Virginia Foxx

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4768, offered by the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Hart), would designate the facility of the United States Post Office in Beaver, Pennsylvania, as the ``Robert Linn Memorial Post Office Building.'' Mr. Speaker, Robert Linn passed away in August 2004, at the age of 95. His accomplishment of serving the citizens of Beaver, Pennsylvania as mayor for a record-setting 58 years was a testament to his lasting dedication and friendship to the community. In 1995 Mayor Linn was officially listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest-serving mayor in the United States. Although he had a long list of accomplishments, his Streetscape initiative, a town beautification project that removed power lines and concrete sidewalks from the main street, was among his greatest. Not only did Robert Linn serve his community as mayor for a record- setting number of years, but he served as an educator at Beaver Falls Junior High School for 6 years, followed by a 36-year career at Duquesne Light Company. Mayor Linn's passion was socializing with the people he served, and many in town knew that one of his favorite activities was running the scoreboard for football games at Beaver High School. Although the position of mayor was a part-time job, Robert Linn will be remembered by the citizens of Beaver as their full-time champion. With gratitude for his devotion and service to the Beaver community, I ask all Members to join me in supporting H.R. 4768. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, Benjamin Franklin stands out in American history as a Founding Father of this country and a true Renaissance man. Since childhood, we have all enjoyed the wonderful stories of his remarkable life as statesman, scientist, inventor, and diplomat. We have now been afforded the opportunity of bringing the life and times of Benjamin Franklin to cities across the United States and overseas through the work of the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary Commission. This Commission was established by Congress in 2002 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Benjamin Franklin's birth in 2006. The Commission hosts exhibits in a number of communities around the United States as well as in France, where Franklin served as the American Minister to Paris. These exhibitions represent a rare opportunity for the public to view the largest collection of Franklin artifacts through displays of his household furnishings, original works of art, manuscripts, and documents. In addition, through interactive multimedia exhibits and an Internet Web site, viewers are able to immerse themselves into the Franklin experience. The Franklin celebrations, organized under the Commission's guidance, offer the public an opportunity to become more familiar with Benjamin Franklin by getting a glimpse into the inspiring life of this American treasure. Because of the expanded nature of its program, it is requested that the life of this Commission be extended so that they can continue their valuable work. I urge all Members to come together and recognize the life and continuing legacy of Benjamin Franklin by supporting H.R. 4586. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of H.R. 4586, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I rise today to challenge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. They continue to pound the drums and politicize the war on terror and unnecessarily criticize the administration. Yet they have no plan or any indication of one for how they would make our Nation more secure. As the President said last week in his press conference, he wakes up every day to a thorough intelligence briefing that informs of the actions of numerous Islamo-fascists and others whose only goal is to destroy America, our freedoms and our way of life. He must respond to those threats. The President is not politicizing the war on terror. He is simply carrying out his duty to protect and defend this Nation and constructing plans to ensure that our Nation is safer from potential terrorist attacks, and thus far it has been. As we all know, there has been no attack on American soil since 9/11, but many attempts have been thwarted. This is not, and should not be, a political issue, and it is time for the Democrats to stop trying to make it one. This is about national security, and my colleagues on the other side of the aisle need to realize what is at stake here.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I am happy to rise today to honor Mrs. Earline Heath King of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for her exemplary artistic career. Mrs. King is an internationally recognized sculptor whose work decorates private residences and public places around the world. I am honored to recognize a remarkable woman who at all stages of her life has boldly sought to inspire young minds, adorn public spaces, and share her talents so beautifully with others. At a time when many of us worry about regrets regarding a life foregone, Mrs. King discovered a means to express her creativity that continues to inspire both young and old today. Born in 1913 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Mrs. King did not begin her sculpting career until she was 50 years old. However, while growing up, she discovered an early interest in the arts. She recalls drawing advertisements for her father, a local barber, by drawing ladies with the latest hairstyles. In addition, she found artistic inspiration in her mother's own handiwork of embroidery, knitting, and tatting. However, Mrs. King's first serious interest in the arts began during her studies at R.J. Reynolds High School in Winston-Salem. After her initial evaluation, she was advised to major in art and music along with her academic curriculum. During this time, Mrs. King learned the basics of art by working in pen and ink, pastels, watercolor, and oils. While in these classes, Mrs. King met her high school sweetheart, Joe King. She recalls that he always came in first in the annual art contest and she usually came in second. Before the conclusion of their senior year, they were married. Mrs. King was awarded a scholarship in music to Greensboro College the following year, while Joe finished school and worked at the Carolina Theater. The following year they traveled to Washington, D.C. to visit family and tour art museums. Mrs. King was so enthralled with the art opportunities that she applied at a top photography studio for a job as a colorist while she was there. That same day she was offered a job; so the couple quickly packed their belongings and headed for their new home in Washington. While Mr. King worked as a commercial artist, Mrs. King sewed and used needlepoint to create hats for friends and family in her little free time. Her hats were noticed by a local milliner, and he suggested that she travel to New York and study with a top milliner. Mrs. King was accepted at the Dache millinery and worked as a copier from nine to six. Each day she was given a hat and a bag filled with materials and required to ``copy'' the original. She later became a fitter, fitting hats on celebrities such as Greta Garbo, Mary Pickford, and Loretta Young. During the summer of 1946, Mr. and Mrs. King returned to Winston- Salem. There Mr. King set up his first professional studio in the old blacksmith's shop of Reynolda Plantation with the help of John Whitaker, the president of Reynolds Tobacco Company. Within a month Mr. and Mrs. King opened a studio that would remain open for the next 50 years. It was in the latter stages of these years that Mrs. King first grew interested in sculpture. In the mid-1960s, Mrs. King began her studies with Gardner Gidley of Winston-Salem. When first approached by a friend who asked her to attend the sculpture course, Earline hesitantly replied, thanks but no thanks, believing that she had neither the time nor the talent to take the course. According to Earline, when the opportunity presented itself, she went kicking and screaming, but she went. Her studies continued with Bruno Luchesi of New York; followed by Livia Papini of Florence, Italy; and, finally, George Lundeen of Scottsdale, Arizona. In 1979 she unveiled her first public work, a bronze equestrian monument of Richard Joshua Reynolds, founder of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. She has since completed more than 300 portrait commissions including portraitures of Governor James B. Hunt, Jr.; Sir Winston Churchill at the Worrell House in London, England; Dr. Armand Hammer of the Salk Institute in La Jolla, California; and Dr. Camillo Artom of Casa Artom in Venice, Italy. Her public commissions include: the AirCare memorial for Bowman Gray School of Medicine in Winston-Salem; pieces for the Denver Center for the Performing Arts in Denver, Colorado, Winthrop College in Rock Hill, South Carolina; and works for The Gallery for the Blind at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh. Earline's contributions to the art world expand beyond her own commissioned work. Along with five other painters and sculptors, she opened a gallery over 30 years ago in Winston-Salem called Art Gallery Originals. At their gallery in Reynolda Village, Earline still provides a workshop once a year where emerging artists and novice artists can exhibit their creations. In 1993 Earline was honored with a show in the Luigi Bellini Gallery in Florence, Italy, highlighting the extensive works of her career. She was the very first woman sculptor to be exhibited by the gallery. The show was a tremendous success and was attended by both fellow Americans living in Italy and by the diplomatic community. Her passion for the arts is evident as much today as ever. Mrs. King is now in her 42nd year of sculpture creation, and her artistic fervor and creativity amazes me. The fact that at 50 years of age Mrs. King discovered sculpture and made it her life is truly an inspiration. Most recently, Mrs. King sculpted the late President Ronald Reagan for the opening of a new Winston-Salem high school named after the President. She continues to work in a variety of media such as terra cotta, polycast, cold cast bronze, and lost wax bronze casting. Each year Mrs. King introduces hundreds of young minds to the inspiring world of creativity through the tutelage of yearly workshops in different communities of North Carolina. Earline's artworks continues to find homes in galleries, public buildings, and private residences of prominent collectors throughout the United States and Europe. Her artwork can be viewed in Midtown, Trotman, and ERL galleries in Winston-Salem; the Tyler White Art Gallery in Greensboro; and Curzon Gallery in Boca Raton, Florida. Mrs. King's artistic career is one of tremendous inspiration and talent. Her career is marked by a true love for the arts and for creation. I believe that there are few people in life who truly find a passion that keeps them inspired and creating. I believe that Earline Heath King has truly discovered that passion in her life through her art, and I applaud her for the beauty that she has given us all.

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to speak out of order for 5 minutes.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and humility that I rise today to commemorate the lives of the thousands of victims and heroes of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of those whose lives were needlessly cut short on that day. In addition, I rise to pay tribute to those who have died at the hands of the same threat which brought the September 11th attacks. From 1983, with the bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon killing 241 American service members, to the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center, killing six, Islamic fascists have continued with attacks against the United States at the Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia, our embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, and the USS Cole in Yemen. I mention these events because it is essential for Americans to remember that the threat responsible for perpetuating these attacks is the same unending threat against which we are fighting today in the Global War on Terror. This enemy is methodical, patient, determined, and bound by one unifying purpose: the complete annihilation of all who do not subscribe to their warped vision of Islam by pursuing a murderous ideology. While some setbacks have occurred in our efforts, we have made tremendous progress in confronting this threat, head-on. We must acknowledge the steadfast resolution of the Administration and the commitment and diligence of those in our intelligence community. Over the past 5 years, the Republican-led Congress has spent over $150 billion on homeland security. Congressional action on a variety of policies has provided those in our intelligence community with the critical tools needed to prevent future terrorist attacks on our homeland. Today, our service men and women are engaging the enemy abroad so the terrorists will not bring their violence to America. Because of the exemplary service of those in our military, the terrorists can no longer establish safe havens in areas of the Middle East where they once roamed freely. Our message to the families and friends of those who fell on September 11th, is that America remains united in ensuring your sacrifices and those of your loved ones were not made in vain. America will always cherish the memories of these heroes and will remain committed to defending the principles for which this Nation stands, including principles as fundamental as individual liberty, justice, and the rule of law.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the Secure Fence Act. House Republicans have been committed to taking action which will strengthen border security now. I have long been committed to this issue. The people of the Fifth District of North Carolina and the people of this country want us to fulfill our constitutional duty to secure our borders. H.R. 6061, the Secure Fence Act, will address our immediate need to secure our borders. We must address our vulnerability and strengthen our operational controls on our borders through more personnel, greater state-of-the-art technology and surveillance, and additional physical barriers. We know there is more that needs to be done to deal with the illegal alien issue, but this is definitely the right first step. I urge my colleagues to vote in support of the Secure Fence Act.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise in utter disbelief on hearing comments made by Democrat leaders that the capture of Osama bin Laden would not make America any safer. This statement exemplifies the Democrats' lack of any concrete plan on national security and the global war on terror. Bin Laden is the alleged orchestrator of the 9/11 attacks, and as he remains on the loose, there is no telling what terrorist activities he may be planning and inciting. He is more than a symbol, he is a threat. What confuses me even more is the Democrats' criticism of the Republican agenda in winning the war on terror. Democrats accuse Republicans of diverting resources that should be utilized in Afghanistan and then proceed to issue statements that the capture of Osama bin Laden is meaningless, that it would not make us any safer. So then what is the Democrats' agenda for the war on terror. Give up in Iraq and create a vacuum where regimes that fund and incite terrorist activity can rise again? Leave Afghanistan and cease breaking up terrorist cells? Mr. Speaker, I have one last question for my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. I know what you are against, but what are you for?

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remind my colleagues that partisan bickering and ill-fated policies toward immigration reform will simply not solve the crisis we are facing today. We must produce a solution to border security and close a major loophole in our Nation's security, thereby fulfilling the most important role of the Federal Government. It is time we turn off the faucet before we decide to fix the pipes. Now is not the time to work on comprehensive reform. During the District Work Period in August, my constituents delivered a clear message: no amnesty, just secure the borders now. After 22 immigration field hearings, an identical resounding and powerful message has been sent to officials in Washington: secure the borders now. Why are my colleagues on the other side of the aisle so opposed to the will of the American people? Security is an issue that should not be taken lightly, much less used for political gain. Mr. Speaker, we are now in Washington to represent those who voted to send us here, and we must not ignore the message they are sending. It is time to secure the borders and stop the unending flow of illegal aliens.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Republicans' determination for complete success in the war on terror and the policies we are putting forth to prevent further terrorist attacks. The great statesman, Winston Churchill, said: ``Never, never, never believe any war will be smooth and easy, or that anyone who embarks on the strange voyage can measure the tides and hurricanes he will encounter. The statesman who yields to war fever must realize that once the signal is given, he is no longer the master of policy but the slave of unforeseeable and uncontrollable events.'' Republicans are committed to defending our Nation from further terrorist attacks and are taking the initiative to vote in the coming weeks on two important pieces of legislation integral to fighting the war on terror. We will vote to authorize the terrorist surveillance program that monitors calls only from known or suspected terrorists outside of our country to cells within the United States. We will also vote to authorize military tribunals for known or suspected terrorists. It is commonsense justice to try terrorists under military tribunals rather than afford them a trial in the criminal court, a part of our very life-style they are trying to destroy.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong objection to the blatant partisan move of the Senate Democrats and their partisan agenda to force a vote of no confidence in Donald Rumsfeld. It is transparent that the Democrats are making this a political issue and hope to polarize the American people and their views on the war on terror. They are attempting to overshadow and downplay our successes in Iraq and the Republican agenda for winning the war on terror. A difference of opinion should not equal a vote of no confidence. In our democracy, there will always be room for debate and disagreement, but political posturing and defamation of character have no place in a civilized debate. Secretary Rumsfeld has worked tirelessly with Iraqi government officials and its military to bring freedom and democracy to a formerly tyrannical regime while fighting against terrorists and insurgents who threaten Iraqis and Americans stationed there. Mr. Speaker, I stand firm in my resolve to ensure victory not only in Iraq but also in the global war on terror. Secretary Rumsfeld is serving our Nation with dignity and honor and should be treated as such whether you agree with his actions or not.

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 the resolution under consideration.

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

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 605) recognizing the life of Preston Robert Tisch and his outstanding contributions to New York City, the New York Giants Football Club, the National Football League, and the United States.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, Preston Robert Tisch realized a long-term dream in 1991 when he completed negotiations with Timothy Wellington Mara for a 50- percent interest in the New York Giants Football Club. Tisch played an active role in the organization as a member of the National Football League's Finance and Super Bowl Policy Committees, attaining a prominence in the sports arena equal to his position in the world of business. Owning the Giants was one of many careers Tisch pursued simultaneously. He was the chairman and a director of the Loews Corporation, one of the country's most successful financial companies. From 1990-1993, Tisch served as chairman of the New York City Partnership, Inc., and the New York Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he was instrumental in developing the campaign to enhance New York's position as an international business center. After completing his term as chairman, Tisch remained on the Board of Directors of both organizations, now merged, and continued serving as a trustee of New York University. However, co-owning the New York Giants was his true love. As a life-long sports fan, he attended every Giants game, home and away, and spent as much time working in his stadium office as possible. I urge all Members to honor a man that promoted excellence in business and took every opportunity to give back to the community by adopting H. Res. 605. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the adoption of H. Res. 605, and I yield back 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 Illinois (Mrs. Biggert).

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 912, offered by the distinguished gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert), would support the goals and ideals of Life Insurance Awareness Month. There is a growing crisis facing America today due to individuals not having enough life insurance coverage to provide for their loved ones in the event of their premature death. Statistics show more than 60 million Americans are estimated to lack sufficient coverage. When the worst happens, and financial preparations are deficient, the consequences can be dire. Those left behind are often forced to work additional jobs or longer hours, borrow money from friends and family, spend retirement or college savings, and move to less expensive housing. These situations can be prevented. A life insurance policy guarantees that a designated amount of money will be available, generally income-tax free, at the very time it is needed most. This resolution would encourage consumers to take stock of their life insurance needs. The industry-wide effort is supported by many of the Nation's leading life insurance companies. Together, industry organizations will stage several community activities in September in the hopes that more people will begin to consider their life insurance needs. I urge all Members to come together to support the critical need for the advancement of life insurance education by adopting H. Res. 912. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in 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. 912) supporting the goals and ideals of National Life Insurance Awareness Month.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the adoption of H. Res. 912, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the single most important function of the Federal Government: national security and the protection of our citizens. The United States is in an ongoing war on terror. While we have achieved many successes, such as the recent apprehension of Hamid al-Su'aydi, al Qaeda's second-highest ranking member in Iraq, we must not relent in the apprehension and destruction of global terrorist cells. We are making progress in the global war on terror, but there is still more to be done. The August 31 deadline for Iran to stop producing nuclear fuel has been ignored. And although the United States, along with three European allies, is assembling a list of sanctions to present to the United Nations, it is no surprise that many of the U.N. sanctions and resolutions go ignored. It is time the United States made clear that Iran's nuclear ambitions must not go unchecked. A well-known philosopher once said that a nation never falls but by suicide. If we ignore the current threat of terrorism, the nuclear ambitions of rogue nations, we are certainly setting our Nation on a path to suicide. Mr. Speaker, we must continue to relentlessly pursue and eliminate the global terrorist network, as well as ensure that the nuclear ambitions of Iran are eradicated. Not only will this aid in the stabilization of the Middle East, but in the security of all Americans.