Lincoln Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Congressman Ross, thank you for yielding. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to be here today to talk about our wonderful country. I have traveled some recently, and as I have traveled to other areas, basically in the war zone in Afghanistan and Iraq, I realize one of the greatest blessings I have had was at birth. I was born in America, and to be an American citizen as a result of that, with all the hopes and all the opportunities and options of life any human being could expect to be given in this country. Some of those opportunities are, for folks like me, who live in a rural area, in a very small area, lowly populated, that one could also have an opportunity to run for Congress; and I took that opportunity in 2002 and ran and was elected. I came to Washington knowing what the challenges were. I came to Washington realizing that a lot of times we see and hear a lot of smoke and mirrors, that transparency seems to be something that doesn't exist a whole lot, but I didn't really think we were going to hear of some of the things that have happened in this Congress. The lack of oversight, the lack of hearings on how we spend our money, the lack of hearings on the war in Iraq, and the lack of hearings on virtually anything. We are almost shut down unless it happens to be the idea of the majority in this Congress. Debate is limited to just what they choose to talk about. That is not the America I knew growing up. That is not the America I want us to have today. So I want to talk some about fiscal irresponsibility. For years I heard Democrats being called tax and spend liberal Democrats. It became a buzzword, something that most folks didn't like, including me. But after I got here, I realized we needed to change that phrase. It needed to be changed to borrow and spend liberals, borrow and spend liberals, and mismanagement and spend liberals. Those are Republicans that I am talking about folks, not Democrats. Because during the Clinton administration when President Clinton left office in 2001, the deficit of this Nation was a little over $5 trillion. Today it is $8.4 trillion. Also the Clinton administration gave this President over $230 billion in surplus that could be used to start paying down the debt. Let's take $200 billion in surplus. Over the last 5 years, that is a trillion dollars we could have paid down on our debts. Instead, what have we done? We have gone from $5.3 trillion to $8.4 trillion. That is a $3.1 trillion increase. Just think, if we had managed government as it was managed during the 1990s, with budget restraints in place, similar to the ones that the Blue Dogs are trying to get passed, those 12-point items, think of where we would be today if we continued with $230 billion in surplus. We would be $1.25 trillion less in debt. We would now owe a little over $4 trillion instead of $8.4 trillion. Whose fault is it? It is the mismanagement of this group. How is that the case? Because during the Clinton administration, during the last years it was 18.4 percent in gross domestic product that was being spent at that time under the budget restraints that we lived under, pay as you go. Today it is 20.1 percent, the gross domestic product. Let me repeat those figures. The last year of the Clinton administration, it was 18.4 percent of the gross domestic product that America was spending on government. In this administration for the last 5 years, it has grown, the gross domestic product, numbers have increased obviously because we have seen the gross domestic product increase, but the number is 20.1 percent. Does that tell you that somebody is fiscally conservative? It doesn't to me. Folks talk about commonsense approaches. Commonsense to me is the application of knowledge based upon your experiences of life. We have too many blue blood trust fund owners in this Chamber that don't understand how to manage money. If you have that trust fund, you don't need to worry about where your next dollar is coming from. It is coming from the labors and fruits of your parents or grandparents and the blue blood trust fund boys and girls in here don't know how to figure out how to balance the budget. Some of us have had to work all of our lives, and we know when you spend that hard-earned tax dollar of those that we are extracting it from, that it is a sacrifice from them. It is my hope that this Congress wises up and stops being as partisan as they quite frankly have been and start addressing the issues in a transparent way with oversight and accountability.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. So what you are saying is that we need an audit of America, just like we would our businesses.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. I agree with Congressman Tanner on that. Just audit America and we will figure out what the problems are.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. When you talk about our national defense, I want to talk about Iraq. In Iraq, the maximum petroleum that was being produced in Iraq was 3.5 million barrels a day. That is over a billion barrels a year. At $70 a barrel, it has been running $60 to $70 a barrel for the last year almost, you are talking about $60 billion to $70 billion. Where is that money going, Mr. President? Where is that money going, Mr. Secretary of Defense? Where is that money being spent? Are we producing that as we told the American public we would be? I understand it is down to a million and a half barrels; but even at that, we are still talking in terms of $30 billion to $40 billion. Why are we still sending money to help rebuild Iraq? I think there are many things that we need oversight on, and the mismanagement that we are seeing of this administration and of this Congress is something that every American ought to be screaming about today.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. We call this the Blue Dog Coalition, not Blue Dog Democrats. We are all Democrats, but we invite the Republicans to join us so we can bring some sense to this fiscal irresponsibility. I hope some Republicans will join this coalition because it is not limited just to Democrats. Most Blue Dogs are conservative Democrats, at least when it comes to fiscal matters. And we are also hawks on defense spending, so we invite Republicans to join us.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I am glad we are having this debate today. Frankly, I think it is shameful it has taken us three years to have an ``open'' debate on the war while our soldiers are dying, their family members are praying for their safe return, and the American public is questioning what, exactly, is our policy over there. I just wish the debate were actually open. The lack of debate is even more shameful when you consider the fact we have been fighting in Iraq longer than we fought in World War I, the European Theater of World War II, and Korea. The American people deserve better, and you can bet your life the American soldier definitely deserves better than that. The American soldier deserves more than ten hours of debate on a policy that affects their lives. Mr. Speaker, I want everyone in America to know the Leadership of this House of Representatives wants to stifle debate and control what you hear from your government. Every single American citizen should ask themselves this, ``What are they trying to hide? What are they afraid of? If a policy decision is so sound, you would think they would let it be debated until everyone was blue in the face.'' I think the lack of confidence the Majority has in the ability of their policies to face challenges and amendments should be eye opening to the American public. Mr. Speaker, I am ashamed the Majority Leader of the House abandoned his earlier talk of a ``civil'' debate on policy and instead decided to turn something as serious as a war into a rhetoric filled partisan political tool with the goal to make Democrats look ``sheepish.'' In my opinion, war and the deaths of American soldiers is too serious to be used as a political tool. Don't our soldiers deserve more respect from Congress than this? Additionally, anyone who would accuse a Member of Congress of not supporting our troops has no shame and those individuals should ask themselves whether anything is sacred to them anymore. They should ask themselves whether or not there is any depth to which they won't sink in order to score political points? Mr. Speaker, I was not a Member of Congress when the resolution passed giving the President the authority to send our fighting men and women to war. However, since I've been a Member of Congress I have continued my lifelong support for our troops. I have voted for every spending request, and I have been to Iraq to visit our soldiers four times. Every Member of Congress should have gone to Iraq by now, and if you haven't, go. Whether or not you support this war you need to show your support for our soldiers, and they deserve to talk to us face to face and let us know what is really happening over there. Mr. Speaker, how we got to Iraq should not be the point at this time. Historians, politicians, and the American public will debate that for years on end, and you can bet they will draw conclusions and hold people responsible in the history books and the public opinion of the future. However, right now we should focus on how we stabilize the country, allowing for a new, free, democratic Iraq to rein, and how we get our troops home safe as soon as possible while ensuring our future is more stable and secure. Mr. Speaker, I support our troops. The Congress and the American public support our troops. And I think we should reaffirm our support for the troops by giving them every tool they need, like additional armor and padding in their helmets to protect them from IEDs, rather than forking over taxpayers' dollars hand over fist to Halliburton and other defense contractors with little to no accountability. That, I think, would be a stronger sign of support for our troops, or the war, than any politically motivated resolution brought to the House floor as the Majority has admitted in their inter-conference memo of talking points of how ``We must conduct this debate as a portrait of contrasts between Republicans and Democrats'' according to Majority Leader Boehner's memo. I don't know about you, but I believe our country and our troops deserve better than these political tactics. In closing, Mr. Speaker, it is time for both political parties to figure out that our base is America, and the American people, not the ideologues of the political fringe.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Congressman Boyd, thank you for yielding. I deeply appreciate your efforts and the gentlewoman from California and my good friend from Nashville, Tennessee, for the comments that you have been making and trying to make this Congress, this House, and those who may be observing us, aware of the situation that we are in. In the mid-1990s, I was amazed and somewhat taken aback and, quite frankly, somewhat was in agreement with the contract that was proposed by a group of individuals on September 27, 1994. And I looked at most of those and I thought that sounds just like a Southern Democrat in what they would propose. I am going to read some of those to you. I am a general contractor, and I do not do much work anymore. Our job sure does not allow us to do that; so, therefore, I am not out building as I was through the 1990s and the 1980s and the early part of the 21st century. But when I signed a contract with someone, there were certain ordinances in that that said you have to abide by these or else if you do not, we will take over that contract and we will hire somebody else or put someone else in your place that will fulfill those commitments that you have made. And I would sign a payment of performance bond that would do exactly that. So I felt that any contract that you made with this country, it was a contract that was binding. So I want to read some parts of the contract. Item No. 2, it says on the first day we will ``select a major, independent auditing firm to conduct a comprehensive audit of Congress for waste, fraud, and abuse.'' We cannot even audit several of our different Departments and agencies of the Federal Government today. This was a pledge in 1994. I look at something else here. It says we ``guarantee honest accounting of our Federal budget by implementing zero base-line budgeting.'' In the Tennessee legislature, we understood what that was. Apparently, the folks who agreed to sign this contract did not, and the rest of the story, as some famous person says, is still being told. Then I take a look at No. 6, the National Security Restoration Act: no U.S. troops under U.N. command and restoration of the essential parts of our national security funding to strengthen our national defense and our credibility around the world.'' When I go to other countries, I am sometimes frightened, not that I am an American, because when God put my soul in the body of a woman who lived in America at conception and let me be born an American, it was one of the greatest blessings I could receive. But other folks I do not necessarily agree with. I think they misinterpret the American people and how they have a lack of respect for us. I do not like that and I want us to change that, and I think foreign policy can make a difference. So I think that those are failures. Our national defense, September 11 happened after 1994. I am not blaming anyone there, but I am just saying we need to start thinking in this country. Another one said ``term limits to replace career politicians with citizen legislators.'' We have a Senator who ran from Tennessee and said he would serve 12 years. I applaud Bill Frist for not running again. I do not necessarily always agree with him, nor do I disagree with him a lot. But one thing I do agree with him on: he kept his word. We may not have passed the bill. But, quite frankly, the bill does not require you to keep your word. My father always said if you are honest, you will be rewarded; if you are dishonest, you ultimately will be punished and will lose. Here is something else: ``a balanced budget and tax limitation amendment and a legislative line-item veto.'' I have been here for a little over 3 years. I have never seen either one of these items that these folks who signed the contract, as I would sign as a builder, have tried to pass. Again, if you were back in Tennessee and if you were working for a developer, the first thing that would happen is they would say you have broken your contract; so we will take it over and get somebody else to finish the job. I think the American public needs to understand that, that when you give your word, your word is your bond. I travel my district, all 24 counties, and, quite frankly, there is no conversation about $3 a gallon of gasoline, very little. There is very little conversation about a $1,000 per month-plus for health care; very little conversation about the huge deficits that we have today; very little conversation about the war in Iraq, where we have lost 2,500 young men and spend $100 billion a year, approximately, in that country. But we played a little game one day as I played when I was a kid in school. We called it tag. In essence, you have to tag somebody else out so they can chase the other folks until ultimately they capture someone, and then they have to start running someone down. So I said let us kind of play tag. If you were President, what would you do? An older fellow in the back said, No, Congressman. We have elected you. If you were the President, what would you do? I said the first thing I would do for this country is I would audit this country. I would get the best CPAs, the most honest, the most knowledgeable, and I would audit every Department, every agency. I would look at every no-bid contract to find out how much profit was made. I would audit this country, and I would tell the American public why in 2001 we had 200-plus billion dollars in surplus and why now we have 300-plus billion dollars in deficits. So I would audit America. I would find out and tell the folks, this is where the money went. This is where your money went. It is your money and here is where your money went. And the next thing I would do, I would call up at Andrews Air Force Base and I would have them cap off Air Force One with fuel. I would get 10 of the best pilots in the Navy. I would also get 10 of the folks who can speak Arabic really well, and I would load them up, and we would have a nonstop flight to Kuwait. And I would tell the folks in Kuwait, remember about 10 years ago when you were invaded by this fellow named Saddam Hussein, or almost 15 years ago, and you came to the world's stadium and platform and said, Please help us. We have got 600,000 people, and a 25 million population country and their leader, Saddam Hussein, has just invaded us and they have taken over our oil fields, and the rest of the world came to your rescue. I would get the sheiks. I would get the mullahs and the emirs and whatever they call themselves, the royalty, the folks who inherit the position, and I would say $3-a-gallon gas is breaking the back of every woman and every man who is working in my district. That is our worst enemy. We have conquered your enemy. You help with ours now. I would go to Saudi Arabia and some of those folks, and I would tell them the same story. Then I would go to Iraq and put the troops there that was needed to put production back in those oil fields up to 3.5 million barrels a day that was there when Oil for Food was a policy that we criticize now so much. And certainly the dishonesty of it should be criticized. But I would put back on line those oil wells. What that does for us is to help us balance our budget. Instead of us spending $100 billion of American taxpayer money, Harold Ford, a candidate for the U.S. Senate, says that the American taxpayers are footing the bill for both sides in this war. As we pay $3 a gallon gasoline, we are helping the insurgency get money, especially from some of their buddies in Saudi Arabia, and other places fund their insurgency through the dollars that go in and go back out to the radical groups of Islam. And then American taxpayers are paying for the American troops that are sacrificing their lives there. I would put on line the oil fields in Iraq and get them producing more than 1.5 to 1.9 million barrels a day, and I would bring the revenue in to where the American taxpayers would have to quit paying for the cost of the war in Iraq. I know our time is about ended. I have a whole lot more I would like to talk about. The point I want to make is that in this country today, we have a battle on our hands. If you notice, I am not mentioning a word on the other side, their name. It saddens me when folks come to this floor and they want to criticize Democrats and Republicans. We are all adult and mature individuals. It is time we started acting like Americans instead of Democrats and Republicans. It is my hope we can start working together and take this bitterness away. Bipartisanship is the only thing that is going to solve this thing. In the Rules Committee, when we are not allowed to introduce amendments, I just got a news release that went out, and I will mention this because it is from the National Republican Committee. ``Davis Shares Blame for High Gas Prices. ``National Democrats are desperate to gain traction on any issue they can in the lead up to the 2006 elections. As gas prices across the Fourth District rise, so does the Democrat rhetoric. What Representative Lincoln Davis probably hasn't mentioned though is that he voted twice against helping consumers feel less of a pinch at the pump.'' They mention resolution number 519 and number 145, the Gasoline for America's Security Act and the Energy Conservation, Research and Development Act. You realize that Republican Senator Bill Frist wouldn't even put this bill up on the Senate floor because it didn't do what it said it did? So, in essence, even the Republicans in the Senate disagreed with those who voted in this House on this bill. That is the kind of truth you get from the truth squad when they come up and start talking.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, that doesn't say Blue Dog Democrats. It says Blue Dog Coalition. Republicans can join it.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I do not want to blame Republicans or Democrats for the price of gas. I think perhaps all of us have somewhat to share in it. We need to find a solution so we can become energy independent. I believe that the scientists, those people who live in our country who won a war, have the capability of creating a situation and doing the scientific research necessary to make us self-sufficient. But I do have a suggestion. I hear a lot from the other side about the environmental issues. We have passed several trade agreements in this country: GATT and the WTO that regulates environmental issues and labor issues and prohibits the employers in this country from even negotiating issues with those countries. So corporate America is leaving in an exodus from this country to build factories in Asia and other parts of the world. My suggestion to Big Oil is they use part of the $113 billion that they earned last year just to move south of Padre Island and south of San Diego and build refineries if that is what is causing all of our high gas prices. They can build them there without environmental issues, and certainly no labor issues would be involved. That is my answer.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), a good friend of mine and the prime sponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 349, authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, there are many things in America that are purely American. It is my understanding that the Soap Box Derby races that we have is purely an American phenomenon that started here. Other countries may have adopted it, but it is wonderful to be a part of this legislation that makes it possible for young men and young women to broaden their minds and their scientific knowledge as they develop the skills of building the eventual vehicle that they will ride, hopefully to victory. Madam Speaker, I am delighted to support, along with Mr. Hoyer, Mr. Wolf, Mr. Moran of Virginia, Mr. Wynn, Mr. Van Hollen, and Ms. Norton House Concurrent Resolution 349, and acknowledge the efforts of Mr. Hoyer, who has been such a great and consistent champion for his constituents for this event. House Concurrent Resolution 349 authorizes use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby. On June 17, 2006 youngsters from the greater Washington area will race down Constitution Ave. to test the principles of aerodynamics in hand designed and constructed soap box vehicles. All the contestants, ages 9 through 16, construct and operate their own soap box vehicles. Madam Speaker, the All American Soap Box Derby originated in 1933 and quickly became a national phenomenon. There are now more than 150 races currently taking place nationwide to determine 440 qualifiers for the national race finals held in Akron, Ohio. Madam Speaker, many hundreds of volunteers donate considerable time supporting the event and providing families with a fun filled day, which is quickly becoming a tradition in the Washington, DC area. The event has grown in popularity and Washington is now known as one of the outstanding race cities. Consistent with all events using the Capitol Grounds, this event is open to the public and free of charge. The organizers will work with the Capitol Hill Police and the Office of the Architect. I support House Concurrent Resolution 349 and urge passage of this resolution.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor William (Bill) Staggs, Captain, United States Army Air Force for his valiant service as a fighter pilot during World War II. Upon entering the service in September 1942, Mr. Staggs, born in Portland, Tennessee, was sent to Santa Anna, California for ground school. He soloed in April 1943, in a Ryan PT-22 at King City, California. He flew the PT-13A at Gardner, California, and the AT-6 and P-40 at Luke Field in Phoenix, Arizona. Staggs flew the P-47 at Baton Rouge, Louisiana before departing for England. In the fall of 1944, Bill was assigned to fly the P-51 Mustang with the 55th Fighter Group, 38th Squadron of the 8th Air Force based at Wormingford, England. The P-51's mission was long-range escort of American and British bombers over Germany. Bill flew 56 missions totaling 279 combat hours from late 1944 to the end of the war. During World War II, the three squadrons of the 55th Fighter Group destroyed over 580 enemy aircraft and Bill was officially credited with destroying three. Of particular note is the downing of one Focke-Wulf 190 for which he was not credited but resulted in Bill being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. While flying bomber escort over Germany in the spring of 1945, Bill came to the aid of a fellow P-51 pilot who was in a losing battle with a German plane. He skillfully maneuvered his plane behind the Focke-Wulf and shot the plane off his fellow pilot's tail. Bill later learned the pilot in the other P-51 was an 8th Air Force General. For his heroic act in saving the General's life, Bill was awarded the medal for extraordinary achievement in June 1945, by Brigadier General M.C. Woodley, Commanding General of the 8th Air Force's 66th Fighter Wing. During his entire service in England, Bill was awarded the Air Medal and six Oak Leaf Clusters. The Air Medal is awarded for an act of meritorious service in aerial combat. An Oak Leaf Cluster is awarded as an addition to the Air Medal and each Cluster represents an additional act of meritorious service. I commend Captain Staggs and the many men and women of the ``greatest generation'' for stepping up when the people of the world needed them the most. One only wonders how the world would be today if it wasn't for those brave souls.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Millard V. Oakley of Livingston, Tennessee for his many contributions to the State of Tennessee and the people of the Upper Cumberland. Millard has been a good and loyal friend to many people. A lifelong resident of Overton County, Tennessee, Oakley graduated from Livingston Academy High School, attended Tennessee Technological University, and graduated from Cumberland University School of Law, LLB, in 1951. Shortly upon receiving his degree, Oakley engaged in the general practice of law and is still a practicing attorney. Mr. Oakley was elected to four terms to the Tennessee Legislature, served one term to the Constitutional Convention, and was elected to four terms as County Attorney of Overton County. His expertise in law took him to the U.S. House of Representatives where he served from 1971-1973 as General Counsel for the House Select Committee on Small Business. Moving back to Tennessee, Millard served as State Insurance Commissioner from 1975-1979. Today, Oakley serves on the Board of Directors, First National Bank of Tennessee-Livingston/Cookeville/Crossville/Sparta. He also serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee, Thomas Nelson Publishers, the world's largest Bible publishing company. Throughout his life, Millard has been a leader in business specializing in property and economic development in the Upper Cumberland. Through his financial institutions he has helped several entrepreneurs start and expand their business. A tireless advocate for education, Millard has been a leader in recruiting a satellite campus of Volunteer State Community College to Livingston and has been instrumental in the development of the science, technology, engineering, and math facility at Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville. His support of these facilities makes him one of the premiere advocates for the children of the Upper Cumberland area. Millard's compassion and sincere concern for the people of the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee is seldom surpassed by anyone. He is married to J. Annette Oakley. They have one daughter, Melissa Oakley Smith, and one granddaughter, Kendall Vaughn Smith, also of Livingston, Tennessee. It is fitting and appropriate that Millard V. Oakley be recognized for his charitable deeds and his abiding friendship to all of those who know him and future generations that we honor him in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, House Republicans claim to be fiscally responsible; and if that is the case, I encourage them to join the Democrats in supporting a policy called pay-as-you-go. Democrats strongly support the reinstatement of commonsense pay-as- you-go budget rules that would require any increase in mandatory spending and any decreases in revenue be offset elsewhere in the budget so that we don't add to the deficit. PAYGO rules were adopted on a bipartisan basis in 1990 and then reenacted again in 1997 before Republicans allowed such rules to expire in 2002. PAYGO budget rules are widely credited with producing record budget surpluses between 1998 and 2001. President Bush and congressional Republicans previously supported PAYGO rules for both spending and taxes, but now oppose the application of such rules to taxes because they would be forced to offset their tax legislation. They seem willing to let the deficit spiral out of control as long as they continue to give and provide tax breaks to the very wealthy. It is time that the Republicans start thinking about our Nation's future. It is imperative we reject the budget so we can reinstate PAYGO rules that will restore fiscal discipline.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay my respects to Corporal Brian J. Schoff for his service to a grateful nation. Corporal Schoff may have given his life in defense of his country, but his soul and spirit will live on to the many who knew him. During a funeral procession in Manchester, Tennessee hundreds of people stood outside their homes and along the road to honor their fallen soldier. Corporal Schoff, a member of 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, was awarded a posthumous promotion from Private First Class to Corporal, a Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and Good Conduct Medal for his service. While I didn't know Corporal Schoff personally, I do know the quality of our soldiers serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the globe. They are caring, patriotic, God-fearing men and women. I wish to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Brian Schoff for his selfless sacrifice. May he live on in eternal happiness with his Lord in heaven. Corporal Schoff is survived by his father, Brian L. Schoff; his mother, Cathy Odle; his stepfather, Kenneth Odle; stepsisters, Alicia Burgess and LaDawn Mauk; stepmother, Debra Schoff; and his half-sister, Brianna Schoff.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Congressman Kennedy has been a real leader and a fighter for the Brynes-JAG funding and methamphetamine issues in general. I applaud his efforts and his continued concern about our families and our Nation and certainly the States that we represent. Mr. Speaker, methamphetamine abuse continues to be a growing plague on America's families, communities and our economy. Abuse of this drug has swept across our Nation like a terrible storm that leaves in its wake broken families, endangered children, overcrowded jails, degraded environment and communities begging for help. I cannot overstate the problems this drug creates. As Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez said in July of 2005, in terms of damage to our children and to our society, methamphetamine is now the most dangerous drug in America. That is why, Mr. Speaker, I was terribly disappointed to see that the President's budget for fiscal year 2007 completely cut funding for the Byrnes Justice Assistance Grants. This program has been cited by State and local governments across the country as critical in their efforts to combat meth. In essence, it represents the combined effort among Federal, State and local governments to create safer communities. In my State the funding has helped fund the State's drug task force and helped fund local community crime prevention projects. State officials back home have informed me that eliminating this program could reduce criminal justice funding to Tennessee by a total of $11 million and eliminate 170 much needed individual projects across our State. That is why I have joined with Representative Kennedy and many of our other colleagues in urging the House Budget Committee to include at least $900 million for the Edward Byrnes Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program in the budget resolution for fiscal year 2007, which is still $200 million less than the program's authorized level of $1.1 billion. We must fight this elicit drug head on. Just as we need to give our soldiers serving in Afghanistan and Iraq the tools and resources needed for success, so too must we give our local law enforcement officials the tools they need to fight the war on drugs. This program is a tool our local law enforcement officers desperately need. Congress must restore the funding. The risk in not doing so is simply too scary and the threat to our children's future is too great. I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Steve Kirkham of Kingston, Tennessee for his leadership and involvement in his community. Steve is a known fixture in his home county of Roane County, Tennessee and is fast becoming an integral member of many other communities due to his work in promoting economic development in East Tennessee. Kirkham, owner and chief executive officer of Rocky Top Markets, is a man who exhibits traits that have helped make America what is is: hard working, compassionate, and exemplifies preseverance and generosity. If you ask him how he got to be where he is he will tell you, ``by grinding it out, having good employees, and just plain luck.'' Working for the Harriman Oil Company in the mid-70's Kirkham suggested to the owners of the company that they should join the convenience store craze. They did, and Rocky Top Market was born in June 1980 with the first opening. Since 1980, Rocky Top Markets has grown to a chain of 38 and has plans for continued growth in Tennessee and Northern Georgia. Having purchased Rocky Top Markets in 1998, it is now one of the largest retail convenience stores in East Tennessee employing almost 400 people. A long standing member of the business community Steve has been a member of the Tennessee Oil Marketers Board, Tennessee Grocers and Convenience Store Association Board, and the Shell Jobber Council. He has served as Chair of the Roane State Foundation and the Community Development Council. As chairman of the CDC he helped form and fund the Roane Alliance. The Alliance is an effort to bring together the chamber, tourism and industrial development groups in Roane County for a unified effort in promoting responsible growth. He is currently serving as chairman of the Roane County Industrial Development Board. If not working or golfing Steve is with his family. There is an understanding of the high regard he has for family for those who know him in and outside of work. He is married to Teresa Kirkham and has three daughters: Angie, Stephanie, and Christie. He is also the proud grandparent of Tyler, Tanner, and Ryley.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I stand to honor the life of William ``Bill'' Pryor Newby of Kingston, Tennessee. Mr. Newby, at the age of 85, recently passed away at his home after a long and successful life. A veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Navy, Mr. Newby was loved by many family and friends. He was a 64-year veteran of the Tennessee Valley Authority, serving longer than any previous TVA employee. Mr. Newby began his career with the TVA on August 19, 1941 when he was hired as an electrician apprentice at Fort Loudoun Dam. He also worked at the Fontana and Douglas Dams, and the Johnsonville Fossil Plant. He ended his career at the Kingston Fossil Plant where he was a maintenance supervisor. Speaking of Mr. Newby, Kingston Plant Manager Earl Deskins said, ``He was a hero who has spanned the technology changes of this industry. His selflessness, ability, sharing past experiences and just treating people in the true STAR 7 fashion has earned him the title of `our hero.' '' Mr. Newby is survived by his wife, Sarah, six children; James Herbert Newby, Elizabeth Pryor Newby, William Milton Newby, Sarah Jane Newby, Katherine N. Burnette, and Tom Newby, and seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He was laid to rest at Roselawn Cemetery in Athens, Alabama with military honors provided by the Roane County Military Memorial Honor Guard.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, the Redhawks of Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, Tennessee won the 2005 NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship during tournament play in Olathe, Kansas. This historical feat came just 2 years after collecting their first winning season in the program's history. Martin Methodist entered the NAIA National Tournament as the top- seeded team. They defeated McKendree College, Concordia University, tied Westmont College (eventually winning on penalty kicks), and Lee University during the championship drive. The championship game winning goal was scored against seventh-seeded Lee University at 45:55. During their winning season these hardworking ladies collected 23 wins, 17 shutouts, 125 scored goals and a mere eight goals allowed. They came together as a team believing they can compete at a high level and win. In doing so they etched their names in the history books and earned the respect of their peers and community. - The National Champion RedHawks' 2005 roster included Karen Carmack, Sarah Prendergast, Maria Sonnerborg, Nicole Scherger, Rachel Sharp, Victoria Charnley, Johanna Botold, Jessica White, Clare Sykes, Kelly Lewicki, Mizuki Yoshida, Amanda Johansson, Azusa Takeuchi, Sara Perrigan, Maiko Higashiyama, Lisa Mann, Harumi Someya, Megan Finnegan, Emily Allegood, Tassia Gimenez, Mauela Schuh, Nicole Grochowsky, Julia Bazi, Amanda Clark, Yvonne McField, and Jessica Nix. The Redhawks were lead by Head Coach Gerry Cleary and Assistant Coach Peter Anthony. Congratulations on a historic season.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my sorrow and the sorrow felt by the people of Campbell County, Tennessee, over the tragic death of Mr. Ken Bruce on Tuesday, November 8, 2005. Mr. Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Jo; his two sons, Christopher and Patrick; his parents, Gene and Beverly Bruce; his brother, Greg; sister, Wendy, as well as all those who knew Mr. Bruce and experienced his overwhelming goodwill and humorous service. Mr. Bruce was one of the rare individuals in this world that dedicated his life to serving others. Through his 20 years service in the Army and Army Reserves, and as a school administrator, the students of Campbell County High School where Mr. Bruce served as an assistant principal knew him as a man who they could talk to, who would listen, who would empathize and who would offer good sound advice. They also knew him as a man with a great sense of humor, always willing to offer a one-liner that would put a smile on their faces. It is difficult, when we experience such a profound loss, to find words that do justice to a life cut short or bring condolences to those feeling the deepest pain. Those who knew him well knew he would want everyone to carry on, to approach each day with an open mind and with an open heart and with an enthusiasm for life that encourages us to find the good in every situation and to turn to the Lord for answers to their most difficult questions. It is my hope that all of us affected by this terrible sad death will continue together to help this community carry on, to help them find peace and calm, for as surely as we know there will be a tomorrow, we know we will never see his smiling face in this life. We can only take solace in the knowledge that Mr. Bruce has gone on to a better place where his spirit will continue peacefully into eternity. You will be sorely missed, Mr. Bruce, and we will never forget. As Horatio said in Shakespeare's Hamlet, ``Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.'' May God continue to watch over your family and the communities of Campbell County, Tennessee.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take my Special Order at this time.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the brave men and women who serve our country as part of the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment as they return home to a State and Nation grateful for their service. The 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment is one of two armored cavalry regiments still in existence. The 278th is known as the Tennessee Cavalry and is headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. The other ACR is part of the regular Army. The 278th was formed and reorganized on June 21, 1977, from units and elements of the 278th Infantry Brigade. Additionally, units of the 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the 117th Infantry Regiment and several other units of various types from the Tennessee Army National Guard were added to round out this regiment. The regiment's motto, ``I Volunteer, Sir,'' is taken from a time in Tennessee's history that exemplifies the attitude of the men and women who serve in America's Armed Forces. In 1846, a call went out for 2,800 volunteers from the State of Tennessee to take part in the War with Mexico; 38,000 Tennesseeans answered the call, earning the Tennessee Militia the ever-lasting nickname of ``Volunteers.'' It is from this heritage that the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment's motto, ``I Volunteer, Sir,'' originated. This Regimental Shoulder Patch was derived using the green color traditionally associated with cavalry and armor. The three white stars are adapted from the Tennessee State flag. The blue divisions allude to the Tennessee, the Houlston, and the French Broad rivers, environs of the regiment. In June of 2004, the regiment was alerted and mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III, the third phase of the deployment of U.S. forces to Iraq. In November of 2004, they deployed from Camp Shelby, Mississippi. This regiment took on a slightly different look for this mobilization. It became referred to as the 278th Regimental Combat Team, from which this organization derives a portion of its history. Soldiers of the 278th were primarily assigned in the Diy' Ala province northeast of Baghdad near the Iranian border. The regiment replaced the 30th Heavy Separate Brigade of the North Carolina Army National Guard. The sheer size and scope of their mission continues to impress me. Over 3,000 soldiers from the Tennessee National Guard are assigned to this division. And their mobilization for the war in Iraq was the largest in Tennessee history since World War II. As it was in World War II, their aim was to restore basic freedoms to a people who had been stifled under the oppressive regime of a tyrant dictator, a dictator who would torture and kill his own people because they were different than him, or because they had the audacity to express themselves in one form or another. While in Iraq, the 278th, like all of our men and women serving in the Middle East, played a major role in what we all hope to be watershed moments in a democratic Iraq's history. The 278th provided security for the Iraqi people as they participated in their first election which took place this past January. For this election, the troops distributed, picked up, and delivered ballots. They again provided their support, this time to the Iraqi army, during the vote on the new Iraqi constitution in October 2005. They also helped restore the basic infrastructure necessary to get the Iraqi economy on its feet and give the Iraqi people a little foundation upon which they can make the country their own. They helped open schools, dig wells, improve roads and establish basic services, like of electricity, water and sewers. They also helped establish numerous hospitals. Thanks to the renovation and construction of work done by the 278th, more than 50 schools were ready for classes, nearly 70 water and sewer projects were completed, as were 25 electricity and power projects, 8 health clinics were established, and 32 road projects were finished. Of course, the most harrowing part of their mission was the daily fighting with insurgents that they encountered in northeastern Iraq. While working to suppress insurgency, the 278th conducted 13,000 combat patrols, oversaw the destruction of 340 weapon caches of bomb-making materials and 275 stockpiles of unexploded ordinances. Additionally, despite constantly being under attack, the men and women of the 278th were able to train members of the Iraqi police and the Iraqi army, over 10,000 policemen, soldiers and border enforcement personnel. This training is essential to our mission in Iraq. In order for the Iraqi people to truly feel empowered in their new country, they must complete the circle of modern democratic nations. One half of the circle is being completed by the participation of the Iraqi citizens in both the electoral process and their developing free economy. The other half of the circle, and perhaps the most vital piece, is an established Iraqi security force run by and composed of Iraqi citizens that has the ability to protect its own people without relying on the American military. When the day comes that the Iraqi people and soldiers can provide protection for the average citizen to go about their daily lives with the knowledge they are safe, that will be the day when all Iraqis can point to their country, a country able to stand on it own, and they can tell the world we are free. Mr. Speaker, I would like to say that all of my thoughts and prayers, along with those of constituents, continue to go to all of our military personnel serving in Iraq, including the 900 Tennessee Guardsmen, who are still ``in country.'' Thank you for their great work. We look forward to their return. God continue to be with the men and women of the 278th and the United States Armed Forces. Keep them safe and strong. Return them home to America.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1972, the Franklin National Battlefield Study Act. It is fitting that we protect this piece of American history by preserving this battlefield, home to the Battle of Franklin. As Roberts Hicks and Julian Bibb of Franklin's Charge put it best: ``What happened on the late afternoon and evening of November 30, 1864, was an epic display of courage and valor as troops on both sides gave their lives for causes they believed worthy and just. But the battle was much more. In essence, the Battle of Franklin was one of the most significant events in national unity, peace, and the end of slavery.'' The Franklin battlefield might be one of the smallest battlefields in the United States, but it is also among the bloodiest. A staggering 9,000 soldiers were killed or wounded at Franklin, including the largest number of generals ever lost in any American battle. It was the largest infantry charge ever conducted in North America. In the 5 tragic hours that make up the Battle of Franklin, more men died in those 5 hours than the 19 hours on D-Day. Eleven Congressional Medals of Honor were earned at the Battle of Franklin. The Civil War Sites Advisory Commission designated Franklin as one of just 45 principal battles having a direct, observable impact on the direction, duration, conduct, or outcome of the war. Marking the beginning of the end for the Western Theater of the Civil War, it is now listed among the country's Top 10 Most Endangered Civil War Battlefields by the Civil War Preservation Trust. I strongly support Representative Blackburn's legislation to correct this injustice. The Battle of Franklin is considered the beginning of the defeat of the Confederacy. I applaud the efforts of Save the Franklin Battlefield, Incorporated; Mayor Miller of Franklin; Franklin's Charge; the Williamson County Historical Society; interested city and county leaders; and leading preservationists and conservation organizations that have sought to make this legislation a reality. It has been a delight to work with the gentlewoman from Tennessee on this particular issue, which is in her home district, a county that we both share. I believe it is our duty to preserve this historical battlefield, and we are bound by the respect and homage we must pay for those who died to preserve the Nation we hold so dear and revere today. But this is also for our children and grandchildren who will now be able to experience a chapter in our Nation's history in a way that a textbook cannot provide.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4128. Mr. Chairman, the people of my home State of Tennessee know the stories of eminent domain all too well. They know the stories of when the Corps of Engineers and TVA condemned property of hard-working farmers to impound lakes. The folks I represent were willing to give up their land for the benefit of the valley. They knew the public works projects would bring about much needed economic opportunity. They knew that the readily available cheap power would spawn new industries and provide good jobs for hard-working individuals. Although the promised benefits did become a reality, many of my ancestors, like my grandfather, felt the government takeover of land was wrong. Often I would hear stories of dissatisfaction about the loss of lands that have been in families since their families moved to the Appalachians. I firmly believe that if the taken property had been given to another property owner, my ancestors would have felt like declaring war on the government. Fortunately, my grandfather and others were able to accept that the taking of their land was good for the public. Mr. Chairman, there is no doubt in my mind that the Court's decision in Kelo is wrongheaded and wrong-hearted. One of the basic founding principles of this country is the right to own private property. Since our founding, governments have had the leverage needed to encourage capital and economic development for our communities, while still recognizing the intrinsic value of a family's private property. Mr. Chairman, I know that without a constitutional amendment our actions today are about as far as this Congress can go to dehorn the impact of the Kelo decision. Although this bill addresses and puts in place compelling penalties to cities, counties, and States that violate private property rights, I really think it needs to go further. It is my hope that some day we can bring about stricter penalties to local governments who choose to run roughshod over the property rights of private landowners. I know that is what my grandfather would have expected of me, and I hope that is what we can expect of this Congress as we work to solidify the intrinsic value of people who own private property.