Bart Gordon

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff).

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The House today has the pleasant task of congratulating the Mars Exploration Rover team for their success in landing the Spirit Rover on Mars on January 3. The pictures being returned from the surface of Mars reminds us of the excitement that comes from seeing new places for the first time and wondering what we will learn from being there. NASA, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Cornell University can be proud of what has been accomplished, and I am pleased to be a cosponsor of this resolution offered here by the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), the distinguished chairman of the Committee on Rules, my friend, who demonstrated today the power of the Committee on Rules chairman by expediting this motion. I compliment him for that, as well as the gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff) who represents several of the employees there at JPL. The premier position of the United States in planetary exploration owes much to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Astronomy textbooks after 1980 had to be rewritten in the aftermath of the epic Voyager mission, and spacecraft developed by JPL have taken us to all of the planets except for Pluto. But Mars has been a prime target for robotic exploration since the 1960s. There have been both triumphs and setbacks in that exploration as NASA has attempted ever more ambitious missions. The images have been awe-inspiring. For example, Mariner 9 showed us mountains taller than Everest and the immense Valley of the Mariners, a canyon deeper and longer than our own Grand Canyon. We have learned much from our spacecraft in orbit around Mars, but there is no substitute for being on the surface. The Spirit rover builds on the experience gained from the Viking missions of the mid- 1970s as well as from Sojourner, the rover that accompanied Mars Pathfinder to the Red Planet in 1997. This time, however, we are going to visit a lot more of the Martian neighborhood. The Nation's future in space has been much on my mind since the terrible day almost a year ago when the Space Shuttle Columbia did not make it home. The critical issue we have to address is how best to use human skills and robotic capacities in NASA's future programs. It was robotic Ranger and Lunar Orbiter spacecraft that prepared the way to the Moon for Armstrong and Aldrin, and it will be Spirit and its successors that will draw the maps future Martian explorers will carry. Mr. Speaker, JPL has provided NASA some of its proudest moments, and today we salute its latest accomplishment. I am pleased to join in the resolution proposed by the gentleman from California and recommend its adoption. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize Tommy Sanford for his 22 years of service as the assessor of property in Rutherford County, Tennessee. Tommy was first elected in 1982, and since then, he has never had an opponent. But he has decided to retire from that position at the end of his current term. During Tommy's tenure, the number of property parcels in the county has more than doubled, and the appraised value of all county property has increased by more than $10 billion. To keep up with all the work fueled by the county's phenomenal population growth, Tommy's staff has grown from 8 to 33 employees. And he is quick to give his employees credit for the success of his office. Tommy also organized and supervised the county's reappraisal department and oversaw the implementation of the county's new digitized mapping system. A progressive and dedicated public servant who strives to treat all Rutherford County property owners fairly, he has received more than 40 awards, including the 1989-90 Tennessee's Outstanding County Official. His unflinching dedication and tireless service to the county will be sorely missed. I congratulate Tommy on his outstanding career in public service and wish him well in his future endeavors.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Eldon Leslie for his nearly four decades of service to the Cookeville Area-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce. Eldon is retiring as the president and chief executive office of the chamber, a position he has held since 1967. Eldon's career with the chamber has been remarkable. His leadership and vision have played an integral role in bringing 35 new manufacturing facilities to the Middle Tennessee community of Cookeville and Putnam County. His efforts also helped bring a branch of Nashville State Technical Community College to Cookeville, which strengthened the community's higher education component already anchored by Tennessee Technological University. Eldon established the chamber's highly successful Adopt-A-School program and helped develop the Cookeville/Putnam County Clean Commission, as well. And as a leading proponent of economic development in the region, Eldon conceived of and developed the ``4th State of Tennessee'' concept, which promotes industrial development along the Highway 111 corridor. Through the years, Eldon has been a dedicated and untiring servant to the community. His efforts have been lauded by many and validated through awards too numerous to mention. I salute Eldon for his hard work and contributions that have made Putnam County a better place to live and raise a family. Thanks for a job well done, Eldon, and good luck in your future endeavors.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding work being done at Upper Cumberland Cardiology Consultants. The Cookeville, Tennessee, medical office has been accredited a ``Cardiovascular Center of Excellence'' by the Consortium for Southeastern Hypertension Control, one of only four such centers in the state. Through this association, the cardiology group will have access to an expansive network of cardiovascular knowledge and resources across the Southeast. Upper Cumberland Cardiology Consultants, a group of six local physicians, can use those resources to tailor a patient's treatment regimen depending on other successes and experiences. Because heart disease is so prevalent across the Southeast and is the leading cause of death to Americans, it's important we have the resources and training necessary to combat this deadly disease. The Cookeville cardiology group strives to have not only cutting-edge knowledge to treat heart disease, but it also strives to have that kind of knowledge to educate and prevent heart disease. The Cardiovascular Center of Excellence designation helps accomplish both goals. Led by Drs. R. Alex Case, J. Bunker Stout, Timothy S. Fournet, Michael B. Lenhart, Joel S. Tanedo and Brian Dockery, the Upper Cumberland Cardiology Consultants is a fine example of professionalism and compassion. This group of highly motivated and skilled physicians is an asset to the region. I commend them for their service to their patients and their profession.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the 175th year of existence of the First Presbyterian Church in Gallatin, Tennessee. The congregation will celebrate the church's 175th anniversary on Sunday, October 26, 2003. The historical church was organized on October 25, 1828, after a revival led by the Rev. John W. Hall. Constructed in 1836-37, the building is registered by the Historical Society of Philadelphia as an American Presbyterian and Reformed Historical Site. The church's sanctuary was even used as a hospital by federal troops during the Civil War. The Middle Tennessee church has served its community and congregation well for nearly two centuries, a time during which our nation struggled through much change and innovation. Through all of it, though, the First Presbyterian Church never faltered in its commitment to bring the Lord's word to the people. Gallatin is a much stronger community because of the work of the church and its congregation. Members of the church actively participate in all facets of community life in Gallatin and elsewhere, including helping the less fortunate in Matamoros, Mexico. I congratulate the congregation's dedicated service to humanity and wish the church continued success during its next 175 years of existence.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 200th birthday of Rutherford County, Tennessee. Rutherford County is located in the heart of Middle Tennessee, and I am proud to call this beautiful county my home. The people of Rutherford County are truly blessed to live in a region with such rich history and such a promising future. Murfreesboro, now the county seat, served as the capital of Tennessee from 1819 to 1826. Nearly 40 years later, Union and Confederate soldiers fought and died on the county's soil during the Civil War. Stones River National Battlefield is a solemn memorial to those who lost their lives during the battle. Today, residents and visitors can catch a glimpse of the county's promising future by looking to the county's successful industrial areas, quality schools and beautiful parks. It is easy to see why Rutherford County is the fastest growing county in the state and one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. The warmth of its residents and beauty of its landscapes will continue to attract new members to the community. And those new residents will have the opportunity to visit numerous historic sites, purchase a variety of quality goods manufactured in the county, and enjoy leisurely drives through the scenic countryside. The residents of Rutherford County have much to be proud of. I congratulate the county on its success, and I am sure the next 200 years will be just as steeped in friendship and tradition as the first 200 years.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Herb Alsup for his 25 years of ministering the Woodbury Church of Christ. On Sunday, October 26, the church will celebrate Family Day, a day to celebrate Herb's service and for the church to open its new addition. I've known Herb and his family most of my life. He is the type of person who would give you the shirt off his back if he thought you needed it. For example, Herb's brother, Lynn, was serving in Vietnam and had to send Herb and his wife, Ann, some money. But Herb didn't need the money for himself or his wife. He needed the money before payday to buy clothes for a family he knew was in need. Herschel Mullins, Herb's uncle, remembers him as ``an unusually good boy, always real sociable with people, even when he was a kid.'' Herb used to visit Herschel for Sunday dinners and family reunions. Herschel recalls, ``It was always a joy to have him in my home. He's always been one of my favorite nephews.'' Herschel also notes that the Woodbury Church of Christ grew considerably during Herb's tenure. Herb was born in Blackman, TN, just outside of my hometown of Murfreesboro. While we were growing up, Herb excelled in the classroom and on the playing field. While attending David Lipscomb University, he played baseball and was considered a fantastic tennis player. Herb's enthusiasm for life has been and continues to be a positive influence and an inspiration to his family and friends. Herb, thank you for your service to the Woodbury Church of Christ and to everyone in the community.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, the reason that I keep hearing over and over as to why the American taxpayer needs to give an additional $10 billion to Iraq in foreign aid cash is that when Saddam Hussein was in power, he accumulated approximately $130 billion in debt primarily owed to France and Germany. So if we put that additional $10 billion in loans on top of the $130 billion, then it is going to make it more difficult to pay back France and Germany. In other words, the American taxpayer needs to give cash in its foreign aid so that Iraq can save its oil revenue to pay back France and Germany. If you agree with that rationale, you should vote ``no'' on this motion to recommit. But if you think this $10 billion should be paid back to America to build schools, roads and bridges in this country, then vote ``yes'' on the motion to recommit.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate six courageous police officers from the Brentwood, Tennessee, Police Department for receiving this year's National Association of Police Organization's TOP COPS Award. The six police officers are Stephanie Bellis Warner, Tommy Walsh, Jim Campbell, Tommy Campsey, Richard Hickey and Steve Walling. On May 6, 2003, their heroic and selfless actions prevented a number of innocent bystanders from getting hurt during the pursuit of a bank robbery suspect. Officer Warner caught up with the suspect at a busy intersection and was engaged in a brief gun battle. She was wounded during the exchange, as was Sergeant Tommy Walsh, who arrived at the scene soon after Warner. Despite their injuries, the two continued to coordinate the suspect's apprehension. Officers Jim Campbell, Tommy Campsey, Richard Hickey and Steve Walling arrived on the scene to find the suspect standing over the wounded Walsh with an assault rifle. The four officers, however, quickly ended the suspect's attempt to continue his shooting spree. For their heroism and sacrifice, all six officers are being honored during the association's 10th annual TOP COPS Awards ceremony this weekend in Washington, DC. As this terrible incident demonstrates, police officers put their lives on the line every day to help and protect each one of us. I want to personally thank officers Warner, Walsh, Campbell, Campsey, Hickey and Walling for their contributions to society, not only on the day they stopped a violent bank robber, but also on each and every day they put on their badges and patrol our streets. This award is well- deserved.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 150th anniversary of one of the friendliest towns you will ever find--Wartrace, Tennessee. Established as a railroad depot, the town was chartered by Bedford County on October 3, 1853. Early frontier settlers endured fighting between British and French soldiers and attacks by hostile Indians. Legend even has it that the town was named after an old Cherokee Indian war trail. But as the frontier moved westward and the area became more civilized, industry and tourism flourished with the railroad. Today the town has settled into a less hectic pace of life. Wartrace is now a small Middle Tennessee community with a strong sense of unity and a desirable quality of life. I congratulate its leaders and Mayor Donald Gallagher for developing Wartrace into a safe, neighborly community. May the town's next 150 years be as prosperous and successful as its first 150 years.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jason Crook for winning the international Key Club speech contest in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jason is a recent graduate of Blackman High School in my hometown of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. On July 4, Jason demonstrated his prowess at the podium when he traveled to Indianapolis to represent his region in the contest. Jason spoke about the impact the club's values have had on his life. He triumphed over representatives from all 50 states and 20 countries. Jason strives to achieve excellence both inside and outside of the classroom. His fellow classmates recognized his achievements and drive when they voted him Most Likely to Succeed. He graduated as valedictorian of his class, a testament to his hard work and perseverance. In addition to earning these accolades, Jason has actively involved himself in the community while participating in Key Club and Eagle Scout community service projects. Jason's compassion is evidenced in the wealth of time he has devoted to helping those who are in need. This spring, Jason made Easter baskets for children in Vanderbilt University's pediatric ward. While many of his peers were relaxing during the summer of 2002, Jason was delivering food to the sick and elderly through his involvement with the Meals on Wheels program. I am proud to share my hometown with Jason. I am even prouder that he is now attending my alma mater, Middle Tennessee State University. He is a truly talented young man and a fine example of the promise and potential of America's youth.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cooper) for bringing this very worthwhile concurrent resolution before us. I was standing by my window On a cold and cloudy day When I saw the hearse come rollin' For to take Johnny away. Will the circle be unbroken? By and by, Lord, by and by, There's a better home a-waitin' In the sky, Lord, in the sky. I told the undertaker, ``Undertaker, please drive slow, For this body you are haulin' Lord, I hate to see him go.'' Johnny Cash was a constituent of mine who lived in Hendersonville, Tennessee. I have listened to his music most of my life. He was a true legend who inspired countless musicians from all walks of life for nearly 5 decades. His music transcended traditional boundaries. He was as much an influence in rock and roll, pop, and alternative music, as he was in country music. Johnny Cash is one of only a handful of artists to be inducted into the Country Music, Rock and Roll, and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. The Man in Black's life began as the humble son of a sharecropper who toiled in the cotton fields of Arkansas, but he never forgot his simple beginnings even as he became one of the world's bestselling solo musicians. Johnny Cash was just as comfortable performing in a maximum security prison as he was in receiving the 2001 National Medal of Arts award. He recorded more than 1,500 songs in his life and won 11 Grammys. Johnny Cash left this world on September 12, but his legacy lives on through his music and through those whom he has mentored in his 71 years of life. So, yes, the circle will be unbroken.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the citizenship of Corporate Flight Management. Located in Smyrna, TN, this small-business enterprise epitomizes the American spirit. Corporate Flight Management has always gone above and beyond the call of duty. An example of the company's generosity is located in the National Air and Space Museum's How Things Fly gallery. Visitors are invited to climb into the cockpit of a Cessna 150 trainer, operate the controls and get a pilot's eye view of flight. The Smyrna-based company donated its services to restore and modify this aircraft. My office first got to know Corporate Flight Management through the company's community-outreach efforts. In 1991 the company designed and built a full-motion simulator scaled for children. Nearly 200,000 young pilots have earned their wings aboard this unique machine. The company has also sponsored an Explorers Post and flight-based enrichments programs at local elementary schools. Corporate Flight Management provides 120 jobs through its charter, maintenance, and ground-support activities. In addition to hiring skilled professionals, the Middle Tennessee company affords students enrolled in the aerospace program at Middle Tennessee State University with opportunities to gain experience in their chosen field. As we approach the Centennial of Flight, it is appropriate to remember that small businesses account for a significant percentage of innovation and job creation in aviation, space and related fields. Through its business ventures and community outreach efforts, Corporate Flight Management provides leadership by example. I commend the company for all it has done for its community and country.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate three innovative educators who tonight will receive the Harold W. McGraw Jr. Prize in Education. One of these highly motivated educators, Dr. Mark Edwards, just happened to serve as the first principal of Northfield Elementary School in my hometown of Murfreesboro, TN. Along with Dr. Edwards, Kati Haycock and Dr. Carol Twigg are being honored during an awards ceremony at the New York Public Library. The three have been chosen to receive the prestigious 16th annual award for introducing students to technology at an early age, developing affordable post-secondary distance-learning programs and influencing education policy to embrace high standards for all students. Dr. Edwards now serves as the superintendent of Henrico County Public Schools in Richmond, Virginia. He has spearheaded the innovative use of technology to raise achievement in Henrico County through the Technology and Learning Initiative, one of the largest educational laptop programs in the country. Ms. Haycock serves as one of the nation's leading advocates for children and high achievement in education. In 1990 she founded the Education Trust, an organization known nationwide for its authority on education reform. And Dr. Twigg is an internationally recognized expert in using information technology to transform teaching and learning in higher education. She currently serves as the executive director of the Center for Academic Transformation at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. I salute these three for their remarkable and untiring contributions to education. Our children, after all, reap the rewards of the hard work and determination that people like Dr. Edwards, Ms. Haycock and Dr. Twigg possess. They are truly gifted educators who have made a tremendous difference in the lives of so many.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding career of Harold C. Smith, the director of Student Unions and Programming at Middle Tennessee State University, my alma mater. After 35 years of service to the university and its students, Harold has decided to retire. Harold first came to the MTSU campus in my hometown of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in 1963 as a student. From that point on, Harold was a fixture on campus and in the community. During his remarkable tenure at MTSU, Harold brought thousands of special events to the campus. Concerts featuring everyone from Elvis Presley to Garth Brooks have provided entertainment for scores of students and Middle Tennessee residents. Countless movies, seminars, festivals and everything else entertaining have also come to the campus as a result of Harold's dedication to his work. Not only did Harold provide the entire region with entertaining events, but he also taught thousands of MTSU graduates how to succeed as a professional in the entertainment industry. Harold's style and approach to the business were key to his ability to bring top-notch entertainment to Middle Tennessee. And those same attributes endeared Harold to all who worked with and learned from him. Harold's commitment and dedication to the university are unsurpassed. The MTSU community will sorely miss his influence and enthusiasm. I congratulate Harold for his untiring devotion to MTSU and its students. And I wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ethan Link of Gallatin, TN, for being selected as Gallatin High School's first YMCA Youth Governor. Ethan has been involved in the YMCA Youth Legislature since the sixth grade. In 2001, at his freshman conference, he received the Outstanding Bill award for legislation concerning DNA testing for death-row inmates awaiting execution. During his junior year, he received the Outstanding Bill award for a measure to create a death penalty review commission and served as the Senate Floor Leader. This year, he was selected to attend the Conference on National Affairs and to serve as the Youth Governor for 2004. Ethan marked the highlight of the conference as meeting with members of the White House staff, representatives and senators from several states--including myself--members of the Washington media, Judy Schneider of Congressional Research Service and many other ``inspiring speakers.'' Another aspect of Ethan's involvement in public service programs is his participation in the Model United Nations Program. He has been involved with this program for 4 years. At the 2002 MUN conference, he served as Jamaica's ambassador on the Security Council. The following year, he served as China's ambassador, giving him a more powerful role. Ethan will serve as Security Council president in 2004. I commend Ethan for his many accomplishments and awards, and wish him the best of luck in future endeavors.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Don Moser for his 32 years of service as chairman of the Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Water and Sewer Board. He was appointed to the board on July 20, 1971, and retired on July 3, 2003. As a member of the Water and Sewer Board, Don was responsible for general supervision and control of operation, maintenance, and improvement and extension of the city's Water and Sewer Department. He has been a key leader in developing the plans for building and enlarging facilities for both drinking water and wastewater treatment in my hometown of Murfreesboro. Also, his experience as a banking professional allowed him to provide sound fiscal expertise to the Water and Sewer Board. Don's role as chairman over the years has been instrumental in facilitating growth within the department. With the completion of Interstate 24 in the early 1970s, the department extended water and sewer service to the Murfreesboro interchanges and brought new industries and jobs to the city. During his tenure on the board, many new standards and upgrades were established to improve efficiency and service. In 1971, more than 27,000 people lived in Murfreesboro, and the Water and Sewer Department served more than 7,000 customers. Today, the department serves more than 27,000 customers, and the city has a population of more than 75,000. And the assets of the utility plant at the department have grown from $14 million dollars in 1971 to well over $196 million in 2002. Don has served his community in a variety of roles, including being a member of the city's Pension Committee since December 3, 1971. He has served the city under four mayors: Hollis Westbrooks, Joe Jackson, Richard Reeves and the current mayor of Murfreesboro, Tommy Bragg. Don has earned the respect of the entire community during his tireless service to the public, as has his wife, Jean, who has been a steadfast partner in all this. Don's leadership and work ethic will be sorely missed on the Murfreesboro Water and Sewer Board. I cordially congratulate Don on his distinguished career as a public servant and wish him well in future endeavors.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding service of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Police Commissioner Bill Jones, who will retire from his post on August 31 after 47 years of law enforcement work. Bill Jones became the police commissioner in my hometown of Murfreesboro 16 years ago. Since then, he has initiated a number of programs that have bolstered law enforcement and enhanced the quality of life in Murfreesboro. My hometown has experienced tremendous growth during Bill's tenure as police commissioner. The police department has doubled in size, but more importantly, the expansion of the department has been an efficient one. Bill started his career in law enforcement as a Tennessee state trooper shortly after returning home from service in the United States Navy during the Korean conflict. Bill rose through the ranks of the Tennessee Highway Patrol before finally leading the organization as its safety commissioner. After nearly half a century in law enforcement, Bill has decided to remove the badge and enjoy his family without any distractions. The community of Murfreesboro, as well as the state of Tennessee, has been served well and with distinction by Commissioner Jones. I congratulate him for his tireless, dedicated service to law enforcement and wish him well in his retirement.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Brittany Amber Atkins of Smyrna, Tennessee, for being chosen as the National Exchange Club Youth of the Year. Brittany recently graduated from Battle Ground Academy with a 4.1 GPA. Her list of accomplishments while in high school are long. Among the honors and awards Brittany has received are Tennessee District Youth of the Year for the National Exchange Club, Brentwood Exchange Club Youth of the Year, Helen and Ralph Brown School Spirit Award, Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award, President's Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence, Music Medal, Drama Medal and Harvard Book Award. Brittany was also involved in a host of extracurricular activities, including Student Council, Leadership Council, Speech and Debate, plays, choirs, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Spanish Club, Key Club and Dance Team. While her awards and extracurricular activities contributed to Brittany becoming the National Exchange Club Youth of the Year, I found her essay, ``America's Young Patriots: Believing and Achieving for a Better America,'' to be most impressive. She writes, ``America's future rests in the hearts, dreams, and preparations of these young patriots-- no matter race, religion, place of residence, or economic status. It is through the beliefs and achievements of today's youth that America will thrive in the future.'' Brittany believes patriotism is found within the unlimited opportunities for one's education, profession and service to his or her community. Brittany concludes her essay by pledging to ``concentrate on service before reward, to introduce problems with solutions, and when encountering conflict, to interject love and humor.'' I commend Brittany for her many accomplishments and awards, and wish her the best of luck in future endeavors.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding service of Lt. Col. Steve Gay, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville district engineer and commander. His command at the Nashville district is coming to an end next month, as he will retire from the Corps. Colonel Gay has been a tremendous asset to the Corps and its Nashville district, which covers parts of seven states and more than 59,000 square miles of the basins of the Cumberland and the Tennessee rivers. He is an invaluable leader who has performed his duties with great distinction and honor. Colonel Gay's leadership at the Corps' Nashville district has helped make the region a better place to live through excellent management of water resources. Projects enhancing and protecting those resources have made Middle Tennessee a desirable location for many top-notch companies, which brought with them good jobs for our residents. Colonel Gay has served the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers well and has garnered extensive awards and decorations in the process, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Air Assault Badge, the Parachutist Badge and the Ranger Tab. I congratulate him for all the good work he has done with the Corps and for Middle Tennessee and wish him well in his retirement and his future endeavors.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Joseph and Clara Lee for 50 years of marriage, a remarkable milestone and testament to their love for each other. The Nashville, Tennessee, couple will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on July 12. Joseph and Clara's marriage has been blessed. They have five children, six grandchildren, one great-grandchild, five step- grandchildren and six step-great-grandchildren, as well as countless friends. The Lees place a strong emphasis on family and friends, which is evident in their everyday deeds. And they made sure each of their children had the opportunity to get a college education, with all five receiving college degrees. And they have striven to help friends in any way they could. Joseph was a longtime educator and counseled many children during his work with several youth programs over the years. Clara helped countless people during her work as a nurse. Both are very active in their church and community and have garnered a wealth of respect along the way. I cordially congratulate Joseph and Clara for their commitment to one another, their family and their community. All of us should follow the example of Joseph and Clara, whose entire existence exudes compassion, loyalty and service to others. I wish them the very best on their 50th wedding anniversary and hope more of us can follow in their footsteps.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, let me once again thank the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne) for his efforts. To just elaborate a little on his comments, this legislation has been endorsed by virtually every organization that is affected in the country, by the American Football Coaching Association, the Black Coaches Association, the Knight Foundation Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics, the National Association of Basketball Coaches, the National Association of College Directors of Athletics, the NCAA, the Junior College Athletic Association, the Big 12, the Big East, the Pac-10, the Sunbelt Conference, and coaches and athletic departments all across the country. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I intend to make a few brief remarks in support of H.R. 361, the Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act, or SPARTA. The combination of a patchwork of weak State laws and the lure of big money has made student athletes an irresistible target for certain unscrupulous sports agents willing to break the rules concerning amateur athletics. Such agents use any means necessary to convince a student athlete who has even a remote chance of playing professional sports to drop out of school and go pro early, including deceptive information about their chances in the draft, secret payments to their friends and families, lavish gifts, and sometimes even blackmail. This kind of elicit behavior can quickly cost student athletes their scholarships and eligibility to play college sports. The school may face substantial fines and other economic losses. The only person not held accountable is the sports agent. Unfortunately, under the current patchwork of State sports agent laws, the agents face little or no consequences for damages they have caused. H.R. 361 addresses this problem head on by providing baseline Federal remedies to protect student athletes and educational institutions, particularly in those States with no existing law regulating sports agent conduct. Specifically, the bill would make a number of unethical recruiting tactics unfair and deceptive trade practices under the Federal Trade Act. This includes making false or misleading promises or representations, providing anything of value to the student athletes or anyone associated with the athlete in order to entice them into an agency contract, failing to tell the student signing the contract that it will end their college eligibility, and pre-dating or post-dating contracts. The pressures on student athletes and colleges are tremendous. We have a responsibility to educate our student athletes and protect them from unscrupulous sports agents who try to trick or trap them into dropping out of school. This legislation will send a strong signal to the rotten apple agents that they will be held accountable for unethical recruiting practices. I urge all Members to support this bill. Finally, Mr. Speaker, let me give my sincere thanks to the gentleman from the State and University of Nebraska (Mr. Osborne). The gentleman has brought a unique perspective to this bill and persuasiveness that has helped us get this passed. Also I want to thank the subcommittee chairman from the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Stearns), for expediting this procedure and helping us move through his committee, as well as the ranking member, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Towns). I also want to thank the gentleman from Louisiana (Chairman Tauzin) and the ranking member, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell), for their help. Certainly with joint jurisdiction with the Committee on the Judiciary, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Chairman Sensenbrenner) should be thanked for his help; as well as the subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Cannon); the ranking member, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Watt); and the ranking member, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers). Finally, let me thank a diligent member of my staff, Dana Lichtenberg, who has done an outstanding job with her tenaciousness in moving this bill forward, and also a friend of mine from home, Ken Shipp. Coach Shipp came by my office a few years ago on the Square in Murfreesboro and told me about this problem; and, like so many things, I get my best advice from home, and so I thank Coach Shipp for his advice. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.