Bart Gordon

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 2180.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to make a few brief comments in support of H. Res. 201. House Resolution 201 honors businesses and business owners across our great Nation for their unwavering support for the men and women of the Reserves who have been called into service in unprecedented numbers to fight the war against terrorism at home and abroad. Businesses large and small have been exceptional in their commitment to supporting active duty Reservists and their families. Because of their support, the men and women of the Reserves can be secure in knowing that their job will be waiting for them when their service is fulfilled, with no loss of pension and retirement benefits or promotion opportunities, and that their families' needs were provided for in their absence. These businesses embody the true spirit of America. For these reasons I urge adoption of House Resolution 201. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Finally, Mr. Speaker, let me just say that this bill does not penalize the many legitimate sports agents. This bill does not stop any athlete from, with full information, going pro. Also, this bill does not set up a national sports police. What it does is it deputizes the various States' attorneys general to follow up on the deceptive acts, and deal with these incidents or these problems on a local basis. Once again, my thanks to all the Members that have made this bill possible to come to the floor and possibly pass today. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee). (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 100th year of existence of The Herald-Citizen of Cookeville, Tennessee, an integral part of the community and a reliable source of news for Putnam County and the Upper Cumberland region. The first edition of this Middle Tennessee newspaper was published on February 11, 1903, by Elmer Wirt and his son, Ralph. During the next century, this newspaper kept Cookeville well-informed and evolved into an award-winning daily publication. From a small town of barely 600 people in 1903 to a thriving Upper Cumberland community of about 25,000 residents today, Cookeville has depended on The Herald-Citizen for unbiased news coverage. Many changes have occurred at the newspaper during the past century. As the community grew and prospered, so did The Herald Citizen. Elmer Wirt and his son printed the first edition on a small flatbed press that sat on top of a table, with the type set by hand. C. Lee Walls Sr. and his son, C. Lee Walls Jr., now print the newspaper on a modern, computerized press weighing many tons. Although many changes have occurred at the newspaper and to the community, one thing remains certain: The Herald-Citizen's commitment to fair and honest news coverage. Cookeville and the surrounding communities of Putnam County have benefitted tremendously from the hard work and dedication of the newspaper and its employees over the years. I congratulate the newspaper's success and am sure the next 100 years of publication will be just as exciting and rewarding as the first 100 years.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the memory of a great American hero and warrior, Brig. Gen. Austin C. Shofner, who retired from the U.S. Marine Corps in 1959 to return back to his home of Shelbyville, Tennessee. At the time of his death in 1999, Gen. Shofner was the state's most decorated veteran, having survived the Bataan Death March during World War II. Not only did the tenacious Marine survive this harrowing experience, but he escaped his captors to report the atrocity to the rest of the world. Once he recovered from the starvation and severe beatings inflicted on him during his captivity, he was given command of a battalion that ferociously fought on the western Pacific shores of Peleliu, where he was badly wounded. Refusing to be sidelined for long, Gen. Shofner recovered from his wounds and led another battalion of Marines that attacked the enemy on the island of Okinawa. He was only 28 years old at the end of World War II. Through the courageous actions of warriors like Gen. Shofner, the United States of America has persevered against its enemies. We are once again facing uncertain times and an unconventional enemy, so it is appropriate that we remember our nation's past heroes. Their deeds and acts of bravery are an inspiration to America's current breed of fighting men and women who go in harm's way to protect us and the interests of this great nation. God bless the brave men and women who wear and have worn the uniforms of our Armed Forces. And God bless the sacrifices they have made and will continue to make to keep this country free. Brig. Gen. Austin Shofner made many sacrifices when his country depended on him the most. He is the epitome of courage and honor and will forever be remembered as a true hero.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the perseverance of Noe Gutierrez, who has been chosen the National Adult Learner of the Year for 2003. The Shelbyville, Tennessee, resident has overcome many obstacles in his life while pursuing an education and a better way of life. The Council on Adult Basic Education chose Noe to receive the award because he epitomizes those who want to empower their lives through knowledge. Noe has not faltered in that pursuit. Twenty years ago Noe had to leave his native Guatemala to avoid being forced into fighting with a band of guerrilla soldiers who were engaged in a bloody civil war against the government. At just 12 years old, Noe said goodbye to his parents and eight siblings and migrated to the United States where he worked as a migrant farm worker until some Good Samaritans intervened on his behalf. Noe received his high school diploma through the Bedford County (Tennessee) Adult High School, a much more difficult task than simply attaining a General Educational Development certificate. Now Noe works at the Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Shelbyville, where he has been welcomed with open arms by the community. Noe is an inspiration for not only immigrants to the United States, but also to anyone who has had to overcome hardships in life. I congratulate Noe for his outstanding achievement and wish him and his family the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Cindy Jones and her induction into the National Teachers Hall of Fame. Cindy teaches elementary education at Cason Lane Academy in my hometown of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Only five teachers nationwide are inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame each year. Cindy's outstanding service and dedication to the teaching profession have earned her this distinguished recognition. Cindy has helped develop and enhance several after-school programs in Murfreesboro. She belongs to a host of professional associations, including the National Education Association, the Tennessee Education Association, the Murfreesboro Education Association, the Mary Tom Berry Reading Association, the American Psychological Association, Cognition and Phi Kappa Phi. In addition to helping her students attain excellent educations, Cindy has aided her peers through participation in a number of workshops and seminars. She has even presented a research paper in Durham, England, at the International Neurological Symposium. And she has coauthored three professional publications regarding developmental cognitive neurolinguistics. I salute Cindy's remarkable achievements not only as an educator, but also as a citizen who is ensuring our society has the resources it needs to succeed. Our children, after all, reap the rewards of the hard work and determination that people like Cindy possess. She is a truly gifted educator who has made a tremendous difference in the lives of so many.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish a happy 100th birthday to a dear cousin of mine, Mary Lou Gordon Davidson. She is a remarkable woman who continues to remain an active and vibrant part of her community. Mrs. Davidson was born April 29, 1903, to the late Dr. Alfred Nelson Gordon and Sallie Holden Gordon on a farm in my hometown community of Rutherford County, TN. She has lived through 18 U.S. presidents and has witnessed a dizzying array of technological achievements, including traveling to town by horse and buggy to reaching the stars by way of powerful rockets. She has watched telecommunications advance from a simple hand-crank telephone hanging on the wall to a hand-held digital telephone using signals delivered by way of satellite. After receiving her bachelor's degree from the old Tennessee College for Women in my hometown of Murfreesboro, Mrs. Davidson raised a child, Sara, and taught school for more than four decades before retiring in 1968. Through her active life, Mrs. Davidson enjoyed a multitude of hobbies, including gardening, cooking and sewing. In fact, she currently leads a knitting class at her home in the McKendree Retirement Village. And she has won nearly a dozen gold medals while participating in the Senior Olympics. Mrs. Davidson is the epitome of living life to the fullest. Her keen wit and positive attitude have given her a wonderful disposition, one that we should wish to have. I congratulate Mrs. Davidson for her countless contributions to her community and her country.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Corporal Patrick Nixon, who gave the ultimate sacrifice to his country while serving in the United States Marine Corps. Patrick died in fighting near Nasiriyah, Iraq. Patrick's parents, Debra and David Nixon, live in Gallatin, Tennessee, where I have the honor of representing them in this most esteemed body. My thoughts and prayers are with Debra and David and the rest of Patrick's family and friends. Full of hope and promise and sense of duty to his country, Patrick joined the Marine Corps after graduating high school in 2000. Like his grandfather Joseph and his two brothers, Bill Hudson and Joe Nixon, before him, Patrick chose to serve his country by joining the Armed Forces. Patrick was a dedicated and courageous Marine. He understood the risks of serving in the military and did so with honor. This nation owes Patrick and all of the young men and women serving in our Armed Forces a huge debt of gratitude. Our brave fighting men and women go in harm's way so the rest of us can enjoy the liberties of this great democracy. We should never take their service to this country for granted. Patrick was a young man who dreamed of teaching history one day. Our children will miss the opportunity to learn from such a courageous man. I have deep admiration for Patrick, who has touched the lives of so many. His family, friends and community will never forget him and the sacrifice he made to protect the United States of America. God bless Patrick and all the men and women who sacrifice so much to protect this nation from harm.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable career of the Rev. Woodrow Medlock. He has preached the gospel for nearly seven decades and continues to spread God's word with tireless dedication. Rev. Medlock is an inspiration in my hometown of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. His ministry has touched many lives and spanned many communities. He has founded several local churches and has pastored at many others across the Middle Tennessee region. He has also been involved in the founding of a school and a children's home, as well as other worthy organizations. Rev. Medlock shows no signs of slowing down, either, as he will turn 90 years young on Friday, February 28. A prime example of Rev. Medlock's untiring service to the Lord is his upcoming trip to Jamaica in April. Once there, he plans to take the good Lord's message to the Carribean island's prisons, nursing homes and orphanages. The world is a much better place because of Rev. Medlock. His faith and humanity have influenced all who know him. I congratulate Rev. Medlock for all the good he has done and wish him the best in the years to come.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the memory of my late friend, Martin Cummings. Martin passed away on January 3 of this year. He was a wise man who counseled me on numerous occasions. I will truly miss him, as will his community of Wilson County, Tennessee. Martin's pride for his community was obvious. He served on numerous civic organizations and boards, including the Wilson County Planning Commission where he served as chairman. In his capacity as planning commission chairman, Martin helped shaped Wilson County into a prosperous and attractive community. He was a successful real estate professional who devoted much time and energy into everything he did. He received numerous awards from an appreciative real estate industry. His family especially reaped the rewards of his caring and generous nature. Martin and his wife, Camelia Rose, were married for nearly 51 years and had five children and six grandchildren. Martin has left a wonderful legacy. I deeply admired Martin for his many accomplishments and his unselfish service to his community. His decency transcended both his public and private life. I am proud to have had Martin as a close friend. I will sorely miss that friendship and his sage advice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Hulon Watson for an outstanding 44-year career in education. He has spent the last 5\1/2\ years helping my hometown of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, deal with a population explosion as the school superintendent for Rutherford County. Prior to that post, Hulon served 18 years as the principal of Murfreesboro's Riverdale High School. But after more than four decades as an educator, Hulon has decided to retire and spend more time with his wife, Charlotte; their two children; and their four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Hulon's last official work day will be December 31 of this year. Hulon began his career as a teacher and coach in nearby Winchester, Tennessee. After he moved to Murfreesboro in 1979 to take the principal's position at Riverdale High School, he began helping Rutherford County students achieve success. And when he took over the helm of the Rutherford County School System, he helped raise scholastic standards county-wide and guided a vigorous campaign to build much- needed schools. Hulon did all this during a time when every penny counted. Rutherford County can now count itself as among one of the best, most efficiently operated school systems in the entire nation. In years to come, Rutherford County residents will be able to see Hulon's legacy through their prosperity. I congratulate him for his efforts and accomplishments in providing Rutherford County children with an education second to none and wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Ted Maliaris for his efforts to promote patriotism around the Nation through music. Ted Maliaris is now touring the United States performing ``A Tribute to America--A 21st Century Anthem'' which was composed by his mother, Ann S. Miller in response to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The Anthem is dedicated to our Armed Forces, to our men and women in uniform, and all Americans who need to carry on in this time of crisis. By performing the Anthem with children's groups across America, Ted Maliaris hopes to inspire and promote patriotism for our great nation through song. Please join me in congratulating Ted Malaris for his service to America through the arts.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the courageous service that Rutherford County Sheriff's Deputy and Air National Guardsman Reggie Farmer has given to his Middle Tennessee community and his grateful country. Reggie has been serving active duty in the Air National Guard for the past year in the nation's ongoing war against terrorism. In fact, he just recently returned from Afghanistan where our brave military men and women have been fighting terrorists and restoring order in the war- torn country. In his civilian life, Reggae serves Rutherford County citizens as a sheriff's deputy and Kittrell Elementary School students as a school resource officer. Reggie resumes his duties at Kittrell Elementary School on Tuesday, October 15, the day he officially retires from the military. Reggie began his military career in April 1978 after enlisting in the United States Air Force. After leaving active duty in the Air Force, Reggie enlisted in the Air National Guard where he has been deployed all over the world. I congratulate Reggie on a long and honorable military career and join the rest of the citizens of Rutherford County in welcoming back home a true American hero.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Hal Ramer for an outstanding career in higher education administration and for his accomplishments during his more than three decades serving as the president of Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin, Tennessee. Dr. Ramer has been at the helm of Vol State since the beginning. But that will soon change when Dr. Ramer retires on January 31, 2003. He has watched a small community college grow from a student population of 560 in 1971 to about 7,000 today. Dr. Ramer was instrumental in helping form the state's community college system. He arrived at the Tennessee Department of Education in 1963 and began a remarkable career reshaping the state's delivery of higher education. He was given the task of starting Volunteer State Community College on July 1, 1970, and had the college up and running in a year. Three decades later, Vol State has expanded its campus to include 31 teaching sites in 12 counties, providing a vital cog in the state's institutions of higher learning. All Tennesseans have benefitted from Dr. Ramer's commitment and dedication to higher education. Dr. Ramer has poured his very soul into nearly five decades serving as a higher education administrator. Dr. Ramer's leadership will be sorely missed at Vol State. I congratulate him for his efforts and accomplishments in providing Tennesseans with an education second to none and wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th year of ministry of the Stones River Baptist Church of Smyrna, Tennessee. The congregation will celebrate the milestone on October 7, 2002. The need for a new Baptist Church to serve the military families stationed at the former Seward Air Force Base in Smyrna, Tennessee, was discussed in May 1952. The first worship service conducted by the Stones River Baptist Church was held on July 30, 1952. And the first worship conducted in the church's permanent building was held on October 26, 1952. The church has served its community and congregation well for half a century, a period during which our nation experienced much change and innovation. Through those many years, though, Stones River Baptist Church never faltered in its commitment to bring the Lord's word to the people. Smyrna is a much stronger community because of the work of the church and its congregation. I congratulate the congregation's perseverance and am sure the church will grow even stronger during its next 50 years of service.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Jason Jackson-Hampton, a remarkable young man who gave his life on September 5, 2002, while serving with the Almaville, Tennessee, Volunteer Fire Department. He was just 17 years old. Jason touched the hearts of his fellow firefighters when he joined the department as an Explorer. Chief Greg Capps recalled that his young volunteer's positive attitude and ready smile were an inspiration to all who knew him. Jason graduated from Smyrna High School last May. Through his dedication, hard work and natural leadership abilities, he attained the rank of second lieutenant in the school's ROTC Program and planned to join the U.S. Army. He loved McDonald's double cheeseburgers and fries, perks he enjoyed at the fast-food restaurant where he worked. Firefighters from every municipal and volunteer fire department in Rutherford County, Nashville, Watertown, Fairview and Brentwood attended the memorial service. During the funeral procession, children and adults saluted as his casket, carried atop a fire engine, passed by. During his inaugural speech, President John F. Kennedy inspired Americans to, ``Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.'' Jason Jackson Hampton's life was a portrait of service and dedication to his family, friends, co-workers and Nation.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a milestone in the life and career of Dr. Morris Chapman, the president and chief executive officer of the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention. On October 1, 2002, Dr. Chapman will be celebrating his 10th anniversary as a member of the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention. The Mississippi native became a Christian at the age of 7 and was called to preach at the age of 21. Dr. Chapman has received several college degrees, including doctorates of ministry, sacred theology and divinity, and has been the pastor of several churches in Texas and New Mexico. He has traveled extensively in the U.S. and abroad while spreading the word of God. And he has written several books about Christianity. Dr. Chapman has received numerous awards and citations for his work, including the Outstanding Young Man of America in 1973 and 1974 and Who's Who in Religion in 1977. He has also served on numerous civic boards and organizations. Dr. Chapman's faith and his dedication to serving people of all walks of life are truly inspirational. I cordially congratulate Dr. Chapman for his tireless work in the ministry and his 10 years of serving on the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding career of Dr. Gordon Petty, who has served his community of Smith County, Tennessee, with dedicated passion. Dr. Petty opened the first licensed hospital in Smith County in 1951 and practiced as a physician in his hometown for 50 years before retiring. Dr. Petty's life is a perfect example of what it means to give back to your community. He graduated from Smith County High School in 1938 and received a degree from Cumberland College in 1941. He then served in the United States Navy as a communications officer onboard a destroyer during World War II. He continued to serve in the Naval Reserve for a number of years after World War II and also received a medical degree from Vanderbilt University in 1950. During Dr. Petty's professional career, he served on a number of medical boards and associations, including the American Medical Association, the Tennessee Medical Association and the Board of Trustees of Smith County Memorial Hospital. He also participated in a variety of civic organizations, which included the Carthage Lion's Club, the Carthage Town Council and the Board of Directors of Citizen's Bank. Dr. Petty's grit and determination to serve his country, his patients and his community are admirable and a testament to his exemplary life. I cordially congratulate Dr. Petty for serving each with dignity, honor and compassion. I also wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak today about a distinguished member of my district who is being honored by an organization that has had an immeasurable impact on America. Bill Laird, a retired employee of Willis Corroon, is Junior Achievement's National Middle School Volunteer of the Year. He has volunteered for nine years and taught 25 JA classes in that time. Mr. Laird always goes above and beyond his classroom duties, using his work and life experiences as a way to educate young people about business, economics and the free-enterprise system. The history of Junior Achievement is a true testament to the indelible human spirit and American ingenuity. Junior Achievement was founded in 1919 as a collection of small, after school business clubs for students in Springfield, Massachusetts. Today, through the efforts of more than 100,000 volunteers in classrooms all over America, Junior Achievement reaches more than four million students in grades K-12 per year. JA International takes the free enterprise message of hope and opportunity even further to nearly two million students in 113 countries. Junior Achievement has been an influential part of many of today's successful entrepreneurs and business leaders. Junior Achievement's success is truly the story of America--the fact that one idea can influence and benefit many lives. Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Bill Laird of Franklin for his outstanding service to Junior Achievement and the students of Tennessee. I am proud to have him as a constituent and congratulate him on his distinguished accomplishment.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak today about a distinguished member of my district who is being honored by an organization that has had an immeasurable impact on America. Bill Laird, a retired employee of Willis Corroon, is Junior Achievement's National Middle School Volunteer of the Year. He has volunteered for nine years and taught 25 JA classes in that time. Mr. Laird always goes above and beyond his classroom duties, using his work and life experiences as a way to educate young people about business, economics and the free-enterprise system. The history of Junior Achievement is a true testament to the indelible human spirit and American ingenuity. Junior Achievement was founded in 1919 as a collection of small, after school business clubs for students in Springfield, Massachusetts. Today, through the efforts of more than 100,000 volunteers in classrooms all over America, Junior Achievement reaches more than four million students in grades K-12 per year. JA International takes the free enterprise message of hope and opportunity even further to nearly two million students in 113 countries. Junior Achievement has been an influential part of many of today's successful entrepreneurs and business leaders. Junior Achievement's success is truly the story of America--the fact that one idea can influence and benefit many lives. Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Bill Laird of Franklin for his outstanding service to Junior Achievement and the students of Tennessee. I am proud to have him as a constituent and congratulate him on his distinguished accomplishment.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding career of Bobby Lee Thompson, who recently retired as the United Auto Workers Region 8 director. Bobby Lee served as the Region 8 director for more than 11 years and served the UAW for 48 years. Bobby Lee began his nearly five decades of service to the UAW when he was hired as an assembler at the General Motors assembly plant in Wilmington, Delaware, on January 11, 1954. He served in numerous capacities with the union, including president of UAW Local 435 and as an international representative. Bobby Lee has been a tremendous advocate for the working man and woman in the auto industry. His hard work and dedication to the UAW has earned him many accolades. He has even earned international recognition as an advocate for workers in the field of independent arbitration. Bobby Lee has also taken an active and appreciated role in numerous Middle Tennessee community organizations and boards. His leadership and vision at the UAW will be sorely missed. I congratulate Bobby Lee on his outstanding career and wish him well in his retirement.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of Investing in America's Future Act of 2002, H.R. 4664, a 3-year reauthorization bill for the National Science Foundation. The bill represents a bipartisan effort by the Committee on Science to provide the level of resources necessary to sustain the important work of the National Science Foundation in science and engineering research and education. I want to congratulate the chairman of the Subcommittee on Research, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith) and the ranking Democratic member, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson) for their efforts to craft this bill. I also thank the chairman of the Committee on Science, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Boehlert) for his leadership in working closely with this side of the aisle in developing the bill. NSF is our premier agency for support of basic research at academic institutions in the physical sciences and the nonmedical biological sciences, in mathematics, and in engineering. Basic research discoveries launch new industries that bring returns to the economy far exceeding the original public investment. The Internet, which emerged from the research projects funding by DOD and NSF, strikingly illustrates the payoff potential of such research expenditures. In fact, over the past 50 years, half of U.S. economic productivity can be attributed to the technological innovation and the science that has supported it. Unfortunately, the simple truth is that during the 1990s we underinvested in the fields that NSF supports. A recent report from the National Academy of Sciences provides specific examples that make this case. The report shows that between 1993 and 1999 Federal research support at academic institutions fell by 14 percent in mathematics, by 7 percent in physics, by 2 percent in chemistry, and by 12 percent in electrical engineering. Inadequate funding for basic research in such important fields imposes a price on society, because new ideas are lost that would otherwise underpin future technological advances. Of even more importance, anemic funding of academic science and engineering research reduces the numbers of new young scientists and engineers who constitute the essential element necessary to ensure the Nation's future economic strength and security. H.R. 4664 authorizes funding growth for NSF of 15 percent per year for 3 years, bringing the total authorization level to $7.3 billion by the third year. This follows a funding path to double NSF's budget over 5 years, as was proposed by the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson) in the NSF authorization bill she introduced, and I cosponsored, last year. We were not alone in calling for substantial funding increases. Such prominent figures as Federal Reserve Chairman Greenspan, former House Speaker Gingrich, and former presidential science advisor Allan Bromley have pointed out the importance of increasing support for basic research in science and engineering. The coalition for National Science Funding, a group of 80 scientific, engineering, and professional societies, universities, and corporations, specifically called for providing a 15 percent funding increase for the NSF this year as the next step in doubling the NSF budget. The funding growth proposed by H.R. 4664 will enable the foundation to expand its investment in cutting-edge research initiatives and shore up its core research programs. Equally important, the bill will increase efforts to improve the skills of K-12 science and math teachers, develop better science and math curricular materials, and attract more women and minorities to careers in science and engineering. H.R. 4664 is an important bill that will help ensure the Nation maintains a vigorous basic research enterprise, which is an essential component for a strong economy for our national security. Mr. Chairman, I commend this measure to my colleagues and ask for their support and its passage in the House. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to yield the balance of my time to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey) to control the time for the remainder of the debate.