Bob Etheridge

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, let me state that there is much in this bill that concerns me. Specifically at a time when our budget deficits and national debt continue to hold back our economic growth, we should not be passing bonus tax breaks for the wealthiest few in this country and handing the bill to our children and our grandchildren. I also strongly prefer the House-passed language that provides estate tax relief in a responsible manner. Additionally, I worry that the payroll tax provisions, while good for working families in the short run, could undermine the finances of Social Security over the long run. But, at a time when so many people face uncertainty in a fragile economy, doing nothing is not a very good option. For far too long in this town, shortsighted partisanship has prevailed against the long-term best interests of our country. We need more bipartisanship in Washington, D.C., to tackle our Nation's most pressing problems. I commend the President for getting us beyond the partisan stalemate and for laying the groundwork for economic progress for the American people. There are many provisions in this bill that are going to help working families. I strongly support the middle class tax cuts, or at least to keep them going, in this bill. Child tax credits, marriage penalty relief, and education incentives will help middle class families make ends meet and invest for a brighter, more secure economic future. Most urgently, Congress needs to pass the extension of unemployment benefits contained in this legislation. In my home State of North Carolina, thousands of workers have lost their jobs in the recession caused by the misguided policies of the previous administration. I have met with many, many of these people and have looked them in the eyes as they have told me their stories. These are good people who have worked hard and who have played by the rules. They are depending on these unemployment benefits to get them through these tough times until the economy picks back up and creates good jobs. We are here the week before Christmas, and the last thing we should do is cut off their lifeline. I will vote to pass this bill, and I urge my colleagues to join me in doing so.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I want to thank the chairman and ranking member of the committee for their work and the committee's work in bringing the Omnibus Trade Act of 2010 to the floor. Mr. Speaker, this is an important piece of legislation. It really is about jobs, as you have already heard. At a time when the unemployment rate remains unacceptably high and is really stubborn in a lot of places across this country, this bill will help create jobs and retrain workers for new careers. We tend to forget that sometimes when we think of people losing jobs, of the long-term unemployed and the issues surrounding training for new opportunities. In my home State of North Carolina, the manufacturers and, really, the manufacturers across the country are the ones which are going to really deliver our economic growth and our national recovery. This bill, as you have already heard, will really help in that regard. First, it will help lower production costs by leveling the playing field with our international competitors, which is an important piece. You have heard how we do it. It is for those items they purchase that we don't have in this country. When we keep them from paying tariffs, it means that they are more competitive. It means we have more workers working, and people can substitute unemployment checks for paychecks. As the former State Superintendent of Public Schools in North Carolina, I have always said that education is the key to the future. There is no better way to create jobs than to have a well-educated citizenry and educated workforce. I am pleased that this bill strongly supports job training and that it supports our community colleges to expand access to education for more trade-impacted workers. While I strongly support this bill, I wish it had included a reauthorization of the cotton trust fund, which would have helped hundreds of workers in North Carolina, and I call on the House and the Senate to reauthorize the cotton trust fund as soon as possible. Despite this omission, though, the Omnibus Trade Act of 2010 is a good, job-creating bill that will keep American workers competitive in this tough economy we find ourselves in. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, this bill is about jobs: good jobs in American manufacturing, good jobs for workers in export industries, and job training for those negatively impacted by trade. It adjusts tariffs to ensure our manufacturing businesses can compete in the world markets, and supports fair trade for American companies. At a time when the unemployment rate remains unacceptably high, this bill creates jobs and retrains workers for new careers. Manufacturing is a leading sector of the economy in my State of North Carolina and will be important to the Nation's economy as a whole as we continue the recovery. Throughout this Congress I have been proud to support measures that strengthen our manufacturing industry. In order to grow our economy, we must have manufacturing jobs that allow many Americans the chance to earn good wages. By suspending or reducing duties on over 290 products that are used as inputs or components in domestically manufactured goods, this bill lowers production costs for our manufacturers and helps to level the playing field with our international competitors. I am pleased that this bill provides assistance and training to workers adversely affected by trade. Trade Adjustment Assistance provides training and associated income support to individuals in need of new skills, modernizing our work force and helping workers find a place in today's economy. Recognizing the critical role that community colleges play, the 2009 TAA reforms provided grants to educational institutions to develop, offer and improve education and career training for workers eligible for TAA. H.R. 6517 expands this critical initiative and makes more workers eligible to participate. I have always believed education is the key to economic prosperity. My home State of North Carolina has seen many economic challenges over the years, but it is our solid commitment to education that has allowed our economy to adapt and attract new industries. As the former Superintendent of Public Schools, I've always said that education is the key to the future. There is no better way to create jobs than education. While I strongly support this bill, I am disappointed that it reauthorizes the Wool Trust Fund, but not the Cotton Trust Fund. A reauthorization of the Cotton Trust Fund is important to hundreds of workers in North Carolina, and would have enhanced the positive jobs impact of the bill. I hope that Congress will continue to work to make this important grant and tariff relief program to strengthen the U.S. cotton industry. Despite this omission, the Omnibus Trade Act of 2010 is a good, job- creating bill that extends expiring trade provisions, helps displaced workers acquire new skills in order to compete in our global economy, and supports U.S. manufacturing. I would like to thank Chairman Levin for all of his hard work to bring this bill to the floor. This legislation puts Americans to work, and I hope that my colleagues from both sides of the aisle will join me in supporting it.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, I was unable to cast recorded votes on Tuesday, December 14, on rollcall votes 628, 629, and 630. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on all three of these measures: S. 1405, which designates the Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site; S. 3167, the Census Oversight Efficiency and Management Reform Act of 2010; and H.R. 6510, which allows the Military Museum of Texas to purchase the property on which it operates.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the House. I will be leaving Congress at the conclusion of this term, and I want to take a few minutes to speak to my colleagues and the people of North Carolina's Second District, the people whose hopes and dreams, whose fears and apprehensions, whose challenges and opportunities have been my first and only priority every day for the past 14 years. We are joined here today in the gallery by my wife, Faye, who has been the foundation of my world for 45 years. No man has ever been blessed with a finer family, and Faye has been the light of my life for each of those days. I want to thank Faye. It's not easy being a Congressman's wife. The schedule is never your own; it's constantly shifting. Folks call your house or knock on your door--they have ours--at all hours of the day and night. And unfortunately, this past year brought us ugliness on a scale never seen before. Faye has endured it all and has been for me a constant source of strength, a sounding board of unfailing common sense, and a partner in every sense of the word. Thank you, Faye. And I want to thank my staff. As Members, we get all the credit and the glory, but it is the folks behind the scenes who do the grunt work that make it all possible. I have always said I have the best staff on Capitol Hill and also the best staff back in my home district, and I believe that's true. We are joined today--I hope by watching--by Russ Swindell, my chief of staff; Pat Devlin, my D.C. chief; Dr. David Weinreich, Ph.D, my legislative director; senior legislative assistant Chris Medley; legislative assistants La'Tanta McCrimmon and Andrew Dugan; legislative correspondent Mim Williams; press secretary Austin Vevurka; executive assistant Julia Cava; and staff assistant Mollie Jones. In my Lillington office, district representatives William Munn and Mercedes Restucha. And our Raleigh district staff, representatives Carolyn Smith, Sonia Barnes, and Mike Little; Amy Hornbuckle, who is our district scheduler, a very difficult job; Christy Sandy, our grants coordinator; and Debbie Privette, caseworker and projects coordinator. We call ourselves ``Team Etheridge,'' and for 14 great years we've been an incredible, effective team. I am proud of each and every member of Team Etheridge, and prouder still of what together we have accomplished for the people of North Carolina and this great country. As I look back on my service in this body--a body which I am proud to have had the opportunity to serve in--I am reminded of the many great men and women I have had the honor to serve with here in the people's House, folks like David Price of North Carolina, and really the entire North Carolina delegation, leaders like Steny Hoyer and the entire Democratic leadership who made this session one of historic significance on behalf of the American people. On the other side of the aisle, I've been proud to have worked with people like my friend Jerry Moran of Kansas, Ray LaHood, and our former colleague, Bob Riley, now the Governor of Alabama. This body needs more people willing to put partisan differences aside in order to get work done for the greater good of our country. I have been honored to serve with so many individuals I admire, like John Spratt of South Carolina, Collin Peterson, Ike Skelton, John Lewis, and others far too numerous to mention. Congress may be an imperfect institution, but our Nation is fortunate to have had the benefit of statesmen and patriots serving in this body. My life has truly been the American Dream. I was raised on a Johnston County tenant farm where neither my mother nor my father owned their home nor the land they farmed. Neither had a high school education, but valued education. Yet, I have been able to serve my country in the United States Army, graduate from college, play basketball, have a successful career in business, be elected to leadership positions at the county, State and Federal levels. All that was possible by education. Public education is the key to the future because it provides for everyone who is willing to work hard the opportunity to make the most of his or her God-given ability. That is why, for me, all of my years in public life have been about creating a brighter future for our children. As we look to the future, we can take great pride in the many accomplishments and countless lives that have been touched. Every single day since we opened our doors in 1997, my staff and I have worked hard to provide outstanding constituent services to anyone and everyone who needed our help in the Second District. These are real lives we have changed, from disabled veterans who needed benefits, to senior citizens who needed assistance with Medicare, or a nonprofit requiring a grant to keep serving people in our community; and I am truly proud of my staff for the constituent services they provided in our district. I know I am biased, and I admit that, but I think we have the staff that is second to none. We have achieved significant policy changes and accomplishments that really are making a difference in people's lives. Our Hometown Heroes Act gives widows and orphans of first responders-- and those first responders include rescue squad, firemen, and sworn police officers--who were killed in the line of duty--or lose their life, I should say, in the line of duty--the peace of mind that comes with receiving survivor benefits. Because of this law, those who die of a heart attack or stroke as they protect our communities are recognized in the same way as others who make the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe. The other day, a friend of mine sent me a clipping from the Boston Globe about a local firefighter who died on Thanksgiving Day after suffering a heart attack, responding to an emergency call. Now, I've never lived in Boston. I've lived my whole life in North Carolina, except for the time I was away on military service. But because of the work we did on the Hometown Heroes Act, the widow and two young children of that brave firefighter will have the security of the Federal Public Safety Officers' Benefits fund that they would not otherwise have had. That is a story that is replicated across this country thousands of times. That fact gives me a sense of pride and makes my heart glow. The HIRE Act that was passed into law last year provided tax credits to small businesses that add workers to their payroll. That new law is helping turn the recession into a recovery, and it's replacing unemployment checks with paychecks for the middle class and workers struggling to get into the middle class. For the first time in history, we had the opportunity to write a farm bill that is about nutrition and energy and provides hope for the future of family farmers and rural communities. And the Etheridge School Construction bonds that I spent more than 12 years working to get passed into law are being put to work now in North Carolina and all across America. All across this country, the Etheridge bonds are creating jobs, building schools, and improving education for our children. Those are just a few of the examples of a record of accomplishments that I will always be proud of and a legacy of leadership that I hope others will look to follow. I have approached my role as a Member of this body as representing all the people of the Second District in North Carolina, listening to all sides of an issue and doing right by the people. Sometimes you don't always make everyone happy, but I can rest my head on a pillow at night knowing that I always did what I thought was right for the people that I represent in the Second District of North Carolina. I have always believed that public office is a public trust. I've worked every day in the people's House, the U.S. House of Representatives, to honor that trust and to earn the faith of the people that I was elected to serve. As I prepare to leave this office, I do so with my head held high, with my heart filled with gratitude for all the people who have helped me along life's journey. Many of us are disappointed by the outcome of the previous election, none more than I am. But we move forward, knowing that God still has work for us to do. There are many ways to serve the people, and other opportunities to serve will come. And at the end of the day, I will always be a proud North Carolinian, a patriotic American, and a humble public servant. May God continue to bless the United States of America.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, on H. Res. 1217, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of fair trade and making sure other countries play by the rules and in support of H.R. 2378, the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act. Just this week, China announced tariffs as high as 105.4 percent on U.S. poultry because of a trumped-up dumping charge. But the real trade distortion in the U.S.-China relationship is currency manipulation--a huge subsidy to their manufacturers and a hidden tariff on U.S. goods. China's currency manipulation allows them to sell the world cheaper goods, costing us jobs and economic growth. This bill would give our trade negotiators the tools they need to investigate this manipulation and take action, if appropriate. It would restore balance to our trade relationship. North Carolina's producers are second to none, and given a level playing field, our workers can compete with anybody. But how are they supposed to compete with a country that manipulates its currency? I say it is not fair. Mr. Speaker, we should pass this bill and send a clear message to China that it is time to play by the rules. I call on my colleagues to stand up for our exporters, our producers, and the people of America, and join me in supporting American industry and H.R. 2378. Earlier this week we saw another example of how China refuses to play by the rules for international trade. On Monday, China announced that it would impose steep tariffs on our poultry producers. Because of this decision, some U.S. producers will face tariffs as high as 105.4 percent. China claims that this is in response to ``dumping'' in its market, but we all know that this is actually retaliation for U.S. tariffs on tires. Once again, the Chinese government has shown that it will take extraordinary--and illegal--steps to make sure they enjoy unfair advantages in their trade relationship with the United States. Nowhere is this unjustifiable trade distortion more evident than in China's intervention in the value of its currency. This currency manipulation amounts to a subsidy: It allows China to sell goods at a cheaper price here in this country, while simultaneously making our exports more expensive. As a consequence, the United States now has a large trade deficit with China; a trade deficit that is now slowing the economic recovery. For the sake of our economy and our country, it is vital that we address this issue. H.R. 2378 gives the U.S. Commerce Department the tools to examine this matter. It does not force any conclusion be reached, but rather all the facts be taken into account when making a decision as to whether China's currency manipulation constitutes an illegal subsidy. If Commerce finds that China is violating trade law, this bill makes sure the United States takes action to protect our industry, our exporters and our economy. Nothing could be more important. Trade is good for America, but only if it is fair. My state of North Carolina produces everything from pharmaceuticals, industrial goods such as jet engine parts, to tobacco and textiles. Our farms produce top quality poultry and pork. North Carolina's products are second to none, and, given a level playing field, our workers can compete with anybody. But how are they supposed to compete with a country that manipulates its currency? That's not fair. I know that some of my friends on the other side of the aisle will object to this bill. Many are fearful that China will react to this legislation by imposing retaliatory tariffs that further hurt our exporters. But China already arbitrarily slaps tariffs on our goods regardless of what we do, as we saw earlier this week. This legislation, on the other hand, complies with WTO laws and precedents, and any retaliation by China because of this bill would be unlawful. As our trade deficit threatens to sap our economic recovery, we should pass this bill and send a clear message to China that it is time to play by the rules. Some economists estimate that a significant appreciation of the Chinese currency will create 600,000 to 1,200,000 jobs. When many people throughout the country are struggling to find employment, it is the right time to pass this bill. Mr. Speaker, this bill will ensure our trading partners play by the rules. I call on my colleagues to stand up for our exporters and producers, and join me in supporting American industry and H.R. 2378.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a true hero from my district, Chief Duncan Edward ``Eddie'' Jaggers of Coats, North Carolina. Chief Jaggers has shown outstanding courage, selflessness and bravery by risking his life to protect the citizens of Coats and get lawbreakers off the street. Although Chief Jaggers is a hero every day, one particular incident stands out. On November 17, 2009, Chief Jaggers went to work at a routine license checkpoint on North Carolina Highway 27 in Coats that turned out to be anything but routine. While checking the licenses of other drivers, a vehicle sped past the officers and through the checkpoint, leading Chief Jaggers on a high-speed car chase at speeds of up to 120 miles per hour. The suspect eventually stopped, grabbed an unknown object from his vehicle, and headed deep into the woods, leading Chief Jaggers on a foot race to detain the suspect. Chief Jaggers did not hesitate to follow the suspect, but a tussle ensued and Chief Jaggers was knocked unconscious. Lieutenant Kelly Fields found Chief Jaggers in the woods more than twenty minutes later, and he was immediately rushed to the hospital. The suspect was later apprehended by the Harnett County Sherriff's Office, none which would have been possible without the tireless pursuit and valiant actions of Chief Eddie Jaggers. I had the honor of presenting Chief Jaggers with the Law Enforcement Purple Heart award earlier this month for his actions on that fateful day. A combination of Chief Jagger's exceptional courage and lifelong experience in law enforcement made it possible for him to react with lightning speed to protect the citizens of the Coats community. Chief Jaggers has been employed with North Carolina law enforcement for more than 20 years, including tenures at the North Carolina DMV, North Carolina Secretary of State, and currently as the Police Chief of the Town of Coats. He serves as an example for his fellow law enforcement officers and shows us all the meaning of true courage and bravery. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the heroism of Chief Edward ``Eddie'' Jaggers. We in North Carolina are proud to call him our hometown hero.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. I thank the gentlelady for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this rule and the Small Business Jobs and Credit bill. As a former small businessman, I know that small businesses are the engine of our economy. Credit is the lifeblood of these businesses. By expanding credit and providing small businesses tax cuts, this bill will help get credit flowing so small businesses can grow, hire workers, and fuel our economy. As I travel across the Second District of North Carolina talking to business owners and workers, I hear that while the economy may be improving for some, many of these folks on Main Street are still struggling. This bill is what they need to get going again. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in voting to send this bill to the President of the United States for his signature to put it into law, help our small businesses create jobs and grow our economy.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4785, the Rural Energy Savings Program (RESPA). As a part-time farmer and a representative of a rural district, I know how crippling the cost of energy can be to farms, families and our rural citizens. As our nation moves towards finding cleaner and more efficient ways of generating energy, many people in small communities are finding that the costs of energy efficiency improvements are simply too high. The farmers I talk to know that the savings from these improvements are real, but the up-front costs are too often out of reach. That is what it so important about this bill: through the use of interest-free loans distributed by the Department of Agriculture, it will allow farmers and rural citizens to implement critical energy- efficient technology that will bring their energy costs down. This bill authorizes USDA's Rural Utilities Service to make interest- free loans to individual or state-based groups of co-ops. These loans will then be used by the co-op to fund energy-efficient improvements for farms or residences. These projects are projected to have a 10 year or less payback period, meaning the customer will realize savings in a relatively quick time frame. The loan will be repaid on the customer's utility bill over a 10 year window. While this is a great bill for rural America, it is also an important bill for the rest of the country. The energy upgrades mean jobs in America for Americans, in construction, installation, and manufacturing. These are good jobs that cannot be outsourced, the kind of jobs we need to put North Carolinians back to work. At the same time, Americans know that many providers of our imported energy sources like oil are unstable and a potential threat to our national security. This bill moves us forward with a policy that reduces our dependence on these risky sources of energy. As a Representative who is committed to budget discipline, I am pleased that this bill advances these priorities at absolutely no cost to taxpayers. The co-ops will assume all risks for consumer repayments of their efficiency investments. This means that the Federal Government bears no risk in these transactions and must be repaid by the co-op. This bill moves us a step closer to energy independence without increasing our Federal deficit, and I applaud the bill's sponsor for that. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting in favor of this bill. It is good for our farmers, our rural citizens and for our country.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my son David and his wife Casey on the birth of their second child, Adera Nichole Etheridge. Adera was born this morning, September 15, 2010 and weighed 6 pounds and 10 ounces. My wife Faye and I are excited about the birth of our seventh grandchild, and she joins me in wishing David and Casey and their son, Walker, great happiness upon this new addition to our family. Faye and I are truly blessed by the arrival of Adera Nichole Etheridge. The birth of a new child is a joyous occasion that reminds us of the promise of a new life. And I know that Walker is excited to have a sister with whom he can play. Children remind us of the incredible miracle of life, and they keep us young-at-heart. Every day they show us a new way to view the world. I had the pleasure of hearing one of Adera's first cries this morning, and I can assure you she is going to be one strong, vivacious little girl. God has truly blessed my family with this new addition. My family and I are looking forward to spending a lot time with Ms. Adera and introducing her to our friends and neighbors in North Carolina's Second Congressional District.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this bill to invest in American jobs and close tax loopholes. This bill is about one thing, and one thing only: jobs. It extends initiatives that are making a difference creating jobs and rebuilding our communities, and it closes tax loopholes that are helping big businesses ship jobs overseas. North Carolina is creating jobs and saving money using Build America Bonds to improve communities across the Second District. This bill will expand these bonds to put more people to work, on projects like expanding sewers in Youngsville, Fayetteville, and Pittsboro, building schools in Lee County and Franklin County, and expanding hospitals and roads where they are most needed. The bill also extends and expands job subsidies that are helping struggling workers and small businesses at the same time. The other side has repeatedly said that we must help private companies expand; this funding makes sure that businesses can grow and workers whose jobs are at risk can keep their skills up-to- date. This bill is an important step in our effort to promote an American Manufacturing Jobs agenda that will close loopholes that help companies move jobs overseas, support American jobs at home, and enable U.S. companies to bring back ``Made in the U.S.A.'' I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this legislation.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4899, the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010. This Supplemental Appropriations Act provides funds to meet the needs of our troops abroad and our families at home. It provides emergency flood relief for those recently washed out of their homes, improves Federal mine safety for those risking their lives to get energy from American soil, and supports disabled veterans who have given so much to our nation. This funding will reduce injuries and increase recovery in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It will reduce injuries by replacing vulnerable military transports with mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles, and provide ballistic protection for helicopters that are in the line of fire. Even with this additional protection, injury is inevitable, but this bill enhances the healing mission. It funds field medical equipment to help heal those who are injured in battle and it funds health care for soldiers when they come home. Veterans exposed to Agent Orange, and their survivors, will finally receive the disability payments they deserve. The promises kept in this bill fulfill our commitments to soldiers today and our veterans from past conflicts. Unfortunately, this version of the bill leaves out necessary funding for priorities here at home. Our children need teachers. Our neighborhoods need first responders. I agree that ignoring the needs of our states and local communities is wrong. However, we cannot make that right by ignoring the needs of our troops, our citizens in the Gulf, and by leaving our citizens to face hurricane season with no possibility of help from FEMA. Without this funding, the President can still declare disaster areas. But those declarations need to be backed up with the people, the expertise, and the funds provided in this bill. The need to support our troops and keep them safe will not go away either. The funding in this bill will assist America in our shared, but fragile recovery. Forest lands damaged by natural disaster can be restored. Coast Guard helicopters damaged in the line of duty can be replaced. Fisheries in the Gulf Coast can be helped towards recovery and restoration. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' on this bill.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Manufacturing Enhancement Act. My top priority, and the priority of this Congress ought to be three things: jobs, jobs, jobs when people are hurting. I know too many North Carolinians who are out of work. Families are hurting. They are being squeezed. And this helps small businesses. It will support tens of thousands of jobs in my State and across America. It will strengthen our manufacturing sector. And it is a time when we really need that kind of support. Fixing these tariffs is a boon to U.S. manufacturing, it lowers costs for consumers, and makes sure that U.S. jobs stay in the United States of America. My colleagues on the other side remind me of the story of the young man who came before this aged gentleman, and he had a bird in his hand. And he said, ``Old man,'' he said, ``is this bird alive or is he dead?'' Knowing that if he said he was alive, he would crush him, and if he said he was dead, he would release him. And the old gentleman said to him, ``Young man, it is up to you.'' When you say whether this bill will pass or die, to my colleagues on this side of the aisle, it's up to you. But the American people are watching, and they will suffer. I urge you to reconsider and vote ``yes'' on this legislation not just to make a point, but to make a difference for the American people.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call on Congress to defend Social Security. For many years, I've had the privilege of working to bring commonsense policies that benefit middle class families in North Carolina and across America. I was proud to help lead the fight against President Bush's misguided effort to privatize Social Security and to cut benefits. We won that fight, but now some Washington politicians are threatening Social Security again with risky Wall Street schemes. During this current economic crisis, more than 50 million Americans depend on Social Security to make ends meet. Without Social Security, one out of every two American seniors would fall into poverty. Dismantling Social Security would eliminate the safety net for millions of disabled Americans and survivors and many of their children. No politician in Washington, D.C., has the right to threaten the American institution of Social Security. As we approach the 75th anniversary of the Social Security Act, I call on this Congress to defeat the proposals to cut Social Security benefits.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a true hero from my district, Mr. Ron Robinson of Dunn, North Carolina. Mr. Robinson has shown outstanding courage, selflessness and bravery by risking his life to save victims of not one, but two separate car crashes in the past two months. Once part of the Dunn rescue squad, Ron Robinson quickly put his experience and knowledge to work, helping those in a crucial time of need. A little over a month ago, two young people were in a tragic car accident outside of the Walmart in Dunn, NC. Mr. Robinson, who was shopping at the Walmart as the SUV slammed into the store, was the first to immediately run outside to help the teens trapped inside the vehicle. With his assistance, Triton High senior Dillon Tart, 18, survived the crash with minor injuries. As I honor Mr. Robinson's heroism, I also wish to pause for a moment to mourn Mr. Tart's Triton High classmate, Ashley Moore, who did not survive the crash, despite Mr. Robinson's efforts. This loss does not diminish Mr. Robinson's valor, but does remind us that not all rescues are in our hands. This past Thursday, July 8, Mr. Robinson once again came face-to-face with a serious car accident, this one off of Interstate 95 in Dunn. The truck involved in the accident was already on fire as Ron approached the crash, but that didn't stop him from crawling into the vehicle and pulling the driver from the flames. Again, Mr. Robinson risked his life to save the life of another. This kind of bravery and heroism just doesn't happen every day. It is people like Ron Robinson that truly embody the phrase ``Good Samaritan'' and remind us what it means to fulfill the directive to ``help thy neighbor.'' I don't like to think what might have happened had Ron not been at the scene of those crashes, but fortunately he was and he serves as a true example of what it means to be part of a community. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the heroism of an ordinary man performing extraordinary feats. His selflessness and readiness to help those in need is truly something to be admired. We in North Carolina are proud to call Ron Robinson our hometown hero.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Felix Harvey, a North Carolina businessman and civic leader, as he turns ninety years young on July 16, 2010. Felix Harvey was born in Kinston, North Carolina, almost a century ago and yet has never grown old. Felix married his wife, Margaret Little Blount, in 1945 and since then has raised two beautiful daughters, Leigh and Sunny. They have seven grandchildren. In addition to being a family man, Felix is known for his keen business-savvy that has fueled his success for the past fifty years. Felix has been a good North Carolina businessman in every sense, making a living doing right by the folks in his home state. Felix is Chairman of the Board of Harvey Enterprises and Affiliates, which engages in farming and agricultural supplies, cotton ginning, transportation, real estate, and retail petroleum distribution. In addition, he served on several other corporate boards, including the Board of the North Carolina National Bank, now Bank of America, Integon Corporation and North Carolina Natural Gas, to name a few. More recently, Felix planted an orchard and opened a fruit stand. There is a Greek proverb that says a society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they will never sit. Felix has not just planted a tree, but has planted an entire orchard so that others could enjoy its fruit. Felix is always looking into the future and thinking about how he can expand his horizons, growing and learning every day and making North Carolina a better place to live. Felix remains active in his community and his free time as well. He has been Vice Chairman of the Board and President of the North Carolina Global Transpark foundation since 1993 and he has had a lasting commitment to his alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. All the while, he still finds time to get outside and perfect his golf game. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me today in recognizing a man who reminds us that age is just a number. It is with great pride and joy that I wish Felix Harvey, a great friend to me and the state of North Carolina, a happy ninetieth birthday. He is an example to us all in his fervor for life and reminds us to ``share the fruit'' with our future generations.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the conference report on H.R. 4173, the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010. We have already seen what happens to Main Street when Wall Street abuses run rampant. Over the past decade, Wall Street's protectors looked the other way while Wall Street fat cats gambled with our future and ran our economy into the ditch, and the North Carolina families I hear from every day paid the price. We have seen what that means for Main Street: 8 million jobs lost, $17 trillion in hard-earned family savings--savings for retirement, college, or home buying--all wiped out overnight. Today we have the opportunity to say, ``enough.'' We have had enough of the abuses, enough of risky speculation, enough of taxpayer-funded bailouts. It is time to put in place common sense rules of the road to protect Main Street and American taxpayers. This bill does just that. H.R. 4173 delivers a comprehensive set of financial regulations that increase accountability and oversight for Wall Street and America's financial sector. H.R. 4173 addresses the ``too big to fail'' syndrome, and ends taxpayer funded bailouts. This bill makes sure the taxpayer is not responsible for bailing out such firms, by establishing a process for dismantling failing financial institutions like AIG or Lehman Brothers. With this reform, these large Wall Street firms will be in charge of paying the cost for the risks they create instead of taxpayers paying the tab. In addition, a Financial Stability Council will be created to identify and regulate financial institutions that are so large or interconnected that they pose a system risk to the economy as a whole. While I hope that the dissolution measures are never necessary, it just makes sense to have an orderly way to wind down failing institutions as an insurance policy. This process will punish the corporate executives who are to blame for a failed bank, rather than the American taxpayer. For years, I have called for an end to the wild west of speculation in derivatives markets. I am pleased that this bill includes my proposal to strengthen derivatives market oversight. For the first time ever, over-the-counter derivatives market for transactions between dealers and major swap participants will be required to be reported. This transparency means that regulators can monitor this trillion dollar market, and make sure that companies like AIG only make trades when they have enough capital to back them up. Unregulated speculation may well be responsible for wide swings and increases in the price of energy for consumers and feed for farms. This provision will help prevent entities from driving up the cost of commodities and products and manufacturing risk in the larger economy. H.R. 4173 also takes a major step forward in consumer protection by creating the Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA). This agency would make sure brokers tell folks what they are buying, clearly and honestly. It would be devoted to stopping unfair practices and preventing abusive financial products from entering the marketplace. The CFPA would impose effective consumer protections for subprime mortgages, overdraft fees, credit card practices, and other financial products, not just at banks but wherever these products are purchased. This bill includes other critical provisions for oversight and streamlining of the financial system. It creates a Federal Insurance Office, reforms the credit ratings agencies that failed to assess the value of the many financial products in our economy, and cleans up abusive practices in the mortgage lending industry that contributed to the collapse of the housing market. This regulation is long overdue and will benefit all Americans and businesses that depend on our financial institutions. We need to take action to put the interests of average Americans ahead of corporate special interests. Today we have an opportunity to clean up the mess on Wall Street, hold wrongdoers accountable for their actions and stand up for taxpayers. I call on my colleagues to put Main Street before Wall Street, and to join me in support of the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Robin Whitley Hood, who passed away on Sunday, June 27, in Raleigh, NC. Best known for the smile he brought to other's faces and his lifelong community involvement, Whitley will surely be missed. Robin Whitley Hood was born on January 1, 1932, in Johnston County to parents John Robert and Cleo Wood Hood. He attended Campbell College and graduated from Wake Forest University, where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. After graduation, Whitley established Robin Hood Enterprises Inc., which still flourishes today. His companies include Whitley Hood Insurance Agency, Robin Hood Truck Stop and Restaurant, and Robin Hood Oil Company. In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Mr. Hood served as mayor of the town of Benson from 1971-1979. He was instrumental in the development and growth of Benson, where he was a strong advocate for the community. He played a key role in developing a water line to Benson from the Neuse River and argued strongly for 1-40's current route near Benson over a counterproposal that would have taken it further north. He was named Benson's Citizen of the Year in 1973. Whitley remained an active member of the community long after his public service. He was a member of the Benson Lions Club, a past patron of Eastern Star, a member of the Benson Stock Club, a member of the Benson GBO, an active member of Benson Baptist Church and a past deacon. He was also a prominent Mason and Shriner. My best memories of Whitley involve his work as director of the Sudan Clowns for almost 50 years. Whitley loved to bring joy to people's faces and to spread laughs and good cheer to those he met. Many of the Dunn community are familiar with ``Happy'' the clown and the clown cards he would leave behind; I know that I will never forget the happiness he brought to those around him and I am sure his bright light will not soon be forgotten by others in our community. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me today in honoring the life of Mr. Robin Whitley Hood, a beacon of his community and a true exemplar of civic involvement. May he even in passing bring a smile to his loved ones' faces for the wonderful legacy he has left behind.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of veteran James Daniel ``J.D.'' Lancaster, who passed away at the age of 90 on Friday, June 25, 2010. In his passing, I lost a friend, and North Carolina lost one of its most outstanding citizens; a man whose bravery and valor won't soon be forgotten. J.D. Lancaster, son of the late Reverend W.H. and Lena Lancaster, grew up in Selma, NC and always kept the church close to his heart. His father, a Baptist preacher, introduced him to the church as a young boy and he continued his devout commitment to the Baptist church throughout his life. J.D. was a veteran of United States Navy and served in World War II. Before his passing, J.D. was one of only 21 living survivors of the attack on the USS Arizona on December 7, 1941 and the only living survivor from our great state of North Carolina. During the attack, J.D. was blown off the deck of the ship, but he swam through the oil- filled waters to eventually rescue ten of his fellow shipmates. This would not be the only time J.D. survived a sinking ship in WWII. He survived another attack aboard LTS 342, while transporting troops from Guadalcanal to the island of Munda. Later in the war, J.D. managed to escape death a third time aboard a transport plane that crashed. His untiring dedication to his country and his outstanding bravery are apparent. He is a shining example of the devotion and allegiance that members of our armed forces show our nation every day. He was the recipient of numerous awards for his military service, including the Purple Heart. J.D. Lancaster was active in his community, boasting membership at the VFW, American Legion, Loyal Order of the Moose, and Lanwood Chapel FWB Church. Those who knew J.D. well know he always had a smile on his face and a positive word to share. He will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, his church and his country. He is survived by his wife Dorothy Lancaster; daughters Carol Lancaster of Goldsboro, Beth Sitts, and her husband Justin of Pine Level, and Danielle Lancaster of Selma; son Jay Lancaster of Selma; and granddaughters, Jenna and Katelyn. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me today in recognizing one of our nation's true military heroes, J.D. Lancaster. He was a respected veteran, a dedicated family man, and a great North Carolinian. I am pleased to rise to honor him and his family today.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5618, the Restoration of Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act. H.R. 5618 would extend critical unemployment insurance benefits through November 30, 2010 to help Americans who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. Without this bill, by July 3, 2010, approximately 1.7 million unemployed workers nationwide will lose their unemployment benefits. In my home state of North Carolina, about 7,200 unemployed workers will lose their unemployment benefits in the same time. North Carolina has one of the highest unemployment rates in the Nation, and some areas of the Second Congressional District have unemployment rates close to 15 percent. I have voted several times over the past year to extend and improve benefits for folks who are having trouble finding new jobs in the current economic downturn. Extending unemployment benefits will not only help unemployed North Carolinians, but it will also help stimulate the economy and create new jobs. For every $1.00 spent on unemployment benefits, $1.63 is returned in economic growth. I've heard from thousands of North Carolinians about their struggles in this economy. One woman from Spring Lake, NC said, ``This is so very important! So many families, single moms like myself are just one benefit away from being homeless. Please help the people in your district, because we are at the end of our rope.'' I am sure that this sentiment is shared by folks in districts across the country who just want a little support while they continue to look for jobs as our economy recovers. Mr. Speaker, this is an emergency for thousands of workers and their families in North Carolina right now. This is an emergency not of their making but the result of eight years of the failed policies of the previous administration. I will continue to fight to make sure every North Carolinian who is willing to work hard can make the most of his or her God-given abilities. Extending this economic lifeline is the right thing to do for workers, and the right thing to do to keep our economy on track for recovery. I urge my colleagues to join me in strong support of our hardworking Americans.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call on Congress to rein in Wall Street's abuses. We need to put in place commonsense rules of the road. For too long, Wall Street fat cats gambled with our future and ran our economy into the ditch. North Carolina families I hear from every day paid the price. Why? Because Wall Street's protectors looked the other way while abuses ran rampant. We've seen what that means to Main Street and rural America--8 million jobs lost, $17 trillion in hard-earned family savings--savings for retirement, college, for home buying--all wiped out overnight. Today, we have an opportunity to say ``enough.'' But the same folks who said ``no'' to helping out-of-work Americans yesterday are trying to say ``no'' to reining in Wall Street abuses today. I call on my colleagues to put aside their differences and put America before Wall Street, and join me in supporting the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 286, recognizing the 235th birthday of the United States Army. I rise today to commemorate the birthday of the Army, and the service of every man and woman who has served our country and kept its citizens safe. From the twenty-thousand-man Army first authorized in June of 1775 to the more than half a million in the Army today, millions of soldiers have sacrificed for our Nation. In addition to recognizing this birthday of the Army, I rise to thank and salute all of those in uniform, whether in the active forces, the Reserves, or the National Guard, and the civilian support staff that makes their missions possible. I thank their families as well for the sacrifices they have made. For more than two centuries, the U.S. Army has protected our borders, responded to threats to our homeland, and helped the people of America in times of need. I am honored to have served in the U.S. Army, and I am proud to represent Fort Bragg, Pope Air Force Base and their surrounding communities. Born fully twelve years before the Constitution was written, the Army has proven to be our Nation's most enduring institution. North Carolina's tradition of military service, patriotism, and respect for the military goes back to those earliest days. In fact, the Second District's first Representative was an Army veteran, Hugh Williamson. I am honored to continue that tradition. Even better than ``Happy Birthday'' is ``Welcome Home''. We rejoice every time our soldiers return home from their service safely. This fall, we anticipate that the entire 82nd Airborne will be home in North Carolina for the first time in many years. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating these daily individual returns while we celebrate the institution and its history as a whole. As we honor this U.S. Army at this significant milestone, we cannot forget that there is a greater need for commitments than for congratulations. I call on my colleagues who join me today in support of this Joint Resolution to also commit to continued support for the funding the Army needs for its ongoing missions, and to support for TRICARE, mental health care, higher education, and military family needs as these heroes return home. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and in celebration of the continued success of America's Army.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 5297, the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act. Small businesses form the backbone of our economy and this bill helps them get access to the credit that they need to grow and create jobs. While there are strong signs that our economy has turned the corner and is beginning to heal, there are still far too many small businesses unable to get the capital they need to contribute to the recovery. H.R. 5297 creates a Small Business Lending Fund to deliver loans to small business on Main Street. This fund will be available to small and medium-sized community banks that specialize in lending to these institutions. H.R. 5297 includes strong incentives in the form of adjustable repayment rates to make sure that participating community banks lend this money out for its intended purpose. This $30 billion fund can be leveraged to create up to $300 billion in loans that small businesses need for growth and expansion. This is the kind of growth that will help continue our economic recovery and get us back to full strength. In addition to this loan fund, H.R. 5297 provides funding specifically for new and existing lending initiatives that have been developed in several states. With increased funding, we can tap this local expertise and expand on their work to increase small business lending and create jobs. Finally, as a supporter of budget discipline, I am pleased that this bill does not add to the deficit. These loans are required to be paid back in ten years with interest. In fact, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that this bill will actually reduce the deficit by $1 billion by the end of the ten-year period. I support helping businesses on Main Street access the credit they need to grow and expand. I support H.R. 5297, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in voting for its passage.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Chair, I thank Mr. Cuellar for offering this amendment to make sure that creating jobs where they are needed most is the focus of this piece of legislation. As a former small businessman myself, I call on the House to pass this important piece of legislation. Small businesses form the backbone of our economy and create jobs that we need to continue our recovery. But far too many are having difficulty getting the credit they need to grow and expand. Today we have the opportunity to do more than just praise small businesses and lament the credit crunch. We have a bill that frees up $30 billion directly for small businesses across our communities that are responsible for job growth in our country. Business leaders in Smithfield, community bankers in Dunn, and folks across my district in North Carolina have said that what they need most is to expand credit, and have shared their support of this initiative with me. Today, we have an opportunity to provide real help for our Main Street businesses. Let us avoid partisan bickering, end the delay, and pass this piece of legislation now.