Virginia Foxx

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the world of professional sports lost one of its strongest enthusiasts this past December when Lamar Hunt lost his long battle with prostate cancer. Widely known throughout the professional sports industry, his inspirational career helped the National Football League, the Major Soccer League and the National Hockey League become the massive successes they are today. Born in El Dorado, Arkansas, and raised in Dallas, Texas, Lamar Hunt was a passionate sports fanatic. He played on his college football team at Southern Methodist University, but his real involvement began when he applied for an expansion to the National Football League in 1959. He was turned down, and a year later he decided with a group of eight others to form the American Football League. Facing tough competition from the NFL, he was determined to become the owner of a Texas football team. His first team ownership came with the founding of the Dallas Texans. A few years later, the team moved to Kansas City and became the Kansas City Chiefs, which Hunt would continue to own until the time of his death. His Chiefs went on to play in the first-ever Super Bowl game, which, by the way, was the term he coined as the championship game between the two leagues. Lamar Hunt was instrumental in the merger between the National Football League and the American football League in 1970. Beyond football, he made similar efforts in the fields of soccer, tennis and hockey. He helped establish the World Championship Tennis Circuit, Major League Soccer, and its predecessor, the North American Soccer League. At the time of his death, he owned two MLS teams, the FC Dallas and the Columbus Crew. He even furthered his ownership enterprise as one of the original owners of the Chicago Bulls NBA team. Among his numerous awards and honors, he has been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the National Soccer Hall of Fame and the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The American Football League trophy presented each year to the AFL champion team is aptly named the Lamar Hunt Trophy. It is only right that we honor Lamar Hunt for his innovation, dedication and enthusiasm to the national sports industry. His achievements in sports and charitable contributions, as well as his work in theme parks and industrial parks, are to be commended. He was an inspiration to those in the NFL, and his legacy will continue through his teams. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of H.R. 2077, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the dedicated public servants working for American citizens in making our neighborhoods a better place in which to live. George B. Lewis, the Blue Creek Postmaster, is one such man. Lewis' career serving his country began when he enlisted in the United States Navy in February 1946. He then returned to his work on the family cattle farm in Adams County until September 1950, when at the age of 22 he was drafted by the Army and sent to Korea. In Korea, Lewis was recognized as a leader, and he earned the rank of tank sergeant. Honorably discharged in 1952, Lewis again returned to work on the family farm. Three years later, Lewis was appointed to the position of the Blue Creek Postmaster, a job he held until retirement. Not only did George Lewis serve his community as postmaster for 47 years, but he played a major role in forming the Jefferson Township Volunteer Fire Department and then went on to serve as the chief of that department. He was also very active in the community, sitting on the Adams County Hospital Board, the Adams County Agricultural Society and Fair Board director. As the proud father of five children, he also served as the president of the Jefferson Township Parent-Teacher Association. Lewis died on October 25, 2000, from lung cancer. With his recognized accomplishments in the Armed Forces, his devotion and services to Blue Creek as postmaster, and his longtime record of community service, it is fitting for to us pay tribute to the lifetime achievements of George B. Lewis by naming the Blue Creek Ohio, postal facility in his honor. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I think it is very appropriate that this week, just before Memorial Day, we are honoring these several people who have sacrificed their lives so that the rest of us can be here and be free. I particularly want to thank Mr. Conaway for his comments about not just recognizing in a collective way the people who have given their lives and who have served, but who have done it in a personal way. This morning I had the honor to recognize Mr. Larry Bauguess, who has recently lost his life in Afghanistan on behalf of our country. I urge all Members to support the passage of H.R. 1425. 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, it is an honor for me to speak on the floor today to name a post office in Odessa, Texas, for a truly great American. Marvin ``Rex'' Young was a genuine war hero at the young age of 21. He grew up in Odessa, Texas, and was quite athletic during high school, playing both football and baseball. A smart student, he also enjoyed art and spent time painting. His plans were to attend Texas Tech University after graduating from high school, but, unfortunately, he never got the chance. Rex Young joined the U.S. Army in September of 1966 and was deployed to Vietnam in 1967. He served with Company C, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 5th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division as a staff sergeant. He was wounded twice during the war, once in December, 1967, and again in February, 1968. But it was on August 21, 1968, in a true act of heroism that he would provide the ultimate sacrifice for his country. He was acting as a squad leader on a reconnaissance mission in South Vietnam. His unit was attacked by the enemy and received a barrage of incoming fire. The forward platoon lost its commander, so Rex Young instinctively took command and organized his men into a defensive position, all the while under heavy enemy fire. In attempting to withdraw, he allowed his men to retreat while he stayed behind providing covering fire. It was during this action that he was critically injured. Heroically, he still managed to help the other members of his unit to retreat while continuing to cover for them. As more infantrymen pulled back, he remained behind to ensure their safe withdrawal. While the group fought its way back, he was hit again in the leg and in the arm. Fearing that seeking medical aid would slow down his team, he refused it. It was there that he sacrificed himself for the safety of his comrades. It was this act of selfless bravery, courageous leadership, and heroism that earned him the country's highest military award, the Congressional Medal of Honor. The medal was posthumously awarded to his family by President Nixon on April 17, 1970. It is for those same reasons that we name this post office for Marvin ``Rex'' Young in his hometown. I ask all Members to join me in supporting H.R. 1425 Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my distinguished colleague from the State of Texas and the person who introduced this resolution (Mr. Conaway).

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as she may consume to my distinguished colleague from the State of Ohio (Mrs. Schmidt).

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon to pay tribute to a remarkable soldier and another true American hero. On October 14, 2004, SSGT Omer ``O.T.'' Hawkins from Cherry Fork, Ohio, gave his life in service to our Nation. He was killed when his convoy hit a roadside bomb outside Ar Ramadi, Iraq. O.T. was only 31 years old. Born on November 29, 1972, O.T. always knew that he wanted to join the Army. When he was only 10 years old, O.T. wrote a letter to the Army asking if he could sign up despite his being so young. At North Adams High School, O.T. showed his leadership while participating in many school activities. He was a member of the Academic Team, played baseball and was voted ``Most Likely to Succeed'' by his senior class. After high school he could have pursued just about any career, yet the military remained his number one love and lifelong goal. Only 2 days after his high school graduation, and 8 years after he wrote that priceless letter to the Army expressing his desire to join, he reported to basic training. O.T. was not only following his personal dream, he was following in the footsteps of his father who served proudly as an engineer in the Marine Corps. Once in the Army, O.T. quickly developed a leadership style armed with an arsenal of wit and knowledge, a perfect combination that was recognized by his comrades and superiors. Having served on tours of duty in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Egypt, Kosovo and Somalia, O.T. was a deeply respected and beloved leader. His colleagues have described him, as ``a stunning leader and a great man,'' and said that ``his aura always gave great hope to his soldiers.'' O.T. loved this country more than anything else and was proud to serve in the protection of its citizens. Friends and family will forever remember O.T.'s dedication to the cause of freedom and his commitment to bringing that cherished freedom to people around the world where he served. It is with gratitude for his bravery and sacrifice and for the sacrifice of those who loved him that I ask all Members to join me in naming the Cherry Fork, Ohio, postal facility in his honor. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. It is an honor for me to speak today about a true American hero who epitomized bravery and loyalty to his country. Leonard Herman was a decorated World War II veteran who helped save the lives of his fellow servicemen, as well as thousands of civilian victims of the war. He was also instrumental in bringing appropriate attention to President Truman regarding the needs of Holocaust survivors and other displaced persons. Leonard Herman served as a bombardier with the U.S. Army and flew in countless combat missions over Germany. Honoring his country, he proudly completed two tours of duty. Among his awards are the Purple Heart, the Air Medal, three Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Fighting against heavy enemy fire, his valiant skills as a bombardier directly saved the lives of his fellow crewmen on repeated occasions. During the war he saw firsthand the plight of his fellow Jews, the Holocaust survivors, and urgently began a letter-writing campaign to senior U.S. Government officials, as well as to President Truman. Through his determination, U.S. policies towards these victims and other displaced persons were enacted so as to provide the food, shelter and clothing they desperately needed to begin new lives. Today we honor Leonard Herman for his great service to his country and his humanitarian achievements by naming this post office for him.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the incredible sacrifice, patriotism and valor of the life of Captain Larry Bauguess of Moravian Falls, North Carolina. Captain Bauguess, an officer in the 82nd Airborne, fell in the line of duty last week as he left a meeting on the Pakistan and Afghanistan border and came under enemy fire. He was a man of true courage and principle who served our Nation with distinction with the United States Army since 1993. He was a man who not only knew the value of liberty but also cherished his family, never taking their love or respect for granted. He will be remembered as a paratrooper of great valor, impeccable honor and tremendous faith, a father who gave his children an unblemished legacy, a husband of unflagging commitment, a son who evoked the greatest pride. Captain Bauguess is survived by his wife, Wesley, and two daughters, Ryann and Ellie. His absence leaves a hole in the Bauguess family, the 82nd Airborne and in his community. I am confident that he will long be remembered as a man who knew the meaning of sacrifice and the call of duty to family and country. Mr. Speaker, my thoughts and my prayers are with Captain Bauguess' wife, daughters and extended family. May they sense God's comforting presence during this trying time. Our Nation is blessed to call him an honored son. We pledge our commitment to the family he left behind, and we mourn his passing.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. I want to thank Mr. Ryan. There is a group of Democrats here who came to be fiscal conservatives. They call themselves the Blue Dogs. They have a budget reform plan, a good budget reform plan. Point 7 of the Blue Dogs 12- point budget reform plan calls for not hiding votes on the debt limit increase. Yet a vote for this conference report is a vote to automatically raise, without a separate vote, the national debt by $850 billion. Where are the Blue Dogs today? They are not here on the floor talking for this. Where will they be when we have this vote?

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. H. Res. 291 supports the goals and ideals of Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor Federal, State and local law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, and encourages the citizens of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and respect. Police officers have been protecting American citizens since April 1631, when the city of Boston first established its ``night watch'' law enforcement program in the colonies. There is a quote by President George H.W. Bush engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial located at Judiciary Square here in Washington which summarizes the mission of the 870,000 current sworn law enforcement officers in the United States. It states that it is their daily ``quest to preserve both democracy and decency, and to protect a national treasure that we call the American Dream.'' Law enforcement officers face dangers on the job every single day. On May 17, 1792, New York City's Deputy Sheriff Isaac Smith became the first recorded police officer to be killed in the line of duty. Today, more than 56,000 are assaulted each year, and every 53 hours an officer is killed while serving the American people. September 11, 2001, was the deadliest day for police officers in all of American history when 72 officers were killed while responding to terrorist attacks. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the life of Sergeant Howard Plouff from my district, who was killed recently in the line of duty. He was known as an honorable man who selflessly served his family and community for more than 17 years in the Winston-Salem Police Department. He was dedicated to community development and service. His is a legacy of the spirit of service that permeates this great country. He earned the respect of his fellow officers and did not hesitate to go above and beyond the call of duty. In fact, during his time with the Winston-Salem Police Department, he was awarded its highest honor, the Medal of Valor. He left behind a loving wife and two daughters. He was an extremely positive role model and an example of all the officers we are honoring with this resolution. May 15 is Peace Officers Memorial Day, a holiday created in 1961 by Congress to honor fallen law enforcement officers who dedicated their lives to protecting this country and its citizens. The flag is flown at half staff and thousands of people visit the memorial which was authorized by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. Built in 1989, it currently has 17,912 names etched into the wall. Each of these names reminds us of the sacrifices these brave law enforcement officers have given in order to keep American citizens safe. They also stand for those living officers who would, without hesitation, do the same to protect all of us. With gratitude to our law enforcement officers' devotion and dedication to our country, I ask all Members to join me in supporting H. Res. 291. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe), the author of this resolution.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Reichert).

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

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger).

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of our time.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 2080 which will implement the District of Columbia Public Education Reform Amendment Act of 2007. The legislation was passed by a 9-2 vote by the city council on April 19 and was signed by Mayor Fenty on April 23. Because the local bill includes amendments to the Home Rule Act, Congress must pass this bill for it to be effective. I make a special note that this legislation relies solely on local funds. Before approving the bill, the city council held over 70 hours of hearings. I commend Mayor Fenty for proposing this bold change in governance and the city council for its careful deliberation and amendments to the original proposal. Key elements of the local bill include streamlined educational responsibility, spending controls and consolidation of functions. The legislation is also intended to resolve issues that have festered between the D.C. public school system and charter schools. Every city and county is entitled to govern its own school system as it sees fit, and the District of Columbia ought not to be an exception. The challenges that have faced the city's public schools are well- known and extensively documented. Congress needs to pass this legislation promptly to ensure these reforms can be in place before school begins again next August. Changes in educational procurement are particularly important. Recent reports of failing boilers and high levels of lead in school water fountains lend a sense of urgency to this bill. I wish the mayor and the city council well as they assume enhanced responsibility for public education. They have asked through this legislation to be held to a much higher level of accountability, and I commend them for stepping up to the plate on this core function of local government. This does not obviate the continuing need to provide an alternative to underperforming neighborhood schools. That is why the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program is so vital. Today, the program gives approximately 1,800 low-income students access to schools of their choice. Reauthorization of this excellent program, which will be required by 2008, is necessary as part of our vision to expand and improve opportunities for D.C. students. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to my distinguished colleague from the State of Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis).

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, 400 years ago, a group of entrepreneurs from the Virginia Company landed on Jamestown Island with the intent of establishing a colony to find gold and a water route to the Orient. This landing spot became the first permanent English colony in America and would eventually become the capital of Virginia for 92 years. Built on a marshy and unhealthy site, the town suffered badly at the hands of fire and disease. The development of this great Nation clearly did not come about easily. By the end of 1607, after a particularly harsh winter, only 60 of the original 214 settlers remained alive. The colony probably would have failed completely if it had not been for the courage and determination of Captain John Smith, who contrived to get food from the Indians, proving to be crucial for their survival. The suffering of these early settlers continued for many years. However, by 1614, John Rolfe introduced new techniques of curing the tobacco leaf which provided the first opportunity for the settlers to finally grow a crop that would sustain them for many years to come. Tobacco became the money crop for Jamestown and, ultimately, Virginia. In a short time, every farmer in Virginia was raising and exporting tobacco. Soon thereafter, a representative assembly called the House of Burgesses was established in the colony and met once a year. Meeting in the Jamestown Church, it was the first legislature of elected representatives in America. Every farmer in Virginia was granted 40 acres of land, and with the income from farming tobacco, families began to sustain themselves. This community of small farmers, the great majority, 90 percent of them, not only owned but cultivated or owned land. Today, it is hard to fathom how Jamestown of Virginia survived with the suffering, malnutrition, disease and an appalling death rate. But, here we are 400 years later celebrating the quadricentennial of these brave peoples who included not only the British colonists, but the Native Americans they met upon arrival and the Africans who became indentured servants soon after. Furthermore, this year we have the honor to celebrate the 400th anniversary with people from around the world, including Queen Elizabeth II of England. I wholeheartedly encourage all Americans to visit this historic site. It offers an opportunity to learn how the first settlers survived and ultimately thrived as a result of their tenacity and steadfast desire to make this a place of which we can all be proud. Seeing how many of the democratic ideals which originated in Jamestown are still being preserved 400 years later, it is only natural for us to commemorate and honor the founding of Jamestown and how it led to the establishment of our great country. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I am extremely proud to rise today in support of H. Res. 307, honoring the millions of dedicated public servants that serve our Nation. Our country simply could not function without its innovative, professional, highly trained public service employees. At all levels of government you will find hardworking staff making our country prosper and thrive through their contributions. The expertise and work ethic offered by these individuals sets an honorable example for future generations of employees. From emergency responders to librarians, public servants span the spectrum of jobs that keep our country efficient and safe. Beyond the tremendous work of civilian employees and uniformed service personnel, the members of our National Guard and Reserves are crucial to the welfare of all U.S. citizens. They provide vital strategic support for our Nation's military both at home and abroad. Their tremendous accomplishments with assisting States and countries overseas with natural disasters is to be praised. Once again, I commend these employees for performing challenging and oftentimes thankless jobs with honor and dedication. I appreciate them for moving our country forward and maintaining our safety and security. For these reasons I am thrilled to express my support for a week of honoring these individuals. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, it is difficult to imagine a time when our Nation's women did not have the privilege to vote. Thankfully, we have moved past those times to where we currently have the highest number of female Members in the history of the Congress. Although I think it is very difficult for people to realize, in the history of this Congress, we have had only 249 women, and 90 of them are serving now. As we all know, the struggle for women to achieve this came at great sacrifice. The fight lasted over many decades because of dedicated perseverance of many women. These pioneers were revolutionary in their fight for equality. They worked tirelessly knowing there would be a future when women were seen as equal to men with the ability to vote. The historical Seneca Falls Convention, held in 1848, was led by a group of innovative women, including Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Following the convention, they formed the National Woman's Suffrage Association and the American Woman's Suffrage Association which merged together in 1890. Through public speeches, marches, parades, pickets, arrests and even hunger strikes, the members of the associations fought their battle across the country. Their historic efforts came to fruition on August 18, 1920, when the Congress ratified the 19th amendment of the Constitution thereby granting women the right to vote. The goal of the suffragist movement endured over 50 years. Schools around the world teach their students the rich history of the movement, and it is with pleasure that we promote continued awareness through a National Suffragists Day. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, the Democrats' Iraq supplemental bill is the wrong policy for America and the wrong signal to send our troops in harm's way. The Democrats' attempt to micromanage the war accomplishes nothing of strategic value. Rather, by meddling in the decisions which are best left to our commanders on the ground, they merely succeeded in telegraphing our plans to the enemy. Setting deadlines and tying the hands of our generals is not a plan for success and not a safe way to conduct this war. Congress, an inherent political body, should not be dictating military strategy. Rather than support a bill that leaves our troops in harm's way for a cause Democrats believe cannot be won, a bill the President has promised to veto, the Democratic leaders should be willing to vote up or down on a clean bill that supports funding the global war on terrorism.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Right. Well, thank you again for pointing out more of the scientific evidence that we have. And I think it is very important that a person with your background as an OBGYN physician can understand this issue so well and explain it. I think that all the physicians on our side of the aisle are very strong pro-lifers and are working very hard to get the information out about this issue. As you point out, those stem cells, those coming from the umbilical cord and those coming from the placenta and the amniotic fluid, have shown tremendous results. The other thing that the media does not point out and that people who are proposing that we go to embryonic stem cell research with government funding, they don't point out the fact that over 70 diseases have been treated by adult stem cells and zero treatments have come out of embryonic stem cell research, even though embryonic stem cell research just passed the 25-year mark. For over 25 years, scientists have been looking into using embryonic stem cells, and we have really gotten nothing but negative results from that, and we have gotten tremendously positive results from adult stem cell research. So that is why it is so important that we always distinguish between adult stem cell research and embryonic stem cell research. We must do that when we talk about it. Again, it is like what you have said, pointing out the questionnaires and the surveys, making sure that people get asked the right question and that we describe the issue very, very well. We need very much to educate the American public on this issue so that they won't think that the President is being very arbitrary when he vetoes the bill and that we are not being arbitrary when we uphold that veto, which I hope that we will do. And we need to explain to people the ethical questions that we are dealing with. As I pointed out in my comments a couple of years ago, and I want to say it again, never in this country have we sanctioned research that would harm other human beings. There was the research done in the 1930s that was wrong. We have condemned it. Since that time we have had very, very strong and ethical programs to protect adults from diseases that would cause them harm and from diseases that would cause them death. And yet people don't see the same problem when they are dealing with embryos, and we have to do that. We must do that. We are crossing an ethical Rubicon when we sanction using embryos for research or creating embryos for this research. I think that it is really going over the line, and we must tell people that, and we must have them understand the long-term implications of that for our society and for the human race. We don't believe in doing that in this country. I think that we have to be very careful again that we explain we can get better results from doing things ethically than we are going to get from doing things unethically, and we don't start down a slippery slope of treating human beings in the wrong way. I want to thank you again for coming tonight and starting this discussion on this very, very important issue. I hope there is at least one gentleman out there or one person out there, whether they are in Maryland or some other State, who is watching this for the first time and understanding the issue and the distinction that we are making between doing ethical research on adult stem cells and what most of us consider is unethical research on embryos, which will destroy them; and that we can continue to use funds to support programs like Dr. Tony Atala's research at Wake Forest University and other places where they are seeing excellent results. And if we take that money away, we may be denying the kinds of cures that many people say they want to get; but by ignoring the adult stem cell research victories, we may be slowing up the great results that we could get. And I yield back to you.