Travis Childers

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 3221, and I ask my colleagues for their support of my amendment to H.R. 3221 and our Nation's veterans. I want to thank the chairman and the committee for making my amendment in order today. This amendment would require campus veterans resource officers to act as a link between student veterans and mental health care providers at the Department of Veterans Affairs. With the support of veterans resource officers on university and college campuses, student veterans will be better connected to vital services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs and will be better prepared to complete their studies. With the recent implementation of the post-9/11 GI Bill, veterans have greater affordability and access to higher education and training. My amendment would help ensure that student veterans are able to complete their degree and graduate. When the recently deployed National Guard Members from my district in Mississippi return, I want to see these education benefits accessed by veterans, and help those veterans to succeed in their college careers. I would like to especially commend the unprecedented investments in community colleges included in H.R. 3221. Community colleges in Mississippi are some of the best in the Nation. They play an important role in preparing students for tomorrow's workforce. A community college education is one of the best investments a student can make. I thank our veterans for their service to our Nation, and I encourage them to access the training and education benefits they have earned. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important amendment. I reserve my time.

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews).

Mr. CHILDERS. I thank the gentleman for his remarks. I would also like to thank the gentleman from across the aisle for his kind remarks and support of our veterans as well. Madam Chair, this is simple: This is good for veterans; it's good for universities and community colleges, and this is one way that this body can honor our commitment to our men and women who have worn the uniform so proudly. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CHILDERS. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the first experimental forest at Fort Valley, Arizona, by the Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Experimental forests and ranges provide places for long-term science and management studies in many of the major vegetation types across the country. Fort Valley, the first experimental forest research station, established in 1908, as was mentioned earlier, was used to study how the ponderosa pine regenerates as the entire forest was being decimated through extensive logging, yet was not regrowing. Recommendations derived from research at Fort Valley were the basis of many U.S. Forest Service management practices that now allow us to responsibly log our forests so that they continue to produce. The 80 experimental forests and ranges in existence today play an integral role in our Nation's ability to maintain healthy forests and establish responsible forestry practices. Thirty-five States have one or more experimental forests, including three in my home State of Mississippi. Experimental forests and ranges provide samples of many ecological and environmental conditions across the United States. They support many forms of multisite research, monitoring and data sharing that address questions at regional and national scales. As a tree farmer, I understand the vital role that experimental forests and ranges play in keeping myself and other tree farmers at the forefront of forestry research. As we continue to face challenges such as new diseases and invasive species in the forestry industry, experimental forests and ranges will be the key to finding solutions to these challenges and ensuring America's tree farmers continue to be competitive and profitable. So I ask my colleagues, Members on both sides of the aisle today, to join me in recognizing the 100th anniversary of the establishment of experimental forests and support the passage of this resolution.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, today I am also proud to be a cosponsor 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 timberland. This industry is dominated by small- based, family-owned businesses which will benefit from the passage of this resolution. These small landowner businesses often have fewer than 50 acres, much of which may at one time have been crop or cattle farm. 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 would plummet. House Resolution 81 will help ensure 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 of 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. It's a privilege to come to this House floor today to express my steadfast support for pay-as-you-go legislation that is scheduled to be introduced this week. As a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition, I believe reinstituting PAYGO is vital to restoring confidence with the American people that Washington and this Congress are indeed serious about reducing the Federal deficit and not continuing the reckless spending policies so often associated with Washington over the past decade. The people of north Mississippi and the American people all understand that at some point the bills have to be paid. Going from a $5 trillion debt at the end of the Clinton administration to a now over $11 trillion debt, it is not hard to imagine the daily frustrations I see every weekend at home on the faces of individuals and families struggling in this economic downturn. It is time for Congress to start operating just as the families in my district do and adopt statutory PAYGO as the law of the land. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this landmark legislation.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Marvin Harold ``Bobby'' Caldwell on the occasion of his 85th birthday. Mr. Caldwell was born on July 18, 1924, in the Pleasant Hill community, Alcorn County, Mississippi to Joseph Sidney and Mary Edna Caldwell. When he was six months old, his parents bought a 35 acre farm on which Mr. Caldwell still lives today. Mr. Caldwell learned early how hard life could be. At the age of five, his father was killed after becoming tangled in the gear of a mule and died. By the age of 7, Mr. Caldwell was driving the cotton wagon to the gin to have the cotton baled. Upon arriving at the gin, often the older people would allow him to have his cotton baled first so he could get home before dark. Hard work as a child paid off and at the age of 21, Mr. Caldwell went to work at E.I. Dupont and Company in New Jersey to work on the production of the Atomic Bomb. Upon returning home to Mississippi, he worked at the Sanford Hosiery Mill until it closed at which time he became a general contractor until retiring. Mr. Caldwell has always had a special place in his heart for children and in 1971 was elected to the Alcorn County School Board on which he served for 36 years. As of today, he is still active in his home church, Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, is a 32 degree Mason, York Rite, Shrine Club and Eastern Star Member. I thank my colleagues for joining me today to honor Mr. Bobby Caldwell for a life of service and congratulate him on his birthday.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of an American hero, a Mississippi hero, Master Sergeant Steve Hood of the Mississippi Highway Patrol. On May 29 of this year, Master Sergeant Hood of Guntown, Mississippi, died in the line of duty, the first in a decade. A 28-year veteran State trooper, he passed before his time. Master Sergeant Hood started his career as a State trooper in 1982 after graduating from the Mississippi Highway Patrol Academy. It was clear when I attended his funeral last month, he was a man who brought comfort and friendship to all he met. Along with his dedicated service to the people of Mississippi, family and friends will remember him as a Christian who was actively involved in Harrisburg Baptist Church and one who enjoyed singing. Just last year, Master Sergeant Hood returned to duty after recovering from a near-fatal tractor accident that reaffirmed and strengthened his faith. Master Sergeant Hood was a devoted husband to his wife, Lisa, and a loving father to his children, Matthew, Stacie and Stephanie, and a loyal colleague of his fellow troopers. Please join me today in remembering the life of Master Sergeant Steve Hood and mourning his death. I thank my colleagues for honoring this Mississippi and American hero, Master Sergeant Steve Hood, and his family at this time.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Speaker, unfortunately Tuesday night, July 7, 2009, I was unable to cast my votes on H. Con. Res. 135 and H.R. 1129. Had I been present for roll call No. 478, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for roll call No. 479, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the brave men and women of the Troop B, 1-98th Cavalry Regiment of the Mississippi National Guard. These soldiers of Company B, based in Booneville, Mississippi, were deployed in January of 2005 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After extensive training, Company B has loyally served our Nation in the past, and will leave soon to once again protect freedoms abroad. I would like to call attention to the very nature of the Mississippi National Guard and of their fellow units in Mississippi as well as in other States. These weekend warriors are prepared not only to serve abroad but to assist in domestic situations when called upon, all the while working everyday jobs and supporting their families. I thank my colleagues for keeping Troop B, 1-98th Cavalry Regiment of the Mississippi National Guard in their thoughts and prayers as these heroic men and women redeploy to the Middle East. Please join me in honoring Troop B 1-98th for their continuing service to America.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay respect to the life of George ``Happy'' Irby. Happy Irby passed away on his birthday, March 27th, at the age of 94 in his hometown, Columbus, Mississippi. He was a man that lit up a room. His perpetual optimism was contagious; his name ``Happy,'' was not just a nickname, it was a reflection of the way he lived his life. Happy Irby worked as an activity coordinator at the Columbus Air Force Base's Officer's Club for 50 years. It is here he founded the Happy Christmas Fund, providing gifts for children in need on Christmas morning and giving fruit baskets to the elderly. He will be remembered as one of Mississippi's most avid philanthropists, which is why Mississippi State Highway 706 was renamed George ``Happy'' Irby Parkway. Happy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great grandfather. Happy was a proud and faithful member of Missionary Union Baptist Church, where he served as an usher. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleagues for remembering George ``Happy'' Irby and his family at this time.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Supervisor Leroy Brooks from my home state of Mississippi. Supervisor Brooks will be celebrating 25 exceptional years of committed public service. Mr. Brooks has served as a Supervisor in Lowndes County, Mississippi for the past 25 years. During that time he has dedicated his efforts to improve the quality of life for the people of Lowndes County. He is the longest serving Supervisor in Lowndes County history, and I wish to thank him for his career and dedication to our great state of Mississippi and the Lowndes County community. Please join me in congratulating Mr. Brooks for this accomplishment.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of America's most exceptional women. Today is indeed a grand day in Prentiss County, Mississippi, because today, Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Myrtis Denson Mayo and all who love her are celebrating 102 years of a life well-lived, one who has sewn every garment she has ever worn. A rich life rewarded by 6 children, 19 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and 20 great-great- grandchildren. Her extraordinary life is one of a great faith in God, with a love and appreciation for all mankind. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor this humble and gentle lady and commend her on her 102nd birthday, and further, I am proud to be one of the thousands of people positively influenced by my wife's grandmother, Mrs. Myrtis Denson Mayo.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Judy Ramey; who recently was elected as President of the Commissioners Group in Mississippi, which is composed of Commissioners representing all 82 Counties in my home State of Mississippi. In addition to the office she will be taking now, Mrs. Ramey has been the three-term mayor of Marietta, a Chief Nursing Officer, and an Assistant Hospital Administrator in my hometown of Boonville, in Prentiss County, Mississippi. Mrs. Ramey has been an active member in the Commissioners Group for the past ten years, and in 2008 she acted as the Group's Vice- President. In that time she earned the respect of her coworkers. Her colleagues had such faith in her leadership that she was unanimously voted into her position. I am confident that her hard work will be to the benefit of the people in Mississippi. I would like to take this time to thank her for her public service, and commend her for the example that she is giving for others.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today with deep sadness by the passing away of such a wonderful, spiritual, gentle, native Mississippian, Mrs. Lottie Fox. Mrs. Fox just celebrated, remarkably, her 104th birthday on Thursday, February 5, 2009. She was the oldest of fifteen siblings. Lottie was dutiful and diligent and contributed tirelessly as an agricultural farmer to her native Calhoun County community for several years. Upon her retirement from farming, she made Water Valley, Mississippi, her home for over 30 years. Lottie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother. She is survived by her daughters, Opeal Trice; Ella Harris; Army Woodward; Bernice Minor; Molly Simmons; Dolly Fant; Catherine Brown; Rudy Swift; her son, Willie Fox and Step- daughters; Ella Coleman and Lela Doolittle. Lottie is also survived by 47 grandchildren, 69 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great grandchildren. Lottie was also a proud and devout member of Everdale Baptist Church. Madam Speaker, with distinct honor and pride, I along with the citizens of both Yalobusha and Calhoun County, sadly mourn the death of such an inspirational Mississippian, as the 104 year old, Mrs. Lottie Fox. I want to personally thank her for her contributions. Her memory will live on.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise on a bit of good news today. This is a great day in this body because on this day, a great man will become the longest-serving Member of this House. This is especially important to me because the record he is breaking belonged to that of my predecessor once removed, the great Jamie Whitten, my wonderful boyhood friend and hero. But today, Chairman John Dingell from Michigan will break that record. On this day, when the sun came up this morning, he became the longest-serving Member of the United States House of Representatives. He is a great man, a gentleman, a man's man, if you will, and a giant in this institution, a record that will no doubt probably never be equaled or broken. I had the great pleasure, Mr. Speaker, to know them both. I had the great pleasure to know what great public servants they were. I had the great pleasure to call them both my friends and one of them my colleague. I will remember this day a long, long time. And I salute you, Chairman Dingell.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to affirm that Hamas's continued and violent attacks against Israel have again undermined the potential for peace under already tenuous conditions, harming both Palestinians and Israeli civilians in an unprovoked assault. I join many of my fellow Americans in calling for Hamas to end its attacks, recognize Israel's right to exist, dismantle its terrorist infrastructure, and accept previous agreements between Israel and the Palestinians. I was proud to vote last week with a bipartisan majority of my colleagues in support of H. Res. 34, expressing our continued commitment to the welfare and survival of Israel, and recognizing its right to act in self-defense.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 40, authored by my good friend from Tennessee, Congressman John Tanner. Waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement are four adjectives the American people should not associate with government spending. I applaud Mr. Tanner's efforts over the years to bring accountability back to Federal spending. As a longtime businessman from north Mississippi, I can certainly tell you that waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement are not common practices in the business community throughout the First Congressional District of Mississippi or in the Eighth Congressional District of Tennessee as far as that goes. The current economic situation now, more than ever, demands that this Congress spend every taxpayer dollar with the utmost responsibility and care. In the event hardworking taxpayer dollars are being squandered, we, Congress, have an inherent task to put an end to poor financial decisions by government officials who do not understand the daily grind that the vast majority of the American people face.

Mr. CHILDERS. House Resolution 40 is an effective step towards ensuring this country gets back to fiscal responsibility, the same responsibility American families face routinely. Again, I applaud Congressman Tanner's leadership in bringing this good piece of legislation to the floor, and I look forward to its swift and immediate passage.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a spiritual and community leader from my home state of Mississippi. Dr. James A. Boyd has been a pastor for Zion Gate Missionary Baptist Church for the past 43 years, and has been an inspiration to the people not only in his parish, but also around the country. Dr. Boyd is a native of Oktibbeha County, Mississippi, and graduated from Oktibbeha Training School before earning a bachelor's degree from Stillman College in 1964. He also attended Iowa State University and Mississippi State University. He received a doctorate of ministry at San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Anselmo, California. He also received a doctorate of divinity from Mary Holmes College in West Point, Mississippi, in 2002. I wish to honor him by marking some of his many accomplishments. Throughout his time in Mississippi he has been president of the Northeast Mississippi Baptist State Convention, Inc., board member of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., past president of the Northeast Mississippi Baptist State S.S. and N.B.C. Congress, both a trustee and chairman of the Ministerial Institute and College, homiletic instructor at the Ministerial Institute and College, lecturer for the Mt. Olivet District Association, evangelist for revivals, seminars and conferences across the nation. Today we can all take the time to remember Dr. Boyd's hard work, leadership, and selfless devotion to the Lord, as well as to the people of his congregation.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of young Tyrik Johnson of Coldwater, Mississippi. At the tender age of four, Tyrik was taken from this earth in a tragic accident on September 26, 2008. Tyrik was a bright, fearless little boy and he will be missed by all who knew him in his short life. The loss of someone so young is a cruel tragedy and his community will be the lesser for his passing. Tyrik is survived by his loving mother, Adrienne Johnson, and his caring great-grandparents, Marshall and Jean Johnson, all of Coldwater, Mississippi. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending condolences to Tyrik's family and keeping all of his loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of the late William ``Son'' Edwin Hudson, Sr. who was tragically taken from us Friday, September 26, 2008. Mr. Hudson was a native Mississippian, and member of Sardis Lake Baptist Church. He was known in the community as a public servant, and served as the Panola County Emergency 911 Civil Defense Coordinator. Mr. Hudson lost his life in a tragic automobile accident, at the age of 65. He was very active in his community; he was a director of the Panola County Homeland Security, the Panola County E-911 Coordinator and Panola County Fire Coordinator. His life of service and friendship to the Panola County region will not be forgotten. William ``Son'' Edwin Hudson, Sr. is survived by his brother, James Rodney Hudson of Sardis, his two daughters, his two sons, and his seven grandchildren. The great State of Mississippi thanks him for his contributions. I ask my colleagues to join me today in remembering William ``Son'' Edwin Hudson, Sr. in their thoughts and prayers.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Edna Pharr of Marietta, Mississippi on her 90th birthday. Edna is a cornerstone of the Marietta community, supporting her family members who have provided excellent local leadership to Marietta, Prentiss County, Mississippi, She not only supported her husband in his role as the long serving supervisor of the fourth district of Prentiss County, she also supported her son-in-law in that same role. Edna herself later became the supervisor of the fourth District of Prentiss County and is the only woman to ever hold the position. Today, she and her family continue their tradition of service with her daughter, Judy, serving as mayor of the Town of Marietta. Edna worked hard for many years making an honest living at the town's only factory. A member of the Marietta Church of Christ for her whole life, she is one of the longest serving members of the congregation. I am proud to honor her on this milestone birthday and wish her many more. I thank her for her wisdom and humor. Edna has been a lifelong friend to me and my family and I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating her on this occasion.

Mr. CHILDERS

Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor James ``Jimmy'' C. Pharr on his 74th birthday. Jimmy has a long record as a leader in the Marietta, Prentiss County, Mississippi community. He served for years as an alderman and mayor of Marietta and the community has grown under his leadership. He was also one of the founding members of the Prentiss County Development Association, an entity that continues to be the cornerstone for economic growth in Prentiss County. Jimmy continues to support Marietta's schools, churches, and civic organizations and is the owner of local sawmills, employing hardworking people in the town. At an age when many others choose to retire, he goes to work at the sawmill every day. I ask my colleagues to please join me in recognizing James ``Jimmy'' C. Pharr, for whom I have great respect, for his life of service to the town of Marietta, Prentiss County and the great State of Mississippi on his 74th birthday.