Howard Coble

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, an organization dedicated to the awareness of Kawasaki Disease, A Kawasaki Heart, is striving to increase public knowledge of Kawasaki Disease (KD) throughout the United States and, more particularly, among medical professionals. I recently learned of a close call suffered by 3-year-old Bailey Buffkin, the granddaughter of Janis Moore of Thomasville, North Carolina, and the daughter of Amber Brewer. Bailey became ill this past March and her mom wasted no time in seeking medical care. Fortunately, her pediatrician was familiar with the symptoms of KD. The accurate diagnosis and timely treatment means that Bailey has a better chance to live a happy and healthy life. According to the American Heart Association, KD is a disease that primarily affects children under the age of 5 years. It is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. There are a few thousand new cases each year in the U.S. If not detected and treated immediately, it can result in permanent heart damage or even death. The cause of KD is unknown, but scientists who have studied KD think the evidence strongly suggests it is caused by an infectious agent such as a virus. Children with KD have high fever, red eyes and lips, strawberry tongue, a rash, swollen lymph nodes, and inflamed arteries. The usual treatment, intravenous gamma globulin, is highly effective at preventing the heart complications if administered within the first few days of illness. That is why it is so important that a child who is suspected of having KD is seen by a doctor quickly and diagnosed correctly. Because there are relatively few instances of KD diagnosed in the United States, it is important that parents, guardians and the medical community become familiar with the signs and symptoms so that other children are diagnosed and treated as quickly as Bailey Buffkin. Additional information may be located on the web site of the American Heart Association (www.americanheart.org) and A Kawasaki Heart (www.kawasakidisease.us).

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 8, the Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2005. I was proud to support the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, which included a permanent repeal of the Death Tax. Unfortunately, due to arcane rules of the Senate, this much- needed relief for working Americans is scheduled to sunset at the end of 2010. Since then, my colleagues and I have voted three times to make this repeal permanent. I am hopeful that both the House and Senate will finally agree to permanently repeal the Death Tax and send this legislation to President Bush for his signature. Unless we pass this much needed legislation, my constituents in the Sixth District of North Carolina will once again be subject to the Death Tax in 2011. Further, the sunsetting of this tax makes it difficult for business owners to make strategic planning and investment decisions that could have a major impact on the future of their businesses and loved ones. Finally, I do not believe that we should punish American families who have worked diligently to provide for themselves and want to pass along their success to their children and grandchildren. It is my belief that few sections of the tax code are more unfair and hazardous to the economy than the Death Tax. Conceptually and in practice, it diminishes personal incentive to remain industrious. Furthermore, it encourages people to become less reliant on themselves and their loved ones and more reliant on a government that is on occasions intrusive, confiscatory, and ill-suited to help people. After 20 years in Congress, I still believe that smaller government and lower taxes are the most effective economic policies. Eliminating the Death Tax will continue to restore consumer confidence, spur capital investment, and create new jobs which are critical components of economic growth, particularly within the small business community. Mr. Speaker, I support a complete and permanent repeal of the Death Tax.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, March 17, I missed rollcall votes Nos. 82-89. Had I been present on this date, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall votes Nos. 83, 84, 88 and 89. I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall votes Nos. 82, 85, 86 and 87. On this date, I delivered a eulogy at the funeral of my friend, Alamance County Commissioner Worthy B. ``Junior'' Teague. Additionally, on Sunday, March 21, I missed rollcall vote No. 90. Had I been present on this date, I would have voted ``aye,'' but I was traveling on official business with International Relations Committee Chairman Hyde in Mexico and Panama. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security, I met with numerous government officials to discuss efforts to combat drug trafficking, prevent global terrorism, and to promote fair trade. Finally, on Tuesday, April 5, I missed rollcall votes Nos. 91-93. Had I been present on this date, I would have voted ``aye'' on each of these votes. My mother, Mrs. Johnnie Holt Coble, died on April 2, 2005, and funeral services were conducted on April 5, 2005.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Wisconsin for yielding me this time. Let me start, Mr. Chairman, by using three components: vehicular congestion, infrastructure that continues to deteriorate daily, and, of course, each is directly involved with highway safety. As my colleagues know, Mr. Chairman, I have been an avid supporter of H.R. 3, and I am pleased that this bill is able to be considered on the House Floor today. As both a member of the prior conference committee and a cosponsor of both House reauthorization bills during the last Congress, I realize that members and staff, Democrats and Republicans alike, have worked tirelessly and relentlessly to produce today the best product possible for Floor consideration and deliberation. At a time when we have much work to do to address our Nation's critical infrastructure, and, as I said, which is currently in dire need of upgrade and repair, this legislation is also a jobs bill and is obviously a jobs creator. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentleman from Alaska (Chairman Young); the subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri); our Majority Leader, our Ranking Member on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for their openness and demonstrated leadership regarding measurable progress on the donor funding situation. As a longtime supporter of the SHARE coalition, I fully realize that this remains a sensitive issue that has historically yielded divisiveness, but I am confident that this issue can be resolved appropriately. Finally, Mr. Chairman, the highway and transit reauthorization bill is long overdue, and we must not lose sight of the big picture regarding the critical importance this legislation offers. As my constituents in North Carolina, as well as the State infrastructure planners from across the country remind me on a regular basis, we must get a suitable transportation bill passed by both bodies expeditiously, and I look forward to remaining actively involved in the legislative process to ensure that all States receive the necessary funding and important policy initiatives H.R. 3 authorizes. As I said at the outset, Mr. Chairman, vehicular congestion. It costs taxpayers millions of dollars each year, and I do not suggest that the bill before us will automatically cure that problem, but it will certainly address it and assuage the discomfort that results therefrom.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, following the New England Patriots' Super Bowl win, their third in the last four years, all of the talk was about the birth of a National Football League dynasty in the making. Those of us who reside in the Sixth District of North Carolina know all about football dynasties, and we are proud to report that the dynasty known as the Thomasville Bulldogs Football Team is back and champions once more. This year, Thomasville High School captured its fifth state championship in the school's history and its first since 1995. The latest championship for Thomasville may have been secured in the most thrilling manner in the school's glorious history. On December 11, 2004, Thomasville defeated Wallace-Rose Hill 15-14 to capture the Class 1-A State football championship. That score doesn't begin to hint at the drama that ensued for the Bulldogs. Trailing 14-9, Thomasville was facing a fourth-and-1 situation, but the Bulldogs completed a pass for only eight yards, meaning that the ball went back to Wallace-Rose Hill with only 1:21 left to play. On the next play, however, divine intervention may have occurred. Defensive back Tavarius Henderson ran down Wallace-Rose Hill running back Leverne Coston, stripped him of the ball, recovered the fumble, and ran 10 yards for the game-winning touchdown. The Bulldogs missed the two-point conversion, but it was unneeded as Thomasville hung on for the dramatic 15-14 victory. The school's last-minute hero, Tavarius Henderson, told the High Point Enterprise that he knew he had to do something dramatic to win the game. ``I knew we had him (the running back) real good,'' the Bulldog told the newspaper, ``so I went for the ball. It came loose and the ball was right there, laying beautifully. I picked it up and went into the end zone.'' And with that play, Tavarius went right into the history books among the storied names in Thomasville football history. For his efforts, Henderson was named as the championship game's Most Valuable Player. This may have been the most dramatic win, but Thomasville has a proud and rich football history and its color is brown--namely as in Coach Brown. In 2004, Coach Benjie Brown captured his first State title following in the footsteps of his famous father Coach Allen Brown who led the Bulldogs to State championships in 1988, 1991 and 1995. (Thomasville also won the 1964 State title in the old Western North Carolina High School Activities Association.) This 2004 championship was the school's first in the new Class 1-A division. The three titles secured by Coach Allen Brown were in Class 2-A. Allen Brown was the defensive coordinator for his son Benjie's first title as head coach. Benjie told the Greensboro News & Record that his father was a key to the victory. ``I couldn't have done it without him tonight,'' Coach Benjie Brown told the newspaper, ``and I'd like to think I had a hand in some of his.'' Both Coach Browns would tell you that it requires a whole lot of effort from a whole lot of people to win a State championship. Those of us who reside in the Sixth District congratulate each and every member of the Bulldogs squad. First the players: Brent LeMay, Jeremy McKiver, Cory Tobin, Willie Green, Chaz Leak, Quinton Jackson, Justin Little, Laviery Baxter, Bradley Watkins, Richard Norton, J.J. Lawson, Stephon Donnell, Scott Hines, Quan Warley, Jeriod Kersey, E.J. Abrams-Ward, Karim Eltokhy, Tavarius Henderson, Chris Webber, E.J. McCormick, Zeke Clark, Ricky Hunsucker, Bud Ray, Terrance Pearson, Jaz Tate, Brandon Johnson, Aundra Belle, Jamall Steele, Lorenzo Cannon, Kendarius Cox, Derek Medlin, Jason Hicks, Antonio Royal, Ratazio Baxter, Ari Foust, Brandon Taylor, Senneca Sammuels, Tommy Green, Cornelius Davis, Ji Soo Noh, Trey Ray, Joe Brewer, Jason Nelson, Dustin Gloor, Cody Smith, and Michael Byrd. The players would be the first to tell you that they could not have done it without strong backing. We congratulate Head Coach Benjie Brown and his outstanding assistants Allen Brown, Roger Bryant, Sam Captain, Danny Medlin, Matt Pugh, Scott Pugh, Brandon Staton, and Nick Sweitzer. They were joined by community coaches Vince Brown, Ed Courtney, Kemp Harvey, and Don Osborne. Also offering valuable contributions were trainers Kenny Coker and Charles Crowell; statistician Barry Tucker; film crew members Travis Leanord, Wade Loflin, Casey Medlin, and Adam Oakley; Middle School Head Coach Eric Rader and his liaison Stan Baranowski; team doctors David Williams and Rob Williams; gym maintenance supervisor Bill Moore; and team managers Troy Butler, Keyshawn Green, Byron Lattimore, Marquis Love, Luke Williams, and Jonathan Wright. The championship game was thrilling and the entire season validated Thomasville High School as one of North Carolina's true football dynasties. We congratulate Principal Dirk Gurley, Athletic Director Woody Huneycutt, the students, families, faculty, staff, and fans of the Thomasville Bulldogs on winning North Carolina's 1-A football championship.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, last week in Ashland, Virginia, Randolph Macon College hosted Guilford College for a collegiate basketball game. With the game tied in overtime and six-tenths of a second remaining, a Randolph Macon player was awarded two free throws. He converted his first one and intentionally missed the second, concluding that time did not permit Guilford to make a play. Normally, that would have been sound strategy, but Guilford's Jordan Snipes grabbed the rebound and desperately heaved the ball the length of the court. Nothing but net and Guilford won on the shot seen around the world. The moral of the story: whether in athletics or in life, even with the odds overwhelmingly stacked against you, do not quit. Do not give up, there is always a chance, even though remote, to prevail.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be passed over without prejudice.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, recently, the Honorable William L. Osteen, Sr., U.S. District Court Judge for the Middle District of North Carolina, received the Greensboro Bar Association Distinguished Service Award. I have known Bill Osteen for many years. Bill is an outstanding jurist, and I know of no more deserving recipient for this prestigious award. As an aside, I had the honor of serving as Bill's Assistant United States Attorney, while he served as the United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina in the late 60s and early 70s. Mr. Stephen Millikin, from the law firm Smith Moore LLP, delivered a wonderful speech at the presentation of the Greensboro Bar Association Distinguished Service Award. The Sixth District is proud of Bill Osteen, and I urge my colleagues to review the remarks made by my good friend, Steve Millikin. I have referred to Steve as the ``Bob Dole of the Sixth District of North Carolina'' because, not unlike the great Senator from Kansas, Steve is an outstanding advocate for America's veterans. I hope you will enjoy Steve's remarks. Remarks by Stephen P. Millikin at the Presentation of the Greensboro Bar Association Distinguished Service Award to the Honorable William L. Osteen, Sr., April 15, 2004 The Greensboro Bar Association is pleased to present its Distinguished Service Award for the year 2004 to a person whose accomplishments in this community and throughout the state are well known, and whose strength of character and devotion to duty are universally admired. This person has conducted himself among us in such a manner as to be a splendid example for all to follow. The Honorable William L. Osteen, Sr., hereinafter ``Bill'' or ``Bill Osteen'', was born in Greensboro, North Carolina on July 15, 1930. He is the son of John Luke Osteen and Ruth Tatum Osteen. His father was the well known and highly respected first U.S. Probation Officer and the first Chief U.S. Probation Officer for the Middle District of North Carolina. He was a most jovial and friendly man by nature. Bill's mother was a gentle giant of a lady though small of physical stature. She died at an early age, but not before she had a very strong influence upon Bill who promised his mother that he would never take a drink of alcohol. Bill has remained loyal to that promise throughout his life. Bill has one brother, John Osteen, who is a graduate of West Point. John made a career of the Army and retired as a major general. He now resides in Brevard. Bill married Joanne Bennett Snow on May 16, 1959. Joanne is the daughter of John and Dorothy Snow. John Snow was an attorney. Joanne attended Duke University where she graduated with honors in Economics. Bill and Joanne have three children: William L. Osteen, Jr., born in 1960, who is a practicing attorney in Greensboro; John Osteen, born in 1962, who now lives in Long Beach, California; and Robert Osteen, born in 1966, who now lives near Charleston, South Carolina. Bill Osteen has a family of which any man would be proud. Bill Osteen graduated from Guilford High School in 1948, from Guilford College in 1953, and from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1956. Throughout, Bill was an outstanding student. After obtaining his law degree and license to practice law, he was associated from 1956 to 1958 with W.H. McElwee, Jr., a prominent attorney in North Wilkesboro. From 1958 to 1959, he practiced law as a sole practitioner in Greensboro. From 1959 to 1969, Bill was a partner in the law firm of Booth and Osteen in Greensboro. From 1969 to 1974 he served by appointment of the President of the United States as the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina. From 1974 to 1991 he was senior partner in the successive Greensboro law firms of Osteen & Adams; Osteen, Adams & Tilley; Osteen, Adams, Tilley & Wall; and Osteen, Adams & Osteen. He was appointed U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of North Carolina by President George Bush on June 18, 1991. He has served and continues to serve in that high office with great distinction. Bill has been active with the North Carolina Bar Association, the North Carolina State Bar, and the Greensboro Bar Association. With the North Carolina Bar Association he was a member of and subsequently chairman of the North Carolina Sentencing Commission, created by the North Carolina legislature to write a suitable sentencing structure for North Carolina. For the North Carolina State Bar, he was a member of the State Bar Council from the 18th Judicial District; a member of the Grievance Committee; a member of the Professionalism Committee; a member of the Legal Aid to Indigents Committee; and a member of the Special Committee to Re-Write the Disciplinary Procedures Manual for Lawyers. He was president of the Greensboro Bar Association in 1989-1990 and he served for a long period of time as a member of its Executive Committee. Bill also served as president of the 18th Judicial District Bar in 1985. He is a permanent member of the Federal Judicial Conference for the Fourth Circuit; a past member of the Federal Bar Association; and a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He is a member of the University of North Carolina Law Alumni Association and a member of the Guilford College Alumni Association. He has been a member of the Board of Visitors for the University of North Carolina and a member of the Board of Visitors of Wake Forest University School of Law. Bill is admitted to practice in the North Carolina Supreme Court; the North Carolina Court of Appeals; the United States District Courts for the Middle, Western and Eastern Districts of North Carolina; the United States Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit; and the United States Tax Court. Bill was elected to the North Carolina Legislature in 1960 and again in 1962. He served as Minority Leader in both sessions. He was appointed Chairman of the Guilford County Economic Opportunity Council by the county commissioners in 1963. He was appointed by the Greensboro City Council as a member of the City Zoning Commission from 1964 to 1966. He was appointed by the Greensboro City Council as a member of and Chairman of the City Human Relations Committee from 1966 to 1968. He was an unsuccessful candidate for the United States Congress from the 6th District of North Carolina in 1968. While serving as United States District Judge, Bill has served as Chairman of the Committee on Codes of Conduct of the Judicial Conferences of the United States, and he has served on the Advisory Committee to the Chairman of the United States Sentencing Commission. He also has heard cases on appeal sitting as a member of the United States Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit. Bill has also served in the military. He was in the United States Army Reserve from 1948 to 1951, and was on active duty from October 10, 1950 until December 12, 1951. He entered the service as a private and was a Staff Sergeant at time of discharge. Bill has enjoyed participating in many athletic activities. He has excelled in all sports that he has undertaken. He has been a competitive golf player. He was number one on the Guilford College golf team. His prowess on the tennis court is legendary. While in law school, he reportedly could out- punt the starting punter for the University of North Carolina football team. To illustrate his ability and agility, reportedly he earlier has been able to grab his left leg with his right hand and then jump through that circle with his other foot and leg, a trick few people are willing to attempt. Bill has been highly successful in all that he has undertaken. As an excellent practicing attorney, U.S. Attorney and U.S. District Court Judge, Bill has enjoyed a reputation for honesty, professionalism, ethical conduct, and a dedication to exerting a best effort and obtaining a best result. Bill has an innate and keen sense of right and wrong. He has always acted with diligence and competence. He has been fair and judicious in his approach to all questions and eloquent in his expression of thought. As U.S. District Judge he has been appropriately firm and authoritative but also compassionate. Bill was commissioned a Judge of the U.S. District Court in a ceremony in the Federal Courthouse in Greensboro on September 27, 1991. He has proven to be true beyond any reasonable doubt the things that were said about him and that were predicted for him at that time. In many ways and instances he has exceeded all expectations then expressed. At the commissioning ceremony, Bill Davis on behalf of the State Bar stated: ``I think that this is an absolutely perfect appointment.'' George Mast on behalf of the N.C. Bar Association said: ``Bill stands tall in the forest of the legal community. What he has been speaks with more eloquence than anything I can say. His appointment tells us that our system is working; that someone of (his) . . . quality and caliber and distinction, honesty and integrity can be appointed as a District Judge.'' Ralph Stockton for the ABA said: ``I tell you, it's hard for me to imagine anyone more qualified to assume the role of United States District Judge in the Middle District than Bill Osteen.'' ``Our investigation . . . specifically in Bill's case, has to do with professional qualifications . . . in the area of professional competence encompassing the qualities of intellectual ability and capacity, judgment, writing and analytical ability, knowledge of the law, and breadth and depth of legal experience. Integrity, our number one hallmark, includes the candidate's character and honesty in legal and personal relations. Judicial temperament speaks for itself and includes the candidate's open-mindedness, decisiveness, freedom from bias, and commitment to equal justice. In the course of our comprehensive investigation of Bill Osteen . . . I am pleased to report . . . that the ABA Committee reported to the Attorney General of the United States and subsequently to the Senate Judiciary Committee it's unanimous opinion that Bill Osteen is well-qualified for this appointment. This is the highest rating the Committee gives.'' Bill Osteen, Jr., justifiably proud of his father and law partner, but being completely honest and candid, stated: ``There was only comfort through my father's presence, his love and his support. And he's been there for each member of this family every time it was needed . . . But his magnificence as a father is probably only equaled by his great ability and competence as a lawyer . . . Each time he has taken a client--and I've practiced with him for four years now, but I'm confident that this was true for his entire 30 years. Each time he's taken a client, he has brought to the representation honor, integrity, diligence and confidence that are not to be found very often. There have been a lot of big cases, a lot of outstanding cases, and there have been a lot of small cases. But regardless of whether a case was big or small, or whether it was important to society or whether it was important only to an individual, he has brought the same honor and integrity to each case; and I'm proud to have practiced with him for the time that we have.'' The Honorable Eugene Gordon commented: ``Bill . . . brings to this court a vast experience gained from years of private practice and an illustrious career in this district as United States Attorney . . . Also, his legislative service and his community service can't be overlooked. Those services are very valuable for one who is called on to assume responsibilities as a member of the judiciary is . . . The efficiency and goals of the offices which he has served were never in jeopardy; it was always done well. He has reflected well upon himself, and he has served this area with distinction . . . Bill is a good person, with a passion for decency. He possesses no hatred, no jealousy, no envy or ill will that I have ever discerned. The truth is simply this. He is just a hard person to dislike.'' ``It is our good fortune that one of Bill Osteen's vision, ability and character has come forward for active service on the bench . . .'' The Honorable Richard Erwin stated: ``Judge Osteen comes to the federal bench as well prepared for the tasks awaiting him as any judge I know. He has served as United States Attorney for this district; in private practice he has represented defendants charged with criminal offenses; and also represented both plaintiffs and defendants in civil actions before the federal courts . . . Judge Osteen also possesses an even-handed disposition that we call judicial temperament.'' The Honorable Frank Bullock commented: ``I don't believe that President Bush has made a better judicial appointment during his term in office . . . Bill Osteen should be a judge of this court. He has dedicated his life to service, to his family, to his church, to his state and to his nation. He has served in the legislature and as United States Attorney and as an officer of the state bar. I am confident that there is no better trial lawyer in this district and in this state and probably in this circuit or in this nation.'' The Honorable Woody Tilley said this: ``But not only is Bill Osteen the best trial lawyer I've ever seen . . . he also is one of the best people that i have ever known.'' These were not empty accolades or over statements. If they missed the mark in any respect, it is because they understate the exemplary qualities with which Bill Osteen has been endowed and the principles which he has invariably followed. The oath taken by Judge Osteen at his commissioning in part is this: ``I, William Lindsay Osteen, Sr., do solemnly swear that I will administer justice without respect to persons and do equal justice to the poor and to the rich; and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all duties incumbent upon me as United States District Judge under the Constitution and laws of the United States . . .'' Bill Osteen has been as faithful to this oath as he has been to the promise he made to his mother years earlier. Judge Osteen, the Greensboro Bar Association takes pride and pleasure in presenting to you the highest honor it can bestow, its Distinguished Service Award. This award is in recognition of and is in deep appreciation for your having demonstrated in many ways your deep devotion and constant commitment to the honorable practice of law and to the better administration of justice; for your having made enduring contributions to the administration of justice and to the public good through unselfish service to the community and to the legal profession; for your adherence at all times to the highest ethical standards of professionalism; and for your thereby setting by example a standard of conduct and service to which the members of the Greensboro Bar Association might well aspire.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Reclaiming my time, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present to my colleagues in the House the newly elected Member from North Carolina's First Congressional District, the Honorable G.K. Butterfield.

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues who joined me yesterday, Mr. Speaker, in North Carolina's First Congressional District. A special election, as well as a primary election, were conducted. The special election was conducted for the purpose of electing a candidate to fill the unexpired term of our friend, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Ballance), who previously resigned. G.K. Butterfield, a long-time politico, well known in North Carolina, was elected to that post yesterday. Mr. Butterfield served with distinction as a member, Mr. Speaker, of the Superior Court in North Carolina; and finally, with 2 years as a sitting member, as a jurist on the North Carolina Supreme Court. Mr. Speaker, I know I join you and my colleagues in extending a warm welcome to G.K. Butterfield to the people's House. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price) from North Carolina's Fourth Congressional District.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Chairman, this is a devastating amendment. It is not a big buyout for big tobacco nor for tobacco farmers. I urge defeat of the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the Flake/Van Hollen Amendment. A tobacco buyout is of vital importance to tobacco farmers in the Sixth District of North Carolina. These farmers are desperate to get out of a Depression-era system which makes the cost of growing tobacco in the United States greater than non U.S. production. When in my district, almost daily I see the disastrous effect this Depression era government program has on farmers. Opponents who argue a tobacco buyout is a bail-out for big tobacco are dead wrong. This is not big tobacco getting a tax-break, this is tobacco farmers receiving benefits that are due to them because of a government program created in the 1930's. Tobacco companies have grown to rely on foreign imports of tobacco to manufacture their legal product because the inflated price of U.S. tobacco which is directly attributable to the quota system. Eliminating the quota system levels the marketplace for U.S. tobacco farmers and enables them to compete in the world market. Second, the authors of this amendment mistakenly purport that a buyout is funded by general tax revenues. This is also inaccurate. The federal excise tax on tobacco accounts for approximately $7.5 billion dollars annually $37.5 billion over five years. These taxes are paid by consumers of these legal products, not by all taxpayers. My point is our government realizes excessive amounts of revenue compliments of a tax on the tobacco industry. We simply seek nine point six billion dollars over 5 years in return to save growers and communities that support tobacco production from economic devastation. Some may argue this is an unnecessary expenditure, and my friends, I tell you your commodity is next. This amendment sets a dangerous precedent for all agriculture commodities and could have an adverse impact on regional and national commodities seeking compensation in the future. A vote in support of this amendment would prevent the United States Government from exiting tobacco production. Sounds strange, I agree. Considering the tobacco debates on this floor in the past, I am surprised to see some of my colleagues supporting the continuation of a government controlled federal tobacco program. Let the free market work itself out and give my tobacco farmers a chance to succeed. I adamantly oppose this amendment and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, the guest chaplain for today is Dr. Joe Collins; and as the Speaker pointed out earlier, Joe is presently the senior minister at the Mt. Carmel Methodist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, which is in the gentleman from North Carolina's (Mr. Burr) district. But Dr. Collins served for 8 years at the Central United Methodist Church in Denton, North Carolina, which is located in the district that I am pleased to represent. Dr. Collins is a graduate of the Duke Divinity School and was awarded his Doctor of Minister degree from Drew University in New Jersey. Joe and his wife, Lynne, are parents of three children, and his son Garrett accompanies him today. Mr. Speaker, we are indeed pleased to cordially welcome Dr. Collins to the people's House.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, June 25, I missed rollcall votes 321-325. Had I been present on this date, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall votes Nos. 321-323 and ``aye'' on rollcall votes 324-325. On this date, I had committed to participating in an event in my congressional district that I was unable to miss.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Virginia for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, reasonable men and women can disagree, and hopefully disagree agreeably, and this is a situation where this is going to happen. I think convincing arguments can be made on each side of the issue. And I do not want to sound like I am knee-jerking responding to this, but should terrorists be able to use taxpayer-funded public library facilities to plot a major attack without fear they will be investigated by the FBI? I think that could come to play if this amendment is, in fact, enacted. As I understand my friend from Vermont, the amendment would exempt public libraries and book stores from section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act, which permits the FBI, after obtaining a Federal court order, and I repeat, after obtaining a Federal court order, to obtain documents and other records relevant to international terrorism and espionage cases. Now, there has been no abuse in this matter, Mr. Chairman. On September 18 of last year, the number of times to date that the Justice Department had utilized section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act relating to the production of business records was declassified, and at that time it was made known that the number of times section 215 had been used as of that date was zero. So, obviously, there is no abuse here. Furthermore, section 215, Mr. Chairman, provides for a thorough congressional oversight. Every 6 months the Attorney General is required to inform the Congress on the number of times agents have sought a court order under section 215, as well as the number of times its requests were granted, modified, or denied. No abuse at all on this. And I just believe we should vote down the amendment.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Wisconsin for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, as I said at the subcommittee hearing and as I said at the full committee hearing, and as I will reiterate today, reasonable men and women have adamantly supported this bill before us, and reasonable men and women have adamantly opposed it. So that is where we are. Today I rise in support of H.R. 218, the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Enhancement Act of 2003. H.R. 218 would exempt qualified current and former law enforcement officers from State laws prohibiting the carrying of concealed firearms. Currently, most States do not recognize within their borders concealed carry permits issued in other States. This legislation, Mr. Speaker, would allow active and retired law enforcement officers to carry a concealed weapon in any of our 50 states. There are important provisions in the bill that require such officers to maintain appropriate firearms training and to carry identification recognizing their affiliation with a law enforcement agency. Further, the bill has garnered tremendous bipartisan support, and recently passed the House Committee on the Judiciary by a vote of 23 to 9. On June 15, the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held a legislative hearing on H.R. 218, and some concerns were raised regarding States' rights, coordinating adequate training standards and the liability problems that may arise by having law enforcement officers using firearms outside of their respective jurisdictions. While there may be room for improvement, I do believe that the bill before us is a positive step toward ensuring that law enforcement officers have the means to defend themselves and other innocent victims from potential acts of violence and crime. Mr. Speaker, having said that, I would, at this time, like to engage in a colloquy with my good friend, the distinguished gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott), who is the ranking member on the Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. The gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) authored an amendment which passed the full committee, and which I supported, and I think which was supported in toto by the membership and which is included in the version of the bill we are considering today, that would exclude someone from the definition of qualified law enforcement officer if that person is under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicating or hallucinatory drug. As I said, I supported the amendment. I just want to clarify that the amendment only applies during the time that the officer involved is actually under the influence of the alcohol or drug. In other words, as an example, if an officer is going on a 3-day trip, for example, out of his home State, and he is going to be under the influence of alcohol or a drug during 2 hours of that trip, let us say, then he would only lose his coverage under this bill for that 2 hour period and not for the entire 3-day trip. I just want to clarify that if he does carry his weapon during that 2-hour period, he would not be subject to any special penalty as a result of this law, but rather would just be subject to whatever the penalty is under the applicable local law. I would ask my friend from Virginia, the ranking member, if that is his understanding as well.

Mr. COBLE. I yield to the gentleman from Virginia.

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, I thank the gentleman.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, as the 2003-2004 academic school year comes to an end, I would like to take a moment to congratulate a high school in the Sixth District of North Carolina that won a state girls' soccer championship. The Whirlies had extra incentive in the final game as they faced a Raleigh Broughton team that had defeated the Grimsley girls (by a score of 2-0) in the finals just 1 year ago. This time around the score was again 2-0, but it would be the Whirlies who walked away with the state title. This game capped off a perfect post-season run in which Grimsley held all playoff opponents scoreless; a remarkable feat that was last accomplished by the Whirlies in 2002. Indeed, the Grimsley girls' soccer program is no stranger to championships as this became their sixth title since 1990. Despite a convincing playoff performance going into the final game, Grimsley Head Coach Herk DeGraw was weary of the Whirlies' sluggish first few minutes against a formidable Broughton adversary. ``The slow start scared me because I thought if they sneak one in and we don't get going we're going to have a problem,'' DeGraw told the Greensboro News & Record. But with 19:53 remaining in the first half, freshman Holly Cresson's goal began to assuage DeGraw's concerns. A left-footed player, Presson used her right foot to shoot the ball past the Broughton goalkeeper putting the Whirlies on top 1-0. ``The look on her face was the funniest thing I've ever seen . . . It was total disbelief,'' DeGraw told a local reporter about Presson's post-goal expressions. After the Whirlies secured the lead there was no looking back as they powered their way to a 2-0 victory. This was a memorable win for the Whirlies who were led by a number of senior players. Laura Hanson, Erin Graham, Whitney Andringa, Marie Bobalik, Jenny Cauble, Arden Dwyer, Melissa Ellisen, Anna Betton, and Ashley Newsome all finished their careers with a state championship. These girls had a strong supporting cast comprised of Anna Rodenbough, Michele Driver, Carey Goodman, Alex Leeder, Heidi Andringa, Carra Sykes, Lauren Atkinson, Casey Warmath, Holly Presson, Catherine Rierson, Lucy FanCourt, and Camelyn Dillon. After such a strong season congratulations are in order for the Grimsley coaching staff. Head Coach Herk DeGraw and Assistant Coach Kevin Conaway deserve much credit for leading the Whirlies on their title run. Recognition should also be given to Athletic Director Neal Hatcher, Principal Rob Gasparello, Athletic Trainer Kris Dickens, and team managers Lauren Chambers and Rachel Goans. On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we congratulate the Grimsley Whirlies for winning the 4-A girls' soccer championship.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, as major league baseball is in full swing, I would like to take a moment to congratulate a high school in the Sixth District of North Carolina that won a state girls' softball championship. It was not an easy road for the Southern Alamance girls' softball team, but in the end, it was certainly a rewarding one. After losing the first game of the championship round in 10 innings, the Patriots found themselves facing a winner take all game at the Walnut Creek Softball Complex. ``I don't expect anything easy with them (his team),'' Head Coach Mike Johnson told the Burlington Times-News. In continuing this trend of close games and tension filled finishes, Southern Alamance defeated Enka High School 8-6 in yet another 10 inning battle. Despite the Patriots' history of drama, this title should come as no surprise after a combined record of 30-2 for the year. One of the key performers during the two day tournament run was senior pitcher Brooke Isley who handled 39 innings and struck out 59 batters. It was Isley who closed out the final game by retiring three straight hitters. This capped off a come from behind victory that was initially sparked by Amanda Johnson's base hit and ensuing RBI from Marybeth Ingle. ``We couldn't make anything easy,'' Isley explained to a local reporter. Perhaps the biggest scare for the Patriots came in the 9th inning when an Enka base runner was thrown out at the plate keeping Southern Alamance's hopes alive. Finally in the 10th inning, with runners in scoring position, Marybeth Ingle came up with, what would be, the deciding hit to secure the title. This was a special win for the Patriots who were led by a number of senior players. Carla Roger, Whitney Lambe, Amanda Hodge, Brooke Isley, Marybeth Ingle, Maegan Evans, and Stacey Vaughn all finished there high school careers on top. These girls had the help of a strong supporting cast comprised of Tori Thompson, Kim Pardue, Brittany McPherson, Brittany Thompson, Magan Campbell, Amanda Johnston, Bethany Hawks, Brandi Haithcock, Ariel Bullock, Amanda Cline, Lesli Scott, Daveda Fox, Tiffany Helton, Erika Winebarger, Kristen Burgess, Olivia McPherson, Kristen Roach, April Carver, and Janna Holt. After such a remarkable season much credit goes to the Southern Alamance coaching staff who guided the Patriots to the championship. Congratulations to Head Coach Mike Johnson and assistant coaches Chris Miller, Cully Lambeth, Mike Thompson and John Miller. Further recognition should be awarded to Principal Kent Byrd and Athletic Director David Vaughn after this memorable season. On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we congratulate the Patriots of Southern Alamance for winning the state 3-A girls' softball championship.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to recognize the Southwest Guilford golf team for their terrific talent and teamwork which resulted in a state championship on May 11, 2004. It is my honor to congratulate the Southwest Guilford golf squad from the Sixth District of North Carolina for their victory and remarkable team effort in the state 3A golf tournament. Led by Head Coach Don Dixon and assistant Larry Rice, the Cowboys were able to work together and capture the title. Special congratulations to Matt Dowdy, Shawn Hardesty, Greg Williams, Will Duke, T.J. Christensen, Andrew Smith, Taylor Radison, Tyler Smith, Drew Hilliard, Andrew Chakasem, and Wes Swaim for their efforts. As team leader Greg Williams told the High Point Enterprise, ``We knew to stay more focused on golf this season, and not worry about having too much of a good time.'' The Cowboys dedication proved to pay off which should not only bring pride to Southwest Guilford, but to the entire Sixth District. T.J. Christensen, who played another vital role on the team, fought through injury with a broken bone in his hand to finish the year and contribute to the state championship. This was a clear example of the dedication exhibited by the Cowboys golf team. Congratulations to Principal Arthur Legrand and Athletic Director Brendan Christen. This was a remarkable season of golf for the Sixth District. I am very proud of these young men and wish them the best of luck for the future. We are looking forward to more impressive play in the years to come.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, the infamous Iraqi prison photographs with which we are so familiar portray deplorable scenes for which we will apologize. I am concerned that these inappropriate practices occurred, but I am further concerned regarding the double standards that many countries apply regarding terrorism, and I will discuss that in detail herewith. Much attention has been directed, Mr. Speaker, against America regarding the Iraqi prison matter; but comparatively speaking, little has been expressed against the terrorists. Who will apologize or express concern for the 9/11 attack and the 3,000 innocent lives lost? Who will apologize for the first attack to the World Trade Center and subsequent attacks upon our embassies and the U.S.S. Cole? Who will apologize for the recent deadly explosion in Spain? Who will apologize regarding hostages who were mutilated and hanged from a bridge while onlookers gleefully applauded and laughed obscenely? These questions are rhetorical, Mr. Speaker, because no apologies are forthcoming, and many do not appear to be concerned about it. I am told that the majority of Iraqis wanted Saddam removed from power, but they were unwilling and were incapable of doing the job themselves because they feared Saddam and knew the pain and torture he was capable of inflicting upon them. Incidentally, Mr. Speaker, Saddam's rape rooms are no longer open for business, nor are Saddam's torture chambers. Why do we hear virtually nothing about the rape rooms and the torture chambers having been shut down? They are shut down because America, Great Britain, and coalition members stepped forward and Saddam retreated to his spider hole where he was captured. Some in Iraq embrace us as liberators, while others, including terrorists from beyond Iraq, reject us as occupiers. The closer Iraq approaches freedom and democracy, the more impediments and barriers the terrorists will erect. When the government is handed over to the Iraqi Council on 30 June, many have declared, oh, the Americans must never leave because civil unrest may erupt. Well, I agree, we cannot abruptly depart, but Iraq needs to step up to the plate on 30 June. Mr. Speaker, there is an expression uttered in the rural South to indicate appropriate timing. This expression is called ``high time.'' So I say today it is high time for Iraq to accept responsibility and express a willingness to govern and stand up to terrorism. If they want us to leave, they can show the world they are capable of governing responsibly. They can show the world they have the fortitude to avoid intimidation by terrorists and the evil practices they dispense. I am not suggesting that America become the rigid, inflexible, fully supportive rod for the Iraqi spine or backbone, but rather serve as a brace or splint to permit and encourage independent function. I firmly believe that day will come, Mr. Speaker. I pray it will be sooner rather than later.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, while the nation focuses on the culmination of the NCAA men's basketball March Madness and the Final Four this weekend in San Antonio, Texas, the Sixth District of North Carolina is already basking in the glow as the home of three state high school basketball championship teams. Trinity High School in Randolph County, Thomasville High School in Davidson County, and Westchester Academy in Guilford County are the respective homes for high school basketball champions this season, and we are proud to acknowledge their tremendous seasons here. Trinity High School completed a remarkable season on March 13 at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill when it captured the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) 3-A boys basketball championship with a win over Dudley High School of Greensboro. Led by state Coach of the Year Tim Kelly and state Player of the Year Josh King, the Bulldogs finished the year with a 31-1 record. Despite that gaudy regular season record, many people did not give Trinity much of a chance going into the game against the Dudley Panthers. Coach Kelly told the Greensboro News & Record that a tough regular season schedule prepared his baby-faced warriors for the toughest battle of the year. ``We think we saw the right mix to get here,'' Coach Kelly told the newspaper. ``We didn't get a free pass. We didn't get to pass go and collect $200. We had to pay our way to get here and our kids were aggressive. We might look like choirboys when we walk into the building, but we're not. We're going to attack and be aggressive on both ends of the floor.'' When it was over, the Bulldogs celebrated a 73-64 win over the Panthers, led by King's 21 points, along with 18 from championship game MVP John McEachin. Coach Kelly will tell you, however, that it took a total team effort to beat a talented Dudley squad. ``I really feel like this team was destined to win tonight,'' the coach concluded. ``We wish (Dudley) luck next year with everything they have coming back. I'd hate to have to play them next year, but maybe we'll get that opportunity.'' So do all the Bulldogs fans, but before we look ahead to next season, let's take one more moment to savor this year's championship. Congratulations are in order to Coach Kelly and his assistants, Joey Freeman, Richard Brendle, Richard Austin, Lindy Hall, Brent McDowell, and Brian Nance. Again, led by Player of the Year King, and MVP McEachin, every member of the Bulldogs can take pride in the title quest. The other members of the championship team included J.B. McDowell, Jason Lewis, Spencer Smith, Jonathan Watts, Tim Kelly, Brian Downing, David Idol, Matt Watkins, Dane Young, Ben King, and Dustin Everette. Assisting all season long were managers Kristy Craig, Jennifer Hiatt, Carson Wheeler, Jerome Porter, along with statisticians Ashley Gentry and Blair Farlow. To Principal Daryl Barnes, Athletic Director Doug Tuggle, the coaches, players, students, faculty, staff, family, and friends of the Trinity Bulldogs, we say congratulations for capturing the 3-A state boys basketball championship. Speaking of threes, the girls basketball team at Thomasville High School is celebrating its third straight NCHSAA 1-A state championship. Also known as the Bulldogs, Thomasville defeated Farmville Central 67- 48 on March 13 to win the crown at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill. It was the second year in a row that Thomasville defeated Farmville Central in the title contest, but this year the squad was led by someone who wasn't even supposed to start the game. Charnette Davis was surprised by Head Coach Eric Rader when she was tapped to be in the starting lineup, and Charnette responded by scoring 18 points and pulling down 11 rebounds to be selected as the game's MVP. Charnette was also named as the MVP of the Western Regional final. This third crown capped a remarkable 30-1 season, and Coach Rader told the High Point Enterprise that, in his mind, the final outcome was never in doubt. ``When you have the heart of a champion like these ladies do, they never lose,'' Rader told the newspaper. For the last three years, the Thomasville Bulldogs have not lost and can celebrate this ``three-peat'' with pride and honor. The citizens of the Sixth District congratulate Coach Rader and his assistants Sara Larrick, Holly Harvey and Kelvin Caraway. In addition to MVP Davis, every member of the Thomasville girls basketball team contributed to the third straight title, including Leah Harris, Impris Manning, Mary Allen, Brittanny Marsh, LaShonda Cosby, Wudi Alford (who was named Most Outstanding Player for her 18-point performance in the championship game), Brittany Sanders, Tameka Thomas, Erin Crowder, Kendra Rutledge, Sha Harris, and Jenny Burgess. Providing valuable assistance all season long were managers Byron Lattimore, Andrew Oakley, Clifton Carroll, along with statistician Shanterra Robinson and video coordinator Jonathan Caraway. Again, we congratulate Principal Dick Gurley, Athletic Director Woody Huneycutt, the coaches, players, students, faculty, staff, family and friends of Thomasville High School on the winning of their third straight 1-A girls basketball championship. In keeping with our theme of threes, another high school in our district won its third boys basketball championship in five years and its second in a row. On February 28, Westchester Academy of High Point won the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA) 2-A title. The Wildcats defeated Carolina Day of Asheville 74- 52 at Ravenscroft High School in Raleigh. Even though this was not the first title for Westchester, Head Coach Pat Kahny said this one was significant. ``This was special,'' Coach Kahny told the High Point Enterprise. ``There was a lot of pressure trying to repeat as the number one seed, and there was pressure because we played before the biggest crowd all year.'' The title contest culminated a tremendous 29-2 season for the Wildcats. Following two consecutive losses at a tournament in December, Westchester ran off 20 straight wins on its way to the championship. Leading the way to the title was Jacob Briles, who poured in 37 points in the championship game while Toby Grauel added 21. Coach Kahny, however, does not think the offensive firepower the determining factor in the outcome. ``Our defense in the second quarter was the key,'' Coach Kahny told the Enterprise. We forced a number of turnovers and got several easy baskets in transition. They (Carolina Day) have a very good offensive team. To hold them to 23 points in the first half was a tremendous effort.'' Coach Kahny and his assistants Ken Hyde and Adam Schwartz led that tremendous effort all season long. In addition to Briles and Grauel, the members of the winning squad included Britt Hutchens, Myles Pearl, Kemil Kepinski, Will Moore, Dexter Garner, Coleman Team, Jack Vance, Emir Dukic, Jack Tucker, Anthony Peters, Robert Byrd, and Tuck Tucker. Supporting the squad all season long were managers Candice Gilliland, Andrea McNamara, Kathryn Thompson, and Jeff Galloway along with publicist Lore Fariss. Once more, we are pleased to congratulate Headmaster Tommy Hudgins, Athletic Director Kahny, the coaches, players, students, faculty, staff, family and friends of Westchester Academy for winning the NCISAA 2-A boys basketball championship. On a final note, Mr. Speaker, I am proud to acknowledge that either current or former staffers of mine are graduates of Trinity, Thomasville and Westchester. It makes their state championships all the more sweet, and we offer our heartfelt thanks for making us proud.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, this is a good amendment. Outside of industry centers such as New York and California, North Carolina, my State, leads the country in attracting film and television production to our State. This hours of service amendment would allow the motion picture industry to operate under the old hours of service rules under which they have an excellent safety record, but this will also afford them to keep production costs down. It is imperative, Mr. Chairman, that my State and other States be able to compete for this business. Too much of it is lost to Canada and other countries. As my friend from Alabama just said and gentlewoman from California mentioned, it is a good amendment. The Teamsters support this amendment. I support this amendment. I urge my colleagues to do likewise.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. And I too want to extend kudos to the gentleman from Alaska (Chairman Young), the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri), and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski), and for that matter members and staff on both sides of the aisle who sit on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. This has been a team effort personified. I am an avid supporter, Mr. Chairman, of H.R. 3550, the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users; and I am pleased it is now being considered on the floor today. I realize that Members have worked tirelessly at the end of a long day, but at a time when we have much work to do to address our Nation's critical infrastructure, while this country is indeed in dire need of upgrade and repair, this legislation is also a jobs bill; and I think some people casually overlook that fact. And the fact that it is a jobs bill will offer new opportunities to many of our Nation's recently unemployed workers. I want to thank the gentleman from Alaska (Chairman Young) and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri), with whom I have talked concerning an ancillary problem which involves the donor States of which North Carolina is one, among several others. First of all, I thank them for recognizing the problem, and I hope that we will be able to resolve this problem which continues to plague donor States such as my home State. This bill, Mr. Chairman, as I have said before the full Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, has jobs written all over it. It is an important step to address the problems that are a direct result of unsafe bridges and highways that continue to deteriorate. Mr. Chairman, unsafe bridges and unsafe highways abound in this great country from border to border, from ocean to ocean; and improvements must be forthcoming. This bill, it is my belief, will have the assurance that vehicular traffic will be allowed to flow more freely, resulting in the delivery of people and goods at their respective destinations in a safe and timely manner. I again thank the gentleman from Wisconsin, the chairman of the subcommittee, for yielding me this time.