Bud Cramer

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give my sincere commendation to Mr. Lukus Clinton Dunkin, a native of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee and a sophomore at the University of North Alabama, for his heroic actions on October 26, 2001 that saved the life of Mr. Robert Justice of Opelika, Alabama. Luke Dunkin would never admit his heroism, but the people of North Alabama and the United States Coast Guard know that he was a hero on that day. Luke was fishing in a protected harbor on the Tennessee River during rough weather when he heard the cries of a fisherman, Robert Justice, whose boat had capsized across the lake. Braving the 25 miles per hour winds, 55 degree weather, and three to six foot waves, Luke navigated his fishing boat to reach the distressed fisherman in less than 20 minutes. Risking his own life, he fought to pull Mr. Justice into his own boat and managed to get back to ``Safety Harbor'' where he rendered first aid until the Florence-Lauderdale EMAs arrived and took Mr. Justice to the hospital, where he made a full recovery. Mr. Speaker, the United States Coast Guard has honored Luke Dunkin for his heroism. He is being awarded a Silver Lifesaving Medal from the Admiral Thomas H. Colins, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. This is the second highest award a civilian can receive for heroic deeds from the Coast Guard, and only 2,080 of these awards have been bestowed upon Americans in history. Mr. Speaker, Luke Dunkin deservingly joins a prestigious group of heroes with this award from the Coast Guard. On behalf of the people of North Alabama and the United States House of Representatives, I commend Mr. Dunkin for risking his own life to rescue Robert Justice on October 26, 2001.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievement of the community of Limestone County in my district on the occasion of the dedication of the North Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives. Located at the historic depot on Pryor Street in downtown Athens, AL, the very location recalls the image of hundreds of North Alabama natives who departed for war, and fewer who returned, from the depot's landing. I would like to especially recognize the committed group of volunteers who have worked for more than three years to plan for the museum, raise funds for its construction, and oversee the project to completion. This museum and archives will serve as a resource for the community; teaching our youth about the sacrifices of their forebears and reminding all of us of the great and terrible cost of America's foreign conflicts. Most of all, the North Alabama Veteran's Museum and Archives will serve as a tribute to the men and women who have served our Nation in times of war. In remembering the selfless dedication and patriotism of our veterans, we honor their heroism and preserve the memories of those who fought and those who perished. Again, I wish to express my sincere appreciation and support of those who have labored to build this working monument. The people of Limestone County have demonstrated that they have not forgotten our veterans. I know the museum and archives will continue to teach, remind, commemorate and serve the actions of those Americans who fought for our freedom.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share with the House of Representatives a poem written by one of my constituents, Dorothy Diemer Hendry of Huntsville, Alabama. The poem, “Towers of Light,” was written at the time of the 1-year anniversary of September 11 and provides us with hope and encouragement that we can become towers of light in this world. I am pleased to share this poem with you today. “Towers of Light” (By Dorothy Diemer Hendry) Two shafts of light stream down through clouds to bedrock of a crater cleared of rubble and bones. We look up, up, up these twin towers of light until we must shield our eyes from their source, more luminous than sun and moon and stars. What is the source? Not firestorm of planes commandeered and exploded in misbegotten piety and hate. Not savage burning of “heathen” temples or churches, mosques or synagogues. Not merciless holocaust of “enemy” fields and forests, schools and homes and people. The source of light may go by different names in your religion and mine, yet somehow the twin towers remind us of two neighbors filled with the radiance of the Golden Rule. Neighbor from anywhere, let us not quarrel about holy names and ancient cruelties. Let us fill the crater with loam and plant a new garden on Earth. In honor of heroes and loved ones, let us summon the courage, wisdom, and kindness to dwell in mutual peace. Can we not become towers of light?

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the American Cancer Society's Man to Man group in Huntsville, Alabama on their Fifth Anniversary. This group works hard to educate our community about prostate cancer and encourage testing for early detection. This group of men, who are each fighting their own battles with prostate cancer, meet once a month to discuss the latest information about methods of screening, treatments, side effects, and coping with the disease. As you know, September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and I want to commend this group of men, their spouses, and their families who work to increase awareness about prostate cancer. In 2002, approximately 189,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and is the second leading cause of male cancer death. In fact, more than 30,000 American men lose their battles with prostate cancer every year. However, during the past five years, death from prostate cancer has been reduced by 27% due largely to increased early detection. Only by significantly increasing research funding for prostate cancer will we be able to develop necessary, innovative treatments and find a cure. Mr. Speaker, I commend the Man to Man group for their grassroots efforts and advocacy for prostate cancer awareness and cancer research. I appreciate the work they do to support the members of the North Alabama community who have been diagnosed with this form of cancer, as well as their families. On behalf of the people of North Alabama and the United States House of Representatives, I send my congratulations to Jim Bennett and the Man to Man group of Huntsville on their Fifth Anniversary and my best wishes for many more years of successful service to our community.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Robert J. Spazzarini of Huntsville, Alabama as he celebrates his retirement from thirty six years in the Legal Office of the United States Army Aviation and Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. Robert Spazzarini first came to Redstone Arsenal in 1966 as a contract attorney. He served in various positions in this office and was appointed to the Senior Executive Service and named Chief Counsel in February 1997. He has a reputation of providing excellent legal services, which were demonstrated when he successfully led the consolidation of two legal offices into one AMCOM after the 1995 Base Realignment and Closure. Mr. Spazzarini has been the recipient of numerous awards for his outstanding service to AMCOM including being named a Fellow, National Institute of Public Affairs. He was the first recipient of the Francis J. Buckley Managerial Award presented annually by the Command Counsel, U.S. Army Materiel Command. In addition to these specific awards, Mr. Spazzarini has been honored with the respect of his staff, peers, and the Command's leadership due to his expertise, professionalism, and high standards of leadership. Though the people at Redstone Arsenal and in the Huntsville community will miss Mr. Spazzarini's exceptional legal services, I Join his colleagues, family and friends today in wishing him the best in retirement and a well-deserved rest.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the MITRE Corporation in celebration of twenty years in Huntsville, Alabama. As you know, the MITRE Corporation is a private, independent, not-for- profit organization that provides government agencies with technical support that is not available through the government or contractor community. For 2 decades, the Army, NASA, and Department of Defense programs headquartered at Redstone Arsenal have relied on the MITRE Corporation's Huntsville Site Office for objective technical expertise. Since the MITRE Corporation cannot manufacture products or compete with the industry, the support it provides Redstone Arsenal is in alignment with the government's objectives and free from competitive pressures. Mr. Speaker, I commend the MITRE Corporation for 20 years of excellent service to the North Alabama defense and NASA community. In 1982, this Site Office began with one person and now employs a staff of 33. On this milestone anniversary celebration, I send the employees of the MITRE Corporation my thanks and wish them many more years of success in Huntsville, Alabama.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate my constituent, Mr. John Stallworth of Huntsville, Alabama. John Stallworth played college football for Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, where he was an All-Southern Intercollegiate Conference receiver in 1972 and 1973. He went on to have a legendary career in the National Football League with the Pittsburgh Steelers, helping them become one of professional football's greatest dynasties. Now a highly successful business owner and an integral part of the Huntsville community, the City of Huntsville is celebrating John's impressive career and his induction into the prestigious Pro Football Hall of Fame. John Stallworth was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 3, 2002 in Canton, Ohio. His son, John Stallworth, Jr. eloquently presented him for induction into the NFLs elite ranks. His wife Flo and daughter Natasha joined him for the ceremonies, as did many other family members and friends from Alabama. John played wide receiver for the Steelers for fourteen years during which he earned four Super Bowl championship rings and set multiple Steelers receiving records. His Steeler teammates twice recognized him as team MVP. He played in four Pro Bowls, was named All-Pro in 1979, All-AFC in 1979 and 1984, and NFL ``Comeback Player of the Year'' in 1984. He finished his pro football career with 537 receptions for 8,723 yards and 63 touchdowns. John Stallworth retired from professional football after the 1987 season in order to focus on his business in Huntsville. In 1986, along with his wife and business partner Sam Hazelrig, he began Madison Research Corporation, which now operates in multiple states and employs over 650 people. Madison Research, an engineering and information technology company, has become a very important business for the economy of North Alabama. His company makes substantial contributions to our nation through its valuable work on key government projects, primarily for the Defense Department and NASA, each of which has a significant presence in North Alabama. As President and CEO of Madison Research, John still finds the time to give much back to his community. One of his latest efforts is a partnership between Madison Research and Lockheed Martin to provide internships for students from historically black colleges and universities in order to give them the same opportunities that helped him succeed. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States House of Representatives and the people of North Alabama, I rise to commend and thank John Stallworth for his distinguished career and his dedication to our community. The City of Huntsville is honored to have such a fine individual as a strong business and community leader.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two very special members of the North Alabama community, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Sapp. Gene and Pat Sapp are the deserving recipients of the 2002 Huntsville Arthritis Foundation's Humanitarian Award. The people of North Alabama are very fortunate to have had Gene and Pat Sapp active in our community over the last forty years. They have provided leadership to North Alabama in business, education, economic development, volunteerism, music and music education, and overall humanitarianism. Gene Sapp presently serves as Co-Chairman of Sanmina-SCI, a major employer in North Alabama. Prior to the merger between Sanmina and SCI, Inc., Gene led SCI as President, CEO and then as Chairman. During his tenure as President, he led the company from annual revenues of $59 million to a run rate approaching $10 billion. Although he plans to retire as Co-Chairman of Sanmina-SCI in December, he will remain a director and continue to be a leader in the Huntsville community. Gene is very active with educational issues, serving as a member of the University of Alabama in Huntsville's Foundation Board of Trustees and its Business Advisory Council as well as founding Sci-Quest in Huntsville, an operational hands-on science center for all ages. Mr. Sapp is director of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Foundation, a founding trustee of Leadership Alabama, a founding director of Junior Achievement, and a member of Huntsville's Committee of 100. His awards include the Silver and Gold Knights of Management awards from the National Management Association and Huntsville Rotary Club's 2000 Vocational Excellence Award. Pat Sapp is a very active and important member of our community. She was one of the first women to be ordained as a deacon at Weatherly Heights Baptist Church and was the first woman to serve as chairperson of the church's council of deacons. Pat was instrumental in forming a satellite center for senior citizens in an area of Huntsville that did not have adequate outreach available to our community's elderly. She serves on the Huntsville Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees and has spent many years as a nursing home volunteer, helping establish the ``Adopt Grandparents'' program for 6 to 12 year-old children. She has organized various multinational receptions and hosted several international military personnel assigned to Redstone Arsenal, helping make Huntsville a welcoming community for our visitors. Additionally, Pat was a chief volunteer and contributor for the Downtown Rescue Mission's Capital Campaign Committee that developed a new women's and children's shelter, the Sapp Shelter for Women and Children. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of North Alabama, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Gene Sapp for receiving the 2002 Humanitarian Award from the Huntsville Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. As you can tell. this distinguished award recognizing them for their outstanding commitment to our community is well-deserved, I join their children, Sharon Crain and Dr. Mark Sapp; their grandchildren, Will, Berkley, and Annie; and the people of North Alabama in thanking Gene and Pat Sapp for their contributions of time, talents, and compassion to our community over the years.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a special member of the North Alabama community, Mr. Stanley A. Hamer of Lacey Springs, Alabama, who has served 30 years as a delivery driver. Mr. Hamer served the past 28 years with the United Parcel Service. As you know, UPS is celebrating its 95th year in business today. As the company celebrates this important milestone in its history, UPS is taking this opportunity to honor the employees who have achieved milestones of service in their careers with UPS. I would like to congratulate Mr. Hamer on his 30 years of service as a delivery driver, and thank him for the support he has provided to the North Alabama community. In addition to serving many North Alabama citizens, Stan Hamer has spent the last 21 years delivering UPS packages to the men and women of Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. Mr. Hamer has become an icon to the employees at Redsone Arsenal and his excellent delivery service has come to represent to them UPS and its commitment to quality. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend Mr. Hamer for his many years of service making important deliveries to the community of North Alabama, and to congratulate the United Parcel Service for ninety-five successful years of business.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the North Alabama 13-County Emergency Management/Civil Defense Mutual Assistance Association as it celebrates over three decades of dedicated service to the North Alabama community. The association, which dates as far back as 1971, consists of the Emergency Management officials in Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston Counties across North Alabama. This organization has tirelessly protected countless lives in Alabama over the last thirty years, and I rise on behalf of my constituents in North Alabama to express my sincere appreciation to these EMAs. Formally organized in December 1978, the association was established with a purpose of working together among the thirteen counties across North Alabama to help each other protect lives and property in a coordinated, efficient, reliable and effective way during times of emergencies that exceed the capabilities of any single affected local government. The association works closely with the State of Alabama Emergency Management Agency to better facilitate effective response to critical situations. The EMAs from these thirteen counties had the foresight over three decades ago to recognize a concept that is today strongly advocated by all levels of government, that being, just how critical it is to cooperate across artificial jurisdictional boundaries in order to respond to emergencies. And now, when securing our homeland and preparing for emergency response is of utmost importance, the rest of the country has begun to realize the value of this kind of cross- district cooperation by strongly promoting and requiring mutual aid and regional response capabilities, I want to commend the North Alabama EMAs in the 13-County Mutual Assistance Association who have worked so hard to protect the livelihood of North Alabama citizens. The 13-County Mutual Assistance Association serves as a standard for EMAs across our nation. In today's uncertain world, our first responders have to be ready to react quickly and effectively to large- scale emergency situations that cross city and county lines. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of North Alabama, I am pleased to recognize and thank the 13-County Mutual Assistance Association of North Alabama for leading the nation with their innovative outlook on cooperative emergency response developed over thirty years ago.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great member of the North Alabama community, Mr. Konrad K. Dannenberg. On August 6th, Mr. Dannenberg will celebrate his 90th birthday. Throughout his ninety years, Mr. Dannenberg has been a leader in our nation's space program, retiring from Marshall Space Flight Center in 1973 as Deputy Director of Program Development's Mission and Payload Planning Office. Today, Mount Hope Elementary School in Mt. Hope, Alabama is honoring Mr. Dannenberg for his service to their school, the North Alabama community, and the nation. Konrad Dannenberg, born in Weissenfels, Germany, worked with Wernher von Braun in Peenemunde, Germany and came to the United States after World War II under ``Project Paperclip''. He later helped develop and produce the Redstone and Jupiter missile systems for the Army Ballistic Missile Agency at Redstone Arsenal. In 1960, he joined NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center as Deputy Manager of the Saturn program, where he received the NASA Exceptional Service Medal. Mr. Dannenberg is a Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and was past president of the Alabama/Mississippi Chapter. He was the recipient of the 1960 DURAND Lectureship and the 1995 Hermann Oberth Award. Additionally, the NASA Alumni League, the Hermann Oberth Society of Germany, and the L-5 Society (now the National Space Society) have the benefit of Mr. Dannenberg's membership. In 1992, the Alabama Space and Rocket Center created a scholarship in his name to allow one student to attend a Space Academy session. Mr. Speaker, as you can tell, during Mr. Dannenberg's career, he was a valuable player in the advancement of our space program and was appreciated by co-workers and important organizations throughout the industry. Following his retirement, he has remained a major influence in the North Alabama community and still serves as a consultant for the Alabama Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. I want to congratulate Mr. Konrad Dannenberg on his 90th birthday and thank him for the important contributions he has made to our community in North Alabama and the entire United States.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great member of the North Alabama community, Mr. Konrad K. Dannenberg. On August 6th, Mr. Dannenberg will celebrate his 90th birthday. Throughout his ninety years, Mr. Dannenberg has been a leader in our nation's space program, retiring from Marshall Space Flight Center in 1973 as Deputy Director of Program Development's Mission and Payload Planning Office. Today, Mount Hope Elementary School in Decatur, Alabama is honoring Mr. Dannenberg for his service to their school, the North Alabama community, and the nation. Konrad Dannenberg, born in Weissenfels, Germany, worked with Wernher von Braun in Peenemunde, Germany and came to the United States after World War II under ``Project Paperclip.'' He later helped develop and produce the Redstone and Jupiter missile systems for the Army Ballistic Missile Agency at Redstone Arsenal. In 1960, he joined NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center as Deputy Manager of the Saturn program, where he received the NASA Exceptional Service Medal. Mr. Dannenberg is a Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and was past president of the Alabama/Mississippi Chapter. He was the recipient of the 1960 DURAND Lectureship and the 1995 Hermann Oberth Award. Additionally, the NASA Alumni League, the Hermann Oberth Society of Germany, and the L-5 Society (now the National Space Society) have the benefit of Mr. Dannenberg's membership. In 1992, the Alabama Space and Rocket Center created a scholarship in his name to allow one student to attend a Space Academy session. Mr. Speaker, as you can tell, during Mr. Dannenberg's career, he was a valuable player in the advancement of our space program and was appreciated by co-workers and important organizations throughout the industry. Following his retirement, he has remained a major influence in the North Alabama community and still serves as a consultant for the Alabama Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. I want to congratulate Mr. Konrad Dannenberg on his 90th birthday and thank him for the important contributions he has made to our community in North Alabama and the entire United States.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as Co-chairman of the End the Death Tax Caucus in support of this bill and in opposition to the death tax. Eliminating this unfair provision in our tax code has been a priority of mine since becoming a Member of this body. Today's death tax places a tremendous burden on America's small businesses and family-owned farms, which are at the heart of the economic vitality of our communities. Small businesses and farms can quickly reach the current low exemption levels for the death tax. For example, urban convenience stores invest an average of $1.24 million per store for land, building and equipment, and rural stores invest almost $900,000 per store. Construction companies often need to purchase expensive heavy equipment to build our buildings, roads, and bridges. Our farmers, machine shops, and many other businesses often invest in equipment that involve high capital outlays. The Alabama Farmers Federation tells me that much of family farm estates is usually locked up in their farmland, which often must be sold to pay the estate tax. Too often, this tax has forced American families to liquidate a business or farm that was built on years of hard work and sacrifice. The tax relief package enacted last year provided temporary relief from the death tax. This law provides for a slow drop in death-tax rates from 50 percent to 45 percent and then an abrupt drop to zero in 2010. For some of us--like myself--this reduction does not occur fast enough. Over the same time period, the exemption increases from $1 million to $3.5 million. Regretfully, current law resurrects the death tax in 2011, with tax rates as high as 55 percent and an exemption at the low level of $675,000. This temporary repeal does little to alleviate the estate-planning burden on our families. It forces them to play expensive, cumbersome games of tax strategy instead of allowing these entrepreneurs to reinvest their money and time into building their business. In fact, the temporary nature of the current law has made an already-complex tax code more complicated, and estate planning more difficult. Estate planning for farms is further complicated by the uncertain nature of the future net worth of farm operations. This money spent on estate planning--both attorney's fees and insurance premiums--would be better spent invested back into the business and providing job growth for our nation. Family businesses spend nearly $14.2 billion a year on estate planning and insurance costs. This capital that is used for estate planning is an economic drag on family businesses at a time when they must deal with other economic burdens beyond their control. The sunset provision simply prevents small business owners and farmers from taking advantage of the repeal. Unless they know for a fact that they will pass on by the year 2010, they must continue to pay tax advisors to help them secure their family's welfare in the future. According to the IRS, just in the tax year 1999 alone, $227 million was collected from the estate tax in my state of Alabama. One study shows that permanent repeal would increase our GDP a total of $150 billion over 10 years, and it could provide an additional 165,000 jobs per year. The anti-growth death tax causes small businesses--who are undercapitalized in the first place--to cut back on labor, re- investment, and risk-taking. Studies have also shown that the death tax encourages small business owners to sell out or merge with larger companies. Furthermore, the death tax can encourage the rich to spend down their savings on lavish consumption. A Joint Economic Committee study estimated that the death tax existence has reduced the nation's pool of savings by $497 billion. Mr. Speaker, this tax is an unfair tax. It double-taxes income that was already taxed when it was earned, It is collected at a time of deep grief for our families. And it penalizes those who have worked hard over a lifetime to provide for the future security of their family. In closing, Mr. Speaker, the time has come to finish the job and get rid of this unfair, burdensome tax once and for all. The death tax reduces wages, it reduces job creation, it discourages savings, and it is a leading cause of the liquidation of small businesses. Permanent relief from this death tax is critically important for America's family-owned small businesses and farms. Finally, let me thank my colleague from Washington and Co-Chairwoman of the End the Death Tax Caucus--Congresswoman Dunn--for working with me in a bipartisan manner to remove this unfair provision from our tax code. I urge Members to support this legislation.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Miss Candice Neal, winner of the American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest. Miss Neal is the first Alabamian to win this contest since it began 65 years ago. In her speech, Miss Neal demonstrated incredible patriotism and a strong understanding of the United States Constitution. With the winning prize of a four-year scholarship, she will enroll in the University of Alabama this fall. Mr. Speaker, it is with honor that I submit Candice Neal's speech into the Congressional Record. The Constitution: A Fantastic Journey Attention time travelers this is your final boarding call for flight U.S. 1-7-8-7. Congratulations you have selected one of our more popular destinations, The Beginning of American Government. I will be your guide for today's journey back in time. Today, you will experience some of the more dramatic events in our nation's history. Flight 1-7-8-7 is a nonstop flight, back in time, to the creation of the U.S. Constitution. The flight crew has requested that you remain seated with your personal liberties securely fastened. When the captain is certain that you are not in danger she will illuminate the ``ratification light'' indicating that you may move about the cabin freely. As we prepare for take-off I will remind you that this is a non-smoking flight, and in keeping with today's destination, federal law prohibits the violation of anyone's inalienable rights. Please look in the seat back pockets in front of you, to review today's agenda. We begin our journey with a basic knowledge and understanding of the Constitution and how it was created. In the second phase of this adventure, you will learn how to responsibly engage in our constitutional rights. And, finally you will discover what it means to become a part of history yourself, by participating in this government of the people, by the people, and for the people. We've been cleared for takeoff, so please direct your attention to the windows on the left side of the cabin. You will note instances in recent history, in which rulers and dictators have taken away people's personal freedoms. There's Kosovo, Bosnia and Tianenmen Square. Make sure your seat belts are securely fastened. We are about to enter a turbulent time in American History--the defense of democracy--There's Desert Storm, now Pearl Harbor and our final stop, the Revolutionary War. This is where our journey begins . . . What you might not realize is that the Constitution is actually our third form of government. It was here during the Revolutionary War when our fight for freedom began. The American Colonies were first forced to live under the reign of England. From 1775 until 1783 the American Colonies fought for their independence. Fast forward to 1781. You'll notice that even before the fighting was over, our second form of government, the Articles of the Confederation, was adopted. It is obvious to us now, as time travelers, that these young colonies would require much more structure than the Articles of Confederation had to offer. Here we seek the lack of a central government to levy taxes and enforce laws. We see states minting their own currency and imposing tariffs on out-of-state goods. We see economic depression and political wandering. We now move forward to 1787, please do not disturb the 55 men who are meeting in this old Philadelphia state house. They are statesmen, patriots, each with their own ideas about how this new government should be organized. Some of them are states' rights advocates. Many of them are federalists. But you will notice that one man stands out in the crowd. His name is James Madison. And he is presenting the Virginia Plan to his fellow delegates. They will soon refer to the plan as a ``political masterstroke,'' and in the next 5 months, it will serve as the foundation for our Constitution. By 1789, all the states had ratified and approved this new form of government. This unusual document was the first written, national constitutional since ancient times. It was also the first to set up what was called the federal system. Under this system, sovereign power comes from the people, for the good of the people. The Founders attempted to create a form of government that would be stable, but would also allow for change. You see, in a sense, the Founding Fathers were time travelers too; they were looking to the future, planning ahead, and forming a basic framework to endure for all time. It is a document written for ``we the people'' and that means that ``we the people'' have a job to do! Fast forward to April 1999. An issue of the USA Today Newsview, states that one of the first things that come to mind when Americans are asked what they think about the United States and its government is ``freedom.'' Yet according to current public opinion research fewer than 15% of Americans can name the freedom of the press as one of the rights protected under the First Amendment. And little more than half of Americans know that there are three forms of government. You see, time travelers, with freedom also comes responsibility--the responsibility to understand and defend the Constitution. James Madison once said, ``The people who are the authors of this blessing must also be guardians.'' Today more than ever before we witness people and organizations testing the bounds of their Constitutional rights. From tabloids that slander high profile figures, to hate groups who use their misunderstanding of free to infringe upon other's inalienable rights, we are constantly called upon to defend and uphold our constitution. Clearly, these types of situations challenge our support and understanding of the constitution, but in the end, they serve only to reinforce our Founding Fathers' cry for responsible citizenry. As such, we must be able to use our privileges responsibly. In the words of Benjamin Franklin, ``we have a Republic, only if we can keep it!'' And now, as we make our way back to the 21st century, I will remind you that this flight is interactive--meaning it is not enough to simply understand our constitution and to use our rights responsibly. Clearly, this travel back in time has taught us that our duties as citizens also carry the obligation to participate in our government. Long after our Founding Fathers penned the last words of the Constitution, the amendment process ensured their continued involvement. You will see what I mean, by looking out the windows on the right side of the aircraft: here we see that The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution in 1791. In 1865 the 13th amendment abolished slavery and in 1868 the 14th amendment outlined the rights of all citizens. Meeting the changing needs of a growing country, however, had been known to cause slight turbulence in our return flight. Therefore, in the event that we experience any threat to ourselves and our posterity any one of the 26 amendments, will drop from the overhead compartments to ensure our domestic tranquility. The amendment process is not the only way we as citizens can participate in our government. What we have witnessed today should force us out of complacency and self- centeredness and put us in touch with a bigger reality. Robert Kennedy made it popular, but George Bernard Shaw said it long ago: ``Some people see things as they are and ask `Why?' I prefer to see things as they might be, and ask `Why not?'' That is what the framers of our constitution had in mind so long ago. Our participation in that process in the 21st Century is essential to ensure that the Constitution continues to withstand the many and varied assaults from those who criticize it, misinterpret it, or challenge it. We can begin participating in small ways such as reading a daily newspaper or weekly newsmagazine. What we will begin to notice is that it will become a habit, and we will start participating in bigger things as writing letters to public officials, investigating the qualifications of political candidates, exercising our right to vote, and attending meetings where important local, regional, and national issues are being discussed and deliberated. So you see, even in little ways, we must take a more active role in the government--that, time travelers, is the real journey! Our Founding Fathers, in the words of Justice Hugo Black, ``. . . dreamed of a country where the mind and spirit of man would be free; where there would be no limits to inquiry; where men would be free to explore the unknown and to challenge the most deeply rooted beliefs and principles . . .'' Today, on flight U.S. 1-7-8-7, we have traveled back in time to the formation of The Constitution of the United States. Our itinerary included a basic knowledge and understanding of the constitution; an appeal to engage in our constitutional rights responsibly; and finally, a call to participate in our government. Here in thr 21st Century, the flight crew tells me that we have been cleared for landing. We have people on hand waiting to assist you in your efforts to continue the good work of our Founding Fathers. Remember what you have experienced today is much more than a fantastic journey in to the past, it is a reminder of your responsibility for the future.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the Committee on Resources and the Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation, and Public Lands for moving H.R. 2628, which is my bill, as well as the chairman, the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen), and the ranking member, the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Mrs. Christensen), very much for their consideration. Both the chairman and the ranking member have made reference to this unique area of Alabama that has an extraordinary history. H.R. 2628 would allow us to do a study to determine the feasibility of collecting that history and naming our area a national heritage study area. It was passed by the committee itself by unanimous consent, so it is a very uncontroversial piece. This area of northwest Alabama is adjacent to the State of Tennessee and the State of Mississippi as well, so my colleagues in the House, the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Wicker) and the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Aderholt), both are cosponsors of this piece of legislation. As the chairman referred to and the ranking member referred to in their remarks about H.R. 2628, this area of northwest Alabama has an extraordinary history of involvement. Native Americans were active in this particular area, and we have an Indian Mound Museum there that is one of the most extraordinary museums in the country. As we move on through history, the Tennessee River has defined our area culturally as well as in terms of transportation issues as well. In the early 1920s, the Wilson Locks and Dam was built there even before TVA came into existence. At the time it was the largest lock and dam on the Tennessee River and one of the largest dams in the country as well. President Roosevelt visited that area and was so impressed by the potential that he saw there that he was inspired to form the Tennessee Valley Authority, which has given us a significant part of our prosperity there, not only in the State of Alabama but in Tennessee and the entire region as well. But as the chairman referred to, we are the home of the W. C. Handy Festival. That is a blues festival. W. C. Handy, unbeknownst to a lot of people in the country, is the ``Father of the blues.'' He was born in Florence, Alabama, which is located in northwest Alabama. This festival has existed for 20 years and has brought thousands of music specialists from all over the country. We have a verbal history that is available in our area of the music tradition that is there. Now, the Muscle Shoals Studio was a recent era of music that really was born out of the blues era. It is a sound recording studio that has been used by many musicians around the world. All of that kind of heritage was started back in the early 1920s and built on from there as well. So this feasibility study would give us the chance to catalogue a lot of that information. Helen Keller was born in Tuscumbia, Alabama. That is within 5 miles of this Tennessee River, and within 10 miles of Florence, Alabama as well. Her home, Ivy Green, was preserved as a museum. There is a Helen Keller Festival there as well. A lot of Helen Keller relatives come back to that area to this particular festival. Jesse Owens was born in Lawrence County, again, another 7 miles from the very center of the area we are talking about. There is a museum to celebrate his contributions to American history there as well. The Frank Lloyd Wright structures we have in this area all combine to give our area of Alabama a unique history which we think is deserving of this declaration as a National Heritage Area study place. I want to thank again the committee for giving us this opportunity, and I urge my colleagues to pass this important bill, H.R. 2628.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Colonel Micheal J. Coleman to the U.S. Army. I join his family, friends, and colleagues as they celebrate his accomplishments and congratulate him on his retirement from 27 years of service in the U.S. Army. Colonel Coleman is a native of Montgomery, AL, and earned a bachelor of science degree in Business Administration in December 1975 from Alabama A&M University. Immediately after graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Adjutant General Corps and entered active duty on January 6, 1976, thus beginning his long and successful career with the U.S. Army. Since that time, Colonel Coleman has served in various capacities in Stuttgart, Germany; Raleigh, NC; Izmir, Turkey; Alexandria, VA; Washington, DC; and at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL. He achieved a masters of arts degree from Webster University as well as graduated from many other distinguished military educational programs. On March 28, 2002, he will retire from his position as the Director of Personnel and Training for the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal. I know the people of Redstone Arsenal will miss his outstanding leadership, but wish him a well-deserved retirement. Colonel Coleman has earned a great deal of respect from his colleagues, receiving several military awards throughout his career. His awards include the Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal Second Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal Fourth Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation Medal Third Oak Leaf Cluster, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the National Defense Ribbon, the Army Staff Identification Badge, the Army Parachute Badge, and the Army Superior Unit Badge. This is a deserved retirement for someone who has worked so diligently for the United States to protect our freedom and defend our nation. I join his wife, Carolyn, his sons PJ and Casey, and all of his friends, family, and colleagues in celebrating Colonel Micheal J. Coleman's 27 years of service. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I congratulate Colonel Coleman and express my gratitude for a job well done.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Joseph A. Knothe of Huntsville, Alabama for receiving the 2001 Lt. Gen. Joseph J. Redden Award, a very prestigious honor recognizing the nation's highest ranked Air Force pilot and navigator candidate in order of merit. Mr. Knothe, a 1997 graduate of Grisson High School in Huntsville, Alabama, is now a senior majoring in mechanical engineering at Auburn University and is the school's top ranked Air Force cadet. Last year, he was among only thirty-five cadets in the nation to be selected to attend the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program based in Wichita Falls, Texas, Cadets selected for this demanding pilot training are sent to Sheppard Air Force Base where they are trained solely on fighter jets. Mr. Speaker, I wish to express my sincere congratulations to Joseph Knothe for receiving this distinguished award. The criteria for the award are highly competitive and include grade point average, physical fitness, an Air Force Officer Qualifying Test, a Basic Attributes Test, and Commander's Ranking. Joseph Knothe will graduate with honors from Auburn University and be commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force in May 2002, which will no doubt launch his career as a future leader in our nation's military. I commend Mr. Knothe for his achievements and wish him the best in his future career in the United States Air Force.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a group of ten members of the Alabama Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star who are celebrating their membership of over 50 years with Athens Chapter #214. I congratulate each of them for their many extraordinary years of charity and human outreach and wish them the best for many years of service to come. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend Geneva Coulter, Juanita Turner, Roy H. Turner, Sr., Virginia Lonas Sharp, Cora Black, Sara Rudder, Gladys Rogers, Elree Culps, Onye M. Holliman, and Angie A. Nazaretian for fifty years of membership. For over half a century, these members have devoted themselves to their Limestone County community, their state, and their nation providing not only financial assistance but also their personal time whenever the community needs them. The Alabama Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star was established in Alabama in 1901 in Montgomery. Thousands of members in the 200 chapters of this fraternal organization support countless numbers of charities and humanitarian projects such as cancer research and scholarships that enhance and enrich the lives of all of our citizens. I commend and thank this distinguished group for their service, and especially these fifty-year members of the Athens Chapter #214.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the many contributions of Dr. Richard G. Carpenter to Calhoun Community College and the Decatur, Alabama community during the last ten years. I join his family, friends and colleagues as they celebrate his accomplishments and congratulate him for a successful tenure as President of the school and an exciting new future as President of the Wisconsin Technical College System. Dr. Carpenter, a native of Franklinton, Louisiana, has been President of Calhoun Community College since 1992. Calhoun is Alabama's largest community college, and Dr. Carpenter has provided them with progressive and visionary leadership for the past decade. He has played a pivotal role in shaping Calhoun Community College to what it is today and will be greatly missed. Among his accomplishments at Calhoun Community College are its ongoing construction of the school's Technology Park and the record setting enrollment for the fall semester of 2001. His prior experience includes teaching at elementary through university graduate school levels and serving as president of three other community colleges. Dr. Carpenter received his Ph.D. in Community College Leadership from North Carolina State University and has been the recipient of numerous local and national awards. Mr. Speaker, today I join his wife Dana and his three children as well as his many friends and colleagues in congratulating Dr. Richard Carpenter on ten years of extraordinary service to Calhoun Community College. Dr. Carpenter has been an influential leader for our North Alabama community for many years and I wish him the best as he pursues an exciting new future as President of the Wisconsin Technical College System.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Reverend Dr. Julius Richard Scruggs of the First Missionary Baptist Church in Huntsville, Alabama. This year he celebrates his 42nd pastoral anniversary and his 25th anniversary with First Missionary Baptist. Dr. Scruggs is an incredible asset to this church and the City of Huntsville and deserves every honor on this special anniversary. Rev. Dr. Julius Scruggs was born in Elkton, Tennessee and grew up in Toney, Alabama. He began his pastoral career at the age of 18 at Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Harvest, Alabama, and has continued his work in the ministry for forty-two years. Dr. Scruggs has been at First Missionary Baptist Church since 1977 and has seen more than 2,500 new members unite with the church during that time. Under his esteemed leadership, the church has begun witnessing and evangelism teams, jail ministry teams, scholarship funds, health and recreation ministries, and has greatly enhanced its Christian Education ministry. The church has also built and paid for a house with Habitat for Humanity and the congregation continues to donate their time and money to help build other Habitat homes for the surrounding community. Mr. Speaker, I want to express my sincere appreciation of Dr. Scruggs' service to our community in Huntsville. Dr. Scruggs is an important and active member of the national and local Christian community. He is a member and former president of the Greater Huntsville Interdenominational Ministerial Fellowship and was the 1998 recipient of their Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award. Dr. Scruggs' many other accomplishments and community services include being elected Vice President at Large of the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc. in 1999. First Missionary Baptist and the Huntsville community have been very blessed by Rev. Dr. Julius Scruggs' pastoral career. I want to congratulate and thank him for his forty-two years of invaluable service in the ministry and his twenty-five years at First Missionary Baptist Church in Huntsville.

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. On May 4-6, 2002, they 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 and, through their experience, 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 three-day national competition is modeled after hearings in the United States Congress. The hearings will consist of oral presentations by high school students before a panel of constitutional scholars. The students' testimony is 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 in the aftermath of the tragedy on September 11th. 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 wish these young ``constitutional experts'' 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 pay tribute to a distinguished citizen and soldier on the occasion of his retirement from the post of Veteran Service Officer for Limestone County, in my district. Ken David served his country honorably, first in Vietnam, and later in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm. For the past ten years, he has been invaluable in assisting other veterans of Limestone County with a wide range of needs and requests. Ken is a highly motivated and community oriented individual. Several years ago, he founded the Limestone County Veterans Museum and Archives. Ken organized and guided a committee of dedicated volunteers, and worked tirelessly himself, to renovate the historic depot in Athens, Alabama, where many Limestone County veterans disembarked for a war in years past. The museum is now a resource for veterans, their families, school groups, and the public, where they can learn about the tremendous sacrifice of North Alabama residents who proudly served their country in wartime during the 20th Century. I want to thank Ken today for his immeasurable contribution of time, energy, and enthusiasm on behalf of his fellow veterans and neighbors. I also want to congratulate Ken and his family, and wish him the best during his well-deserved rest in retirement.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Catholic High School in Huntsville, AL, as it kicks off its annual ``Community Service Day.'' Today, Catholic High seniors will go out into the community to volunteer their time and hard work throughout Huntsville. Part of Catholic High School's mission statement is ``to serve the families of our Catholic parishes and the wider community.'' They pledge to guide students into loving service of others through activities such as ``Community Service Day.'' Catholic High School has a student faith development initiative that includes giving back to their community through service and outreach, and becoming more aware of the needs of others. Every year, students are required to spend 100 hours volunteering in the Community. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend Catholic High School and each member of its senior class for their strong commitment to serving others. This kind of outreach is extremely beneficial to the Huntsville community as well as to each student as they grow and learn about what it means to reach out to those who are in need. I wish them the best and sincerely thank them as they go out today to serve our community.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor a very special lady in the 5th District of Alabama as she celebrates a remarkable anniversary. Mrs. Eunice Merrill has been serving her home cooking to the people of north Alabama for fifty years. In January of 1952, a time when very few women in Alabama owned their own businesses, she opened ``Eunice's Country Kitchen'' in Huntsville, Alabama. Over the years, Eunice's Country Kitchen has become a local favorite. People from all around don't just come to Eunice's for the food. ``Aunt'' Eunice, as her many patrons know her, is a local celebrity. She is never caught without a smile and shows kindness and warmth to every person who enters her restaurant. Eunice Merrill shows that same love and affection to her community as well. She is an extremely active member of the Huntsville community, spending much of her time volunteering and raising money for the Arthritis Foundation. Eunice's Country Kitchen is a place where politicians, business leaders, and other locals can gather to eat, drink coffee, and tell stories. Whether it's at the ``Liar's Table'' reserved for ``Politishins and Fisherfolk'' or refilling coffee cups throughout the restaurant, everyone feels right at home at Aunt Eunice's. For fifty years, people from all over the world have visited Eunice's Country Kitchen and have concluded that it truly is the finest place for country ham & biscuits. Mr. Speaker, I sincerely congratulate Aunt Eunice for fifty years of friendly service and great food. And I want to thank here for making me a part of her Alabama family.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Coach Joe Dasaro and the Grissom High School Wrestling team from Huntsville, AL. Earlier this month, they took home the 6A State Wrestling Championship, a title they haven't held since 1997. The Tigers won their sixth state championship title in the 19 years that Coach Dasaro has been leading the team. Grissom High School has always upheld the highest standards of excellence in all its endeavors, and this team of outstanding athletes is no exception. The Grissom team scored 140 points--26 points above any other team in the tournament. Coach Dasaro has called the team solid and consistent, and I am proud of this group of athletes who have maintained an attitude of distinction in all that they do. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Coach Dasaro for his leadership and each member of the Grissom High School wrestling team for their commitment to achieving the championship title.