Howard Coble

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on H.R. 1864, as amended, currently under consideration.

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1864) to limit the authority of States to tax certain income of employees for employment duties performed in other States, as amended.

Mr. COBLE. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1864. On the way back to Washington, D.C., this past weekend, I looked around in my local airport and saw dozens of business travelers preparing to board airplanes to leave North Carolina and conduct business in other States. This happens, Mr. Speaker, every day in every State in America. The American workforce is more mobile in the 21st century than it has ever been. Nonetheless, the diversity of State income tax laws places a significant burden on people who travel for work and their employers, many of which are small businesses. Currently, 41 States tax the wages earned by a nonresident for work performed there. I do not take issue with the right of those States to impose an income tax, but I am concerned that the disparity of tax rules among those States is damaging small businesses and stifling economic growth. For example, some States require a nonresident to pay income tax if he or she works in that State for just one day. Other states do not collect tax until the nonresident works for a certain number of days in the particular jurisdiction. Small businesses must expend considerable resources to figure out how much they must withhold for their traveling employees in 41 different jurisdictions. Employees are also confused about when their tax liability is triggered and in which States they must file a tax return. To alleviate this problem, on May 12 I introduced H.R. 1864, the Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Simplification Act, with the distinguished gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Johnson). The bill we introduced establishes a clear 30-day threshold for tax liability and employer withholding. Under the bill, States remain free to set any income tax rate they choose. Tax simplification--on both the Federal and State level--will allow workers and employers to predict their tax liabilities with accuracy and expend fewer resources researching the nuances of each State's respective tax law. The money they would have spent hiring accountants and tax lawyers can then be spent on creating meaningful jobs and growing the economy. I urge all Members to cast a ``yes'' vote on this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to cast a ``yes'' vote on this matter, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3534. Surety bonds are financial instruments used to provide financial security for large construction contracts. For example, prime contractors typically post payment bonds to assure subcontractors that they will be paid for their work. Prime contractors must also obtain bid and performance bonds to guarantee the owner that the work will be performed according to contract. The federal government regularly contracts with privately-owned businesses to complete construction projects. In doing so, the government requires contractors to obtain surety bonds. But the security provided to the government by a surety bond is only as good as the capital or assets that stand behind the bond. There are currently three ways a contractor can satisfy the federal government's requirement for adequate assurance of performance and payment. The contractor can obtain a bond from a corporate surety approved by the Treasury Department, give the United States a possessory security interest in low-risk, liquid assets, such as T- bills, cash, or cash equivalents, or the contractor can secure a bond from an individual surety. In recent years, there have been a number of instances in which individual surety bonds have not provided the security they purport to offer. In some cases, this was because the value of the pledged assets had decreased significantly, like when the stock market suddenly dropped or real estate values plummeted. H.R. 3534 addresses this problem by requiring individual sureties to pledge low-risk assets. This will benefit government and subcontractors, who typically get the short end of the stick. I am happy to report that H.R. 3534 is supported by the American Subcontractors Association and the National Association of Minority Contractors. I urge all members to vote ``yea'' on final passage for H.R. 3534.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 4967) to prevent the termination of the temporary office of bankruptcy judges in certain judicial districts, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, North Carolina has a long and distinguished list of college basketball National Champions. This year, however, there is only one school from the Old North State that will earn the right to hoist a National Championship banner. No, I do not mean the North Carolina State University Wolfpack, nor the Duke University Blue Devils and not even the University of North Carolina Tarheels. Please join me, Mr. Speaker, in congratulating the Sandhills Community College Flyers upon their rise to the 2012 National Junior College Athletic Association Division III Championship. Their 30 6 season ended with a commanding defeat of Cedar Valley College, from Dallas, Texas, by a score of 101 86. Outstanding play from Guard Daquain Towns, tournament MVP, and the tremendous coaching of Mike Apple led the Flyers, in only their third season, past teams in the play-offs from the Bronx, New York, Brookdale, New Jersey, and Prince George's County, Maryland. On March 17, the Sandhills Flyers became the first team from North Carolina to win a Division III National Championship and our office is proud to represent this fine group of young men. Each member of the Flyers deserves recognition for this outstanding achievement and they are: Michael Collins, TJ Gill, Raheem Jolliffe, Chris Morrison, Daquain Towns, Dre Huntley, Chris Vinson, Trevor Cole, Mike Dorsey, Raheem Washington, Michael Robinson, TJ Jones, Tramaine Pride, Louis Craft, Kermeriaz Harrington, Erick Ewing, Markell Lotharp, Demontre Jones. Coach: Mike Apple. Athletic Director: Aaron Denton. Congratulations also go out to Dr. John Dempsey and the Sandhills Community College family for putting together an organization that preserves North Carolina's premier basketball tradition while adding a new National Champion to our history books.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, last Saturday evening, I was watching the weekly Fox television program entitled ``Huckabee.'' Bullying was the featured issue. Mr. Speaker, bullying has become a severely significant issue in some schools across our country. Bullies, with limited exception, select their targets or victims in this manner: the victims are smaller in physical stature than are the bullies and are usually younger in years. The victims of bullying become depressed and embarrassed, resulting in physical and emotional damage. One young lad became so distraught that he died by his own hand. Yes, he took his own life because of the damage that bullying had inflicted upon him. The ``Huckabee'' program, in addition to having interviewed a bullying victim and his family, featured as well the director of the recently released movie entitled ``Bully.'' I urge you all to see this movie. Mr. Speaker, I want to insist that bullies are punished at their schools by their parents and are prosecuted as juveniles if they are still minors. We should cut no slack to bullies. They deserve no slack. If exposure could link the bullies to the aforementioned suicide, perhaps that should be pursued as well. Mr. Speaker, this bullying plague must be resolved, but it will be resolved only when the bullies receive the punishment they deserve.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me today to introduce Army Chaplain Rudy Stevens. Captain Stevens lives in North Carolina's Sixth Congressional District and serves the 2 504 Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. During his tenure, Mr. Speaker, Captain Stevens has received many awards, most notably the Bronze Star, the Air Assault Wings, and Jump Wings. He has been deployed, Mr. Speaker, on separate occasions and will continue his duty with a deployment to Afghanistan in the coming months. On behalf of the constituents of the Sixth District of North Carolina and my colleagues here in the people's House, Chaplain Stevens, we welcome you to the House of Representatives and extend our appreciation to you for having offered today's prayer.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, the saying that good things come to those who wait can be applied to the fans of the Walter H. Page High School football team. Page fans have been waiting since 1985 for their football team to capture a state championship. The Pirates completed a 15-0 perfect season with the title win, on December 3, 2011. I would like to take this time to recognize Page High School's football team, located in the Sixth District of North Carolina, for winning the Class 4-AA state championship. The Page Pirates defeated Garner High, 35-21, in front of more than 10,000 fans at BB&T Field in Winston Salem. The Pirates took the lead in the second quarter and never looked back. ``Our kids believed they were supposed to be here, and I believe they not only deserve to be here, but to win it, and we did,'' Page Coach Kevin Gillespie told the (Greensboro) News & Record. The program's undefeated 15-0 record solidifies both his and the player's beliefs. Garner High began to gain momentum and cut the lead to seven points in the third quarter, but Pirates quarterback, James Summers answered with a 54-yard touchdown on the very next play. This display of athleticism and determination earned him the game's Most Valuable Player award. All members of the Page football team contributed to the perfect season, including Jalen Gavin, Carter Stanley, Jonathan Lynch, Kysung Young, Brian Spain, Jarvis Small, Orlando Hatfield, Blake Hickman, Carter Greene, Jordan Putnam, Thomas Little, Christian Cranford, Marcus Demery, Ed Britt, Ryan Jackson, William Henry, Savon Wall, Shedrick Pate, Drew Rogers, Devonta Hooker, Kahlil Wilson, Evan Roer, A.J. Capel, Shaun Workinger, Grant Brewer, Eric Kelly, Justin Smith, Tim Wharton, Lorenzo Featherston, DeAnthony Brooks, Chance Maness, Ventura Anthony, Jacob Green, Anthony Hope, Chris Hamrick, Arrius McCain, David Jennings, Jaxon Cummings, Jonathan Smith, Kemp Young, Andrew Lamore, Dishon Stewart, Isaiah Towns, Rasheen Wall, Lewis Jones, Alex Alverez, Matt Mayfield, Tevin Morrison, Chris Mosley, , and Tommy Laughon. Credit must be given to Head Coach Kevin Gillespie and his staff including Norman Weeks, Gordon Hagen, Todd Halkyer, Cody Page, Wilson Helms, Chris Ferguson, Kevin Harris, Earl Sams, Jesse Britt, Malcolm Parker, Mark Raynor and Russell Mills, for the success and growth these young men accomplished this season. Additionally deserving credit is Principal Marilyn Foley, Athletic Director Rusty Lee, Nikki Kennedy (Trainer), and Jeremy Godwin (Statistician). They may have waited 27 years, but winning with a perfect record was worth the wait. Again, on behalf of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we congratulate the Page High School football program, along with the faulty, staff, students and supportive community for their championship season.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, for the second consecutive year, a high school located in the Sixth District of North Carolina has captured a Class 3-AA state championship. The Northern Guilford Nighthawks won the North Carolina High School Athletic Association state championship, defeating Boiling Springs Crest, 31-7, on December 3, 2011. Northern Guilford scored first but only had a six point lead going into the second half. Nineteen unanswered points, in the third quarter was too substantial for Boiling Springs Crest to overcome. ``I know I get credit,'' Northern Guilford Coach Johnny Roscoe told the Greensboro News & Record, ``But it's the assistant coaches and the players. They're the ones who really do it, and I can't say enough about them.'' The Northern Guilford Nighthawks finished their season with a 14-1 record and went undefeated, 7-0, in league play. The NCHSAA offensive and defensive players of the game were Nighthawks Daniel Downing and Scooter Mooney. T.J. Logan received the game's Most Valuable Player award with a five touchdown performance. None of these accolades would have been obtained without the hard work and determination from teammates Tre Purcell, Cameron Harris, Brett Welch, Austin Hoke, John McBeth, Ryan Dirks, Nick Jones, Austin Coltrane, Mark Mitchell, Avery Cooper, Shaquille Fields, Burney Sindab, Justin Timmons, Chris Ripberger, Malik Parker, Robert Willcox, Rory Bergen, Bernard Sindab, T.J. Ruff, Trip Dunn, Trevon Cooper, Frankie Lollis, Ryan Johnston, Trevor McKee, Austin Simmons, Max Klietsch, Tripp West, Blaine Jones, Eric Hong, Josh Steele, Kamen Smith, Chris Forlano, Trevor Beck, Rashad Martin, Sam Parker, Andrew Keen, Bryan Iddings, Taylor Rumley, Molick Scott, Josh Moore, Alex Hasler, and Carlos Williams. The Nighthawks could not have achieved the state championship without the leadership of Head Coach Johnny Roscoe and his outstanding staff, including J.R. Troutman, Brian Thomas, Lee Meekins, Ben Hepler, Justin Davis, Todd Sharp, Tim Bagamary, Richard Burton, and Chris Shaffer. In addition, those aiding the title hunt were Stacy Come (Cheerleading), Ed Kimbrough (Band Director), Ashlyn Thomas and Jenna Livingston (Video), Britt Thomas (ball boy), Kirstin Shepperson (Team Physician), Justin Ollis (Trainer), Kalyn Wadsworth and K.T. Song (UNCG Athletic Training Interns), Mercedes Wiglesworth, Sydney Monroe and Taylor Phillips (Student Trainers), Perry Johnson (Manager) and a special thanks to Mrs. Jane Roscoe. Congratulations are also deserved for those who supported the football program at Northern Guilford throughout its successful season including Principal Will Laine, Assistant Principals Doug Foutty, Kris Vecchione, and Travis Ward, as well as Athletic Director Brian Thomas. Once more, on behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we congratulate the Northern Guilford High School football team, along with the faculty, staff and students for their championship season. While everyone remembers the first time they achieved a major accomplishment, the Nighthawks proved that the second time is as sweet as the first.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, last month I was a sick pup. This month, I am a recovering pup. During my sick pup days, I became the beneficiary of cards and letters from well-wishers, personal visits, telephone calls, and emails. Many of these expressions originated here in the people's House. And the purpose of my 1-minute today is to convey my expression of appreciation to my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans, for their generous support during that period.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we wish to extend our best wishes to the King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, today on his birthday. For more than half a century, King Bhumibol Adulyadej has applied technical ingenuity and resources to build his vision of a modern, prosperous Thailand. He has continually sought to improve the lives of the Thai people. King Bhumibol's philosophy of a ``sufficiency economy,'' developed and refined since the 1970s, provides guidelines for individuals and businesses on how to conduct themselves in life. The King's philosophy emphasizes moderation, responsible consumption and resiliency. In 2006, in recognition of King Bhumibol's contributions to sustainable, human- centered development, the United Nations Development Programme awarded him its first-ever Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award. Thailand has been America's friend since 1833 and our oldest Treaty ally in Asia. Our economies are tied together, our militaries train together, and our people-to-people ties have never been stronger. Again, on behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we are pleased to join our friends in Thailand as its people celebrate the Seventh Cycle Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on December 5, 2011.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith) for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 3010. I reiterate what I said yesterday regarding regulatory legislation, that when critics accuse those of us who support it and furthermore accuse us of being willing to compromise health and safety standards: not guilty. But we are guilty of trying to reduce the number of redundant, excessive regulations--bad, onerous regulations. To that, I do plead guilty. As I meet with representatives from industries in my congressional district and other districts here in Washington, one message is imminently clear: our regulatory process is out of control. There's enormous uncertainty over what actions agencies will take, there's uncertainty over which agencies have jurisdiction, and there's concern about the actions of independent agencies. It is important to note that these perceptions are not a part of a larger campaign to discredit the Republican or Democratic agendas. They highlight a growing perception that our government is simply out of touch. The process is missing checks and balances, which are the cornerstone of our democracy, while regulators have virtually limitless resources and power. The result has enabled special interests to impose their will on certain areas of our regulatory system after clearing few hoops and low hurdles. This was not the intent of the Administrative Procedures Act and explains a legacy of executive orders requiring that agencies issue narrowly tailored, less costly alternatives that began with the Reagan administration. Other costs continue to hit close to home, Mr. Chairman. They drive businesses to other countries, costing thousands of jobs. Many will argue that regulations create jobs. That may well be true of good, sound regulations; but ask many of the employers who have relocated their manufacturing facilities, and they will tell you it's in large part due to our regulatory government. Every industry in America is concerned about our regulatory regime, and there is little doubt that bad regulations have driven American jobs to other countries. The solution is not more regulation, Mr. Chairman. It's better and more effective regulation, which is exactly what H.R. 3010 is intended to create, much like H.R. 527, the small business regulatory reform bill that we approved yesterday. When the Administrative Procedure Act was implemented, few imagined that our government would issue a regulation that would threaten the viability of an entire industry. Today, unfortunately, many would say this has become the routine practice. Prime examples are the EPA Cement MACT rule, OSHA's Noise Guidance, and HHS's grandfather plan rule. Some describe them as misguided. Others would say they're downright reckless. H.R. 3010 addresses the situation by implementing new requirements that would give stakeholders a legitimate opportunity to improve regulations as they are proposed, promulgated, and ultimately implemented. In fact, most of the reforms included in this legislation simply codify President Obama's Executive Order 13563, Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review. Finally, the bill will not change any existing regulatory standard or requirement. The overwhelming view from my congressional district is that Federal regulations are driving American ingenuity and opportunity to other countries. Improving our regulatory process may be one of the most significant legislative considerations that we can provide to help preserve our safety and provide economic opportunity for future generations. Mr. Chairman, we continue to hear, Jobs, jobs, jobs, echoed from shore to shore, border to border. This is a good piece of legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith) for having yielded to me. Mr. Chairman, those who oppose H.R. 527 insist that those of us who support it are willing to compromise health and safety standards. Since criticism is not justified, we simply are refining the process. Excessive regulations and bad regulations serve no good purpose. My district is not unlike many others. We are still suffering from the recession. While we once claimed many manufacturing and producing distinctions, much of our manufacturing has either disappeared or has gone to other places. Bad regulations don't help matters. They create unnecessary costs, uncertainty for employers, do not improve public health or safety, and they are particularly burdensome for small businesses. Two critical laws that help ensure regulators will take into account the impact of proposed regulations on small businesses are the Regulatory Flexibility Act and the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. In essence, these laws require agencies to conduct economic impact analyses of proposed rules on small businesses. Unfortunately, regulators routinely utilize waivers and exceptions from both laws and promulgate regulations without taking into account their economic impacts on small businesses. The Regulatory Flexibility Act and the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act do not block the flow of Federal regulation. They, rather, help guide it. We need regulations and small businesses need regulations, but the regulations must be effective and efficient or they could do more harm than good. H.R. 527 will improve future regulations by requiring agencies to conduct the economic impact analyses of proposed regulations on small businesses before they are implemented. In doing so, it will enhance the basic requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act, and it will extend the advocacy review panel requirements to all agencies, including to all of the independent agencies. The Administrative Procedure Act was not intended to create a regime whereby executive agencies could implement a regulation without recourse. Unfortunately, there are countless situations in which agencies have implemented rules and regulations that are unnecessary, redundant, or unjustifiably costly. H.R. 527 will help ensure that agencies do not overlook the critical interests of small businesses, and it will help prevent agencies from promulgating wasteful regulations. Finally, the Congressional Budget Office estimated that H.R. 527 will cost $80 million between 2012 and 2016. Although there may not be a quantifiable means to assess the benefits of H.R. 527, from the perspective of a small business, they are, indeed, priceless. Also, it's important to note that, among many others, the National Taxpayers Union, the National Association of Independent Business, the United States Chamber of Commerce, and the National Association of Manufacturers have endorsed H.R. 527. H.R. 527 is critical for small businesses, Mr. Chairman, and it will not impede the ability of agencies to promulgate regulations. This is good government legislation. We do not need more regulation. We need better regulations, which is exactly what H.R. 527 will achieve; so I urge support in the final passage of this bill.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 822. Conceal-and-carry permits may be one of the most scrutinized permits for gun owners to receive. Unfortunately, the manner in which these permits are recognized by various States is confusing and inconsistent. H.R. 822 will help resolve this dilemma, Mr. Chairman. For example, in my home State of North Carolina, conceal-and-carry permits from South Carolina and Georgia are recognized, but not permits from New Mexico. Meanwhile, New Mexico readily recognizes conceal-and-carry permits from North Carolina. If enacted, there would be no discrepancy over which permits are valid. Another reason for supporting H.R. 822 is that it protects State sovereignty. States are not required to issue conceal-and-carry permits, and State laws regarding the use and ownership of firearms are explicitly preserved. I firmly believe that the Second Amendment confirms a constitutional right for individuals to own a firearm, Mr. Chairman. I also believe that ownership and use of a firearm carries a special level of personal responsibility. This bill promotes both of these ideals; and if enacted, it will help make America safer, which probably explains why this bill has 245 cosponsors. I thank the chairman for yielding.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. I thank the gentleman from Florida for yielding. Mr. Speaker, pardon my immodesty, but as the only Member of the United States Congress who is also a Coast Guardsman, I can speak with some credibility regarding the Coast Guard. It is my belief that the American taxpayer has more bang for his buck from the United States Coast Guard than from, probably, any other Federal agency. It continues to do more with less: be it the search and rescue program, which is endless; be it the drug interdiction that appears to be endless as well; be it the Aids to Navigation program with which the Coast Guard continues to stay on top of the play; be it the ice patrols in the Arctic, the Antarctic, the Great Lakes, and others. The Coast Guard stands always ready. I am thankful of the comments surrounding this dialogue, and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the rule and in favor of the bill authorizing the Coast Guard during this time.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. I thank the gentleman from Arizona for yielding. Mr. Speaker, wireless communications have become a mainstay of modern day Americana. There are now over 290 million wireless subscribers in the United States. As mobile phones become more common and available, they have also become more critical to their users. You don't have to look far in Washington to find someone talking or texting on a mobile device, or, for that matter, in my home in Greensboro, North Carolina. They're everywhere. They are ubiquitous. While most of this is the result of sheer demand, the Federal Government has taken important steps to ensure that we have quality mobile service that is accessible to everyone. Unfortunately, some State and local taxing authorities have begun to impose higher taxes on wireless services than on other goods and services. Often times, these taxes are arbitrary and go unnoticed because they're passed on to consumers as another line item at the bottom of their monthly wireless phone bill. Although States and local governments should not be prohibited from taxing wireless services, they also should not use wireless as a revenue cow. The Wireless Tax Fairness Act would impose a 5-year moratorium on any new discriminatory wireless taxes. Current wireless tax rates, even if higher than taxes on other services, would not be changed or affected by this bill. Thus, State and local revenue projections from wireless taxes will not be affected. This bill would give States breathing room to reform their wireless tax policies at the State and local level, which they have admitted they need to do. I'm pleased to support this legislation and again thank the gentleman from Arizona for having yielded.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, at one time, North Carolina's Sixth Congressional District was one of America's manufacturing power houses. Over the years, our manufacturing strength has been compromised by discriminatory trade practices that unfairly benefit overseas competitors. Unfortunately, the Korea-United States Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) is a critically flawed trade proposal. With respect to textiles, South Korea has a highly sophisticated and vertically integrated industry. In 2010, South Korea was America's 8th largest supplier of textiles and apparel by volume. For example, yarns and fabrics, the largest component of the U.S. industry, South Korea was America's 2nd largest source of imports this past year. The U.S. textile industry is staunchly opposed to the KORUS agreement due to the fact that it provides Korean textile exporters with instant, duty-free access for virtually all textile and apparel products, while giving U.S. producers no time to adjust. At the same time, KORUS has a number of non-reciprocal tariff phase-outs that favor the South Korean textile industry in key product areas. We also understand that China could exploit the KORUS agreement by utilizing business relationships in South Korea to reach U.S. markets. Our manufacturers are competing against foreign trade barriers, high tariffs, export subsidies, state-ownership of enterprises, and currency manipulation. The goals of this Congress should be to prioritize fixing U.S. trade policy, stopping manufacturing job loss, and closing the trade deficit. South Korea and its people are true allies of the United States, and I value our diplomatic relations. As a Korean War-era veteran, I have witnessed first-hand how relations between our two great nations have improved dramatically over the years. Unfortunately, I cannot support KORUS because it will do real harm to the North Carolina textile industry. I am sure that our two countries will continue our harmonious relations, but I am hopeful that we can reach a trade deal someday that is fair and equitable to both trading partners. On the other hand, trade with Colombia and Panama does not pose similar threats to the textile industry in the United States generally and North Carolina's Sixth Congressional District specifically. In fact, textile trade among these great nations is healthy and balanced-- we trade raw materials, value added materials and finished goods. Furthermore, agreements with Colombia and Panama are far less likely to be exploited by countries such as China or Vietnam. Colombia and Panama are strategic diplomatic partners with America in Central and South America. Free trade agreements with these countries will boost our economy, according to the International Trade Commission. A deal with Colombia will boost exports of goods by $1.1 billion and add $2.5 billion to our Gross Domestic Product. An agreement with Panama will greatly improve the export of American agricultural goods, manufactured goods, specialized services, and support other diplomatic efforts to close a notorious tax reporting loophole that involves money laundering and tax cheating. The agreements with Colombia and Panama show the way fair trade agreements should be written. My hope remains that a similar deal can be reached with Korea in the near future.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 764 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Stated against:

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I join with many others to congratulate our good friends, The Republic of China (commonly known as Taiwan), on their 100th anniversary, which will take place on October 10, 2011. Relatively speaking, America is not much older than Taiwan. The United States has only been around for 235 years, and like Taiwan, is young in comparison to many of the countries of the world. To the people of Taiwan, October 10th is revered as much as July 4th in the United States. As many remember, we had a huge celebration for our bicentennial in 1976. Just to put in perspective how long ago the United States celebrated our 100th anniversary in 1876, our president was Ulysses S. Grant, Alexander Graham Bell made his famous first phone call to Watson, and the United States only had 37 states at the beginning of that year. Just as we have progressed in our second 100 years, Taiwan has greatly changed in its first 100 years, as well. One of the most exciting changes is that Taiwan has become a full-blown democracy over the last 15 years having its first actual direct elections for president in 1996. Since then, Taiwan has had three successful transfers of power from one party to another, showing the fairness and legitimacy of its elections. Taiwan is a beacon of democracy in Southeast Asia, and we look forward to our continued friendship for many years to come. On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we offer our congratulations to Taiwan on its centennial celebration.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, as Major League Baseball begins its post- season push, the professional minor leagues are concluding their seasons. The citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina are celebrating the first championship since 1982 of the Greensboro Grasshoppers of the South Atlantic League. The Hoppers--as their fans affectionately call them--were a dramatic, come-from-behind team all season. It took the final games of the season for the Hoppers to even qualify for post-season play. Greensboro split the first two games at home in the best-of-five championship series against the Savannah Sand Gnats. When the series moved to Savannah, the Hoppers lost game three to the Sand Gnats. It has been 11 years in the ``Sally League'' since a team leading two-games-to-one failed to clinch the championship. With Savannah needing only one more win to capture the South Atlantic League title, the Hoppers were facing the end of their season, when they pulled out a heart-stopping, 11-inning win to force a fifth and deciding game. Even in the championship game, Greensboro fell behind 2-0 early before cruising to 7-3 win to capture its first South Atlantic League championship in almost three decades. Hoppers Manager Andy Haines told the Greensboro News & Record that he could not pick a Most Valuable Player for the series. ``There's no way I could name anyone,'' Haines told the newspaper. ``We had a lot of guys contribute. It was someone different every night.'' All of the Grasshoppers can be proud of the regular season, along with the dramatic run to the title. Among those who were part of Greensboro's first championship since 1982 included: pitchers Michael Brady, Alex Caldera, Jordan Conley, Grant Dayton, James Leverton, Miguel Mejia, Robert Morey, Gregory Nappo, Mike Ojala, Chris Shafer, Rett Varner, Kyle Winters, and Brett Zawacki. The catchers were Aaron Dudley, Wilfredo Gimenez, and Jacob Realmuto. The infielders included Daniel Black, Joe Bonadonna, Mark Canha, Ryan Fisher, and Noah Perio. The outfielders were lssac Galloway, Marcell Ozuna, James Wooster, and Christian Yelich. Only one of those on the disabled list, Zachary Neal, made it onto the post-season roster, but the others contributed during the year and they included Kevin Cravey, Alan Oaks, Jay Rogers, Adam Veres, and Sean Watson. Greensboro is one of the best-run minor league teams in the entire United States and it is because of an outstanding front office. This championship caliber group includes: Donald Moore, President/General Manager; Katie Dannemiller, Vice President, Baseball Operations; Jimmy Kesler, CFO; Tim Vangel, Assistant General Manager, Sales and Marketing; Jake Holloway, Assistant General Manager, Head Groundskeeper; Erich Dietz, Director of Ticketing; Todd Olson, Sales Associate; Murray White, Sales Associate; Joey Burridge, Sales Associate/Ticket Representative; Rosalee Brewer, Sales Associate; John Redhead, Executive Director of Business Development; Laura Damico, Director of Community and Event Development; Shawn Russell, Director of Promotions/Production; Amanda Williams, Director of Creative Services; Yunhui Bradshaw, Director of Merchandise; Chad Green, Assistant Director of Stadium Operations; Kaid Musgrave, Assistant Groundskeeper; and Bob Perry, Clubhouse Director. Championship Skipper Andy Haines was ably assisted by Pitching Coach Willie Glen and Hitting Coach Kevin Randel. The players were kept in championship form all season long by Athletic Trainer Masa Fujimoto and Strength and Conditioning Coach Cody Clark. On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we congratulate Greensboro Grasshoppers owners Cooper Brantley, Wes Elingburg and Len White and everyone affiliated with the Hoppers on providing its fans with so many dramatic moments during a memorable season. All of us who love the Hoppers are basking in the glow of the first South Atlantic League Championship since 1982. We may see some of today's Grasshoppers playing for the parent club--the Florida Marlins-- in the near future, but none of us will forget the 2011 season when Greensboro came from behind numerous times to win it all.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2633) to amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify the time limits for appeals in civil cases to which United States officers or employees are parties, as amended.

Mr. COBLE. I thank my friend from Michigan for his kind words. Mr. Speaker, I also yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1059) to protect the safety of judges by extending the authority of the Judicial Conference to redact sensitive information contained in their financial disclosure reports, and for other purposes.