Ralph Hall

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay my respects to a dear friend and wonderful American from Tyler, Texas--Mr. Murph Wilson, who passed from us on June 21, 1998. Murph was born April 16, 1912, on land now called the Wilson Ranch near Overton, Texas, which his family owned for 150 years. Murph went on to earn his bachelor's and law degree from the University of Texas in 1938. In that same year, Murph began a lifelong legal practice and a service to community. He was the founding member of the Wilson Law Firm now known as Wilson, Sheehy, Knowles, Robertson and Cornelius. In the legal arena, Murph was known for his expertise in many areas, particularly in mineral law. During his more than 50 years of active law practice, he was a member of the Texas State Bar and federal courts including the United States Supreme Court. He served the profession as a former president of the Smith County Bar Association and served for many years as a member of the Admissions Committee for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. Murph was a Sustaining Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation and he was honored in 1997 to receive the Justinian Award from the Smith County Lawyer's Auxiliary in recognition of his education and outstanding contributions in volunteer services to Tyler and Smith County. A long and faithful member of Marvin Methodist Church, Murph served on numerous committees and as a former member of the administrative board. Being a man of strong faith, he will be remembered for the many lives he touched as teacher of the Chapel Sunday School Class for 22 years. Murph Wilson was the mayor of the city of Tyler in 1967 and served on the City Commission. Further, in service to his community, in 1950 he was appointed to the board of the Tyler schools by the Tyler City Commission and was instrumental in the creation of the legal entity which is now Tyler Independent School District, serving 5 years on its board. He was president of the board when Lee High School was built. Other services included trustee of the Stewart Blood Bank Foundation and a member of its board of directors for 9 years, a life director of the East Texas Hospital Foundation being its president in 1970, a charter member of the President of the East Texas Council on World Affairs. He also was a charter member of Sharon Temple in Tyler. Accepting an appointment by Governor Buford Jester to the Sabine River Authority board of directors in 1949, Murph served for 7 years, during which time several well-know East Texas takes were designed and built. Later, he was instrumental in the arrangements for the construction of the present Lake Palestine by the Upper Neches River Authority. As indicated by his record of service, Murph had an impressive political background. Over his career he served in varying capacities as key advisor, speech writer, and campaign manager for Lyndon Johnson, John Connally, Buford Hest and Ray Roberts. In 1959, he was one of the organizers of Southside State Bank, serving 2 years as its initial president, 22 years as chairman of the board and then designated a lifetime appointment as chairman of the board, emeritus. In 1938, Murph Wilson married the former Emily Hughes, who survives him along with one son and daughter-in-law, Maxie and Flora Wilson, and one grandson, Robert Hughes Wilson. He is also survived by one brother and sister-in-law, Walker and Winifred Wilson of Overton. During his lifetime, Murph Wilson's influence was felt throughout the community and across East Texas. Murph will be terribly missed. Mr. Speaker, as we adjourn today, let us do so in honor of and respect for this great American--the late Murph Wilson.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great American, Mr. Paul L. Garmon, of Rockwall, Texas. Many Americans have served their country proudly wearing the numerous uniforms of our great armed forces, and more Americans continue to serve our great nation as civilians. One of these great Americans is retired Lieutenant Paul L. Garmon. Last fall Mr. Garmon was honored as Fort Hood's Honorary Retiree during its yearly Retiree Day activities in San Antonio, Texas. In his remarks at the retreat ceremony, Mr. Garmon recognized the service that veterans have given to their country but reminded them that they can continue to serve by serving their community--through their local civic clubs, associations, churches and volunteer organizations. Mr. Garmon also praised the modern-day army. ``Today we have the best equipment that modern technology can produce,'' he stated. ``To man this equipment, we have the best educated, the healthiest, and the most dedicated soldiers that we have ever had. We also have some of the greatest leaders among our general officers that we have had since World War II.'' He paid tribute to three officers who had a great impact on his military career and his civilian life--Capt. Homer Kiefer (later Major General Kiefer), 2d Lt. Charles Brown (later Lt. General Brown), and Lt. William C. Westmorland (later General and Chief of Staff). Mr. Speaker, as we adjourn today, let us do so in honor of and with respect for this great American, Paul Garmon, and let us conclude this session with Mr. Garmon's closing prayer: ``I pray that our nation will remain strong and free until the trumpets of the Lord shall sound and time on earth is no more. God bless all of you, and may God bless America.''

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Green), the chairman of the Texas Democratic delegation, who would inform the Chair that the Texas group is meeting; and I suggest that he take the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes), the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Rodriguez), and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Doggett) with him. (Mr. GREEN 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 Texas (Mr. Turner). (Mr. TURNER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

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

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Allen), another of the Member compacts.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Sanders), who represents one of the States.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Bentsen). (Mr. BENTSEN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself for 4 minutes. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the conference report to accompany H.R. 629, the Texas-Maine-Vermont Low-Level Radioactive Waste Compact. This is an oft told story because we have had many speeches on this floor. We have had many favorable votes. This is not just an important bill to the three States involved, this is an important bill to the entire United States and to any of those who want a safe disposal of low-level radioactive waste that is produced within their own borders. As my colleagues know, this material is produced by hospitals, universities, industries, power plants, you name it. Universities that teach industries that create jobs, and jobs mean dignity. We know all of that. We have talked about that before here. This is pursuant to a plan set out by Congress followed by other States successfully, voted on in the various States, signed by the governors, debated by the legislators and passed. They have had public hearings galore. I think absent this consent we seek today to this interstate compact, it is not likely that a facility to take care of these three States' waste or material could be built anywhere without this compact. This fulfills the plan that was envisioned by Congress some time ago and requested by the States when the legislation was enacted back in 1982. It permits States to join together to select a site to design an interstate agreement and one that works for them. Congressional approval makes it possible for the States within a compact to control, and that is a very important feature, to control how much waste is accepted at the facility and for whom. The application controls that. That relegates it to a set amount. That set amount can only be changed by the commission set up in the law. That commission is controlled by the State where it is deposited because they have six votes. The other States have two votes. But it is a joint effort by all three. This legislation like the nine compacts Congress has previously approved permits these three States to exclude waste from other nonmember States. That is very important. It is important to our State, but it is important to the total thrust of the compacts, because it alludes to other States and gives them the same right and the same opportunity to exclude if they enter into a compact. It also allows the compact, if it chooses, to accept waste if so doing is in keeping with the purposes of the thrust. For example, taking out of region waste for a limited period of time might reduce operating costs. But that is not our decision. That is the decision to be made at the local level, at the State level, by whoever is in control of the local level and the State level at the time that decision is made. The key is letting the compact make that decision and preserving the flexibility to do so. That is what this legislation was passed for. I think that is what H.R. 629 preserves. I thank the committee for its attention. I thank all of these Members for their votes of the past. I urge them to revote as they have in the past. Get this behind us. I would say this to the gentleman who represents the area where the site is: He has fought a valiant fight. He got here after many of the debates had been held and decisions have been made. But I have the same situation here. I have a wonderful friend who has a bad amendment, and we are going to try to turn back that amendment. But in doing so, we do not want to turn back the support that this fine Member has for the rest of the State, the great battle he has put up for his district. I admire him, yet I ask Members to support this thrust we are asking for today. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman has listed the three States that embody this agreement and he has listed five other major States that would like to send their low-level waste to Texas. I would like to add the other 44 States that would probably like to send their low-level waste to wherever they want to send it. When the gentleman says there is no way to keep them from it, I know that he is aware of the application, he is aware that the application limits it to 1.8 million cubic feet, and that only 20 percent of that can come from the other two States. It does not allocate any to come from all the States the gentleman has named, nor the other 44.

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

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I will be brief because I know we have a long way to go today. Notwithstanding my great respect for the gentleman from Travis County, Texas (Mr. Doggett), I opposed his amendment on the floor here. But the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton) and others of us got together and I think we thought, not hysterically but from the standpoint of reason, it was the easiest way to deal with it, to send it on to conference and we could work it out. Mr. Speaker, we tried to do that, and we have been unsuccessful in working it out with the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Doggett). We have carried out our part of the bargain. We sought the views of the governors; and, yes, we sought the views of Governor Bush, our governor, my governor, the governor of the State of Texas and the governors of the other two States. They oppose the Doggett amendment, and under these circumstances I fully support the conference report and the rule requested by the chairman. We will get a chance to talk about a lot of these things that the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Doggett) set out later today, because we have other phases of it. But Texas is not about to get all the garbage. I think it is everyone's knowledge that there is a limitation on the amount that can come. I think it is 1.8 million cubic feet. Of that, only 20 percent of that can come from the other States. There is not going to be a trainload and a truckload and an airplane load and a pickup truckload of garbage coming into Texas from all areas. It is relegated to that amount from those two States. That is the reason Congress passed this act to start with, to give States an opportunity to bind together to work out a situation to where they can put their low-level waste. That has happened and it has not been a one-way street. We have had hearings, public hearings. The three governors have had speeches and all over the State. We have debated this three or four or five times here on the floor, I think. It is just common knowledge that this is the ninth or tenth such program that Congress provided for. We followed that rule to the extent of the law, and we think that this rule ought to be granted.

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

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to continue my discussion with the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Doggett) in hopes that we could win him over to see what his State needs and what these States have contracted for. I simply start out by saying if we do not have a compact, he would be exactly right. These other 44 States, these three States, Mexico perhaps, Canada, throw in the Virgin Islands if we want to, maybe want to send their waste to Texas or to any other State. That is the reason we have compacts. That is the reason the Congress, in its wisdom back several years ago, provided for these compacts. That is the reason nine other compacts have been signed and are working. So I think in all these States that, including Texas, we have to have the compact or we could be the target for all of those. Now, let me just talk a little, another minute about how a compact protects an area that enters into a compact. I am talking about these three States. I am talking about our State and the rights that we have and the vision that those that put this agreement and application together had for our State. I would tell the gentleman, he says, what is to keep it from happening, how can it not happen, how can we stop the flow of trucks and trains filing into this State? Well, it is very simple. Section 6 of section 3.05 says, The commission may enter into an agreement with any person, State, regional body or group of States for the importation of low-level radioactive waste into the compact for management of disposal, provided that the agreement reaches a majority vote of the commission. They cannot just load up and say we are headed for Texas. They have to have the assurance and the authority of the commission. The commission, it says, may adopt such conditions and restrictions in the agreement as it deems advisable. That is local control in its finest sense. That is the commission of these three States. How much authority does the State of Texas have in that? Well let us read again. Let us go to article 3. This is the protection I think that the gentleman is seeking. I think this is going to give you some assurance that I hope turns the tide on this rule. Who makes that decision by the commission? Who is the commission? Is that somebody from the other 46 States, the other 49 States or these three States? This tells us who makes that decision. It is not guesswork. It is not who has the biggest truck or who has the longest railroad. This says there is hereby established the Texas Low-Level Radio Waste Disposal Compact Commission. That is the commission the other article alluded to. The commission shall consist of one voting member from each party State, except that the host State shall be entitled to 6 voting members. So the gentleman's State with 6 members, the other States with 2 members, I think they could do something about a deluge of low-level waste or garbage, whatever. I have faith in the people that are going to be running this country in the future. I have faith in the legislature. The gentleman says do not mess with Texas. Do not mess with the legislature. Do not mess with Governor Bush. Do not mess with the governors of these other two States. Do not mess with all those public hearings that they have had. Do not mess with the Speaker of the House. Do not mess with the leader of the Senate. Do not mess with those who form the majority of the Senate and the House and voted for this, sent it on and asked for it, availed themselves of that that this Congress made available to them. I think we need to pass this rule and get on with our business.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. I could not close without sending accolades toward the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Bonilla), the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes), the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Rodriquez), the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Doggett). They have done a good job. They have been an honorable opposition, and they have been an effective opposition. Because no matter how the vote goes, I think the vote is going to go favorable on this, as it has before, but regardless of the outcome of this vote, they have made it a better compact. Their opposition has spawned article 3 where it provides a way to amend the contract or to protect the depository State if the commission, in its wisdom, decides not to allow any other waste to come into the State. Then that is set up as to how that is done. There are 6 voting members. The host State has 6 voting Members. Each of the other two States have one. So the State of Texas, where it will be deposited, has the right to determine whether or not any other waste comes into the State. We have to have faith in those who are going to represent the State and the local bodies in the future. I have that faith. I think it is going to work. On local support, on how good it has been, everybody out in Sierra Blanca and Hudspeth County and all of west Texas does not oppose this compact. Actually, there has been some signatures by a lot of adult citizens from Sierra Blanca asking for it. It has not been without meetings and keeping them advised. They have had monthly meetings out there, since 1992, in Hudspeth County to address the concerns, the concerns that are there. Perhaps this came about because of the insistence of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes) that they be kept advised of it. Benefits to Sierra Blanca, the host county has received over $2 million in benefits payable through housing, additional housing, medical services and others. They are going to receive $5 million from the other two States. They are going to receive a half a million dollars per year after start-up. This brings prosperity, it brings jobs. It brings opportunity. That brings dignity to this part of the State. I think, as has been said before, the relations to earthquakes and all these others things, there is protection against that. I urge the passage of this amendment.

Mr. HALL of Texas. I support it, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Dallas, Texas, (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson).

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would start by saying that my speech will probably fall on some closed minds, because many already have your minds made up. Many of you have decided or pledged to take a particular vote, or taken an oath to do it, or been whipped by either the Democrat or Republican Whip. I speak though to those who do not have their feet set in concrete today, I think those that really and truly want the facts about this situation. I did not speak on the rule. As a matter of fact, I voted for the rule. I think it is about as fair a rule as a majority will give a minority, so I had no problem with the rule. The rule was not good, but I think the worst is yet to come, and let me talk about a little of it. It does not please me, by the way, to oppose the likes of the U.S. Chamber and the NFIB. I have had 100 percent with them for years and years, but I differ with them on this because I think they are wrong. I think that ERISA is what this is all about. ERISA is what all these meetings have been about. ERISA is what the insurance companies can hide behind to escape liability, and it is not right, it is not fair, it is not just, and it should have been changed. All the conferences that have been had over on this side, all the committee meetings, way into the night, last night, late, late, late, war gaming amendments, it is how can we compromise ERISA? That is what the whole thrust has been, how can we keep ERISA on the table for insurance companies to hide behind when they err, when they guess wrong? I tell you, H.R. 4250 preempts states patient protections too. I think we need to know that. This bill will remove stronger patient protection bills in over 40 states. I think the facts are out on the sheet that show how your various states are affected. Tonight we are going to finish this. We are going to go home, we are going to issue press releases carefully worded, but the hard cold fact is you are offending people when you leave ERISA in place as a hiding place for those that ought to be liable. Mr. Speaker, as I close, I urge Members to vote against 4250.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, one of the new high-tech firms in my district, Zlan, Ltd. of Wylie, TX, has come up with an affordable solution to a major cause of the loss of life and property in this country: electrical fires. Each year thousands of people die or are seriously injured and billions of dollars of property is destroyed because of electrical fires. I am told that Zlan's technology, properly installed in the home, can improve electrical fire safety by as much as one-hundred fold, dramatically reducing electrical fires. This is not a new problem. As early as 1978, the House Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee's Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee found that ``. . . often the dangerous malfunctions of these systems, which may lead to fire, takes place behind the walls of one's home over a period of time and finally fire erupts without warning. . . . (I)t is essential that industry and government work together to find a solution to this problem.'' In 1994 the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) asked Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to identify new technology products for reducing residential electrical fires. George A. Spencer, who is Zlan's founder and CEO, invented an electronic circuit breaker and has spent many years developing and improving this technology. Zlan, Ltd. began demonstrating prototypes of its Digitally Enhanced Circuit Breaker, to the CPSC and UL. CPSC has indicated substantial interest in this technology. Last spring Spencer and the Zlan team presented to the CPSC staff an update of their electronic circuit breaker technology designed to detect arcing faults. Key features include: Microprocessor controller for state of the art technology. Arc detection to analyze low and high current problems in wiring. False trip protection for routine power surges, i.e., motor start- ups, etc. Auto self-test plus manual test capability. LED status light for performance assurance and fault identification. Serial Port options for remote monitoring, test and remote trip capability. Zlan's Load Center Monitor works with the Digitally Enhanced Circuit Breakers to provide audible and visual indicators of faults, store performance data, identify causes of electrical malfunctions as well as communication capabilities to monitor electrical systems. Zlan has entered into an agreement with STMicroelectronics, Inc. (ST) to manufacture a custom chip-set using Zlan's Arc Fault Interrupter (AFCI) technology that will provide a low cost solution to the circuit breakers manufacturers. Most homes can be upgraded to the new AFCI circuit breaker at a cost estimated to be as low as $800. This major advancement in electrical fire safety is expected to be on the market in time to meet new electrical building codes now being drafted. Innovative use of new technology to improve flawed and dated technology has always been the hallmark of American ingenuity. I am extraordinarily pleased that the creative minds at Zlan have chosen to locate and build their business in my district to advance a promising technology that can save lives and give families the opportunity to make their homes safer places to live.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay my respects to a loving husband, father, grandfather and prominent Dallas oil company executive--Mr. Shelby Dupree Pitts, who died on May 18, after a long and valiant battle with cancer. Mr. Pitts was born on April 12, 1915, in Wesson, Mississippi, the second of three sons born to Mr. and Mrs. John Lloyd Pitts. He attended Lincoln County, Mississippi public schools where he was class president his sophomore, junior and senior years. At Copiah-Lincoln Junior College, he was elected State President of the Hi ``Y'' Clubs of Mississippi. In 1936, he joined Nu-Enamel Paint Company, advancing rapidly to Division Sales Manager for the New England states. He volunteered for the U.S. Navy in July, 1941, and served as public speaker attached to the U.S. Navy Public Relations office in Chicago. After World War II, he remained in Chicago where he organized the Wesson Houseware Products Company which sold household chemicals throughout the United States. He married Mary Elizabeth Tillman, of Hazelhurst, Mississippi, on April 20, 1947. After investing in oil and gas drilling ventures for several years with his brother, Frank Pitts, he became a co-owner and Senior Vice President of Exploration Surveys, Inc., an international geophysical exploration company. When Exploration Surveys, Inc. was sold to U.S. Industries in 1969, Mr. Pitts organized his own independent oil and natural gas production business, Natural Gas Finders, Inc. Along with his brother, Mr. Pitts became co-owner and Chairman of the Board of Dallas Production Inc., an oil and gas operating company which grew to operate more than 1,000 oil and natural gas wells in eight states. An active member of the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO), Shelby organized the TIPRO Explorers group in 1976. Members of the Explorers group were required to contribute a fixed and substantial dues amount each year to provide a firm financial base for the organization. Mr. Pitts served TIPRO several years, successively as a Vice President, Membership Chairman, Secretary, President, Chairman of the Board and as a member of the Executive Committee. His work with TIPRO earned him four Distinguished Service Awards and in 1994 he received TIPRO's highest honor, the ``Mr. TIPRO'' Award.'' As a long time member of the Dallas Petroleum Club, Mr. Pitts was honored by being selected to the Dallas Wildcat Committee, a select group of 100 persons affiliated with the Petroleum Club. In 1989, he started DSC Incorporated, a specialty chemicals company which provides unique drilling fluid additives for the oil industry. In addition, to his many oil industry activities, Mr. Pitts was a member of the Dallas Council on World Affairs, a Director of the Dallas Opera, Director of the Baylor University Medical Center Foundation, Dallas, and a Director of the Copiah-Lincoln Junior College Foundation, which also elected him as Alumnus of the Year in 1976. He was a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International and a member of the Bent Tree Country Club. Mr. Pitts is survived by his wife of more than 51 years, Mary Elizabeth Pitts of Dallas; his daughter, Pamela Elizabeth Lane and her husband Bruce Lane, Jr., Dallas; his daughter-in-law, Dawn Pitts, Jackson, Mississippi; and four grandchildren, Justin Rutherford Lane, Holly Elizabeth Lane, Cerissa Dawn Pitts and Natalie Michelle Pitts. He is also survived by two brothers, L. Frank Pitts, Dallas; and Troy N. Pitts, Wesson, Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, Shelby Pitts will be missed by his family, many friends and business associates throughout the United States and in many foreign countries. As we adjourn today, let us do so in honor of and respect for this great American--the late Shelby Dupree Pitts.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure for me to pay tribute to a truly exceptional Marine: Colonel Randall T. Smith, who will be retiring on October 1, 1998, after more than 26 years of service to this great nation. His dedication and professionalism have earned him the respect of his seniors, peers and his subordinates. Colonel Smith is a graduate of East Texas State University with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant upon graduation from Officers Candidate School in May 1972, and completed the Basic School in November 1972. After graduating from the Aviation supply Officer's Course in February 1973, Colonel Smith was assigned as Squadron Supply Officer with VMAT-203, MCCRGT-20, Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, North Carolina, in March 1973-- during which the squadron received its first AV-8A Harrier. He was promoted to First Lieutenant in April 1974. Colonel Smith next served in various H&MS-12 Group Supply Department billets, until he was transferred to the 4th Marine Aircraft wing in August 1976. He was promoted to Captain in November 1976 and served as Officer-in-Charge of the Marine Reserve Aviation Supply Training Unit in New Orleans, Louisiana, until July 1978. After graduating from Amphibious Warfare School, Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia, in June 1979, Colonel Smith reported for duty with H&MS-13, Marine Air Group-13, Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro, California. There, he served as the Group Aviation Supply Support Center Officer, and subsequently, as Group Supply Officer. Colonel Smith, then, transferred to H&MS-24, Marine Air Group-24, Marine Corps Air Station, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii in August 1981, for duty as the Group Supply Officer where he was promoted to Major in June 1982. From August 1984 to June 1985 Colonel Smith attended the College of Naval Command and Staff, Newport, Rhode Island, and also was awarded a Master of Science Degree in Management from Salve Regina College. Following graduation from the Naval War College, he was ordered to Naval Air Systems Command, Washington, D.C., where he served as the Naval Aviation Logistics Command Management Information Systems (PMA- 270) Deputy Program Manager. In January 1988, Colonel Smith transferred to Headquarters, Marine Corps (Department of Aviation) for duty as the Aviation Supply Support Officer for the Marine Corps. In September 1988, Colonel Smith reported to Navy Supply Corps School, Athens, Georgia, for duty as Marine Corps Representative for Northeast Georgia and Head Marine Corps Training Division, where he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in April 1989. Colonel Smith, then, reported to Marine Air Logistics Squadron-29, Marine Air Group-29, Marine Corps Air Station, New River, North Carolina, for duty as Squadron Executive Officer in September 1991. There, Colonel Smith served as Commanding Officer of Marine Air Logistics Squadron-29 from February 1992 until June 1993. Colonel Smith was assigned as Assistant Chief of Staff (ALD), 1st Marine Air Wing in August 1993 and was promoted to his present grade of Colonel in July 1994. He later assumed command of Marine Wing Support Group 17 on January 28, 1995. Colonel Smith's awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (with one Gold Star), the Navy commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the National Defense Service Medal (with one Bronze Star) and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (with three Bronze Stars). During Colonel Smith's career, he and his family have made many sacrifices for our country. I would like to thank them all--Randall, his lovely wife Donna, and their four children, April, Sara, Derek and Brett--for their contributions to the Marine Corps and to our national security. Mr. Speaker, Colonel Smith is a great credit to the United States Marine Corps and the country he has so faithfully and honorably served. As he prepares to depart for new challenges, I know that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle join me in wishing him every success, as well as fair winds and following seas. When we adjourn today's session, let us do so in honor of this great American.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay my respects to a dedicated protector of the law and a fine American--Judge Joe Tunnell of Tyler, Texas--who died on June 9. Judge Tunnell also was a devoted father and husband, and he will be dearly missed by all those he touched in East Texas. Joe Tunnell, the son of a Van Zandt County, Texas farmer, was born June 4, 1918, and attended the Grand Saline school system. He earned his bachelor's degree and teaching certificate from North Texas State Teachers College. Upon graduation, he briefly taught high school before entering the U.S. Navy, where he served during World War II. Afterward, in 1948, he received his law degree from Southern Methodist University. In 1950, Mr. Tunnell was elected Van Zandt County District Attorney-- an office he held for eight years. He left Van Zandt County to become assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas and then briefly as interim U.S. Attorney before returning to private practice. In 1985 Mr. Tunnell was appointed to the 241st District Court bench, where he served until retirement in 1993. Judge Tunnell was known for his no-nonsense, tough, yet fair decisions, and for his genuine concern for people. Judge Tunnell lived his life in the same manner he handled decisions on the bench--with grace and dignity. He was also a long time member of Pollard Methodist Church. He is survived by his daughter and son-in- law, Jo Ann Tunnell and Bill Atkins of Tyler; his two sons and daughters-in-law, T.R. Tunnell and Debbie Pool Tunnell, Dallas, and John W. Tunnell and Jackee Cox Tunnell of Huntington, Texas; as well as his three sisters and two grand sons, Matthew and Adam Tunnell. Mr. Speaker, as we adjourn today, let us do so in honor of and respect for this great American--the late Judge Joe Tunnell.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay my respects to a good friend, fine Texan and more importantly a great American--Mr. Jeter Nimmo. Jeter was born on January 24, 1920 in Delta County, Texas, where he learned the importance of family, church and community. Jeter took these values with him to the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a degree in engineering, and to the Army Air Corps, where he served his country as a pilot during World War II. Jeter spent the majority of his adult life in Van Zandt County, Texas, where he was a community leader. Actively involved in church and community affairs, Jeter often volunteered his time, labor and talents to the First Baptist Church of Van Zandt. Not only did Jeter dedicate himself to his family and church, but he also served as an officer for both the Federal Land Bank and the Texas Farm Bureau Association. Such tireless efforts to his community made Jeter the wonderful man and special friend that I stand here today to honor. Giving not only of himself, but even of his own money to those individuals and families less fortunate, Jeter was a daily testimony of his commitment to God, family, friends and community. Mr. Speaker, Jeter Nimmo passed from us on February 25th of this year. He is survived by his two daughters and their husbands: Nancy and Joe Lambert of Colfax, Texas and Caroline and Mike Athey of Niceville, Florida. Mr. Speaker, as we adjourn today's session, let us do so in honor of this outstanding husband, father, friend and American, Mr. Jeter Nimmo. He will be missed by all those who knew him.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a close friend, dedicated educator and great American, Dr. George F. Hamm, President of the University of Texas at Tyler, who is retiring this month following an illustrious tenure of seventeen years. Having known George throughout that time, I have had the opportunity to observe his professional accomplishments, which are considerable, and to witness the impact that he has had on higher education in East Texas. His accomplishments were not unilateral, however, for he always had his lovely and intelligent and talented wife, Jane, at his side. Theirs was a partnership that forged a plan for UT Tyler. George has been engaged in higher education administration and teaching since 1962, including a distinguished career in student services administration at Arizona State University prior to coming to the University of Texas at Tyler. Since being named President in 1981, Dr. Hamm has provided unmatched leadership and vision to the University. In 1982, Dr. Hamm achieved the first of a long line of accomplishments, when the University surpassed the 2,000 student enrollment mark for the first time. In 1983, under Dr. Hamm's guidance, a master's degree program in public planning and administration was established. This master's program was just the first significant expansion of educational opportunities for East Texans through the addition of numerous programs at the bachelors' and graduate levels. Just a few of the graduate programs established under Dr. Hamm's direct supervision include: teaching, English, mathematics, engineering and biology. Again in 1983, UT Tyler hit another enrollment milestone, as it passed the 3,000 student plateau. In 1984, as a direct result of Dr. Hamm's ability to further the University's stature, Texas voters added UT Tyler as a beneficiary of Texas' Permanent University Fund. In 1986, Dr. Hamm was awarded the Arizona State University Centennial Medallion, as a ``Man Ahead of His Times'', for providing equal educational opportunities for minorities. Then in 1990, with the University's reputation and popularity growing by leaps and bounds, UT Tyler awarded its 10,000th academic degree. Never ceasing, Dr. Hamm's vision led to the implementation of an interactive video instruction program in 1991. This state-of-the-art technology enables students in several cities to save time and money while pursuing their educational goals. In 1996, President Hamm received the International Distinguished Service Award from Sister Cities International. Finally, after years of hard work and dedication, in 1997, the Texas Legislature approved the University of Texas at Tyler as a four-year institution, and in 1998 UT Tyler's first freshman class was accepted for admission. Also in 1997, the Texas Legislature approved development of a UT Tyler campus in Longview and UT Tyler was selected for $6.9 million`` U.S.-Ukraine Community Partnerships for Training and Education Project. After seventeen years of unparalleled leadership and vision, Dr. George F. Hamm will retire as President of the University of Texas at Tyler on June 30, 1998. As President of UT Tyler, Dr. Hamm dedicated his intellect, talents and energy to build a first-rate educational institution in East Texas. His goals were for many years elusive dreams, but thanks to his vision, perseverance and leadership, these dreams have become reality. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with George during these past seventeen years, and I will be forever grateful for the guidance and friendship he has offered me and for all that he has accomplished for Tyler and East Texas. Mr. Speaker, when we adjourn today's session, let us do so in honor of and respect for this great American.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I want to be logical about this. I have thought a lot about it. I rise today in support of the Tax Code Termination Act. I rise at a time when we are doing better. We are doing better from the standpoint of economics. You can sell a piece of property now. People can find a job. We have got the lowest inflation. We have the lowest unemployment. Knowledgeable economists have told us that we have the best economy we have had since the late 1940s and early 1950s when we had the strongest financial position and strongest geopolitical position in the history of this country. So I guess you have to ask, why? Why are we where we are? I think the President, the present President thinks that he caused it. I think Mr. Dole probably think he did. I think Mr. Bush thinks it is something he put into motion. But really and truly I believe it is because we are just now getting over the lousy 1986 so-called Tax Reform Act. A lot of us have talked enthusiastically over the past few years about the need to replace our current tax with one that is more equitable, one that is more fair. Specific proposals for both a flat tax and a sales tax replacement have been debated throughout this country by proponents of these plans. A lot of us have signed on to both of these bills. The IRS administered Tax Code does not work. It has been the source of endless anguish, unfairness, confusion and the invasion of privacy for a lot of hard-working, well-intentioned Americans. In the interest of fairness, however, I must say it is only accurate to note that many hard-working and honest employees of the U.S. Treasury Department have been embarrassed and appalled by some of the testimony by their fellow employees during congressional hearings on IRS abuses. So I think they know from within that we need to do something about the Tax Code that we have. We have to recognize the fact that our Tax Code has facilitated, and in many cases encouraged outrageous abuses while escaping all attempts at reason and justice. The American people deserve the right to know when it will end. We need to be able to collectively undertake this important goal as opposed to a mere debate.