Ralph Hall

Mr. HALL of Texas

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

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 3165, the Wind Energy Research and Development Act of 2009. Wind energy has been and continues to be a very important part of the electricity-generating portfolio in this country, and in particular in my State of Texas, which I understand is the largest producer of wind energy in our country. However, the technology can be improved upon to make the wind turbines, systems and farms more efficient and more effective at producing energy. Renewable energy from wind currently makes up almost 2 percent of the energy generated in this country, but industry experts believe that number can be as high as 20 percent. H.R. 3165 can help this country reach that goal. The bill addresses the key research areas needed to expand our country's production of wind energy, and I thank Mr. Tonko for his work on this important renewable energy source and for working with both sides of the aisle to move this bill unanimously out of the Science Committee and before the House today. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Smith).

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Billie Ray Huddleston was born in Celina on August 23, 1929. His love for church, family, school and community continues even as he celebrates his 80th birthday. Billie Ray has lived his entire life in Celina, where he attended Celina High School and graduated in 1946. He then attended North Texas State College, now known as the University of North Texas, and graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science. He taught math for 10 years until deciding to farm full time, first with his father and then with his son, and continues to help his son and grandson as needed. During his farming years, Billie Ray served on the Celina Cooperative Gin Board for 37 years. He has been a longtime director of the Collin County Farm Bureau and for six years served as a director of the Texas Farm Bureau. During part of this time he served on the Southern Farm Bureau Insurance Boards and continues to be involved in federal and state legislative affairs. He also served on the Project 2000 Committee for long-range planning to carry Texas Farm Bureau into the next century. He has been the recipient of many awards, including the Collin County Conservation Farmer of the Year, Denton Wise County Conservation Farmer of the Year, Collin County Farmer of the Year and the Collin County Farm Bureau Pioneer Award. In 1955, Billie Ray married Jane Merritt and they have four children: Charles and his wife Sherry of Celina, Janet and her husband Randy of Celina, Laurie and her husband Russell of Waco, and Mike and his wife Ingrid of Keller. They are the grandparents of 11 beautiful grandchildren. During the time his children were in the Celina schools he served for 13 years as a trustee of the Celina Independent School District. He was also a member of the Quarterback Club for many years, serving as captain in 1973. His civic involvement includes serving on the Celina City Council for 2 terms during which the first Comprehensive Plan was formed, and recently he served on the committee for the current comprehensive plan which is in its final stages. Seeing the need for a public park, he was instrumental in securing the land and negotiating the purchase of more than 40 acres, where a wonderful park was dedicated in 2006 to the City of Celina. In 2002 he and his wife, Jane, were awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chamber of Commerce ``in recognition of their continuous service and support.'' In July of 1976 he was recognized by The American Revolution Bicentennial Commission of Texas for his participation in celebrating the Bicentennial. Billie Ray has been a member of the First Baptist Church in Celina since 1951 and has served as a deacon for 53 years. He has been such an important and influential member of the Celina community, and his many friends today join his family in wishing a wonderful 80th birthday to this great citizen, Billie Ray Huddleston.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3326, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of FY 2010: Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall Bill Number: H.R. 3326, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of FY 2010: Account: RDTE, AF Legal Name of Requesting Entity: L-3 Communications Integrated Systems Address of Requesting Entity: 10001 Jack Finney Boulevard, Greenville, Texas 75403 Description of Request: I have secured $2,500,000 for the Rivet Joint Services Oriented Architecture (SOA) with L-3 Communications Integrated Systems. Funding for this project will fully implement the RC-l35 SOA, which will ensure full RIVET JOINT integration in the ISR Enterprise, thus meeting USAF/DoD/DNI requirements for making ISR data and information discoverable, accessible, and to enable information sharing. RIVET JOINT requires continuous, current access to other ISR nodes, databases, and special processing to accomplish current and projected missions. At the same time, the ISR Enterprise will benefit greatly from RC-135 provision of ISR services, both intra- and post- mission. This will be achieved by building on current ongoing RC-135 ground systems, extending the number and performance of ISR services available through these systems, and fully meeting USAF/DoD/ DNI SOA tenets. I certify that I do not have any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall Bill Number: H.R. 3326, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of FY 2010: Account: RDTE, A Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Denison Industries Address of Requesting Entity: 22 Fielder Street, Denison, Texas 75020 Description of Request: I have secured $2,000,000 for the Predictive Casting Process Modeling for Rapid Production of Critical Defense Components with Denison Industries. Funding for this project will develop and implement new casting technologies and materials that will give the Department of Defense lightweight alternatives and the lowest cost options for producing vehicles that can survive against many of today's threats. It will help reverse the trend of U.S. foundries closing or moving overseas by leading the transition of new technologies that will solidify manufacturing in America and secure high skilled jobs and growth markets. It will establish a working research facility to further educate the next generation of engineers. For an often fragmented industry, it will coordinate resources and funding and help assure a continued source of American casting producers for both the military and commercial applications. I certify that I do not have any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall Bill Number: H.R. 3326, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of FY 2010: Account: RDTE, A Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Raytheon Company Address of Requesting Entity: 2501 West University Drive, McKinney, Texas 75071 Description of Request: I have secured $2,000,000 for the Current Force common Active Protection System Radar with the Raytheon Company. Funding for this project will be used to integrate a critical FCS technology, the Active Protection System (APS), into the Army's Current Force combat vehicles. Vehicle survivability and protection of our Soldiers are paramount concerns for the Army, especially in ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Army's Abrams, Bradley, and Stryker vehicle programs all have requirements for APS. Additional federal funding is warranted to meet these requirements and enhance force protection. I certify that I do not have any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall Bill Number: H.R. 3326, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of FY 2010: Account: RDTE, N Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Mustang Technology Group Address of Requesting Entity: 400 West Bethany Drive, Suite 110, Allen, Texas 75013. Description of Request: I have secured $1,000,000 for the Moving Target Indicator (MTI) Scout Radar with the Mustang Technology Group. The Navy lacks an all-weather airborne unmanned air vehicle (UAV) surveillance capability to detect and track high value targets that move, stop for a while, and then move again (Move Stop Move: MSM). Not having this capability allows suspected fast boat attackers to become untraceable when stopped within littoral regions and terrorists that stop and plant mines and IEDs along the shoreline to evade surveillance. Existing UAV radars possess a multi target track all- weather capability but do not have the ability to detect and track targets that move, stop, then move again. However, a new affordable Active Electronic Scanned Array (AESA) based radar is being developed for the Navy. The MTI Scout AESA radar hardware has been designed to support MSM and funding for this project will help develop, integrate, and test the MSM mode software. This radar capability offers the low lifecycle costs afforded by solid state reliability, has over twice the performance of similar systems, and is upgradeable with simple software updates. The light weight and low power of the MTI Scout radar make it ideal for many other airborne manned and unmanned surveillance platforms including the Predator, Fire Scout and MC-12W Adding the MSM function within the size, weight, and power of a UAV airborne platform will give field commanders a new lifesaving surveillance tool to win the global war on terror. I certify that I do not have any financial interest in this project.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3288-- Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act 2010: Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall Bill Number: 3288--Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act 2010 Account: Surface Transportation Priorities Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Federal Highway Administration Address of Requesting Entity: 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Washington DC, 20590 Description of Request: I have secured $500,000 for I-69 with Federal Highway Administration. For more than 15 years, the I-69 Corridor has been under development and has been consistently recognized by Congress as a national transportation priority. Funding for this project in Texas will help expand interstate highways 77, 281, and 59, to support local, interregional and international traffic. It will provide direct access to the Port of Houston and relieve congestion for the communities all along the route, providing the most direct route from Mexico and Canada for major commercial centers in the U.S., easing traffic on I-35. Funds will also ensure FHWA and in turn the resource agencies with responsibility for environmental clearances--US Fish & Wildlife and the Army Corps of Engineers--have additional staff to expedite the environmental reviews of projects along congressionally designated High Priority Corridors, including I-69 in Texas which is defined by statute as US 59, 77 and 281. Without such resources, the ongoing delay of environmental clearances will continue to significantly increase the cost of construction of I-69 and other High Priority Corridors. I certify that I do not have any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall and Congressman Mike Ross Bill Number: 3288--Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act 2010: Account: Airport Improvement Program Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Texarkana Regional Airport Address of Requesting Entity: 201 Airport Dr., Texarkana, AR 71854 Description of Request: I have secured $750,000 for Texarkana Regional Airport Fire Station Project with the Texarkana Regional Airport. Funding for this project will be used to construct an aircraft rescue fire station to save lives in the event of an aircraft accident. This project would complete an Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) station that has been constructed in four phases using incremental funding (continuing resolutions). Without the remaining funds, the facility is not useable. Until recently, airport firefighters shared an off-airport station with city fire crews. Response times to the airfield from the city station did not meet FAA standards for a commercial service airport. The ARFF crews have been temporarily relocated to a maintenance hangar to meet response timing, but the hangar does not meet FAA standards for an ARFF station. The hangar is located in an area where taxiing aircraft may delay ARFF response and aircraft engine noise limits the firefighters' training, rest and ability to hear the crash phone. I certify that I do not have any financial interest in this project.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3293, Labor- HHS-Education Appropriations Act FY 2010: Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall Bill Number: H.R. 3293, Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Act FY2010 Account: Elementary & Secondary Education (includes FIE) Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Communities In Schools--Northeast Texas c/o Northeast Texas Community College Address of Requesting Entity: PO Box 1307, Mt. Pleasant, TX 75456- 1307 Description of Request: I have secured $200,000 for the Communities In School of Northeast Texas with the Communities In Schools--Northeast Texas c/o Northeast. Communities In Schools of Northeast Texas (CIS- NETX), is part of a national stay-in school network. It delivers case management and non-case management services to public school students at risk of dropping out of school. CIS-NETX provides direct and indirect services to over 14,500 students and their families in over 33 elementary, middle and high school campuses in 11 school districts in six northeast Texas counties. CIS-NETX provides students and families with the following six components: supportive guidance and counseling; health and human services coordination, parent and family involvement; pre-employment/employment training and services, enrichment activities and experiences; and education enhancement. Funds for this project will be used to continue the recognized prevention program and would be used for program maintenance, expansion of current programs and replication in areas where no CIS is located. The benefits to those students and their families are numerous; better jobs, a more secure future and better opportunities. But the entire 4th District benefits by these services, as businesses have a more qualified pool of well-trained high school graduates as potential employees and the quality of life improves for the general populace when young people are educated. I certify that I do not have any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall Bill Number: H.R. 3293, Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Act FY2010 Account: Elementary & Secondary Education (includes FIE) Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Community Health Services Agency Address of Requesting Entity: 4500 Wesley Street, Greenville, Texas 75401 Description of Request: I have secured $300,000 for the Greenville Community Health Center Expansion with the Community Health Service Agency. Funds for this project will expand women's health services, prenatal care, deliveries, cancer screenings, women's health exams, and offer gynecological to thousands of women of the 4th District for the first time. CHSA operates a network of community health centers in north central Texas with five (5) medical sites and one (1) dental site located in the 4th District. CHSA serves more than 16,000 residents of the 4th District each year. I certify that I do not have any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall Bill Number: H.R. 3293, Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Act FY2010 Account: Museums and Libraries Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The University of Texas at Austin Address of Requesting Entity: 1 University Station G2700, PO Box 7397, Austin TX 78713 Description of Request: I have secured $250,000 for the Sam Rayburn Library and Museum with the Center for American History. The Sam Rayburn Library and Museum, located in Bonham, Texas, is one of five divisions of the University's Center for American History. Funds for this project will expand educational and program services to more people, area educational organizations and traditionally underserved populations to meet the public education mission of the University of Texas at Austin and the Center for American History. The National Historic Landmark is the creation of the man who served as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives longer than any other person: Sam Taliaferro Rayburn (1882-1961). Known affectionately as ``Mr. Sam'' by his friends and colleagues, Rayburn established the library and museum in 1957 as a tribute to the people of his district and for future generations. I certify that I do not have any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall Bill Number: H.R. 3293, Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Act FY 2010 Account: Elementary & Secondary Education (includes FIE) Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Texas A&M University--Commerce Address of Requesting Entity: PO Box 3011, Commerce, TX 75429 Description of Request: I have secured $100,000 for Improving STEM Skills for Rural Youth in Northeast Texas with Texas A&M University-- Commerce. This project focuses on enabling teachers and students to enhance their science, technology, education, engineering, and mathematics skills. The project includes three summer camps known as the X-Teems Academy and the Infinity Institute. Groups of students from rural districts who are typically underrepresented in STEM fields are identified to participate in this project. Funds for this project will allow students and teachers from the 4th District to participate in the education program designed to cultivate and/or develop affinity for math and science in rural middle and high school students and at the same time, equip teachers throughout the state with broader math and science teaching experiences in order to enhance their teaching in these critical areas. I certify that I do not have any financial interest in this project.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 607 which honors and commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing. This event marked an extraordinary achievement in the history of mankind as we explored beyond the bounds of our own world and landed upon another. On May 25, 1961, in a speech to Congress, I remember hearing President John F. Kennedy set the goal of landing Americans on the Moon and then returning them safely to Earth. The space program and NASA were in their infancies. This was an audacious goal; but the point was not about accomplishing what was easy but that which was very difficult, that which was extremely hard. Kennedy knew that inspiring our Nation to rise to this challenge would serve to organize and measure the very best of American capabilities. The Apollo program expanded on the knowledge and experience gained from the Mercury and Gemini human space flight programs as well as from precursor robotic and lunar exploration activities. Prior to Apollo 11, four Apollo missions were sent into space and around the Moon to gather data. On July 16, 1969, the Apollo 11 crew, consisting of Mission Commander Neil Armstrong, Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin, and Command Module Pilot Michael Collins, launched from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, atop a Saturn 5 rocket that would carry them beyond the pull of Earth's gravity on their historic 4-day trip to the Moon. As they left the Earth, they did not know whether they would ever return. They were intrepid explorers, the Columbuses and Magellans of our generation, risking their lives to explore the unknown for all of us. On July 20, 1969, after traveling 240,000 miles through space, the Apollo 11 crew successfully landed the Lunar Module Eagle on the Moon in the Sea of Tranquility. During that momentous event, millions of people in America and around the world watched in awe as Neil Armstrong took his famous first step and became the first person to walk on the surface of another celestial body. The Apollo 11 Moon landing was the culmination of years' worth of experience, and the combined efforts of tens of thousands of engineers, scientists and other devoted individuals and organizations that were committed to accomplishing the task that had been set upon them 8 years earlier. The very successful landing was one of the most significant and important events in the 20th century. It inspired an entire generation to strive toward great accomplishments in space, as well as on Earth. It resulted in the greatest increases in science and engineering enrollments at all of our colleges and universities. It continues to inspire new generations as we prepare to journey back to the Moon and beyond, to other destinations in our solar system. Today as we celebrate the Apollo 11 mission and reflect on the future of our space program, we should reexamine the lessons learned from Apollo. America's economic, educational and technological strength can benefit from a clear, challenging and inspirational goal for human space exploration. It will take national leadership at all levels, and we need to adequately fund the endeavor. If we succeed, we will continue to lead the world in science and engineering enrollments at our colleges and in our universities, and our technology and industry will continue to be the envy of the world. As President Kennedy knew, the difficult challenges of space exploration serve to organize and measure our abilities, but they also lead to unanticipated spinoffs in areas such as health care, materials science and microcomputing that can be harnessed for other pressing national needs. On this anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission, I hope we heed the lessons of the past and push forward into the future. I urge Members to fully support our Nation's space program. And I urge them to support House Resolution 607 celebrating and commemorating the 40th anniversary of this extraordinary achievement.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 2729 to authorize the designation of National Environmental Research Parks by the Secretary of Energy, and for other purposes. H.R. 2729, introduced by the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Lujan), authorizes six existing parks that are located within major eco-regions of the United States. These eco-regions cover more than half of the Nation. In some cases the research parks are the only ecological sanctuaries in the entire region. The parks provide secure settings for scientists to conduct research on a broad range of subjects, such as plant succession, biomass production, environmental behavior of radionuclides, cost and effectiveness of revegetation of disturbed lands, and thermal effects on freshwater ecosystems. The parks also provide rich environments for training researchers and introducing the public to ecological sciences. The parks have been around in concept since 1969 and in reality, actually, since 1972, when the Atomic Energy Commission, the predecessor to the Department of Energy, established its first research park at the Savannah River site in South Carolina. Under this bill, the Parks will continue to serve their intended purpose, but will now be able to do so under their own authorization. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Lujan for his work on this bill, and also the work of his staff.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1622 to provide for a program of research, development and demonstration on natural gas vehicles. I thank my good friend, Congressman John Sullivan from Oklahoma, for introducing this bill, and I'm very proud to be a cosponsor. H.R. 1622 authorizes the U.S. Department of Energy to fund natural gas vehicle research, development and demonstration needs on natural gas vehicles to make them even cleaner, even more efficient, and ease their widespread integration into our current transportation system. Approximately 98 percent of the natural gas we use in America comes from the United States and Canada, and the Energy Information Agency forecasts that, by 2030, over 98 percent of the natural gas used in America will come from the U.S. alone. Because of recent advancements in technology, the economically recoverable U.S. natural gas resource base has nearly doubled in just the last few years. A recent study concludes that we now have 118 years of natural gas resources right here in America. Doesn't it makes sense that we should be using this abundant, domestic resource to help fuel our transportation needs? Renewable natural gas can also be produced from any organic waste or energy crop such as switchgrass. It has been conservatively estimated that America could produce 1.2 quadrillion Btus of renewable natural gas, also called biomethane. That is the equivalent of 10 billion gallons of gasoline. And if making biomethane from cellulosic energy crops is considered, the potential is just almost limitless. Natural gas is affordable, it has an existing distribution infrastructure, it is a proven vehicle fuel, and it is clean. I urge my colleagues to support this bill that will help increase our energy independence by serving to increase the amount of vehicles on our roads that run on domestic natural gas. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Sullivan).

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the Congressman from Georgia, Dr. Broun, the balance of our time.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to Mr. Olson, the gentleman from Texas.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3183, Energy and Water Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2010: Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall Bill Number: H.R. 3183, Energy and Water Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 Account: Investigations Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Arkansas Red River Commission Address of Requesting Entity: 4155 E. Clay St., Vicksburg, MS 39183 Description of Request: I have secured $25,000 for the Red River Navigation Study, Southwest Arkansas, AR & LA with the Arkansas Red River Commission. Funding for this project will be to study alternatives for extending navigation from Shreveport, LA to Index, AR. I certify that I do not have any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall Bill Number: H.R. 3183, Energy and Water Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 Account: Science Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Texas A&M University--Commerce Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 3011, Commerce, TX 75429 Description of Request: I have secured $300,000 for the Advanced Artificial Science and Engineering Research Infrastructure with Texas A&M University at Commerce. Funding for this project will assist in the development of an advanced artificial science and engineering research infrastructure to facilitate innovative computational modeling and analysis of complex electromagnetic wave propagation phenomenologies. The objectives of this proposal are twofold: (1) to implement and operate a high-powered computing grid (a virtual computing environment) that will facilitate the solution of interdisciplinary computational and engineering models, and (2) to develop a computational model of complex electromagnetic wave transmission, propagation, and reception, and analyze that model using new Computational Science methods within the virtual computing environment. The research will be conducted in Hunt County, and will provide faculty and students with research and educational opportunities currently not available. Furthermore, the ``grid'' will be available for other universities and industries to utilize, thereby expanding the area of impact across the state. I certify that I do not have any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall Bill Number: H.R. 3183, Energy and Water Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 Account: Construction Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District Address of Requesting Entity: 1645 S. 101 East Ave., Tulsa, OK 74128 Description of Request: I have secured $1,800,000 for the Red River Basin Chloride Control, TX & OK with the Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District. This project is designed to control natural chloride brine emissions at three major source areas to improve water quality for municipal, industrial, and agricultural use. Funding for this project will improve construction of low flow dams, pump stations, and diversion pipelines to Truscott Brine Dam. The Red River water quality will be improved so it can be used for irrigation, municipals and industries. I certify that I do not have any financial interest in this project.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a dedicated serviceman, excellent businessman, and community activist, Mr. John Wise ``Jay'' Adkisson of Greenville, Texas. Born on October 5, 1920, to John Wise Adkisson Sr. and Lenna McCandless Adkisson in Greenville, Texas, Jay graduated from Greenville High School in 1938 and from Texas A&M University in 1942, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in landscaping architecture. He was also a member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band. Shortly thereafter, he attended the U.S. Naval Midshipmen's School at Columbia University in New York, NY and upon graduation, was commissioned an ensign in the U.S. Navy. For the remainder of WWII, he served in the South Pacific as commanding officer of a Landing Ship Medium (LSM) and was honorably discharged having obtained the rank of full lieutenant. In 1946, Jay returned to Greenville to join in the operations of the family business, Wise Adkisson & Sons Florist, Greenhouse, and Nursery. In 1996, Jay was elected as President of the Texas State Florists Association (TSFA) and in 1978 he received the TSFA Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his numerous contributions to the floral industry. In addition to his work in the floral business, Jay was a dedicated public servant. He was elected for two terms as Greenville City Councilman and Mayor Pro-Tem in the 1960s, served as Chairman of the Administrative Board for Kavanaugh United Methodist Church, member of the Greenville Lions Club, and Director of the Greenville Lake Club. He was also involved in the adult leadership of Boy Scouts of America and the Hunt County Aggie Club. Jay is survived by his wife of 61 years, and business partner Nita Lee ``Tubby'', son Richard Wise Adkisson and wife Jan, son John Jay Adkisson and three grandchildren, Benjamin, Rebecca and Rob Adkisson, sister Mary Ward, brother Dr. Mike Adkisson and wife Beverly, great- granddaughter Bailey, and numerous nieces and nephews. Madam Speaker, I am privileged to have known such a wonderful citizen of Greenville, Texas, who leaves a legacy of service that will be long remembered.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a true public servant who has dedicated her life to promoting reading and library use, Ms. Kathy Melston, who recently retired as Library Director of the Rockwall County Library in my hometown. Early on, Kathy recognized the emerging need for adult literacy. As a result, the award-winning Reading for Adults program was established in 2000. This program has grown from two students and five tutors to 68 volunteer tutors and 300 students, of which many have earned GEDs and their citizenship through this process. The innovative ``Rock and Read'' fundraiser supporting the program won the literacy award from the Texas State Reading Association. Kathy is accredited by many for promoting bond propositions to purchase land and construct a new state-of-the-art library in Rockwall. County Commissioner Lorie Grinnan maintains that with Kathy's intelligence, extensive knowledge base and dedication, she has been able to steer Rockwall County through a time of tremendous growth and change. Kathy's belief that the main purpose of a library is to serve its community has been the foundation of the loyalty and dedication of her staff, volunteers and the Friends of the Library. During her 20 years as Library Director, Kathy has provided vision, enthusiasm, and results in Rockwall County. She was named the Rockwall Soroptimist Professional Woman of the Year, served on several RISD committees, and was President and Secretary of the Public Library Administrators of North America. She is a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and is a Lector and Eucharistic Minister at her church. Kathy's recent retirement is bittersweet for those who know, love and respect her. They are happy for this new phase of her life which will be filled with travel, home projects, volunteering and a chance to read all of the books for which she will finally have the time. But, at the same time, they feel some distress at the loss of personal connections established between Kathy and the library patrons. In September, at the grand opening of the new library, many noticed a large corner spot with a beautiful view, filled with flowers and cards with a brass plaque on the door identifying the Kathleen Melston Quiet Reading Room. This tribute from staff, friends and volunteers recognizes Kathy's enormous impact on the community. Madam Speaker, I am proud to join the Rockwall County Library, Friends of the Library, and Rockwall citizens in congratulating Ms. Kathy Melston on her retirement. I can't think of a better testament to public service than educating tomorrow's leaders, and Ms. Melston is to be commended for her commitment to the advancement of reading literacy. Please join me in honoring her on this prestigious occasion.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory and accomplishments of a man who dedicated his life to showing generosity towards others, Moody Newell Siebman of Pottsboro, Texas, who passed away last year. Mr. Siebman was born March 27, 1932 in Wichita Falls, Texas, to school teachers Moody Nugent Siebman and Rudy Steedman Siebman. He married Carol Sue Gillum on March 8, 1958 in Collinsville, Texas and they had two children, my good friend and outstanding citizen Clyde Siebman, their daughter Annette Skupin, and four grandchildren, Elizabeth Siebman and Katie, Becca and Sam Skupin. Mr. Siebman was proud to be a fifth generation resident of Grayson County whose great- grandfather, S.D. Steedman was a Grayson County Judge in the 1800s. Much of Mr. Siebman's professional life was dedicated to the transportation industry, where he worked in all aspects of the industry from long-haul truck driver to owner and manager of multi-truck fleets. He also worked as a traffic manager for twelve years and in 1998 as a senior driver for the United States Brass Corporation. After retirement, Mr. Siebman spent his remaining years devoted to his family, hunting and fishing. He was a tireless worker for conservative candidates in local political campaigns. He was known for his generosity and for being a loyal friend and neighbor. The family and friends of Moody Newell Siebman will long remember his devotion to his family and to his community, and the legacy of this fifth-generation Texan will continue in the lives of his children and grandchildren.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Mary Sue Alexander, a lifelong resident of Greenville, Texas, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 90. Born in Greenville, Texas to Ed. B. Williams Sr. and Susie Lee Joiner, Mrs. Alexander found meaning in her family, her community, and her faith. She married her husband of 38 years, Sam Reeves Alexander, on June 5, 1937, and they had two daughters. In her community, Mrs. Alexander was a member of the Junior Palace Club and the Dirtdobbers Garden Club. She enjoyed entertaining, cooking, and participated in two bridge clubs. Mrs. Alexander was a loyal member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Greenville for 79 years. She is survived by her two daughters, Patricia DeVeny and Sue Ann Harting, former mayor of Greenville; three grandchildren, Dianne DeVeny, David DeVeny, and Alexandra Alexander; one great-granddaughter, Shannon Nicole DeVeny; one sister, Rosabel Warren; and many nieces and nephews. Mrs. Alexander was beloved by her family and many friends, and I join them today in paying our last respects to this wonderful woman, Mrs. Mary Sue Alexander.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is with deep respect that I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding American, a great champion of conservative values, and my good friend, Paul M. Weyrich, who passed away last December 18, 2008. His contributions to American conservative politics over the past 35 years have been tremendous. Paul co-founded the Heritage Foundation in 1973, and in 1974 organized the Committee for the Survival of Free Congress, which later reorganized into the Free Congress Foundation on which he served as Chairman and CEO. By 1977, both the Heritage Foundation and Free Congress Foundation were ranked in the top 5 most influential and best funded conservative think tanks. Paul also held the highest honorary position in the Council for National Policy. Born in Racine, Washington to Ignatius and Virginia Weyrich, Paul began his interest in politics while attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison. At the age of 19, he joined the Racine County Young Republicans where he was active for the next three years until 1964, when he chose to take part in Barry Goldwater's presidential campaign. In 1966 he became the press secretary to Republican U.S. Senator Gordon L. Allott of Colorado. While there he became acquainted with Jack Wilson, an aide to Joseph Coors of the Coors Brewing family. This contact spurred a series of events, which resulted in the formation of the Heritage Foundation. The Free Congress Foundation, established shortly after the formation of the Heritage Foundation, and where Mr. Weyrich served as President from 1977 until 2002, is yet another milestone in his long list of achievements. The FCF served as a format to train and mobilize conservative activists, recruit conservative candidates, as well as raise funds for conservative causes. To raise funds, the FCF became one of the first organizations to utilize evangelical churches for recruiting support for conservative politics. A titan in the world of conservative politics, Mr. Weyrich worked ceaselessly. His contributions include co-founding the Christian Voice with Robert Grant in 1977; co-founding the Moral Majority with Jerry Falwell in 1979; founding the American Legislative Exchange Council; founding the Council for National Policy; co-publishing the magazine Conservative Digest; serving as the National Chairman of Coalitions for America; founding the Washington, D.C. based satellite television station ``National Empowerment Television (NET)'', which later re- launched as ``America's Voice''; serving as President of the Krieble Institute from 1989 to 1996, a unit of FCF which trained activists to support democracy movements and establish small businesses in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Mr. Weyrich was also an ardent supporter of rail mass transit; his expertise in this area was utilized while he served as an AMTRAK Director and a National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commissioner. In and after 1989, Mr. Weyrich traveled to the formerly Communist Soviet Union where he organized training courses for the promotion of democracy and individual rights. In 2005 Mr. Weyrich won the Heritage Foundation's prestigious Clare Booth Luce Award. These accomplishments are a testament to his unwavering commitment and passion for conservatism. A leader in his faith, as well as in the political realm, Paul was ordained in 1990 as a deacon in the Melkite Greek Eparchy, a conservative Catholic Church. A few years ago he was diagnosed with a spinal injury, arachnoiditis, and as his illness progressed over the years, he was confined to a wheelchair. Despite these limitations, Paul persisted in his pursuit to better the nation and world through conservatism. He continued to play key roles as a political advisor and speaker, even finding time to organize summit meetings on the future of conservatism, and write opinion pieces for his own foundation and for news organizations. On December 18, 2008, Paul passed away in Fairfax, Virginia, and our country lost one of its strongest champions for conservatism. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Joyce, their five children and thirteen grandchildren. Revered Louis P. Sheldon commented on the life of his friend, stating ``Paul Weyrich was a pioneer of the conservative movement and a staunch defender of traditional values. He was a brilliant strategist, an aggressive defender of the faith, and a determined foe against the failed philosophy of liberalism. Most of all, he was a good friend, confidante and someone who could be relied upon to do the right thing for our nation and for the Christian faith, which he embraced. We will miss him--and the conservative movement has lost a giant whose influence will be felt for years to come.'' Though Paul is no longer with us, he leaves a powerful legacy that will be remembered for generations to come. Madam Speaker, I ask those here today to join me in remembering and celebrating the life and achievements of this great American, Mr. Paul M. Weyrich.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished and productive life of independent oilman Lloyd Franklin Pitts, a dear friend who passed away in March at the age of 98. Born on October 7, 1910 to Addie Mae Sandifer and John Loyd Pitts in Wesson, Mississippi, Frank graduated from Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson, Mississippi in 1930, and attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. In 1935, he married Mary Martha McCann of Brookhaven, Mississippi. Married for 58 years, she was Frank's companion, confidante and ``sweetheart.'' She died in 1993. Recognized by his peers and the major trade organizations in the oil and gas industry for his leadership over 68 years, Frank began his business career in Chicago with Nu-Enamel Paint Company. He lived in Europe from 1934-37, where he opened paint stores throughout the Continent. His close observation of the rise of fascism in Italy and Germany engendered an intense patriotism and appreciation for the American democratic way of life. At the age of 29, he was elected President of the International Company. Involved in politics from an early age, he was Chairman of Young Democrats for Roosevelt in 1932, and campaigned in seven states on his behalf for President. He maintained a keen interest in current affairs throughout his life. Frank appreciated his business associates at Pitts Oil Company, where he was actively involved until recently. An independent oil and natural gas producer for almost seven decades, Frank participated in the drilling of more than 3,000 wells in exploration for oil and natural gas. For 12 years, he was Chief Executive Officer of an international geophysical company. Frank was actively involved in a wide range of industry associations and political action groups. He served two terms as President of Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO). He was a member of the National Petroleum Council, an advisory group to the Secretary of the Department of Energy, and served under every Secretary since the inception of the Department in 1977. He served on the Natural Gas Committee of the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA). He was the 1978-1979 Chairman of the Industry Forum of the American Petroleum Institute. In 1984, Texas Governor Mark White appointed Frank to the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, an organization headed by the governors of 29 oil and gas producing states, and continuously served under appointment of all the subsequent Texas Governors. In 1988, he became one of the first independent oilmen to serve on the Board of Directors of Gas Research Institute in Chicago, where he served for 10 years. He served as a Trustee of the Southwest Research Institute from 1989 to 2003, and was a founding Trustee of the American Gas Foundation. In 1991, Frank was selected to become a member of All-American Wildcatters. The many honors awarded him by industry associates include the Chief Roughneck Award presented at the IPAA Annual Meeting in 1979; the 2001 Pioneer of the Year Award presented by the Texas Railroad Commission; the 1993 IPAA Karney Cochran Award to honor a lifetime of distinguished service to community, industry, and country; the 1989 Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners' highest honor, the Mr. TIPRO Award; the 1998 Texas Oil & Gas Association's Distinguished Service Award; American Association of Petroleum Landmen's Distinguished Service Award and Special Award for Industry Leadership; and the 1996 Southwestern Legal Foundation's John Rogers Award. In 2006, the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission presented him with the Warwick Downing Award, and on April 25th, Frank was honored with the 2009 Hero of Industry Award presented by the National Stripper Well Association. As a dynamic spokesman for the energy industry in the United States, he was a frequent expert witness and conferee in Washington with members of the Senate, the House of Representatives, and Executive leadership concerned with oil and natural gas policy. Frank was also active with state government leaders in Austin. In 2003, the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers named Frank as a Legend Award recipient and he was recognized by Governor Rick Perry. While he was an activist in his industry, Frank also made time for involvement in a significant number of community organizations. He helped found the Dallas Council on World Affairs (now the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth) and served as Chairman of the Board and Chairman Emeritus. In 1994 he received the Council's H. Neil Mallon Award for Distinguished Civic Service. He also helped in the formation of the Dallas Opera, serving on various committees and remained a Trustee. He worked with the Baylor University Medical Foundation, serving as Chairman of the Board and a member of the Executive Committee. Frank was a member and past President of Park Cities Rotary Club, a member of Dallas Citizens Council and a lifetime Deacon of Park Cities Baptist Church, where he was a member for 60 years. Copiah- Lincoln Community College honored him as Alumnus of the Year in 1973, and again in 2003, with the Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award. At SMU, where he was a member of the Board of Advisors of the Maguire Energy Institute, he established four endowed Presidential Scholarships, a Scholars Fund and an endowed lecture series in oil and gas. Known as ``Papa'' by his family, his wisdom, discipline, perseverance and judgment have been a source of inspiration and guidance in each of their lives. Lloyd is survived by his daughter, Linda, and her husband, William A. Custard, three grandchildren: W. Allen Custard III and his wife, Mason, Martha E. Custard, Laura Custard Hurt and her husband, G. Ellison Hurt III, and four great-grandchildren, all of Dallas; a brother, Troy N. Pitts of Wesson, Mississippi, a sister-in-law, Ida M. Olson of Alexandria, Virginia, a cousin, Dr. Charles L. Lloyd, Jr. and his wife, Sandy, of Dallas and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Martha, young son, Lloyd Franklin Pitts, Jr., his great-grandson, Elijah Christian Noel Hurt, and his brother, Shelby D. Pitts, of Dallas. I count it an honor to have been friends with this great public servant and his wonderful family. What our world needs today are a few more Lloyd Franklin Pitts. Please join me as we honor his memory and celebrate his 98 years of life.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory and accomplishments of a woman who dedicated more than fifty years of her life to educate and help others, Mary Alice Terry Skaggs of Plano Texas, who passed away this past March. Mrs. Mary Skaggs was born in Celina, Texas on April 22, 1908. She attended high school at Gunter Bible College and Kidd-Key College in Sherman. Mary received both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Austin College in Sherman, leading her later become the first Independent School District teacher to hold a master's degree. Mary Skaggs taught English, economics, and journalism in Plano where her expertise in educating others did not go unnoticed. The Texas Federation of Women's Clubs acknowledged Mary as Teacher of the Year in 1958, and the Plano Business and Professional Women's Club honored her with the Career Achievement Award in 1968. Mary's legacy to better educate, mentor, and improve young lives in the community at large are immortalized in a 2006 No Child Left Behind Ribbon School, the Mary Alice Skaggs Elementary, established by the Plano school district. In recognition of her 30 years as a Plano teacher, the school has been a source of exemplary education since its opening in 1996. Mary was preceded in death by her husband James Harold Skaggs. She will be missed by her two sisters Addie Lee Cox and Benny Cox, and her niece, and the countless lives that were touched and influenced by her years as an outstanding educator. Madam Speaker, I commend Mary Alice Terry Skaggs for her lifelong devotion to education and her community.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and accomplishments of Alonzo John Wemple, who enjoyed a long and memorable career as a railroad engineer and fireman, much of which was spent in Bonham, Texas. Alonzo J. Wemple was born in Schenectady, New York on October 1, 1833. He spent his entire professional life as a railroad man, which allowed him to witness some of the most important events of his time. He got his first taste of the railroad at the age of 17, and later became known as one of the ``oldest locomotive engineers in America.'' One of the most significant events Mr. Wemple witnessed was the funeral procession of President Abraham Lincoln. He was one of the engineers who transported Lincoln's body from Washington D.C., through Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Indiana, Chicago, and then on to its final resting place in Springfield, Illinois. In addition, he was working as a switch engineer in Chicago when the great fire broke out on October 8, 1871, and while working for the Central Railroad, he transported captured Confederate soldiers to Union Prison Camps during the Civil War. After the Civil War, Mr. Wemple moved to Bonham, Texas, where he worked for the Texas and Pacific Railroad as a switch engineer in the Bonham Railroad yards until he retired in 1927. After he retired, he went to live with his son Judie Newton Wemple in Fort Worth, Texas. Mr. Wemple died on January 21, 1929, at the age of 95. Alonzo J. Wemple's first wife was Charlotte Pennington and their children included Frances, Minnie, Frederick, Mary, Charles, and Charlotte. After Charlotte passed away in 1892, Alonzo Wemple married Pearly Williams, and they had one son, Judie. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Alonzo John Wemple and his role in the history of our nation. A perfect way to sum up the life of Alonzo John Wemple is a statement made in the resolution passed by the Texas State Legislature last month: ``History is made not only by the deeds of the famous but also by the accumulated experience of countless individuals, and although Alonzo Wemple played only a small part, he was a witness to some of the most important events of his time.''