Ralph Hall

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to recognize the 150th anniversary of the First Baptist Church of Bonham, Texas, in the hometown of the late great Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn. On November 10th, the First Baptist Church will celebrate one hundred and fifty years of worship and service in Bonham and the surrounding community--an expanse of time that reflects the dedication and vitality of the church's pastors, leaders and members over several generations. First Baptist Church, Bonham, organized in early November 1852, sixteen years after the founding of Bonham and seven years after the annexation of Texas into the United States. Rev. J.R. Briscoe, a pioneer Baptist preacher, began the church with six charter members. They first met in the Masonic Hall but were soon able to move into their own building, which was also used as a schoolhouse. On January 24, 1855, for the sum of $50, they purchased the building, and each succeeding building has stood on this same plot of land on the comer of Eighth and Center Streets. In 1855 a new frame building was constructed. This was used for joint Sunday School services of the Baptist, Episcopal, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches. It was also used for special meetings, weddings, and funerals for a wide area around Bonham. By 1915, the church building was no longer adequate for further growth, and despite the scarcity of supplies and the high prices of the World War I years, the congregation was able to construct a new two-story building, including a basement, in 1919 and dedicate it in 1921, free of debt. The services were led by Rev. George W. Truett, pastor of First Baptist Church, Dallas. Due to structural problems during the following years, a new building was constructed in 1958 and still stands today. Some of the furnishings that had been in the earlier buildings are part of the new structure-- including several magnificent stained glass windows and a scene over the baptistery taken from a photograph of the Jordan River. First Baptist Church, Bonham, was very much in the news in November 1961 as the place where the funeral service for Speaker Rayburn, beloved citizen of Bonham, was held. Countless numbers of dignitaries were in attendance, including President John F. Kennedy, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson, former presidents Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower. A plaque inscribed with their names adorns the pew where they sat. First Baptist Church, Bonham, is rich in history. It is a shining example of the positive influence that churches make in the lives of our citizens and the fabric of our communities--and a powerful testament to the importance of faith and religious expression in the United States of America. We are, indeed, ``one Nation under God.'' In preparation for its Sesquicentennial Celebration on November 10, a history of the church has been compiled that will honor all those who so diligently worked and sacrificed in their service to their church and their community. This celebration also will inspire current and future generations to carry on the wonderful legacy that was begun one hundred and fifty years ago. Mr. Speaker, First Baptist Church, Bonham, was built upon the solid rock of Christian faith and service--and upon that rock it will continue to grow. I congratulate the members of First Baptist Church, Bonham, on this important milestone in the history of their church--and I wish them ``God speed'' as they continue to meet the needs of those in Bonham, the surrounding community, and mission fields around the world.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a true patriot from my hometown, Rockwall, Texas--the late Mitchell H. Brown. My district, the Fourth Congressional District of Texas, is home to the second largest population of veterans in the State of Texas. Today I would like to single out a great veteran and WWI hero, Mitchell Brown, who was a distinguished Second Lieutenant in the 50th Aero Squadron, Air Service, American Expeditionary Force. Mitchell left Rockwall in January of 1918 and was dispatched overseas to France, where he attended French artillery school and an aviators instruction center. He studied aerial photography and learned to be proficient in the use of light weaponry. Finally, he attended the Aeronautical section of the Ind Corps school located at Chattillon-Sur- Seine. After finishing his training, Mitchell was assigned to the 50th Aero Squadron. Mitchell used his field training as he penetrated enemy lines, reporting batteries in action, trucks on the roads, trains, massed troops, fires, and other favorable targets that the artillery might fire upon. He survived many near-death encounters with the enemy. During an aerial reconnaissance mission for the 78th Division near Beffu-et-le-Morthomme, he attacked an enemy balloon, forcing it to the ground, but this drew an attack by three enemy planes in return. The incendiary bullets from the enemy's machine guns set the signal rockets in Mitchell's cockpit afire. Disregarding the flames, he continued to fire his machine gun, destroying one enemy plane and forcing the others to disengage. He quickly put out the flames and then successfully completed the mission and secured information of ``great military value''. This was one of his more well known acts of heroism during the war. Mitchell has always been passionate about his country. He once wrote his wife Lilybel, saying, ``It's all very true that war isn't what it's cracked up to be. Lots of times you have a longing for quiet pastures when the odds loom up against you. Personally, I had rather die a dozen times than to have folks say I didn't do my duty.'' That statement characterizes so many veterans who put their lives at risk in defense of our country and the principles of freedom upon which America was founded. These veterans, like Mitchell, are true American heroes, and we owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be adequately repaid. Mitchell was married before he went overseas and, after the war, returned to Rockwall County to farm and raise three boys with Lilybel. His sons were also in the service of their country, with one son, Lt. Tom Brown, paying the supreme sacrifice on the battlefield. I went through high school with Tom. He, like his father and brothers, loved life and loved this country. He gave it all so that his family--and all of us--could live in safety and peace. God Rest His Soul. For many years Mr. Mitchell Brown lived, as he said, a ``rather quiet life with little to enlarge upon'' as a farmer. Such a humble statement belies the great man he was. He was dedicated to his country, his family, and his community--and he was a good friend of mine. I admired him greatly--and I have never forgotten the greatness I saw in this great WWI aviator who flew the airplanes that were forerunners to today's fast fleet of jets. Mr. Speaker, as we adjourn today, let us do so in memory of Mitchell H. Brown and all our veterans whose sacrifices enable us to be free today.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bill and Joan Davis, owners of Douglass Distributing an ``Outstanding Employer of Older Workers for 2002''. Douglass Distributing has established a long-term commitment to the region of North Texas and Southern Oklahoma, proven by their community partnerships and contributions to local service organizations. For this reason, they have been selected as one of Prime Time's Outstanding Employers of Older Workers award winners. Since 1981, the Douglass family has shown a strong belief in the value of older workers and has supported that belief by maintaining an age-balanced group of employees. They have been a family owned and operated petroleum products distributor in Sherman, Texas who view older workers as ``productive, reliable, and versatile with a strong work ethic.'' Their winning combination of younger workers and their older counterparts create a work environment where age and experience can assist in training, advice, and counseling. Owners Bill and Joan Douglass have created an outstanding company that is a role model for a nation and state whose workforce is rapidly aging and whose businesses are facing a shortage of skilled, reliable workers. Douglass Distributing has led the way by putting their faith and trust in older workers who bring valuable experience, skills and work habits to the job. The company has no mandatory retirement age and provides flexibility in scheduling of employees' hours. They also believe that expertise and a positive attitude are the most important qualities in an employee, regardless of his or her age. Douglass Distributing has shown a new path and winning blueprint for success. Mr. Speaker, as we adjourn today, let us acknowledge the contributions and the achievements of Douglass Distributing and Bill and Joan Douglass, as they have shown the business world a new model of distribution worthy of replication and appreciation.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the resolution authorizing the President to use force against Iraq if necessary and under certain circumstances. He has laid the proper predicate. He seeks the support of Congress; and if successful here, he will pressure the United Nations to do their job. If the U.N. succeeds in a full and acceptable inspection and finds no major violations, they file their report. If they find major violations, they should be forced to take the proper action. If they do not act, the President has a decision to make; and I trust his decisions, just as I trusted Harry Truman's decisions 57 years ago. Thus, he has, and as much as the Nation has requested him to do, he has taken the steps they have asked him to take prior to asking for this resolution. The fight against terrorism is a long and difficult mission. I along with most Americans have stood behind President Bush in his campaign against terrorism and the invasion of Afghanistan, and I continue to stand behind him. The President has consulted the American people and the Congress throughout this war. He is consulting us now before any decisions are made concerning Iraq. He will continue to put pressure on the United Nations and give them the opportunity to do their work. He will continue to call for Saddam Hussein to comply with the U.N. resolutions and for weapons inspectors to have unfettered access to do their job. He will continue to insist that any resistance, evasion, or delay must be dealt with clearly and decisively. I believe that if force becomes necessary, the President's timing will be the right timing. The President has the benefit of information from international fact-finding sources, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the United States intelligence, information that Congress and the average American citizen might not have available to them. I am convinced that the United States will not act until our actions are justified. Saddam Hussein's past refusal to allow weapons inspections is a strong indication that his regime poses a very real threat to the civilized world. As cited in the resolutions we are debating today, Iraq has ignored 16 United Nations Security Council resolutions to date, and we expect that there will be more contempt for the United Nations. Saddam Hussein's continued pursuit of weapons of mass destruction, the appalling treatment of his own people and the neighboring countries around him, and his outward defiance of the United Nations mark him as a man who is not only dangerous in his only country, but also dangerous to many others, including the United States. I think we are all in agreement that no one wants to go to war; but during these turbulent times, in order to preserve freedom and liberty, we are given sometimes very little choice. Thomas Jefferson once said: ``The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.'' Men like Saddam Hussein will not stop until they have accomplished their objective, or until they are forced to stop. We must be prepared to do what is necessary to remove the threat to our country and to all peace-loving people. The Congress and the United States stand with the President in his strong resolve to defeat terrorism. The United States stands ready to carry out this mission in Iraq if necessary, and we ask that our allies and all free-loving countries join us in this just cause. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support this resolution and give President Bush the authority he needs in order to protect the United States of America and the world from Saddam Hussein's oppressive rule.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to pay tribute today to the late Tyson H. Barnes, Sr., of Kemp, Texas, who passed away in July at the age of 83. Tyson was a lifelong resident of Henderson and Kaufman Counties, a decorated veteran of World War II, a respected and delicated teacher for more than 30 years and a beloved member of his community. Tyson was born March 4, 1919, in Henderson County, the son of Robert H. and Lalla Tison Barnes. He graduated from Kemp High School in 1937 and entered the Army Air Corps in 1941, serving 29 months in the Pacific as a B-17 and B-24 pilot. His distinguished service resulted in his being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, and a Presidential Unit Citation. After the War Tyson returned to Texas and received a Bachelors degree from Sam Houston State Teachers College and later a Masters degree from East Texas State University. He was employed by Henderson County Junior College for five years and in 1953, he joined the faculty of Kemp High School, where he taught Vocational Agriculture for 30 years, His legacy includes having taught several fathers and sons--and at one point, six of the seven School Board members had been students of his. Tyson was a state president of the Future Farmers of America and a long-time member of Calvary Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for many years. Later, he joined the First Baptist Church of Kemp. Tyson is survived by his wife, Marie Barnes; daughter and son-in-law Marsha and Bill Walsh; son Tyson Barnes, Jr., brother John W. Barnes; grandchildren Braden and Brennan Barnes; a niece and nephew; four great nieces and two great-great nieces. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Frances Bland Barnes; brother Leslie Barnes; and sisters- in-law Alma Barnes and Doris Barnes. Mr. Speaker, Tyson was a longtime friend of mine who distinguished himself in all that he did--in his service to our Nation in times of war, in devotion to his family and community, in dedication to his calling as a teacher. Throughout his more than 30 years as a teacher, he influenced countless young people and helped instill in them the importance of hard work and of education--and he leaves behind a powerful legacy in Kemp. As we adjourn today, let us do so in celebration of the life of this outstanding man--Tyson Barnes.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to pay tribute to a longtime friend and a prominent member of the Overton, Texas, community, Maxie Walker Wilson, who passed away in June of this year at the age of 85. Walker was active in various projects throughout his life and was well-known as a cattle rancher, breeder and importer who traveled throughout the world in search of cattle. As a result of his extensive travel, Walker was instrumental in improving the importation process of foreign cattle breeds to the United States and the building of a quarantine station in the Florida Keys by the United States Department of Agriculture. He served in various capacities for many cattle breed associations, including president of the American International Charolais Association, president of the American Charbray Association, director of the Texas Charolais Breeders Association, director of the Bluebonnet Charolais Association and a founding member of the East Texas Farm and Ranch Club. Walker was a prominent leader of the Overton community. He served on the Overton School Board for six years and was president for a two-year term. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America and the East Texas Area Council and in 1960 received the Silver Beaver Award for outstanding service to the Boy Scouts. As a member of the Overton Chamber of Commerce, he was selected as ``Outstanding Citizen of the Year'' in 1964. He was also a member of the Overton Rotary Club and a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church, where he served on many committees. Walker's favorite pastime was the game of golf. He was active in the Overton Golf Association for many years and assisted in the development of the Overton Community Golf Course. He also was an avid quail hunter, a sport he enjoyed with his sons and close friends. Walker is survived by his wife of 64 years, Winifred Wilson; sons and daughters-in-law Weir and Susan Wilson of Fort Worth, Dr. Steve and Charlotte Wilson of Tyler, and Barry and Pat Wilson of Big Spring; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, Walker was one of those men who dreamed big and worked hard to make those dreams come true. He was always active in his business, in his community, and with his family, and he will be sorely missed. I am grateful that he was my friend, and it is a privilege today to join his family and many friends in celebrating the life of this great Texan, Walker Wilson.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of a longtime friend and outstanding East Texan, Royce G. Magness of Telephone, Texas, who passed away on August 30 at the age of 76 after a long illness. Royce was a prominent farmer-rancher who owned and operated Magness Farms for almost 50 years, and he was an influential leader in his community. Royce was dedicated to his vocation and was well-respected for his abilities and his advocacy of farm issues. He was a member of the Fannin County Farm Bureau since 1964 and served as president from 1978 to 1983. He was elected to serve as a Texas Farm Bureau state director from 1983 to 1988, and in 1995, he was honored as one of 13 Texas Farm Bureau Pioneer Award winners from across the state. He was named Fannin County Fanner of the Year in 1988 by the Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce. At his funeral service, it was written that ``he believed a man's greatest possession is his dignity and that no calling bestows this more abundantly than farming . . . He believed that farming, despite its hardships and disappointments, is the most honest and honorable way a man can spend his days on this earth.'' Royce was a member of the Telephone Baptist Church, where he served as trustee, deacon, Sunday School teacher, and for almost 30 years as treasurer of the church. He was a charter member of the Fannin County Hospital Board, a member of the Fannin County Peanut Association and the Forest Grove Cemetery Board. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jean; two sons and daughters- in-law, Jerry and Brenda Magness of Telephone and David and Shirley Magness of Royse City; a daughter, Marilyn Ackmann of Fort Worth; six grandchildren; two great-grandsons; sister Neva Lewis and husband Bob of Lantana, Fla; and many other family members. In his last weeks Royce spent countless hours with members of his family, retelling funny tales and recalling many happy memories of a lifetime spent in Telephone, Texas. Mr. Speaker, Royce was a man of tremendous character and integrity. He loved his family, his community, his country, and the land on which he farmed--and to each of these he gave so much of himself. He will be missed by all those who knew him and loved him--but he leaves behind a powerful legacy that will endure. As we adjourn today, let us do so in memory of this great American, Royce Glen Magness.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of Texas's most respected and most successful businesswomen--Ebby Halliday of Dallas--on the occasion of her 91st birthday. Her countless community activities, successful business venture and endless enthusiasm make her truly a remarkable woman. Ebby Halliday Realtors, the company that she founded 47 years ago, has grown from its infancy into a nationally know entity. This company that began with one office has now expanded to become one of the world's largest independently-owned residential realty firms. And at the age of 91, Ebby still works 9-hour work days. Ebby Halliday Realtors assisted some 17,500 home buyers last year, and Ebby's remarkable business acumen is evident in the many awards that she has received from her industry and peers. In 1996 Ebby was introduced into the Texas Business Hall of Fame. She was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Realtors and the International Real Estate Federation. Ernst and Young named her the regional Entrepreneur of the Year in 1997, and she was inducted into the Dallas Business Hall of Fame in 1999. In 2000, Ebby received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Real Estate from Texas A&M's Real Estate Center and was named Most Influential Woman in the Business and Professional Category by the Ft. Worth Business Press. Ebby was the first recipient of the Executive Women International's Executive Excellence Award--an award that will carry her name in the future--and she was conferred the Degree of Doctor of Humanities by Dallas Baptist University. Aside from running a successful business, Ebby has selflessly devoted time and resources to local civic organizations. She has served as chairperson of the Thanksgiving Square Foundation, served on the boards of St. Paul Medical Foundation, the Communities Foundation of Texas, the Dallas Community College District Foundation, and the Better Business Bureau. She has also supported the Alexis de Tocqueville Society for the United Way, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Guild, the Plano Symphony and the State Fair of Texas. She has been president of the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce and of the Greater Dallas Planning Council and served as a member of the Dallas Park and Recreation Board. In addition, the St. Paul Medical Center Foundation was dedicated to Ebby and her husband, Maurice Acers, in honor of their service. Ebby's remarkable energy and philanthropy are a testament to her devotion to her career and to her community, and the State of Texas is grateful for her many significant contributions. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to recognize an outstanding citizen for her remarkable lifetime of achievement and philanthropy--my dear friend, Ebby Halliday Acers.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Kate Gill Madgwick of Terrell, Texas, the loving wife of Terrell Mayor Henry Madgwick and an outstanding citizen, who passed away in December of last year. Born and raised in Terrell, Kate graduated from Terrell High School and attended the University of Texas, where she earned a degree in English Literature. Upon receiving her degree, she chose to serve her country during World War II as an aide to the American Red Cross in England. After returning to Terrell, she remained active in the community through her membership in the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and is survived by her husband, Henry; son Bruce Ragan Sanders of Denver; daughter Susan Sanders McCrum of Dallas; grandchildren Cole and Kelly McCrum; and in- laws Doris and Peter Gibbs of England. She was preceded in death by her previous husband of 40 years, Albert James Sanders of Tiverton, England. All who knew Kate will miss her dearly, and she will certainly be remembered by those whose many lives she touched in Terrell. As we adjourn today, let us do so in memory of this outstanding citizen and my good friend--Kate Madgwick.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as we reflect on the tragic attacks on America on September 11, 2001, and the remarkable heroism of those who responded selflessly to those attacks, the weapon we have most, that we need most, and that we need now more than any time in the history of the Republic is prayer. We need prayer for our brave men and women in the military who are fighting the war on terrorism and for those who will go, prayer for our President and our leaders as they chart our Nation's course, prayer for the families and friends of the more than 3,000 citizens who lost their lives in New York City, on the place that crashed in Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon, and prayer for the safety and security of our Nation. We need prayer as well for the selfless and hardworking members of our police, firefighter and emergency response teams. The harsh reality of the danger of their jobs came crashing down on America on September 11 when 343 firefighters, 23 police officers and 37 Port Authority officers in New York City lost their lives at the World Trade Center. With a year to ponder the terrible losses suffered that day and the threat of terrorism and evil still looming over our Nation, we realize now more than ever the debt of gratitude that we owe to those who place themselves in harm's way to protect our Nation and our citizens. September 11 unified America and reawakened a spirit of determination and patriotism not seen since World War II. On that day we were reminded that freedom is not free--that there is a price that must be extracted to defeat tyranny and terrorism and to preserve the precious freedoms for which previous generations of heroes have fought so valiantly. The war on terrorism will be a long war--but it is a war that we can and will win. So as we remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country and those still on the front lines in the battle for freedom, we are filled with renewed resolve that those who perpetrated these terrible acts will be brought to justice and that such a tragedy will never happen again in America. May God bless the families of the victims of September 11, and may God continue to bless America.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a good friend and an outstanding citizen of Tyler, Texas--Larry J. Burks--who recently was honored by the Garden Club of America as the recipient of its prestigious award, the Jane Righter Rose Medal. A second generation rose grower/processor, Larry is known throughout the rose industry for his dedication to rose advocacy at the local, state and national levels. This medal is awarded for outstanding achievement in rose culture through the propagation of new roses, development of community rose gardens of educational value, exhibitions by amateur gardeners, or unusual rose collections of special merit. This medal could not have been awarded to a more deserving person in the rose industry. Larry is a Board Member and the only two-term president of All America Rose Selections, Inc., and a Board Member of the Fund for the United States Botanic Garden. His efforts in the 1980s resulted in the rose's designation as the National Floral Emblem of the United States, and he was instrumental in the establishment of a National Rose Garden. Groundbreaking for this two-acre garden adjacent to the United States Botanic Garden took place in 2001. His leadership also was evident in raising the funds to remodel and reopen the National Botanical Garden on the National Mall. Larry serves as vice president of Certified Roses, Inc., of Tyler. This employee-owned corporation is the second largest processor of roses in North America, annually providing up to five and one-half million rose bushes of all varieties. His company is a constant force in producing new rose hybrids and new market development, and he assists both domestic and international hybridizers in plant evaluation and the naming and marketing of new roses. In recognition of his achievements, he has received several All America Rose Selections awards. Larry has been an active member of the American Rose Society and Texas Nursery and Landscape Association, and he is past president of the Texas Rose Research Foundation. He is also active in the Texas Rose Festival Association in Tyler, the Tyler Rose Museum, Order of the Rose and Texas Rose Society. With 2002 declared by Congress as the Year of the Rose, Larry will help carry forward this theme, and I can think of no one more devoted to this cause nor more deserving of our recognition and appreciation. Larry has helped raise our national awareness of the rose as an important symbol to our country. His work has benefitted our Nation's Capital, the State of Texas, and his hometown of Tyler. Mr. Speaker, I am so proud of the accomplishments of my dear friend, and I know that my colleagues join me today in congratulating him on this award--and expressing our Nation's gratitude for the work Larry Burks has done to promote this beautiful National flower and to encourage civic involvement in this worthy cause.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as we approach year's end, I often think back to dear friends that we have lost this year. One I especially loved, and miss, is the late Robert W. ``Rusty'' Norton of Longview, Texas, a beloved and outstanding citizen who passed away last January at the young age of 54. Rusty was a close friend and someone that I think about often. He was a successful realtor, a caring community leader, a beloved husband, father and grandfather, and a friend of so many. Rusty was born on November 9, 1947 in Terrell, Texas and had been an active member of the Longview community for almost thirty years. After graduation with a Bachelor of Business degree from East Texas State University, Rusty began working in real estate. He never ceased learning about the industry--evidenced by the fact that he recently was named a Certified Commercial Investment Member by the Commercial Investment Real Estate Institute--the highest certification that a person in the commercial real estate industry may earn. One of Rusty's most cherished activities was his association with Trinity Episcopal Church, of which he had been a supportive member for 20 years. He was recently asked to become an Assistant Verger, a position of great honor, in addition to serving in a number of other positions within the church, including serving as a member of the Vestry Board and Endowment Board and Mission Funding Coordinator For the Diocese of Texas-Northeast Convocation. Outside of his Congregation, Rusty had a number of other community activities that made him a cherished community leader. He had been a City Councilman and charter member of Longview 2020. He served on the local boards of the American Cancer Society, the Boys and Girls Club of Gregg County, the Salvation Army and was an active member of the Downtown Rotary Club. In his spare time he also served as an assistant chaplain at the Good Shepherd Medical Center. Rusty's extraordinary community dedication and service will be missed by the City of Longview and by all those with whom he worked so selflessly. Rusty is survived by a loving family--his wife, Andee; his daughter, Meredith, and her husband, John Lucas of Graham, Texas; his step- daughter, Cissy Wrather of Longview; his step-son, David Wrather and wife, Janet of Houston; five grandchildren, Jack and Robert Lucas, Hunter, Jack, and Abigail Wrather; brothers, Joe Norton of Tyler, Texas, Tom Norton of Terrell and sister, Claire Schilhab of Tyler; as well as several nieces and nephews. I have always felt close to and have admitted this family, and, in fact, I have felt that I was part of this great family. Rusty's father, the late Tom Norton, took me to my first State Democratic Convention. Since that time I felt close to Tom until his death, and I join all of this great family in mourning Rusty's death, while rejoycing with the memories and the love that Rusty left to all of us. Mr. Speaker, Rusty was a dear and special friend of mine who could always be depended upon for advice and assistance, and he leaves behind him this wonderful family and many friends in Longview whose lives were enriched by him. As we adjourn today, let us do so in honor of this beloved community leader and outstanding citizen who touched so many lives and made Longview a better place in which to live. We will remember Rusty and the legacy he leaves us.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Billy C. Hawkins upon his inauguration as the Twentieth President of Texas College, in Tyler, Texas, on September 20, 2002. Dr. Hawkins has proven himself as a dynamic and courageous leader, and has already instituted tremendous change at Texas College since he became President on December 1, 2000. Dr. Hawkins has secured accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools for Texas College, developed a single parent program, developed an accelerated degree program, and helped to greatly increase enrollment at Texas College. These accomplishments portray the dedication and success of Dr. Hawkins. I work closely with Dr. Hawkins and I am proud to honor him on the occasion of his Investiture Ceremony as the Twentieth President of Texas College. Dr Billy C. Hawkins is a native of Kent, Ohio and graduated from Roosevelt High School. He was a great football player in high school and at 21 years of age, he became the youngest head football coach in Michigan history. He enrolled at Ferris State University where he completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Teacher Education. He then went on to earn a Master of Arts degree in Education Administration from Central Michigan University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Michigan State University in Education Administration. In preparation for becoming a college president, Dr. Hawkins completed the Harvard Seminar for New Presidents. Dr. Hawkins' achievements and experiences have well-prepared him for his current position as President of Texas College. He served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs/Professor at Mississippi Valley State University from March 1, 1999 to November 31, 2000, as Vice President for Academic Affairs/Professor at Saint Paul's College in Lawrenceville, Virginia from September 1995 to February 1999, as Acting Dean, Associate Dean, Assistant Dean/Full Professor in the College of Education at Ferris State University from 1985 to August 1995, and as Director of Educational Opportunity Program at the State University of New York at Morrisville College, Morrisville, New York from 1981 to 1985. Dr. Hawkins has authored two books--``Educating All Students (A Pathway to Success)'' and ``Reaching for the Stars.'' He has been featured on national television and at regional and national conferences to discuss our nation's special education system. Dr. Hawkins is the recipient of numerous honors and awards. In January 1999, he received appointment as a member of the Southside Virginia Business and Education Commission by former Governor James S. Gilmore, III, of Virginia. In August 2002, Dr. Hawkins was nominated by Secretary Ronald Paige of the United States Department of Education to serve on the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Capital Financing Advisory Board to advise Congress regarding program progress for implementing construction financing on HBCU campuses. He also currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Tyler Chamber of Commerce, the Tyler Economic Development Council, the Boys and Girls Club of Smith County. and the United Way. He is the proud father of two children, son Billy Jr. and daughter Marlana. In closing, I want to share what his good friend Mr. Darrell Green, of the Washington Redskins football team, has this to say about him: ``Dr. Billy Hawkins is a true leader in every sense of the word, and most importantly, my lifelong friend.'' Mr. Speaker, I proudly honor Dr. Billy C. Hawkins today as he is officially inaugurated as the Twentieth President of Texas College.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to pay tribute to a distinguished gentleman from Ector, Texas in the Fourth Congressional District--;H.G. Dulaney, who this week is stepping down after forty- five years of service as Director of the Sam Rayburn Library in Bonham, Texas. H.G. Dulaney is a name that is synonymous with the Sam Rayburn Library. He was actively involved in preparations for the Library from its inception through construction and opening in 1957, and he has directed activities of the Library since that time, including its transfer into The University of Texas at Austin in 1990. Throughout almost half a century of operation, H.G. has nurtured the Library and has shared his wealth of knowledge and insights about Speaker Sam Rayburn with scholars, tourists, and school groups who visit the Library. And his has been a labor of love. H.G. began working for the legendary ``Mr. Sam'' in 1951. ``Mr. Rayburn was one of the greatest men who ever lived,'' he said. ``He had more integrity than anyone I've known in my life.'' And so for some four decades since Mr. Rayburn's death, H.G. has worked hard to preserve the history and legacy of this great statesman who served in Congress for 48 years, from 1913 until his death in 1961, including serving as Speaker of the U.S. House from 1940 to 1961 for all but four years. His career spanned the administrations of eight Presidents, and the Library houses the books, papers and momentoes from his 48 years in the House. The Library is truly a treasure for Bonham, for the State of Texas, and for America. It is a testament to the powerful legacy of Mr. Rayburn--;and it is a testament to H.G.'s years of hard work and devotion in directing the Library's operations. It is also fitting that H.G. is a native of Mr. Rayburn's Fourth District of Texas, which I am now honored to represent, and understands its people and its culture. He was born and reared in Ector, where he graduated from high school in 1936. Following three years of service in the Air Force in World War II, he attended business college in Dallas and then was employed at the Bonham Abstract Company and with the Farmer's Home Administration. He then joined Speaker Rayburn's Washington staff in 1951 and served until the opening of the Library in 1957, when he moved back to the Fourth District and became the Library's Director. Mr. Speaker, the Sam Rayburn Library Board of Trustees and many friends and supporters are hosting a retirement luncheon for H.G. this week in Bonham, and I would like to ask my colleagues in the House to join me in expressing our gratitude to him for his dedication, inspiration and years of outstanding service and to extend to him our best wishes for a wonderful retirement. His labor of love has helped preserve the history and the integrity of this chamber and one of its greatest Speakers, Sam Rayburn, and as we adjourn today, let us do so in tribute to one of Mr. Rayburn's dearest and most loyal friends-- ;H.G. Dulaney.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hayes) for yielding to me. And I also really appreciate the fact that he, as the Speaker's designee, will talk on something as important as prescription drugs. Actually, it is a matter that we should have said stayed here during the month of August and worked on. It is a matter that we find our senior citizens missing meals in order to buy their prescriptions. That is something we should just not tolerate in this country. We have tried everything in the world here on the floor and in our committees and in our visits with one another to solve this problem. We sent two bills over last session. Neither one of them came back from the Senate. I have a practical solution that I am suggesting to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hayes), and I will support him and work on with him on this. I want to tell him a small, quick story. We have the President of the United States, a fine young man, courageous young President, Commander in Chief of our Army, Navy, Marine Corps and all of that; but he was also Governor of Texas at one time. And as Governor of Texas, he headed up the Texas Rangers. Texas Rangers are known for the fact that one Ranger can handle one riot. My suggestion is that this President work with our present Governor and get some Texas Rangers, go down to Laredo, Texas, and cross the Rio Grande, go into Mexico and go to the first drug store they get to and go in there and ask that pharmacist to come out in the middle of the street and let that Ranger talk to him and let that Ranger ask him, How do you sell prescription drugs down here for 10 percent of what our people can buy them for in the United States when you buy yours from the United States? If we can solve that riddle, we are on page one. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hayes). I admire him. I am one of his great admirers in this body. I thank him for caring enough and taking the time to bring the prescription drug debate to a head on this very floor. God bless him.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of Texas's most respected and most successful businesswomen--Ebby Halliday of Dallas--on the occasion of her 91st birthday. Her countless community activities, successful business venture and endless enthusiasm make her truly a remarkable woman. Ebby Halliday Realtors, the company that she founded 57 years ago, has grown from its infancy into a nationally know entity. This company that began with one office has now expanded to become one of the world's largest independently-owned residential realty firms. And at the age of 91, Ebby still works 9-hour work days. Ebby Halliday Realtors assisted some 17,500 home buyers last year, and Ebby's remarkable business acumen is evident in the many awards that she has received from her industry and peers. In 1996 Ebby was introduced into the Texas Business Hall of Fame. She was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Realtors and the International Real Estate Federation. Ernst and Young named her the regional Entrepreneur of the Year in 1997, and she was inducted into the Dallas Business Hall of Fame in 1999. In 2000, Ebby received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Real Estate from Texas A&M's Real Estate Center and was named Most Influential Woman in the Business and Professional Category by the Ft. Worth Business Press. Ebby was the first recipient of the Executive Women International's Executive Excellence Award--an award that will carry her name in the future--and she was conferred the Degree of Doctor of Humanities by Dallas Baptist University. Aside from running a successful business, Ebby has selflessly devoted time and resources to local civic organizations. She has served as chairperson of the Thanksgiving Square Foundation, served on the boards of St. Paul Medical Foundation, the Communities Foundation of Texas, the Dallas Community College District Foundation, and the Better Business Bureau. She has also supported the Alexis de Tocqueville Society for the United Way, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Guild, the Plano Symphony and the State Fair of Texas. She has been president of the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce and of the Greater Dallas Planning Council and served as a member of the Dallas Park and Recreation Board. In addition, the St. Paul Medical Center Foundation was dedicated to Ebby and her husband, Maurice Acers, in honor of their service. Ebby's remarkable energy and philanthropy are a testament to her devotion to her career and to her community, and the State of Texas is grateful for her many significant contributions. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to recognize an outstanding citizen for her remarkable lifetime of achievement and philanthropy--my dear friend, Ebby Halliday Acers.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in bidding a fond farewell to our esteemed colleague, the gentleman from Ohio, Representative Tony Hall, whom President Bush has selected to carry out the Nation's work as United States ambassador to the United Nations organizations that coordinate international hunger relief efforts. I can think of no other person more qualified or more deserving of appointment to this position than our friend, Tony Hall. Throughout his years of service in the House of Representatives, Tony has distinguished himself for his work on behalf of the hungry throughout the world. He has been an eloquent spokesman and a tireless worker in fighting hunger and providing help to the needy, and he will be a most effective advocate for these international outreach efforts as our ambassador. Tony also has been a tremendous advocate and representative for his constituents in the Third Congressional District of Ohio, who elected him to twelve consecutive terms to the House. His constituents will be proud, as we are, that he will continue to serve his country in this new and expanded role. I join my colleagues in extending to him our best wishes as he continues his service to our Nation and to those in need.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise, of course, in support of this bill. This is not to say that I agree with every part of it, but, in balance, I think passage of this legislation will help us better protect our country. I thank the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), our illustrious minority whip, for working me in at this stage of the proceeding, and I thank the chairman of the Committee on Science, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Boehlert), who ushered this bill to the present status. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to be present and just to be a Member of this body in a day and time at the creation of a Department of Homeland Security. The President of our country deserves a lot of credit for stepping up and accepting the idea that a new department is called for at this time. The Congress is a deliberative body, and normally we spend years considering an idea before coming to any type of a conclusion. In this instance, though, the threat is great and imminent, making quick action very necessary. I always heard ``haste makes waste,'' but quick action means we will not get everything we want in this bill, exactly like we want it. I know that, and the chairman of the Select Committee, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey), knows that. Nevertheless, this good start can be fixed as we go along. I want to spend a few minutes talking about the ways in which the Committee on Science strengthened the President's initial proposal. I am particularly pleased that the bill before us places a clear focus on the new Department on science and technology, two of our most potent tools in fighting terrorism. The single most important recommendation that the Committee on Science made was the creation of an Under Secretary for Science and Technology, a provision that was supported bipartisanly and unanimously in the Committee on Science and in the Select Committee. Chairman Boehlert is to be commended for his strong leadership on this issue. I would also note that the President's counterterrorism strategy, published last week, cites science and technology as one of the heralded and one of the homeland security strategy's four foundations, unique American strengths that cut across all mission areas, across all levels of government, and across all sectors of society. Science and technology are too important to be left to chance in this new department. They need to be planned, coordinated, and directed under a strong Under Secretariat. Our committee made over a dozen constructive changes to the President's proposal and our markup. The Select Committee did not incorporate a few that I want to highlight. One, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton) recommended language to ensure that the Department has access to universities through centers of excellence. This is a useful component of the research and development enterprise for the Department. However, the current structure of this provision, with numerous criteria that the applicants must meet and its exclusion of private research institutions, can still be perfected in conference, and I hope that it is. Also, Mr. Chairman, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lofgren) and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers) led the charge in blocking the transfer of NIST's Computer Security Division to the new Department. Ms. LOFGREN and Mr. EHLERS led the charge in blocking the transfer of NIST's Computer Security Division to the new Department. Many high-tech organizations have warned that this transfer would actually hurt national security by choking off productive interactions between the government and the private sector on computer security issues. An amendment in the bill authored by the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Baird) explicitly directs the Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response to treat the psychological consequences of major disasters and to provide appropriate training for mental health workers who must deal with the aftermath of these events. There were also a number of good ideas accepted by the Science Committee that are not in the base bill but which will be offered later as Floor amendments. I urge the Members to accept our Committee's unanimous judgment on these amendments, which include: The amendment of the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey) creates a Homeland Security Institute. The Institute would be a non- profit organization assisting the Secretary in much the same way that the RAND Corporation and the MITRE Corporation assist the Secretary of Defense in analyzing proposals, establishing test-beds, assessing defense vulnerabilities and strengths, and so forth. The creation of this Institute was the major recommendation of last month's National Research Council report on terrorism R&D. The amendment of the gentleman from New York (Mr Israel) creates an advisory committee for the Under Secretary for Science and Technology. The committee would review and make recommendations on general policy issues for the Under Secretary. Most importantly, the Committee will include representatives of the users of the Department's research activities--emergency responders--and of citizen groups. It includes proposed language by the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Rivers) that strengthens the channels through which creative American inventors can propose their ideas and technologies to the appropriate government officials. Many of us have heard from constituents who fit that description and who have asked for our help. This amendment provides those inventors with a place to take their ideas. Two other amendments were adopted by the Science Committee but failed to make the list of amendments under consideration on the House Floor. I would hope that these items may be accommodated in the conference. First the amendment of the gentlewoman from Texas. (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson) to clarify how the Department should classify information. The amendment adds language requiring the Under Secretary, before issuing R&D awards, to state definitively and in a timely manner whether the research results will be controlled by standard classification procedures. This policy was part of President Ronald Reagan's National Security Decision Directive 189, promulgated in 1985. And there is the amendment of the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Matheson) regarding standard setting by the Department. This amendment tasked the National Institute of Standards and Technology to work with the new Department in standard setting for chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological detection, and transportation standards. Mr. Chairman, I urge the adoption of these. We need to move this bill through the conference as quickly as possible. Homeland security is too important a task to let politics, turf, jurisdictional concerns, or struggles over credit get in our way.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chairman and ranking member of the Committees on Energy and Commerce and Transportation and Infrastructure for working with the Committee on Science and for allowing us to work with them to include the research and development language that is contained in section 9 of the bill that is before us today. Section 9 is also the product of a very close collaboration on both sides of the aisle in the Committee on Science, which reported these provisions as H.R. 3929 last spring. Section 9 will be of immense value to this Nation in ensuring that the natural gas, crude oil, and refined products pipelines of this country are safer and more secure as we move into the 21st century. The result will be a much stronger focus on the development of technologies necessary to make the pipeline infrastructure of this country safer and more secure. Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the Chairman and Ranking Minority members of the Energy and Commerce and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees for working with the Science Committee to include the research and development language contained in Section 9 of the bill before us today. Section 9 is also the product of a close collaboration on both sides of the aisle in the Science Committee, which reported these provisions as H.R. 3929 last spring. Section 9 will be of immense value to this nation in ensuring that the natural gas, crude oil, and refined products pipelines of this country are safer and more secure as we move into the 21st Century. And we are taking the first steps toward addressing the development of what we call the next-generation pipelines--those that will carry hydrogen, CO2 and perhaps other substances that will be part of the energy infrastructure of the future. These pipelines are an essential part of the nation's energy infrastructure. They are so affected with the public interest that special efforts need to be taken now to make certain that new technologies are developed or existing technologies adapted to make certain that these facilities are as safe and secure as they can be--and so soon as they can be. Section 9 of the bill brings the considerable capabilities of the Department of Energy (DOE) and its National Laboratories and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to bear in a much more prominent way to provide solutions to the safety and security needs of the nation's pipelines. It provides considerable flexibility to the participating agencies, the Department of Transportation, DOE and NIST, to develop a research plan--one that will be reviewed by a Technical Advisory Committee to ensure that the work being done is relevant and appropriate. The result will be a much stronger focus on the development of technologies necessary to make the pipeline infrastructure of this country more safe and secure.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Israel).

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I want to join the chairman, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Boehlert), in strong support of H.R. 4687. Of course, he has well laid out the provisions of it, the need for it, and the action that was taken. We all look back to September 11, 2001, when our country was subjected to a cowardly attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. These attacks, of course, will rank with any of the great tragedies of American history. As with any tragedy, we need to look for lessons that can help us against possible future tragedies. I know that we also need to carefully examine our emergency preparedness, our evacuation procedures and emergency responses as well as the structural integrity of our tall buildings. That is a tall order. And H.R. 4687 is the result of careful evaluation of how the various governmental agencies, State, local and Federal, investigated the collapse of the World Trade towers, and also emergency response and evacuation proceedings. During the course of the hearings and in consultations with professional societies and citizen groups, the Committee on Science discovered the Federal Government's inability to quickly deploy a building investigative team to the World Trade Center site. The committee found valuable data was lost because we had no one with the authority to sequester or to set aside for future observation. In haste, and amidst tragedy and disbelief, trails to analyze were lost. Citizen groups were angry and suspicious because the government in charge did not really provide public briefings on its building investigative team's activities. Our President reported to us as he could, as he visited the site and did everything he could to cooperate with the officials of the City of New York, as did the entire Nation. We also discovered, though, that there is not a good system in place to translate the findings of an investigation into a major building collapse and to improve building standards and codes. And, finally, Federal investigative efforts were woefully underfunded to do a thorough and comprehensive job. So, Mr. Chairman, H.R. 4687 is the Committee on Science's attempt to address these shortcomings. I will not go through the specific provisions of the bill. Chairman Boehlert has done a good job of that. However, this bill provides solutions to each of the problems that we uncovered, and we have placed them in the bill. The National Construction Safety Team Act is going to enable, I think, the Federal Government to respond more quickly and comprehensively in the event of a major building failure. It is only by studying building disasters that we can improve building design and evacuation and emergency response procedures that ultimately make buildings safer. I am convinced that some of the actions that this country has taken are working, because we have not had another tragedy to date. And though we are warned repeatedly that one is on its way, I think a lot of what we have done at the local government level, the State government, and the Federal government, all acting in cooperation, may be working. I want to command Chairman Boehlert, well, I do not want to command Chairman Boehlert to do anything because he does such a good job of leading this committee, but I do want to commend him, and I want to certainly commend my colleagues, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Weiner) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Israel), for their hard work on this legislation. As New Yorkers, they felt the hurt, they know the tragedy, and they were a lot of the life and breath of this bill as we labored through it and listened to the testimony. I also want to thank Chairman Boehlert for working with us in his usual bipartisan fashion. As I said at the beginning, this is a bill about lessons learned. If we are serious about making our buildings safer against future terrorist attacks, then we ought to pass this legislation. I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Weiner).

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment. Mr. Chairman, Chairman Boehlert has succinctly laid out the amendment and has worked with us on it. We support it, and I urge its adoption.

Mr. HALL of Texas

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

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, this is a good amendment, and I want to thank the gentlewoman from Houston, Texas. It is an upgrading amendment. It is in the area of a housekeeping amendment, but it is much more than that. This amendment actually accentuates awareness, delineates the requirement that all sectors are addressed. The gentlewoman included all businesses, including women and minorities. It is a good amendment. It certainly helps to close the digital divide, and I support the amendment and ask for its passage.