Bart Gordon

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 175th year of existence of the Woodbury Church of Christ. The Middle Tennessee congregation will celebrate the church's 175th anniversary during festivities slated for March 13-16. The Woodbury Church of Christ began in 1830 when Tolbert Fanning baptized Elizabeth Gowan, wife of Dr. W.D. Gowan, in the Stones River. In 1836, William West donated the property upon which the first church was erected in 1842. A new building was built on the same site in 1889. It still stands today. In 1868, the Woodbury Church of Christ reported 100 members. Today, the Church has 850 members. Minister Herb Alsup has served the Church for more than 27 years. He is helped by Junior Associate Minister Al Bugg Jr.; Missions Outreach Minister Howard Swann; Youth Minister Tim Knox; elders Lannie Burger, Clayton Glenn and Ray LeFevers; and deacons Mark Bailey, Mike Bailey, Dale Bush, Mike Corley, Mark Elkins, Bob Fuller, Jimmy Merryman, Boyd Pitts, Jeff Reed and Greg Rogers. The Woodbury Church of Christ helps the community's needy through its outreach center, which provides clothing and food, and other benevolent work. The congregation's mission program is very active, having started three churches in the past five years. The new churches are Bright Angel Church of Christ in Las Vegas, Nevada; Emerald Beach Church of Christ in Panama City Beach, Florida; and Cleveland Church of Christ in Cleveland, Georgia. The Woodbury Church of Christ also supports churches and ministers in 10 foreign countries and nine other cities in the United States. Woodbury is a better place because of the work of the Woodbury Church of Christ and its congregation. I am sure the church will continue to make a positive difference in the community for the next 175 years, and I congratulate the congregation and Minister Herb Alsup for all the good work they have done.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, today, Representative Waxman and I are introducing a bill to protect the integrity of science conducted and utilized by the federal government: The Restore Scientific Integrity to Federal Research and Policymaking Act of 2005. The Restore Scientific Integrity to Federal Research and Policymaking Act makes it illegal for any federal official to tamper with research findings, censor findings of research or to disseminate findings known to be false or misleading. It extends whistleblower protections to federal scientists who disclose incidents of political interference with science. The Restore Scientific Integrity to Federal Research and Policymaking Act codifies the recommendations made by the Government Accountability Office in their April 2004 report to Representative Johnson and Representative Baird. These provisions will improve the process for evaluating appointees to federal scientific advisory committees and make the advisory committee appointment and deliberation process more transparent to the public. We need this legislation. The Administration has turned a deaf ear on the science community's call to restore scientific integrity in policymaking, including the voices of 48 Nobel Laureates, 62 National Medal of Science recipients, and 135 members of the National Academy of Sciences. While it is true that no Administration has been immune from the temptation to politicize science or has failed to succumb on occasion to this illness, the chronic condition displayed by this Administration requires strong medicine. Two years ago, the Administration suggested that the incidents raised by the press, by Representative Waxman's Government Reform Committee staff report, and in the February 2004 report by the Union of Concerned Scientists were a series of misunderstandings or a partisan effort to defame the Bush Administration's science policies. However, reports of the manipulation of science and information by the Administration have continued unabated. The diversity of complaints and their sources is unprecedented. Incidents have been reported by the non-governmental science community, former appointees of both Republican and Democratic administrations, Inspectors General of federal agencies, and career federal scientists. Just this past week, two additional incidents have emerged. EPA's Inspector General issued a report indicating the Agency's senior management instructed EPA staff to produce a standard to fit a pre- determined national emission limit for mercury from power plants. And a survey of federal scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service released by the Union of Concerned Scientists and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility indicates a serious morale problem and a disturbing pattern of suppression and manipulation of scientific results by political appointees at the Agency. Federal scientists should be free to conduct their research without fear of political censorship. Federal scientists should be active participants in the larger scientific community. Scientific progress occurs when we foster the open exchange of ideas and information. We must maintain a culture of openness and freedom of inquiry if we are to maintain the preeminent status of this nation in the world scientific community, develop new technologies, and to safeguard our environment and public health. It is common in Washington to talk about the importance of basing government policy on reliable scientific and technical information and analyses. We can only accomplish that if politics does not unduly influence the objectivity and independence of our nation's scientific enterprise. The Restore Scientific Integrity to Federal Research and Policymaking Act of 2005 will ensure that scientific integrity remains the hallmark of all science conducted in this nation. I urge all my colleagues to join Representative Waxman and me in support of this legislation.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding service of Richard Puckett, the operations manager of the Mid- Cumberland area of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Richard is retiring from the Corps after 42 years of service. During his tenure Middle Tennessee communities saw vast improvements to recreational facilities available on Corps-managed lakes in the Mid- Cumberland region that I represent. Not only do these lakes and facilities improve the mental and physical well-being of our citizens, they also greatly benefit local economies. Richard, therefore, can take much credit for enhancing the lives of many Middle Tennesseans. His professionalism and responsiveness to the public's needs have been admirable. It has been a real pleasure working with Richard and his staff over the years. The Corps of Engineers and the people of the Mid-Cumberland are going to miss him, but Richard deserves some recreational time of his own. Once again, I congratulate him on a great career and wish him the best in his retirement.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a valued staff member--Marty Ralston--who has announced her retirement and will be leaving us at the end of this month. She is one of the longest serving Democratic staff members in the history of the Committee on Science, and will be greatly missed. Marty came to the committee in the 95th Congress and for more than 27 years, has carried out her duties during the tenure of seven different chairmen and eight different ranking minority members. Marty initially served on the staff of the Science, Research, and Technology subcommittee, but eventually moved to the staff of Natural Resources and Environment subcommittee and then to that of the full committee. In addition to her current work as the staff assistant of the Environment, Technology, and Standards Subcommittee, Marty organizes the Committee's legislative hearings. It is commonly acknowledged that Marty has staffed more hearings than anyone else in the history of the Committee on Science. One former subcommittee staff director described her as ``marvelous'' and Marty is widely known for her warmth, kindness, and unflagging dedication to both the Committee and its staff. Others describe her as a ``life-saver'' whose attention to detail and proven experience has helped countless fellow staffers go the extra mile in their work each day. Marty has persevered in the face of personal trials and family challenges. Her dedication to our team is eclipsed only by her dedication to her son Sean, daughter-in-law Julie, and the pending arrival of her first grandchild. Marty is an important part of the Committee's institutional memory whose welcoming demeanor and ready answers are tools our staff has come to expect and rely on. The Science Committee's Members and staff wish Marty well as she moves on to new endeavors, a relaxing retirement and life as a devoted grandmother. Thank you, Marty, for your many years of dedicated and loyal service.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to let my colleagues know that Terese McDonald, the longest serving Democratic staff member in the history of the Committee on Science, has announced her retirement at the end of this Congress. Terese came to the committee in the 94th Congress when Olin ``Tiger'' Teague was the committee's chairman, and for almost 30 years, she has carried out her duties during the tenure of seven different chairmen and eight different ranking minority members. For most of this period, Terese has served on the full committee Democratic staff and has worked on administrative, investigative and legislative matters. For instance, when the committee decided to do a sweeping, year-long review of U.S. science policy in the 1980s, Terese was selected to serve on that staff. In recent years, Terese has reported directly to the committee's Democratic Chief of Staff and, among her many duties, has maintained the committee's records. Quick to blush, Terese is famous for her even temperament, her sense of humor and her willingness to help out all who need her services. These fine qualities continued to shine through Terese's demeanor even during an incredibly trying period last year when the home she shares with her husband, Paul, was washed away by Hurricane Isabel. Terese is an important part of the committee's corporate memory. Her experience, knowledge and warm smile will be impossible to replace. The Science Committee's Members and staff wish Terese and her family well as she moves on to new endeavors. Thank you, Terese, for your many years of dedicated service. We will miss your service.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 150th year of existence of the Normandy United Methodist Church of Normandy, Tennessee. The congregation will celebrate the church's 150th anniversary on Sunday, November 7, 2004, with a special homecoming and luncheon. Changing its name from the Methodist Episcopal Church South to Normandy United Methodist Church in 1968 is only one way the church has changed in order to positively serve its members and its surrounding community. My parents, Robert and Margaret Gordon, were married at this church in 1947, and the church has fostered ongoing relationships with several others within the community and its congregation since its beginning. Normandy United Methodist Church has served the community and its congregation for well over a century and a half. Just as the church has renovated and expanded its physical structure, so have they also renovated people's lives by expanding their ministry throughout the neighborhood and around the world. Normandy is a better place because of the work of Normandy United Methodist Church and its congregation. I am sure the church will continue to make a positive difference in the community for the next 150 years and congratulate the congregation and Reverend De Hennessy for all the good they have done.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Annie Cox for her remarkable career as an educator. Mrs. Cox has been teaching Middle Tennessee's children for an astounding 56 years. Generations of families have had the privilege of being her students. Mrs. Cox began her extraordinary teaching career by spending a year in the Nashville Public School System. She then took a position with Cannon County Schools, where she has remained for the past 55 years. She has been honored nine times as a local Teacher of the Year. Middle Tennessee State University has inducted her into its Tennessee Teacher Hall of Fame. And three different governors have recognized her outstanding service. While earning these accolades, Mrs. Cox has found time to coach girls' basketball for the past three decades. Her players have learned more than just on-the-court skills; they have learned character traits that last a lifetime. The students and teachers of West Side School in Readyville, Tennesseee, will honor their beloved Mrs. Cox on Sunday, November 21, with the dedication of the ``Dr.'' Annie Cox Pavilion. The pavilion, which was funded entirely by generous donations, will serve as a gathering point for future generations of Cannon County residents. Annie Cox's devotion to her students can inspire us all. I commend her for her unselfish service and wish her all the best in the future.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend Gene Hooper's service to the banking community of Middle Tennessee. Gene and his wife, Vera, are residents of Cookeville, Tennessee. Fresh out of high school, Gene began working at Third National Bank in 1954. There, he formed a partnership with Homer Tidwell, and the two young men teamed up to win the American Institute of Banking's National Debate Contest. Gene continued working for Third National Bank for more than 20 years. In 1976, he joined the Bank of Putnam County. At the time, the bank was preparing to open its second office in Cookeville. Under Gene's leadership, the Bank of Putnam County has grown into a two-bank holding company with 12 offices in four counties. Gene has been a leader in banking, as well as a leader in the community. He has served as an officer in the American Institute of Banking, and he has served on the government relations committees for both the Tennessee Bankers Association and the American Bankers Association. He also is an active member of the Cookeville Chamber of Commerce and Cookeville Noon Rotary. Gene has accomplished much in his 50 years of service. I thank him for his good advice over the years, and I congratulate him on his long and distinguished career.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I would say that all the men and women on our subcommittee on my side of the aisle would echo those remarks. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as we conclude this important bill, I would just like to say that I served as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics with the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher) for most of those 8 years. In my 20 years in Congress, I have not served with a more fair, decent or knowledgeable chairman as the gentleman. And I will also say that, within his discretion, which was most of the time, he could not have been more bipartisan in trying to find solutions to our joint concerns. So I very sincerely say that the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, the Committee on Science, our country is a better place for the gentleman's service to the Committee on Science.

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Roybal-Allard), the original sponsor of this important bill.

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from Houston, Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee). (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I join my friend, the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher), in support of H.J. Res. 57 which recognizes, through a sense of Congress, the contribution of the seven Columbia astronauts by supporting the establishment of a Columbia Memorial Science Learning Center in Downey, California. The Columbia shuttle accident was a great tragedy in American history. These courageous astronauts were dedicated to scientific research and stimulated the interest of American children in space flight and science. The crew members gave their lives in trying to benefit the education of American children. Accordingly, an appropriate tribute to their memory would be to expand educational opportunities in science by the establishment of a center and museum to provide children and teachers with activities and information derived from American space science and research. A fitting site for such a memorial is the former manufacturing site of the space shuttles, including the Columbia and Challenger, in the city of Downey, California. City officials have worked diligently with the NASA officials to develop this center. As a result, it is both appropriate and important for Congress to endorse this effort. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GORDON. I yield to the gentlewoman from Texas.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Madam Speaker, this hurricane season was predicted to be an active one. Unfortunately, the prediction is being fulfilled. We have not yet come to the end of the season and already the eastern half of the country has experienced widespread damage due to three of these storms--hurricanes Charley, Frances and Ivan. In addition, two other offshore hurricanes are being monitored as we speak. The severe coastal damage in Florida and Alabama, widespread inland flooding, and tornadoes have resulted in loss of life and property throughout the eastern part of the nation--including my home state of Tennessee. We should move quickly to provide assistance to our citizens who are now beginning to assess the damage and make plans to rebuild their homes, communities and businesses. They have a daunting task in the days ahead. The effects of these storms are devastating, however, without accurate forecasting and time to prepare the toll in human lives would have been unimaginable. Our investments in research and development, weather satellites, specialized aircraft and computer modeling capability coupled with the dedication and professionalism of NOAA's employees has paid off in the timely warnings that we rely upon. Madam Speaker, with this resolution we express our gratitude to the federal employees and their partners in the commercial weather business for their efforts in bringing the life-saving warnings and forecasts to our citizens. I urge my colleagues to support this effort to recognize the important work done by the employees of NOAA.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of my friend, Lee Victory. It is only fitting that a year after his passing, his beloved hometown of Smyrna, TN, would name its recreation park after him. I was there 20 years ago when the park first opened, largely due to Lee's efforts. Lee loved his family, and he loved Smyrna. He worked very hard to make the community a better place to live and was a leader in the development of its recreational parks. Lee was involved with area youth long before Smyrna had a park. He was instrumental in starting Little League and Babe Ruth baseball and youth football leagues. I'm sure his five sons--Kenneth ``Coon,'' Billy, Eddie, E.A., and Carl David--had something to do with Lee's involvement in youth programs. Team sports, he probably knew, would help make his boys more responsible and keep them out of trouble, at least during practices and games. Lee would later become the head of maintenance for the Smyrna Parks and Recreation Department. He also was well known for his annual fish fry, but his biggest legacy is to Smyrna's young people. This Saturday morning, in a fitting tribute to my friend just before the start of a ball game, Mayor Bob Spivey, ``Coon'' Victory and representatives from the soccer, girls' softball, Little League baseball and youth football teams will unveil a monument dedicating the Lee Victory Recreation Park. This monument will be a reminder to all residents of Smyrna that Lee's contributions and efforts improved the quality of life for all, especially the children. I congratulate the town for honoring someone who gave so much of his time and energy ensuring that children had the opportunity to play sports and learn valuable skills.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding community service of Christine Huddleston, who has taken care of the needs of the homeless for 50 years. In fact, she has been running a homeless shelter in my hometown of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, for nearly 18 of those years. Room at the Inn is a clean, safe place for the homeless to get their lives back in order. While Christine compassionately nurtures those who stay at the shelter, she expects everyone to pull his or her own weight. Accordingly, residents are expected to get gainful employment and do their fair share of chores around the facility. She has helped everyone from college professors to the working poor get back on their feet again. That's why many who stay at the shelter lovingly refer to her as ``Ma.'' Christine's unique understanding of human nature has allowed her to help people strengthen their self esteem and make a better life for themselves. But make no mistake about it, she is not a push over and knows when to practice tough love. Christine's dedication to her work and the Room at the Inn has garnered her much support and admiration from the community. What started out as a small operation supported by only seven local churches has evolved into a community-wide effort aided by 70 churches, the business community and the city of Murfreesboro. I commend Christine for her hard work and tireless service to the homeless. She epitomizes what it means to be a Christian.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio for helping bring this bill forward. Mr. Speaker, let me first follow up on the comments of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton) that this bill really originated from a tragedy in Senator Gordon Smith's family. We all respect him for his courage in bringing this up, and our condolences go out to the Smith family on the first anniversary of that tragedy. I also thank the gentleman from Texas (Chairman Barton) for his hard work in expediting this bill. When this was taken to him earlier, he said he would do his best to bring it up. And as he always does, he not only did his best, he accomplished it, and I thank him for that. Unfortunately, it is certainly no fault of the chairman that this Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act which started out as a bipartisan agreement is now mired in political extremism and really bizarre anecdotes. Let me be clear. I support the Senate version of this bill. The bill passed that body unanimously with the support of the White House. I sponsored the companion bill in the House. Unfortunately, a small group in the House have insisted on inserting language that undermines the very programs we are seeking to encourage. The language would require schools to treat suicide prevention programs differently from all other school-sponsored programs, requiring prior written parental permission for a child to even attend a suicide prevention and awareness event. This would make suicide- prevention programs the only type of school-sponsored program with such a requirement. Suicide is a silent epidemic in this country. There are about 600,000 teen suicide attempts each year that require emergency room care and hundreds of thousands more that are never reported. It is the third leading cause of death for older teens and the fourth leading cause of death for ages 10 to 14. Making it harder for schools to sponsor suicide-prevention programs undermines the goals of this legislation, and it perpetuates the very stigma that we are trying to overcome, and that is it is not okay to talk about youth suicide. Groups which have advised on this bill, including the National Mental Health Association, the Suicide Prevention Action Network, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, oppose this language. It puts passage in the Senate in question, and it puts hope of seeing this measure quickly reach the President in jeopardy. Mr. Speaker, while in Congress I have witnessed some frustrating moments, and this one ranks right up there at the top. Regrettably, it is increasingly rare these days for Members of Congress to set aside partisan politics, but we tried to do so on this bill because it was in the best interest of our Nation. However, in memory of our constituents and my colleagues' children who have lost their lives to suicide, I will reluctantly vote for this bill to keep this critically important legislation from dying in the House. I hope that this problematic language will be modified in the Senate.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Luke Palder on the completion of his internship. Luke has been a tremendous help to me and my staff while he has interned in my Washington, DC, office this summer. This is Luke's second summer as an intern for a member of the House of Representatives, which is remarkable when you consider that Luke will begin his senior year of high school this fall. Luke dedicates himself to excellence, and he commits himself fully to every project he undertakes. His internship in my office has been no exception. He has received the highest praise from constituents who have toured the U.S. Capitol with him. And he has proven himself to be a valuable addition to the office. Luke treats everyone he meets with kindness and respect. With his dedication and determination, I am sure that he will be successful in every endeavor he pursues. I wish him all the best in the future.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the many contributions William Pomeroy has made while interning in my Washington, D.C., office. Will, a fellow Middle Tennessean, has been a wonderful addition to the office and a great servant to the constituents of Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District. But Will must return to Knoxville for his sophomore year at the University of Tennessee, where he is a member of the Young Democrats and the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. During his internship, Will won over the entire staff with his ever- present eagerness and genuine interest in public affairs. He has attended briefings, addressed constituent concerns and served as a friendly and informative tour guide of the U.S. Capitol, providing visitors from Middle Tennessee with a personalized look at a national treasure. I hope Will has enjoyed his internship as much as my staff and I have enjoyed his presence in the office. I wish him all the best in the future.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment, and would like to quickly remind my colleagues that this is not an amendment that is about smoking. I recognize a lot of folks understandably have concerns about smoking. But if this amendment passes, there will not be one less cigarette sold in this country.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Jackson-Lee amendment. Mr. Chairman, I know our chairman, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Boehlert), strongly supports the MEP program, but he also knows that this administration does not. In the last 3 years, they have tried to close down the MEP program. The Jackson-Lee amendment simply stops the administration from doing administratively what they have not been able to do legislatively. I ask my colleagues to support this amendment and to keep a strong MEP program.

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Chairman, in closing, let me just say without a doubt my friend, the gentleman from Michigan (Chairman Ehlers) and the gentleman from New York (Chairman Boehlert) support the MEP program. They have been champions for the MEP program. Probably we would not have the program right now if it had not been for their help and leadership, so I do clearly acknowledge that. But it is simply not a credible argument to say that they must oppose this amendment because this $60 million increase, which is pretty much in line with what the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers) originally proposed, would bring down this bill because the administration thinks it is too much, when yesterday they both, as well as many other Members sitting here in the Chamber, Republican Members, voted for almost a $80 million increase, against the administration's wishes, in a much-needed Small Business Administration program. So it is just not a credible argument. We most all agree that the MEP is a good program. Let us try to fund it at least in a way that it can be efficient. As we mentioned earlier, for every $1 that the Federal Government puts in, it is matched by $1 more from the State and $1 additional from the private sector. That is good leverage, that is good business, and it is also a vote for the American worker. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?