Ralph Hall

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the hard work, discipline and deserved achievements of the Canton High School Band--from my Fourth District in Texas. Besides numerous awards and recognitions, the Mighty Eagle Band has been chosen to represent the State of Texas, today, St. Patrick's Day, by performing in Dublin, Ireland--in that city's St. Patrick's Day Parade. The young men and women of this band have participated in and won a multitude of competitions every year since 1993. More recently, the Canton Band was named the third overall band in the State of Texas. Along with this honor, came an invitation to perform in Dublin, Ireland, on St. Patrick's Day. As if the many hours of sacrifice and discipline exhibited by these young men and women--was not enough--they managed to raise an amazing $200,000 in order to pay for their trip. Mr. Speaker, as evidenced by their many achievements and awards, the Canton ISD music program emphasizes responsibility, accountability and service to others. Obviously, these youngsters have internalized these characteristics in their search for success. As we adjourn today, let us do so in honor of the Canton Mighty Eagle Band and their numerous merited accolades.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to express my dire concern and the concern of many of my constituents in my district and in my State regarding any further deployment of U.S. troops to Kosovo. I would like to thank the Speaker for providing us with the opportunity to state our beliefs at this time on this controversial issue, and I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Hoeffel) and the leadership of my party for giving me this opportunity to differ with my party on this very important item. I have always supported our uniformed service members and will continue to do so, but I just cannot support the deployment of our sons and daughters to locations around the world where we, as an administration, we, as a Congress, we, as a country, have not explicitly spelled out our objectives. Do I regret suffering around the world? Of course. Everyone here does on both sides of the aisle. But would I sacrifice one American life for all of Bosnia, Iraq or Kosovo? I absolutely would not without a true national interest, or a plan to successfully enter, a plan to successfully succeed and a plan to successfully leave. Originally the administration assured Congress that it would not send troops to Kosovo without first providing this body a chance to consider such an action, but the administration knows that this Congress will always support our troops once they are deployed, so off they went. And I would like to ask the President what is our strategy in Kosovo, what are our objectives, how long are we going to keep our men and women in uniform away from their families, what action dictates their return and, finally, what is the overriding national interest in Kosovo that has prepared him to risk the life of a single American. In 1996 there were 15,000 American soldiers in Bosnia. Today there are still some 7,000. We promised our troops an end to Bosnia, yet they remain a broken promise. At some time we are going to have to keep our promises to the young men and women of arms of this country.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay my respects to and honor a man dedicated to his community, his family and his church-- Mr. Russell Eubank of Canton, Texas. Mr. Eubank was born June 8, 1918, in Hamilton County to the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lee Eubank. He grew up in Wills Point, Texas, and was salutatorian of the 1936 graduating class at Wills Point High School. Mr. Eubank received a B.A. degree from North Texas State College. He then finished mortuary school in Dallas before entering the U.S. Navy in 1942. In 1946, at the end of the war, Mr. Eubank returned to Canton to operate the Eubank brothers' businesses. Active in several organizations, in 1968-69 he served as president of both the Texas Cemetery Association and the Texas Association of Life Insurance Officials. He also served on the local school board, city council and did other civic work as well. Honored for his commitment to the community Mr. Eubank received the Man of the Year Award of Van Zandt County in 1990 and the Canton Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Citizen Award in 1979. A member of the Masonic Lodge No. 141, AF&AM, Mr Eubank also received the Golden Trowel Award. Mr. Eubank was also a 50-year member of the Lions Club, a Mason and a Long time member of the First Methodist Church of Canton. After a long illness, Mr. Eubank passed away at his Canton residence on June 20, 1998. He is survived by his wife, three sons and ten grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, as we adjourn today, let us do so in honor of and respect for this outstanding East Texan--the late Russell Eubank.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay my respects and honor a dedicated civic leader and fine American--Mrs. Mary Claude Gay of Flower Mound, Texas, who died August 5, 1998, at the age of 81. Mrs. Gay was a prominent local business and civic leader who received many honors and recognition for her service and dedication to both her profession and community. She served on numerous committees and as an officer of the local, state and national associations of Realtors. She received many real estate awards including: 1983 Denton Women's Council of Realtors ``Woman of the Year,'' 1976 Texas Chapter of the Women's Council of Realtors ``Woman of the Year,'' 1975 ``Peoples Choice'' Award from the people of Denton and 1969 Realtor of the Year from the Denton Board of Realtors. She was well known as an expert on the Professional Standards of real estate and was a certified instructor for graduates of the Realtors Institute and ``Train-the-Trainer''. As a civic leader she served as the district clerk of Denton County from 1953 to 1959 and on the Denton City Council in 1977. She served as Mayor-Pro-Tem in 1978. She was a founding member of the Denton Benefit League and served in various capacities with many charitable organizations. She received the Otis Fowler Award for being an outstanding citizen by the Denton Chamber of Commerce and served United Way for many years. Ever dedicated to her community, Mrs. Gay remained active in the Real Estate Community until her death. She is survived by her four sons. Mr. Speaker, as we adjourn today, let us do so in honor of and respect for this great American--the late Mary Claude Gay.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the articles of impeachment. Mr. Speaker, in just a few hours I will join others in this chamber to cast one of the toughest and most momentous votes that a Member of the House of Representatives can be called upon to cast--a vote to impeach the President of the United States. This is an historic vote that is not easily cast--and I take no satisfaction in doing so. I have always taken the position that I would not use any office of public trust to hurt anyone--and if I could not help them, I would pass it by. I know that this is a hurtful process, but in this vote I had to go back to the oath I took to uphold the law of the land. This I will do. Having read the testimony, I will vote for articles of impeachment, for it is clear that the transcript shows that the President committed perjury. Perjury is a felony offense--regardless of the subject matter or the circumstances--and there is no asterisk in the law books that exempts a President. I am sorry for the President and for our country. This is both a personal tragedy and a national tragedy. Blame has been cast in all directions--toward the President, the Office of the Independent Counsel, and the Congress. I have heard from thousands of Americans during the course of this debate via telephone, letters, faxes, and e- mail. In the final analysis, I had to evaluate the evidence for myself, listen to my constituents, and then call it as I see it. We must now see this through to closure--for better or worse--and we must pull together as a nation after this is over. It will be difficult, but Americans have a great capacity to overcome difficult times. This issue has distracted us and divided us, and now we must come together and move ahead to address the many domestic and foreign issues that require our serious and undivided attention. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to represent the Fourth District of Texas in this Chamber, and I have tried to do so to the best of my abilities. I am grateful to all those in my district who contacted me, and I hope they know that their views are important to me--whether they agree with my decision or not.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. HALL of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. HALL of Texas. Would the gentleman also join me in this next session if in the event we are both back, and I am hoping we will be, that when we do finally deregulate electricity that that bill be named the Electrical Deregulation Schaefer Bill of 1999 or maybe the Schaefer Bill of the Year 2010 or something like that?

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. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Traficant).

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased, of course, today to rise in support of this bill, the underlying vehicle for this package of legislation, H.R. 4017, which was introduced by the chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Power, my good friend, the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Dan Schaefer), and have joined him as a cosponsor. That measure passed the House, I think, back in September. Due to what then appeared to be the lateness of the congressional session, the body of H.R. 4017 was substituted for the text of a bill that was being held at the Speaker's desk, the Senate bill, S. 417, and forwarded to the Senate. The other body added three other provisions to the measure, and they returned it to us. The provisions would ensure, and this is a very important segment of it, ensure that Hawaii was guaranteed access to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve during an oil supply disruption, and extend the authorization of some things. But because of the distance of Hawaii, and not being contiguous to the other 48 States, they are in a peculiar and a different position and have an access to the SPRO, as does the State of Texas and other States that are here in the 48. This bill is a companion to H.R. 2472 that the President signed into law on June 1. A new energy security law reauthorized the SPRO and amended the international energy agency statutes to comply. Actually, the use of biodiesel, that is a part of this that the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus) and the gentlewoman from Missouri (Ms. McCarthy) have added that will help make biodiesel blended fuel a more attractive option as a replacement fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 that will give them some more leeway and some more help in addition to having access to the SPRO. The use of biodiesel will reduce the carbon dioxide emissions. There is a lot of good things it does. It reduces other air pollutants, particulates, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide. Our new Secretary of Energy also, Mr. Bill Richardson, highlighted these facts when as a member of the House he joined 33 of the other colleagues here writing to then Secretary of Energy Mrs. O'Leary to urge DOE to include a 20 percent biodiesel blend as an alternative fuel under the 1992 Energy Policy Act. I think it is a good act. I urge that we pass this act. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today in support of S. 417. The underlying vehicle for this package of legislation, H.R. 4017, was introduced by the chairman of the Energy and Power Subcommittee, my good friend Dan Schaefer. I joined him as an original cosponsor, and that measure passed the House by voice vote on September 28. Due to what then appeared to be the lateness of the congressional session, the body of H.R. 4017 was substituted for the text of a bill that was being held at the Speaker's desk, S. 417, and forwarded to the Senate. The other body added three other provisions to that measure and returned it to us. Those provisions would ensure that Hawaii has guaranteed access to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve during an oil supply disruption, extend the authorization of the Indian Energy Resources Program through 2003, and authorize additional funding for cleanup of a thorium- contaminated site in West Chicago, Illinois. This bill is a companion measure to H.R. 2472, which the President signed into law on June 1st. That new energy security law reauthorized the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and amended the International Energy Agency statutes. The bill before us today reauthorizes several small, but important, energy conservation programs for five years. They include: the State Energy Conservation Program and Institutional Conservation Program; and the weatherization conservation program in the Energy Conservation and Production Act. The bill also includes a number of technical changes to the three statutes that are being reauthorized or amended: the Energy Policy and Conservation Act; the Energy Conservation and Production Act; and the National Energy Conservation Policy Act. I commend the staff, both with our Committee and with the Legislative Counsel's office, for their attention to detail and for the time they have committed to this effort to make our public laws as accurate and as easy to interpret as possible. Additionally, S. 417 makes legislative and judicial branch entities eligible to enter into Energy Savings Performance Contracts and extends permanently the provisions of the Defense Production Act of 1950 which provide the President with priority contracting authority for projects which maximize domestic energy supplies in times of emergency. This legislation also includes a very important, bipartisan amendment, authored by Representatives Shimkus of Illinois and Karen McCarthy of Missouri, that will help make biodiesel blended fuel a more attractive option as a replacement fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. This amendment sets up a credit mechanism, through which heavy duty vehicle users may accumulate modest credits that may be used, under the existing provisions of the 1992 Act, to help fleets meet their petroleum displacement requirements. This language, which was adopted by the Commerce Committee after lengthy, bipartisan negotiations that included representatives of the Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition and the National Biodiesel Board, is a modified version of H.R. 2568, legislation introduced by Representatives Shimkus and McCarthy. Mr. Speaker, the use of biodiesel will reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Biodiesel use also substantially reduces other air pollutants--particulars, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide. Our new Secretary of Energy, former House Commerce Committee member Bill Richardson, highlighted these facts when, as a member of this House, he joined with 33 of his colleagues in writing to then-Energy Secretary O'Leary to urge DOE to include a 20 percent biodiesel blend as an alternative fuel under the 1992 Energy Policy Act. I include a copy of this correspondence with my statement and urge my colleagues to support this legislation today so it can be sent to the President for his signature. U.S. Congress, Washington, DC, October 25, 1996. Hon. Hazel R. O'Leary, Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, D.C. Dear Secretary O'Leary, As members of the U.S. House of Representatives concerned with our nation's energy security, we would like to express our support for biodiesel, a renewable alternative fuel for diesel engines derived from vegetable oils, such as soybean oil. We believe the Department of Energy (DOE) should initiate a rulemaking to include B20, a 20% biodiesel/80% diesel fuel blend, as an alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT). B20 is good for farmers, good for the environment, good for the economy and will contribute to national energy security. Including B20 as an alternative fuel would also be consistent with the legislative intent of EPACT. Biodiesel has important environmental benefits. Biodiesel is registered with the EPA as a fuel and fuel additive. Scientific evidence demonstrates that using B20 reduces most harmful exhaust emissions from diesel engines. Biodiesel can also be processed from recycled cooking oils and waste animal fats. Biodiesel promotes economic development and energy security. As a renewable fuel, biodiesel offers America's farmers stable, long-term markets for efficiently-produced soybean oil. Biodiesel also means jobs and tax revenues from processing a greater portion of our domestic soybean oil in the U.S. Use of domestic biodiesel improves national energy security by displacing imported energy. Under current DOS regulations, 75% of affected federal and state government fleet vehicle purchases and 90% of affected fleet vehicle purchases by private alternative fuel suppliers must be alternative fueled vehicles by the year 2001. Future DOE EPACT regulations may extend similar vehicle purchase requirements to municipal and other large private company fleets. Congress clearly intended that EPACT should be ``fuel neutrial'' Fuel neutrality simply means there is no presumption in the law to favor any particular alternative fuels as a means of compliance with the goals of EPACT. Congress made EPACT fuel neutral to give regulated fleets the flexibility to decide which alternative fuels are compatible with their operations. B20, therefore, will give regulated fleets greater flexibility to comply with EPACT. B20 is the most popular biodiesel blend tested so far with diesel consumers and engine manufacturers. B20 provides many of the environmental and safety benefits of pure biodiesel at a fraction of the cost. B20 is also compatible with existing diesel engine maintenance and refueling facilities. More than 10 million miles of in-service pilot programs have been conducted across the nation using B20. For these reasons, B20 should be a popular EPACT compliance option for regulated fleets that use diesel vehicles. Before B20 can be included as an EPACT alternative fuel, the DOE must amend its current regulations. The American Soybean Association and other supporters of B20 have recently submitted a petition to the DOE to initiate a B20 rulemaking. Initiating a rulemaking will allow the DOE to collect data on B20 and to render a reasoned decision. Once all of the data on the benefits of B20 is placed in the public record, we are confident that you will decide to include B20 as an alternative fuel. Therefore, we urge you to immediately initiate a rulemaking to amend existing DOE regulations to include B20 as an EPACT alternative fuel. The recent re-escalation of conflict in the Middle East has again highlighted our nation's dependence on imported energy. Including B20 as an EPACT alternative fuel will allow domestically produced biodiesel to immediately play a role in reducing that dependence. It will also benefit the environment, our farmers and our economy, as well as assist regulated fleets to comply with EPACT. We appreciate your active interest in expanding the role of renewable fuels in U.S. energy policy. Please keep us apprised of your progress on this important matter. Sincerely, Tom Latham, -- --, Jim Bunning, Dick Durbin, Jerry F. Costello, Doug Bereuer, Jan Meyers, Lane Evans, Bill Richardson, Ed Bryant, John Spratt, Tom Ewing, Tim Hutchinson, John D. Dingell, Glenn Poshard, James A. Leach, -- --Ed Whitfield, David Minge, Jim Lightfoot, Collin C. Peterson, Charles T. Canady, Ron Lewis, John Joseph Moakley, Roger F. Wicker, Jim Nussle, Greg Ganske, --,-- --, Walter B. Jones, Jr., -- --, Dave Camp, Saxby Chambliss, Eva M. Clayton. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, under the rules, H.R. 4519 is considered a private bill. However, because of their wide constituent interest, the following Members of Congress would like to be shown as supporters of H.R. 4519. 1. Jim McGovern 2. Bob Livingston 3. William Jefferson 4. Allen Boyd 5. Gene Green 6. John Olver 7. Carlos Romero-Barcelo 8. Virgil Goode 9. Bob Stump 10. Phil English 11. Gerald Solomon 12. Linda Smith 13. Jim Gibbons 14. Sue Kelly 15. John Tierney 16. Lynn Rivers 17. Nancy Pelosi 18. Tom Petri 19. Michael Pappas 20. David Hobson 21. David Obey 22. Richard Burr 23. Clay Shaw 24. Jay Johnson 25. Marcy Kaptur 26. Bud Cramer

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Sisisky) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter). Mr. Speaker, I will be brief. I just want to say a word or so of gratitude to those that have been of such great help to a group of veterans to whom this means so very much. This bill, of course, is to recognize a group of veterans who put their lives in harm's way, and I am going to mention some of them. One of them right off, Speaker Rayburn, appropriated the funds with which these ships were built and bought and dispatched. It is from these ships that they went to Omaha Beach. Olin Tiger Teague of this body, the first chairman of the Committee on Space and longtime Member here departed from this ship. General Earl Rudder, who is next to the highest decorated veteran of World War II from Texas, just under Audie Murphy, embarked from this ship. It means a lot to us and it means a lot to these old soldiers and sailors. After World War II, it was transferred to Greece. The government of Greece has requested the consent that it come back. I think all the bases have been tagged. This ship was in Sicily. It was in Italy, Salerno, Normandy, Omaha Beach. It suffered casualties. It transported prisoners of war when the war was over. It is a ship that will find its home port in New Orleans with the help of these two fine leaders in Congress and the support their committees have given, and I appreciate it.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Those of us that are just the very healthiest and have really taken care of ourselves, live real clean lives, are still around.

Mr. HALL of Texas. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. HALL of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.) Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3610, and I certainly want to thank the gentleman from Colorado (Chairman Dan Schaefer) and the gentleman from Virginia (Chairman Bliley) for bringing this bill to the floor. I compliment the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Greenwood) for working to improve the bill in committee to ensure that the funds are properly used. Madam Speaker, it is my understanding that both the heating oil industry and the gas industry are satisfied with this approach, and I appreciate their efforts to work this out. I am pleased to support the bill and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

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

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as cosponsor of H.R. 859.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to one of the greatest men and finest Americans I have ever known--Navy Captain Henry Osborne. He was born in Ladonia, Texas, January 17, 1924, to Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Osborne. Henry enlisted as a Seaman Second Class in the Navy May 8, 1942. He was designated a Naval Aviator and received a commission as Ensign, April 16, 1943. After a long and distinguished military career Henry retired June 30, 1973, as Captain, United States Navy. Seeing Captain Osborne on Sundays at First United Methodist Church of Rockwall, I had the pleasure of getting to know him personally. Besides exchanging pleasantries, I had the opportunity to share old World War II stories with Captain Osborne on many occasions. During these memorable conversations, Captain Osborne told me about the combat he saw in the Pacific during World War II and in Korea. He was a Prisoner of War in Korea from May 23, 1951 to September 2, 1953. Captain Osborne was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal (12), the Joint Service Commendation, the Purple Heart, the Presidential Unit Citation and the Navy Unit Commendation. As shown by these many symbols of accomplishment and bravery, Henry fought for this country, he was imprisoned for this country, he bled for this country--and, yes, he lived for this country. Captain Henry Osborne passed away last week on October 1, 1998. Henry is survived by his wife, the former Muriel Kathryn Ogden, whom he married at the Naval Air Station Chapel, Corpus Christi, Texas, October 31, 1947. Muriel knew the pains of fear as her husband was shot down in combat and imprisoned. She served side by side with Henry during the dark days of war and enjoyed the bright aftermath of armistice. Muriel is a lovely and talented lady who has shared her talents with our church choir. She has always been a wonderful wife, friend and partner to a great, great man. Henry is also survived by his three daughters: Kathryn, Henri and Zelma. Mr. Speaker, I have rarely been as impressed by any one man, as I was by Henry Osborne. Henry was a ``man's man.'' When I looked him in the eye I saw a man who bore the brunt of war. Henry Osborne was the epitome of a Naval Captain. Mr. Speaker, when we adjourn today, let us do so in honor and respect for this great American hero--the late Captain Henry Osborne.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to get to rise and say a few words for Jerry Solomon. I served as a Judge for 12 years in Texas. I was 10 years in the Texas Senate. I have been up here 18 years. As my colleagues know, part of the compensation we get for public service is getting to know people like Jerry Solomon. I know of no one in the years whom I have met all through the years, anyone that has influenced me more or that I have been more impressed by or that I would rather be a role model for my sons than this man we are honoring here today. I know there is a tombstone in Blairsville, Pennsylvania that says ``Stop here my friend and cast an eye. You are now; so was I. As I am now, you will be. Prepare for death and follow me.'' And, Jerry, somebody added later, ``To follow you, I am not content until I know which way you went.'' Let me tell you we know which way you are going. You are going home to a family that loves you. You are going home to a district that respects you. You are going home to a country that you served well. You lit the fire to the Reagan revolution here. You are my kind of guy. God bless you. And how lucky I am to have known you and how lucky the people are to have come home.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Republic of China on Taiwan, on the occassion of Taiwan's forthcoming National Day. The Republic of China was founded 87 years ago. Throughout the twentieth century, the Republic of China has been an ally and partner of the United States. In recent years, despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations, Taiwan has been unwavering in its support of United States policies in all areas. It is appropriate on the occassion of Taiwan's National Day that freedom loving, democratic societies everywhere give their congratulations to the people of Taiwan, for their abiding respect and practice of the most respected traditions common to any true democracy. The people of Taiwan enjoy the right to vote in free and regularly scheduled elections. Their judicial system shows respect for the rights of the individual, and the Legislature is structured under truly representative rules. Furthermore, the people of Taiwan have been their own best natural resource, exhibiting to the world the value of hard work and a capitalistic spirit. It is time for us to recognize Taiwan for what it is--a faithful ally and partner. Let's help Taiwan support itself by declaring our affections and everlasting friendship for Taiwan.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to all WWII Veterans by reading a poem that I had the pleasure of hearing while back in my District. One of my constituents, Millie Jean Purgerson, wrote this poem in dedication to her uncle, William Hayward Reed, and his service to this great nation during WWII. Millie Jean Purgerson, is a 12-year dedicated Dallas Independent School District teacher with a Master's degree in Education. An active member of the Northeast Texas Writer's Group, Millie Jean is also a freelance writer. Five years ago Millie Jean began researching her uncle's death and military service with no more information than that listed on his 1948 tombstone. Millie Jean's mother's brother, William Hayward Reed, was in the 79th Division, 314th Regiment, 3rd Battalion when killed in action in Rhowiller, France, in a battle known as the Little Bulge. He was only 19 years old at the time of his death. So, Millie Jean felt it her duty to convey her uncle's story to all Americans. This poem, a moving story, applies to tens of thousands of our young men and women who lost their lives so early in life while serving their country in a war a world away from home. As we adjourn today, let us do so in honor of and respect for this Great American--William Hayward Reed. Mr. Speaker, if I may, ``Hayward--A Tribute'' by Millie Jean Purgerson: Hayward, a farm boy in the heyday of his youth. Up before the sun rose to light the aging wood heater. The wind blew through the cracks in the walls. The black tar paper stretched to keep out the cold draft. Oh, the aroma of Mama's country ham frying in the skillet. Biscuits baking in the cook stove and coffee steaming in the blue granite pot. Fluffy, country-fresh scrambled eggs with rich red-eye gravy. Home-preserved muscadine jelly and fresh churned creamy butter. Hayward had not yet really tasted the adventures of life. The farm work was hard and demanding. There had been no time for girls or cars, Country fairs, Sunday afternoon rides, or church socials. Then the call came from Uncle Sam's draft. ``We need you! It is your time to serve your country!'' He said good-bye to his loved ones and friends. He hugged and kissed his mama for the last time. A lump grew in his throat and tears welled in his eyes. He tried to explain to his faithful old hound That he would be away for a while. Little did he know that he would never return. The train ride to boot camp seemed like an endless journey. The cropped haircut, strange clothes, fast moving orders and expectations. Bunking with boys who were forced to become men by a war they had not created. Anticipating the adventure, yet lonesome for the warmth and smells of home. Drills and marches, training for a fight beyond their imagination. Then the final order. Be ready to board the train for New York by morning. The destination yet unknown to the men. France! Off in the distance the shoreline of a strange new land. Boats, tanks, movement, strategy. Orders, gun and tanks exploding. The noise, the confusion, the panic of the moment. Heavy boots, wool socks, sore, aching, blistered feet. The same clothes worn day after day, lost their sophisticated military appeal. He dug his own bed, a cold, damp fox hole. When rain filled his haven, he used his helmet to dip it dry. Penetrating deeper into the war-ravaged countryside. The destruction his eyes beheld ripped at his gut, making him heave in horror. Senseless slaughter of innocent people, young children, old women, Made his heart weep, his eyes fill, and his body tremble. A land once so beautiful, now lay smothered in total ruin. A people rich in their culture without a home. All they ever knew and loved Crumbled at the mercy of the enemy. Marching into Rohrwiller, physically exhausted, emotionally drained. No time for thoughts of tomorrow, every movement on constant guard. Covering his buddies advancing to the front. The chill of the darkness like a blanket spread over the city. Then came the barrage like a blast from hell From the water factory's many windows! Mowing down the soldiers like hail in a rainstorm, Until the new fallen snow reeked with the smell of blood. Their cries of pain and agony filled the night air As one by one their breathing stopped. Hayward lay mortally wounded. In his dying breath, he whispered his final word, ``Mother.'' He will never see the brilliant sun rise over the tall pine trees in the pasture. He will never celebrate another Christmas. He will never know the joy of holding his firstborn child. He will never hear his mother call his name, again.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of a great American and long time constituent--Judge Evelyn Maxine Valentine Darst. Presiding as the Kaufman County Judge for her fourth consecutive term, Judge Darst continues her life long service to the preservation of our great legal system. Born in Edgewood, Texas, Judge Darst moved to Terrell at an early age, where she has remained all her life. Intrigued by the law and dedicated to helping others, Judge Darst entered law school and received her B.S. from East Texas State University. She was admitted to practice law in Texas in 1976 and practiced in Terrell with her husband until 1983. Judge Darst became an attorney in Kaufman County and was also the first female to practice law in Kaufman. In 1983, Maxine achieved another first--when she became the first female Kaufman County Judge. As Kaufman County Judge, Maxine has led the county to many improvements, including--a new Kaufman County Law Enforcement Center, a Kaufman County Emergency Children's Shelter, a Kaufman County Library, the hiring of a chief juvenile probation officer and a newly formed Public Works Department. Not only has Judge Darst greatly influenced County government, but she also has devoted her time and talents to such civic activities as the Kaufman County Child Welfare Board, Kaufman County Historical Commission Board, the Terrell Social Science Club, the Girl Scout Little House Board, the Terrell March of Dimes and the KauCedar Charities. Ever dedicated to her professional career and civic duties, Maxine also managed to remain a devoted wife and mother. Maxine Darst's life and achievements stand as an example for us all. Through hard work, dedication and desire Judge Evelyn Maxine Valentine Darst has shown us all that we can accomplish whatever goals we want to achieve. Mr. Speaker, this January, 1999, Judge Darst will retire from her seat as Kaufman County Judge. As we adjourn today, let us do so in honor of and respect for this great American--Judge Evelyn Maxine Valentine Darst.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a wonderful American and long time civil servant--Helen Salaman. An immigrant from Hungary, Helen arrived in the United States in 1921. As many immigrants, Helen sought a better life and acted on this desire by becoming the first female graduate of her law school class at the University of Detroit Law School. Soon after graduating from law school, Helen became a full-time mother which prevented her from pursuing a legal career. However, being a mother did not prevent her from being active in other avenues. Not only did Helen steep herself in her sons' schooling and extra- curricular activities, but she became deeply involved in the Democratic Party. Helen twice served as a delegate at the Democratic National Convention and in 1960 Helen managed the senatorial campaign of Patrick McNamara. In 1962, at 53 years of age, Helen joined the U.S. Customs Service in the Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures Division. Helen's job entailed investigating civil fraud and as a result of the expertise, she became a national resource for such cases. Helen recently retired from her job as penalties officer at the Customs Service in Detroit after 36 years of dedicated service. In mid-March at a farewell party given by her colleagues, 175 people showed up to wish her well. Helen believes that, at 89, she was the oldest Federal employee ever. Mr. Speaker, Helen Salaman is a loving mother and a dedicated American citizen who devoted her life to civil duty. As we adjourn today, let us do so in honor of and respect for this great American-- Ms. Helen Salaman.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay my respects to a loving family man and dedicated civic servant, Mr. ``Big'' John R. Briggs, Jr., who passed away in Terrell, Texas, on June 10, 1998. Big John was born in Rockwall, Texas, on June 14, 1918. At an early age, John began to work with his father at Briggs Oil Company and established Briggs Wrecker Service in 1933, a business he continued until his retirement. In 1953, Big John married the former Marion Howie, with whom he raised a son and two daughters. Big John became a lifelong resident of Terrell when he began work for the Texas Highway Department surveying new roads in the southern part of Kaufman County. During World War II, John and his father helped construct the British Flying Training School that was built at the local airport. There John remained as Supervisor of Civilian Operations non-military personnel through the duration of the War. Tirelessly committed to the community, Big John not only served as a member of the Terrell Volunteer Fire Department for over 38 years, but was even named fire chief by his peers. When he retired from the fire department Big John was elected mayor of Terrell, serving four terms from 1981 to 1988. According to his family, Big John was eternally dedicated to the City of Terrell, making every decision with the best interest of the people of Terrell at heart. With great vision, Big John helped lay the foundation in the 1980s for the extensive industrial growth that benefits Terrell today. Mr. Speaker, Big John Briggs was loved and respected by most everyone who knew him and he will be greatly missed by family and friends. As we adjourn today, let us do so in honor of and respect for this great American--the late John R. Briggs.