Lincoln Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, the backbone of a strong community is the people. I am proud to say that the volunteer spirit is alive and well in Columbia, Tennessee. It was back in 1919 when Post 19 of the American Legion was established in Columbia. The following year Legion Auxiliary Unit 19 was chartered. Since their establishment both organizations have provided the city of Columbia, in Maury County, and many of the local citizens with a true sense of pride. Unit 19 was recently honored at the National Convention for their outstanding work in providing care to veterans. The priorities of both organizations are not just associated with assisting our veterans. They also have a long history of providing services that directly benefit many youths. In the summer they sponsor different athletic events which helps foster teamwork and sportsmanship all while giving them a sense of self worth. They send individuals to attend Boy's State and Girl's State, which teaches leadership skills. They also award scholarships to individuals using funds they raise through bake sales, breakfasts, yard sales and so on. During the 50th Anniversary of World War II legionnaires and auxiliary members made up a committee, appointed by the County Executive, to help celebrate the anniversary. They helped bring the history of those who served abroad and in the states to those generations who weren't alive during that period in our history. They are now doing the same to highlight the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War. Recently, when the National Guard was called up for active duty these two organizations made sure they let the troops know they supported them. On the weekend before the Guard departed they hosted a breakfast and a lunch, and on the day of departure the members were at the armory to give them a proper sendoff. I am proud to be a witness to the actions of Post and Unit 19 in Columbia, Tennessee. They are selfless in their pursuit of making our communities stronger and improving the lives of others.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise in objection to the rule. Mr. Speaker, the Individuals with Disabilities Act, also known as IDEA, has made progressive strides for children with disabilities since it was first introduced in 1975. H.R. 1350, which reauthorizes this landmark legislation, is before the House today. This bill has some very positive attributes and, I think, perhaps some very negative points. First, this bill provides for a 1-year statute of limitations on complaints for due process hearing. I think this is very helpful for school districts who are serving many of these students. The 1-year statute will prevent complaints from previous school years from reoccurring. But at the same time, this bill weakens protections for parents and students that are provided by the current law. The bill gives the option for a school district to develop an individual education plan for the child every 3 years. The current law provides for the IEPs to be done every year. Three years is too long, I think, to track a student's progress. This bill needs to maintain the continued IEP for every school year. Additionally, the bill allows students to be moved indefinitely to an alternative placement for any violation of a school's code of conduct. Current law allows a 45-day alternative placement unless it is for weapons, guns or drugs. Removing the child indefinitely may not be warranted by the facts of the particular situation of the child. The child should be entitled to a manifestation review to see if the disability has caused that conduct, but this bill eliminates the manifestation review that is in the current law. We should not permanently remove a child from school if the conduct was a result of his or her disability. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to uphold the imposition of the rule so debate can continue on this bill.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 127, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 127, I was unavoidably detained in a meeting with my regional constituents. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize the Giles County High School boy's basketball team, who recently won the Tennessee Class AA championship. This is the first such championship for the boy's basketball team in school history. I want to commend this team not only for winning the championship, but the fashion in which they accomplished this great feat. They never reached for individual awards and recognition, as often is the case in today's society. They worked together as a cohesive unit to accomplish something greater than any individual award, and as a result they are all champions. During their championship run they displayed values and character that we as Americans hold so dear. They were determined, worked hard, showed heart, displayed teamwork, and were consummate sportsman. I would also like to take this time to applaud the local community which rallied around the team. I must say that I am extremely proud to represent a group of people who still hold family values and a sense of community in such high regards. Mr. Speaker, I hope that you will join me in saluting the fine group of talented young men from Giles County, Tennessee. These young men show maturity beyond their years, and represent what is good with our country's youth.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize and commend the activities of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 146 in Loretto, Tennessee. This fine organization really believes in helping Veterans, children, and the community in every way they can. During the Holiday Season, and throughout the year, this active Veteran's Organization visits VA hospitals, nursing homes, law enforcement agencies, and hospitals to distribute gifts and goodwill. The Legion has even adopted an indilgent individual at the Murfreesboro Tennessee VA, where they send him a quarterly check to help defray the costs of personal items, as well as gifts, snacks, and cards throughout the year. Mr. Speaker, the tireless and unselfish activities of those involved with the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 146 in Loretto Tennessee, is truly commendable. I hope you will join me in saluting this outstanding organization and all that they do.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 112, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' Stated against:

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 113, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 21 had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''