Ralph Hall

Mr. HALL of Texas

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

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Rivers), a member of our committee.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Barcia), the creator of this legislation.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Enterprise Integration Act of 2002. I rise to commend the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Barcia) for his vision in creating this legislation, and I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Boehlert) and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers) for their efforts in moving this bill through the legislative process. Manufacturing has been and must continue to be one of the pillars of the American economy. Federal Government support for U.S. small businesses engaged in manufacturing is not a new thing. It dates way back to the early days of our century when Alexander Hamilton led efforts to help United States manufacturers adjust to the industrial revolution. We understood even then, while we are first and foremost a Nation of free enterprise, that free enterprise works best when our manufacturers are equipped to compete on a level playing field and acceptable to American industry. As H.R. 2733 clearly points out, we have entered a period that could be just as wrenching to today's manufacturers as the industrial revolution was to Alexander Hamilton's contemporaries. Even a decade ago, it was still possible to think of small manufacturers as independent businessmen and women who made products for consumers and other companies. Now the business environment is changing rapidly, with the advent of the Internet and business-to-business software. Companies which cannot function as close partners of other companies at every step of the manufacturing process risk being left behind. Products are now designed in weeks rather than in months. Products become out of date in months rather than years. Suppliers now deliver what they call ``just in time.'' In this new time frame, all waste time must be squeezed from the manufacturing process. Manufacturers and their suppliers must design products together. They must exchange manufacturing data electronically. The day when virtual manufacturing arrives and it becomes difficult to tell where one company ends and its suppliers begin seems just around the corner. Our job is to ensure we, the government, do not force them offshore like they have done to the chemical companies in Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas. Mr. Chairman, I just comment that both software and standards that are driving this process, advanced software that knows everything happening on a factory floor, are becoming more and more common; and as new Internet software will soon make it possible to transmit three- dimensional data anywhere in the world, this is helpful only if the receiving computer system can understand and use what is sent. Unfortunately, the millions of legacy computer systems are more like an electronic Tower of Babel than a seamless communication system. This will change. Work on product data exchange international standards that will now solve this problem is ongoing in Europe as well as in the United States. However, the European Union is investing much more money and much more heavily than in the United States. It is funding product data exchange standards, industry by industry, from autos and aerospace to textiles and furniture. If we do not match these efforts, we run the risk of an international standard being promulgated that favors European manufacturers over our own. I am pleased that the bill is supported by the trade associations for several of these manufacturing sectors, as well as the National Association of Manufacturers and the National Coalition for Advanced Manufacturing. Mr. Chairman, we cannot afford to let our small businesses fall behind as the world moves toward Internet-based manufacturing. I urge Members to support America's smaller manufacturers, and their larger partners as well, by voting for H.R. 2733. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Etheridge).

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Houston, Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Watt).

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I support this amendment and I support this gentlewoman. I think we have observed here representation at its very best. The gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Watt) and the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) personally testified to the tragedies that they had experienced in their own hometowns of Houston and Charlotte, and I think it was refreshing to hear the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Watt) express his admiration for a long-time, fellow public servant. This is the way it ought to be, and I certainly thank the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) for going that extra mile, offering this study, a needed study, and I appreciate the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers) accepting it. I urge the adoption of this amendment.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2486, the Inland Flood Forecasting and Warning System Act of 2002. This legislation was developed by the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Etheridge), who has done a good job on it. He has worked on it for quite some time. I have great admiration for the gentleman. He is from the home State of my father and most of my family. He is a gentleman, and good to work with. This bill has strong bipartisan support, not only on the committee but among Members from coastal areas, as well. The gentleman from Michigan (Chairman Ehlers) has already outlined the provisions of this bill, so I just want to take a few minutes to talk about the need for this legislation. Flooding affects, of course, every part of the country; and although we have improved our flood forecasting capabilities, we still lack an effective means of transmitting to the public the nature and severity of a flood. Mr. Chairman, one day this country will capture and hold the devastating flood waters to fight future droughts in additional lakes, above-ground giant containers, and some underwater storage. Water and fire, fearful enemies, could become wonderful friends for the future to allow these devastating floods to fight the droughts. One of the least-understood flood patterns is related to tropical storms. For example, we still do not fully understand the interaction between storm surges and flooding caused by precipitation. As a result, our flood forecasting is often inaccurate. In addition, tropical storms impact not only coastal areas, but can have devastating and disastrous effects as they continue to move inland. For example, Tropical Storm Allison dumped more than 35 inches of rain on my State of Texas. There were 50 deaths. The flood damage to Houston and surrounding areas was estimated in the several billions of dollars. Just last week, parts of central Texas received more than 30 inches of rain. In Texas, we have firsthand knowledge about the damaging effects of floods, so I am proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation, and I strongly support the efforts of the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Etheridge) to develop an improved inland flood-forecasting index. I also want to thank the gentleman from Michigan (Chairman Ehlers) and the gentleman from New York (Chairman Boehlert) for their strong support of this legislation. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the so-called Etheridge bill. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Undergraduate Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology Education Improvement Act, H.R. 3130, as reported from the Committee on Science and as described very adequately by our chairman. The bill was developed in a very bipartisan way, in keeping with the past practices of the Committee on Science in the area of science education legislation. I want to thank the gentleman from New York (Chairman Boehlert) and those with whom he works, his staff, for working with us on this side of the aisle to produce this very excellent legislative product. Basically, the bill will help increase the number of students who are graduating in science, math, and engineering, and will help improve the quality of undergraduate science education. Mr. Speaker, this bill builds on existing NSF programs that have proven their effectiveness, such as Research Experiences for Undergraduates. Similarly, the bill will provide support for the expansion of successful small-scale undergraduate education reform activities that some colleges and universities have been engaged in. H.R. 3130 will also implement programmatic recommendations of the Committee on Science, those that they have received through a long series of science education hearings going back to the last Congress. I would like also to point out that the bill incorporates provisions advanced by my colleague, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Baird), as in his bill, H.R. 4680. These provisions are focused on helping community colleges improve their science and technology offerings, which is important because community colleges enroll such a significant proportion of all undergraduate students. Finally, the bill includes the establishment of an educational program at NSF that will target minority-serving institutions. This program, which was advanced by my colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Baca), will help address the serious problems of underrepresentation by minorities in the science and technology fields. The Nation just cannot afford to lose the talents of any segment of society if we are to produce a workforce with the range of skills and capabilities that are going to be needed in the postindustrial world. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support H.R. 3130 and commend it for favorable consideration by the House. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson) who is the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Research of the Committee on Science.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Larson), a member of the committee. (Mr. LARSON of Connecticut asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Baca), a member of our subcommittee. (Mr. BACA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

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

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Aubrey Lee McAlister, who passed away around this time last year--May 15th, 2001. I still think of him often. He was 89. Audrey was a distinguished reporter, war veteran, caring community leader and beloved husband and father. He and his wife, Aubrey, were dear personal friends--ones we visited with often. Aubrey was born on October 5, 1911 in Walters, Oklahoma. Even as a young teenager he showed his eagerness to work in journalism spending his after-school afternoons learning to operate printing equipment and type setting as a printer's devil in the local paper's office. After High School, Aubrey went to Cameron College and transferred to Oklahoma State University, where he received his degree in journalism. At the outbreak of World War II, Aubrey enlisted in the US Navy, even though he was exempt from the draft. As a Navy enlisted correspondent he served in the Pacific theater aboard the USS Colorado, a vessel that participated in the battle for Okinawa. Aubrey moved to Bonham in 1955 when he bought the Bonham Daily Favorite, a local newspaper, with a partner. He served as its publisher until 1976. Across the state he was active as a member of the board of the Texas Press Association. He served as the President of the TPA in 1964. Within the community, he served as an elder and a deacon of his church, the First Presbyterian Church, and was a long-time and active member of Rotary International. He was a Paul Harris Fellow and had served as president of two different clubs. In 1964, he was named East Texas Chamber of Commerce Man of the Month and the Bonham Chamber of Commerce named him the town's Outstanding Citizen. He also served as the chairman of the Bonham Water Authority, which oversaw building a community water reservoir. He helped organize the city's first planning and zoning commission and was chairman of the Fannin County Fair. Most of all, Aubrey was a loving father and husband who always showed his kindness to others. He was survived by his wife, Audrey; one son, Don McAlister; a granddaughter, Sara Delao; and his brother, Ray McAlister. Mr. Speaker, we will miss him but always remember him as a beloved community leader and kind man who gave a lot to East Texas-- Aubrey Lee McAlister.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a student in my district, Craig Halbrooks, who is the grandson of Judge Larry Craig, a great friend and respected judge in Smith County. Judge Craig brought to my attention his grandson's poem, which reflects on September 11. This poem--written by a 14-year-old--captures the sentiments of many Americans and many of our youth regarding that terrible day in our nation's history, and I would like to share it with this body: On September 11, 2001 the United States was struck with an act of terror With the Afghanistan leaders responsible, soon there would be nothing there. Why would some do such a thing? Take their lives to destroy another's, what could they be thinking? Nearly four months later, the tears still flow and emotions run high Why did these people have to hurt so many lives? As we board planes, subways, and even a bus We wonder just exactly who we can trust. It matters little whether Christian, Muslim or Jew We wonder what each is capable to do. We look around us on the ground and in the sky Wondering who will be the next to die. Will it be a child, family or friend? When will this scary stuff end? I'm so glad that we have a President who Strives to protect even me and you.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 96, a tax limitation constitutional amendment. I have been a supporter of this amendment from the very first day I headed up here, and I will continue to support it as long as it takes to provide some constitutional protection against tax increases for hardworking Americans. The tax increases that have been enacted since I have been in Congress have passed by a very narrow margin, sometimes by a single vote. It is my recollection that the Tax Reform Act of 1986 passed, I believe, by one vote. It was probably the worst Act this Congress ever passed. It was supported by President Reagan and it was supported by Rostenkowski. One of them knew what was in it, and I guarantee my colleagues it was not President Reagan. Let me just tell my colleagues that legislation that hits everybody's pocketbooks ought to require more than a simple majority for a vote for passage. A two-thirds supermajority vote requirement would offer that protection that taxpayers need. Let me tell my colleagues the biggest task in, of course, this legislation should not be whether Democrats or Republicans are for it, whether liberals or conservatives support it, but what most Americans want and how many Americans support this. If my colleagues would go home to their district and ask the first 10 constituents that they meet and just ask them the simple question whether they think it ought to be harder for us to raise taxes, I feel certain that all 10 of them would say yes. I have done that test and from in front of post offices on tax days and days that we were given runs with this bill in the years of the past, and I have never gotten a no from any of them. A simple question, does anyone think it ought to be harder to raise taxes. Every doggone one of them says yes. Most Americans feel it is far too easy to raise taxes, and I think this amendment would let them know we understand their concerns and are willing to address them. The economic climate today is not what it was last year when Congress worked with President Bush to enact some much-needed and deserved tax relief for our citizens. As a result, it is critical that we make a statement now that we are committed to controlling government spending rather than raising taxes in order to maintain a Federal balanced budget. It would be easy to balance the budget by simply raising the taxes; so it ought to be hard to do that. We ought to balance the budget by cutting expenses, and any serious economic situation that might be, that might call for increased taxes would have to be addressed with the cooperation and understanding of all Americans and with more than a simple majority vote. This legislation would ensure that such dialogue would take place. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this commonsense measure.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Donald Wallice Jones, and his brother Jack V. Jones, both veterans of World War II. The Jones brothers both left high school early to join the Navy and fight for the United States during World War II. After the war, Donald Jones continued his education by receiving a GED, taking courses at the University of Houston, and completing a 5-year apprenticeship program in plumbing, but he never received his high school diploma. That will change on June 1st, 2002, as a result of a Texas Senate bill, passed in May, 2001, that authorizes certain WWII veterans to apply for and receive a high school diploma. Donald W. Jones will participate in graduation ceremonies and receive his high school diploma from Davis High School in the Houston, Texas Independent School District, along with his brother, Jack V. Jones. The two brothers will share their proud moment with friends and family who are arriving for the ceremony from all over the country. Two of Donald Jones' granddaughters work in my office in Washington, DC, and will fly to Texas to see their grandfather receive his honorary degree. Jean E. and Laura Jones are extremely proud of their grandfather and great uncle and their service to the United States. Donald Wallice Jones enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January, 1942, at the age of sixteen. His first mission was aboard the USS Pennsylvania, which participated in the Coral Sea-Midway Battle. In July, 1943 he was transferred to the newly commissioned Fred C. Davis 136, which eventually received high security radio control jamming equipment that was used during the Invasion of Sicily. Jones later served as gun pointer in Anzio and was responsible for shooting down 13 planes and one mini-submarine. He was next transferred to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in 1945 and boarded the DE195-Thornhill. The Thornhill traveled through the Panama Canal headed to Pearl Harbor ready to engage again, but before the ship reached its destination, President Truman announced his decision to bomb Japan. When the second bomb was dropped on August 9, 1945, Jones had just reached his 20th birthday. He returned to the United States on a ``victory ship'' and was honorably discharged on October 17, 1945 from the U.S. Navy. Donald W. Jones volunteered almost four years of his life in service to his country. Jack Jones enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January, 1941, at seventeen years of age. He went to Dearborn, Michigan to the Ford Motor Company to train as a motor machinist. Jack was then transferred to the USS Tennessee where he served over 2 years. He survived the December 7, 1941 Japanese invasion of Pearl Harbor, and had the difficult job of burial detail following the attack. He, along with his brother Donald, was in the Coral Sea-Midway Battle. He then continued to serve his country on a Troop Carrier ship during the European Theater in the Mediterranean. He also experienced the Sicily Invasion and Salerno, Italy Invasion. Jack was finally transferred to the Viviane in the Atlantic, where he served before he was honorably discharged in Jacksonville, Florida at the end of 1947. He proudly served his country for 7 years. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend Donald and Jack Jones for their contributions during World War II, and congratulate them as they receive their honorary high school diplomas from Davis High School on June 1, 2002.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that this legislation contains a provision that extends funding for abstinence-only education. It is a provision that I originally cosponsored. This funding, a reauthorization of the 1996 program, I think deserves to be continued. Teen pregnancy is a problem that affects the entire country, not just the young women who are forced to make the difficult decisions at an early age. The number of teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases continues to increase despite the number of family planning style sex education programs that have been offered. It is time to give another approach a chance to succeed. Abstinence-only education is a viable, traditional program that only first received funding in 1996. There are more than 20 sources of funding for sex education programs. Abstinence-only has only two. Let us give this program a chance to prove its effectiveness.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, of course, in support of H.J. Res. 87, a bill, as all of my colleagues know, that provides for the development of Yucca Mountain as a permanent repository. I think, though, first a word to those who oppose this resolution. They have done so honorably, steadfastly, and to be Texas plain with them, they have done so doggedly and working and speaking for the care of their constituents' will. For that, I admire and respect them. To paraphrase Reverend Billy Graham, I hate sin but I love the sinner. I hate the absence of a permanent repository, but I love and respect those who oppose this bill. I simply differ with them, and I differ with them for these reasons: I think, first, that it has an unparalleled safety record in transporting nuclear fuel. That is necessary. That is first; and, second, the long open public licensing process. More than 45 years of experience and 3,000 successful shipments of used nuclear fuel within the United States demonstrates that this material can be safely transported to Yucca Mountain by rail and/or by truck. No radiation release, no fatalities, no injuries or environmental damage has occurred because of the radioactivity of the cargo. The containers used to ship nuclear fuel are specially designed, robust steel containers that have undergone rigorous testing and can withstand extreme conditions including long-lasting fires, high-speed crashes, even submersion in water. The maintained integrity of the containers ensures the health and safety of the public and environment during transportation of spent nuclear fuel. Mr. Speaker, upon site approval, a three step nuclear regulatory commission licensing process will test and verify DOE's scientific work in a highly rigorous public process. The scientific work will continue throughout the licensing period and operation of the repository so that the government will always be governed by the most recent science. Again, I admire and respect those who defend their constituents. I urge my colleagues, however though, to support H.J. Res. 87. Let us move this bill on and get it behind us.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I want to address the question of security of our oil supply. The political dynamic that resulted in the crippling Arab oil embargo Americans suffered throughout 1970s is not exactly the same today. Fuel sources today are much more diverse. However, our oil supplies are still vulnerable. Recently, crude oil and refined product shipments in Venezuela were at a virtual standstill due to the off-again and on-again regime of Hugo Chavez. Mexico's oil industry has come on strong in recent years with Mexico establishing itself as the second largest producer in the Western Hemisphere. But the state-owned oil company, Pemex, continues to struggle for lack of investment of capital. Fortunately, the United States can look to Canada for supply. According to EIA, from January through November 2001, the United States imported more oil and refined products from Canada than any other country. Mr. Speaker, we cannot take any foreign oil supply for granted. We must realistically turn to the development of new domestic sources of oil and gas reserves in the offshore, in the Rockies and in Alaska. We have the know-how and the resources to accomplish this. If not now, when?

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in tribute of a great Texan, a great American and a dear friend and colleague--the late Judge Merrill Lee Connally of Floresville, Texas--who passed away at the age of 80 on September 4, 2001. Over the course of his life he had been a rancher, an oilman, a radio station operator, a judge, and a soldier who served his country with distinction in the South Pacific during World War II. Merrill grew up on his family's ranch west of Floresville where he was born as the sixth child of John Bowden Connally Sr. and Lela Wright Connally on April 9, 1921. After attending Floresville High School, he went on to Texas A&M University in 1941 as a member of the Corps of Cadets. In January 1942, shortly after entering college, he left to enlist in the United States Marine Corps where he rose to the rank of Captain serving in the South Pacific. During the fight for Bougainville, Merrill earned two Purple Hearts. Merrill served until 1945, after which he returned to Floresville to help manage the Connally family ranch. He continued with the ranch the rest of his life, but he had other ventures, as well. Along with 10 other fellow veterans, Mr. Connally organized and operated radio station KVET in Austin, Texas. In addition to the radio station, he had other business venture including Connally Agricultural Services, Connally Fuels, and Connally Minerals. He was also a 20 year board member of the Republic Bank of Austin. Like all of the Connally family, Merrill served his country well by staying active in local, state and national politics. From 1847-1950, he was Wilson County Commissioner--he held the position again from 1955-1959. In both 1956 and 1960 Merrill served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. He also helped his brother run for governor, serving as his campaign coordinator in both 1962 and 1964. Merrill served on the Floresville chamber of Commerce, Wilson County Farm Bureau, Floresville Lions Club, South Texas County Judges' Association, Southwest Cattle Raisers' Association, and American Quarter Horse Association, and was a past president of the Floresville Peanut Festival Association. In addition, he served for many years on the board of directors of the Wilson Memorial Hospital, a hospital that the had played an instrumental part in founding. Later in life, Mr. Connally began a hobby acting. He played the role of Davy Crockett in ``Alamo--The Price of Freedom'' and also made appearances in Steven Spielberg's ``Close Encounters of the Third Kind'' and ``Sugarland Express.'' Most importantly, though, Merrill will be remembered a true American hero and devoted family man. Just this year he celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary with his loving wife Mary Catherine Howard. He was father to two and a grandfather to four. He will be remembered by his family, friends and former colleague as a true Texas who served his state and country well. He will be remembered for his mild-mannered ways and devotion to the people of Texas. He leaves a legacy of service kindness. Mr. Speaker, it is with great admiration that I recognize the life of a great Texan and true American hero--Merrill Lee Connally.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor the memory of Herman Engel of Tyler, TX, who recently passed at the age of 85. He was a war hero, pioneering oil man, and beloved community activist and father. Herman first started in the oil industry working for Shell Oil in Houston, where he was born. After graduating from LSU with a degree in Petroleum Engineering he spent time in East Texas, Houston, and Oklahoma working for various oil companies. He moved to East Texas permanently in 1976 to run the East Texas Salt Water Disposal Company and remained active with the company even after his retirement in 1989. Prior to 1976 he had been vice president of APCO Oil Corporation and of Union Texas Petroleum, both of which were in Tulsa, OK. As a professional he was recognized as a leader. In 1983 he was selected as a ``Pioneer Engineer'' by the Petroleum Landmen, Petroleum Geologists and Petroleum Engineers of East Texas. He was an Honorary Life Member of the Independent Petroleum Association of America and was a Distinguished Member of the Petroleum Engineers. He also served as vice president and director of both the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the American Institute of Mining. Before he began his professional career, Herman served his country in the Second World War. This true American hero was an officer in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and spent 1\1/2\ years in Alaska in addition to his 2\1/2\ in the South Pacific. While in Tyler he was an integral part of the community and played a major part in helping to make East Texas a better place for everyone. He served as a vice president and director of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce. He was a long-time director of East-Texas Lighthouse for the Blind, and was an active supporter of several local organizations and foundations. Among those were Louisiana State University, Tyler Junior College, and the Tyler Independent School District. He was also a devoted trustee of the Watson W. Wise Foundation. In passing, Mr. Engel leaves behind two daughters Dee Landers and Alice Beam; a sister Elizabeth Engel; and 6 grandchildren. He was a wonderful father, devoted husband, and beloved grandfather. Mr. Speaker, this was one of those men who made a lasting impact in everything that he did. We will remember with great respect everything this kind and caring man did for his community--Mr. Herman A. Engel.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I speak today in memory of M.L. ``Mike'' Anglin, of Longview, Texas, a beloved member of his community, a veteran and loving father, who passed away at the age of 85. Mike spent his life serving his country and community. He was the Commander of the American Legion Post #140 for over 30 years. Because of his long service there, he was saluted as the Texas State American Legion veteran of the year on three separate occasions. He was a Lieutenant in World War II but became a General for his veterans back in East Texas. Without his help, VFW posts 4002, 1183, 140 and 131 would not have even existed. He also worked to obtain the Veterans Clinic in Longview. Beyond the American Legion, Mike was active in 4-H, March of Dimes, Boys and Girls State and was one of the original organizers of the East Texas State Fair. This loving family-man is survived by his wife, Zelma, two daughters, Celia and Cynthia, three sisters and a granddaughter. He not only loved his county but cared for its people. East Texas has lost a unique individual and he will be missed. We will remember with sadness the passing of a true American, a beloved father, and a legend in East Texas who will not easily be forgotten--M.L. ``Mike'' Anglin.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to begin a series of remarks on energy. Once again, the uncertainties in the Middle East have caused prices in oil markets to rise, and from what we read in the news, the current uncertainty is unfortunately likely to last for quite some time. My goal with this series is simple: to impress upon my colleagues the need to develop a national energy policy. And that policy should include all of our resources--fossil fuels, nuclear, renewables and, yes, conservation. We need them all. In this country we are blessed with an abundance of energy choices. We have abundant coal resources--in fact some of the largest in the world. We have tremendous potential for the development of solar and wind resources. And even though for many years we have produced huge volumes of crude oil and natural gas--even supplied some of the world with it at times--we still have significant oil and gas resources in the ground. Much of the rest of the world is envious of our energy resources and the choices we have. In the coming days and weeks, I will address some of those options and what we can do to bring those options into reality.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to begin a series of remarks on energy. Energy, or the lack of energy, has caused many of the wars of the world. Once again, the uncertainties of the Middle East have caused prices in oil markets to rise; and from what we read in the news, the current uncertainty is, unfortunately, likely to last for quite some time. My goal with this series is simple: to impress upon my colleagues the need to develop a national energy policy, and that policy should include all of our resources: fossil fuels, coal, nuclear renewables, and yes, conservation. We need them all. In this country we are blessed with an abundance of energy choices. We have abundant coal reserves, in fact, some of the largest in the world. We have a tremendous potential for the development of solar and wind resources; and even though for many years we produced huge volumes of crude oil and natural gas and even supplied some of the world with it at times, we still have significant oil and gas resources in the ground. Much of the rest of the world is envious of our energy resources and the choices we have. In the coming days and weeks, I will address some of these options and see what we can do to bring them into reality.