Virginia Foxx

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Georgia for yielding me this time. As I was reading through the 279 pages of this bill last night, on page 148 I stumbled across division B, title I, section 111. It was here I found a provision that seemed rather obscure but turns out to be a part of the bill that is required to be there by the Senate minority leader for the bill to pass. This section contains a redesignation for a hospice satellite program, specifically Medicare provider number 29- 1511. Apparently, this redesignation would allow the facility to exceed its reimbursement cap, which sounds an awful lot like an earmark to me. I understand this program is located in Nevada and the provision was advocated by the Senate minority leader, a constant and vocal critic of hiding earmarks. The public often wonders how these unusual things get funded by the government. The reason is because the language is written like this: ``Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for purposes of calculating the hospice aggregate payment cap for 2004, 2005, and 2006 and for a hospice program under section 1814(i)(2)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395f(i)(2)(A)) for hospice care provided on or after November 1, 2003, and before December 27, 2005, Medicare provider number 29-1511 is deemed to be a multiple location of Medicare provider number 29-1500.'' It is clear this agency has violated the rules for at least 3 years and the minority leader is bailing it out with an earmark, those horrible things that the minority party has taken such objection to in the past few months. However, now that they have used the subject to win a majority, they continue to use the practice. We are castigated for not passing budgets and other bills, but one reason has been the minority leaders often demand earmarks. Furthermore, they demand that their fingerprints not be on those earmarks. I think it is important that we point out the double standard practiced by the minority leadership.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, today, I voted for H.R. 6111, the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006. This bill contained a number of critical provisions, which I supported, and a few which I opposed. Among the critical provisions contained in the bill, were the tax deductions for higher education expenses, the extension of the research and development tax credit, and the tax deduction for teachers who purchase certain educational supplies for their classrooms. I approve of allowing employers who hire individuals in targeted groups to claim the maximum $2,400 work opportunity tax credit and the welfare to work tax credit. This bill enhances individual ownership of health care decisions by strengthening health savings accounts. And of course, I am thrilled that the bill prevents a decrease in Medicare physician reimbursement payments. However, I was disappointed that some of my colleagues included some other policies, such as the provisions involving the abandoned mine land program. The Congressional Budget Office has determined that these changes will increase government spending, costing the taxpayers $4.9 billion over 10 years. Ultimately, the inclusion of these provisions was enough to violate the budget resolution agreed to by the House, which is intended to help restrain out-of-control Federal spending. I am sorry also that the bill contained an earmark demanded by the Democratic leader in the Senate. It is my firm belief, shared by many others, that this was the last opportunity we would have for at least 2 years to vote for these good provisions. Realizing that this was not a perfect bill and that it was unlikely I would have a chance to vote on a ``clean'' bill, I voted for this bill to ensure the positive tax policies that have led to 38 consecutive months of economic growth will not end.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Weyehaeuser Corporation and its wonderful community service in assisting in the relief efforts and the rebuilding of the gulf coast that was devastated by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. This outstanding company has gone well beyond the call of duty, truly exemplifying what community service is. The Weyehaeuser Company was incorporated in 1900 and is one of the world's largest integrated forest product companies, headquartered in Federal Way, Washington, employing 5,000 people in over 40 locations in 18 countries. In 2005, they recorded sales of $22.6 billion and the company manages more than 2.4 million acres of timberlands in three States. I am pleased to note that of the many locations of the Weyehaeuser Company, two are in the Fifth District of North Carolina. In recognition of their outstanding community service and dedication to helping those who need it most, Weyehaeuser Corporation has been recognized with the Ron Brown Award. This is the only Presidential award to honor companies ``for their exemplary quality of their relationships with employees and communities,'' This award is presented to companies that have set forth strong initiatives to strengthen their employees and the community that surrounds them as well as promote pioneering business initiatives. The Ron Brown Award was originally established by President Bill Clinton after the late Secretary of Commerce, Ron Brown, who believed that ``businesses do well by doing good.'' In my opinion, there is no better choice for this award than the Weyerhaeuser Company for its outstanding work and dedication to our country. On December 4, 2006, the chairman, president and CEO of Weyerhaeuser accepted the Ron Brown Award from U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez at a ceremony in the White House. Mr. Rogel accepted the award and dedicated it to Weyerhaeuser's Disaster Relief Coordinator Katy Taylor, along with the partners and volunteers who attended the ceremony. Also recognized in the White House ceremony was the North Carolina Baptist Builders, with whom Weyerhaeuser teamed up in the gulf coast relief efforts. The North Carolina Baptist Builders is a faith-based organization that set forth a large mission to rebuild 600 homes along the coast. To the credit of the Baptist Builders, the Weyerhaeuser Company recognized their ``smoothly-run rebuilding operation to keep projects moving.'' It is this kind of forward thinking and teamwork that makes the Weyerhaeuser Company so deserving of the Ron Brown Award. I am honored to have such a wonderful and dedicated company that operates in North Carolina in places such as Charlotte, Greensboro, Newton and many other places, including Elkin and Winston-Salem in the Fifth District. Weyerhaeuser Company has been operating in North Carolina since 1957 with approximately 3,090 employees. The dedication of Weyerhaeuser to the community is astounding and sets a shining example to other businesses about the importance of community service and helping the less fortunate. To date nearly 300 employees and retirees from across the United States and Canada have volunteered more than 42,000 hours of their time and helped rebuild 50 homes. Weyerhaeuser has a truly generous policy of allowing employees 2 to 4 weeks paid leave to help volunteer in the rebuilding efforts of the gulf coast. Not only does it pay its employees while they are volunteering their time, but it also pays their way and their spouses' way down to the coast for the rebuilding efforts. Now, over a year later, Weyehaeuser employees are still participating in reconstruction efforts and have contributed a combined disaster relief to date totaling more than $2.8 million. This is nothing short of extraordinary. While I can mention some of the accomplishments of the Weyerhaeuser Company's contributions, it is the people Weyerhaeuser has touched and the response it has received that truly shows the difference it has made not just to individuals, families and the community as a whole. As one family wrote in response to the help from Weyerhaeuser volunteers, ``Because of all of your efforts, we are home! Words cannot truly express the outpouring of love we have received. We are eternally grateful to our Weyehaeuser family.'' This shows how the assistance of strangers can truly touch one's spirit, make their life better and give true meaning for caring in the community. A sign of the high caliber of individuals Weyerhaeuser employs is some of the comments of the volunteers that went to the gulf coast to help. One man noted, ``The days were long and hot, the work was intense, but the rewards were immeasurable. This has been an experience I won't soon forget.'' Another volunteer employee commented, ``This experience was such a blessing. I got so much more from it than I felt I gave.'' Even Weyerhaeuser's retirees participated and one reflected of the occasion to assist those in need saying, ``Having once more the opportunity to work side by side with other Weyerhaeuser employees and retirees made me realize anew why I enjoyed working for Weyerhaeuser so much. It's all about the people and the values the company ascribes to. Thanks again!'' Testimonies such as these speak volumes of Weyerhaeuser Company and its dedication to its employees and others. It goes beyond helping those who are under its employment, but it extends a helping hand to strangers to make the world a better place to live. I am pleased that Weyerhaeuser has had a long standing tradition in North Carolina and especially in the Fifth District. It is without question an admirable and outstanding company that lives up to the highest meaning of community service. Weyerhaeuser's dedication to helping others is immeasurable and I cannot thank the company enough for the work they have done and continue to do. It is truly deserving of such a prestigious award, and I am delighted to see Weyerhaeuser's efforts have been recognized by the administration. The work of its employees and retirees shows that there is no one more deserving.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, today I want to pay tribute to the Watauga High School football team of 2006. The Pioneers of Watauga High School in Boone, North Carolina set out with modest expectations and ended up just one game away from the state championship for 4A football. Along the way, they won 12 games and lost 3, and they set an example of character and perseverance that made a lasting impression on their school and their community. This team frequently came from behind in the second half to win their games. Three times in the playoffs for the state championship, they won by one point. By scores of 20-19, 24-23, and 15-14, they advanced further toward that championship than any team from Watauga County in 28 years. Watauga County, home to the Pioneers of Watauga High School, is a place that is used to taking pride in the academic quality of its schools but that has not often enjoyed similar success in team sports. On the academic side, the Watauga County School system is one of just three school systems in the state where all schools made Adequate Yearly Progress under No Child Left Behind last year. At Watauga High School, students achieve proficiency levels that are better than over 92 percent of high schools in the state, and average SAT scores are consistently well above the state and national average. The football team, however, had not enjoyed a winning season in several years. They won just 4 games the previous season and only 2 the year before that. Success on the football field had to be built from the ground level. And as the success of the team gained momentum in this special season, it brought a new spirit and energy to Watauga High School and indeed to the whole community. At the school, art students and teachers created designs for giant ``W's'' on the football field, and the w's appeared on every door at the school. The local Touchdown Club--which is not affiliated with the high school--fed the players and their families each Thursday night. Local businesses announced their support for the Pioneers on the marquees outside restaurants and hotels. In churches and stores, you could hear excited conversations about the team's success. In the end, they did not capture the state championship, but they did achieve something of greater and more lasting importance: they demonstrated the values of determination, hard work, and courage in the face of adversity. They showed that a past of limited success does not stand in the way of a bright future. In proving that history does not have to be destiny, they provided a very real example of the best of the American dream and they lived at the heart of the American experience. Their school and their community are the better for it.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the accomplishments of the 109th Congress and the forward progress America is experiencing. Much has been accomplished during these past two years and I believe that we must recognize the work that has been done. We have tackled immigration and found solutions to border security to help stop the flow of illegal aliens into this country. We have taken steps to ensure that the Administration, military and the intelligence community have the tools they need to fight the war on terrorism efficiently. The economy is growing at an unprecedented rate, home ownership is up, un-employment is at 4.4 percent, and the federal deficit has been cut in half three years ahead of schedule. The efforts of the 109th Congress have led us forward to solving and finding new solutions to the challenges America faces. I would also like to take this time to thank my colleagues, many of whom will not be returning for the 110th Congress. It has been a pleasure to work alongside you to strengthen America and work on legislation to improve the lives of millions of Americans. I will truly miss working with you and wish you the best in your future endeavors. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleagues for all of their hard work during the 109th Congress and I look forward to working together in the 110th Congress to continue to keep America on its prosperous path.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Pearl Harbor Day, to honor those who fought for us in World War II and those who lost their lives this day 65 years ago. Also I am honored to pay tribute to two extraordinary veterans from Winston-Salem, North Carolina who continue to work tirelessly for our country and its veterans. These distinguished men have served our Nation with bravery and honor, and years after they have retired from active duty their commitment to community and other veterans remains an important part of their lives. Sergeant George W. Carter served in the United States Army during the Korean War and earned the Silver Star for gallantry against an armed enemy. In addition to earning the Silver Star, Mr. Carter was awarded the Bronze Star with two V's, along with the Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, Occupation of Japan Medal, National Defense Service Medal and several other medals. After the war, Mr. Carter served 5 years in the Reserves and then returned to the trucking industry, from which he retired in 1994. In 1999, Mr. Carter was employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs as a security guard. At the age of 76, Mr. Carter retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs, but did not retire from service to his country. In 2003, Mr. Carter began volunteering at the Winston-Salem outpatient clinic 3 days a week. He often picks up Krispy Kreme donuts at 5:30 a.m. and arrives at the outpatient clinic at 6 a.m. to set up coffee tables, napkins and snacks before the first patients arrive. Today, December 7, 2006, Mr. Carter at 79 years old is still serving his country. In the last 3 years, he has volunteered over 2,000 hours to serve, console and support veterans. Another distinguished gentleman is Mr. Howard Petree, a World War II and Korean War veteran who also continues to serve his country and community with honor and dedication long after his active military service. He served in the United States Army stateside in World War II after being drafted in 1943. In 1946, Mr. Petree served in the Army Field Artillery with a T-4 rank. He also served in the Korean War as a First Class Supply Sergeant. After being honorably discharged in 1952, Mr. Petree worked in a local municipality as a commercial water repairman for 32 years. In 1997, Mr. Petree became one of the first volunteers at the Winston-Salem Outpatient Clinic. He volunteered from 6:45 a.m. until 12 noon 3 days a week until 2005. In 2005, he reduced his volunteer time to 2 days a week. Mr. Petree also volunteers setting up coffee tables, napkins and snacks before the first patients arrive. He serves coffee, as well as answers questions for veterans and shares his experiences with them. Today, Mr. Petree at 84 years old is still serving his country out of a selfless personal obligation to help others and to connect and assist other veterans. In the last 8 years, he has volunteered over 4,000 hours. It is appropriate to honor these two gentlemen today. Years after their active military service, they continue to work with veterans and support those who have defended our country from tyranny and oppression, just as they themselves did. Although these men may no longer wear the uniform on active duty, their obligation and love of this country continues. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. George W. Carter and Mr. Howard Petree for their steadfast and faithful service to this Nation and their continued work with the very men and women who have made this the free country that it is today. The Winston-Salem Outpatient Clinic is lucky to have such fine men who are a inspiration to us all.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Watauga High School football team of 2006. The Pioneers of Watauga High School in Boone, North Carolina, set out with modest expectations and ended up just one game away from the State championship for 4-A football. They won 12 games and lost 3, and set an example of character and perseverance that made a lasting impression on their school and their community. Frequently coming from behind in the second half to win their games, they won three times in the playoffs by one point, advancing further than any other team from Watauga County in 28 years. Success on the football team had to be built from the ground level. And as the success of the team gained momentum in this special season, it brought a new spirit and energy to Watauga High School and, indeed, to the whole community. In churches and stores you could hear excited conversations about the team's success. In the end, they did not capture the State championship, but achieved something of greater and more lasting importance, the values of determination, hard work and courage in the face of adversity. In proving that history does not have to be destiny, they provided a very real example of the best of the American Dream and they lived at the heart of the American experience. Their school and their community are the better for it.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, it is imperative we take appropriate measures to inform every woman who is seeking an abortion of the development of the unborn child to feel pain in her womb at least 20 weeks after fertilization. We have taken action to ensure that the pain of livestock and laboratory animals is reduced and prevented, yet when it comes to the unborn child we hesitate. Every day unborn children have pain inflicted upon them, such as poisoning and even dismemberment, when a woman chooses to abort. All of this is without pain medicine. Studies show that fetuses respond to touch by 8 weeks' gestation, and respond to sound by 20 weeks. If an unborn child can recognize the positive and negative stimuli in the womb, I can't imagine the excruciating pain that must be felt during an abortion. Today women are not fully informed of the extremely painful death their child will endure during an abortion. At minimum, we must act to ensure that abortion providers are legally obligated to inform every woman about her right to request pain-reducing medicine for her baby. Life is a gift from God and should be respected. I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing the pain unborn children experience during abortion by supporting this bill.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, with the recent resignation of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, I urge my Senate colleagues to work swiftly in a bipartisan manner to confirm President Bush's nominee, Dr. Robert Gates, as soon as possible. I was pleased to learn that the Senate Armed Services Committee unanimously agreed to forward Mr. Gates' confirmation to the Senate floor for final approval. We are currently fighting a global war on terror and it is essential to have a Secretary of Defense at the helm in the Pentagon to oversee and effectively utilize the vast resources of the Department of Defense. A Nation at war needs Dr. Gates' leadership at this time. He is a superb choice and is highly qualified. He recently left his position as president of Texas A&M University, the seventh largest university in the Nation, after serving 27 years in the intelligence community. He has a distinguished record of public service, having served six Presidents of both parties, and most recently as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency from 1991 to 1993. He is the only career officer in the CIA's history to rise from an entry- level employee to the director. He is highly regarded and extremely qualified. I urge my Senate colleagues to act swiftly to confirm Dr. Gates.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Weyerhaeuser Corporation and its wonderful community service in assisting in the relief efforts and the rebuilding of the gulf coast that was devastated by Hurricane Katrina in August of 2005. This outstanding company has gone well beyond the call of duty, truly exemplifying what community service is. The Weyerhaeuser Company was incorporated in 1900, and is one the world's largest integrated forest product companies, headquartered in Federal Way, Washington, employing 5,000 people in over 40 locations in 18 countries. In 2005, they recorded sales of $22.6 billion, and the company manages more than 2.4 million acres of timberlands in three States. I am pleased to note that of the many locations of the Weyerhaeuser Corporation, two are in the Fifth District of North Carolina. In recognition of their outstanding community service and dedication to helping those who need it most, Weyerhaeuser Corporation has been recognized with the Ron Brown Award. This is the only Presidential award to honor companies, ``for their exemplary quality of their relationships with employees and communities.'' This award is presented to companies that have set forth strong initiatives to strengthen their employees and the community that surrounds them, as well as promote pioneering business initiatives. The Ron Brown Award was originally established by President Bill Clinton after the late Secretary of Commerce, Ron Brown, who believed that ``businesses do well by doing good.'' In my opinion, there is no better choice for this award than the Weyerhaeuser Company for its outstanding work and dedication to our country. On December 4, 2006, the chairman, president and CEO of Weyerhaeuser accepted the Ron Brown Award from U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez at a ceremony at the White House. Mr. Rogel accepted the award and dedicated it to Weyerhaeuser's disaster relief coordinator, Katy Taylor, along with the partners and volunteers who attended the ceremony. Also recognized in the White House ceremony was the North Carolina Baptist Builders, with whom Weyerhaeuser teamed up in the gulf coast relief efforts. The North Carolina Baptist Builders is a faith-based organization that set forth a large mission to rebuild 600 homes along the coast. To the credit of the Baptist Builders, the Weyerhaeuser Company recognized their ``smoothly run rebuilding operation to keep projects moving.'' It is this kind of forward thinking and teamwork that makes the Weyerhaeuser Company so deserving of the Ron Brown Award. I am honored to have such a wonderful and dedicated company that operates in North Carolina in places such as Charlotte, Greensboro, Newton and many other places, including Elkin and Winston-Salem in the Fifth District. Weyerhaeuser Company has been operating in North Carolina since 1957 with approximately 3,090 employees. The dedication of Weyerhaeuser to the community is astounding and sets a shining example to other businesses about the importance of community service and helping the less fortunate. To date, nearly 300 employees and retirees from across the United States and Canada have volunteered more than 42,000 hours of their time and helped rebuild 50 homes. Weyerhaeuser has a truly generous policy of allowing employees 2 to 4 weeks' paid leave to help volunteer in the rebuilding efforts of the gulf coast. Not only does it pay its employees while they are volunteering their time, but it also pays their way and their spouses' way for the rebuilding efforts. Now, over a year later, Weyerhaeuser employees are still participating in reconstruction efforts and have contributed a combined disaster relief to date totaling more than $2.8 million. This is nothing short of extraordinary. While I can mention some of the accomplishments of Weyerhaeuser Company's contribution, it is the people Weyerhaeuser has touched and the response it has received that truly shows the difference it has made to individuals, families and the community as a whole. As one family wrote in response to the help from Weyerhaeuser volunteers, ``Because of all your efforts, we are home! Words cannot truly express the outpouring of love we have received. We are eternally grateful to our Weyerhaeuser family.'' This shows how the assistance of strangers can surely touch one's life and make their life better and give true meaning for caring in the community. A sign of the high caliber of individuals Weyerhaeuser employs is some of the comments that went to the gulf coast to help. One man noted, ``The days were long and hot, the work was intense, but the rewards were immeasurable. This has been an experience I won't soon forget.'' Another volunteer employee commented, ``This experience was such a blessing. I got so much more from it than I felt I gave.'' Even Weyerhaeuser's retirees participated and one reflected of the occasion to assist those in need saying, ``Having once more the opportunity to work side by side with other Weyerhaeuser employees and retirees made me realize anew why I enjoyed working for Weyerhaeuser so much. It's all about the people and the values the company ascribes to. Thanks again.'' Testimonies such as these speak volumes of Weyerhaeuser Company and its dedication to its employees and others. It goes beyond helping those who are under its employment, but it extends a helping hand to strangers to make the world a better place to live. I am pleased that Weyerhaeuser has had a long standing tradition in North Carolina and especially in the Fifth District. It is without question an admirable and outstanding company that lives up to the highest meaning of community service. Weyerhaeuser's dedication to helping others is immeasurable and I cannot thank the company enough for the work they have done and continue to do. It is truly deserving of such a prestigious award, and I am delighted to see Weyerhaeuser's efforts have been recognized by the Administration. Their work of its employees and retirees shows that there is no one more deserving.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, it was just about a year ago that I had the privilege of standing before the House to recognize and congratulate the 2005 NCAA Division I-AA football national champions, Appalachian State University. I am here today to congratulate Appalachian State University's football team and coaches for another outstanding year of many triumphs. The Mountaineers football team has now reached the playoff semifinals and currently is 12-1, tying last year's record when the team won the NCAA Division I-AA championship, the university's first- ever national championship. Not only is head coach Jerry Moore the winningest coach in the Southern Conference's history, he was named the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Region 2 Coach of the Year, his fourth such honor during his 18 years at ASU. Coach Moore has now achieved his 100th Southern Conference victory and its 150th win at ASU. The players of this year's team have also earned seven national accolades, including, but not limited to the following: Running back Kevin Richardson, who is only a junior and is a candidate for the Walter Payton Award, set and matched seven school records with his 131 rushing yards and four touchdowns in last week's win over Montana State. He is also ASU's all-time leader in career points with 282. Defensive tackle Omarr Byrom led the team with 3.5 sacks in the game against Montana State while the total number of sacks by the defense was 7. Both of these feats broke school records for playoff games. I applaud the players and coaches who are getting the recognition they so deserve, and I am proud to represent Appalachian State University in Congress. I particularly want to compliment Coach Moore for his faith and his expression of his faith and being the wonderful role model he is, along with his assistant coaches. Please join me in wishing the Appalachian State University football team good luck in this weekend's game against Youngstown State. Go Mountaineers!

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Wake Forest Demon Deacon football team on winning the 2006 ACC championship, the team's first since 1970. Formerly known as a basketball school and picked to finish last in their division in August, Wake Forest finished the season with its best record since 1940, 11-2, after beating Georgia Tech in the ACC championship game on Saturday. Despite suffering injuries to several key players early in the season, the Demon Deacons bounced back and shocked the Nation with their determination and will to win. Jim Grobe, who has been named ACC Coach of the Year, and heads the ballot for National Coach of the Year, led the team to victory after victory with good old-fashioned coaching, a smart offense and a tenacious defense. With just 36,000 living undergraduate alumni, Wake Forest has developed an athletic program that rivals the biggest and most storied programs in the country. Long known as an academic powerhouse, the Demon Deacons have proven their dominance on the football field and will travel to Miami on January 2 to face the Louisville Cardinals in the BCS Orange Bowl. I stand alongside all Wake fans when I say congratulations and wish the Deacons the best of luck in Miami. Go Deacs.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise to address a growing threat to the United States and global security: Iran's nuclear ambitions pose a grave threat, not only to world stability but also to our close ally, Israel, the only stable democracy in the Middle East, and American interests of peace and prosperity throughout the region. Just yesterday the Associated Press confirmed that Iran has continued its experiments to enrich uranium in defiance of the U.N. Security Council. Led by a tyrannical dictator who denies the existence of the Holocaust and vows to wipe Israel off the map, the President of Iran is out of touch with reality and poses an immediate security threat to its neighbors and the progress of democracy in the Middle East. We must stand firm and united in our resolve to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear state. President Ahmadinejad seems bent on the destruction of Western civilization. He says Iran will never give up its right to enrich uranium and produce nuclear fuel. The consequences of a nuclear Iran would be catastrophic and must be addressed. Mr. Speaker, our commitment to our allies and for peace in the Middle East must not be shaken by Iran's nuclear weapons ambitions. I urge my colleagues to work together to stand in unity against this gathering threat.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, my husband, who is one of the biggest sports fans in the world, and a huge, huge baseball fan, always finds it amusing when I handle these bills on the floor. Because while I do my best to try to keep up with what is going on in all the sports, I can't always keep up with everything that is going on. As a family that supports the Dodgers, we want to particularly make this a significant congratulations to the St. Louis Cardinals for carrying on such a fine tradition in winning the World Series.

Mr. FOXX

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

Ms. FOXX

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

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, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1078) congratulating the St. Louis Cardinals on winning the 2006 World Series.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the St. Louis Cardinals brought home their 10th World Series title on October 27 of this year, and I would like to congratulate the team, coaches, managers and fans on this exciting victory. With a history of outstanding players and sportsmanship, Cardinal team members have received numerous awards over the years, including Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player and Silver Slugger award. I would also like to mention that Tony LaRussa is one of just two managers in baseball history to win the World Series in both the National and American Leagues. I urge all Members to join me in congratulating the St. Louis Cardinals on their success in the 102nd World Series and for keeping America's pastime a thrilling sport to watch. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to work together to provide effective immigration reform. I am pleased the Secure Fence Act of 2006 was signed into law. Securing our borders must be our first step to stop the flow of illegal aliens into the United States. One thing is clear, we must work to uphold the law. Congress must not provide a path to citizenship or any type of amnesty for those who have crossed our borders illegally. In 1986, Congress passed a comprehensive immigration reform bill that included amnesty. This was a failure. It did not reduce illegal immigration or permanently solve any of the immigration problems we face today. Rather, it provided the incentive to come here legally by rewarding illegal aliens with amnesty. As Members of Congress, we took an oath to uphold and defend our laws in the Constitution. There is a solution to the problem of illegal immigration, but the answer is not to reward those who violated the laws of the United States.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman. Mr. Speaker, it is my great privilege to rise today as the House considers House Joint Resolution 96, a bill I authored, to recognize the contributions of the live Christmas tree industry to the United States economy. Having been a Christmas tree farmer myself, I can attest to the importance of recognizing this often overlooked farming industry. My district is one of the largest producers of live-cut Christmas trees in the country. North Carolina has an estimated 50 million Fraser fir Christmas trees growing on over 25,000 acres. Fraser firs represent over 95 percent of all species grown in North Carolina. They are grown in the far western North Carolina counties, including Allegheny, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, Mitchell, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga and Yancey. There are over 1,600 North Carolina growers. The North Carolina Christmas tree industry is ranked second in the Nation in number of trees harvested, producing over 19 percent of the real Christmas trees in the United States. The North Carolina Fraser fir has been judged the Nation's best through a contest sponsored by the National Christmas Tree Association and chosen for the official White House Christmas tree nine times, more than any other species, in the years 1971, 1973, 1982, 1985, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997 and 2005. The North Carolina Fraser fir Christmas tree is the most popular Christmas tree in North America and is shipped to every State in the U.S. as well as the Caribbean Islands, Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, Japan, and other points all over the world. The Christmas tree industry supports our economy and environment. Christmas trees are grown in all 50 States with North Carolina, Oregon, Michigan, Washington, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New York, Minnesota, Virginia, California, and Ohio being the top Christmas tree-producing States. Nationally, there are more than 21,000 Christmas tree growers and more than 100,000 people employed in the live-cut Christmas tree industry. Thirty-six million of all live-cut Christmas trees are produced each year, and 98 percent are shipped or sold directly from Christmas tree farms. On average over 1,500 Christmas trees are planted per acre, providing an abundant habitat for wildlife. The retail value of all live Christmas trees harvested in 2005 was $1.4 billion. Live-cut Christmas trees have been sold commercially in the United States since 1850, and by 1900 one in five American families decorated live-cut trees during Christmas. By 1930 the tree had become a nearly universal part of the American Christmas. For generations American families have traveled hundreds and thousands of miles to celebrate the holiday season together at home around the Christmas tree. I think it is difficult to overstate the way that having a live, lit Christmas tree in a room can set a warm and positive tone for a family. I would like to thank the majority leader, the chairman, and ranking member of the Committee on Agriculture for their assistance in getting this bill to the floor and for their very appropriate remarks today. I urge my colleagues to support this measure recognizing this important industry not just for its economic impact but also for its cultural contribution to the Christmas holiday. I also want to thank the growers for their contributions to our economy, our environment, and our Nation's heritage.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to simply add my support to this bill. I had the great opportunity when I was in the State Senate in North Carolina to learn much about HPV in particular. And while I consider myself a fairly well educated woman in many cases, I knew nothing about the HPV until the organization Women in Government educated those of us in the State legislature about this completely preventable cancer. We are looking for a way to prevent cancer and to cure cancer in this country and we now have a mechanism for doing that. And whatever we can do to spread the word to women that this particular cancer can be prevented, we need to do. And so I am a supporter of this legislation and hope that we can do much in this country, State by State, as well as nationally, to educate women and help them understand the perils of many of these diseases and how they can prevent them. We were able in North Carolina to pass a model piece of legislation. Unfortunately, it has not been passed in all the States, but I hope that more States will pick it up and help educate women about these diseases and how they can be prevented. So I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, although Republicans face new challenges in the coming Congress, one thing is clear. We are unified in our determination to pursue policies to strengthen our Nation and our economy. Republicans will continue to fight for complete victory in the global war on terror and work to ensure that the intelligence community and our troops have all the tools necessary to complete their mission. Through Republican policies of providing the administration the tools it needs to be successful in the war on terror, we helped defend our Nation from another attack on American soil. Republicans are unified in our ideals of tax relief for all Americans to grow the economy and provide opportunities for every American to prosper. As a direct result of the Republican tax relief policies, unemployment is at 4.4 percent, there have been 38 consecutive months of job creation, and wages have risen 2.4 percent over the last year. These are undeniable accomplishments of the Republican-led Congress that affect all Americans. Republicans provided tax breaks for American families through the child tax credit and marriage tax penalty relief and voted to kill the death tax. Republican policies have made our Nation safer and stronger, and we are unified in our fight to continue these successful policies.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. I rise today to object to a phrase that has been said all too often lately, ``the do-nothing Congress.'' The Democrats are speaking for themselves as they have not put forth any constructive ideas or sound policy. As for our side of this aisle, this Republican-led Congress has taken major steps in the advancement of our Nation. I am honored to be a part of the 109th Congress and its accomplishments. This Republican-led Congress has voted to permanently end the death tax and voted for additional tax cuts. The results: The economy is strong. The unemployment rate is at 4.7 percent, its lowest average over the past three decades. Home ownership is up. And just yesterday the Dow Jones industrial average reached its highest level in 6 years. But most notably is all the legislation that has been passed to support our troops and protect our homeland. We have listened to the American people and focused on their priorities. Our constituents wanted border security, and we passed several border security bills. In addition, Congress has passed numerous bills that will prevent terrorist attacks and give our military and intelligence forces the tools they need to win the global war on terror. Mr. Speaker, this Republican-led Congress has taken tremendous steps in growing our economy, protecting our homeland, and fighting the global war on terror.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to rise today and honor Hanes Brands, Incorporated. Well over a century old, Hanes Brands started in 1901 when J. Wesley Hanes founded Shamrock Mills, a manufacturer of men's hosiery. In 1902, Pleasant Hanes founded the P.H. Hanes Knitting Company and began manufacturing two piece men's undergarments. In 1910, Shamrock Mills, the original production site for J. Wesley Hanes products, changed its name to Hanes Hosiery Mill and also began to manufacture women's hosiery. As their businesses expanded, the two different Hanes companies merged in 1965. Then in 1988, Adams-Mills Sock Company was acquired and later would become the Sarah Lee Sock Company. Hanes went on to manufacture undershirts, briefs, sleepwear and knitted shorts. But this was only the start of an emerging company that would grow to become a leading manufacturer of undergarments to T-shirts, casual and active wear to socks. It was the humble beginning of J. Wesley Hanes in 1901 that placed Hanes Brands on the path to a major corporation that currently employs 50,000 people. On September 6, 2006, Hanes Brands spun off from its parent company Sarah Lee and emerged as a publicly held and traded company with a net worth of $4.5 billion. Hanes Brands sells high volume, high quality apparel, and can credit its success to anticipating what the consumer wants and working to meet those needs in value, fit, comfort and customer service. It is the largest seller of apparel essentials in the United States. Last year, Hanes Brands manufactured and sold over 400 million T-shirts and nearly half a billion pairs of socks. Hanes Brands is now listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol HBI. A recent survey showed that Hanes brands can be found in eight of ten American households. Currently Hanes Brands manufactures some of the most commonly known clothing lines, such as Hanes, Champion, Playtex, Bali, L'eggs, Just My Size, Hanes Hosiery, Barely There, Wonderbra and Outer Banks, as well as Duofold Performance Base Layer. Hanes Brands has grown into a full service clothing line and has established itself as a tremendous asset for Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Hanes Brands is a fantastic company that spurs economic growth and employs many people from the Fifth District of North Carolina. It is also a responsible corporate partner in the community, and I know it will continue to act in the future as an important neighbor in the community. Hanes Brands' new emergence as a stand-alone company will provide opportunities in education, will support further economic development and will continue to build value and leadership within the community. I have no doubt that after 105 years in business, Hanes' commitment to the community will grow even stronger through the years. That is why North Carolina and Winston-Salem are blessed to have such a responsible and growth-oriented corporation headquartered there. The opportunities are limitless. Not only does Hanes Brands have a long standing tradition of quality manufacturing and customer service, but Hanes Brands also adheres to strict values, which has made it successful and has clearly added to the longevity and popularity of the company. All persons involved with the company are proud of their work and reputation. They strive for the best, and that is what has made them so successful since their inception in 1901. I believe some of the reasons for Hanes Brands' success are the four core principles it adheres to: Number one, integrity/ethical standards; two, inclusivity/diversity; three, quality/superior performance; and four, reliability/commitment. It follows these values and understands that in order to succeed and become successful, it must set forth a mission statement, which it has. I believe it is a fantastic vision that sets a course for success and accomplishments. Hanes Brands' mission statement is: ``To profitably grow our leading brands by intimately understanding our customers, out-executing our competition and leveraging our sustainable competitive advantage.'' With such forward thinking and dedication to its goals, it is no wonder that Hanes Brands is one of the most recognizable names in clothing and why eight out of ten American households have Hanes Brands products. I cannot stress enough the importance of this move by Hanes Brands to become a separate company and how its new revitalized presence in Winston-Salem will bring so many wonderful opportunities to the local community. I am proud to represent Hanes Brands and recognize it is an outstanding company and community leader. As a strong supporter of those people and companies which strive for success, all the while contributing to the community, I commend Hanes Brands for its continued commitment to excellence. I am eager to watch Hanes Brands progress and stand ready to assist in any way I can