Bud Cramer

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Johnnetta Cole for her many accomplishments in higher education and leadership in her community. Dr. Johnnetta Cole is the President of Bennett College, a Historically Black Women's College in Greensboro, North Carolina. She is also a Professor Emerita at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, and was the first female President of Spelman College, also in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition, Dr. Cole served her Nation proudly in 1992 when President-elect Bill Clinton appointed her as his transition coordinator for education, arts, labor, and humanities. Mr. Speaker, on March 28th, Dr. Cole will be the Keynote Speaker at the Founders' Day program for the Huntsville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I rise today to welcome her to North Alabama and to honor her achievements in advancing higher education throughout our country.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the government and citizens of the Republic of Tunisia on the forty-eighth anniversary of Tunisian independence. On March 20, 1956, Tunisia declared its independence from France and the United States was one of the first countries to recognize an independent Tunisian state. For forty-eight years, Tunisia has been a strong ally of the U.S. and has helped to encourage the values of liberty, democracy, and free enterprise throughout Africa and the world. In addition, Tunisia has worked closely with the United States to promote international peace, stability, and progress. In fact, Mr. Speaker, Tunisia was one of the first nations to condemn the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and offer its support in the global fight against terrorism. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, all of Tunisia's people will be in joyous celebration. I rise today to join them in the commemoration of their independence.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lee Marshall on the release of her debut album, ``Anchored.'' The National Children's Advocacy Center, located in Huntsville, hosted Lee's CD release party on Friday, February 27, 2004. Mr. Speaker, Lee Marshall is a celebrated news anchor for WAFF NBC 48 in Huntsville. In addition to her role as the lead morning and noon news anchor, Lee is the host of a weekly segment on WAFF called ``Kids to Love.'' On every episode of ``Kids to Love,'' she highlights one of the five thousand kids that are in foster care and the five hundred that are waiting to be adopted in the State of Alabama. Every show is close to her heart because Lee herself was adopted. Lee is a shining example of what the love of a permanent family can do for a child's future success. Lee also volunteers countless hours working with the American Cancer Society and the National Children's Advocacy Center. She is a strong supporter of the NCAC model and has lent her name to help educate others and raise awareness of the severity of child abuse. Mr. Speaker, all of us in North Alabama are proud of Lee and the work that she has done for our area. I have admired her energy, compassion, and commitment to the community and on behalf of every one in North Alabama, I wish her the best of luck with her debut album.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I have the honor to represent NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and numerous space contractors. Throughout North Alabama, scientists and engineers are working diligently to create the necessary technology to take humans and cargo into space. In addition, the innovative research and development that is being done and managed by the Marshall Space Flight Center and its partners is having significant and positive impact on our Nation's quality of life. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the members of Boeing's Space Launch Initiative TA-2 Self-Reacting Friction Stir Welding Cryogenic Tank Demonstration Team. Recently, these engineers from Huntsville, Alabama and Huntington Beach, California, successfully joined two twenty-seven foot diameter aluminum barrels together using a new process that utilizes friction rather than traditional welding methods. This successful test at the Marshall Space Flight Center was the largest test of the circumferential self-reacting friction stir welding. Boeing officials recognized this significant achievement by awarding this engineering team with the Boeing Silver Phantom Award. This process will help NASA to overcome many technical obstacles that it will face during its ambitious exploration plans. By using friction, rather than electrical or gas fusion methods, the weld is significantly stronger and performed at a higher quality and lower cost. This process enables a wider range of options as NASA considers designs for future space launch vehicles. Mr. Speaker, I close by sending my sincere congratulations to the Self-Reacting Friction Stir Welding Cryogenic Tank Demonstration Team for winning Boeing's Silver Phantom Award. I am proud to recognize their hard work and dedication that led to this important technical achievement.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the memory of Eunice Merrell, known affectionately as Aunt Eunice to everyone that knew her. Aunt Eunice passed away last week at the age of 84. Aunt Eunice was the proprietor and host at Eunice's Country Kitchen. There you could find friendly faces and good down-home cooking. In addition to the best biscuits in North Alabama, Aunt Eunice never met a stranger. She loved every one of her customers and especially her community. Her restaurant was in business for over 50 years. Mr. Speaker, there was no place like Eunice's Country Kitchen. It was a part of local legend. At Eunice's, people from all walks of life at all stages of life, were welcomed. I considered Aunt Eunice a close friend and trusted advisor. She was the type of person who would speak her mind and report what other people were saying about the issues, not what she thought you wanted to hear. She could always be counted on to give honest opinions on developments, controversies, and issues in the community. I believe that Aunt Eunice was part of the unique fabric that makes North Alabama such a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. She will be deeply missed. Aunt Eunice is survived by her sisters Naomi Johnson and Elizabeth Lyon, brother John Jenkins, son Joseph, daughters Doris Elkins and Linda Sledge, six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, as well as countless friends and admirers. My thoughts and prayers are with them all.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Mr. Mark J. Lumer of Huntsville, AL, for his 28 years of outstanding service in supporting the U.S. military, in particular, our soldiers in Kosovo, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and the Middle East. He is the Contracting Executive at the United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command, USASMDC, in Huntsville, AL. I stand today to applaud Mark Lumer for his many years of service and loyalty in North Alabama's role in supporting our soldiers in the field. Mark Lumer has risen through the ranks of the Federal Government and earned his current position as the Principal Assistant Responsible for Contracting at the USASMDC Contracting and Acquisition Management Office with offices in Washington, DC; Huntsville, AL; Colorado Springs, CO; and Kwajalein Missile Range in the Marshall Islands. As the Director of Contracts, he oversees over $14 billion in active contracts, annual expenditures of about $2 billion and a staff of approximately 80. Mark Lumer achieved the highest distinction in his field as a member of the Senior Executive Service when he was recognized by President Bush in 2001 with the ``Presidential Meritorious Rank Award.'' In 2000, the Secretary of the Army presented Mr. Lumer with the ``Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service,'' the Army's highest civilian award. In addition, he has been recognized nationally for his contributions to the small business industry located in historically underutilized business zone (HUBZone) areas and received an award from the President of the National Institute of Severely Handicapped for his innovative contracting techniques that substantially increased job opportunities for handicapped individuals. A native of New York, residing in both Virginia and Alabama, Mark Lumer has made Huntsville his home away from home. He has taken an active role in the Huntsville community serving as a board member of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Foundation and the Space Center Museum Committee. In addition, Mark Lumer is a leader in the Huntsville community as a much sought after speaker for local organizations such as the Huntsville Association of Technical Societies, Huntsville Chapter of the National Contract Management Association, and the Huntsville Association of Small Business in Advanced Technology. Among his many contributions to North Alabama, Mark Lumer is most recognized for his support to the small business community to include minority and women-owned businesses. He is also an advocate for historically black colleges, universities, and minority institutions and ensures grants are awarded annually to these schools through local programs such as the Education and Employment for Technological Excellence in Aviation, Missiles, and Space. I join his family, his wife Gail, his son Michael, his son-in-law Mo, his daughters Anne and Sarah, and friends and co-workers in congratulating him on a job well done. On behalf of the people of Alabama's 5th Congressional district, I want to express my gratitude to Mark for his extraordinary service to our community and our Nation.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Major Dennis P. Adomatis upon his retirement from the United States Army after more than 21 years of outstanding service to our country. After his effective retirement at the end of 2003, Major Adomatis will reside in my Congressional district. Major Dennis P. Adomatis has distinguished himself throughout his military service in challenging and diverse assignments. Throughout his remarkable career, he has received many medals and awards for his ability to lead by example, encourage excellence from his peers and subordinates, effectively manage the Army's resources, and consistently produce outstanding results. I commend Major Adomatis for his ability to energize a diverse staff toward a common purpose, setting high standards and inspiring his staff to achieve them. Major Adomatis has been assigned to several key military positions throughout his career, which culminated as the Assistant Product Manager for Fielding and Integration for Air and Missile Defense Command and Control Systems Product Office in Madison, AL., a position he has held since 2001. It is in this role that Major Adomatis will leave an enduring mark on the future of our Army. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of North Alabama, I congratulate Major Adomatis for his 21 years of service to our country.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the soldiers from Alabama who answered President Truman's call to protect democracy and stop the spread of communist aggression across the globe. Mr. Speaker, the Korean War was supposed to be a short and a decisive victory for our soldiers. However, from 1950 to 1953, our country was embattled in a bitter fight along the 38th Parallel. All told, over 750 soldiers from Alabama perished during this conflict. However, when the fighting ceased and the guns were finally silenced, South Korea remained a free and democratic state. For many people, the Korean War is known as the forgotten war. This is an unfortunate misrepresentation. Mr. Speaker, the Korean War set the precedent that the United States will not sit idle as aggressors invade and try to destroy another nation's freedom. The Korean War is a war that cannot, and will not be forgotten. Tomorrow in Athens, Alabama, Edward McMunn and the other members of the Alabama Korean War Commemorative Committee will unveil and dedicate a monument to honor the Alabama soldiers who died during the Korean War. The monument includes a central marble stone memorial with an engraved map of Korea that is surrounded by four carved granite stones on pedestals bearing the names of each soldier. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow's ceremony is a fitting tribute to those that died in the defense of freedom and democracy. On behalf of all the residents of North Alabama, I commend Edward McMunn, and all the members of the Alabama Korean War Commemorative Committee, for their hard work and dedication that made this monument become a reality.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Roy Nichols of Huntsville for receiving the 2003 Arthritis Foundation Humanitarian Award. This award is given annually to a citizen of Huntsville and Madison County Alabama who has displayed exemplary community leadership. Mr. Nichols moved to Huntsville in 1973 as an employee of the McDonnell Douglas Corporation. In 1976, Mr. Nichols formed his own company, Nichols Research Corporation, a research and development business specializing in sensor, missile and information systems. Under the leadership of Mr. Nichols, his company quickly became known as a national leader, receiving numerous awards as one of the best small companies in the United States. Mr. Nichols retired from Nichols Research after it merged with the Computer Sciences Corporation in 1999. Today, Mr. Nichols is the Co- Chairman and CEO of Torch Concepts, a company that specializes in content management and information mining. Torch Concepts is helping the Department of the Army identify terrorist threats and is becoming widely known for its development of technology that helps in the fight against terrorism. More importantly, in addition to his professional duties, Mr. Nichols has vigorously committed his time volunteering for many civic organizations in the North Alabama region. Mr. Speaker, Roy Nichols' leadership and his strong dedication to the community should serve as a model for everyone to follow. I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the people of North Alabama, to congratulate Roy Nichols for being named the 2003 Arthritis Foundation Humanitarian Award winner.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an outstanding company, Arcata Associates, Inc., for being named the 2003 NASA Minority Subcontractor of the Year. Arcata, which employs a number of people in my Northern Alabama congressional district, provides important services used at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and across all of NASA. Arcata CEO and President Tim Wong accepted this award on behalf of all the Arcata employees for their outstanding subcontracted work providing interactive. multimedia services, imaging services, and audio/visual communications under the Program Information Systems Mission Services Contract, and video/voice teleconferencing support under the Consolidated Space Operations Contract. Under the leadership of Tim Wong, and with strong guidance from Mark Emery, the Huntsville site has helped Arcata Associates become a model for small businesses in North Alabama and across our Nation. The first- rate services that they provide to Marshall and all of NASA play a vital role in the success of our Nation's space and aeronautics programs. Mr. Speaker, today I wanted to take this opportunity on behalf of the people of North Alabama, to congratulate Tim Wong, Mark Emery, and all the employees of Arcata Associates, Inc. on a job well done and for being named the 2003 NASA Minority Subcontractor of the Year.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an outstanding Huntsville-based aerospace contractor, Analytical Services, Inc. for being named the 2003 NASA Woman Owned Business of the Year. ASI began operations under the strong leadership of Irma Tuder in Huntsville, Alabama with just two employees in 1992. Today 250 people work for ASI, 150 of them are from my district. Analytical Services, Inc. provides program planning, technical writing and multimedia design and development to the Orbital Space Plane program which is managed by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. ASI supports the OSP mission to provide a system for crew rescue from the International Space Station, and ultimately crew and limited cargo transport to and from the Station. It is also supporting the management of the design and development of a new multipurpose space transportation system for assured access to space and to provide operational flexibility for NASA. ASI is best summarized by their company philosophy, ``and then some.'' ASI employees are committed to these words by providing their customers with responsiveness, innovation, professionalism, and then some. ASI has a strong dedication to its community and should serve as a model for small businesses everywhere. Mr. Speaker, today ASI Founder, President and CEO, Irma Tuder, will accept the 2003 NASA Woman Owned Business of the Year Award on behalf of all the employees of ASI. Since I cannot be there, I want to take this opportunity on behalf of the people of North Alabama, to congratulate all the employees of Analytical Services, Inc. on a job well done and thank them for their service.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Kathy Wells who was instrumental in turning HOPE Place from a shelter for victims of physical and sexual abuse, to a nationally known comprehensive services agency providing services, support, and education to individuals and families in crisis. Today, she is moving on from her position as Executive Director of Crisis Services of North Alabama for an opportunity to represent victims of domestic violence for the entire State of Alabama. Kathy Wells has been involved in helping domestic violence victims for well over 20 years. Her work began as a volunteer and in 1981 she was a leading force in the development of HOPE Place as a domestic violence shelter. HOPE Place, which is now known as Crisis Services of North Alabama, is one of Huntsville's brightest stars and assets. Kathy's dedication and work effort are chiefly responsible for its success. Ms. Wells is well-known and respected for her tireless work on legislation and advocacy for victims of domestic violence. Her extensive background and knowledge has led to many opportunities for her to testify as an expert witness at several trials, an overwhelming number of invitations to conduct training sessions, appointments by three governors to sit on five statewide domestic violence committees, and requests to be the keynote speaker at many seminars and forums. Mr. Speaker, today Kathy Wells's colleagues, friends and family are gathered in Huntsville, Alabama, to give her thanks and to congratulate her on her future endeavors. Since I cannot be there, I want to take this opportunity to honor her on behalf of the people of North Alabama, especially those who have regained confidence and a sense of self-worth because of Kathy's dedication and hard work.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Chairman, as we debate the FY04 Transportation, Treasury Appropriations bill, I rise to express my concern for recent actions undertaken by the Internal Revenue Service. It is a fundamental tenet of fair tax administration that taxpayers can rely on guidance and rules issued by the Internal Revenue Service. Unfortunately, in its administration of the tax credit for coal-based synthetic fuels, the IRS has breached this fundamental rule. Congress enacted section 29 of the Internal Revenue Code to provide a tax credit for the production of synthetic fuel. This tax credit was created to encourage domestic energy production and it works. In my home state, and coal producing states throughout the Southeast, the credit has increased domestic coal production and kept open thin seam mines. The coal-based synthetic fuels increases combustion efficiency and reduce fuel costs for electricity consumers throughout the United States. Since 1995, the IRS has issued revenue rulings, revenue procedures and over 80 private letter rulings that detail the processes that qualify for producing synthetic fuel and the tests taxpayers should utilize to demonstrate that the synthetic fuel they produced qualify for the tax credit. Taxpayers and recognized scientific experts met repeatedly with the IRS as it developed the revenue rulings, revenue procedures and private letter rulings. Taxpayers explained the processes they intended to use to produce synthetic fuel and the tests that they would use to demonstrate that synthetic fuel qualified for the tax credit. After full opportunity to review the processes and the tests, the IRS issued private letter rulings telling taxpayers that these processes and these tests qualified. Since 1995, taxpayers have been investing in synthetic fuel production facilities designed to meet the tests that the IRS agreed demonstrated that the synthetic fuel produced qualified for the tax credit. In June of this year, the IRS decided that it was not sure that the tests it had approved over the years were acceptable. The IRS told taxpayers that it questioned the test results it had previously approved because a single scientist the IRS hired attempted to perform the tests using different methodologies. However, the IRS refuses to tell taxpayers what test it is using and how it is different from the tests it has approved in 80 private letter rulings. In short, the IRS changed the test it told taxpayers to use and refuses to tell taxpayers how it changed the test. Taxpayers no longer know whether their synthetic fuel, including fuels produced in prior years, qualifies for the tax credit. As a result, hundreds of millions of dollars of investments are at risk. Many public and private companies in all sectors of the economy are facing huge potential economic losses. Some companies are facing bankruptcy because the IRS is changing the rules after they made their investments. Taxpayers worked in good faith with the IRS to design tests that demonstrated that their facilities produced a qualified synthetic fuel. Taxpayers invested in reliance on the rulings the IRS provided approving those tests. The IRS should publish an announcement that it will honor the rules under which taxpayers invested in synthetic fuels facilities and that it will follow the rules the IRS published in Revenue Procedures 2001-30 and 2001-34. The IRS must abide by the rules it laid down for taxpayers.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the National Children's Advocacy Center as it celebrates the grand opening of its new facility today in Huntsville, Alabama. This organization, which I founded in 1985 as Madison County, Alabama District Attorney, moves from its ``little house'' where it began almost twenty years ago to a 45,000 square foot, four-building campus where it will excel as the national headquarters for training, research, education and outreach for other CAC's across the country. When I served as D.A., I discovered first-hand the harsh reality of child abuse and realized that the justice system was not doing enough for its most vulnerable victims. Too often, these children were victimized even further by having to re-tell and re-live their horror stories. There was an incredible need for a child-friendly place where victims of sexual abuse and neglect could get all of the help they needed in one centralized location. Uniting law enforcement, child protective services, prosecutors, medical and mental health professionals and other child advocates under one roof became the foundation of the CAC approach and the key to its tremendous success. The network of Children's Advocacy Centers has grown to over 500 programs spread throughout every state and the District of Columbia and is expanding internationally. I want to thank the professionals at these centers for their tireless efforts to help abused children and their families by making their tragic situations a little easier. With each child abuse professional that receives training at the new campus, each law enforcement officer that learns new techniques for tracking offenders, and each bit of research that helps another center expand its reach, we are protecting children across the country and helping others recover from tragedy. On behalf of the people of North Alabama and the United States House of Representatives, I congratulate the professionals at the National Children's Advocacy Center as they move into their new home and celebrate this milestone in child safety.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Chairman, on behalf of my new granddaughter, Patricia Lanier, I would say it is my pleasure today to speak about a very important piece of legislation that our colleagues in this House will pass judgment on. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 2417, the fiscal year 2004 intelligence authorization act. I am a fairly new member of this House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. It is a unique opportunity for Members of the House to serve on this select committee. I came on to the committee at the time that the joint 9-11 hearings were taking place. And as I look around the room today and I observe my colleagues that participated in those joint sessions with the Senate, I want my other colleagues that are not on this committee to know how impressed I was with the leadership of this committee and our participation with the Senate as well. I also want to take this opportunity to thank the staff who have been most kind and generous on both sides of the aisle to participate with us as we have gone through these very tough issues. This is a good bill. It is a complicated bill. It is hard for some Members to understand. For example, traditionally, the executive branch, the Congress, the industry, we focus on expanding the capability of sensors. Sensors are used to take pictures, to intercept communications or to measure some special signature whether they are from satellites, whether they are from aircraft, or whether they are from ships. But the government has underinvested in abilities to task the collection systems properly and to exploit and disseminate the collection data once received. For a number of years this subcommittee that I am on on this committee has worked to improve and rectify that imbalance. This year's bill accomplishes that and expands the concept as well. In years past, the committee has stressed the need for more investment and better management at the National Imagery and Mapping Agency and the National Security Agency to improve processing, exploitation and dissemination capabilities for imagery and signals intelligence. The committee sustained these initiatives in the current bill. We also lay a foundation for applying information technology to solve problems revealed by the congressional investigation into the September 11 tragedy as well. This is an important bill. I urge its support. I also want to point out that the missile in space intelligence command in my district is adequately covered by funding under this important piece of legislation.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. and Mrs. Donald Wallace of Florence, AL. For 23 years, they have provided outstanding service to the American Legion--Mr. Wallace as adjutant and Mrs. Wallace as his assistant. Mr. Wallace began serving the American Legion as an assistant to the former adjutant and will be retiring later this month. As adjutant, Mr. Wallace was charged with maintaining both the records and activities of the group of over 1,000; however, he did not limit himself to those tasks. Mr. Wallace helped rebuild the American Legion's reputation as both a veteran's advocacy and community service organization. Under Wallace's leadership, the post received state and national attention as a leader in supporting the Boys State Program, a program which teaches lessons of patriotism and civics to high school juniors. He also worked with the American Legion Baseball program and oratorical contests that offered scholarships to local participants. Although Mr. Wallace does not like taking credit for the success of the group, many veterans and families in the Shoals will tell you that without him the Legion would not be what it is today. Wallace simply believes that his work at the American Legion is just the continuation of work begun by an earlier generation, the original Legionnaires who established the post in 1919 and the World War I veterans who built their current hall in 1939. As adjutant, Wallace helped maintain this building that has been their home for 64 years. Mr. Speaker, I also want to pay tribute to Mr. Wallace's wife of 60 years, Mrs. Ellen Wallace. As his assistant at the Legion, Mrs. Wallace filed paperwork and served with the Ladies Auxiliary during the chicken stews and other activities. Mr. Wallace credits her with making him the man he is today. Despite the irregular hours, low pay, and lack of prestige, both Mr. and Mrs. Wallace enjoyed helping many people during their time of service with the American Legion. They have dedicated themselves to their community, and on behalf of the people of north Alabama I thank them for their service and congratulate them on a job well done.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a company headquartered in my hometown of Huntsville, Alabama which is presenting a $20,000 check to Huntsville's Community Free Clinic to help the Clinic sustain its free prescription drug program. This donation is not only significant because of the help it will provide Huntsville residents who cannot afford prescription drugs, but it also marks the $1 million milestone for the company's charitable grants. The employees of CAS and its leaders, Bill Stender and Fred Clark, are to be commended, Mr. Speaker, for this great accomplishment. In 1991, the CAS employees and management organized a non-profit entity called CAS Cares, Inc. in order to promote volunteer activities and provide funding to local charities in our North Alabama community as well as the Texas and Virginia communities that are home to CAS branch offices. In the Huntsville community alone, CAS Cares has given grants to over 60 charitable agencies in the past twelve years. Over 85% of all CAS, Inc. employees donate to the CAS Cares program. In February, a committee of CAS employees reviewed the grant applications for 2003, which will result in over $130,000 in assistance for charities this year alone. Mr. Speaker, I believe CAS, Inc. serves as an example to businesses across the nation, and I am pleased that Huntsville is home to such an outstanding corporate citizen. I send my sincere congratulations to the management team and employees at CAS, Inc. for their $1 million milestone today that continues to make a difference in the lives of many North Alabama residents.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a landmark in my Congressional District, Milner-Rushing Drugs. This pharmacy celebrated its 150th anniversary on April 25, 2003. This milestone anniversary is quite a testament to the successful practice of caring, professional, and personal service that this pharmacy has provided to residents of the Shoals for 150 years. Milner Drugs was founded in downtown Florence, Alabama in 1833 by Joseph Milner. After numerous owners and a name change to Milner- Rushing Drugs, it was purchased by John M. Lawson in 1995. And since, it has grown from two employees at one location to more than 40 employees at 4 different locations in the Shoals area today. From compounding special prescription needs to delivering prescriptions to shut-in patients at their homes, Milner-Rushing Drugs is not just a business, but a part of the Northwest Alabama community. This fine staff at Milner-Rushing Drugs includes a Registered Pharmacist, a Registered Respiratory Therapist, and a complete durable medical equipment staff certified by the Alabama Durable Medical Equipment Association. This exceptional staff and history of unique and personalized service keep customers coming back to Milner-Rushing Drugs, which has become a cornerstone of the Shoals area. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of the pharmacy's 150th Anniversary, I rise to honor and commend this exceptional company and its staff. I send my best wishes for a happy 150th Anniversary to Milner-Rushing Drugs and for a long and successful future in the Shoals.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a group of 8th Grade students in my Congressional District who have been in Ms. Barbara Murphy's gifted class at Stone Middle School in Huntsville, Alabama since the 6th Grade. These outstanding girls and boys have written a book they aptly named ``Reality Street''. The students have compiled their thoughts on various subjects that include their school, neighborhoods, families, conflicts and challenges. Stone Middle school is a Title I school, and these students hope to show people through their book that truly no child will be left behind in any community across the United States. The stories these students tell are powerful and eye opening and are an excellent insight into their community. Everyone can find inspiration in this book, including author Homer Hickam who wrote the Foreword and John L. Stallworth who contributed the Introduction. Mr. Speaker, I would like to share with you an excerpt from a poem written by one of the students: ``My memories run deep like the sea, From some of them I want to flee. But deep in my heart, I truly know That in the end they all help me to grow.'' These kinds of children, ones who decide to grow and learn from every level of their experiences, form the future leaders of our great country. These young folks are to be commended. On behalf of the people of North Alabama and the U.S. House of Representatives, I send them each my best wishes and hopes for a very bright future.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 522, the Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2003. With the banking industry currently in good health, now is the time for Congress to act on needed reforms to the insured deposit system that has protected the American financial system and consumers so well since the program began in the dark days of the Depression. Among its other provisions, this legislation will enhance the safety and soundness of the financial services industry by maintaining the value of deposit insurance coverage in the years to come, as well as providing additional coverage of certain retirement products, which will greatly aid in boosting retirement savings. H.R. 522 will increase general deposit insurance coverage from $100,000 to $130,000 per account, and index this coverage to inflation going forward, so that the real value of that coverage does not erode over time. The existing $100,000 limit was set in 1980, but the real value of that coverage has decreased to around $45,000 due to inflation over the last 23 years. For certain IRS-approved retirement products, this legislation will double general coverage to $260,000. Increasing coverage of these retirement products will provide citizens, particularly senior citizens, with added assurance that their hard-earned savings are safe and secure and will continue to grow in value. These provisions are an excellent step in the right direction to increase the consumer savings rate. The bill will also provide additional coverage of municipal deposits, thereby keeping public funds in the communities in which they are generated. As I noted earlier, federal deposit insurance has served this country extremely well for some 70 years. One of the best examples of the critical importance of deposit insurance was its role in ensuring public confidence in the banking system during the thrift crisis of the late 1980s. Now H.R. 522 will provide further revisions to the deposit insurance system that will help make certain that the program remains as effective as it has historically been in protecting both the U.S. banking system and its customers in the decades to come. Please join me in support of this important legislation.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colonel Gary D. Jerauld upon his retirement after more than 26 years of outstanding service to our country in the United States Army. After his effective retirement date of June 30, 2003, Col. Jerauld will reside in my Congressional district. Colonel Gary D. Jerauld has distinguished himself throughout his military service in challenging and diverse assignments. Throughout his remarkable career, he has received many medals and awards for his ability to lead by example, encourage excellence from his peers and subordinates, effectively manage the Army's resources, and consistently produce outstanding results. I commend Col. Jerauld for his ability to energize a diverse staff toward a common purpose, setting high standards and inspiring his staff to achieve them. Colonel Jerauld has been assigned to several key military positions throughout his career, which culminated as the Project Manager for the Tactical Operations Centers (TOCs) and Air and Missile Defense Command and Control Systems (AMDCCS), a position he has held since 1999. It is in this role that Col. Jerauld will leave an enduring mark on the future of our Army. One example of his unique leadership abilities occurred in March 2000, when he was given the mission: ``Restructure A2C2S into an executable program, place the system in the hands of the user now, and field to the First Digitized Division in Fiscal Year 2003.'' In just over one year, Colonel Jerauld and his team stood up the A2C2S Product Manager position and office, restructured the program, deployed an A2C2S demonstrator system to the 4th Infantry Division, and awarded a competitive contract for system integration. Colonel Jerauld has built a reputation as a Project Manager for delivering quality products to the field in much less time normally required for design, fabrication, and delivery. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of North Alabama, I congratulate Colonel Jerauld for his 26 years of service to our country and I welcome him to our North Alabama community.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sparkman High School from Harvest, Alabama for winning the statewide ``We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution'' competition. I am proud to announce that this group of bright students from my Congressional district will represent the state of Alabama in the national competition event that will be held on April 26, 2003. The Sparkman class will join more than 1,200 students from across the United States in Washington, D.C. to compete in the national finals. The ``We the People . . .'' program is the most extensive educational program in the country developed specifically to educate young people about the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. These young scholars from Sparkman High School. have worked diligently to reach the national finals by participating in local and statewide competitions. Through their experience, they have gained a deep knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles and values of our constitution. I want to congratulate these students on this outstanding achievement. The ``We the People'' program, administered by the Center for Civic Education, provides students with a working knowledge of our Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the principles of democratic government. The national competition is modeled after hearings in the United States Congress, giving students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge while they evaluate different positions on relevant historical and contemporary issues. Students will give testimonies followed by a period of questioning by the judges to explore their depth of understanding and ability to apply their constitutional knowledge. It is inspiring to see these young people advocate the fundamental ideals and principles of our government. These are ideas that identify us as a people and bind us together as a nation. It is important for our next generation to understand these values and principles that we hold as standards in our endeavor to preserve and realize the promise of our constitutional democracy. The class from Sparkman High School is currently conducting research and preparing for their upcoming participation in the national competition in Washington, D.C. I commend their teacher, State Representative Sue Schmitz, for teaching these young ``constitutional experts,'' and I wish the class the best of luck at the ``We the People'' national finals. They represent the future leaders of our nation.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant Commander Michael Durhen Christian. Michael was a prisoner of war in Vietnam from April 24, 1967, to March 4, 1973. Today marks the 30th anniversary of his release. Mike was a highly decorated soldier, touting two Silver Stars, three Bronze Stars, four Air Medals, the Legion of Merit, and the Navy Commendation Medal. But perhaps what Michael is most well known for is the flag he made while in the Hao Lo POW Camp. In the last year of his imprisonment, Mike began collecting bits of fabric. He fashioned a needle out of bamboo, used the thread from his blanket, and made an American flag that he sewed to the inside of his jacket. Mike's flag was a source of pride and comfort for many of the soldiers. Mike would hold up his flag, and they would salute. When the guards at the POW Camp eventually found the flag, Mike was beaten and tortured for hours. When he was returned to the cell, Mike immediately gathered his remaining cloth and began to sew again. Leo Thorness, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient and survivor of the Hao Lo POW Camp stated ``Now, whenever I see the flag, I think of Mike and the morning he first waved that tattered emblem of a nation. It was then, thousands of miles from home in a lonely prison cell, that he showed us what it is to be truly free.'' Mike attended Butler High School in Alabama and still has family in our community. In September 1983, Mike lost his life in a house fire. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize LCDR Christian today. His patriotism and service to this country serve as an example to all Americans.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the lives of the seven astronauts onboard the Space Shuttle Columbia Mission STS-107. The group of brave men and women can never be replaced. They were truly among the best and the brightest, and America--as well as the entire world--has suffered a tremendous loss. However, in the midst of our grief, we must use their sacrifice as inspiration to continue our efforts to explore space. As we've heard through their families and friends, the Columbia crew would have wanted their colleagues to continue in their footsteps. Harry Truman once said, ``Men make history and not the other way around . . . Progress occurs when courageous, skillfull leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.'' These great leaders on the Space Shuttle Columbia sought to change things for the better, and would want future generations to continue to reach for those same goals. Space exploration is not only a critical part of our heritage, but it is vital to the future of our nation. It increases our understanding of the world that we live in and the Universe around us. The extreme conditions that can only be found in space provide us with a unique research laboratory that we could never recreate on Earth. Our nation has established itself as the leader in space exploration, which contributes greatly to the American spirit. Space exploration inspires our youth and leads to a more scientifically literate society. The astronauts onboard the Shuttle Columbia believed all of these same things, which is why they declared--and sacrified--their lives for their mission of scientific discovery. I'd share to share with you something Gus Grisson, who lost his life to a fire on Apollo 1 in 1967, once said: ``If we die, we want people to accept it. We're in a risky business, and we hope that if anything happens to us it will not delay the program. The The conquest of space is worth the risk of life.'' While the crew of Apollo 1 had different missions, the goal of space exploration remains the same. Judging by the lives the Columbia crew members led and their dedication to space exploration, I believe they lived by these same words. These astronauts knew and accepted the risks of space travel, and gave their lives performing a research mission with the purpose of improving our lives back here on Earth. We must press on and continue the mission they began. While we grieve today, we soon must focus on the astronauts that have been onboard the International Space Station since November and the astronauts who will continue to explore in space. They must know that we are dedicated to doing our best to provide for their safety. For the health of our nation and for the future generations that will no doubt benefit from the research conducted in space, we must continue with their missions. Mr. Speaker, we must demand that these astronauts did not die in vain, instead we should cherish and learn from their sacrifice to ensure the safety and success of future missions. I'd like to close with a quote by Dr. Laurel Clark. One experiment she was working on during orbit was to study a silkworm cocoon hatching. When we saw the moth, Dr. Clark remarked, ``There was a moth in there, and it still had its winges crumpled up, and it was just starting to pump its wings up. Life continues in lots of places, and life is a magical thing.'' I think we can learn from Dr. Clark's faith in life and trust that the lives of these seven men and women will continue in some other places, just as she witnessed a moth's life continue in space.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an important member of my North Alabama community upon her retirement, Ms. Pat Schrimsher King. After more than 33 years of combined service with the McDonnell Douglas Corporation and the Boeing Company, Pat is retiring on January 31, 2003. Throughout her tenure, Pat has provided the leadership and guidance necessary for the success of many projects at the company and in her community. One of Pat's major accomplishments during her time at Boeing is administrating the Boeing Employees Community Fund, ECF. Through her direction, the ECF has given hundreds of thousands of dollars to health and human service agencies throughout North Alabama. I commend Pat King for her coordination of this initiative that has helped bring North Alabama business together with the community to help make our region an even better place to live and work. Pat will be missed by her many friends and fellow employees at Boeing, but I know she will remain active, continuing to work on a variety of projects that improve and enhance our community. I commend Pat for the inspiration she has given to her friends, family, and colleagues and for all that she has done to benefit the people of North Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I join the North Alabama community today in wishing Pat a happy and healthy retirement and sending her my sincere congratulations for a job well done.