Virginia Foxx

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4456) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2404 Race Street in Jonesboro, Arkansas, as the ``Hattie Caraway Station,'' as amended.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I, along with my colleague, find that one of the great benefits of serving in the House is learning a lot of history, and I, too, have learned a lot today. I want to urge all Members to support the passage of H.R. 4456, as amended. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4456, offered by the distinguished gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Berry), would designate the post office building in Jonesboro, Arkansas, as the ``Hattie Caraway Station.'' All members of the Arkansas delegation have cosponsored this legislation. Hattie Wyatt Caraway was born on February 1, 1878, near Bakerville, Tennessee. After marrying her husband Thaddeus Caraway, the couple moved on to Jonesboro, Arkansas, where Thaddeus started his political career by being elected into the U.S. House of Representatives. He served as a Democrat in the House from 1912 until 1921, when he successfully ran for the Senate. He served in that capacity until he passed away in 1931. In the same year, Arkansas Governor Harvey Parnell appointed Hattie Caraway to serve out the rest of her late husband's term. She was confirmed by a special election on January 12, 1932, becoming the first woman elected to the United States Senate. While serving as a Senator in 1933, Caraway became the first woman to chair a Senate committee; and in 1943, she became the first woman to take up the gavel on the Senate floor as the Senate's presiding officer. When Caraway was defeated in her reelection efforts in 1944 by William Fulbright, her fellow Senators honored her with a standing ovation on the Senate floor. Her service to our country did not go unnoticed, and her groundbreaking accomplishments paved the way for women everywhere. At this time in our history, women had won the right to vote only 25 years earlier. I ask all Members to join me in honoring this courageous woman who helped shape our Nation's history by passing H.R. 4456. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as she may consume to my distinguished colleague from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Ms. Hart).

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, before I yield to my colleague from Pennsylvania, I want to note that Willie Parker, who is an alum of my alma matter, UNC Chapel Hill, had the longest run in Super Bowl history, and I want to congratulate him on that. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to my distinguished colleague from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Mr. Murphy).

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster).

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from the State of Ohio (Mr. Oxley). (Mr. OXLEY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the distinguished gentleman from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Mr. Murphy).

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 389, the resolution under consideration.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 389 offered by the distinguished gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Slaughter) would support the goals and ideals of The Year of the Museum in 2006. America's museums, some of the Nation's premier cultural learning centers, have for decades educated both young and old on the history of our being. From artistic displays to archaeological artifacts, to science and the natural earth, museums help preserve the past and help us to understand our roles in the modern world. Museums play a very important supplemental educational role, which is central to their service to the public. People of all ages and backgrounds have traditionally gathered to learn from their exhibits and programs. A recent national survey shows that Americans view museums as one of the most important resources for education and one of the most trusted sources for objective information. Along with the educational benefits, museums continue to influence travel and tourism. They provide a common experience that families can share and experience across generations. In fact, museums rank in the top three family vacation destinations. American families from all income and education ranges visit museums each year. According to the American Association of Museums, there are 2.3 million museum visits a day, adding up to 865 million visits per year in the United States. In conclusion, I urge all Members to come together in support of this important and timely resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to my distinguished colleague from the State of Connecticut (Mr. Shays).

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the adoption of H. Res. 389.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, last week the State of North Carolina lost one of its finest citizens, North Carolina Senator Hamilton ``Ham'' Horton. I had the great privilege of serving with Ham for 10 years in the North Carolina senate. I considered him to be not only a great role model and mentor but a trusted friend. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Senator Ham Horton for leading a rich life of service to others. I rise in trepidation because Senator Horton was such a wonderful orator and my skills are so inferior to his in intellect and expression. Hamilton Cowles Horton, Jr., was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on August 6, 1931. He was the great-grandson of Calvin Josiah Cowles, who represented Wilkes County in the United States Congress and the great-grandson of William Woods Holden, who was the Governor of North Carolina following the War Between the States. Obviously, public service was in Ham's blood from the start. Ham went on to receive his bachelor's and law degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He served nine terms in the general assembly, one in the House, and the remainder in the State senate. During his time in the general assembly, Ham gave impassioned and eloquent floor speeches on a wide range of topics. Whenever he took to the senate floor, Ham commanded the respect of everyone in his presence, Republicans and Democrats alike. I often said he was like E.F. Hutton: when he spoke, everyone listened. Ham had a strong sense of justice and doing what was right. He was an ardent supporter of the individual liberties bestowed by our Founding Fathers. I will never forget when State inspectors tried to shut down a Winston-Salem market because it sold slices of country ham, Ham promptly introduced the Country Ham Preservation Act to exempt small markets from regulation on meat preparation. After all, he said, the only difference between tasting wine and tasting ham is that you spit out the wine and no one has been known to spit out the ham. In all of my years in the senate, I have never seen a bill move so quickly. The senate passed the bill just 2 days after Ham filed it. Then the State House passed it the following day. Ham had a gift of bringing people together, despite partisan differences, to do what was best for our State. The North Carolina Senate Republican leader Phil Berger once said that Ham ``harkened back to another age in the Senate, an age when there was debate that focused greatly on the merits of the issues rather than politics and personality.'' Likewise, the editorial page of the Winston Salem Journal wrote, ``If only America could have more political leaders like Ham Horton. Smart, talented, intellectual, yet in touch with every man. A staunch conservative who saw liberals as his opponents, not his enemies. A man who understood that politics is the art of working with others . . . In an era of politicians who rage with anger, questioning the morality, patriotism, and goodness of those with whom they disagree, Horton never had a disagreeable thing to say to anyone. He just took their arguments apart the way a chef carves a turkey.'' At Ham's funeral at Calvary Moravian Church last week, the Reverend Lane A. Sapp noted that Ham acknowledged his Lord with a life of unselfish service, whether he was ``serving as someone's lawyer, representing his constituents in Raleigh, serving on a church board or agency, or helping someone in need.'' Ham cared about helping others more than he cared about helping himself. Despite his difficult fight with cancer, he recently asked his daughter Rosalie to drive him to Raleigh for a Senate committee meeting. When asked why he did not stay home and rest, Ham responded, ``I took an oath to serve my constituents and I must fulfill it.'' Reverend Sapp put it eloquently when he said, Ham Horton was a man who took to heart Jesus' parable of the talents, using the blessings given by God, not hiding or squandering them for his own use, but using his gifts in service to others, whether it was caring for his wife Evelyn and daughter Rosalie; serving his beloved Moravian Church, his Nation, or the State of North Carolina. Ham Horton was a good steward of all he had been given, and he never became too important that he forgot the call to humble service. In this he emulated his Master, who once told his quarreling disciples that ``whoever would be great among you must be your servant,'' Matthew 20:26. As I said, Ham was my mentor and someone for whom I had the utmost respect. Anytime I had the privilege to be with him, I went away as a better person because of him. He was a great calming influence on me, and I will miss his wise counsel more than I have words to express. Mr. Speaker, my thoughts and prayers are with Ham's wife Evelyn, and daughter Rosalie and his extended family. May God bless them and comfort them during this difficult time. The State of North Carolina is fortunate to have been served by Senator Hamilton Horton. He was truly a blessing to everyone whose life he touched, and there were many. Ham Horton will be sorely missed.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take the time of Mr. Mack.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I first want to commend the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Weldon) for bringing this exciting news about adult stem cell success to us. Last week, Congresswoman Nancy Johnson and I had the opportunity to visit again Wake Forest Medical Center's regenerative medicine program, where they are doing some absolutely wonderful things from adult stem cells, and I hope sometime in the future soon to bring some information about that program. But, Mr. Speaker, tonight I want to talk about some other good news. While we were working in our districts for the past month, good economic news continued to pour in, thanks to the Republicans' fiscal restraint and pro-growth economic agenda. In fact, our unemployment rate is lower than the average of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s; and earlier this month, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 11,000 for the first time since the 2001 terrorist attacks. In addition, new-home sales reached an all-time high in 2005. Finally, it was just reported that consumer confidence has risen this month to the highest level since June of 2002. The great economic news flies in the face of the Democrats' message of doom and gloom. Before the district work period, Republicans passed a Deficit Reduction Act, which was a plan to reform the government and yield savings for American taxpayers. Fortunately, today we passed this bill again, modified slightly by the Senate; but it was with no support from the Democrats. Once again, we show that Republicans are indeed the party of fiscal restraint. Mr. Speaker, Republicans will continue to push for pro-growth economic policies aimed at ensuring that all Americans can realize the American Dream.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Iraqi people for their third successful democratic election, the United States Armed Services men and women, and the American people who support our military and their families. Mr. Speaker, democracy dealt terrorism another major blow on Thursday with the successful free Iraqi election. This election was a crucial victory for Iraq's new democracy and a defeat for terrorists who seek to destroy that democracy. The Iraqi people have proven they long for freedom and continue to fight the terrorists who wish to take their freedom away, and with the continued help of American and coalition forces, Congress and the President, Iraq will soon be a prosperous and freedom-loving Nation. Mr. Speaker, we all know the valiant heroics of our military and the sacrifices they have made to ensure our safety. They have fought bravely and served honorably. No one can ever dispute the character of our Armed Forces. I salute the Iraqis for taking the next step toward a free nation and our Armed Forces for helping them.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and congratulating the 2005 NCAA Division I-AA Football National Champions, Appalachian State University. This courageous and athletic group of students, along with their coaches and support staff from Boone, North Carolina, defeated the University of Northern Iowa last night in Chattanooga, Tennessee, by a score of 21-16. This marks the first time in history that a team from ASU has won a national championship. This championship culminates a tremendous year of Mountaineer football that saw the team finish the season 8-3, winning the Southern Conference championship before winning four playoff games, including last night's national championship game. Mr. Speaker, I am proud of this football team and their coach, not just for winning a national championship but for the character and teamwork they display. The Mountaineers have excelled under the leadership of Coach Jerry Moore, the winningest coach in the history of the Southern Conference. He has a talented staff, including Coach Lonnie Galloway, the son-in- law of our colleague from North Carolina, Robin Hayes. I wish my duties in Washington did not prevent me from being in Chattanooga last night with so many Appalachian students, alumni, and supporters. I would have liked to have seen first hand the crushing defense in the fourth quarter, led by Jason Hunter and Marques Murrell. I wish I could have been there to witness in person the courage of quarterback Richie Williams, who played through a painful ankle injury suffered last week in the semi-final game against Furman. Please join me in congratulating the Appalachian State University football team. I am proud of my long history with ASU. I am proud to represent this fine university in Congress. Go Mountaineers.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Thank you, Mr. Hayes. I am glad you mentioned with Coach Moore serving with Coach Osborne, Congressman Osborne. I did not get a chance to mention that this morning. I agree with you: he exhibits so much of all of the wonderful traits of our colleague, and we are lucky that we have at least three people in this body who have connections to Appalachian and to the great win that they had last night. I am really sorry that our duties here prevented us from being in Chattanooga last night with so many Appalachian students and supporters. I would have loved to see firsthand that crushing defense in the fourth quarter led by Jason Hunter and Marques Murrell. I wish I could have been there to witness in person the courage of quarterback Richie Williams, who played through a painful ankle injury suffered last week in the semifinal game against Furman. Appalachian is getting a lot of attention because of this football win. But the gentleman and I know and the people of western North Carolina and, indeed, all North Carolina know that Appalachian has always been known as a first-rate college and a first-rate university. It has a very proud history, particularly in the area of teacher administration and administrators of the public schools. And I think getting this win for the football team simply rounds out its reputation in terms of being a really top- notch school. Its academic program has been strong forever. And now with this win from the football team, the first national championship ever for Appalachian, they show that it is a number one university in all respects.

Ms. FOXX. And, Mr. Speaker, now we both need to say, Go Mountaineers.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, during the decade I served as a member of the North Carolina Senate and during my first term in the United States Congress, I have found that few things are as important or represent as many problems as illegal immigration. The terrorist attacks on our homeland highlighted the potential disastrous effects of the porous borders and the need to bolster border security. Illegal immigration also has many other far-reaching and dangerous effects. That is why I am pleased to cosponsor H.R. 4437, the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005. This important piece of legislation will strengthen our borders, crack down on those who hire illegal aliens, increase the punishment for those who smuggle people into our country illegally and allow for the swift deportation of illegal aliens. I sympathize with those who wish to live in America. We are indeed a nation of immigrants, but also a nation of laws. Immigration laws exist to provide the steps for safe and legal entry into our country. Controlling illegal immigration begins with the enforcement of current laws and the elimination of incentives to immigrate illegally. Please join me in supporting H.R. 4437.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this rule and the Pension Protection Act. Over the past several years, we have all witnessed some disturbing occurrences as we have seen far too many hardworking Americans contribute money into a pension plan, only to find their benefits dwindle or depleted entirely. We must find ways to ensure that employers keep their promises to their retiring workers. I believe we have done so in this bill. Chairman Boehner and Thomas are to be applauded for their determination to make this happen. They have spent countless hours in negotiations with employers, employees, unions, and all other parties who have a dog in this fight. The resulting bill we consider here today does exactly what its title says: It further protects the pensions of America's workers. As I see it, the two most important parts of the Pension Protection Act are provisions to require more accountability and provisions that ensure fiscal responsibility. This bill strengthens current law and requires more accountability on the part of employers in funding their workers' benefit plans. It requires employers to put more cash contributions into worker pension plans. It closes loopholes allowing underfunded plans to skip pension benefits, and it calls for more transparency about the status of workers' pension plans. How can anyone oppose instilling more accountability into the pension system? The Pension Protection Act is supported by a broad coalition of labor unions and employers like the United Auto Workers, the Brotherhood of Carpenters, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Financial Services Roundtable. The bill includes a broad package of multiemployer reforms sought by unions and employers. In addition to these reforms, the bill ends excessive compensation for executives if an employer plan is severely underfunded. It also insists on more accountability by prohibiting employers and unions from offering pension benefit increases when plans are already severely underfunded. The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation is suffering from a $23 billion deficit. Unless we want all taxpayers to pony up and bail out the PBGC, we must demand reforms to place the defined benefit system on more solid ground. We must continue to fight for fiscal responsibility. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of this bill. If we fail to secure our borders, we could face an even greater terrorist attack than 9/11. We live in the greatest country on Earth. It is no wonder that so many people from other nations want to live in a land of such opportunity. I certainly do not want to stop people from wanting to live and work in this great country. My paternal grandparents were legal immigrants to America several decades ago. But we have a responsibility to keep this great Nation safe and secure for future generations. If we continue to neglect our porous borders and the potential harm that can come from that, then we might as well bury the American flag in the sand. Every day that we fail to secure our borders is another day when a hardened criminal or even a terrorist might slip through. We risk the lives of our sons and daughters and risk the longevity of this great Nation. I am certainly not saying that all of those who have come through our borders illegally are criminals or terrorists, but the possibility of letting in just one who is could cost many American lives and wreak havoc on our way of life. Securing our borders is not closing them. I applaud Chairman Sensenbrenner and Chairman King and their staffs for their tireless efforts on this bill to secure our borders and prevent potential terrorist attacks.