Ralph Hall

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an extraordinary senior citizen from Princeton, Texas--Mrs. Lois Nelson-- whose success story is worthy of recognition. What makes Mrs. Nelson so extraordinary is that she entered the workforce for the first time in 1982 at the age of 68 and has been active ever since. In 1982 Mrs. Nelson began working through the Green Thumb program as the site manager for the Senior Citizen's Center in Princeton. As site manager, Mrs. Nelson spent countless hours recruiting members, organizing activities, counseling fellow seniors and distributing food to those less fortunate. Seven years ago, she began her quest to fulfill a lifetime dream--to become a librarian. Mrs. Nelson became an aide in both the elementary and high school libraries. In this capacity, she applied herself to learn and master the skills necessary to be a successful librarian, but she was still lacking one credential--a high school diploma. At the age of 79, Mrs. Nelson returned to the classroom and in April of 1994, received her GED. On March 1, 1995, as a result of hard work and determination, a dream came true for Mrs. Nelson when she received her County Librarian, Grade 3 Certification. As a librarian for the Princeton Independent School District, Mrs. Nelson not only performed her professional duties but also recruited Green Thumb applicants and GED students, assisted in a community green house project, and helped with the school tax office. Her boundless energy and enthusiasm were never more prevalent than in 1996, when Mrs. Nelson had open-heart surgery. Within six weeks and at the age of 81, she was back at work, fulfilling her official and voluntary duties. Mrs. Nelson's enthusiasm for life, quest for knowledge, and willingness to give of herself set an example for all of us. In addition to obtaining her GED and receiving her County Librarian Certification, she has been active in a variety of community service efforts. Mrs. Nelson has participated in the 55-Alive class, attended Gang Awareness Inservice and Citizen's Crime class and served as a Pink Lady for the Ladies Volunteer Auxiliary at Columbia Medical Center--all after the age of 75. In recognition of her exemplary achievements, Mrs. Nelson was nominated for the 1997 Outstanding Older Worker of Texas award. Today I am pleased to announce Mrs. Nelson's selection for Honorable Mention in this statewide search. Mrs. Nelson is living proof that life can be challenging and filled with opportunity, regardless of age. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to pay tribute to this outstanding senior citizen from the Fourth District of Texas. Mrs. Lois Nelson is an inspiration and role model to all Americans.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I will be brief because, as usual, the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Dan Schaefer) has done a good job of laying out the reasons for supporting H.R. 2472. It simply reauthorizes the key sections of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. The underlying House bill was handled in a bipartisan manner in the Committee on Commerce and passed on a voice vote. Actually, the changes that are made herein are supported by both industry and the administration, of course supported by the subcommittee and the committee. I know of no objection to this legislation. Last winter's instability in the Middle East pretty well underscored how quickly circumstances can change. It was a volatile situation that served as a reminder of the need for the United States to be energy independent. This will ensure that the United States and the industry will be able to fulfill their duties in any oil-related emergency. For that reason I thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Bliley) and the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Dan Schaefer) for bringing this important bill to the House floor. It is important to our country's economic and energy security, and I am pleased to support this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to rise today in support of H.R. 3534, the Mandates Information Act. This bill directs Members of Congress, for the first time, to carefully consider the burden that unfunded mandates impose on the groups they intend to help--small businesses, consumers and employees. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 3534 is very simply a common sense bipartisan effort to ensure that policy-makers focus their attention on the costs of legislation on the private sector before it is passed. In 1995, with the passage of the Unfunded Mandates Act, Congress addressed the significant problem that federal government mandates have on the operation of state and local governments. These mandates create equally burdensome problems on those in the private sector, especially the small business owner. H.R. 3534 will remedy the problem of federal mandates on our nation's small businesses and their employees by taking the reforms of the Unfunded Mandates Act of 1995 and applying them to the private sector. It is the next logical step in an effort to ensure our government accomplishes its public policy initiatives in the most cost effective manner. Mr. Chairman, I believe that this bill makes good sense for the federal government, for industry and for every American citizen trying to create a better way of life for themselves and their families--I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I first thank the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Schaefer), and certainly I thank the House. I suggest that H.R. 2217 would simply extend the deadline for the commencement of construction for a 4.6 megawatt hydroelectric project in San Miguel County, Colorado, until January 30 of the year 2002. This would extend the deadline to 10 years after the date the license was issued. According to the bill's sponsor, the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. McInnis), construction had not commenced because of delays in obtaining a special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service, and an U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredge and fill permit, and because it lacks a power purchase agreement. This legislation simply provides that the licensee must meet the Federal Power Act Section 13 requirement that it prosecute construction ``in good faith and with due diligence.'' The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has indicated in a letter to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power that it has no objection to the enactment of this legislation. Under statute, FERC can only grant a 2- year extension of the construction license. This legislation is not controversial. I urge my colleagues to support it. 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 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

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. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2841 would simply extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a 35-megawatt hydroelectric project in Bracken County, Kentucky, for up to three additional 2-year periods. According to the bill's sponsor, the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Bunning), construction has not commenced because of the lack of a power purchase agreement. The deadline for commencement of construction on this project expires on July 31, 1999. H.R. 2841 does not ease the hydroelectric licensing requirement, but merely extends the period for commencement of project construction. The chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Power, the honorable gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Dan Schaefer), has brought to the floor with this bill a manager's amendment which corrects a typographical error in section 1(b) of the legislation. I support this technical correction. Mr. Speaker, the legislation is not controversial, I urge my colleagues to support it, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the Texas-Maine- Vermont low-level radioactive waste disposal compact. Mr. Speaker, the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act is a very good example of state-Federal cooperation, and approval of the compact will fulfill the congressional side of the bargain. A deal was made a long time ago, worked out between the States; a deal that was heard, debated, legislated by each of the States, signed by the governor. This is the tenth interstate compact to come up for congressional approval, and it behooves us I think to get this bill into conference and into law. In 1980, and again in 1985, Congress enacted legislation setting up a program under which the States would have primary responsibility and control over the disposal of low-level radioactive waste. This is what the States wanted. And it makes sense because so many important local activities depend on having safe and ready disposal of their low-level waste, including the 3 States that are involved. While this issue is often discussed in terms of utilities' need alone for disposal facilities, it also affects a lot of other entities. It affects hospitals, greatly affects university research programs. It affects the industry all across this land. Each of these activities utilizes low-level radioactive materials and each of them means jobs, and jobs mean dignity; and none could go forward without an assured economic option for disposal. Just think what would happen if nuclear medicine stopped being available. That gives us an idea of the importance of this bill. Texas, Maine, and Vermont have done what they need to do; they have done all they can do in order to get a low-level facility. They have gone through their legislative procedure. They have had the hearings. They have selected the site. They have taken care of their own disposal needs. We look to them to do that. As the largest producer of waste among the three, my State, the State of Texas, agreed to host the facility. Main and Vermont agreed to share in the cost. I will not pretend that finding a site has been easy or that all of the questions about how to build the right facility are known. These are the questions that have to be resolved in the course of obtaining the license to operate the facility and cannot be settled by laymen like ourselves. Of course, Congress has an important role to play and it is our job to pass H.R. 558 so that the States can move forward. This will be the tenth compact to received congressional approval when it is approved and brings to 44 the number of States moving forward to meet their disposal needs. The Texas compact meets the law's requirements. It is needed by the people of Texas. It is needed by the people of Maine. It is needed by the people of Vermont. And I strongly urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, it is my understanding that it was.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I thank the gentleman. Most of the issues have already been addressed by Texas College and the subject of repayment agreements have been satisfied by the college and are the subject of an appeal that is filed with the Department of Education. The Department of Education is working with us. I thank the Chairman and I thank my colleagues for their time. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw the amendment.

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

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, this amendment would preclude the U.S. Department of Education from imposing audit deficiencies on Texas College that result from records not maintained or retained by the college administrators for academic years 1990-1991 to the arrival of the current administration at the college in 1994. Although a very diligent effort has been made and is continuing to be made by the staff of the current administration to locate these records, it is to no avail due to failures of previous personnel. There has been an effort made to produce these records, and they are just not available. They produced a number of answers to the questions, inquiries submitted by the Department of Education, I think enough to allow the department some leeway, and we are working with the department at this time in order to work this matter out. Texas College's current application for participation in the title IV student assistance programs is being, I think, needlessly delayed based on the absence of records and assertions that failure to produce such records means the current administration is financially irresponsible and administratively incapable. That is just not the situation. We have Texas College, which is a black college founded in 1894, affiliated with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Bishop Gilmore serves as the Episcopal bishop in Texas. We have had a new president, Dr. Strickland, at Texas College since November of 1994. The members of the board and their associations have put millions of dollars into this college in order to keep it open. They have, against great odds, kept it open since the funds were cut off in 1994. We intend to keep on doing that. Although Texas College may be liable for certain deficiencies associated with the absence of these records, their absence should not bear on the present capacity to administer title IV funds with personnel, new personnel, new administrative policies, and new financial aid procedures. Mr. Chairman, this amendment simply relieves Texas College, if they make a good-faith effort to furnish such records, from having to produce records that may no longer exist as it seeks to reestablish its title IV eligibility.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that my amendment be considered at this point.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I stand here of course today with my colleagues to show my support for the tax limitation amendment. I have no ill will toward anyone on either side. It is an issue that reasonable men and women can differ. It is not a situation where a double handful of Republicans or just a few of us Democrats are for tax limitation. There are a lot of us that are for it. Last time, it got 170, 180 or 190 votes. That is not just a double handful of people. That is a ground swell, and it is a beginning. We may not pass it this time. It has been said by my friend, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers), who is truly my friend, and he expresses his own thoughts on behalf of his own district and does it very well. I have to do the same thing. I can do it without rancor. I can do it without calling anybody names or anything. I just think that it makes sense to make it a little tougher to put taxes on anyone, to pass any more taxes. Along the way to passing something like this, I think this will pass. It may not pass. As several speakers have said, it may not pass today, but it will pass in time and, along the way, good men and good women will differ. It has been my privilege to work for this measure for the past 3 years with the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton) and, of course, with the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Shadegg) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews) and others. The gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton) and I share the representation of probably two of the most conservative areas in the State of Texas. But that does not mean that they have a corner on the market of being smart or knowing how we tax people or how we should not tax people. They are simply fiscally conservative districts, and they think we ought to have a tax limitation amendment. It will be a very responsible tool for providing continued budgetary discipline for those deserving constituents that we are standing here representing. The premise behind the tax limitation amendment is simple, but it is very powerful. The Constitution would simply be amended to permanently reflect current House rules which were implemented in response to a past record of a lot of pork barrel spending. There is no question about that. Look at the transportation bill we just passed. We just passed a balanced budget amendment and then passed a bill with an increase of 45 or 48 percent increase over the last budget, busts the budget by $20 billion or $30 billion. I think we just have to be sensible about it. I think, also, it has been said that we cannot look into the future. One of the speakers over here who opposes this says we cannot look into the future. We may have more problems for Medicare and Medicaid. He is exactly right. Henry Ford in 1913 thought he had the only assembly line that was ever going to be worth 15 cents. It happened so that same year they passed the IRS bill, the very first. And they could not look into the future, because they said it was temporary. It is a page and a half. We will pass tax limitation. It is going to take some time. It took 15 or 20 years to get a balanced budget amendment, but it happened. It took 10 or 12 years to pass the Telecommunications Act, but it happened because good people kept pressing, good people kept pushing. We are in the tenth or twelfth year on record to try to reauthorize the superfund legislation, but it is going to happen because it ought to happen. And I think so with the tax limitation, not for the rich, but for the working, for people who are working for money, have to buy school clothes in September, people who have to make payments on cars. They ought not to have their taxes passed on to them without having some say in it. We are not taking that say away from anybody today. We are passing it on to the 50 States. They get last guess at whether or not this amendment ought to pass. Are we afraid of their decision? I think not. I ask each Member of this Congress, maybe not today but before we vote again on it, for it or against it next year, and, yes, on tax day is a good day because people are very interested in taxes on April the 15th, walk out into your district and talk to the first 10 people you see. Do not handpick them and do not have a poll that you like. Walk out there and talk to the first 10 people that are having to pay taxes, no matter what their station in life is, no matter how far they are. Ask them if they are for making it a little more difficult to put taxes on their poor old backs. I think 9 out of 10 will tell you they are for the limitation tax bill, and so am I.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to call attention to the National Marrow Donor Program and a campaign called ``Because I Care.'' The National Marrow Donor Program was created in 1986 to provide marrow transplants from volunteer, unrelated donors to patients with leukemia, aplastic anemia, lymphomas and other life-threatening illnesses. The National Marrow Donor Program maintains a Registry of more than three million potential marrow donors and is facilitating more than one-hundred transplants per month. Currently, the organization's operating funds come from the Health Resources and Services Administration, which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The coordinating center is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In 1990, a walkathon entitled ``Because I Care'' was held in Longview, Texas, in my Congressional district, to help two leukemia patients, Bryan Quinn and Al Edwards. Stemming from that initial event has risen the ``Because I Care Campaign,'' a volunteer grassroots effort in support of the National Marrow Donor Program. It has since become an international campaign supporting the national program's global outreach. Thousands of people have been tissue typed, and millions more have become aware of the National Marrow Donor Program as a result of the ``Because I Care Campaign.'' The campaign is coordinated by a volunteer, Amy Hill, of Longview, Texas. Carter BloodCare in Dallas, Texas, a member donor center of the National Marrow Donor Program, serves as the ``Because I Care'' coordinating center and is under the supervision of Jill Skupin, the National Marrow Donor Program Director at Carter BloodCare. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute to all the volunteers and donors throughout our nation who have contributed to the success of the ``Because I Care Campaign'' and whose efforts are so important to those suffering from life-threatening illnesses. I want to especially commend Amy Hill, whose vision and compassion and selfless dedication helped spark a grassroots effort that grew from Longview, Texas, to become a national and international campaign in support of the National Marrow Donor Program.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to someone I had the privilege of meeting just last November--Oree Lea Woods of Sadler, Texas--who died on January 19 at his residence after a long illness. He was 79 years old. Although I knew Oree only two short months, I felt that I had known him all my life. I had the opportunity to visit Oree and his wife, Jean, at the invitation of CASHA Resource Home Health Services. This was one of several home health visits that I made during our winter break. I have long been a supporter of home health services as a member of the Health and Environment Subcommittee of the Commerce Committee, and it was good to see how much these services meant to Oree. Oree had experienced continued health problems during the past two years and had been a home health patient for two months when I met him. He and Jean had high praise for this service and were grateful to have this health assistance during Oree's recuperation period. Oree was a World War II veteran and a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He served for three years as Mayor of Sadler, was a retired metal lather, and was a member of the First Baptist Church. He was married to his wife, Jean, for 57 years, and they have a son, Kimsey Woods, a daughter, Karen Whitmire, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Because of home health care, I was able to visit with Oree and Jean in the comfort of their home, where we swapped many stories about family, childhood escapades, school, World War II experiences, and health care. I came away from our visit feeling that I had truly had a chance to get to know Oree--an experience that I think would not have been possible outside the home environment. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the importance of home health services in enhancing the quality of life for thousands of patients throughout our nation. As we adjourn today, it is a privilege for me to pay tribute to the late Oree Lea Woods--a man who lived his life in devotion to his wife, his family, his community, and his country.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, in December of 1997 I had the honor of speaking to the Gainesville Fire Department at their annual Christmas banquet. Since that time, I have visited informally with Steve R. Boone, the highly regarded Fire Chief of the Gainesville Fire Department, Capt. Wally Cox, Training Officer, and Lt. David Tharp, Fire Safety Education Officer. I am impressed by their dedication and commitment to public service. One of the main goals of the Gainesville Fire Department is to provide educational programs on fire safety. The Department accomplishes this by presenting programs in the local school systems as well as community events, sponsoring industrial training sessions, and making presentations to civic clubs. Ninety percent of their funding for fire safety education is received through donations from the community--evidence of the support that the Department receives from local citizens. The Gainesville Fire Department has chosen to take a proactive approach to fire prevention and safety, rather than just a reactive one. Their efforts undoubtedly will help save lives and property. In the past, the Gainesville Fire Department has been recognized for their efforts by local groups, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, insurance companies, and other entities. Senator Phil Gramm also has recognized their commitment to serving the citizens of Cooke County. Mr. Speaker, too often we take for granted the efforts of those who place their own lives at risk for their fellow citizens. I ask my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute to an outstanding group of public servants--the Gainesville Fire Department--and to other firemen across our great nation whose dedication to the prevention of fires and injuries deserves our gratitude and respect.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is with a great deal of personal pleasure that I recognize the major accomplishments of an individual who dedicated his career to serving the interests of our country by strengthening our national security for the past 37 years. On January 1, 1998 Mr. A. Lowell Lawson will retire as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Raytheon E-Systems. Under Mr. Lawson's leadership, E-Systems has contributed vitally to the effectiveness of the national intelligence community. In doing so, E-Systems contributed substantially to the United States being victorious in the Cold War-- and in keeping us ever vigilant even today. Mr. Lawson currently is a Raytheon Company Executive Vice President and a member of Raytheon's Board of Directors since 1995. Mr. Lawson has served as head of E-Systems since August 1994. Prior to that he was President and CEO, beginning January 1994. In April of 1989, Mr. Lawson was elected President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Lawson was born on January 16, 1938 in Macon, Georgia. He graduated from Warner Robins High School in Warner Robins, Georgia in 1956. After graduating from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics in 1960, Mr. Lawson served as a contract price analyst at Warner Robins Logistics Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. Mr. Lawson joined E-Systems in 1964 as supervisor of proposal and cost analysis and later became manager of cost and services in the Greenville Division. He was assigned to the corporate staff as manager of corporate financial controls in 1965. He was promoted to director of corporate financial controls in 1969, and in 1970 became vice president-finance and division controller at the Memcor Division in Huntington, Indiana. Early in 1973 he was named Vice President and Corporate Controller of E-Systems. He was promoted to the position of Vice President and General Manager of the Greenville Division in 1978. Mr. Lawson was named Senior Vice President and group executive of the Aircraft Systems Group in 1983. In April 1987, he was elected to the position of Executive Vice President, and served in that capacity until his election as President and COO. His service is exemplified in his support and participation as a member of the Air Force Association, American Defense Preparedness Association, Association of the United States Army, Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, Association of Old Crows, and Navy League of the United States. He has served on the University of Texas at Dallas Engineering School Advisory Board, and was previously a member of the Business Advisory Council of the East Texas State University. He resides in Greenville, Texas and is a deacon at the Ridgecrest Baptist Church, past treasurer and member of the Board of Directors of Dallas Bible College, and has served on the Industrial Development Fund Board for the city of Greenville, Texas. Mr. Lawson is married to the former Carol Few of Apalachee, Georgia. They have two sons, Andrew Lowell, III and Steven Bryan, and seven grandchildren. I cannot imagine any person being more successful--more productive-- and yet so capable of friendship. I am very lucky to be a friend of Lowell and of his family. Mr. Speaker, fellow colleagues, please join me in paying tribute to the exemplary accomplishments of Mr. A. Lowell Lawson, for a lifetime of achievements as a business leader, patriot, and servant of the United States of America.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, when I reviewed the remarks in the September 29, 1997, Congressional Record regarding a lady named ``Katrina,'' I immediately felt that Congressman Abercrombie had relied on an erroneous and misleading article published by the Reader's Digest some months ago. I have so advised him and he has certainly agreed to look at all the facts. The Katrina described by a report from Robert B. Dunlap II, attorney general of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands [CNMI], is one that I hope Congressman Abercrombie will examine. I have high professional, political, and personal admiration for Neil Abercrombie-- and I want him to have the full facts at his disposal. The gentleman from Hawaii, Mr. Abercrombie, described a situation which was reported in the Reader's Digest article this past summer. In the report by CNMI Attorney General Dunlap in response to the allegations asserted by that article, General Dunlap writes, ``the article specifically stated that she was forced to dance in the nude. It is extremely important to note that the complainant had been dancing in the nude in a Manila nightclub for several years before she came to Saipan. Her entry to the Northern Marianas was a fraud as her passport and birth certificate were doctored.'' The CNMI Attorney General further asserted: ``The complainant filed a case with the CNMI Department of Labor. Since the CNMI does not have the authority or jurisdiction to prosecute violations of federal child labor laws, the CNMI Department of Labor addressed only her wage and hour complaints.'' Furthermore, the article alleges that she was forced to perform lewd sex acts with customers before a video camera. The attorney general's report further states ``In fact, the said tape was produced during her interview for the position--it was learned that the said tape was produced in the Philippines when she was applying for the said job in Saipan. During the interview with Katrina it was in fact learned that she wanted to do nude dancing, and her mother encouraged her to do so to support her family.'' The CNMI official report also stated: ``The allegation that one of the club owners worked for the CNMI government is untrue. It should be noted that all the club employees and its owners are Philippine citizens. The Northern Marianas could have filed charges against the owner, as well as have both owners and complainant charged with immigration fraud. The CNMI DoL did not take further action after having been informed by U.S. Government officials that they themselves would prosecute the owners under further child labor law.'' I am told that the CNMI government will file charges after the Federal case is completed depending on its outcome. I intend to seek further information on matters as reported by the Reader's Digest author--and I would hope that a fair minded person like Congressman Abercrombie would accompany me early next year if, and when, we can both work a visit into our schedule--a visit that would not involve the expenditure of any American tax dollars. He has indicated that he will check his schedule and be open to full information. I have high regard for the CNMI officials. Saipan, and the rest of the CNMI, are very important to the United States, and are very loyal to the United States and very strategic to the United States. We should support their entire leadership, and help them to address the problems set out in the Reader's Digest article. They are entitled to accurate and verified reporting--and a chance to correct any such tragedies as reflected by the ``Katrina'' story--true or untrue.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I had the privilege of presenting awards on October 18 to the essay contest winners of the Kaufman County Red Ribbon Drug Abuse Awareness campaign. These students are Amber Whatley of Mabank High School, Krystal Nye of Terrell Intermediate School, and Kristin Hanie of Forney Middle School. All three wrote about the issue of teenage drinking, and they made some valid points. Amber Whatley reflected on the death of Princess Diana of Wales and the reports that the driver of her car was intoxicated. She noted that every 27 minutes someone is killed in a drunk-driving related accident, a tragedy that leaves loved ones ``marred with grief and angered that society continues to produce propaganda promoting the appeal of alcohol.'' Krystal Nye discussed the adverse effects of alcohol and the pressures that sometime cause teenagers to begin drinking. She noted that parents should be role models for their children and that the media ``should not make drinking look like it is something that is healthy for you.'' Kristin Hanie also wrote about the effects of alcohol and some of the reasons why teens might be tempted to try it. She mentioned several programs that help teens with alcohol problems, such as Ala-Teen and Al-Anon, and concluded, ``I pray everyday that people will learn alcohol is not the solution, and that someday this problem will be stopped.'' I enjoyed visiting with these students at the awards ceremony, and I commend their efforts to enhance teenage awareness of alcohol abuse. This Red Ribbon Campaign is an annual effort sponsored by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service in cooperation with the Texas A&M University System. Red Ribbon Week is recognized by the National Red Ribbon Campaign, which was celebrated October 18-25. I am always honored when Rita Winton invites me to participate in this important occasion. Mr. Speaker, as we adjourn today, I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting these outstanding students of Kaufman County and all those young people throughout our Nation who recognize the dangers of teenage drinking and who are doing their best to help their fellow classmates and friends combat this problem. As Miss Whatley concluded, ``If action is taken by teenagers, America can look forward to society's success in developing alcohol-free individuals and a more productive future.''

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Colorado, Mr. Dan Schaefer. I think we ought to get on top of this sooner rather than later next year, when we have time to consider the matter thoroughly. We ought not to wait until EPCA expires next September. Maybe by then we will be comfortable providing for a longer-term reauthorization.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Colorado for his leadership on this issue, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege for me to rise today to pay tribute to Mayor Ray Bledsoe of Howe, TX, who last month received the national Hometown Leadership Award, given by the National Association of Small Cities. Only 300 officials in the country received this award, and I am so pleased that my good friend and outstanding civic leader, Ray Bledsoe, is one of those. Ray is always at the center of community service in Howe. He has served Howe as mayor for the past 11 years. He has spearheaded economic development and was instrumental in obtaining a connector road from Highway 11 and U.S. Highway 75. He helped put together funds for a new community center and coordinated a joint effort between the city and school district to build two new baseball parks. He is the president of the Grayson County Fair, serves on a half-dozen boards, and works about 60 hours a week taking care of the city of Howe's business--all without pay. Ray not only provides leadership and guidance for the citizens of Howe but also provides hands-on service. Last month, as reported by the Herald Democrat. he was at the Grayson County Fair unfolding chairs, moving extension cords, and setting up booths. Earlier he built a fence around a statue of Judge Jake Loy, then got on his hands and knees and landscaped around it. Ray is willing to help with any task--no matter how large or small--and he is respected and beloved by the citizens of Howe. Mr. Speaker, in the small towns and cities of America, the mayor plays an indispensable role in the functioning of the community. Often, as in Howe, this is an unpaid position. Too often the mayor receives far more complaints than thanks. So as we adjourn today, Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize an outstanding civic leader of Howe and an outstanding American--Mayor Ray Bledsoe--and to thank him for a job well done.