Bart Gordon

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the members of the Highland Volunteer Fire Department for their selfless dedication and bravery in protecting our families, day and night. The Highland Volunteer Fire Department was established in 2000 and covers 64 square miles around the city limits of Portland. The department responds to fire and storm-related calls, vehicle accidents, fuel spills and medical First Responder calls. Currently, the fire department has 17 volunteers on its roster. Without volunteer fire halls, like Highland, many places in the Sixth District would lack effective fire protection. In the state of Tennessee, over 70 percent of fire service is provided by volunteers. Among these volunteers, almost 75 percent work other daily jobs. Ensuring our families' safety is not without risk. Sadly, an average of two firefighters die each year in Tennessee in the line of duty. In 2005, the Tennessee Fire Services and Code Academy dedicated a memorial on their main campus in Bell Buckle to honor those Tennessee firefighters who have died in the line of duty. For their willingness to serve, the following members of the Highland Volunteer Fire Department deserve recognition: Chief and First Responder Kenny Crowson, Asst. Chief George Knuckols, Capt. Richard Lanius, Lt. and First Responder Jessica Knuckols, Lt. Bobby Wilson, Josh Covington, Tav Matthews, Arthur Benjamin, Samantha Roberson, Lindi Costner, William Keen and Auxillary Firefighter Russ Caudill. Firefighter and First Responder David Roberson; Firefighters and EMTs Jim Youngblood and Brent Dyer; Firefighters and Paramedics Scott Meece and Tony Greene.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the members of the Carthage Fire Department for their selfless dedication and bravery in protecting our families, day and night. The Carthage Fire Department was established in 1901. Today, the department has 22 volunteers on its roster. The Carthage Fire Department works not only in the suppression and prevention of fires, but also specializes in public education. Without volunteer fire halls, like Carthage, many places in the Sixth District would lack effective fire protection. In the State of Tennessee, over 70 percent of fire service is provided by volunteers. Among these volunteers, almost 75 percent work other daily jobs. Ensuring our families' safety is not without risk. Sadly, an average of two firefighters die each year in Tennessee in the line of duty. In 2005, the Tennessee Fire Services and Code Academy dedicated a memorial on their main campus in Bell Buckle to honor those Tennessee firefighters who have died in the line of duty. For their willingness to serve, the following members of the Carthage Fire Department deserve recognition: Chief Joe Hiett, Asst. Chief Joe B. Oldham, Capt. Randy Dennis, Capt. Nicky Stallings, Randy Carter, Tracy Fields, L.C. Grisham, Alicia Fields, Edward Lankford, Jacky Carver, Sr., Kerry Dugan, John Hiett, Phillip Upchurch, Matt Watts, Glenn Pettross, David Dillehay, Billy Dennis, Chris Dennis, Derrick Brooks, David Brown, Sottie Grisham and Jeff Crockett. Also listed on the training roster is Chief Edward Stallings, Gone But Not Forgotten.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, for too long we have depended on a handful of finite energy resources to power our economy. So as energy prices inevitably rise, we can continue to hand our money over to foreign interests, or we can invest that in our own country's energy independence. This week, the U.S. and world leaders are meeting to define the steps needed to address the challenge of climate change. This energy package will help give our country the technological bump needed to address CO2 emissions and our dependency on foreign energy. This bill will invest in a wide range of energy technologies that use clean natural resources from the sun, the oceans, and our Earth. It will boost the energy efficiency of our vehicles, buildings, and heavy industries. And this bill provides significant increased investment in technologies to capture and store carbon dioxide from coal-fired plants. I am pleased that, over the last year, the Science and Technology Committee has worked hard to clear 14 bipartisan consensus-driven energy and environment research bills, nine of which are included in the House package. So I want to take this opportunity to thank those Democrat and Republican members of our committee, and the minority and majority staff, for their hard and good work. And finally, Mr. Speaker, let me just respond to my friend who says if you vote for this bill, the price of energy is going to go up. The fact of the matter is we all know, whether you vote for or against this bill, the price of energy is going to go up. The question is, are we going the write the check to foreign energy cartels, or are we going to invest that money here in America in clean alternative energy? Mr. Speaker, I am voting for America. I am voting for this bill.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the members of the Short Mountain Volunteer Fire Department for their selfless dedication and bravery in protecting our families, day and night. The Short Mountain Volunteer Fire Department was established with the donation of land and community support. There are 14 active members and eight honorary members. The department most recently purchased a 750-gallon pump. Without volunteer fire halls like Short Mountain, many places in the Sixth District would lack effective fire protection. In the State of Tennessee, over 70 percent of fire service is provided by volunteers. Among these volunteers, almost 75 percent work other daily jobs. Ensuring our families' safety is not without risk. Sadly, an average of two firefighters die each year in Tennessee in the line of duty. In 2005, the Tennessee Fire Services and Code Academy dedicated a memorial on their main campus in Bell Buckle to honor those Tennessee firefighters who have died in the line of duty. For their willingness to serve, the following members of the Short Mountain Volunteer Fire Department deserve recognition: Chief Michael Underhill, Asst. Chief Albert Summers, Secretary, Equipment Manager Carol Zellman, Brad Odom, Cory Reed, Jordan McGee, Tony Neal, Jonathan Scurlock, Cyndi Hill, Jamie Campbell, Chip Avera, David Smith, Anthony Prater, Leeroy Jones, Honorary Members: Larie Zellman, Billy Youngblood, Connie Cantrell, Cindy Underhill, Tracy Neal, and Sue Youngblood.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the members of the Cottontown Volunteer Fire Department for their selfless dedication and bravery in protecting our families, day and night. The Cottontown Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1999. The department covers approximately 90 square miles and protects 1,100 households. In 2006, the department responded to 151 calls. Without volunteer fire halls, like Cottontown, many places in the Sixth District would lack effective fire protection. In the state of Tennessee, over 70 percent of fire service is provided by volunteers. Among these volunteers, almost 75 percent work other daily jobs. Ensuring our families' safety is not without risk. Sadly, an average of two firefighters die each year in Tennessee in the line of duty. In 2005, the Tennessee Fire Services and Code Academy dedicated a memorial on their main campus in Bell Buckle to honor those Tennessee firefighters who have died in the line of duty. For their willingness to serve, the following members of the Cottontown Volunteer Fire Department deserve recognition: Chief Joe McLaughlin, Asst. Chief Mike Owens, Lt. Patrick McLaughlin, Lt. Bill Kelly, Glenn Schirg, Shannon Baker, Tommy Casteel, Lydia Casteel, Chris Casteel, President Laura Owens, Treasurer Marilyn McLaughlin.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the members of the Rutherford County Volunteer Fire Department for their selfless dedication and bravery in protecting our families, day and night. The Rutherford County Volunteer Fire Department was established in June 1998 to protect the citizens in District 11 of Rutherford County. District 11 has a population of 7,340. Currently, the fire department has 30 volunteers, 7 officers, and 5 members serving on the board of directors. Without volunteer fire halls, like Rutherford County, many places in the Sixth District would lack effective fire protection. In the State of Tennessee, over 70 percent of fire service is provided by volunteers. Among these volunteers, almost 75 percent work other daily jobs. Ensuring our families' safety is not without risk. Sadly, an average of two firefighters die each year in Tennessee in the line of duty. In 2005, the Tennessee Fire Services and Code Academy dedicated a memorial on their main campus in Bell Buckle to honor those Tennessee firefighters who have died in the line of duty. For their willingness to serve, the following members of the Rutherford County Volunteer Fire Department deserve recognition: Chief Craig McBride, Deputy Chief Terry Smith, Asst. Chief Dwajuan Howse, Capt. Lance Sutton, Lt. Tim Forsthoff, Lt. Joel Patnode, Brian Morrow, Kenny McFarland, Gary Hutchinson, Jeff Irvin, Joshua Parsons, Brad Callison, Bobby Canterbury, Markland Holland, Shawn McGoldrick, Sandy Smith, Jonathan Parsons, Micheal Bartlett, Jeff Sawyers, Randy Shaw, Richard Foran, Stephen Windham, Jared Rigsby, Chris Reid, Eddie Welsh, Hunter Fite, Tim Alexander, Chris Sobol, Bob Decker, Jayson Kotter, Justin Parker, Kevin Bennison, Daniel George, Justice DeAndrade, Benjamin Honeycutt, Justin McCraven, James Storey, Jarrett England, Christopher Hayes and Jeffery Turgeon. Board of Directors: Bill Ketron, Tim Burns, Dale Maynard, Helen Brown and Janice Howse.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the members of the Defeated Creek Volunteer Fire Department for their selfless dedication and bravery in protecting our families, day and night. The Defeated Creek Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1986. The department is made up of 12 members and three fire trucks. Without volunteer fire halls like Defeated Creek, many places in the Sixth District would lack effective fire protection. In the State of Tennessee, over 70 percent of fire service is provided by volunteers. Among these volunteers, almost 75 percent work other daily jobs. Ensuring our families' safety is not without risk. Sadly, an average of two firefighters die each year in Tennessee in the line of duty. In 2005, the Tennessee Fire Services and Code Academy dedicated a memorial on their main campus in Bell Buckle to honor those Tennessee firefighters who have died in the line of duty. For their willingness to serve, the following members of the Defeated Creek Volunteer Fire Department deserve recognition: Chief Brandon Powell, Hughie Gregory, Donny Martin, Benton Dyer, Rusty Williams, Steve Bennett, Jason Powell, Kerby Comstock, Randy Martin, Scott Edens, Dustin Dillehay, and Chris Fields.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the members of the Adams Volunteer Fire Department for their selfless dedication and bravery in protecting our families, day and night. The Adams Volunteer Fire Department was established February 3, 1971 and has 18 firefighters. Out of these firefighters, two are EMTs and four are First Responders. Without volunteer fire halls like Adams, many places in the Sixth District would lack effective fire protection. In the State of Tennessee, over 70 percent of fire service is provided by volunteers. Among these volunteers, almost 75 percent work other daily jobs. Ensuring our families' safety is not without risk. Sadly, an average of two firefighters die each year in Tennessee in the line of duty. In 2005, the Tennessee Fire Services and Code Academy dedicated a memorial on their main campus in Bell Buckle to honor those Tennessee firefighters who have died in the line of duty. For their willingness to serve, the following members of the Adams Volunteer Fire Department deserve recognition: Chief Ray Brown, Asst. Chief John Roland, Wayne Evans, Allen Douglas, Donovan Tucker, Phillip Brown, David Dowlen, Carolyn Brown, Douglas Caroland, Will Goodman, Troy Head, Paul Crumley, Harold Jacobs, Matt Vogle, William Bryant, Kim Dowlen, Jeffery Lux, Michael Jones, William McKinney, and Joshua Love.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the members of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department for their selfless dedication and bravery in protecting our families, day and night. The DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1975. Since then, six more substations have been added. The department services 11 communities. Without volunteer fire halls, like DeKalb County, many places in the Sixth District would lack effective fire protection. In the state of Tennessee, over 70 percent of fire service is provided by volunteers. Among these volunteers, almost 75 percent work other daily jobs. Ensuring our families' safety is not without risk. Sadly, an average of two firefighters die each year in Tennessee in the line of duty. In 2005, the Tennessee Fire Services and Code Academy dedicated a memorial on their main campus in Bell Buckle to honor those Tennessee firefighters who have died in the line of duty. For their willingness to serve, the following members of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department deserve recognition: Chief Donny Green, SC Ernie Hargis, David Agee, Larry Bain, Duncan Block, Jeffery Bogle, LT Anthony Boyd, Patrick Britain, Gray Cantrell, LT James Cantrell, Ryan Carlisle, Gelasio Chacon, LT Billy Crymes, LT Kevin Curtis, Larry Dalton, Dustin Farris, Claude Foster, Sarah Hash, Timothy Hearn, Anthony Johnson, Darrell Johnson, SC Jerry Johnson, Travis Johnson, Cathy Jones, Richard Judd, SC Richard Kinsey, LT Michael Lawrence, Calvin Martin, Jimmy Martin, Ronald Merriman, Brad Mullinax, John Mullins, Robert Myracle, SC Jeremy Neal, Andy Pack, Billy Parker, SC Danny Parker, Timothy Pedigo, LT James Pennington, Shawn Puckett, Howard Pyles, Jeff Rankhorn, Tim Reynolds, Jason Rice, Wesley Slager, Paulino Solorzano, Jerry Summers, LT Anthony Thomas, C. J. Tramel, Calvin Tramel, Christopher Tramel, Roy Tramel, Kenneth Waggoner, SC Phillip Waggoner, SC Hugh Washer, Jonny Wright, James Young, and LT Mark Young, PR Jerry Bain, PR Kelly Cantrell, PR Daniel Green, PR Rita Houk, PR Justin Ligget, PR Caleb Roth, PR Jonathan Scurlock, PR Andy Snow, PR Shane Turner, and PR Christopher Wyke. Honorary Lifetime Members: Honorary Captain Jeff Williams, Wilson Williams, Wayne Adcock, R.V. Billings, Mike Cleland, Melvin King, Honorary Asst. Chief Roy Merriman and Bob Rice.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the members of the Putnam County Volunteer Fire Department for their selfless dedication and bravery in protecting our families, day and night. The Putnam County Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1977. The department started with a Ford van and two 55-gallon drums of water, a water pump and garden hose and approximately four people. Without volunteer fire halls, like Putnam County, many places in the Sixth District would lack effective fire protection. In the state of Tennessee, over 70 percent of fire service is provided by volunteers. Among these volunteers, almost 75 percent work other daily jobs. Ensuring our families' safety is not without risk. Sadly, an average of two firefighters die each year in Tennessee in the line of duty. In 2005, the Tennessee Fire Services and Code Academy dedicated a memorial on their main campus in Bell Buckle to honor those Tennessee firefighters who have died in the line of duty. For their willingness to serve, the following members of the Putnam County Volunteer Fire Department deserve recognition: Keith Barber, John Barrow, Tony Beaty, Gene Bilbrey, Daryl Blair, Jason Bohannon, Devin Brown, Adam Brown, Roger Brown, Tom Brown, Brian Burgess, Tim Burton, Marshall Cox, Carol Dempsay, Josh Dempsay, Charles Doss, Chris Edgerton, Derrick Edwards, Brent Emery, Timothy Gann, Daniel Harris, Jeff Hicks, Daniel Hodge, Shawn Hotsinpiller, Grant Hubbel, Darrell Jennings, Jason Jennings, Jason Jones, Mike Keith, Jim Knight, Richard Lynch, Lonette Marcus, Jeff Matheney, Tom McClatchie, Marvin Montgomery, Jeremy Morris, John Mullin, Jeremy Nash, Michael Norris, David Phy, Joel Qualls, Danny Randolph, Fred Ray, Ray Rowland, Jason Scott, John Sisco, Brandon Smith, Daniel Snyder, Tony Stamps, Troy Tayse, Tony Waters, Matt White, Tony Williams, Josh Womack, Shandreah Womack and Zack Womack.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the members of the Gordonsville Fire Department for their selfless dedication and bravery in protecting our families, day and night. The Gordonsville Fire Department was established in 1968. Currently, the department has 19 volunteers on its roster. Without volunteer fire halls, like Gordonsville, many places in the Sixth District would lack effective fire protection. In the State of Tennessee, over 70 percent of fire service is provided by volunteers. Among these volunteers, almost 75 percent work other daily jobs. Ensuring our families' safety is not without risk. Sadly, an average of two firefighters die each year in Tennessee in the line of duty. In 2005, the Tennessee Fire Services and Code Academy dedicated a memorial on their main campus in Bell Buckle to honor those Tennessee firefighters who have died in the line of duty. For their willingness to serve, the following members of the Gordonsville Volunteer Fire Department deserve recognition: Chief David Blessman, Asst. Chief Jonas Bullington, Capt. Danny Cowell, Lt. Aaron Sterling, Chief of Eng. Jimmy Gregory, Donnie Johnson, Matt Baker, William Vaughn, Paul Pope, Sam Bowles, Terry Fields, Jerry Cralghead, Brandon Ingram, Josh Tisdale, Scott Bennett, Josh Collins, Melvin Paulk, Cyrus Shores and Steven Gray.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the members of the Kittrell Volunteer Fire Department for their selfless dedication and bravery in protecting our families, day and night. The Kittrell Volunteer Fire Department was established in October 1990. In their first year of service, the group responded to nearly 70 calls. Today, the Fire Department has 21 volunteers on its roster and answers between 150 and 175 calls per year. Without volunteer fire halls, like Kittrell, many places in the Sixth District would lack effective fire protection. In the state of Tennessee, over 70 percent of fire service is provided by volunteers. Among these volunteers, almost 75 percent work other daily jobs. Ensuring our families' safety is not without risk. Sadly, an average of two firefighters die each year in Tennessee in the line of duty. In 2007, the Tennessee Fire Services and Code Academy dedicated a memorial on their main campus in Bell Buckle to honor those Tennessee firefighters who have died in the line of duty. For their willingness to serve, the following members of the Kittrell Volunteer Fire Department deserve recognition: Members: Asst. Chief Tracey Curray, Asst. Chief Joe Barrett, Capt. Bobby Brewer, Capt. James Paul, Lt. Tim Curray, Lt. Alison Mitchell, Chris Kirksey, Dewayne Hayes, Alvin Brandon, Adam Long, Addison Bond, Charles Sayler, John Lugo, Jr., John Wiseman, Brad Lynn and Stephanie Taylor; Members who also serve on Board of Directors: Fire Chief George Curray, Laughlin Youree, John Donnell, Bud Mitchell and Matt Lane; Board of Directors: Glenn Mitchell, Faye Curray, Robert Adams, Joseph Peay and Jim Puckett.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the members of the Baptist Ridge Volunteer Fire Department for their selfless dedication and bravery in protecting our families, day and night. The Baptist Ridge Volunteer Fire Department was established in 2000 in order to serve the city of Hilham. Today, the department has 21 volunteers on its roster. Without volunteer fire halls, like Baptist Ridge, many places in the Sixth District would lack effective fire protection. In the state of Tennessee, over 70 percent of fire service is provided by volunteers. Among these volunteers, almost 75 percent work other daily jobs. Ensuring our families' safety is not without risk. Sadly, an average of two firefighters die each year in Tennessee in the line of duty. In 2005, the Tennessee Fire Services and Code Academy dedicated a memorial on their main campus in Baptist Ridge to honor those Tennessee firefighters who have died in the line of duty. For their willingness to serve, the following members of the Baptist Ridge Volunteer Fire Department deserve recognition: Chief David Boles, Asst. Chief Joe Boles, Capt. Jackie Hamlet, Lt. Ted Tucker, Anthony Boles, Ravy Watson, Dewayne Scott, Johnny Allen, Kevin Taylor, Mark Minske, Kenny Estep, Bobby Gene Lee, Kyle Spear, Farrah Spear, Reba Allen, Brenda Boles, Robert Abney, Kimberly Tucker, Linda Elam, Mary Boles and Wanton Young.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the members of the Shackle Island Volunteer Fire Department for their selfless dedication and bravery in protecting our families, day and night. The Shackle Island Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1992, with a donated fire engine by the Nashville Fire Department. The department has 30 members and a waiting list to join. The department purchased a new engine in 2001 and a new tanker in 2004. Without volunteer fire halls, like Shackle Island, many places in the Sixth District would lack effective fire protection. In the State of Tennessee, over 70 percent of fire service is provided by volunteers. Among these volunteers, almost 75 percent work other daily jobs. Ensuring our families' safety is not without risk. Sadly, an average of two firefighters die each year in Tennessee in the line of duty. In 2005, the Tennessee Fire Services and Code Academy dedicated a memorial on their main campus in Bell Buckle to honor those Tennessee firefighters who have died in the line of duty. For their willingness to serve, the following members of the Shackle Island Volunteer Fire Department deserve recognition: Chief Martin Bowers, Asst. Chief Barney Marshall, Captain Mike Elmore, Captain Row Wills, Lt. Brad Haynie, Lt. James Hendricks, Lt. Don Kemper, Lt. Ike Mills, Safety Officer Wynn Batson, Rick Lawson, Paul Christian, Paul Harter, Jeff Garrett, Kevin Douglas, David Frost, Mike Scudder, T.J. Taylor, Cody Steele, L.J. Millington, Jason Davis, Don Sizemore, Chris Parks, Jackie Vickers, Nick Traini, Dick Dickerson, Bill Mounts, Randy Roe, J.C. Russum, Nancy Reding, Mike Hackett, Jessie Devries, Jr., FF Scotty Sizemore and Jr. FF Mikey Taylor.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I would submit the following editorial from the Los Angeles Times for the Record. [From the Los Angeles Times, Nov. 15, 2007] When the CIA Comes Calling (By R. James Woolsey) When I was director of Central Intelligence during President Clinton's first term, I had occasion to go hat in hand to the private sector several times. In one case, it was a detail that, if made public, could have caused a valuable source to be captured or killed; in another, there was a technical feature of a system in production that, slightly modified, was of great help to the nation. In these several cases, executives of American companies heard me out and willingly met my requests, to the substantial benefit of our national security. They had no legal requirement to do so, and they knew it. They were helping solely out of a sense of patriotism and an understanding that some steps that the nation needs to take in a dangerous world cannot be taken in public, simply because informing the public informs an opponent or an enemy. Shortly after 9/11, something similar happened. Senior U.S. officials asked telecommunications companies to assist the government in intercepts involving terrorist groups such as those that had just attacked us and killed thousands of people. In these cases, President Bush authorized the intercepts and the senior officials gave written assurances to the companies that their cooperation was legal. In my judgment, the president acted properly; he had the authority under the Constitution to ask for such intercepts. In addition, his request was reasonable because surveillance of enemy-to-American communications is a time-honored means of intelligence gathering in the U.S. George Washington did it; those under his command intercepted and read correspondence between Benedict Arnold and his spy handler, foiling the plot to turn the fort at West Point over to the British. But even if one believes the request was illegal and unreasonable--and there are distinguished constitutional lawyers and patriotic citizens on both sides of this debate-- the issue currently before the Senate Judiciary Committee is much narrower. It is whether the telecommunications companies that complied with the president's request and trusted the government's assurances of legality should be granted immunity from about 40 lawsuits demanding billions of dollars. Sen. John D. ``Jay'' Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), chairman of the Intelligence Committee, has stated that companies ``should not be dragged through the courts for their help with national security.'' And now Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D- Calif.), a member of the Judiciary Committee, has endorsed his statement, saying that the companies should not be ``held hostage to costly litigation in what is essentially a complaint about [Bush] administration activities.'' Feinstein is a member of the one-vote Democratic majority on the Judiciary Committee, and it is possible that her position will determine the outcome. I hope it does. Her stance is farsighted. Having once, when I was practicing law, taken depositions for months about a single one-hour meeting, I know something about how burdensome litigation can be. If, in the end, the surveillance request made by the government is deemed improper, the government should be held accountable, not those who complied with its request. We live in a world of terrorism, the possible proliferation of nuclear weapons and a host of other risks to our security. Intelligence, and the cooperation of the private sector in obtaining and protecting it, will be among our most important tools to avoid catastrophes such as 9/11 or worse. If some future senior government official needs to make a call on a CEO of the sort I did, and that others did after 9/ 11, we and our children will be better off if the official can answer the question ``Can you guarantee that my company won't be sued if we help the country?'' with ``If it happens, we'll get protective legislation approved as in 2007.'' We would be in much more danger if, because companies that helped after 9/11 became ensnared in years of litigation and financial losses, that official has to answer the question with a shrug.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the members of the Baxter Volunteer Fire Department for their selfless dedication and bravery in protecting our families, day and night. The Baxter Volunteer Fire Department began in the 1950s with a donated 1947 Ford Pumper and a handful of volunteers. Currently, the department has 14 volunteers on its roster. Without volunteer fire halls, like Baxter, many places in the Sixth District would lack effective fire protection. In the state of Tennessee, over 70 percent of fire service is provided by volunteers. Among these volunteers, almost 75 percent work other daily jobs. Ensuring our families' safety is not without risk. Sadly, an average of two firefighters die each year in Tennessee in the line of duty. In 2005, the Tennessee Fire Services and Code Academy dedicated a memorial on their main campus in Bell Buckle to honor those Tennessee firefighters who have died in the line of duty. For their willingness to serve, the following members of the Baxter Volunteer Fire Department deserve recognition: Chief Cris Austin, Asst. Chief Richard McBroom, Capt. Josh Herron, Capt. Fabron Nicholson, Lt. John Ramsey, Steve Warren, Bob Hicks, Joel Qualls, Jason Jones, Mike Randolph, Justin Ramsey, Shane Whitehead and Cadet Firefighters Dustin Stanton and Dusty Mahan.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 200th anniversary of Bedford County, Tennessee, which I have the honor of representing in this esteemed body. The community in Middle Tennessee will commemorate its bicentennial on December 3. The area of Bedford County was established by the Tennessee General Assembly by carving out a portion of Rutherford County to extend south to the state's boundary with the Mississippi Territory in present-day Alabama. The county was named for Capt. Thomas Bedford, a soldier who served in the American Revolution. Today, Bedford County may be best known as the Walking Horse Capital of the World. For nearly 70 years, thousands of people have gathered in Shelbyville, the county seat, during late August and early September for the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. During the first Celebration in 1939, more than 40,000 people attended the event. In June of each year, nearby Bell Buckle hosts the annual RC and Moon Pie Festival. During the weekend of the festival, the tiny town of 400 residents receives about 15,000 visitors who are able to participate in a 10-mile run, watch parades, spit watermelon seeds and have a taste of the world's largest Moon Pie. County Mayor Eugene Ray and the rest of the Bicentennial Committee will lead next month's celebration. They have done an outstanding job of organizing this event, and I commend their efforts. The communities that make up Bedford County have great reason to take pride in their beautiful slice of Middle Tennessee. I wish them well and hope the next 200 years are as prosperous as the first 200 years.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the members of the Fosterville Volunteer Fire Department for their selfless dedication and bravery in protecting our families, day and night. The Fosterville Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1989 with 10 firefighters and an old handed-down U.S. Army truck. The department has 14 volunteers on its roster and has already responded to over 30 calls in 2007. Without volunteer fire halls, like Fosterville, many places in the Sixth District would lack effective fire protection. In the state of Tennessee, over 70 percent of fire service is provided by volunteers. Among these volunteers, almost 75 percent work other daily jobs. Ensuring our families' safety is not without risk. Sadly, an average of two firefighters die each year in Tennessee in the line of duty. In 2005, the Tennessee Fire Services and Code Academy dedicated a memorial on their main campus in Bell Buckle to honor those Tennessee firefighters who have died in the line of duty. For their willingness to serve, the following members of the Fosterville Volunteer Fire Department deserve recognition: Chief Bob DeCarlo, Deputy Chief Billy Wallace, Capt. Chuck Lloyd, Lt. Andy Kimbrell, Lt. Issac Keith, Administrative Firefighter Emily Bradley, Training Officer Kevin Kimberlin, Chaplin and Firefighter Clark Sneed, J.D. Iddings, James Bass, Jason Zimmerman, Mark Bonifant and Woman Auxiliaries Emily Bradley, Mary Bass, Candice Lloyd and Jennifer Chapman; Explorer Junior Firefighters: Andrew Redd, Tiffany Kimberlin and Brandi Kimbrell.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the members of the Bell Buckle Volunteer Fire Department for their selfless dedication and bravery in protecting our families, day and night. The Bell Buckle Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1950 with 15 firefighters, a chief and a truck. Currently, the fire department has 20 volunteers on its training roster and is building an addition to the Fire Hall that will house six trucks. Without volunteer fire halls, like Bell Buckle, many places in the Sixth District would lack effective fire protection. In the state of Tennessee, over 70 percent of fire service is provided by volunteers. Among these volunteers, almost 75 percent work other daily jobs. Ensuring our families' safety is not without risk. Sadly, an average of two firefighters die each year in Tennessee in the line of duty. In 2005, the Tennessee Fire Services and Code Academy dedicated a memorial on their main campus in Bell Buckle to honor those Tennessee firefighters who have died in the line of duty. For their willingness to serve, the following members of the Bell Buckle Volunteer Fire Department deserve recognition: Chief Mary Lokey, Deputy Chief Ronnie Lokey, Deputy Chief Dave Fisher, Richard Miller, Brian Wafford, Brian Lokey, John Crosslin, Jenna Gragg, Matthew Joseph, Nathan Gragg, Jason Rieben, Matthew Gragg, Travis Miller, Robert Gown, Leo Wilcox, Whitt Ross, Ken Del Villar, Adam Prince, Cain Owens and Daniel Gragg. Also listed on the training roster are retired Chief James Elkin and Phillip Daniel, Gone But Not Forgotten.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor George E. Barrett for his 50 years of service in Nashville's legal profession. A long-time champion of civil rights, George has gained a reputation as one of Tennessee's foremost judicial consciences. During the 1950s and 1960s, Nashville was the backdrop for many powerful demonstrations during the Civil Rights Movement, including the famous lunch counter sit-ins. In the midst of that movement, George Barrett earned his law degree blocks away at Vanderbilt University and decided to practice law right there in the city where he grew up. George made a name for himself as a defender of the underdog. His work on Tennessee's Geier case is a remarkable example of a civil rights issue that George tenaciously took on and saw through its duration of more than three decades. George has been a friend for many years, and I congratulate him on his 50 years as a fearless attorney. As one of the partners at his law firm wisely suggested, we doubt he will ever actually retire. I wish George many more years of success and happiness in his career and in his personal life.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the members of the Portland Volunteer Fire Department for their selfless dedication and bravery in protecting our families, day and night. The Portland Volunteer Fire Department serves 64 square miles of Sumner County outside the city limits. The department has received three U.S Homeland Department of Security grants. Without volunteer fire halls, like Portland, many places in the Sixth District would lack effective fire protection. In the state of Tennessee, over 70 percent of fire service is provided by volunteers. Among these volunteers, almost 75 percent work other daily jobs. Ensuring our families' safety is not without risk. Sadly, an average of two firefighters die each year in Tennessee in the line of duty. In 2005, the Tennessee Fire Services and Code Academy dedicated a memorial on their main campus in Bell Buckle to honor those Tennessee firefighters who have died in the line of duty. For their willingness to serve, the following members of the Portland Volunteer Fire Department deserve recognition: Chief Kenny Crowson, Asst. Chief George Knuckols, Captain Richard Lanius, Lt. Jessica Knuckols, Lt. Bobby Wilson, Tony Green, Brent Dyer, Josh Covington, Tav Matthews, Arthur Benjamin, Samantha Roberson, Scott Meece, Lindi Costner, Williams Keen, Russ Caudill, David Roberson, and Jim Youngblood.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the members of the Mt. Vernon Volunteer Fire Department for their selfless dedication and bravery in protecting our families, day and night. In 2005, Mt. Vernon Volunteer Fire Department responded to 14 wild land, brush and grass fires. They ran 24 vehicle accidents and E.M.S. calls, eight residence fires, and 23 others for a total of 69 responses. Without volunteer fire halls, like Mt. Vernon, many places in the Sixth District would lack effective fire protection. In the state of Tennessee, over 70 percent of fire service is provided by volunteers. Among these volunteers, almost 75 percent work other daily jobs. Ensuring our families' safety is not without risk. Sadly, an average of two firefighters die each year in Tennessee in the line of duty. In 2005, the Tennessee Fire Services and Code Academy dedicated a memorial on their main campus in Bell Buckle to honor those Tennessee firefighters who have died in the line of duty. For their willingness to serve, the following members of the Mt. Vernon Volunteer Fire Department deserve recognition: Chief Ray D. Hicks, Faye Hicks, David Dyer, Cheryl Dyer, Coel Bean, Rickey Bean, Randy Bean, Mary Bean, Harold Hatcher, Eddy Hatcher, Jason Rhoton, Shawn Hatcher, Shannon Hatcher, Johnny Young, Denise Rhoton, Crystal Key, Robert Cox, Adam Bryant, and Craig Copess.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the members of the Orlinda Volunteer Fire Department for their selfless dedication and bravery in protecting our families, day and night. The Orlinda Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1973 and today is made up of 20 brave, hardworking men and women. These firefighters also serve as medical first responders. Without volunteer fire halls, like Orlinda, many places in the Sixth District would lack effective fire protection. In the state of Tennessee, over 70 percent of fire service is provided by volunteers. Among these volunteers, almost 75 percent work other daily jobs. Ensuring our families' safety is not without risk. Sadly, an average of two firefighters die each year in Tennessee in the line of duty. In 2005, the Tennessee Fire Services and Code Academy dedicated a memorial on their main campus in Bell Buckle to honor those Tennessee firefighters who have died in the line of duty. For their willingness to serve, the following members of the Orlinda Volunteer Fire Department deserve recognition: Chief Dusty Johnson Sr. Assistant Chief Nancy Johnson, Captain Dusty Johnson Jr. Captain Charlie Groves, Captain David Spivey, Clay Frey, Justin Barnhill, Bubba Dorris, Nick Poe, Jason Hemper, Ashley Johnson, Amanda Groves, Travis Garman, Mike Brinley, Jason Vanderheyden, Derrick Crossfield, Larry Phillips, Peter Pecori, Tommy Clowers, Judy Barnhill, John Barnhill, Rachael Payne, Paul Jones, Noah Payne, and Daniel Couch.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the members of the Monterey Volunteer Fire Department for their selfless dedication and bravery in protecting our families, day and night. In 2000, the Monterey Volunteer Fire Department bought a new pumper fire engine for their 1985 Ford fire engine. The Monterey Fire Department is privileged and honored to serve their community and their country. Without volunteer fire halls, like Monterey, many places in the Sixth District would lack effective fire protection. In the state of Tennessee, over 70 percent of fire service is provided by volunteers. Among these volunteers, almost 75 percent work other daily jobs. Ensuring our families' safety is not without risk. Sadly, an average of two firefighters die each year in Tennessee in the line of duty. In 2005, the Tennessee Fire Services and Code Academy dedicated a memorial on their main campus in Bell Buckle to honor those Tennessee firefighters who have died in the line of duty. For their willingness to serve, the following members of the Monterey Volunteer Fire Department deserve recognition: Chief Richard Milligan, Assistant Chief Kevin Peters, Johnny Bowman, Mike Looper, Jeff Hicks, Matt Parrott, Jody Key, John Webb, Jonathan Sisco and Terry Coggside.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the members of the Lancaster Volunteer Fire Department for their selfless dedication and bravery in protecting our families, day and night. The Lancaster Volunteer Fire Department is a small, rural fire department in a close-knit community. The department hosts the Fire Hall Jam every August. Without volunteer fire halls, like Lancaster, many places in the Sixth District would lack effective fire protection. In the state of Tennessee, over 70 percent of fire service is provided by volunteers. Among these volunteers, almost 75 percent work other daily jobs. Ensuring our families' safety is not without risk. Sadly, an average of two firefighters die each year in Tennessee in the line of duty. In 2005, the Tennessee Fire Services and Code Academy dedicated a memorial on their main campus in Bell Buckle to honor those Tennessee firefighters who have died in the line of duty. For their willingness to serve, the following members of the Lancaster Volunteer Fire Department deserve recognition: Chief Tim Manning, Asst. Chief Larry Moss, Keith Williams, Honorary Lifetime Member Bradley Helm, Tim Bates, Larry Watts, Danny Bass, Ellic Gullett, James Grentry, Kevin Moss, and Keith Boyd.