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. 1059 currently under consideration.

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I support H.R. 1059 and again thank the distinguished gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers) for having sponsored it. I also thank the distinguished gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cohen) and the distinguished gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Johnson) for having served as cosponsors. H.R. 1059 promotes an important goal--providing security for Federal judges. Under the Ethics in Government Act, judges and other high-level judicial branch officials must file annual financial disclosure reports. This requirement increases public confidence in government officials and better enables the public to judge the performance of those officials. However, recognizing the nature of the judicial function and the increased security risks it entails, Congress also enacted legislation that allowed the Judicial Conference to redact statutorily required information in a financial disclosure report where release of such information could possibly endanger the filer or his or her family. Those seeking to harm or intimidate Federal judges might use a disclosure form to identify where someone's spouse or child works or goes to school on a regular basis. However, individuals targeting judges for harassment have also been known to file false liens on properties owned by judges and their families. Harassers could use judicial financial disclosure reports to more easily identify such property. The Judicial Conference delegated to its Committee on Financial Disclosure the responsibility for implementing the financial disclosure requirements for judges and judicial employees under the Ethics in Government Act. The committee monitors the release of financial disclosure reports to ensure compliance with the statute. In consultation with the U.S. Marshals Service, the committee also reviews and approves or disapproves any request for the redaction of statutorily mandated information where the filer believes the release of the information could endanger the filer or his or her family. Under the Judicial Conference's regulations, no redaction will be granted without a clear nexus between a security risk and the information for which a redaction is sought. The law has worked well through the years and has been reauthorized twice since 2001. But it expires at the end of this calendar year if we fail to act--an outcome that is unacceptable. Last year, the Marshals Service investigated and analyzed almost 1,400 threats and inappropriate communications to judicial officials--nearly three times as many threats recorded in 2003. There were more than 3,900 ``incidents'' and arrests at U.S. court facilities in 2010. Financial disclosures are an important part of maintaining an open and transparent government, Mr. Speaker. But government transparency should not come at the cost of personal security for government officials. Judges and other judicial employees perform important work that is integral to our democratic system of government. In order to preserve the integrity of our democracy, we must protect the integrity of our courts. And that means ensuring the security of judges and other judicial employees from intimidation and threats. In conclusion, there's no evidence that the law is being abused. I support H.R. 1059 and urge my colleagues to extend the redaction authority permanently. I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I want to thank the ranking member of the Courts Subcommittee, Mr. Cohen, the distinguished gentleman from Tennessee, and the ranking member of the full committee, Mr. Conyers, the distinguished gentleman from Michigan, for their having cosponsored the bill. I introduced the bill, H.R. 2633, at the behest of the United States Judicial Conference. It addresses a small problem that must be fixed or attended to prior to December 1 of this year. Under the existing Rules Enabling Act, the Judicial Conference may develop changes to existing Federal rules of procedure and evidence. The Supreme Court submits any agreed-upon amendments to Congress no later than May 1 of a given calendar year. The changes take effect on December 1 unless Congress intervenes during the interim. This year, as part of its rules package, the Supreme Court submitted proposed amendments to Appellate Rule 4 that clarify the treatment of the time to appeal in civil cases involving a United States officer or employee. Because the time to appeal in a civil case is set not only by Appellate Rule 4 but also by section 2107 of title 28 of the U.S. Code, the Advisory Committee on Appellate Rules has proposed that the Judicial Conference seek legislation to make the same clarifying change to section 2107. Appellate Rule 4 and section 2107 currently provide that the time to appeal is 30 days for most civil cases, but that the appeal time for all parties is 60 days when the parties to the case include ``the United States,'' a United States ``officer,'' or a United States ``agency.'' The problem is that current law is not clear concerning the applicability of the longer period in cases in which the Federal party is a United States officer or employee sued in an individual capacity. The proposed amendments in H.R. 2633 simply clarify that the longer period applies to such an individual or employee, just as it does to the United States Government or a United States agency. A lawsuit against a Federal officer or employee under these conditions requires the Federal Government to decide whether to represent that individual. This requires time, as the government must evaluate the case, determine whether an appeal should be taken, and ultimately obtain the Solicitor General's approval. The proposed revisions to Appellant Rule 4 are on a glide path to December 1. It's important to promote the consistency between the rules and title 28 by ensuring that we enact H.R. 2633, which also takes effect on December 1. The only change to the bill as reported by our committee is the inclusion of ``findings'' language developed by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The main point of this text is to clarify that the 60-day period applies to cases involving article I litigants, including Members of the House of Representatives and Senators. This addition is entirely consistent with the legislative history of the bill and is fully supported by the Judicial Conference. This will also help to expedite passage of H.R. 2633 by the other body. Mr. Speaker, this is bipartisan legislation devoid of controversy. It treats Federal litigants fairly under the Appellate Rules and assists the courts in correctly interpreting those rules. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2633, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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 material on H.R. 2633, as amended, currently under consideration.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 612, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, many Members of recent sessions of Congress have not been known as practitioners of fiscal discipline. Balanced budget amendment philosophy has well served thousands of governmental entities and hundreds of thousands of households. Now is the time for the Congress to embrace a balanced budget amendment which will then set us upon a course where fiscal discipline is not merely an option but a necessity. Only then, Mr. Speaker, will the Congress balance its own budget. I urge support of this worthwhile and commonsense piece of legislation and would like to see it enacted, although that probably will not be the conclusion.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. I thank the gentleman from Ohio for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I come to the floor today to express strong support for H.R. 2018. I commend Chairman Mica and Ranking Member Rahall for their hard work in crafting a bill that brings back a sane balance between the States and Federal regulators. By the EPA's own admission, Mr. Chairman, current regulations will cost the United States $109 billion by the end of year 2020. In areas of the Sixth District of North Carolina, EPA currently has the ability to second- guess or delay the State's Clean Water Act permits, even though it has already approved the State's program. It is furthermore important to note that the American Farm Bureau Federation, as the gentleman from Ohio previously mentioned, strongly supports this legislation that I believe we need to keep the EPA off the family farm. Current EPA regs will have a disastrous effect on farmers and quarry owners and will add tremendous costs and delays to commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects. Mr. Chairman, I urge passage of H.R. 2018. Again, I thank the gentleman from Ohio for yielding.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. This week, Madam Speaker, I will introduce a bill that will amend the rules applicable to participation in the congressional pension plan. Under the present plan, upon completion of 5 years' service, a Member's pension vests. I believe a Member should make a more firm commitment than 5 years to become eligible to participate in the plan. My bill, Madam Speaker, will increase the eligibility requirement from 5 years to 12 years. The bill, if enacted, will become effective at the convening of the 113th Congress. A Member could serve six 2-year House terms, two 6-year Senate terms or a combination thereof to become eligible to participate in the congressional pension plan. If any colleagues are interested in my proposal, I will welcome cosponsors to the bill.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, Jack McKeon resides in Elon, North Carolina. And in 2003, he became the oldest manager to win a World Series championship, having defeated the New York Yankees. Jack was recently recalled by the Florida Marlins and now finds himself in the Marlin wheelhouse again, this time as the second oldest manager to manage a Major League team. Jack responded when people questioned his age. He said, ``Experience should not be penalized.'' And Trader Jack further said, ``I'll probably be managing when I'm 95.'' From one octogenarian to another, on behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we extend hearty good wishes to Jack McKeon for the remainder of this season and until he is 95 years of age.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. I thank the gentleman from Texas. And I say to my friend from North Carolina, it was my belief that diversion had ended. But let me make my statement, and maybe we can get to this subsequently. A robust patent system, Madam Chairman, is critical to a strong, developed economy. And H.R. 1249, in my opinion, serves that goal by ending diversion of user fees to other agencies. Ending diversion is essential to a robust and strong patent system, it seems to me. This is not a new concept. It's been a controversial issue for many years; but we're at a point where if something isn't done, the office is going to be overwhelmed. When someone asks why I support patent reform, I respond, The answer is simple, two words: backlog and pendency. The number of pending applications, I am told, is around 700,000, and the average time for an application to be reviewed is 30 months. This is unacceptable. The number of pending claims should be approximately 300,000 and the pendency time period should be approximately 20 months, or 10 months less than what it is now. Patents provide innovative and economic incentives for creators. If our patent system loses its efficacy, those incentives will become diluted. The dilution begins very simply when inventors decide to find other forms of protection for their ideas or begin marketing their ideas independently to avoid the cost and sometimes hassle of filing for patent protection. Reducing the backlog and pendency rate depends on the office's ability to improve the performance of examiners and to provide additional examiners. Enacting H.R. 1249, in my opinion, Mr. Chairman, and ending diversion will provide that needed certainty for the office to begin making the changes to meet these goals. I urge Members to vote in favor of the bill.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, many senior citizens who travel to Florida are doing so to enjoy the retired life after years of working while filling their days with hours spent on the beach. Jack McKeon, from the Sixth District of North Carolina, crushes this stereotype as he begins his second term as manager of baseball's Florida Marlins. McKeon has the full support of his family to leave his home in the town of Elon to return to the world of professional baseball, a move that makes him the second-oldest manager in history. This calculated return comes with pressure as McKeon led the Marlins to the 2003 World Series championship. His age is sometimes criticized, but the 80-year- old McKeon said, ``I look at it this way--why should experience get penalized? I've managed since I was 14 years old. I'll probably manage until I'm 95.'' Marlins president of baseball operations, Larry Beinfest, said, ``It's good to see [McKeon] back. He never really left. We turn to him to help us at a very difficult time.'' The Florida Marlins seem to be in need of McKeon after a recent 10-game losing streak and the resignation of former manager Edwin Rodriguez. McKeon is passionate and optimistic about his return and has high hopes for the coming season. ``I don't need this job,'' McKeon said, ``but I love it.'' From one octogenarian to another, and on behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we congratulate Jack McKeon on resuming his duties as manager of the Florida Marlins and wish him the best of luck for the remainder of this season and for however long he wishes to manage. We know that whenever he retires for good, we are sure that it will be in the Sixth District of North Carolina.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, unlike other sports, baseball is unique because there is no clock. Unless weather intervenes, the game ends only when the leading team records 27 outs. The baseball team at Randleman High School, located in the Sixth District of North Carolina, discovered that getting the last out can be the most difficult of all. Randleman won the North Carolina High School Athletic Association State 2-A championship on Saturday, June 4, 2011, in dramatic fashion by collecting that final out with a play at the plate. The Randleman Tigers won this state championship with an 8-7 victory over defending state champion East Rutherford High School. The game was played on Doak Field at North Carolina State University. The Tigers won the best of three series, two games to one. This was Randleman's first appearance in the finals since 1985 and marks an important achievement in the school's history. In the last inning, a six-run lead dissolved to two. Another hit scored the seventh run for East Rutherford, but as the tying run was heading to the plate, Randleman's Tyler Walls launched a perfect throw to cut-off man Dylan Richardson. The Tiger's shortstop never paused as he whipped the relay to catcher Zach Bach to get the last out and give Randleman its first state title ever. Head Coach Van Hurley, Jr., told the Asheboro Courier Tribune, ``To win like that, Curtis [Linthicum] to throw like that. It's all unbelievable. We had three outs to get and six runs to give. I had complete confidence that he was going to do it.'' With a grand slam on Friday and pitching the gutty win on Saturday, Curtis Linthicum received the MVP award. Joining him on the state championship team were Will Albertson, Easton Welch, Ted Luna, Jacob Tally, Dexter Allen, Jeremy Taylor, Dylan Richardson, Ryan Vickers, Cody Trogdon, Tyler Walls, Connor Pratt and Zach Bach. The winning team was led by Head Coach Van Hurley, Jr., who was ably assisted by coaches Shawn Barker, Clayton Welch and Scott Clemons. The Tigers finished their extraordinary season with a record of 28-4 and the satisfaction that comes from experiencing the result of practice and hard work right up until that final out. On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we congratulate the Randleman High School baseball team for winning the 2011 state title.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, for years, the sounds and drama of American Idol have captivated the eyes and ears of Americans, gluing them to their TVs to find out who the next great singing star would be. Over the 11 seasons of American Idol mania, the state of North Carolina and the Sixth District have been well represented in the finals of this singing competition. This season's American Idol competition was no different, ending with 17-year-old Scotty McCreery, from Garner, North Carolina, crowned as the latest American Idol. Scotty has strong connections to the Sixth District, as well. Several members of Scotty's family live in our area. His grandmother and grandfather, Paquita and Bill McCreery, reside in the Moore County town of Aberdeen, while his aunt and uncle, Tina and Billy Creech, live just down the road in Pinehurst. The members of Scotty's family, however, are just some of a long line of connections to the Sixth District of North Carolina. We have been home to two previous finalists in the American Idol competition, Fantasia Barrino and Chris Daughtry. Fantasia, from High Point, won the American Idol competition during its third season. Daughtry, from McLeansville, though he did not win the competition, has gone on to become a successful recording artist, releasing several multi-platinum albums. North Carolina is one of only two states that can boast more than three finalists over the competition's history; the other is Alabama. North Carolina has had a total of seven finalists over the years. Joining Barrino, Daughtry and McCreery as American Idol finalists are four other proud North Carolinians. Clay Aiken of Raleigh, Bucky Covington of Rockingham, Kellie Pickler of Albermarle, and Anoop Desai of Cary, a UNC-Chapel Hill alumnus, all represented North Carolina in the finals of the competition, as well. Even Scotty McCreery's grandmother, Paquita, got some face time on American Idol. Like any proud grandmother would do, she used her chance at the microphone to tell the world, ``That's my Scotty.'' On behalf of the residents of the Sixth District, we offer our congratulations to Scotty and his family who live in the Sixth District. And from the state of North Carolina, we say again, congratulations, ``That's our Scotty.''

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I am sure that everyone is familiar with the famous Sunday back nine ``fireworks'' of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club, almost as familiar as we are with the superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th. Well, the final round back nine fireworks were anything but an unlucky Friday the 13th for the Greensboro College men's golf team. For this particular Friday the 13th, the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina congratulate the Pride's golf team for being crowned the NCAA Division III National Champions. On Friday, May 13, 2011, the Greensboro College men's golf team took the course for the final round of the NCAA championships, not on the grounds of Augusta, but those of the East Course at Grandover Resort, located in Greensboro, North Carolina, also in our district. The day began with Greensboro College ahead of the second-place team by three strokes. Pride junior Ben Nihart told the Greensboro News & Record that, ``We really wanted to get off to a good start because that puts more pressure on the teams that are behind us to try and catch up.'' Early in the day, however, it seemed as if Friday the 13th would live up to its billing as an unlucky day for the men of Greensboro College. The team from Illinois Wesleyan, which eventually ended the tournament as runners-up, came off the first tee playing well, chasing hot on the heels of Greensboro College throughout the front nine, a chase that culminated with Illinois Wesleyan grabbing a one-stroke lead after 14 holes. That is when the Pride kicked it into high gear, combining for nine birdies on the back nine. Spearheaded by Brock Elder of Greensboro, a graduate of Vandalia Christian School, the Pride roared back from one stroke down, running out to a six-stroke lead over the final four holes to claim the National Championship. Elder fired a 67, coming in five under par for the day, and finishing tied for fifth overall in the individual championship. The Pride also got solid performances from Ben Nihart, who shot a one under par 71, and Kirk Mitchell, who shot a three over par 75, to help Greensboro College claim the title. Throughout the season, the Pride benefitted from solid performances by all of their team members. The National Championship squad consisted of Brian Critzer, Tres Currie, Clint Dillon, Brock Elder, Joshua Hudgins, Connor Kennedy, Josh Masterson, Kirk Mitchell, Josh Nichols, Ben Nihart, Gregory Pappas, and Nick Peoples. The head coach guiding this group of young men to the National Championship is Dirk Fennie. The effort and determination put in by the men of the Greensboro College golf team was clear; they began the tournament with one goal in mind. Ben Nihart told the News & Record, ``I told my coach, and I said, I'm playing to win a national championship. I know everyone on our team was. There was no way we were going to let that slip away.'' On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District, we honor and commemorate the effort and determination of these young men on a not- so-unlucky Friday the 13th. The back nine fireworks that brought the NCAA Division III National Championship to the golfers of Greensboro College and the Sixth District of North Carolina will be remembered for years to come.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, for years, the sounds and drama of American Idol have captivated the eyes and ears of Americans, gluing them to their TVs to find out who the next great singing star would be. Over the 11 seasons of American Idol mania, the state of North Carolina and the Sixth District have been well represented in the finals of this singing competition. This season's American Idol competition was no different, ending with 17-year-old Scotty McCreery, from Garner, North Carolina, crowned as the latest American Idol. Scotty has strong connections to the Sixth District, as well. Several members of Scotty's family live in our area. His grandmother and grandfather, Paquita and Bill McCreery, reside in the Moore County town of Aberdeen, while his aunt and uncle, Tina and Billy Creech, live just down the road in Pinehurst. The members of Scotty's family, however, are just some of a long line of connections to the Sixth District of North Carolina. We have been home to two previous finalists in the American Idol competition, Fantasia Barrino and Chris Daughtry. Fantasia, from High Point, won the American Idol competition during its third season. Daughtry, from McLeansville, though he did not win the competition, has gone on to become a successful recording artist, releasing several multi-platinum albums. North Carolina is one of only two states that can boast more than three finalists over the competition's history; the other is Alabama. North Carolina has had a total of seven finalists over the years. Joining Barrino, Daughtry and McCreery as American Idol finalists are four other proud North Carolinians. Clay Aiken of Raleigh, Bucky Covington of Rockingham, Kellie Pickler of Albermarle, and Anoop Desai of Cary, a UNC-Chapel Hill alumnus, all represented North Carolina in the finals of the competition, as well. Even Scotty McCreery's grandmother, Paquita, got some face time on American Idol. Like any proud grandmother would do, she used her chance at the microphone to tell the world, ``That's my Scotty.'' On behalf of the residents of the Sixth District, we offer our congratulations to Scotty and his family who live in the Sixth District. And from the state of North Carolina, we say again, congratulations, ``That's our Scotty.''

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, inspiration can come in many forms for athletes and teams when they are seeking fame, glory, records and titles. It is rare, however, when a team dedicates its quest for a championship to a teammate who didn't see a single minute of action. The lacrosse team from Northwest Guilford High School, located in the Sixth District of North Carolina, dedicated its season and its title hopes to a teammate who was tragically killed last fall. On October 29, 2010, Chase Bunting died following a skateboarding accident. Northwest Guilford dubbed its quest for a state title the ``Chase for the Championship'' in honor of Chase Bunting. With an ending only Hollywood could have imagined, the Vikings of Northwest Guilford completed their mission for Chase with a 13-9 win over East Chapel Hill High School to capture the 2011 North Carolina High School Athletic Association lacrosse championship. On May 14, 2011, at the WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, Northwest Guilford started out strong with a 7-0 lead after the first period of play. The Vikings never let East Chapel Hill within 4 goals to capture their first lacrosse championship. The team knew all along it was playing for more than just themselves. ``The death of Chase changed our season in a big way,'' sophomore starter Robert Lincks told The Northwest Observer. ``It brought our team a lot closer together and motivated us even more to win it for him.'' The players of the championship team are Captain and tournament MVP Jay Goldsmith, Dre Baskerville, Conner Dillion, Ethan Tingler, Jacob Marrapese, Brian Ha, Braden Payne, Nolan Carper, Travis Price, Robert Lincks, Trenton Ankenbruck, Diego Rengel-Parrish, Kyle Dorr, Reid Baxter, Chase Bunting, Conner Burkett, John Pappas, Jon Duncan, Hector De Jesus, Tammer Aboughalyoun, Adam Griffin, Zach Leicht, Cole Anderson, Cole Abourjilie, Parker Scaggs, Brandon Safrit, Will Ross, Payne Dunlap, Grant Simpkins, Brandon Sumner, Nick Nawrocki, Thomas Harris, Zach Sprague, Parker Leonard, Dallas Joyce, and Seth Hendrix. The Vikings were led by Head Coach Mark Goldsmith. Coach Goldsmith actually captured his second North Carolina high school lacrosse championship. In 2000, he was the head coach when Southeast Guilford captured the state title. With the death of Chase Bunting prior to the start of the season, Coach Goldsmith told the Raleigh News & Observer that his current team had a special mission because of Chase's death. ``That brought us together,'' he told the newspaper, ``with one goal in mind. We dedicated the season to Chase. The kids worked so hard for everything we got. I'm just glad we're able to bring home the hardware.'' We are sure that Coach Goldsmith would agree that he was ably assisted by Assistant Coach Vern Schmidt, Second Assistant Coach Robbie Innella and managers Tara Murphy, Morgan Eddins, Chamberlain Staub, and Mia Furfaro. In addition, those aiding the title hunt were members of the Northwest Vikings Lacrosse Booster Club, including President Darrel Pappas, Vice President Karen Abourjilie, Trish Hendrix, Robin Lincks, Neil Dorr, Robin Bunting, Marc Dillon, Tim Ankenbruck, Stacy Leicht, Kristin Sprague, and Todd Sprague. The Vikings finished their magical season with a record of 20-2 and the satisfaction of knowing that they completed their mission. On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we congratulate the Northwest Guilford lacrosse team for winning the 2011 state title, but more importantly, for completing the ``Chase for the Championship.'' We know that Chase Bunting is smiling approvingly.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, music fans have been enjoying songs such as We've Only Just Begun, What the World Needs Now is Love, and Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head for decades. What people may not know is that behind the voices of those who sang the songs was the writing of Mr. Hal David. In honor of Hal's 90th birthday, the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina wish to join countless others in honoring his wonderful career. One of our country's greatest song writers, Hal was born the son of immigrants in Brooklyn, New York. During World War II, Hal served in the U.S. Army Entertainment Section in the Central Pacific with Carl Reiner and Werner Klemperer. Mr. David's career moved along with his first hit record, The Four Winds and the Seven Seas by Vic Damon, which was cowritten with Don Rodney. Hal David, however, would not become a one-hit wonder. Other early hits written by Hal David include Bell Bottom Blues for Teresa Brewer, cowritten by Leon Carr, Brokenhearted Melody for Sarah Vaughan and Johnny Get Angry for Joanie Sommers, both of which were cowritten by Sherman Edwards, as well as Sea of Heartbreak for Don Gibson, cowritten by Paul Hampton. As you can see, Hal always teamed with outstanding writing partners. In 1957, his career took another great turn when he began his now- legendary collaboration with composer Burt Bacharach. The two worked together to produce the Marty Robbins hit The Story of My Life. This fruitful partnership between Hal David and Burt Bacharach produced hits for Perry Como, Jack Jones, Bobby Vinton, Gene Pitney, Dusty Springfield, Herb Alpert, the Carpenters, and perhaps the most-famous of all, Dionne Warwick. The duo of David and Bacharach's hit songs included Magic Moments, Wives and Lovers, Twenty-four Hours from Tulsa, Wishin' and Hopin,' What the World Needs Now is Love, We've Only Just Begun, and countless others. Several songs produced by this legendary twosome were nominated for Academy Awards including What's New Pussycat, Alfie and Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head. In 1969, Raindrops from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid won the Oscar for Best Song. Hal's work with Burt Bacharach was not limited to recorded hits. The pair worked together to write the score for the 1968 hit Broadway show, Promises, Promises, which was successfully revived on Broadway in 2010. The original cast recording of that particular show won a Grammy Award. His collaborative work was not limited to Burt Bacharach. Hal David and Albert Hammond worked together on the 1984 worldwide hit To All the Girls I've Loved Before, which was recorded by Julio Iglesias and Willie Nelson. Hal David has not spent all of his time writing songs. Throughout his great career, Mr. David has served in several leadership roles in his industry. From 1980-1986, Hal served as President of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), focusing on legislative issues facing music creators. During his tenure as President, Hal oversaw the expansion of ASCAP's presence in the area of country music. To this day, Hal continues to serve on ASCAP's Board of Directors. For a decade, 2000-2010, Mr. David served as Chairman and CEO of the Songwriters Hall of Fame. During this time the Songwriters Hall of Fame established an important digital presence with its Virtual Museum and, most recently, the launch of the Songwriters Hall of Fame Gallery Museum in Los Angeles. The recipient of numerous awards throughout his career, Hal David has been inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He has received the Recording Academy's Grammy Trustees Award and the Johnny Mercer Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Even the British Performing Rights Society honored the Brooklyn native with one of its most prestigious awards. On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we wish Hal David much happiness on his 90th birthday and send our best wishes for 90 more years of health, happiness and hits.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. I thank the chairman for yielding. I rise in support of this bill, which is financially sound and with no tax or fee increases. Simply put, the measure is long overdue, and the aviation sector needs certainty. We need to finish the task at hand. The manager's amendment considered later today includes language that will provide clarity for musicians who travel with small instruments. And I'm not talking, Madam Chair, about stand-up basses or harps. Current policy varies from airline to airline as to what instruments are permitted onboard. The amendment strikes a delicate balance to ensure musicians can attain certainty and safety is ensured. I am appreciative to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica) and the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall) and to all staff who worked with me on this provision, and I thank them for its inclusion. I also support an amendment offered by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster) that will help FAA regulations conform to reasonableness and reality. This amendment requires the FAA to recognize distinctions between sectors of the aviation industry and tailor regulations to each sector's facts. It also conforms FAA rulemaking to a number of good-government principles, such as cost- benefit analysis, use of the best available information, and consideration of regulatory impacts on the economy. Finally, later today there will likely be vigorous debate on recent action by the National Mediation Board on labor elections. Under previous guidelines, a majority of the eligible electorate must vote in favor of unionization. Under the new rules, this majority is defined by those who actually vote in elections. This action overturns precedent that has been in place for the past 70 years that worked well. This issue is about fairness to all parties and, in my opinion, the appropriate way forward is past policy, not those in place today.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to recognize the girls' basketball team of Southwest Guilford High School, located in the Sixth District of North Carolina, for winning their first 4-A state championship since 1985. The Southwest Cowgirls defeated their opponent, Raleigh Millbrook, in convincing fashion by a nine point margin with the final score of 44-35. Southwest Guilford scored the first seven points and never relinquished the lead throughout the contest. ``This is a very surreal moment,'' Southwest senior Shannon Buchanan told the (Greensboro) News & Record, ``We've all worked since forever. This is what you dream of when you're a little kid, and now this is finally here.'' The Southwest Guilford Cowgirls finished the season with a 30-2 record and an undefeated 12-0 record in their conference. The win marked their second consecutive season as Regular Season Conference Champions and Conference Tournament Champions. With 9 points and 14 rebounds, senior Shannon Buchanan earned 4-A All Conference, News & Record 2nd Team, and All District 2nd Team accolades. Junior Zena Lovette had 14 points and 7 rebounds and was named 4-A Piedmont Triad Player of the Year, State Regional Tournament Most Valuable Player, State Championship Most Outstanding Player, and to the News & Record 1st Team as well as the All-District 1st Team. Another junior, Jessica ``JP'' Pone had 13 points and 3 rebounds and was named the game's Kay Yow Most Valuable Player and was also named to the 4-A All Conference Team. Head Coach Jessica Bryan was named District Coach of the Year, the News & Record Coach of the Year, and to top it all, she was named as the Associated Press 2010-11 girls high school basketball coach for all of North Carolina. The Cowgirls were led by seniors Shannon Buchanan and Brittany Connor, along with Jasmine Pinnix, Briana Burgins, Duncan Hackney, Kennedy Porter, Shanel Lawrence, Aja Mott, Zena Lovette, Jessica Pone, Jessica Bridges, Jenea Rogers and Ayana Rivers. Of course, they could not have achieved the state championship without outstanding coaching led by Head Coach Jessica Bryan and Assistant Coaches Samuel D. Warren I, Tashocka Belk and Nick Scarborough. Also deserving mention are Quierra Lovette (Scorekeeper), Jasmine Rogers (Statistician), JaNiya Williams (Statistician), Alexis Couch (Water), and Shay Barr-Poole (Film). Congratulations are also warranted for all of those who supported the girls' basketball program at Southwest Guilford High School including Principal Alan Parker, Assistant Principals Enid Barnum, Joseph Johnson and Michael Hettenbach as well as Athletic Director Brindon Christman. Again, on behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we congratulate the Southwest Guilford High School girls' basketball team, along with the faculty, staff and students for their championship season.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, there is an old saying that the ``third time's the charm,'' and that can be applied to Northern Guilford High School, located in the Sixth District of North Carolina, for winning our state's 3-AA State Football Championship in only its third year of existence. The Northern Nighthawks celebrated their first state title when their opponent, Boling Springs Crest, missed a game-tying extra point with 15 seconds remaining, allowing Northern Guilford to escape with a thrilling 21-20 victory. Northern Guilford survived two second-half goal line stands to capture the state crown. ``It was like something you see in a movie,'' Nighthawks senior quarterback Rocco Scarfone told the (Greensboro) News & Record. ``They could make a movie off this game. It was just surreal how it happened. I couldn't believe it.'' One reason it all happened, Mr. Speaker, was the dedication of all involved in the football program and that included the fans and the band. The Northern Nighthawks made it difficult for any team to defeat them this season, thanks in large part to the more than 3,000 fans who packed in to see every home game this past season on the way to a 14-2 record. Many also traveled to distant away games. The team band was also an important part of their championship season, and was affectionately known as the 12th man. Nighthawk Nation followed their team throughout the playoff run, often traveling more than an hour to get to each game. The Nighthawks were lead by captains Maurice Harris, Alan Hart, Rocco Scarfone, and Stephen Machanic. Along with their teammates Tre' Purcell, Mohamed Khellah, Austin Hoke, Daniel Downing, TJ Logan, Justin Wallace, Nick Jones, Mark Mitchell, Shaheen Lashani, Shaquille Fields, Max Heavner, Burney Sindab, Scooter Mooney, Chris Ripberger, Austin Cooper, Robert Willcox, Rory Bergen, Kyle Wilhelm, Bernard Sindab, TJ Ruff, Austin Coltrane, Alex Hasler, Trevon Cooper, Earl Smith, WadeWilliam Churchill, Jordan Williams, Trevor Mckee, Austin Simmons, Ryan Johnston, Bob Hicks, Drew Milot, Max Klietsch, Colin Beairsto, Kamen Smith, Chris Forlano, Sam Parker, Jacob Roberts, Eric Hayes, Brian Iddings, Garrison O'Bryant, Taylor Rumley, Carlos Williams, Josh Moore and Kris Gafford. Of course, Northern Guilford could not have achieved its state championship without an outstanding coaching staff led by Head Coach Johnny Roscoe and his assistant coaches Brian Thomas, Todd Sharp, Richard Burton, JR Troutman, Ben Hepler, Dovonte Edwards, Chris Shaffer, Justin Davis, and Justin Ollis. Others who were also instrumental in the championship included Jane Roscoe (Mrs. Coach), Kirstin Shepperson (Team Physician), Jan Wyrick (Women's Order Director), Team Managers Chelsea Ray, Taylor Phillips, Sydney Monroe, and Mercedes Wigglesworth, along with film editor Jenna Livingston. Male Manager Perry Johnson and Ball Boy Britt Thomas also contributed to the title. Congratulations are also warranted for all of those who supported the football program at Northern Guilford High School. Principal Will Laine, Assistant Principals Doug Foutty, Angela Graves and Kris Vecchione, and Athletic Director Brian Thomas all can take pride in the state title. Again on behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we congratulate Northern Guilford High School football team, along with the faculty, staff and excellent fans for their championship season. This team will be remembered for many years as football fans will say, ``remember when the Northern Nighthawks made the saying `the third time's the charm' come true.''

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I am sure that fans across the country will have their own opinion, but for my money, I have to say that the best high school football team in the country resides in the Sixth District of North Carolina. I have some facts to back up my opinion. West Rowan High School owns the nation's longest active football winning streak among all high schools. The Falcons won their 46th consecutive game while capturing their third straight North Carolina 3- A high school football championship. West Rowan's last loss was in Week 2 of the 2008 football season. The Falcons completed their third straight season of perfection on December 11, 2010, when they defeated Eastern Alamance 34-7 at N.C. State's Carter-Finley Stadium. I must also note that the Sixth District was a double winner in this game because the Eastern Alamance Eagles proved to be a worthy opponent. Eastern Alamance also resides in the Sixth District. So, congratulations to the Falcons and the Eagles for a tremendous 2010 football season. The way that West Rowan captured this title was special because of the obstacles that had to be overcome in the title bout. It has long been said that defense wins championships and the Falcons are a prime example of this philosophy. In the title game, the star quarterback for the Falcons was knocked out of the game with a concussion requiring a full team effort to capture the state crown. West Rowan and Eastern Alamance battled in a great game, both sides worthy of accolades. The Falcon defense, however, was able to take over in the second half while paving the way for the win. The Falcons define team work and dedication and that starts with the Head Coach Scott Young and all of his assistants. With many players returning next season, including the offensive and defensive MVPs, the Falcons have vowed to continue their winning streak. On February 3, 2011, I was honored to meet with the team and offer my personal congratulations on another outstanding season. The players on this championship team are Tyler Stamp, Trey Mashore, Daishon Barger, Odell McBride, Clifford Long, BJ Sherrill, Dinkin Miller, Quentin Sifford, Connor Edwards, Jamarian Mabry, Eric Cowan, Ethan Wansley, Harvey Landy, Taylor Garczynski, Jockaile Burnside, Bertin Suarez, Jarvis Morgan, Domonique Noble, Kendall Hosch, John Dunlap, Darryl Jackson Jr., Andrew Garrison, Trey Cuthbertson, Brandon Ijames, Mack Flanagan, Terence Robinson, Troy Culbertson, Patrick Hampton, Trevor Loudin, Desmond Jackson, Emmanuel Gbunblee, Trey Shepherd, Tacoma McNeely, Cody Eggers, Kiero Cuthbertson, Jacob Tomlin, Logan Stoodley, Jordan Davenport, Terrence Polk, Andre Archie, Matthew Choi, Charles Holloway, Preston Garner, Chad Bailey, Brandon Hansen, Xavier Still, Cody Haire, Hunter Mashburn, Josh Bailey, Jordan Myers, Greg Dixon, Mike Norman, Rashad Sherrill, Zeke Blackwood, Davon Quarles, Jarius Lewis, Louis Kraft, Hobie Proctor, Jalen Morrow, Ahmed Blackwell, Quinton Phifer, Maurice Warren, Kelly Miller, Keyows Weeks, Justin Teeter, Jovani Alviter, Daisean Reddick, Ray Bath, Derrick Fortson, Teoz Mauney, and Michael Pinkston. Every great team needs a great coaching staff, as well as support from their school community. Plaudits must go to Head Coach Scott Young, Assistant Coaches Ed Bowles, Butch Browning, Durwood Bynum, Jeff Chapman, Tim Dixon, Ralph Ellis, Dave Hunt, Lee Linville, Darrell Misenhiemer, Joe Nixon, Kevin Parks Sr., Stevie Williams, James Collins, Zeb Link, and Mark Young. In addition, it should be noted that Scott Young has been honored as the Associated Press Prep Football Coach of the Year for North Carolina. In addition, we need to congratulate Head Trainer Amber DeDoming along with student trainers J.J. Pangburn, Ashley Gaston and Nicole Barber. Additionally the cameramen Alan Champion and Jonathan Brown, the ball girls Ally Young, Sarah Day and Mary Sobataka and ball boys Bryant Young, Owen White, Marcus Corry and Brandon Wallace, all deserve to be recognized for the total team effort. Last, but certainly not least, we offer our congratulations to Athletic Director Todd Bell and Principal Dr. Jamie Durant for their support of a national high school football dynasty. Again on behalf of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we congratulate the West Rowan High School football team, faculty, staff, students, and fans for another history-making season. This team will be remembered for many years to come for its perfection on the field and resilience in securing a third straight North Carolina 3-A state championship.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. I thank the distinguished chairman from Texas for yielding. I rise in strong support, Madam Speaker, of this resolution. It has been far too long since the Congress conducted a comprehensive review of our regulatory policies and procedures. I am not here today to be a demagogue or accuser, but it appears that many of our regulations have simply become another cost of doing business in America. My district is no different than many others. We are suffering from the recession; and while we once claimed many manufacturing and producing distinctions, a significant number of directly related jobs have either disappeared or gone elsewhere. This situation has grown so dire that the general feeling in many places in America is that if the government wants to hold you in violation, the chances are trouble is imminent. I support public safety, public health, safe work conditions, and other areas covered by Federal regulations; but I simply do not agree with those who feel that the only problem with our regulations is that there are not enough. This mentality, Madam Speaker, is exactly what has gone wrong with many of our regulations. I have no doubt that if we clean up our regulatory system, new business and investment will be forthcoming in America, and I believe we can do this in such a way as to reinforce good, sound regulations. The Judiciary Committee, Madam Speaker, has jurisdiction over the Administrative Procedures Act and many other areas of the Commercial Code which can be improved without compromising consumer interests. A lot is at stake here. And this is not a fight between businesses and their regulators. It is a fight, Madam Speaker, for the American Dream, that a business, an entrepreneur or innovator can have an idea, perhaps a dream, and then fully pursue it. I am not implying that the sky is falling, but the reality is disappointing indeed. Our country is becoming less conducive for economic growth; and a major contributing factor, in my opinion, is the failure of our regulatory system. I hope we can change this very soon, Madam Speaker.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution. We have all heard the expression, Keep It Simple, Stupid, the KISS formula. Our government needs to do a better job of adhering to this phrase. In the transportation sector, there are numerous examples where the regulatory process is burdensome and impedes private enterprise. The Department of Transportation has regulations pending that classify lithium cells and batteries as hazardous materials. If implemented, this could create an impediment in getting batteries to consumers, the military, and government agencies. As a result, this could jeopardize manufacturing jobs in my district, jobs we cannot afford to lose. DOT has also put forth regulations that would implement changes to hours of service regulations. This proposal is soliciting comments on whether to retain the current 11-hour time limit, or reduce the maximum driving time to 10 hours, something the agency prefers. If implemented, it will create ramifications for goods movement and likely affect consumers' wallets and private enterprise. Finally, the National Mediation Board recently published a rule that alters how labor elections occur. Under previous guidelines, a majority of the eligible electorate must vote in favor of unionization. Under the new proposed rules, this majority is defined by those who actually vote in elections, meaning the outcome could form a union when the majority of persons affected did not express the desire to do so. This is simply another way for the labor movement to gain traction and dictate an outcome that they cannot achieve otherwise. We support reducing the number of regulations, Mr. Speaker. But that is not to say that we support compromising safety. Indeed, we do not. Mr. Speaker, we can do better. We can provide oversight that is simple and straightforward without impeding private enterprise. Our economy will benefit if we bear in mind the saying, Keep It Simple, Stupid.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith). Mr. Speaker, when we debated health care reform during the 111th Congress, I made the statement that we need to fine-tune the engine, not overhaul it. I reiterate that theory today. President Obama, in my opinion, elevated health care to the number one issue facing America, mistakenly so, in my opinion. I think the number one issue facing America then and now involves jobs, or more precisely lack of jobs, and reckless spending. There is agreement from both sides of the aisle that we need to improve our health care system. I believe these improvements must enhance the quality and accessibility of care in a fiscally responsible manner. The law implemented last year failed to meet these criteria, particularly in the onerous 1099 tax increase on small businesses. That is just one glaring example. By repealing ObamaCare, we will have the opportunity to take the more prudent approach of fine-tuning our health care law to ensure that it encompasses sound principles. Mr. Speaker, this will likely be an obvious partisan vote, but it also serves a purpose. It sends a message to the American people that we are serious about fixing our broken health care system. Physicians do this daily. They make a diagnosis and fix the problem. I support the passage of H.R. 2 because Congress should take the same approach: fix the problem. Much energy and attention was directed to this matter, when it probably should have been directed to jobs and reckless spending. Too late for that now. But we need to address it. And I look forward to the vote that I guess will be tomorrow.