Travis Childers

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of the amendment I introduced with my friend and colleague from Louisiana, Mr. Melancon. The amendment would lift the moratorium on deepwater drilling for the responsible actors who meet strict safety requirements for their drilling operations. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill has been a tragedy for the Gulf Coast, one we can ill afford as our nation works toward economic recovery. However, in the state of Mississippi, thousands of workers are employed by the deepwater drilling industry. Because of the moratorium these hard-working Americans will struggle to make ends meet in an already difficult economic environment. The Gulf Coast, from Florida to Texas, is suffering from this disaster and in Mississippi we cannot afford to lose even more jobs due to this tragedy. The path to recovery from the Deepwater Horizon disaster will be long; we should not stand in the way of safe and responsible employers and the families they support. I applaud the reorganization of the ethics plagued Minerals Management Service by the Department of the Interior in the underlying bill. It is my hope that the new regulatory structure will be an effective tool for ensuring safe drilling practices so that lives are not lost and moratoriums are not needed. Deepwater drilling is not only a source of American jobs but also an important source of domestic energy production in our fight for energy independence. I ask my colleagues to join me today in supporting this amendment to save jobs and help the entire Gulf Coast region to recover.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Homebuyers Assistance and Improvement Act of 2010. This bill is important for home buyers who have met the requirements of the first-time homebuyer tax credit program but who are now not able to close on their new homes due to circumstances which are out of their control. With the passage of this act, over 1,500 home buyers in my great State of Mississippi will be able to take advantage of the Homebuyers Tax Credit program, making homes more affordable for families and individuals and creating much-needed jobs. As a veteran realtor for over 30 years, I have seen firsthand the ups and downs associated with the housing market. Recent signs of recovery in the market are certainly encouraging, but we must follow through and sustain the progress linked to the initial benefits of the homebuyer tax credits. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and to support the prospective homeowners in America.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. I want to thank Chairman Skelton and the Armed Services Committee for bringing this important legislation to the floor and for allowing me to introduce this amendment. The uncertainty of whether or not a company will be awarded a military contract, as well as the finite period of time required to fulfill a contract, means that many times contractors are stuck in a cycle of ramping up and ramping down employment and, consequently, hiring, laying off, and rehiring employees. My amendment addresses this issue in the production of the various types of MRAPs our soldiers use for transportation and protection from IEDs in Iraq and Afghanistan. The First District of Mississippi calls itself home to Navistar Defense, which produces the MRAP. Last year, Navistar was forced to lay off hundreds of employees when one of its contracts ended. More recently, Navistar was awarded another contract, requiring them to rehire 800 employees in order to meet the production deadlines put in place by the military. But the majority of these employees will be laid off again in October when the contract is completed. My amendment ensures that the Department of Defense begins to look at ways that we can meet our military needs while at the same time making contracting decisions that save taxpayer money and keep skilled workers employed for sustainable amounts of my time. I urge my colleagues to pass this amendment.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a special Mississippian, Coach Rex Berryman of Mooreville, Mississippi. Coach Berryman has served as an educator and community leader at Mooreville High School for thirty-eight years. In 2004, he was inducted into the Mississippi Associates of Coaches Hall of Fame for his achievements. Throughout his career he has championed over 2,100 victories in all sports. Coach Berryman has led the Mooreville Troopers to win thirteen State Championships, including basketball, slow-pitch softball, and baseball. I applaud Coach Rex Berryman's achievements and I know he will continue to support the Mooreville Troopers and victoriously represent Mississippi's First District. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Coach Rex Berryman for his commitment and years of service mentoring young students in Mississippi.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very special Mississippian. William Flewellen Heard of Tupelo, Mississippi, is an accomplished artist who has overcome adversity and has become an inspiration to many. William graduated from Tupelo High School in 1994. After high school, he began basic training in the Army National Guard as a Medical Specialist. In 1996, he enrolled at Mississippi State University majoring in Business and Furniture Productions. On March 14, 2000, William was involved in a car accident that left him quadriplegic. During his rehabilitation William found a love for art. Through his art and disability William has been able to inspire others who have suffered similar injuries. Today, William teaches an art class for people with spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries sponsored by the Spinal Cord Trust Fund of Mississippi. He is a state board member for a nonprofit organization, LIFE of Mississippi. He is also a member of the Northeast Mississippi Art Association and tours church youth groups and elementary schools talking about his disability and art. In 2005, William won ``Best in Show'' at a juried exhibit at the Gumtree Museum of Art in Tupelo. In 2007, William won third place at the Gumtree Art Festival with over 100 artist's participation. I applaud William's achievements and I hope he will continue to guide others and represent Mississippi's First District. I urge my colleagues to join me today in recognizing William Heard for his extraordinary efforts and service spent mentoring young people in Mississippi.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Mr. Speaker, this weekend Mississippi communities were struck by the largest natural disaster to hit our State since Hurricane Katrina. Saturday's devastating tornadoes hit several areas in North Mississippi, including three counties in the First Congressional District, which I represent. Damages included more than 700 homes or mobile homes destroyed, various businesses, 49 injuries, and 10 deaths. I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims killed in Choctaw, Holmes, and Yazoo Counties. Choctaw County specifically is located in Mississippi's First District. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Andra Patterson, sisters Tyana and Brittney Jobe, and Mary and Bobby Yates. I would also like to express my support for all those Mississippians who suffered injuries and damage to their homes and businesses. We are a strong community, and we will recover from this disaster. We will continue working with authorities at all levels of government toward the shared goal of recovery. I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing our condolences for those who lost their lives during this weekend's storm, praying for those who were injured or lost their homes or businesses, and wishing Mississippi a swift recovery.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. CHILDERS. I would like to add my thanks to Mr. Andrews and the House Armed Services Committee, especially my dear friend and chairman, Ike Skelton, for putting forth this important legislation. Changing the way the Department of Defense conducts its acquisition activities is essential to restoring fiscal discipline in our government. I commend the committee's efforts to ensure that acquisition personnel at the Department of Defense are well trained to make the best decisions for both our national security and our economy. My amendment makes a small addition to this training by including ``market research strategies.'' This minor addition is of great importance to many districts like mine. Today, upwards of 4,000 North Mississippians are employed by defense contractors, and that number continues to grow. These employees work hard every day to create many of the products and services that keep our troops safe in theater and protect our homeland from outside threats. These include many contractors on Columbus Air Force Base as well as contractors that produce everything from military uniforms to MRAPS and Unmanned Aerial Systems. The defense companies are vital to the economy of Mississippi. It is important that when the Department of Defense makes a decision about who receives a military contract and what term that contract contains, it considers how surrounding communities are affected and how these communities can contribute to that contract. The addition of market research strategies to acquisition training would ensure that the acquisition personnel at the Department of Defense are trained to take into account the local economy surrounding a potential defense contractor and how the unique makeup of the local community could provide added value to the department. It will assist the department in taking into account the unique workforces that communities like the Golden Triangle region in my district encompass and their ability to save the government money. During this difficult economy, it is important that Congress remains focused on job creation and preservation as well as restoring a balanced budget. My amendment ensures that the DOD can consider the impact of defense acquisition on local jobs and that the government has additional tools to find new ways to cut costs and promote fiscal responsibility. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CHILDERS. I want to thank my colleague and the gentleman for his concurrence in my amendment. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and the underlying bill as well. Mr. Chairman, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Ms. Orene Ellis Farese--a singular woman of great accomplishment, style, and uncommon beauty. Her home was Ashland, Mississippi, where she was a true partner of her husband, famed attorney John B. Farese. They served together in the Mississippi legislature--the first couple to do so in our State and the United States. The Fareses became the parents of four exceptional children: John Booth, Kay, Steve, and Jeff. The Farese household was a lively and hospitable one, always open to friends and to children's friends. Mrs. Farese taught by example and placed a high priority on service and excellence. She founded the Ashland PTA and the Arts Festival, served as a Scout and church leader, and was present at every activity involving her children. In 1938, Mrs. Farese graduated from Blue Mountain College--a momentous accomplishment for a woman at that time. Through her continued leadership, Mrs. Farese was a role model for young women in Ashland affirming that they, too, could accomplish anything with their lives. The Fareses put the tiny town of Ashland on the map and raised the bar for everyone. Today, their children continue the Farese legacy of giving begun by their parents. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this sterling example of Mississippi womanhood and her beautifully lived life.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Allie Bennett Shields on the occasion of her 90th birthday. Allie Bennett Shields was born on April 15, 1915 in Prentiss County, Mississippi. She grew up on a farm near New Site, Mississippi. At 19, Allie married Marshall Shields on December 23, 1934. Allie had a long and active working life. She was one of the original members of East Booneville Baptist Church in 1948. Allie and Marshall were married for 45 years and had one son, Tommy Lee Shields. She is blessed with two grandchildren, Jamie and Johnny Shields. I am honored to have Allie as a resident in my congressional district. Celebrating a 90th birthday is a momentous occasion that many strive for, yet few accomplish. I can only imagine the advances and changes she has witnessed during her celebrated life. I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Mrs. Allie Bennett Shields on her 90th birthday.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of National Ag Week. This week we honor our farmers and the agriculture industry as a whole for their critical contributions to America's local economies, communities, and families. Agriculture is the backbone of the South and the number one industry in the State of Mississippi. Not only is it responsible for providing the necessities of everyday life, food, fiber, clothing, and fuel, to name a few, but it also plays a key role in spurring local economic development and strengthening American competitiveness in today's global economy. I'm very honored to serve as the only member of Mississippi's delegation on the House Agriculture Committee. I'm also proud to co- chair the bipartisan Congressional Rural Caucus, which I joined Republican Adrian Smith in reestablishing last year to address important challenges unique to rural America. Together we've reached across party lines to promote universal broadband access, economic development in rural communities, and the creation of a White House Office of Rural Policy. I urge my colleagues to join the Congressional Rural Caucus in recognizing National Agriculture Week.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of National Teach Ag Day. I have introduced a bill, House Resolution 886, to honor our Nation's agriculture educators and to support National Teach Ag Day on this day, February 25, 2010. At a time when there is a nationwide teacher shortage in ag education and many agricultural education programs are suffering from the lack of qualified teachers, I feel it's important to encourage students to explore careers as teachers in agriculture. These teachers work hard to ensure that over a million American students receive an ag education as part of their curriculum. Ag educators work hand in hand with community groups like FFA to strengthen communities. Our Nation's food supply depends on our continued support of the entire agriculture industry. Encouraging students to pursue agriculture education is one way to help secure our food supply. I urge you to join me and many of our colleagues, as well as the NAAE, on behalf of the National Council for Agricultural Education, in supporting America's agricultural educators and students on this day, National Teach Ag Day.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and pay tribute to a fine American, Mike Waters, on an occasion when he and his business have received a prestigious honor: the International Circle of Excellence Award for 2009. The Circle of Excellence, which is awarded by the International dealer organization of Navistar, Inc., honors International truck dealerships that achieve the highest level of dealer performance with respect to operating and financial standards, market representation, and most importantly, customer satisfaction. It is the highest honor a dealer principal can receive from the company. Mike's business, Waters Truck & Tractor Co., is headquartered in Columbus, Mississippi, where it was founded 72 years ago by his grandfather. Since Mike joined the company full-time in 1975, it has grown into one of the preeminent truck dealerships in the Southeast and the entire nation. In addition to five full-service truck locations, the Waters Companies include an IC Bus school bus dealership, a wrecker service, and remote facility and equipment maintenance. The Waters Companies employ 275 people in all. In 2002, Waters Truck & Tractor was named the International Dealer of the Year, an honor awarded to the one International dealer who exhibits the highest commitment to best-in- class customer service. With this most recent award, Waters Truck & Tractor has now received the Circle of Excellence Award a total of 29 times. Mike has achieved this level of accomplishment and recognition through many years of hard work and service to his industry and community. He is active in his church and many civic groups and is a board member for numerous organizations, including the Cadence Bank, the Baptist Memorial Health Care System and the Mississippi University for Women Foundation. Mike has now welcomed the fourth generation into the business, with Michael, Vaughan and Josh Waters having joined the company. Through his commitment to hard work and outstanding customer service, he has built an economically vital business of which he can be justly proud. Madam Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join with me in congratulating Mike Waters for his record of accomplishment and for his many contributions to his community, state and nation.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Robert L. Klyce. Robert has been an inspiring leader in the Hernando Mississippi community, and I recognize his service as Emissary on behalf of St. Augustine's National Foundation. As an Emissary for St. Augustine's National Foundation, Robert L. Klyce served by providing leadership critical to the mission of the St. Augustine's National Foundation, Inc.--a faith based endeavor commissioned to prevail in the establishment of a heritage to benefit a global community-at-large, demonstrating compassion to humankind. I applaud Mr. Klyce's achievements and I hope he will continue to guide, inspire, and represent Mississippi's First District. I urge my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Robert L. Klyce for his years of service and leadership in Mississippi.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Bud Huddleston as a music legend from North Mississippi. Mr. Huddleston has been a working musician in Tippah County and across North Mississippi for over 50 years. Mr. Huddleston, a lifelong resident of Tippah County, has spent the last half century making music and thrilling local crowds with his beloved wife, Hazel, now sadly deceased. The two met in the mid-1940s when Bud encountered Hazel playing at a dance in a band with her father and brothers. He remembers liking both her looks and her guitar playing. Despite the fact that Hazel's father accompanied them on their first date, they continued to see one another and play together, eventually getting married in 1949. Both Bud and Hazel Huddleston played music from childhood and learned from family members. The Huddlestons attributes a 1979 encounter with bluegrass musician Clarence Goodrum as having a significant impact upon their career. Although the two played country music, Mr. Huddleston's great love was bluegrass. Having the opportunity to spend time and play with Goodrum convinced Mr. Huddleston to make the change and they have played mountain music ever since. Despite an excellent reputation as live performers, the couple may be best known for their radio work. Since 1982, the Huddlestons were a fixture on the airwaves on Kudzu 102, a station that covers a large portion of North Mississippi, North West Alabama and South West Tennessee. They performed a bluegrass show on KUDZU 104.9 Saturday mornings and a bluegrass gospel program on Sundays. Mr. Huddleston is the voice of the program and chooses the music. Mrs. Huddleston lost her long battle with cancer on March 29, 2008. Mr. Huddleston still lives in Ripley, Mississippi where the Huddlestons have sponsored the Tippah Lake bluegrass festival for over 20 years, now with crowds of more than 700. I ask my colleagues to join me today in thanking Mr. Bud Huddleston for the joy his years of performances and broadcasts have brought to his audience. We recognize him today for a life of love and musicianship.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Milton Vardeman Padgett on the occasion of his 100th birthday. Vardeman was born January 13, 1910 in the Blackland community in Northeast Mississippi to John and Hulda Padgett. At a young age, Vardeman fell in love with the game of basketball and played at Jumpertown. To this day, he enjoys watching basketball and has become a devoted fan of the Memphis Grizzlies. Vardeman worked as a carpenter for Fisher Aircraft in Memphis during WWII, but worked as a farmer throughout his life. Vardeman married Margaret Geno Padgett and was a devoted husband for 65 years until her death in 1996. Mr. and Mrs. Padgett reared two children, Harrell Padgett and Janie Padgett McCall. He also has four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great- grandchildren. Vardeman still lives in his home in Jumpertown, Mississippi and is being cared for by his daughter Janie. He says his longevity in life is attributed to always honoring his father and mother. I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Mr. Vardeman Padgett on his 100th birthday.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today with deep sadness by the passing away of a great leader and native Mississippian, Mayor Judy Sumner. Mayor Sumner, 58, died Saturday, January 9, 2010, at her home. During her mayoral tenure, she guided the town toward resolution of a debt crisis with the Internal Revenue Service and a host of other creditors while helping to coordinate celebrations of Como's musical and ethnic heritage and its Main Street business revival. Mayor Sumner was a devoted wife to Mike Sumner and mother to her four children, Courtney Collins, Wendy Bailey, Sassene Dyer and Nick Sumner. Madam Speaker, with distinct honor and pride, I along with the citizens of Como, Mississippi, sadly mourn the death of such an inspirational leader and Mississippian. I want to personally thank her for all her contributions. Her memory will live on.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today with deep sadness by the passing away of a native Mississippian, Mr. Richard T. Wax. Mr. Wax, 83, died Monday, January 4, 2010, at his home. Mr. Wax was President of the Wax Company, founded in 1898 by N.T. Wax. The Wax Company was built on the foundation of serving Mississippi farmers. Mr. Wax joined the company in 1948. He was elected President in 1972 and spent over 50 years of service to the Mississippi agricultural industry. Mr. Wax was also former president of the Southern Seedsmen's Association, the Southern Field Seed Council and was appointed by the American Seed Trade Association to the Panel of Arbitrators of the American Arbitration Association. Mr. Wax was a devoted husband to Lewellen, and father to Barry, John, and Terry. Madam Speaker, with distinct honor and pride, I along with the citizens of Amory, Mississippi, sadly mourn the death of such an inspirational Mississippian. I want to personally thank him for his contributions. His memory will live on.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very special Mississippian. Coach Jim Drewry of Booneville, Mississippi has been named the winningest coach in Mississippi High School Football history. Coach Drewry began his coaching career at Kossuth (Miss.) High School in the spring of 1958. He spent two years at Kossuth, then moved to Brandon (Miss.) High School as an assistant coach in 1960. After five years, Coach Drewry took the head coaching job at Booneville (Miss.) High School in 1965, where he led the Blue Devils to three bowl games and a Tombigbee Conference co-championship in 1977. He returned as head coach at Kossuth High School from 1979 to 1986. Then Coach Drewry retired and was out of coaching for two years. In 1989, he got back into coaching as head coach at Tishomingo (Miss.) High School. After just one season, Coach Drewry returned to Booneville High School in 1990, guiding my alma mater Blue Devils to a Class 2A state title. Since returning to Booneville High School football, Coach Drewry has led the Blue Devils to win state championships and division championships. He has an overall record of 345-156-5, making him the most successful public school football coach in Mississippi. Coach Drewry was also recognized in the Mississippi Association of Coach Hall of Fame and the National Federation of High School Hall of Fame. I applaud Coach Jim Drewry's achievements and I hope he will continue to guide the Booneville Blue Devils and victoriously represent Mississippi's First District. I urge my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Coach Jim Drewry for his winning record and for his years of service on and off the field spent mentoring young people in Mississippi.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Petty Officer John M. Cooper III, United States Navy. Petty Officer Cooper III is retiring from the Navy after 20 years of service to our nation. In 1990, Petty Officer Cooper III, enlisted in the United States Navy. In his career as Hull Technician, Petty Officer Cooper III was responsible for helping to keep the fleet operational and ensuring that the navy vessels are in good condition. During his time in the United States Navy, Petty Officer Cooper III traveled the world and received many medals and ribbons for his service. He was certified as a Quality Assurance Officer, Safety Supervisor, and Gas Free Engineer. Petty Officer Cooper III has dedicated years of service to this nation, and for that, we thank him. I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring Petty Officer John M. Cooper III on the occasion of his retirement from the United States Navy.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a National Little Britches Rodeo Champion, Will Lummus, a fierce competitor in the senior tie-down calf-roping finals. Every year, more than 700 of the National Little Britches Association's top athletes from across the country gather in Pueblo, Colorado to take shots at 30 world championships. Madam Speaker, with distinct honor and pride, I, along with the citizens of West Point, Mississippi congratulate our own national calf- roping champion, Will Lummus. I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Will for his hard work and dedication. I hope he will continue to compete and victoriously represent Mississippi's First District.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to be a co-sponsor of House Resolution 81 and see this important measure brought to the floor for a vote. I represent Mississippi's First Congressional District--a district strong in forestry and farmland. This industry is dominated by small-based family owned businesses, like my longtime friend Jimmy Pharr's in Marietta, MS, which will benefit from the passage of this resolution. These small landowner/businesses often have fewer than fifty acres much of which may at one time have been crop or cattle farms. Many landowners have rededicated these lands solely to the production of timber. These timber stands are valuable, long-term investments which expand to job opportunities in a myriad of related businesses--sawmills, logging, trucking, insurance, and many others. Hardwood lumber growers and manufacturers in Mississippi's First District are valuable members of the communities in which they live, and (like many others in Mississippi) have children and grandchildren who hope to stay in these businesses and continue to enjoy all that life offers closer to home. Hardwood timber stands are a critical part of savings and investment for many of my first district families. Without strong markets for lumber, those investments plummet. H. Res. 81 will help assure stronger markets without government intrusion. Instead we are offering a strong statement from the House that this private enterprise industry is one which should continue to reap the rewards of decades good business decisions and stewardship of the land. The benefits of Mississippi hardwoods are much the same as the benefits enjoyed in nearly every state of the union--from the sheer beauty these forests offer to the hundreds of good jobs tied to them. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting yes on this important measure.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Marjorie Elizabeth Hines on the occasion of her 90th birthday. Marjorie Elizabeth Hines was born on September 27, 1919 in Hickory Valley, Tennessee to Benjamin Tamlin & Mary Raines Lake. She would become the eldest of the farm family's seven children. Marjorie studied at Lambuth College in Jackson, Tennessee and became an elementary school teacher. In 1943 she married Curtis W. Hines, a soldier from the Hopewell Community of Benton County, Mississippi. After his return from the war they began to farm land which had been in the Hines family for generations. Mr. Hines later became Chancery Clerk of Benton County. Mrs. Hines was his invaluable helpmate. Mr. & Mrs. Hines reared two children, Beth Hines Davis of Iuka and Frank Lesley Hines of Hopewell. They also have six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Mrs. Hines is known for her charm, grace, beautiful smile and dedication to family and fellow man. She prepared marvelous meals for family, friends and strangers. I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Mrs. Marjorie Hines on her 90th birthday.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.