Chuck Fleischmann

Mr. FLEISCHMANN

Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Mr. Speaker, last week, an incredibly gifted young man from east Tennessee, John Paul Powers, displayed his talents here in Washington at the Kennedy Center as part of the National Youth Orchestra of the United States. The orchestra, created by Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute, brings together some of our Nation's most talented young musicians from across the country to work and study together and then to display their talents both here and abroad. In fact, they're scheduled to perform tonight in St. Petersburg. Their tour also includes performances in London, Moscow and New York. John Paul plays the tuba in his role with the orchestra, but that's not his only musical talent. His repertoire includes the bass, guitar, mandolin, banjo, and even a little dobro at times. While his musical range is wide, the tuba is his passion. I want to personally congratulate John Paul for achieving the distinct honor of being selected for the National Youth Orchestra. There is no doubt that the diligence, work ethic and passion he has shown will continue to benefit him in life. I would like to wish John Paul the best with his future studies and his dreams of one day professionally playing with an orchestra.

Mr. FLEISCHMANN

Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. FLEISCHMANN. To my colleagues in this great House, my name is Chuck Fleischmann. I represent the Third District of Tennessee, which has a great city. That city is Oak Ridge, the birthplace of the Manhattan Project. My colleagues, Oak Ridge has a great history. We won the Cold War there, and we won World War II there, but this was a time that the Federal Government in the manufacturing of nuclear weapons was not as careful as it could have been. We didn't know. We had to win those wars--and we did--but as a result of that legacy, we have a problem. Doc Hastings, my colleague from Washington, talked about the problem in Hanford--and there are 500 square miles in Hanford that need to be cleaned up--but in my community in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, there are populations of churches, schools, people all around in a highly condensed area. We have there, across the DOE complex, a tremendous legacy that needs to be cleaned up, and I want to talk about that briefly. We've got nuclear waste that needs to be cleaned up across the complex, and that's being done. We also have a mercury problem. There is an estimated 2 million pounds of mercury in the soil and in the water. This is a real problem for American citizens. This is a Federal obligation to clean this legacy up. There is no question about that. Across this great Nation, whether it's in Oak Ridge, at the Savannah River, in Hanford, or in Idaho, we have an obligation to the American people to clean this up. We won World War II and we won the Cold War, but we must do this. This waste is dangerous. It's expensive to clean these things up. It's not a matter of ``if''; it's a matter of ``when.'' The longer we take to do this, we expose the people in these communities all across America to the hazards of this nuclear waste. So, Mr. Chairman, as an advocate for Oak Ridge and as an advocate for environmental cleanup, we must get this done. We have decades' worth of work to go. We have got to do this. As we honor Oak Ridge and other communities with a great national park, which is coming forward and which was voted for in this great House, we can never forget the legacy that's left behind. Environmental cleanup is a must. It is a Federal obligation. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FLEISCHMANN

Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor my father, Max Fleischmann, Jr. My dad passed away last Saturday. We buried him Monday in the National Cemetery in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and I wanted to talk to America today about a very special man. My dad was born in Astoria, New York, on December 29, 1925. He grew up during the Great Depression. His stories were legend. He talked to me about dime movies and penny candy, about radio, about what it was like to grow up in the Great Depression when his father had to take in other families to live with them. This generation was coined, later, as the Greatest Generation, and now I know why. He would have folks come and visit the house. A fellow by the name of Moe Howard and his wife, Helen, would come by and sing and play the piano. Moe Howard was playing with a little-known group then called The Three Stooges. He would have a lady by the name of Gladys Weiss come and visit their home. Her late brother was a magician, an escape artist who had been deceased, called Harry Houdini. These stories were tremendous. He talked to me about his first Coca-Cola at the 1939 World's Fair and what it was like to drink that. He was an incredible man. He had one good eye. He stood 5 feet, 2\1/ 2\ inches. He took 7 years to graduate from high school because he quit high school to join World War II. When he showed up to serve in the United States Army, they said, Young man, you can go home. You're what we call 4-F. You've got one good eye. You've got poor skin. You're short. You can go home. He said, No, I want to serve; I want to serve. And serve he did. They let him serve. And he went to the China-Burma- India theater. He didn't even know a war was going on in that part of the world because his brother was serving in the South Pacific and he had cousins serving in Europe. But he was 18 years old, and he went on a ship and on a plane and on a train and ended up in Burma. Over 2\1/2\ years later, he returned home and he went and finished high school. My dad was a hardworking man, a company man. He always showed up and gave 100 percent wherever he worked. But he had a lot of hard work and he had a lot of hard luck. Sometimes these companies would go out of business that he worked at. He did not have a formal education. An education was something that stood out to him. And the reason I say that is in honoring him today I wanted to talk about the importance of education. I was the first person to get to go to college in my family. He married my mother in 1961. I was born in 1962. But tragically, when I was 9 years old, an only child, my mother got cancer and passed away a few years later. She lost that tragic battle. There were times he had no health insurance, there were times he didn't have a job. He would go all over the country--New York, Philadelphia, Chicago. But one thing he insisted on. He said: ``My son is going to get an education.'' That was so important. And I did. He put 20 bucks away a week so that I could have an education. I got to go to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. But we didn't know that was not going to be the end of the story. Because when I finished up at Illinois he said: ``What are you going to do?'' He said: ``You're bright, you have an education, but what are you going to do?'' So he said: ``Go to law school.'' He helped me through law school and paid for law school too. He got to see me get a college education and get a law degree. He had a lot of hard luck, but he always worked hard and he made a great decision. He retired to Chattanooga, Tennessee. When he retired to Chattanooga, my wife and I started a law firm. In that law firm, we succeeded as a small business. He saw me scrimp and save and work hard 6 and 7 days a week. He always said: ``Work hard, make sure your kids get a good education.'' He did that. He was a big part in the life of my three sons, Chuckie, Jamie, and Jeffrey. They're 24, 22, and 16 now. They honored him this week with me at the National Cemetery. What a man. He loved this country, he served this country, he never forgot the Greatest Generation who gave so much for this country, and he was a good guy. He was honest to the core. He got to live to see me elected to this great House. Sometimes we get ratings 6 percent, 10 percent, 11 percent. He loved to watch this House. He really liked it when I got to sit in the Chair. He would call all the relatives: ``My son is presiding over the House today.'' But ladies and gentlemen, we have a great country, a wonderful country. He knew that. Only in America could you do something like this--come from last to first. So I just wanted to say today: Thank you to my dad. Staff Sergeant Max Fleischmann, Jr., you did well. God bless you.

Mr. FLEISCHMANN

Mr. FLEISCHMANN. I represent the Third District of Tennessee. We've heard a great debate today. Let's be clear. The numbers are self- evident. When the world price of sugar compared to the United States' price of sugar is so out of kilter since reform--72, 91, 77, and 63 percent since 2008--we cannot compete in America based on the world price. It's a commodity. It's an agreement. I urge strong support of this amendment. We've got American jobs at stake. We cannot compete if this program continues. Jobs will leave America. Let's support this amendment.

Mr. FLEISCHMANN

Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about sugar. As conservatives, we have a duty to speak out against programs that use regulations to stifle the free market, protect special interests, and have outlived their purpose. There are few programs that better fit this than the current system of price supports, import restrictions, and production quotas that make up our sugar program. Under this system, the government sets price supports, ensuring that producers have a guaranteed income, no matter what world prices are. Sugar imports are also kept to a minimum, preventing real competition. But this is not the end of the meddling. Sugar producers have strict sales quotas. Any excess sugar gets bought by the government and then is sold to ethanol producers, usually at a loss to the taxpayer. This means many things. It means consumers pay billions in higher sugar costs, thousands of jobs are lost in the food industry, and government continues to pick winners and losers in the marketplace. This week, we will have a chance to vote on an amendment to the FARRM Bill that makes substantial reforms to the program and is estimated by the CBO to save taxpayers $73 million. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and free our sugar from government's heavy hand.

Mr. FLEISCHMANN

Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I want to commemorate the life of an outstanding American, Viola Ergen, who passed away on May 21. She was an American whose life has touched and will touch many Americans for generations to come. Mrs. Ergen was the daughter of Finnish and Swiss immigrants. She graduated high school at age 15 and was the first female to earn a BAA in accounting from the University of Minnesota. After graduation, she and her husband Bill moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, in 1947. As a dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she was still volunteering well into her 97th year. Her commitment to excellence in everything she did is reflected in the lives of her five children and 15 grandchildren, who span this Nation as business leaders, doctors, and volunteers in a number of fields. It is impossible to measure the number of people whose lives will be touched by her time on Earth. Her work over 40 years in helping Oak Ridge Children's Museum become one of the Nation's finest museums reflects her commitment to helping others. Mrs. Ergen was an extraordinary person who excelled in an extraordinary generation. She was a great Tennesseean, who gave her life tirelessly to her family, friends, and community.

Mr. FLEISCHMANN

Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the fiscal 2014 Homeland Security appropriations bill. First, I would like to thank Chairman Carter and the subcommittee staff for all the work that they have done in preparation for this legislation. This bill is a perfect example of what happens when real time and thought is put into how taxpayer dollars will be spent. As I have often said, budgeting is about prioritization, and this is exactly what this bill does. The legislation before us today exercises fiscal discipline. As a whole, we will reduce discretionary spending, while ensuring that programs vital to our national security are properly supported. This bill also recalibrates the President's pernicious budget proposals for the Department of Homeland Security to ensure that we are getting the most out of every taxpayer dollar. We must ensure the protection of Americans by strengthening security at and within our borders. By streamlining select programs within DHS and implementing stringent oversight, Chairman Carter and committee staff, with help from Ranking Member Price, have produced a bill that adequately funds our highest security priorities and eliminates waste, fraud, and abuse. Again, I thank the subcommittee for their diligence in crafting this legislation that pays equal heed to the protections of our taxpayer dollars and the security of our citizens.

Mr. FLEISCHMANN

Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the serious budgetary issues facing our Nation. It seems many in this town have forgotten what a budget is, so I thought I'd provide a quick reminder. Webster's Dictionary defines ``budget'' most simply as a plan for the coordination of resources and expenditures--a plan for the coordination of resources and expenditures. It's fairly straightforward, and something the American people understand. Frankly, it's something House Republicans understand. Mr. Speaker, every year since I've been a Member of this body, we have passed a responsible budget. Once again this year, the House Republican budget reduces government spending and gets our debt crisis under control. This, in turn, helps secure the future for our children and grandchildren and creates more jobs and opportunities today. Senate Democrats finally came to the table and introduced a budget. Unfortunately, it never balances, despite the fact that it raises taxes by $1.5 trillion. We're still waiting on a budget from the President, though I suspect we'll see a March Madness bracket from him before we see a budget. Mr. Speaker, Americans deserve a real budget, and I plan to continue fighting to ensure they receive one.

Mr. FLEISCHMANN

Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Require a PLAN Act. Each year, law requires the President to submit a budget by the first Monday in February. Yesterday President Obama missed this deadline for the fourth time in 5 years. Mr. Chairman, the American people know what it's like to work through tough times and to live on a budget. When my wife and I started our small business, we made only $50 the first month. We worked hard and made sacrifices to live within our means. Families across this great Nation are still doing that, and it's embarrassing that the President and Senate Democrats refuse to put forth a plan. Republicans have produced a budget that made tough choices but reduces our debt and achieves fiscal responsibility. The Require a PLAN Act demands that the President explain to the American people how he intends to do the same. The great people of our Nation deserve at least that.

Mr. FLEISCHMANN

Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Amendment XX: Section 1: ``The terms of the President and the Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th day of January, and the terms of Senators and Representatives at noon on the 3rd day of January, of the years in which such terms would have ended if this article had not been ratified; and the terms of their successors shall then begin.'' Section 2: ``The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall begin at noon on the 3rd day of January, unless they shall by law appoint a different day.''

Mr. FLEISCHMANN

Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Caleb Logan Cooke. Caleb was born January 22, 1997, and passed away Saturday, December 1, 2012, at the age of 15. Caleb was a blessing to his parents and entire family from the day God placed him on His Earth. Though life was often a struggle for Caleb, he met every challenge head-on and always with a thoughtful and caring disposition. He was an accomplished Boy Scout, earned his black belt in tae kwon do, and was recognized for having the highest GPA in his freshman class. In addition to all of his high school and extracurricular accomplishments, Caleb was engaged politically and always ready to discuss the day's news. A civically active young man, he was truly a shining example of our youth. Most of all, Caleb was a good friend to my son, Jeffrey, a delightful son to his parents, a loving sibling to his sister and brothers, a blessing to his entire family. Caleb will be missed by all and always remembered.

Mr. FLEISCHMANN

Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend Ralph Hall. I came to this great House as a result of the election in 2010 and was privileged to be assigned to the Science, Space, and Technology Committee. The chairman was Ralph Hall. Chairman Hall showed me kindness. I went to his office. He showed me the corsairs that he flew in World War II. He told me stories about playing baseball with Ted Williams in the Navy in World War II. Truly, this is a great man. He has shown both sides of the aisle fairness and compassion in his service as chairman, and he has mentored me. More importantly, when I asked him to come to my beloved city of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, he came and visited our great national lab there. I honor Chairman Hall today, and I thank him for his great service to this House as chairman and as my friend.

Mr. FLEISCHMANN

Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding student athlete from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Competing at the U.S. Amateur Championship in Colorado, UTC student Steven Fox came from behind to win the first USGA Championship for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Down by two holes on the par 5 17th hole, Steven made a clutch birdie and managed to make a great par on the final hole, putting the match into sudden death after 36 grueling holes. At the first playoff hole, Steven sank a critical 18-foot putt to secure his victory. Steven's victory is an inspiration to the entire UTC community and, indeed, to all Tennesseans. No mention of this victory is complete without mentioning the great UTC golf team, which has achieved national success under the leadership of Coach Mark Guhne. Thanks to his hard work and the support of former Athletic Director Steve Sloan and Chancellor Roger Brown, UTC qualified for this past year's NCAA championship in Los Angeles. On behalf of all east Tennesseans, I extend my congratulations to Steven Fox. I look forward to watching him roam the fairways at Augusta National soon. I also look forward to many future successes at UTC. Go Mocs!

Mr. FLEISCHMANN

Mr. FLEISCHMANN. It is my pleasure to welcome Kris Holzmeyer in joining me here on the House floor to give the opening prayer. Pastor Holzmeyer recently served as an associate pastor at the Second Baptist Church in Clinton, Tennessee, a town in my district. With a desire to serve the Lord in both word and deed, Kris has authored two devotionals: ``The First Responder Field Manual'' and ``Lessons from the Locker Room.'' A passionate advocate for international adoption, Kris advocated for adoption awareness and established the Kyle Reagan Foundation, which raises money to help adopt children from abroad. In Tennessee, Kris has been active as well in coordinating the 2012 Anderson County National Day of Prayer, in running the Summer Skills Basketball Camp at Second Baptist Church, and in ministering to local officials. In addition to his strong ties to Tennessee, Kris also has a Washington connection. He served as assistant communications director for the D. James Kennedy Center for Christian Statesmanship on Capitol Hill from 2004 to 2006. While on Capitol Hill, he performed outreach to Members and staff. A native of Indiana, Kris received his BA from the University of Southern Indiana and his master's degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. Along with his wife, Missy, and his children, Kyle and Sammi, I would like to thank Kris, and I am pleased that he could join us in prayer.

Mr. FLEISCHMANN

Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Specialist Andrew Smith of the United States Army's 82nd Airborne Division. Andrew grew up in my hometown of Ooltewah, Tennessee, and enlisted in the Army after graduating from Lee University. On his first patrol in Kandahar, an IED detonated near him and he lost both of his legs. I first met Andrew where he was recovering at Walter Reed, where I was impressed by his spirit, curiosity, and determination. His wife, Tori, was by his side the entire time and keeps a constant vigil. Andrew's mother has been active as well, ensuring he receives the best care possible. A particularly touching tribute is an essay written by Andrew's sister, Katie. She writes: He was aware of the risks that were involved in being a soldier, but he was so devoted to protecting our freedom that he was willing to sacrifice in a major way. Even though he is away from the war, he is still fighting. Katie's essay reminds us that our freedom and safety depend on heroes like Andrew Smith who put their lives on the line to defend us. I am humbled to recognize Andrew, and I am pleased his family is able to join him here today in the House gallery. I will submit Katie's essay for inclusion in the Congressional Record later. And I speak for all Americans when I say that we are forever grateful.

Mr. FLEISCHMANN

Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Voices of Lee for their outstanding performance and representation of Lee University. Lee University is located in my current district within Bradley County, Tennessee, and presently has a little over 4,400 students enrolled in their undergraduate program. Under the direction of Mr. Danny Murray, Voices of Lee has grown into a nationally recognized singing group, having released seven music albums and several DVDs since their debut in September of 1994. The group performs a cappella around the country, and their current schedule includes locations in North Carolina, Indiana, Florida, and many other States. The energy and feeling placed in each and every song is a talent that deserves praise, as this talent is not easily learned. I believe that anyone who listens to them cannot hear the music without being moved. Each student who receives the opportunity and honor of participating in the Voices of Lee is put through grueling training and given demanding work. However, the results of their labor are not in vain, and I am pleased to take this opportunity to commend them for such dedication.

Mr. FLEISCHMANN

Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 438 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. FLEISCHMANN

Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the victims of the April tornadoes, which killed 33 people in East Tennessee and over 300 nationwide. On April 27th, a tornado touched down in Ringgold, Georgia before traveling to Hamilton County and damaging the town of Apison. From there, the storm moved on to Cleveland, devastating homes and killing 5 people before going to Polk County and finally scattering. Similar storms were reported throughout the southern and Midwestern United States. As I toured the damage and volunteered the following days, I couldn't help but be heartbroken by the devastation. Power lines were torn down by trees, leaving thousands without electricity, and homes had been reduced to piles of debris. Thirty-three Tennesseans were killed in the storms. And yet, people pulled through. Everywhere I went I saw neighbor helping neighbor, and total strangers giving each other food and clothing. Our churches, charities, and neighborhood organizations came out in force to help out. These were the small miracles everyday as we rebuilt. Nature dished out her worst, and the people of Tennessee responded with their best. On this day I join my fellow East Tennesseans in praying for the victims of the tornadoes and honoring the memories of those that lost their lives.

Mr. FLEISCHMANN

Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding young man from my district who I've recently had the pleasure of getting to know. Lance Corporal Cody Evans of Speedwell, Tennessee, serves in the United States Marine Corps as a combat engineer, one of the most dangerous jobs in the military. While serving in Afghanistan, Lance Corporal Evans stepped on a pressure plate while sweeping for IEDs, nearly losing his life. He lost both legs and suffered numerous other injuries. I met Lance Corporal Evans in January of this year in a visit to Walter Reed. To say that I was impressed by this young man's spirit and resilience would be an understatement. Cody has the spirit of a fighter, a spirit that has led to his continued recovery. No mention of Cody would be complete without mentioning his mother, Regina, who has been with him constantly. Her dedication to her son is incredible. As a Nation, we must recognize those who serve, who have the character and commitment to risk their lives so that we may sleep peacefully at home. Cody Evans deserves this recognition, which is why it is my honor to ask that this poem penned by Albert Caswell be placed into the Congressional Record.

Mr. FLEISCHMANN

Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a woman who is a living legend in my home State of Tennessee. A star basketball player, Pat Summitt played at the University of Tennessee at Martin and served as cocaptain on the 1976 U.S. Olympic women's basketball team. Pat Summitt began coaching Lady Vols basketball at the University of Tennessee just before the start of the 1974 1975 season. Starting as a graduate assistant, she was quickly promoted to head coach, where she earned $250 a month and drove the team van. Thirty-eight years and 1,098 wins later, Pat Summitt is now the winningest coach in NCAA basketball history for either a men's or a women's team. She is the only NCAA coach with over 1,000 wins, and she still has never had a losing season as head coach. This is a pretty impressive record in its own right, but the legacy of Pat Summitt does not end there. Indeed, I could speak about her accomplishments through the entire morning-hour. I could mention her eight NCAA championships, 16 Southeastern Conference seasons, 16 SEC tournament championship titles, or her unmatched career .840 winning percentage. It is clearly evident that Pat Summitt is an unmatched coach on the field. Her off-the-field accomplishments are even more impressive. In an era rife with collegiate sports scandals, Pat Summitt has upheld the track record of uncompromised integrity, while encouraging and maintaining a 100 percent graduation rate for her team. Coach Summitt produces more than just great athletes. She produces young women of character whose academic success prepares them to be good citizens in the world, as well as great basketball players. Eleven of her former players were on the WNBA roster last year, and she has coached two WNBA MVPs. Sixteen collegiate head coaches have either played or coached under her. The success of her players, both on and off the court, is a testament to the dedication she has given to the well-rounded development of her players. When I return back to the University of Tennessee--my alma mater--the legacy of Coach Pat can be found everywhere, from the students in Lady Vols attire, to Pat Head Summitt Street in Knoxville, and the Summitt basketball court in the Thompson-Boling arena. Throughout Tennessee, her legacy is strong as well. She has a gym named after her at UT-Martin and at her high school. Pat Summitt's true legacy, however, is the alumni who have succeeded due to her hard work and the thousands of young women who have pursued excellence in sports and have been successful due to her example. Pat Summitt retired from coaching April 18 and will continue to serve the Lady Vols as head coach emeritus. She now faces a battle against early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Like her coaching career, I know she will face this battle with courage and determination. We will be praying and thinking of her throughout this battle, and I know we will miss her input on the landscape of Tennessee.

Mr. FLEISCHMANN

Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a small business in my district, a business I was proud to give an Economic Excellence Award to last week. Mr. Trophy, based in Red Bank, Tennessee, is a great small business which embodies the American values of hard work and success. Founded in 1972, Mr. Trophy is still a family business. It is currently owned by Dorris Prevou and is managed by her daughter Linda Herrmann. A staple of the Chattanooga community, Mr. Trophy is well-known for both customer service and community involvement. Mr. Trophy has designed trophies, plaques, and custom awards for over 40 years, creating jobs while often weathering difficult times. Having run a business with my wife for 24 years, I can understand the challenges that have faced Mr. Trophy along the way. Not only has Mr. Trophy met these challenges, but they have found success with their business and have become a pillar of their community. I hope that you will join me in honoring Mr. Trophy for their well-earned Economic Excellence Award.

Mr. FLEISCHMANN

Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a great man who lived in my district. Charlie Peavyhouse was born in Detroit and raised in Rhea County, Tennessee. A committed Methodist, Charlie earned his associates degree from Tennessee Wesleyan College and maintained a lifelong relationship with the institution. He also received degrees from East Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt. After completing his education, Charlie went to work as a teacher and principal. Charlie touched many young lives in his career as an educator, which included serving as principal at Bachman and Falling Water Elementary until his retirement in 1990. I got to know Charlie Peavyhouse through his work in local politics. Charlie was always a presence, whether as the Hamilton County Republican chair, a campaign manager, or a delegate to the Republican National Convention. He also served as Tennessee's wildlife commissioner under two Governors. Last April, I joined many in Chattanooga to pay tribute to a man who inspired so many to serve. I was honored to call him my mentor. Charlie passed away February 19 and is survived by his wife, Eula Mae, and daughters, Jane and Carol.

Mr. FLEISCHMANN

Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I was honored to speak at the March for Life today at the rally on the National Mall earlier today. Thousands of Americans came together in our cause to protect the sanctity of all human life and voice our continued opposition to the decision made in Roe v. Wade. I am reminded each and every day now how precious life is and why we should stand up for its intrinsic value. It is our belief that life is sacred from the moment of conception until the grave. That separates us from so many others in the world. Every abortion is a tragedy, but being pro-life isn't just about conception to birth, it's about the entire existence of a person. It encompasses more than just their physical well-being. A soul cannot flourish, a person cannot prosper if they aren't first allowed to live. Being pro-life is also promoting faith, education, jobs and the overall quality of life. I will continue to fight against the culture of abortion and fight for the right of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Mr. FLEISCHMANN

Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great appreciation for a long and accomplished career of public service to honor Ted Sherry on his retirement from the Department of Energy in his role as Manager of the Site Office at the Y-12 National Security Complex. Ted served with great distinction in support of our country's national defense and nuclear security as a submarine officer in the U.S. Navy and for the last 5 years as manager of a National Nuclear Security Administration premier manufacturing facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Under his management, Y-12 has dramatically increased the dismantlement of components for nuclear weapons, supported Nuclear Nonproliferation Programs through uranium recovery missions around the globe, and opened the Highly Enriched Uranium Materials Facility, our nation's central repository for highly enriched uranium. As a testament to Ted's many achievements, he earned the NNSA Administrator's Gold Medal Award and is widely regarded as one of NNSA's best managers. Ted has made many significant accomplishments throughout his 25 year career with the U.S. government and so today we proudly salute Ted Sherry, an American patriot.