Bud Cramer

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join my colleagues in honoring Johnny Michael Spann, the first American killed in combat during the war against terrorism in Afghanistan. Mike Spann was born and raised in a small town in North Alabama called Winfield. Like most kids growing up in small town America, Mike grew up with a great love for his country. And it was this great love of country that led Mike first to the Marine Corps, where he rose to the rank of captain, and later to the CIA, where he fulfilled a lifelong dream. Duty, honor, integrity, and patriotism. Mr. Speaker, to Mike Spann these were not simply words to be carelessly thrown about, but rather they were words that had real meaning and were words around which he ordered his life. Indeed it was the weight of these words that carried Mike to Afghanistan. For, Mr. Speaker, when duty called Mike Spann answered--without hesitation and with a quiet and steady dignity that came from an unshakeable belief in the righteousness of his mission. In a sand blown fort, in a war torn land far from the comforts of his home, Mike Spann stood on the front line defending our American values and our way of life. Unlike most, Mike Spann understood that the freedoms we all cherish do not come without a hefty price. Sadly, he paid the ultimate price and gave his life in defense of these cherished freedoms. But, as his wife Shannon has said, ``Mike is a hero not because of the way that he died, but rather because of the way that he lived.'' So, while we mourn his loss, we all can take comfort and pride in the knowledge that he gave his life defending the values that shaped and animated his life. Today, with this resolution we honor him for his bravery and sacrifice. And to his family, a grateful nation offers its deepest sympathies. This nation and the world are better places because of the sacrifice made by Johnny Michael Spann.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Mr. Randy Berryhill of Muscle Shoals, Alabama as he retires on December 1, 2001. Mr. Berryhill has been a very special member of the Muscle Shoals Fire Department for 30 years. He was hired on June 19, 1971 by the City of Muscle Shoals as a custodian for the Fire Department, but has assumed a much larger role over the years. Mr. Berryhill is handicapped, but has not let that stop him from greatly expanding his responsibilities at the department. He picks up the mail, raises and lowers the flag on a daily basis, and performs various other tasks that are crucial to efficiently running the department. Mr. Berryhill is very active in the Muscle Shoals community as well as the Fire Department. He is a member of the Woodward Avenue Baptist Church Choir, an avid supporter of the Muscle Shoals High School Football and Basketball teams, and a fervent fan of the University of Alabama. Mr. Berryhill's dedicated service will be greatly missed by the Fire Department, but I am confident that he will remain an active member of the Muscle Shoals community during his well-earned retirement.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor United States Army Major Dwayne Williams. Major Williams was a man who dedicated his life to God and his country. He had recently completed the Army Command General College officer course and was assigned to work at the Pentagon in July. Unfortunately, Major Williams was assigned to an Army wing of the Pentagon that was struck by the hijacked plane on September 11, 2001, and lost his life to the terrorist attack. Major Williams, only 40 years old, already had an impressive record of service to our nation. He started as a paratrooper and served with the elite rangers at Fort Benning, Georgia and later served in the Persian Gulf War. He spent three years in Egypt at the American embassy and then two years as a company commander at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Major Dwayne Williams had strong ties to the 511 District of Alabama, where his parents still reside. Major Williams was a star football player at Jacksonville High School and later at the University of North Alabama. He leaves behind his wife Tammy and his two children, Tyler and Kelsie; his parents, Horace and Pearl Williams; and his three brothers, Roy Williams, Air Force Staff Sergeant Troy Williams, and Army Sergeant 1st Class Kim Williams. Major Dwayne Williams was an eighteen year veteran of the United States Army and will be greatly missed by his family and friends, and also by the country that he dutifully and selflessly served for many years.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Commander Timothy Atkinson of the United States Navy as he prepares to assume command of the Surface Combat Systems Center in Wallops Island, Virginia this October. Commander Atkinson, a native of Newport, Rhode Island, received a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from Auburn University and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. Commander Atkinson has enjoyed a successful naval career. He served as the Combat Information Center Officer and made a Western Pacific deployment during his time aboard the USS California from 1984 to 1986. In 1987, he was assigned to the Coastal Systems Center in Panama City, Florida, where he worked on the combat systems testing aboard amphibious ships and the research and development of Landing Craft Air Cushion, the Navy's hovercraft. From 1991 to 1993, Commander Atkinson repaired and maintained forward-deployed ships at the Ship Repair Facility in Guam. Following his assignment in Guam, Atkinson reported to the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command in Arlington, Virginia, where he managed command, control, communication, computer, and intelligence systems aboard Aegis-class destroyers and cruisers. Atkinson became a member of the Navy's Acquisition Professional Community after completing the Department of Defense's Program Management course at the Defense Systems Management College in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. In 1996, Commander Atkinson transferred to Arlington, Virginia, to lead the implementation of combat systems and C41 systems aboard surface combatant ships at the Program Executive Office for Theater Surface Combatants. Most recently, Commander Atkinson completed a two- year tour in Millington, Tennessee, where he was the Engineering Duty community's job assignment officer at the Navy Personnel Command.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to strongly condemn the cowardly act of violence that besieged our nation yesterday. Today, we stand as a nation resolved to continue our way of life. National symbols of power were shaken, but the true strength of the country, our people, remain solid. We will act swiftly to determine those responsible for this cowardice and retaliate against the perpetrators. We continue to support our Commander in Chief as he leads us through this truly horrible time for our nation. I commend those citizens of all walks of life who became America's heroes yesterday as they worked to rescue the injured and console families of victims. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are injured, those who lost their lives, and those who are courageously involved in rescue efforts. We will come together as a nation by giving blood, donating our time and services to help the afflicted, and flying our American flags proudly. Members of Congress and citizens across the country today refuse to be frightened and demoralized as we attempt to pick up the shattered pieces of our lives and restore some semblance of normalcy to our daily routines. However, this indeed is a dark time for America, which has generated grave memories that will last forever. What is important now is that we face and learn from this solemn chapter in our history. We must reassess our national security apparatus and come to terms with those lapses in security that allowed these terrorists to take root on U.S. soil. But, make no mistake, the rest of the world should know--and know so resoundingly--that the United States will not tolerate cowardly acts of terrorism. I agree wholeheartedly with the President that we will make no distinction between those who committed this barbaric act of cowardice and those who harbor and give them sustenance. All of the perpetrators of these dastardly deeds must come to feel the full force of our power--unleashed in all of its awesome might. Surely, the wounds inflicted upon our national conscience by this horrendous act of terrorism are deep. However, while we have suffered a tremendous loss, our resolve to confront and defeat the evil that brought about this tragedy has only been strengthened. I stand behind the President at this moment of national sorrow. As a nation we are united in our unyielding determination to prevail against terrorism and those who support it.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Chairman, I want to add to my colleague, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Roemer), that I have enjoyed serving with him. We have fought this battle many years now. I happen to disagree with him over this particular issue. We have agreed on a lot of other issues. He has offered this House a valuable service. Frankly, he has offered NASA a valuable service by keeping the pressure on NASA. I have to say, though, I hope the gentleman will withdraw this amendment much like he withdrew the other amendment. This is a very ill-advised amendment. The chairman and ranking member of this subcommittee have done an outstanding job of making sure that NASA's budget was kept within the perspective of this particular bill. The ranking member has made excellent points in arguing why this amendment today does not work. The Roemer-Capps amendment is a Catch-22 for NASA. It is a wolf in sheep's clothing. The gentleman is trying to put a cap on this, but a cap already exists and the committee has worked within that cap. Do not support this ill-advised amendment. It does not provide NASA with the flexibility to deal with the cost issues that it must deal with. I hope the gentleman will withdraw this amendment.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. LeRoy Daniels on the occasion of his retirement from the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, located at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. Mr. Daniels has over 36 years of outstanding service to the defense of this nation. Throughout his years with the Army, he has served his nation in tours in Korea and at the Pentagon. He has been the Civilian Personnel Officer at both the U.S. Army Aviation Center and School at Fort Rucker, Alabama and is currently employed with the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command as Civilian Personnel Officer. Mr. Daniels is a native of Troy and received both a Bachelors of Science and a Masters of Business Administration degrees from Alabama A&M University. He has received special recognition from the Secretary of the Army and the Secretary of Defense. For his leadership and vision for the Army, he has been honored with the Superior Civilian Service Award, the Commander's Award and the William H. Kushnik Award for Outstanding Achievement in Civilian Personnel among others. His talents, skills and experience, which have made him so successful in his career, have also endeared him to his community. He serves as an Elder, a Sunday school teacher and sings in the Chancel Choir at the Church Street Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the Alabama A&M University Business and Industry Cluster Publicity and Fund Raising Committee. He also stays active in Blacks in Government, the NAACP and the North Alabama Golf Club. I wish Mr. Daniels the very best of luck in his retirement and, on behalf of the people of Alabama's Fifth Congressional District, I thank him for his extraordinary service to our community and the nation. I wish him a well-deserved rest.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Ms. Kim Shellman as she finishes her duties here in Washington and moves to Atlanta to continue her work with children. Kim has been the founder, the inspiration and the blood, sweat and tears of Safe Shores--the D.C. Children's Advocacy Center. Since she first began working to provide the District of Columbia with its own child advocacy center over five years ago, she has brought professionalism, a tireless enthusiasm and a heart bigger than this city to the task. The D.C. Children's Advocacy Center is a non-profit, private-public partnership that coordinates an inter-agency team approach to child abuse cases in the District. It is modeled after the National Children's Advocacy Center that I started in Huntsville, Alabama, when I served there as District Attorney before my election to Congress. It is a joy to see something you started take off. The D.C. Children's Advocacy Center has shown us that the model can be successfully adapted in urban settings and with the unique government structure of the District. Kim has accomplished an amazing amount here in Washington, and I have no doubt she will continue to excel in her new position in Atlanta. She has the unique ability to work with a system and sort through the bureaucracy to ensure that what's most important--our children--are being taken care of. The Children's Advocacy movement believes in putting the needs of abused children first and Kim embodies that belief. Throughout her career, she has sought out ways to help children within the confines of the justice system. As an elementary school teacher, volunteer at a Dominican orphanage, the Director of a tutoring program, a legal intern with the Family Division, a law clerk for the Presiding Judge of the Family Division at D.C. Superior Court, and finally as the Executive Director of Safe Shores, Kim has given freely of her talents, wisdom and energy to children. She has been recognized for her work with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 1998 Commissioner's Award for Outstanding Leadership and Service in the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. Kim has done everything for Safe Shores from supervising staff and team agencies to accounting to drafting policies and procedures to coordinating capital campaigns. She has been on the frontlines of child abuse prevention and treatment for over five years. Her success can be measured through each child that has gone through her program and has benefited from Safe Shores' services. She has been a tremendous asset for the district and we are sorry to see her go. We do, however, wish her the best as she begins her new job working with the Fulton County District Attorney's office to build a model CAC program there in Atlanta, Georgia. The children of Atlanta are very fortunate to have Kim on their side. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I wish Kim the best and sincerely thank her for going above and beyond the call of her duty on behalf of children.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Ollye Ballard Conley on her June 30th retirement after more than 35 years of dedicated service to the Huntsville City school system. Mrs. Conley has made the students of the Huntsville community shine through her creation of a top-notch magnet school, the Academy for Science and Foreign Language. Her career in education is extensive and very impressive. Beginning as a teacher in Limestone County, Mrs. Conley has spent time teaching in Germany with the Department of Defense as well. After returning to Huntsville, her career took off and she soon rose through the ranks to become an administrator and then principal. She has led the schools of University Place, Rolling Hills and most recently the Academy for Science and Foreign Language to be more efficient, better organized schools. She believes in mission and her mission has been to provide the best environment possible for children to excel. She is innovative bringing in new curriculums such as the National Service-Learning program. The Academy is the only middle school in Alabama and only one of 34 nationwide to implement the service-learning program. She has shared her knowledge and the benefits of the service-learning program as a Regional Trainer for the Southern Region Corporation for National Service-Exchange. Mrs. Conley believes that an education does not have to be limited to the classroom. Along with her students whom she inspires to achieve more and give back to their community, she established the first annual Community Day at Glenwood cemetery earning the Huntsville Historical Society Award and the Alabama Historical Commission Distinguished Service Award. On behalf of the United States Congress and the people of North Alabama, I want to personally thank Mrs. Conley and pay tribute to her for her being an unsung hero. The difference she has made in countless children's lives over the years is incalculable. I would like to extend my best wishes to her, her family, friends and colleagues as they celebrate her well-deserved rest and a job well done.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the long and fruitful life of Mr. Ferdinand Hammonds, Sr. of Madison County, Alabama, an extraordinary man whose ninety-seven years have been marked by his love of country, family and God. Mr. Hammonds was born in Madison County on June 24, 1904. Throughout his life, he has worked hard and excelled in many roles as a farmer, as a funeral director, at a rock quarry, and until his final retirement at age 86 at the Madison Boulevard Chevron station. One of Mr. Hammond's biggest successes was raising six happy and healthy children with his dear wife of 67 years, Anna Jones. His children, James, Ferdinand Jr., Sister, Jewell, Piney and Tiney are his pride and joy and lovingly refer to him as ``Pops''. Mr. Hammonds is also the oldest living sibling out of 15 and his sisters Martha Coleman and Mary Robinson celebrate his birthday as well. He is the eldest member of the St. Peter United Methodist Church having served on the Trustee Board. With a lifetime love of sports, Mr. Hammonds has become one of Bob Jones High School's most beloved fans. He is a familiar sight at their basketball, football and baseball games even earning a special seat and an assigned parking spot. On behalf of the people of Alabama's Fifth Congressional District, I join them in celebrating the extraordinary life of this incredible man. I send him and his family and friends my best wishes on this special birthday celebration. I wish Mr. Hammonds a happy and healthy 97th year.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to Mrs. Betty Huth Schonrock, a gracious friend of our community. Mrs. Schonrock was recently recognized with the Governor's Arts Award for her time, guidance, and financial support of the arts in Huntsville. As a direct result of Mrs. Schonrock's time and service, our quality of life has been enhanced through her commitment to the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, the Wilcoxon ice-skating complex, Randolph School, the Historic Huntsville Foundation, the Madison County Mental Health Association, the Huntsville-Madison Botanical Gardens, and the Huntsville Museum of Art. Becky Quinn, a member of the Alabama State Council on the Arts, spoke at the awards ceremony about Mrs. Schonrock's contributions to the development of the arts in North Alabama. Her words speak volumes about the award winner, ``For years Betty has taken strong leadership roles by bringing a rare combination of passion and reality to the arts. She has both the creativity to provide the vision and the organizational and fundraising skills to assure success.'' I also would like to share with you the comments on Betty listed in the ``Celebration of the Arts'' program, ``The growth, strength and stability of many of these art entities are attributed to the insight, commitment and hard work of Betty Schonrock, whose efforts and influence will be felt for countless years and generations to come.'' Mrs. Schonrock is not afraid to take on the tasks that no one else will volunteer for. She has spent incalculable hours in computerizing, for the first time, the Symphony ticket subscriber's list, auction acquisitions records, and auction invitation list. This kind of service is not an unusual task for Mrs. Schonrock to undertake and is very reflective of the kind of selfless dedication she gives to the arts. I believe this is a fitting tribute for one who has dedicated many years to serving the nation and the citizens of North Alabama. I send my congratulations to Mrs. Schonrock and her family, her husband Keith, and her children Heather and Keith as she accepts the well-deserved Governor's Arts Award. On behalf of the people of Alabama's 5th Congressional District, I join them in celebrating the extraordinary accomplishments of a wonderful lady, Mrs. Betty Huth Schonrock.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the long and fruitful life of Mr. Charley Cook, of Hollywood, Alabama, an extraordinary man whose one hundred and five years have been marked by his love of country, family and God. Mr. Cook was born in Hollywood, Alabama on May 28, 1896. When he was 21, he volunteered for the Navy and served in the Navy during World War I until 1919 making three trips to French waters. He is believed to be the last living WWI Veteran in Alabama. Mr. Cook also served on the Battleship Utah, which the Japanese sunk at Pearl Harbor. Mr. Cook's life reads like a chronicle of this nation's history. He has witnessed Babe Ruth hit his legendary home runs from Yankee Stadium and been in the audience of a vaudeville show starring Eddie Cantor and George Burns. When he finished his service time, he returned to Hollywood, Alabama maintaining his garden until 1995. He voluntarily quit driving at age 99. I would like to enclose words from his ``Armed Guard Detail'' certificate, ``Members of the Armed Guards . . . may well be proud of this duty. The efficient and courageous performance of this duty, replete with successful encounters with hostile submarines, will insure its indelible inscription in the history of the United States Navy.'' We can never afford to forget the victories and sacrifices of Mr. Cook's generation lest we take for granted the precious freedoms we enjoy every minute of every day. On behalf of the people of Alabama's Fifth Congressional District, I join them in celebrating the extraordinary life of this brave soldier. I send him and his family my best wishes on this special birthday reception this Sunday at the Veterans Hall in Scottsboro. I wish Mr. Cook a happy and healthy 105th year.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I submit into the Congressional Record the following essay written by a bright young lady from North Alabama, Miss Candice Neal. The essay titled ``The Constitution: A Fantastic Journey'' was recently selected as the winner of the 2001 American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest. I would like to submit her patriotic words for the 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. 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, we will learn how to responsibly engage in our constitutional rights. And, finally you will discover what it means to become a part of history, 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 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? 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 of 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 and 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 its 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 freedom to infringe upon other's inalienable rights, we are constantly called upon to defend and uphold our constitution. As such, we must be able to use our privileges responsibility. In 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 responsibility. 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 out 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 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 27 amendments, will drop from the overhead compartments to ensure our domestic tranquility. The amendment process is not the only way that we as citizens can participate in our govenmnent. What we have witnessed today should force us out of complacency and self- centeredness and put us in touch with a greater reality. Robert Kennedy made it popular, but George Bernard Shaw said it long ago: ``Some people see things as they 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. Then, we will begin participating in bigger ways such as writing letters to public officials, investigating the qualifications of 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 fight U.S. 1-7-8-7, we have traveled back in time to the formation of The Constitution of the United Sates. Our itinerary included a basic knowledge and understanding of the constitution; and appeal to engage in our rights responsibly; and finally, a call to participate in our government. Here in the 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 rise today to honor Athens-Limestone Hospital on fifty years of outstanding service to their community. I congratulate Athens-Limestone on this accomplishment and I believe their excellence is reflected in the countless patients that have received top-of-the-line medical care and caring attention during their stay with the hospital. Since the people of Limestone County came together in 1945 and began planning this hospital and since it opened its doors on May 28, 1951, Athens-Limestone has been a role model for other communities on how to be successful in keeping its neighbors healthy. I congratulate the board members, administrative staff, medical staff and service personnel--for they are the real key behind the hospital's success for the past half a century. Athens-Limestone has grown and expanded to their current status with over one hundred patient beds, sixteen out-patient surgery beds, eleven new born nursery beds and many more specialized services. This is a special anniversary for the Hospital and I congratulate them on their accomplishments. On behalf of the people of the 5th District of Alabama and the House of Representatives, I share my gratitude to Athens-Limestone for their good work these past fifty years and I wish them many, many more anniversaries like this one.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments and honor Mrs. Mary Holdsambeck on the receipt of the Madison County Democratic Women's Division, ``Joan Carpenter Cashin Lifetime Achievement Award.'' Today's recognition sheds light on the years of good deeds Mary has accomplished. She has been a vital leader in the Madison County Democratic Women since she moved to Huntsville. She has served two terms as Chairman of the group and has been involved in state politics as a member of the State Coalition for passing the Equal Rights Amendment and in the current Alabama Constitutional Reform Movement. She has even been a candidate, running in a special election for the State of Alabama House of Representatives. However, Mary's commitment to her community is not limited to the political arena. She played a pivotal role in helping to organize Hope Place, now Crisis Services, serving abused women and families. She has also contributed her time and manifold talents to Trinity United Methodist Church, the Wesley Foundation and the American Association of University Women. I believe this is a fitting honor for one who has given so much to the betterment of our community and our nation. I commend Mary for her lifetime of achievement and I want to express my sincere gratitude for her bold work for the Democratic Party and the patriotic ideals she believes in.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. George Lindsey and the University of North Alabama for their efforts in organizing and participating in the George Lindsey/UNA Television and Film Festival. This film festival is in its fourth year and has become an international affair showcasing and rewarding excellence in film and video endeavors. The cultural and educational benefits for UNA, the Shoals and the entire state of Alabama are immeasurable. Dr. Lindsey, a 1952 alumnus, is known throughout the country for his role in The Andy Griffith Show. Lindsey also became a staple character on Hee-Haw. His credits and appearances on television and film fill many a page. However, Lindsey has not let his fame and fortune cloud his commitment to good will. Instead, Lindsey has used his success and talents to improve the lives of those around him. He has raised more than one million dollars for the Special Olympics and started the George Lindsey Aquatic Center at the Alabama State Hospital for the Mentally Retarded. His generosity and dedication to the University of North Alabama are legendary. Along with Bobbie Hurt, Bill Jarnigan, Robert Potts, and Lisa Daniell of UNA, Lindsey had a vision for a festival that would provide aspiring artists, especially those from the state of Alabama, the opportunity to showcase their art while learning from professionals how to strengthen their work. They have succeeded beyond their greatest expectations bringing in such speakers as Tom Cherones, director of Seinfeld and Academy Award-winning actor Ernest Borgnine and launching the careers of several of the participants. As this year's festival gets underway, I wanted to express my deepest appreciation to Dr. Lindsey and UNA for encouraging the future leaders of the film industry. I also want to thank them for helping share with the world the wonderful things that are going on at UNA. On behalf of the United States Congress and the people of the 5TH district of Alabama, I share my congratulations with UNA for the success of the George Lindsey/UNA Television and Film Festival and I wish them many, many more years of fruitful collaboration.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleague from Alabama, and I will not take that much time, but I wanted to commend him over the issue that he is bringing to the floor today. It is hard to tell in Alabama where tornado alley is not. We have vulnerable citizens from north to south; all around us in the south and all around us in the country as well. I am not here to get myself involved in the procedural dispute here today, but I am here to say we need all the help that we can get for residents that live in manufactured housing and in the communities that consolidate that kind of housing as well. The gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek) is a tough act to follow, my colleague from South Florida there, but she knows as well as I do that we have vulnerable citizens that live in these communities. Mr. Chairman, I do want to engage my colleague from Alabama in a dialogue here. A number of our colleagues are confused about funding that is provided by this particular bill in this particular process. They are afraid that we cannot afford this or that it robs other valuable programs. This reflects on the CDBG program. Can the gentleman speak to the funding?

Mr. CRAMER. I yield to the gentleman from Alabama.

Mr. CRAMER. I applaud the gentleman's efforts and certainly want to join with him early to make sure we protect the citizens that live in this kind of housing. It is time that we do it.

Mr. CRAMER. I thank the gentleman.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the Alabama Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star on their One Hundredth Birthday. I congratulate them for one hundred extraordinary years of charity and human outreach. I also send my best wishes to the group for their birthday celebration to be held this Saturday, March 3, 2001 at the York Rite Temple in Birmingham. Internationally, the Alabama Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world that both men and women can belong. The Order was established in Alabama in 1901 in Montgomery. Thousands of members in the 200 chapters 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. Each member has devoted themselves to their community, their state and their nation providing not only financial assistance but personal time when their community needs them. This is a special day for the Chapter and for everyone who has benefited from their many, many programs. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives and the people of the 5th district of Alabama, I share my congratulations with the Alabama Grand Chapter for one hundred outstanding years of service and I wish them several hundred more.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, today I congratulate the NASA employees and contractors at Marshall Space Flight Center for their role in the successful delivery of NASA's Destiny Laboratory Module, the second of the U.S. pressurized modules, to the International Space Station. I am proud to say that the extremely talented men and women of the Boeing Company built Destiny in my district at the Marshall Space Flight Center. This includes the successful design, development, assembly, integration, and testing of Destiny, as well as its delivery to Kennedy Space Center in November 1998. The Destiny Laboratory, the long-awaited centerpiece of the Space Station, will allow the United States and its international partners to perform fundamental science experiments around-the-clock in the microgravity environment of space. This state- of-the-art module has a capacity of 24 rack locations, of which 13 are especially designed to support important scientific research. Once these racks arrive on later Shuttle flights, scientists can begin fundamental long-term research in space that can help improve the quality of human life back on Earth. Some of the first experiments will focus on the growth of proteins in the absence of the effects of gravity, hopefully leading to a better understanding of the true structure of harmful viruses that develop under strong gravitational effects on Earth. The Station will also allow researchers to study how the human body is affected by long-term exposure to the low-gravity environment of space, which is a crucial first step in establishing a human presence elsewhere in our solar system. Mr. Speaker, while Destiny is primarily intended to be the key U.S. science facility on board Station, the addition of this engineering marvel to the current Space Station configuration on-orbit will also expand the Station's power, life support, and attitude control capabilities. It will enable the transfer of flight control responsibilities from the Russians to NASA personnel, providing command and control capability for NASA's Mission Control in Houston. The Station had been under Russian command and control since the launch of the Russian-built Zarya Module in November 1998. The addition of the Destiny Laboratory, which is 28 feet in length and 14 feet in diameter, will also give Station occupants more habitable space than was available aboard Skylab or Mir. The launch of Destiny now allows NASA to focus on providing other high priority capabilities necessary to complete the ISS. One of these capabilities will be provided by the U.S. Propulsion System, and is necessary to eliminate our dependence on the propulsion systems on board the Russian Service Module and the regular launch of Russian Progress vehicles. It is also time for NASA to aggressively move forward with the U.S. Habitation Module, which would provide safe living quarters for the full complement of seven Station inhabitants. This is the module that will provide for the crew and enable a full vigorous science research program to bring about the expected return on the taxpayer's investment in this unique national resource. Mr. Speaker, the Habitation Module and much of the Propulsion System will be built at the Marshall Space Flight Center by Boeing--the same highly skilled team that also constructed the U.S. Unity node--and therefore I believe they will be in good hands. Mr. Speaker, North Alabama has a long heritage of spacecraft construction, starting with the rockets that placed men in Earth orbit and eventually on the Moon. I am proud to congratulate the world-class Space Station team in North Alabama for continuing this proud heritage of excellence with the development of the Destiny Laboratory Module. I expect it to be one of the highlights of this year's space program.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the accomplishments and bright future of thirty-one young ladies in my district. These outstanding young women will be honored on February 23, 2001 at the Forty-Third Annual Debutante Presentation Ball. In conjunction with the upcoming ball, five of these debutantes, Carlquista Champagne Johnson, Deanna Dion-Belvin Davis, De'Shandra Natasha Teague, Jasamine Greene and Jessica LaTori Burwell, will be honored by their parents this Saturday at a Sweetheart Tea. I wanted to take a moment and recognize these women for their dedication to the debutante program. For these past few months, these women have attended training sessions emphasizing the areas of leadership, health, careers, personal enhancement and social graces. Before celebrating their coming of age in the traditional ball these women will have completed cultural and community service projects and prepared a scrapbook. Chosen on the basis of academic, leadership, personal development, social graces, spiritual and civic awareness, these women represent the promise of a better future and the potential for making a difference in their community. This year the Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha is following the international theme of ``Blazing New Trails''. I commend these debutantes for blazing new trails of knowledge and understanding. I also commend their parents for their dedication to their daughters' upbringing and success. I send my best wishes to the debutantes for a delightful tea and a magical Ball.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the outstanding success of Rebecca Passion of Athens, Alabama. Crowned Miss Limestone Rodeo 2000, Miss Passion represented Limestone County at the IPRA National Finals in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on January 15. Miss Passion was crowned Miss Rodeo USA on January 20. As her community gathers to honor her victory this Saturday at the Limestone County Sheriff's Rodeo Arena, I would like to join them in congratulating her. Miss Passion's win is a testament to her talent, hard work and perseverance. The grueling competition included a test of riding skills, a public speaking portion and a lengthy interview. She excelled in all levels and surpassed the other competitors easily. I know that Limestone County is very proud of their ``hometown hero''. They have supported her every step of the way. The Miss Rodeo USA crown is a crown that she shares with her community. Miss Passion is a wonderful role model and I know that she will use her time as Miss Rodeo USA to serve her community. On behalf of the United States Congress, I congratulate Miss Passion and wish her a rewarding reign as Miss Rodeo USA. I wish her the best in all her future endeavors.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to one of this century's most powerful evangelists, Elder Edward Earl Cleveland. As a worldwide evangelist traveling to over 67 countries of the world, Oakwood College is very fortunate to have had the talents of Elder Cleveland reside on their campus since 1977. During his fruitful 24-year career, Elder Cleveland has shared his evangelistic techniques with Oakwood students as a Lecturer in the Department of Religion at the College. Cleveland's life and accomplishments are truly extraordinary. He has conducted over 60 public Evangelism campaigns, trained over 1100 pastors world-wide, preached on 6 continents and brought over 16,000 new believers into the Seventh-day Adventist Church. His involvement with his community and his commitment to civil rights is no less impressive. Cleveland participated in the First March on Washington in 1957 with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He took the message of Dr. King with him to Oakwood organizing the NAACP Chapter for students there. He also took it to his Church where he was the first African-American integrated into a department of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. I believe Elder Cleveland's blessed life can be captured in his life philosophy, ``I have seen God, for so long, do much with so little, I now believe He can do anything with nothing--meaning me.'' Thank goodness he had left a library of his works for us to learn from including ``The Middle Wall,'' ``The Exodus'' and his most recent work, ``Let the Church Roll On.'' As Elder Cleveland retires, I would like to extend my gratitude for his service to his family, his wife Celia, his son Edward Earl and his grandsons Edward Earl II and Omar Clifford for sharing their beloved husband, father and grandfather with the world. On behalf of United States Congress, I pay homage to Elder Cleveland and thank him for a job well done. I congratulate him on his retirement and wish him a well-deserved rest.