Ralph Hall

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the life of Harry Emmet McKillop of McKinney who passed away November 7 at the age of 92. Harry was a passionate family man, global humanitarian, a dedicated patriot, and a dear friend of mine. The child of Harry and Cecilia (nee D'Ozeville) McKillop, Harry was born January 2, 1922 in New York, New York. Harry served his country as a naval officer aboard the USS Phoenix in the South Pacific during World War II. A graduate of St. John's University with a degree in law, Harry worked throughout the world in the airline industry working his way up to the executive level with United Airlines, after which he serviced as Vice President for Braniff International and Vice President with Pan American Airways over a thirty year span. Hired in 1985 by Ross Perot, Harry headed the travel department for Electronic Data Systems before being appointed as President of Alliance International Airport--International Division by Ross Perot, Jr. In addition to a lifelong career in the aviation industry, Harry dedicated more than 40 years of unselfish service to Americans in need around the world--most notably by continuing the search for and return of missing POWs and MIAs in many countries including Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Iran, and Iraq. His tireless work included managing logistics for Ross Perot's trip of the wives of American POWs to Vietnam to provide supplies and relief to the POWs. For his devotion to humanitarianism and patriotic service, in 2007 President George W. Bush awarded Mr. McKillop with the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service, one of the most prestigious awards given to a civilian by the Department of Defense. A man who loved history especially as it relates to his Irish roots, Ross Perot established The Harry McKillop Irish Spirit Award to honor the life of and work of his friend for his commitment to ``Irish Spirit'' in 2003. Among those to receive the award are Jean Kelly of Speedwell Trust, Rev. Bill Shaw of 174 Trust, and Richard Moore of Children in Crossfire. In honor of his work addressing the plight of POWs and MIAs from Vietnam and successive wars, as well as his support of Irish causes and business developments in Ireland, specifically Shannon Airport, The University of Limerick conferred an Honor Doctor of Economic Science on Mr. McKillop in early 2014. Harry was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus, a former Grand Knight of the New World Council 9903 in McKinney, and a member of the 4th Degree Assembly 2266 in Plano. Children in the Fourth Congressional District attend the Harry McKillop Elementary School in Melissa, Texas. He has also been honored by the McKinney Fire Department as an Honorary Battalion Chief. Harry is survived by his wife of 27 years, Rebecca Sue, and their daughters, Mary (and husband Seth) and Tory, six children from his first marriage: Linda, Laurie, Jeff, Wayne (and wife Mary), Allison, and Tracey, as well as 22 grandchildren: Aaron, Andrew, Kittredge (and husband Jack), Kelly (and husband Ken), Finnian, Vivienne, Ryan, Tessa, Maxwell, Jane, Corey (and wife Samantha), Zachary, Lauren, Kerry, Elizabeth, Lara, Tara (and husband Shane), Nick, Ben, Daniel (and wife Samantha), Michael (and wife Hannah), and Emily, and 9 great- grandchildren: Denver, Isabella, Sage, Sean, Maddox, Canyon, Noble, Leighton, and Olive, along with 17 nieces and nephews, and his siblings, Carol and Donald. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Lucille, and his brother, Tom. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of Harry Emmett McKillop and the positive impact he had upon his community and communities around the world. He was a man of faith, family, generosity, and selflessness and I believe we can all learn from his example.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deepest gratitude for the privilege to represent the good people of the Fourth Congressional District of Texas for the past 33 years. Other than my faith and my family, this has been the greatest blessing of my life and one for which I will always be grateful. My service spans 5 Presidents and 7 Speakers of the House, and at the age of 91\1/2\, I am the oldest Congressman in the history of the House of Representatives--a record that was set at the slightly younger age of 89\1/2\. I have had the privilege of serving alongside some of the most dedicated and influential leaders in America's history--men and women on both sides of the aisle whose integrity and hard work have served our Nation well. To all of you--former and current Members of the House--I thank you for your leadership and for your friendship. It has been an honor to work with you, and we have had our share of agreements and disagreements on many issues. I respect each of you and the people you represent back home--and I am proud to call so many of you my good friends. I have been fortunate to serve on two great Committees--the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Science, Space, and Technology Committee--throughout these 33 years, with the exception of a two-year leave of absence from Energy and Commerce. When I first came to Congress after the 1980 election, future Speaker Jim Wright asked me what committees I would like to serve on. I asked for Energy because Texas is an energy state, and I asked for Science and Space because of the importance of the space program to our Nation and the role of the Johnson Space Center in Houston. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to serve on both of these. The Science, Space, and Technology Committee has helped define the vision and establish the course for our space program, the International Space Station, and scientific research and development. The Energy and Commerce Committee has spurred energy development and innovation, telecommunications breakthroughs, and healthcare reforms, just to name a few. To the members and Chairmen of these Committees, I express my gratitude for your leadership, hard work, and collaboration. A special thanks goes to Speaker Boehner and our Leadership for their confidence in naming me as the Ranking Member of the Science Committee for four years and as Chairman of the Committee in the past Congress, for allowing me to return to Energy and Commerce after the leave of absence, and for granting a waiver to serve on the Science Committee again in this Congress. I also want to express my gratitude to my good friend and Texas colleague Lamar Smith, Chairman of the Science Committee, for naming me Chairman Emeritus for the 113th Congress. I am of course partial to the Texas Delegation--to this great group of men and women who not only represent Texas so well but who also have such a strong commitment to our Nation's prosperity and security. We are like family, and I thank you for your friendship and countless acts of kindness. As Members of Congress, we could not perform our duties without the aid of dedicated and loyal staff. To my wonderful staff who have guided my office operations and supported me with their hard work, advice, and friendship, I will always be indebted. A special thanks also goes to the talented and dedicated staff of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee who supported me so ably as Ranking Member and as Chairman. And once again, I want to express my heart-felt appreciation to those in the Fourth Congressional District who gave me their vote of confidence time and again, who gave me the benefit of their wisdom and good ideas, and who inspired me to do my best to represent their views and their vision in Washington. You will always be dear to my heart. As I bid farewell to this great body, I do so with an abiding faith in this institution and in the commitment of those who work here. We are reminded of the responsibility given to us in a scripture that is engraved on the hearing room wall of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee--Proverbs 29:18, ``Where there is no vision, the people perish.'' Throughout my more than 50 years of public service, in the State of Texas and here in Washington, America has faced many challenges, and there are many still facing our Nation today. At 91 years of age, I am looking forward--not back--and I am confident that my colleagues will continue to strive to achieve a vision that is worthy of this great Nation, our people, and our children and grandchildren. May God bless your efforts, and may God continue to bless America.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the life of Cecil Mozel Bailey who recently passed away on February 23 at the age of 91. Cecil was a man of God dedicated to his faith, family, and community. I consider myself fortunate to count Cecil and his family as personal friends and I know he will be greatly missed. Cecil was born on November 11, 1922 in Grand Saline, Texas. The values of family and hard work were ingrained in Cecil from an early age as he grew up helping his parents, Harvey and Tennie Fisher Bailey, on the family farm. After graduating from Grand Saline High School, he received an offer to play football for Arlington State College. Cecil then decided to serve his country in the United States Army where he was stationed in Germany. After returning home from war, Cecil and his first wife Margarite raised their family together while Cecil worked as a warehouse superintendent with A&P Grocery in Dallas and served as a Sunday School Teacher and deacon at Urban Park Baptist Church. Following the passing of his wife Margarite, Cecil returned to Grand Saline. He then married his second wife, Irene, and the two moved to Canton where they retired. His faith was important to him, and together, Cecil and Irene Bailey helped start Lakeside Baptist Church. Cecil continued to actively serve the Lord and His church body as the First Chairman of the deacons. Family was also very important to Cecil. The Baileys enjoyed many trips together, traveling to Israel, Hawaii, Alaska, New England, and Branson. He also spent time growing large vegetable gardens, canning its produce, and sharing what he grew with his family and friends. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of Cecil Bailey. He was a man who fully believed in the values of faith, family, and community, and! believe everyone can benefit from his example.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident, I was unable to travel to Washington to cast votes from November 12, 2014 until November 20, 2014. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on roll calls numbered 516, 517, 519, 520, 522, 523, 525, 528, and 531. Also, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on roll calls numbered 526 and 529.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lone Oak United Methodist Church, a congregation that has been an integral part of the Lone Oak community for generations. The history of Lone Oak United Methodist Church can be traced back to 1854 when eleven charter members gathered in the private home of Ruffus Elliott at the Sabine Forks, west of Lone Oak, forming the Lone Oak Methodist Episcopal Church South. The members met in the home until 1858 when the church was moved to the Hunt School Building in Lone Oak where they continued to worship until 1871, when the congregation merged with the Hall Church. The Hall Church, originally known as Hefner's School or Chapel, was a building constructed for the education of the children of the community, but was also available to the circuit riders and itinerant Methodist ministers and to the local Masonic lodge. Having been destroyed by fire in 1884, a new site was selected at 218 Main Street in Lone Oak. The Vernacular Gothic Revival church structure was completed in 1889 and continues to serve the congregation today. In 1939, Lone Oak Methodist Episcopal Church South merged with other Methodist Episcopal and Methodist Protestants meeting in Lone Oak to form the Lone Oak Methodist Church. In 1968, with the merging of the Methodist Church USA and the Evangelical United Brethren Church, the church became Lone Oak United Methodist Church. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to congratulate the congregation of Lone Oak United Methodist Church for 160 years of fellowship and worship, and 125 years in their present building. May God continue to bless this congregation and their ministry.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate and celebrate the life and extraordinary contributions of Frederick Leo Wahl, one of the most knowledgeable and insightful government relations professionals many of us had the privilege of knowing. Fred was a selfless patriot in support of our Great Nation since the late 1960s, beginning with his days as a Naval Intelligence Officer, then as special assistant to the Director of Naval Intelligence, and as staff for Senator Frank Church of Idaho. Fred continued his service to our country and troops as Manager of Advanced Program Planning at E-Systems, and then Director of Strategic Planning for Raytheon Systems Company. When Raytheon acquired E- Systems, he continued his rise to the top of his field and was an active participant in the subsequent merger and acquisition of Hughes and Texas Instruments. Fred then joined a technology startup company, ComCept, which was acquired by L-3 Communications. For the past 14 years, Fred served as Vice President of Government Relations for L-3, assisting business units with congressional visits, interpreting legislative bills and representing the L-3 brand on Capitol Hill and throughout the Washington, DC, area. Fred was selected to attend the Harvard JFK School of Government's Executive Course for National/International Security Executives and the Penn State Executive Development Forum. He attended Idaho State University, where he was Class President and Student Body President. Later he attended the University of Oklahoma, the National Law Center at George Washington University, the U.S. Navy Integrated Operational Intelligence Center and the Joint Air Intelligence Training Center. Fred always made time for his family. His two daughters Camille Wahl and Stephanie Wahl, his grandchildren Fernando Daniel Gonzalez, Holden Khaira, Atticus Khaira, Ethan Taylor, and Sophie Taylor were the center of his personal life. Fred frequently took his grandchildren with him on vacations to exotic locations around the world. Travel and learning were a legacy Fred wanted to pass on to the next generations. He hoped to inspire curiosity and give his family a sense of perspective through their exposure to new places and people. Fred Wahl was the kind of man who could make even a new acquaintance feel like an old and trusted friend. He always had an anecdote to keep the story interesting and remind us that we can do the crucial work of the nation while not taking ourselves too seriously. His bright presence will be sorely missed. As we adjourn today, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying our last respects to this great American, Fred Wahl.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Tyler Today Magazine, the oldest and only local magazine dedicated solely to covering the events and people of Tyler, Texas. This publication recently celebrated 25 years of dedicated news service to its community. As the representative of the 4th District of Texas, I had the privilege to represent Tyler for many years. It is a town rich with history, and Tyler Today accurately records and promotes the pride, passion, and personality of the people who make Tyler the remarkable and close-knit ``Rose Capital.'' I congratulate those who have contributed to Tyler Today Magazine's distinguished history, with best wishes for continued success.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the life of Maurine Williamson Cain of Rockwall who passed away June 19 at the age of 95. Maurine was a faithful church member; dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother; a crucial member of the Rockwall community in her role as an educator; and a dear friend of mine. The youngest of five children, Maurine was born May 27, 1919 in Forney, Texas to two loving parents--Jim and Grace Williamson. She grew up in Chisholm and Rockwall and enjoyed an active and involved family life. After Maurine graduated from Rockwall High School in 1936, her brother Clifford and his wife Elva helped Maurine with her first step into higher education. She studied two years at Texas Military College in Terrell, Texas and continued her education at East Texas State Teachers College (known today as Texas A&M University-Commerce) where she earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees. She then began her 38-year career as an educator at Scurry Rosser High School and Quinlan High School. On June 8, 1941, Maurine married Ted Cain in Holdenville, Oklahoma. The couple celebrated the birth of their son, Dewayne, as well as the births of two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren over the course of their 70-year marriage before Ted passed away in 2012. One year after their marriage, Ted left Texas to serve overseas in World War II. At home, Maurine worked at the defense plant in Garland and began teaching in a one-room school known as Locust Grove Community School. She taught all seven grades by herself and also served as school janitor, cook, and nurse. Maurine spent the last 34 years of her career in education teaching various grade levels at Rockwall Elementary School and Dobbs Elementary School before retiring in 1987. In honor of Maurine's dedication to educating the children of the Rockwall Community, on October 17, 1999 the Rockwall Independent School District named and dedicated Cain Middle School in her honor. Maurine enjoyed being involved with the school and attended many pep rallies, awards ceremonies, and other school events. In addition to her involvement with the Rockwall school system, Maurine maintained close relationships with her church family at the First Baptist Church of Rockwall and its Ruth Sunday School class. She was also a member of Sigma Tau Delta, Alpha Chi, and the Texas State Teachers Association. Maurine is survived by her son, Dewayne Cain, and his wife, Ann Atkins Cain; her granddaughter, Amy Cain Cox, and her husband, Wendell Cox; her grandson, Chris Cain, and his fiancee, Ami Wester; and three grandchildren, Jackson, Johnny, and Annie Cox. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of Maurine Williamson Cain and the positive impact she had upon her community. She was a woman of faith and family who believed ``you never stand taller than when you stoop to help a child.'' I believe we can all learn from her example.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman for the time. Mr. Chairman, as we celebrate National Teachers Week, I do rise in support of charter schools and the remarkable job they do in advancing high-quality education through innovative approaches in our classrooms across the country. With an increasingly competitive workforce, quality education is more important than ever, and charter schools play a valuable role in the education field. Charter schools provide parents and students a choice for what best meets the child's needs, classrooms that offer more personalized education, and accountability if the school's achievement goals and metrics are not met. When I was home over Easter, I had the opportunity to visit the Phoenix Charter School located in Greenville, Texas. Built in 1986, Phoenix Charter School serves over 600 students by providing a creative educational experience, one that integrates fine arts into a strong traditional curriculum. During my visit, I talked with students who were excited to share their experiences at the school. They told me they were happy to receive a hands-on education in a place that makes them feel at home. More importantly, they are thankful to attend a school that meets their individual living needs. I walked around the campus and was able to see teachers interact with students, and you could see the students were fully engaged in the classroom. Phoenix Charter School has been recognized by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools for providing exceptional education to its students, and this recognition is well-deserved. Parents and educators know best what their students need. If a student can benefit most from a charter school, that student should be able to have that access to that education. I encourage my colleagues to join me in efforts to provide students full access to charter schools and the innovative way they prepare our students for successful futures.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Madam Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. HALL. Madam Chairman, I would like to thank my good friend Chairman Cole and the Appropriations Committee for allowing me to offer this amendment in conjunction with Congressman McCaul. My amendment today simply prohibits the Statement of Disbursements of the House from being distributed the old-fashioned way--through print. A lot of people say I am old-fashioned and I am behind the times, but I have a Facebook account, I tweet, and just this week my congressional Web site was singled out for the Silver Mouse Award, placing it in the top 6 percent of all congressional Web sites for transparency, ease of use, and accessibility of constituent services. Right now, the Chief Administrative Officer of the House distributes 441 copies of its three-volume Statement of Disbursements to the House at a cost of well over $300,000 per year. This quarterly public report of all reports and expenditures for U.S. House of Representatives Members, committees, leadership, officers, and offices was more than 2,400 pages long in its last edition. Multiply that by 441, and you have 100,000 pages of printed material, all of which can easily be accessed on the CAO's Web site. To be clear, my amendment does nothing to prohibit the CAO from making the Statement of Disbursements of the House available online to Members as they currently do. But if I can learn to communicate electronically, I sure don't see why the Federal Government can't do the same thing.

Mr. HALL. I yield to the gentleman from Oklahoma.

Mr. HALL. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4032, the North Texas Invasive Species Barrier Act of 2014. This bill is a prime example of how both sides of the aisle can work together for the good of our citizens. As we know, water is our most vital resource and one of our primary needs, and I am grateful for Congressmen Sam Johnson and Pete Sessions for their sponsorship of this bill to enhance water resources for the people of north Texas. I also would like to thank Chairman Hastings of the Natural Resources Committee and committee staff for their work on this measure and for bringing this bill to the floor today, and I thank the gentleman from Alaska. Many lakes across America have been infested with various invasive species. In the State of Texas, our lakes have been infested with zebra mussels. I am sure many of you have seen these in your States. They started in New York and have worked their way down to Texas lakes. In December 2012, the House and Senate were successful in passing the North Texas Zebra Mussel Barrier Act, which became public law. This law permits the North Texas Municipal Water District and the Greater Texoma Utility Authority to pump water from Lake Texoma into the Wylie, Texas, water treatment plant, where the water will be cleaned of zebra mussels without being in violation of the Lacey Act. It is safe to say that wherever zebra mussels are found, their partner in crime--quagga mussels--are more than likely to be found as well. Today's bill, H.R. 4032, expands the exemption from zebra mussels to all aquatic invasive species and plants, and will enable the North Texas Municipal Water District to do its job. It does not encourage extra pumping that would harm Lake Texoma's current low water levels. Such action will better serve more than 1.5 million north Texans in a manner that provides safe water and much-needed jobs. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation that provides safe and clean water to north Texans.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the life of Cecil Mozel Bailey who recently passed away on February 23 at the age of 91. Cecil was a man of God dedicated to his faith, family, and community. I consider myself fortunate to count Cecil and his family as personal friends and I know he will be greatly missed. Cecil was born on November 11, 1922, in Grand Saline, Texas. The values of family and hard work were ingrained in Cecil from an early age as he grew up helping his parents, Harvey and Tennie Fisher Bailey, on the family farm. After graduating from Grand Saline High School, he received an offer to play football for Arlington State College. Cecil then decided to serve his country in the United States Army where he was stationed in Germany. After returning home from war, Cecil and his wife Wanda raised their family together while Cecil worked as a warehouse superintendent with A&P Grocery in Dallas and served as a Sunday school teacher and deacon at Urban Park Baptist Church. Following the passing of his wife Wanda, Cecil returned to Grand Saline, where he later married again. He and his wife, Irene, then moved to Canton where they retired. His faith was important to him, and together, Cecil and Irene Bailey helped start Lakeside Baptist Church. Cecil continued to actively serve the Lord as the Chairman of the deacons. Family was always important to Cecil. The Baileys enjoyed many trips together, traveling to Israel, Hawaii, Alaska, New England, and Branson. Cecil also spent time growing large vegetable gardens, canning produce, and sharing what he grew with his family and friends. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of Cecil Bailey. He was a man who fully believed in the values of faith, family, and community. I believe everyone can benefit from his example and the life he lived.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of my dear friend and former colleague Kent Hance, a man who spent his life in public service for the benefit of Texas, our country, and certainly for 8 years at the Texas Tech University System, where he currently serves as chancellor. I am especially proud to speak for Kent. He was and is a very successful attorney; he was a great member of the Texas Senate; he was a real leader in the United States Congress; and, important to me, he is and was and will always be a super friend. Kent and I served in the Texas State Senate at different times so our paths did not cross until I was first elected to Congress, where he was already serving as Congressman for the 19th District of Texas. We are both conservatives, and we worked together with President Reagan to carry out his tax cut in 1981, along with other conservative thrusts. Tonight, we recognized Kent for his efforts on behalf of Texas education. For the last 8 years, Kent has served his alma mater, Texas Tech University, and he certainly has worked with the school to make tremendous strides in furthering the prestigious school's advances for students. During his time as chancellor, Texas Tech has far surpassed previous fundraising goals and enrollment records at all four institutions. Kent has also worked to put Texas Tech on track to becoming a tier one research institution. I was also pleased to support the legislation that spawned the law school at Texas Tech. I come from a family of teachers and value quality education for our Nation's students, as I know Kent does. Education is directly tied to our children's future opportunities as well American innovation and competitiveness. That is why we look for leaders like Kent Hance who will work tirelessly to ensure that students receive the best education possible, because I agree, as he agrees, that children are 25 percent of our population and 100 percent of our future. I thank Kent for his friendship and for his service to our great State of Texas and our country. I congratulate him on his success as chancellor for Texas Tech University System. And I wish him all the very best in his future endeavors.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Steve Swofford's 25th Anniversary as Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Rockwall. He has served the congregation and his community with humility, humor, and a love that stems from his faith in Jesus Christ. I know the First Family of FBC Rockwall is thankful for the Swoffords and for Steve's leadership over the years, and that they join me in celebrating this special occasion. Steve grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, and accepted Christ as his personal Savior as a high school junior. He felt the call to ministry a year later and went on to receive his Bachelor's degree from Dallas Baptist University and his Master's from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He was blessed with many supportive relationships and his faith was made stronger through the spiritual guidance of his first pastor, Bob Graham; his favorite high school teacher, F.J. Lykins; and Pastor Gene Reynolds. Steve's wife Brenda, whom he married in 1973, has also been a true helpmate to him and their church family. Steve began his ministry in the Dallas area and was soon drawn to Rockwall because of the untapped potential of First Baptist and the closeness of the community. Over the 25 years Steve has faithfully served the First Family, the church has seen tremendous growth--growing from 800 members to over 4,000. In order to meet the needs of the growing church body, FBC, which began with one Sunday morning worship service and Sunday School, now holds three Sunday morning worship services and three Sunday Schools. Bible Study attendance has likewise grown from 200 people to almost 1,500. To meet space demands, four new buildings and five new parking lots have been built. As a Pastor with deep convictions to actively spread the Gospel, Steve has also led FBC Rockwall to give nearly $8.5 million on behalf of world missions--not one penny of which stayed in the church. It is important to note that Steve's ministry goes beyond the walls of First Baptist. He serves at the local, state, and national level in Baptist endeavors, and especially enjoys serving the Rockwall community as chaplain with the Rockwall police and fire departments where he can provide spiritual and emotional support to those in need. Without a doubt, God has strengthened and helped Pastor Swofford as he has faithfully served the First Family of FBC Rockwall these past 25 years. I am sure that Steve and Brenda share their accomplishments together--and that they attribute all success to Christ for His Glory. I am also personally indebted to Pastor Steve for his participation in the service for my late wife, Mary Ellen. His generosity to a fellow believer--outside his church membership but still a brother in Christ-- is not forgotten. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Pastor Steve Swofford's 25 years of faithful leadership to the members of First Baptist Church of Rockwall. He is truly a servant of God, and the First Family and Rockwall community are blessed to have him. Even more so, we are blessed to live in a country founded on Christian principles where pastors like Steve Swofford can proclaim the Gospel freely.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Bonham Post Office, an historic building that has been an integral part of the Bonham community. The Bonham Post Office, which celebrates its 100th year in March 2014, is a historical building of which the residents of Bonham are proud. Although the interior of the building has been altered to accommodate changing times, the beautiful exterior of the building with granite, large columns and stone remain today. At the time the Bonham Post Office was built, top-of-the-line materials were used to make it what many thought was the best looking building in the state of Texas. Prior to the building's opening as a working post office, it is estimated one thousand people visited the new building, which exemplifies the significance of the grand opening in 1914. The building is a reminder of the proud history of Bonham and Fannin County. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to congratulate the Bonham Post Office on 100 years of achievement. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating this important milestone.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2431) to reauthorize the National Integrated Drought Information System as amended.

Mr. HALL. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 2431, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. HALL. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2431, a bill to reauthorize the National Integrated Drought Information System. I want to thank Chairman Smith for his good work in bringing this bill to the House floor and for his bipartisan support. I also want to thank the gentleman and Representative Ben Lujan of New Mexico for joining me as an original sponsor. In 1998, Congress passed the National Drought Policy Act, establishing a Commission to provide recommendations on Federal drought policies. The concept of creating a national drought monitoring and information system was proposed by the Commission in its 2000 report and promoted by various stakeholders, including the Western Governors' Association and in the 2004 report, ``Creating a Drought Early Warning System for the 21st Century.'' I was pleased to become involved in this effort with former Congressman and now-Senator Mark Udall and to introduce the NIDIS Act of 2006, which Congress passed and became public law. NIDIS is administered within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NIDIS established the U.S. Drought Portal, which has become a very valuable resource for decisionmakers at the Federal, State, and local levels, and for farmers, businessmen, and individuals. This Web site provides current data for weather observations, early warnings about droughts, and support services for managing droughts. The Web site includes the U.S. Drought Monitor map, another valuable feature that is updated weekly. For example, according to the most recent Drought Monitor map, about 21 percent of the U.S. is experiencing severe to exceptional drought conditions. More than 56 percent of the country has abnormally dry to exceptional drought conditions. Madam Speaker, NIDIS is an example of a program that is working effectively and that has broad support. Rather than creating a new government bureaucracy, NIDIS represents a collaborative framework between Federal, states, and academic partners. The NIDIS reauthorization will improve interagency coordination, early warnings, critical data sharing, and decision services related to drought. The bill encourages further research, monitoring, and forecasting, along with further development of regional early warning systems. Madam Speaker, reauthorizing NIDIS will strengthen this important program and will help our State, it will help the local, and it will help the Federal officials, farmers, and water managers better prepare for and respond to drought. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HALL. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith), the chairman of the full committee.

Mr. HALL. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Schweikert).

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

Mr. HALL. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.