tyler Herbst, Alease Jeffries, Jordan Kennedy, Kelsey Leach, Kelcey Ledbetter, Le'Quita McKoy, Taylor Miles, Whitney Moore, Brenton O'Hara, Catherine Pittman, Michelle Porter, Aaron Shamberger, Ravon Sheppard, Amanda Smith, Rachel Stewart, Stephanie Vaughn, James Villone, and Josh Warthen. Pinecrest High Choral Director James Brown told The Sandhills Pulse, ``This performance in Chicago solidifies just how talented and dedicated my students are in the Choral Program at Pinecrest . . . we graced each performance with intensity, passion and extreme professionalism.'' In addition to the competition, a number of students were involved in an Honors Choir that was made up of selected members from all of the participating choirs. These students were responsible for learning four pieces on their own prior to arriving in Chicago and performed under the baton of Dr. Anton Armstrong, conductor of the St. Olaf Choir. The students participating in the Honors Choir from Pinecrest were Lauren Bonville, Matt Carriker, Ashlee Covinton, Kate Davis, Kelcie Frye, Caroline Gallagher, Bradley Gibson, Erin Hennings, Alease Jeffries, Auriel Jeffries, Ruth Jones, Brenton O' Hara, Alexis Oxendine, Rachel Stewart, Stephanie Vaughn and James Villone. Brown also told The Sandhills Pulse, ``This year's tour will be one of my most memorable because of all aspects: my first group of graduation seniors who worked with me throughout their entire high school choral experience, fantastic chaperones and phenomenal accompanists.'' - Again, we are proud to report that the Sixth District is home to these outstanding young singers.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we wish to congratulate the golf team of Pinecrest High School for winning the North Carolina 4-A golf championship. That's exactly what they did on Tuesday, May 15, 2008. The team was led by seniors Jack Fields, Russell Burke, Patrick Barrett, and John Gillespie. They were joined by junior Justin Evans and sophomore Sam Packard. Only the top six golfers on each team qualified for the championship match. The championship, which was won at Pinehurst #6, culminated an outstanding season for the Patriots, who were led by Head Coach Sandy Sackmann. She had already won a state championship with the women's team on the same golf course. Now Coach Sackmann has accomplished the same feat with the men. The match started slowly on Monday. Bad weather and strong winds influenced the first day's result. Although they finished nine strokes behind the leader, the Patriots never played themselves out of contention. The conditions on the second day were better, which allowed Pinecrest to play up to its full capabilities. While they could not play in the championship match, the other members of the Pinecrest golf team were instrumental in assisting the school on its way to the title. The other members of the squad were junior Pete Lineberger, sophomores Austin Dunlap and Bryant Stewart, and freshman Dylan Harris. On behalf of the Sixth District, we would like to congratulate the men's golf team of Pinecrest High School on having a great season and winning the North Carolina 4-A golf championship. As Coach Sackmann said, ``It was an incredible year. They deserve to win; they have worked so hard for four years.'' We heartily agree with this assessment.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 344, I was attending the graduation ceremony at the United States Coast Guard Academy. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 343, I was attending the graduation ceremony at the United States Coast Guard Academy. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 339, I was attending the graduation ceremony at the United States Coast Guard Academy. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 341, I was attending the graduation ceremony at the United States Coast Guard Academy. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 342, I was attending the graduation ceremony at the United States Coast Guard Academy. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 338, I was attending the graduation ceremony at the United States Coast Guard Academy. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 345, I was attending the graduation ceremony at the United States Coast Guard Academy. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. I thank the gentleman from Texas and, Mr. Speaker, at the outset I, too, want to recognize and express thanks to Judiciary Chairman John Conyers, Ranking Member Lamar Smith, and Subcommittee Chairman Howard Berman for having made every effort to address all concerns raised during the development of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, the Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act of 2008 reflects a bipartisan recognition and shared commitment to the strengthening of our Nation's intellectual property laws. A comprehensive measure, it is not confined to making marginal improvements in the available civil and criminal authorities. Instead, it incorporates bold and urgently needed provisions that will permanently elevate the importance of intellectual property, IP, enforcement in future administrations. This is accomplished by providing focused and accountable strategic leadership in the Executive Office of the President and at key enforcement agencies. Mr. Speaker, in considering why we should take steps to improve the enforcement of U.S. IP rights, Members should be aware that U.S. losses from global copyright piracy and counterfeiting cost our innovators and entrepreneurs from $200 to $250 billion each and every year. The impact in America has been widespread. More than 750,000 Americans in communities across our land have lost their jobs due to counterfeiting and piracy. Counterfeit goods lack proper quality control and can be dangerous. Toothpaste, medicines, cigarettes, and fake auto parts are but a small sample of the virtually unlimited supply of goods that have been counterfeited. The United States Chamber of Commerce has done an excellent job of documenting the extent of this problem. I encourage anyone interested in learning about these issues to visit the Chamber's Web site for additional information or to take the time to watch the documentary Illicit which was produced by National Geographic and the Chamber. Mr. Speaker, fighting piracy and counterfeiting, as you all know, is easier said than done because most of this illicit activity occurs outside our borders. In recent years, the Federal Government has made progress in improving both our domestic and global enforcement efforts, but it is also clear that achieving success in the fight against piracy and counterfeiting requires government-wide coordination and cooperation. In addition to authorizing the Office of the United States Intellectual Property Enforcement Representative, H.R. 4279 also raises the profile of IP enforcement within the Department of Justice through the creation of a new IP enforcement division. This is absolutely necessary in my opinion. The bill creates an additional 10 attaches at the United States Patent and Trademark Office who will be assigned to work with foreign countries to better coordinate our international enforcement efforts. And the bill enhances existing anti-piracy and counterfeiting criminal statutes, authorizes grants to assist local anti-piracy and counterfeiting efforts, and directs the Justice Department to refine its policies for investigating and prosecuting piracy and counterfeiting operations. Before closing, Mr. Speaker, I'd like to note for the record three final amendments the managers agreed to incorporate into the bill. The first is designed to harmonize the cooperative provisions in title II of the bill. The second, in section 301, places an affirmative limitation on the authority of the new IP enforcement representative that makes clear the official has no authority to control or direct law enforcement agencies in the exercise of their respective investigative or prosecutorial discretion in particular cases. And the third, which amends section 323 of the bill, simply contains technical and conforming changes to make the text of the bill clearer. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize some of the stakeholders who have worked so diligently on this effort. Specifically, I'd like to note the efforts of the Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy, which has been so ably led by Mr. Rick Cotton; and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which, of course, is led by President Tom Donohue; and the Congressional International Anti-Piracy Caucus, which is led by Representatives Adam Schiff of California and Bob Goodlatte of Virginia. In closing, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4279, and I thank the distinguished gentleman from Texas for having yielded to me.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, I take this occasion to honor Captain James C. Howe for his service to the United States House of Representatives and for his 27 years of service to our country in the United States Coast Guard. Captain Howe was assigned as Chief of the Office of Coast Guard Congressional and Governmental Affairs in July 2005, and I am proud to have had the opportunity to work closely with him. In my leadership roles on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee and in numerous other venues, my staff and I have often relied on Captain Howe's knowledge and understanding of the operational missions, the current day-to-day challenges, and the roles and responsibilities of the United States Coast Guard. During his career he spent 11 years at sea, conducted over 200 search and rescue cases, saved dozens of lives, interdicted nearly 1,000 illegal migrants, and seized 16 drug-laden vessels carrying more than 75 tons of marijuana and cocaine. Captain Howe began his career at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, where he graduated in 1981. Ensign Howe was assigned to his first unit as a Deck Watch Officer aboard USCGC Active in New Castle, New Hampshire, conducting search and rescue and fisheries patrols in the North Atlantic. He then was assigned as Executive Officer of USCGC Petrel in Key West, Florida, which proved to be an extremely action-packed tour of duty. In one drug case, his crew seized three smuggling vessels simultaneously, and in another he embarked a seized go-fast vessel to hunt down a second go-fast, chasing it at speeds in excess of 40 knots; his crew also pulled 265 Haitian migrants off a small sailboat found mired in a coral reef in the Bahamas. Following these assignments at sea, then-Lieutenant Howe served from 1985 to 1988 at the First Coast Guard District Operations Center in Boston, Massachusetts, as a search and rescue coordinator; at night, he earned a master's degree from Harvard University Extension School. Because of his genuine love of the sea and expertise in Coast Guard operations, he earned command of the newly-commissioned USCGC Metompkin, homeported in Charleston, South Carolina. On Metompkin's first patrol, the cutter sped 140 miles at top speed across 25-foot waves to rescue three fishermen whose boat had been swamped; later, his crew rescued several fishermen whose vessels were destroyed during the height of Hurricane Hugo. In 1991, he was assigned as Public Affairs Officer for the Seventh Coast Guard District in Miami, Florida, a position he held until 1995, and during which he acted as media spokesman for three mass migrations, two huge oil spills, a plethora of high-profile migrant and drug cases, and the Coast Guard response to Hurricane Andrew. After leaving the Seventh District, then-Lieutenant Commander Howe was assigned as Executive Officer aboard USCGC Northland, homeported in Portsmouth, Virginia. Due to his in-depth understanding and mastery of naval operations, he was then detailed as the Coast Guard Liaison to the Naval Doctrine Command in Norfolk, Virginia, where he conceived and wrote from scratch the Coast Guard's first ever tactical manual for counter drug and migrant interdiction operations. Next, Commander Howe earned command of the 270-foot cutter Tampa, homeported in Portsmouth, Virginia, leading his crew to several notable drug seizures and receiving the highest readiness evaluation ever achieved for a like-sized cutter. Following command, Commander Howe was selected to attend the prestigious U.S. Marine Corps War College in Quantico, Virginia, where he earned a second master's degree and was named one of two Distinguished Graduates. He then served as the Deputy Chief of the Coast Guard Office of Congressional and Governmental Affairs from 2002 until 2003. After this challenging assignment, Captain Howe was chosen to serve at the highest levels of government, working in the Office of the Vice President as a Special Advisor for homeland security, focusing on border and transportation issues. Finally, Captain Howe was assigned as the Chief of the Coast Guard's Office of Congressional and Governmental Affairs. Captain Howe has earned numerous military decorations during his 27 years of active duty, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, four Meritorious Service Medals, five Coast Guard Commendation Medals, and 12 unit and team awards. He has also received a number of other honors, including the Harvard University Derek Bok Prize for public service, along with the Thomas Jefferson, Alex Haley, and Commander Jim Simpson Awards for excellence in media and public relations. This week, Captain Howe will leave his post and retire after 27 years of honorable service to the Coast Guard and the Nation. He will be missed in the United States House of Representatives. It has been my pleasure to work with Captain Howe. On behalf of all who have also been fortunate to work with him, we wish Captain Howe, his wife Shira, and his five wonderful children (Margaret, Marc, Mary, James, and Iris) the best in all of their future endeavors.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. I thank my friend from Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the rule and the underlying bill. We in the Congress cannot lose sight of the purpose of Deepwater, which is to provide the men and women of the Coast Guard with the necessary tools to protect our homeland. I applaud actions undertaken to move this program in the right direction and support this language. I remain concerned, however, that some provisions in H.R. 2830 may create undue burdens and delays, which will, in turn, delay the desperately needed modernization and may ultimately add to the overall costs. The marine safety components of the underlying bill also cause me concern. Previously, the Commandant announced a number of changes he had directed the Coast Guard to implement regarding marine safety. Under his leadership, his able leadership, I might add, the men and women of the Coast Guard continue to examine and improve upon the Coast Guard's marine safety role. Having served in the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Reserve, I know this armed service is unique because of its structure and flexibility. On a daily basis, Coast Guard men and women focus on drug interdiction, environmental protection, migrant interdiction, port security, search and rescue, homeland security, maritime safety, and aids to navigation. The list is almost endless. Each of these roles complements the other. I continue to support efforts to provide stakeholders an opportunity to voice their concerns, provide constructive feedback, and work together to improve the marine safety aspect of the Coast Guard. At the same time, however, I firmly believe that we should give the Coast Guard the time, opportunity, and resources to improve and expand on its marine safety efforts prior to congressional intervention. I'm equally concerned regarding the underlying bill which lacks provisions that would provide the Coast Guard the authority to protect seafarers who facilitate the government's ability to investigate and prosecute environmental crimes. This is another example where current law impedes our ability to prosecute criminals. I would also like to express my concern with section 720 of the underlying bill which addresses security at liquefied natural gas facilities. Consistently, I have cast votes in favor of legislation which I believe will help to make our Nation energy independent. While there has not been focused attention on LNG, it remains a viable energy alternative. Therefore, I'm concerned by provisions that would designate the Coast Guard as the sole agency responsible for LNG security. Mr. Speaker, I reluctantly rise in opposition to H.R. 2830, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2007. I'd like to first comment on provisions in the underlying bill which affect the Deepwater program. We in Congress cannot lose sight of the purpose of Deepwater, which is to provide the men and women of the Coast Guard with the necessary tools to protect our homeland. I applaud actions undertaken to move this program in the right direction and support this language. I remain concerned, however, that some provisions in H.R. 2830 may create undue burdens and delays which in turn will delay this desperately needed modernization and may ultimately add to the overall costs. The marine safety components of the underlying bill also cause me concern. Previously, the Commandant announced a number of changes he had directed the Coast Guard to implement regarding marine safety. Under his leadership, the men and women of the Coast Guard continue to examine and improve upon the Coast Guard's marine safety role. Having served in the Coast Guard and Reserve, I know the armed service is unique because of its structure and flexibility. On a daily basis, Coast Guard men and women focus on drug interdiction, environmental protection, migrant interdiction, port security, search and rescue, homeland security, and maritime safety. Each of these roles, in my opinion, complements the others. I continue to support efforts to provide stakeholders an opportunity to voice their concerns, provide constructive feedback, and work together to improve the marine safety aspect of the Coast Guard. At the same time, I firmly believe that we should give the Coast Guard the time, opportunity, and resources to improve and expand upon its marine safety efforts prior to congressional intervention. I am equally concerned the underlying bill lacks provisions that would provide the Coast Guard the authority to protect seafarers who facilitate the Government's ability to investigate and prosecute environmental crimes. This is another example where current law impedes our ability to prosecute criminals. I'd also like to express my concern with section 720 of the underlying bill which addresses security at liquefied natural gas facilities. Consistently, I have cast votes in favor of legislation which I believe will help to make our Nation energy independent. While there has not been focused attention on LNG, it remains a viable energy alternative. Therefore, I'm concerned by provisions that would designate the Coast Guard as the sole agency responsible for LNG security. In my opinion, this is neither reasonable nor practicable for the Coast Guard or the communities where these facilities currently exist. In my opinion, this provision will act as a barrier to entry for future facilities and result in higher energy prices for consumers. Later today or tomorrow, I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting an amendment made in order which would strike this dangerous provision. Finally, I'd like to address the inclusion of H.R. 2399, the Alien Smuggling and Terrorism Prevention Act. It is my understanding that upon engrossment of H.R. 2830, this language will be included in the underlying bill. I support this action as maritime alien smuggling has become a business where smugglers game the system and have little to lose under the current law. The Coast Guard confronts smugglers on a routine basis who know they can use a lack of authority to their advantage. These kinds of cases are dangerous to our Coast Guard men and women and dangerous to the smuggled aliens and occur at increasing frequency. This measure is necessary because it provides a tool for the Coast Guard and Department of Justice to ensure the integrity of our maritime borders. Currently, there are enormous procedural and jurisdictional hurdles that protect and actually embolden alien smugglers. It will begin to deter unsafe and inhumane sea-based smuggling by delivering enhanced consequences to those who flee from or lie to our Federal law enforcement officers. Later today or tomorrow, the ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, Representative Lamar Smith, will offer an amendment to clarify this authority. While I support the underlying measure, I believe the Smith amendment augments this provision and merits adoption. It is my hope that during the amendment process some of my concerns in the underlying bill will be alleviated, but as we speak I cannot support passage of H.R. 2830. That said, I look forward to working with my colleagues as this process moves forward.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker. the season for the East Davidson girls basketball team started with plenty of questions about having to replace veterans players with a host of new teammates. Head Coach Terry Allmon said to the Thomasville Times, ``Two years ago, nobody expected us to do anything. Last year, the expectations were out of sight. This year, the same thing.'' On March 25, 2008, the East Davidson Golden Eagles showed they had what it takes to win the North Carolina High School Athletic Association, NCHSAA, 2-A girls basketball championship. East Davidson won over Graham High School, 62-59. This is the first state championship for the East Davidson girls basketball team. The championship win finally started to look possible at the start of the second half of the March 25 game against Graham, even though East Davidson was trailing, 30-27. The Golden Eagles used the third quarter to blow the game wide open, as they have done in the last three games. This win comes at the end of a season for the Golden Eagles in which they finished 27-4. Coach Allmon also told the Thomasville Times, ``This is a dream come true, these ladies here stepped up when they had to.'' Congratulations are in order for Coach Terry Allmon and his assistants Billy Freeman and Brian Eddinger on a great season. The men will be the first to tell you that most of the credit goes out to the players on the court. The players who contributed to the title run included seniors Megan Byerly and Dee Lanier, juniors Mandi Beck, Alyssa Cutshaw, Haley Everhart, Anna Freeman, Elizabeth Merritt, and Felicia Whitley, sophomores Candace Fox, Haley Grimsley, and Stacy Hicks, and freshmen Taylor Alexander and Chelsea Turner. The team was ably assisted by the scorekeeper Chasz Brown and the videographer Tyler Gibson. On behalf of the Sixth District, we would like to once again congratulate the East Davidson Golden Eagles on having a great season and winning the North Carolina 2-A girls basketball championship. We are all so proud of their accomplishment.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 147, 148 and 149, I missed votes because my flight was delayed. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on 147; ``yea'' on 148; and ``yea'' on 149.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 117, I was detained at a firefighters ceremony. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.'' Personal Explanation

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, I join with those who are recognizing the extraordinary accomplishments of a distinguished constituent Dr. Ronald F Sural who recently retired. His career was one of remarkable contributions to the practice of medicine, and manifold successes and abiding dedication to the people of Greensboro, North Carolina. Ron was horn in Saginaw, Michigan, and educated in a one-room schoolhouse. He knew he wanted to be a doctor at an early age after seeing how a local physician took care of the people in his hometown and the respect and admiration the physician enjoyed. Not being from a wealthy family, Ron worked to put himself through college and medical school. Ron is a 1967 alumnus of the University of Michigan Medical School. Shortly after his medical residency Ron joined the United States Air Force as a surgeon. He faithfully served his Nation during the Vietnam War, eventually being promoted to the rank of Major. In 1974, after retiring from the Air Force, he moved his family to North Carolina after visiting the state only once. He immediately fell in love with Greensboro and decided that it was the place he would raise his family. Ron served the people of the Greensboro area as a urologist for 33 years, providing help and healing to the young and old alike, sometimes without pay. He never refused to help anyone in need and those patients often showed their appreciation by bringing him vegetables from their gardens or firewood--the only payment they could afford. He served the Greensboro community through his involvement with the Summit Rotary Club of Greensboro, the Knights of Columbus and as a parishioner of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. He is a member of the Greensboro Country Club, where he has skillfully won several golf championships. He is the proud, adoring father of four children, three grandchildren, and the loving husband to his wife of 41 years, Sharon. Dr. Sural exemplifies all of what is good and positive about the practice of medicine. And now, his 33 year career as a physician, servant and educator has come to a close. He has left an indelible mark on his patients and on the medical professionals with whom he has worked, mentored, advised, and inspired. On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we commend Dr. Ronald Sural for being a distinguished physician, father and husband, and an exemplar of strong character and generosity.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, initially, I would like to express thanks to Chairman Oberstar and Subcommittee Chairman Cummings for their support of H. Res. 866, and I also want to express thanks to Ranking Member Mica and Subcommittee Ranking Member LaTourette for their support of the measure and the members on the subcommittee who cosponsored the resolution. H. Res. 866, Madam Speaker, recognizes the men and women of the United States Coast Guard whose efforts led to a record year in drug interdiction. They are to be commended for their dedication and selfless service in protecting the American people. Madam Speaker, I'm going to read some numbers imminently, and oftentimes when one reads numbers, it becomes boring and induces sleep, but these numbers I think are significant to the issue at hand. In 2007, the Coast Guard seized over 355,000 pounds of cocaine, besting the previous record by almost 20,000 pounds. These interdictions removed more than $4.7 billion worth of illegal drugs destined for our communities. Because of these efforts, today our families, schools and communities are more safe and secure despite the bold and sophisticated actions of drug smugglers. I'd like to take a minute to highlight a few interdictions which led to this year's drug seizure record. First, the Coast Guard made its largest maritime cocaine seizure when it intercepted a Panamanian vessel carrying more than 33,000 pounds of narcotics in March of last year. Additionally, in September of 2007, the Coast Guard interdicted more than 9,000 pounds of cocaine and 3,600 gallons of liquid cocaine. Finally, Coast Guard men and women, in collaboration with interagency partners, interdicted and boarded a self-propelled, semi-submersible vessel loaded with an estimated $352 billion worth of cocaine this past August. These success stories, Madam Speaker, are the result of an interagency approach to stemming the tide of illegal drugs. According to Director John Walters of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the efforts are clearly working as the average price of cocaine has increased and the quality decreased. Since 1790, the Coast Guard has been the Nation's leading maritime law enforcement agency. Today, missions include drug interdiction, migrant interdiction, fisheries enforcement, environmental compliance and safe boating enforcement. Clearly, the success of the men and women of the Coast Guard is attributed to the multifaceted nature of this branch. The Coast Guard also confronts unique obstacles with migrant smugglers who, not unlike drug runners, are becoming more brazen and bold in their efforts. I believe we must continue to work to provide the enhanced penalties necessary to deter and punish dangerous, high- speed pursuits and other patently unsafe activity associated with maritime alien smuggling. If we can implement increased deterrence, I have no doubt that the success that the Coast Guard has in drug interdiction will translate to similar success with migrant interdiction. As we move forward, we need to ensure that the Coast Guard has the appropriate resources to ensure our safety and security. Currently, the Coast Guard is in the midst of a fleet modernization. The overall intent is to provide the men and women of the Coast Guard with the necessary tools to protect our homeland. I applaud the actions taken by Admiral Allen, the commandant, to move this acquisition program, which is desperately needed, in the right direction. I also again applaud Chairman Oberstar, Subcommittee Chairman Cummings, as well as Congressman Mica and Congressman LaTourette, the ranking members of the full committee and the subcommittee, for their efforts to complement and oversee these actions, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that the Coast Guard has the equipment necessary to meet our homeland security and safety needs. Again, Madam Speaker, we commend the men and women of the United States Coast Guard for their drug interdiction success in 2007, and again, I want to thank my colleagues for their consideration and support of H. Res. 866. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Souder).

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

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, the old adage, ``If at first you don't succeed, try, try again'' wasn't written specifically with the Western Alamance High School football team in mind, but as its players and fans will tell you, that statement perfectly captures the fighting spirit of the Warriors. On December 8, 2007, Western Alamance won the North Carolina 3-A high school football championship on its fourth try in the title game. The Warriors completed a perfect 16-0 season by defeating North Gaston 62-36. Having lost three straight state championship games, the Warriors of Western Alamance were used to playing in a big game setting. As Head Coach Hal Capps told the Times-News, however, there was something different about this year's squad. ``North Gaston is an outstanding football team, outstanding,'' Coach Capps told the Burlington newspaper, ``but this team was on a mission, they were not going to be denied.'' Senior receiver Levon Curtis, who was named the game's Most Outstanding Player, was part of those past title game losses, and he told the Times-News, ``We did it. I didn't know it would ever happen. I've got to get it through my mind, we did it.'' Curtis certainly did it by scoring four touchdowns, two through the air and two on the ground. In all, Curtis caught seven passes for 153 yards and rushed for another 96 yards. Coach Hal Capps will be the first to tell you that finally winning that elusive state championship took a total team effort. Members of his coaching squad included Terry Covington, Drew Hambright, Chris Jackson, Frank Lassiter, Kenny Lockner, Brad Melton, Mike Mitchener, Chris Myers, and Jeff Snuffer. They were ably assisted by team managers Kaitlyn Lockner, Rachel McKinney, Amanda Summers, and Amanda Thomas. But it was the players who finally led the Warriors to the promised land. Members of the 3-A champs include Ethan Willis, Jonathon Corriher, A.J. Smith, Donald Britt, Ryan Blair, Jared Orton, Houston Spake, Nathan Jasper, Brandon Hill, Kenneth Lindsey, Chris Sparks, Wes Satterfield, Tucker Street, Chris Bradsher, Matt Maness, Connor Meehan, Scottie Thomas, Justin Torrence, Rod Shaw, Michael Wade, Doug Bernard, Olanders Sellars, Johnny Mitchell, P.J. Wright, Brad Brenner, Macon Rippy, Billy Williamson, Gary Strader, Kyle Norris, Levon Curtis, Nathan Bell, Kevin Lewis, Kyle Haizlip, Josh Baulding, Casey Roberts, Todd Ludwig, Joe Ahlgren, Christian Saconn, Robert Fields, Mac Mitchener, Blake Bledsole, Chris Sizemore, Jered Welborn, Josh Warren, Donald Schietzelt, Jay Johnson, Matt Apple, Shawn Huffines, Richard Miller, Laramie Stallings, Nick King, Corey Brothers, Bradley Dickey, Jamal Dark, Zack Palm, Allen Black, Tony Bejos, Jeremy Gooding, Tyler Clayton, Martin Dailey, Dace Crawford, Ashton Tinin, Wayne Stanfield, Joe Reinheimer, Ronnie Mimms, Jordan Gaines, Bill Blanchard, Jeremy Ray, Avery Booker, Josh Medlin, Alex Mitchell, George Wentz, Ben Smith, Brent Oliver, and Orvin Guiffaro. All of these players assisted Western Alamance in a record-setting performance. Six State records were broken during the title game, including most combined points scored (98) in a championship contest. The only number that the Warriors will remember is four. Because on the fourth try, Western Alamance finally brought home the trophy. Even amid all of the jubilation, there was some sadness associated with the team. Two days before the championship, the brother of offensive coordinator Jeff Snuffner died of cancer. Quarterback Donald Britt told the Times-News, ``When we heard Coach Snuffner's brother died, something went off in us. We just wanted to do it for him. We wanted to go out there 110 percent, every play.'' Coach Capps told the Burlington newspaper that just before the game, he and his offensive coordinator hugged and told the other how much they loved each other. ``I'm sitting there five minutes before the game,'' told the Times- News, ``crying like a baby. That's what life is all about. It's about loving and caring about people and having relationships. When something doesn't go right, you pick each other up and go on.'' The Warriors did more than go on. They went all the way to be named as North Carolina 3-A high school football champions. On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we congratulate Western Alamance Principal Terri Spears, Athletic Director Carter Gerlach, Head Coach Hal Capps, and all of the players, coaches, staff, family, and fans, as well as the outstanding Warriors marching band. The team is a true inspiration to all of us who work hard to accomplish our goals. The Warriors proved that sometimes old adages are true because they never gave up.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the bill before us. The cost of maintaining our Federal, State and local prisons is ballooning out of control. We must continue to enforce our criminal laws, but we cannot ignore the fact that most of the people who are released from incarceration are likely to return. The Second Chance Act will support programs that help prisoners reenter society which is essential to reducing recidivism. We can expect, Mr. Speaker, over half of the adult prisoners who are to be released around the country this year will be rearrested again and likely will return to prison. This cycle is overwhelming our criminal system, it is overwhelming our prisons, and it is costing more than $90 billion every year, $50 billion as far as Federal institutions are concerned. I am in agreement that stiff sentences serve a good purpose. Criminals must know if they violate the law, they will be punished. But when we seeing growing numbers of ex-offenders returning to our prisons, something in the system is not working. Something, Mr. Speaker, is flawed. The Second Chance Act is endorsed by the Council of State Governments, the National Sheriffs Association, the American Bar Association, and countless religious organizations from around the Nation. For some time many of you have heard me express alarm and concern about the dangers of prison overcrowding. It is a ticking bomb waiting to explode. In my district, in fact, there is a county jail that is bursting at the seams. We can begin to defuse this bomb today by passing the Second Chance Act and supporting programs that reduce recidivism. Now, much has been said about the cost. And I will stipulate, I will say to my friend from Texas, it is costly. But if the Second Chance Act proves to be effective, I believe it is realistic for us to conclude it will result in saving taxpayer money because to house prisoners is a costly operation. Rarely do I disagree with my colleague from Texas, but on this occasion we are going to disagree agreeably. I think this is a good proposal. I heartily endorse it. Chairman Scott, you remember I chaired, along with you, two hearings in the last Congress, and I believe this is the third time it has passed the House Judiciary Committee, if the gentleman from Michigan will corroborate that.

Mr. COBLE. I thank Mr. Gohmert for yielding, and I urge passage of the Second Chance Act.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. I thank the gentleman. H.R. 2102 was approved by the House Committee on the Judiciary by voice vote. I feel strongly, Mr. Speaker, that the administration's opposition to this legislation is misguided. Former Solicitor General of the United States, Theodore Olson, wrote that ``the legislation is well balanced and long overdue, and it should be enacted.'' The bill is good policy, and I urge all Members to vote in support of final passage and in support of the manager's amendment. In closing, I want to thank the sponsors of the legislation, the distinguished gentleman from Virginia, the distinguished gentleman from Indiana, Representatives Boucher and Pence, respectively. Both have been champions for H.R. 2102 and have diligently worked to address all concerns throughout the legislative process, as have Chairman Conyers and Ranking Member Smith.