Ralph Hall

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee [Mr. Gordon], a member of the committee.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Colorado [Ms. DeGette], a valued member of the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from New York [Mr. Towns], an original cosponsor of this legislation.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the private property owners and in support of H.R. 1534. Mr. Chairman, the fifth amendment to the Constitution guarantees certain private property rights and protections that have been subject to various interpretations by the courts over the years, often at great expense and a great waste of time to private property owners. For many years the Congress has attempted to secure the rights of private property owners and to clarify the intent of the fifth amendment. In the 104th Congress the House passed legislation that would have curtailed judicial interpretation of the takings clause in the amendment and would have established a formula for the Federal Government to compensate private property owners from Federal agencies limited use of their property. Unfortunately, the Senate did not act on the bill, and private property disputes were left to the discretion of the courts. However, today we will try again to provide some long-sought relief for private property owners through a bill, H.R. 1534, that would expedite disputes between private property owners and Federal agencies in Federal court. Under current law, property owners often spend years in court--at the local, State and Federal level--in an attempt to prove their case. This bill will give property owners the right to have their case heard in Federal court in a more timely manner, and it clarifies other provisions that will facilitate legal action. The bill does not usurp the authority of State and local governments--but it does help speed up the resolution of State issues. Mr. Chairman, we have an opportunity to help eliminate the impediments that the courts have placed on the protections offered under the fifth amendment. This legislation will help restore the rights of property owners to due process of law and a timely determination of just compensation for property that has been seized for public use. This is not an issue of States' rights--States will still have authority over State issues. This is a constitutional issue, and I ask my colleagues to join me today in support of H.R. 1534 to help guarantee these constitutionally protected private property rights.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to pay tribute today to a long-time friend and dean of the Texas delegation, the Honorable Henry B. Gonzalez, who has announced that he will resign from Congress this year after 36 years of outstanding service. For most of his life, Henry Gonzalez has been a dedicated public servant, both in Congress and previously in local and State government in Texas. As chairman and ranking minority member on the Committee on Banking and Financial Services in the House of Representatives, he has made his imprint on our Nation's banking, financial, and housing laws. As Representative of the 20th Congressional district of Texas, he has been a formidable advocate for policies and programs affecting his constituents. And as dean of the Texas delegation, he has been a respected and influential colleague. I knew Henry Gonzalez when he first served in the Texas State Senate. Previously, he had been a member and mayor pro-tem of the San Antonio City Council, deputy director of the San Antonio Housing Authority and probation officer for Texas County. He worked as a civilian cable and radio censor during World War II and operated a Spanish/English translating business with his father. He also taught math to veterans and citizenship classes to resident aliens. Henry was born and raised and educated in San Antonio schools, with the exception of studying civil engineering for 3 years at the University of Texas at Austin before graduating from St. Mary's University school of law. His life has been one of giving to those who needed him. In all that he has done in public service, Henry Gonzlez has been an outstanding Representative for his constituents in Texas, the Hispanic community, and our Nation. During Hispanic Heritage Month, I can think of no one more deserving of our respect and our gratitude for 36 years of dedicated service in the House of Representatives than my good friend and colleague, Henry B. Gonzalez. As we adjourn today, I ask that my colleagues join me in bidding him a fond farewell and in wishing him God speed in his retirement.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the late Robert A. (Bob) Tedford, one of the most influential citizens and civic leaders of Farmersville, TX, during the past quarter of a century. Bob died recently after a sudden illness, and he was such a pervasive presence in the community that his absence is difficult to accept and to measure. Bob's influence in Farmersville began in 1963, when he moved there to establish the Bob Tedford Chevrolet Co., which, under his leadership, developed into a thriving business. His energy, enthusiasm, and ability to relate to people were keys to his success in business and also to his community leadership. Bob's imprint could be seen in almost every civic organization and leadership position in Farmersville. Bob served as mayor, city councilman, and school board president. He was instrumental in obtaining funding to rebuild a State highway through downtown Farmersville. He was president of Farmersville Centennial and a founder of Old Time Saturday, an annual civic fundraising event that has raised an estimated $200,000 over the years for the library and other civic projects. Bob was past president of the Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, and library board and was chairman of the board of First Bank of Farmersville. He was a lifetime charter member of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars, member of the Royal Order of Jesters, and member of Masonic Lodge No. 214 for 30 years--serving as past master and secretary. He was a patron of the Farmersville Order of the Eastern Star No. 940 and a member of the Hella Temple and Scottish Rites of Dallas. Sports were a particular passion. He was an avid golfer, a great baseball fan, and an ardent supporter of high school sports. He operated the game clock at Farmersville High School football games for 30 years and attended the state basketball tournament every year except for one when he suffered a heart attack. He took special interest in the young people of Farmersville and was active in Little League and Boy Scouts. A native of Clearwater, TX, Bob served in the U.S. Army just after the end of the Korean war and earned the rank of sergeant. Afterwards, he worked for the railroad in Gene Autry, OK, where he met and married the former Sandra Haney in 1955. He is survived by Sandra, son and daughter-in-law Robbie and Kailyn Tedford, daughter and son-in-law Beverly and David Toney, sister Mrs. Glennis Lilley, brother Nelo Tedford, and four grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, Bob Tedford was a friend to many and a friend of mine. He was a driving force in Farmersville and an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of knowing him--and he will be truly missed. He leaves behind a community service and compassion, however, that will be remembered for years to come, and as we adjourn today, let us do so in memory of and in honor of Robert A. ``Bob'' Tedford.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Ray Peeler, Jr., whose death on June 26 at the age of 68 marked a great loss for the city of Bonham, TX. Ray was a popular local attorney, banker, and community leader. He also was a loyal Democrat whose close friends included the late President Lyndon Baines Johnson and the late Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Sam Rayburn. For many years Speaker Rayburn kept his local office on the third floor of the Peeler Building on the Bonham Square. Ray was the third generation of his family to live in Fannin County. He graduated covaledictorian from Bonham High School, received his B.A. with high honors from the University of Texas at Austin and his L.L.B. in 1951. He served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1953 during the Korean conflict. He returned to Bonham, where he began his practice of law in 1953 and served as district and county attorney from 1960 to 1961. He was a member of the American Bar Association, State Bar of Texas, and served as vice president of the State Jr. Bar of Texas from 1959 to 1960. He was active in Democratic politics and was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1960. Ray was a prominent member of the community and devoted his professional and personal talents to a variety of civic organizations. he served as chairman of the Bonham United Fund and was active in bringing new industry to Fannin County through his service as president of Bonham Industrial Foundation for 10 years. Ray was an honorary life sponsor of the Fannin County Historical Society and was past president and member of the Bonham Chamber of Commerce, Texas Pecan Growers Association and Texas Horticulture Society. He also was a member of the Bonham Rotary Club and the Masonic Lodge. Ray served as president and chairman of the board of directors of Fannin Bank and chairman of the board of First National Bank. Ray was selected for membership in Phi Beta Kappa, Phi gamma Delta and Phi Alpha Delta and was named to Who's Who in the South and Southwest in 1993. He was a member of the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, where funeral services were held. He is survived by his wife, R'Cella Dean Peeler, son and daughter-in- law William Bryan Peeler and Amy Peeler of Bonham, daughter and son-in- law Maribel Peeler Griffon and Mark Griffon of Friendswood; stepchildren, Cressie Renfrow Todd and Larry Renfrow; sister Virginia Cothran of Forth Worth; and several grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, as we adjourn today, it is a privilege for me to pay my last respects to a man who gave so much of himself to his profession, his community, and his country--Ray Peeler. He will be missed by all those who knew him and who loved him, and I am honored to have been his friend.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, one of my constituents, Army Sgt. 1st Class Keith H. Nowlin, son of William H. and Mary E. Nowlin of Ivanhoe, TX, was recently involved in specialized military training that is deserving of our recognition. Sergeant Nowlin was part of an elite group of soldiers from Fort Hood, TX, who traveled to the Army's National Training Center in Fort Irwin, CA, to test the world's most advanced military technology that could transform the battlefield of the 21st century. He is a member of the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade, a unit charged with learning and testing new software, computers and weapon systems that could be used in refitting conventional tanks, artillery equipment, air defense weapon systems, infantry fighting vehicles, and attack helicopters. The unit traveled to California's Mojave Desert to do battle with a highly trained opposition unit called the OPFOR, which is made up of some of the Army's best soldiers trained in former Soviet Union tactics and using Soviet-style equipment. Nowlin and his unit used their new technology in a series of mock battles to see how well they performed against the OPFOR. Nowlin was a platoon sergeant in this high-tech battle. His training included two years of classes and field testing of over 70 different pieces of high tech equipment and software packages. The information gathered from this exercise is being processed to help determine what systems work and what do not. Mr. Speaker, I am proud that my congressional district is represented in this type of training, which is so important to our strategic defense planning. The future security of our great Nation will depend on the training and expertise of our enlisted men and women as well as advanced technologies such as those being tested in the deserts of California. I commend Sergeant Nowlin's efforts and the efforts of all those in our military who are dedicating their lives and their careers to the defense of our Nation. As we adjourn today, I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing to them our gratitude and our support, and to let Sergeant Nowlin know that we are very proud of his accomplishments of the past--and of his service today and in the future.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege for me to rise today in memory of Ralph Moody Liston, a prominent member of the Wills Point, TX, community who died recently at the age of 73. Ralph Liston was a successful farmer, rancher, and businessman. He owned a propane company, exterior design company, and lumber community. As a farmer, he was once named Outstanding Conservation Farmer of the Year. Ralph also was active in his community. He was a longtime member of the school board, served as election judge, Chamber of Commerce president, chairman of Van Zandt County Building Committee and a member of the Farmers Home Administration Board. He was a member of Masonic Lodge 422 and was active in the Methodist Church, where he served in various capacities through the years. I felt a special kinship to Ralph--in that I was always told by my mother that we were both named after the same distant relative--Mary Katherine Moody. I knew his wonderful mother and dad as Cousin Mary and Cousin Jim. It seems that part of our family came to Texas from Arkansas. Ralph carried on the great tradition of love of family and success in business and faithfulness to his church--a tradition handed down through the years. I will miss him. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Helen; sons, Rickey and Ralph Moody Jr.; daughters, Linda Wehr and Teena Liston; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my sympathy to his family and many friends in Wills Point and Van Zandt County. As we adjourn today, I would like to take this opportunity to pay my last respects to this great citizen--Ralph Moody Liston.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I of course am pleased to support H.R. 2472, which reauthorizes a key section of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act for 1 year. This bill has been handled in a bipartisan manner and was reported from the Committee on Commerce on a voice vote. I know of no objection to it from this side of the aisle. I support the reauthorization of EPCA because it will ensure that the United States and industry are able to fulfill their respective duties in any or all oil-related emergencies. We are not unaware of those emergencies. Recent events in the Middle East have underscored once again how quickly circumstances can change, and the need for the United States to be self-sufficient during periods of instability. I want to thank the gentleman from Virginia, Chairman Bliley, and the gentleman from Colorado, Mr. Dan Schaefer, and the gentleman from Idaho, Mr. Crapo, for bringing this very important bill to the House floor. The Democrats on the Committee on Commerce strongly support the efforts to ensure that the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is used for the intended purposes, and not, as some have attempted, sold off for deficit reduction. EPCA is very important to our country's economic and energy security, and I am pleased to support this legislation.

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

Mr. HALL of Texas

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 myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support H.R. 2165, which extends the license for a very important hydroelectric project. I commend the gentleman from Iowa [Mr. Leach] for bringing the bill to the committee. This continues a bipartisan tradition of the Committee on Commerce under which noncontroversial pending hydro projects can receive an extension of time to permit their completion. I think these projects are important to Members on both sides of the aisle, and I commend the gentleman from Virginia, Chairman Bliley, and the gentleman from Colorado, Mr. Dan Schaefer, and the gentleman from Idaho, Mr. Crapo, for their leadership in moving these bills forward in a prompt and fair manner. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, while the gentleman from California [Mr. Miller] and I seldom agree on issues, we are apparently in agreement that more resources and effort must be committed to law enforcement in The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. It is my strong recommendation that additional funds be transferred to the appropriate category for use in adding an additional Assistant U.S. Attorney to be stationed in the NMI. It is the obligation of the Federal Government to ensure that Federal laws are enforced in the Commonwealth. The addition of an Assistant U.S. Attorney will provide needed support to enforce Federal criminal law. I hope the Chairman [Mr. Rogers] will include language in the managers statement to this affect. In a report prepared under Mr. Miller's supervision and published in April of this year by the minority staff of the House Resources Committee, it is alleged that in the past 5 years there are 27 documented examples of failure to prosecute violations in the CNMI. Of these, 21 were either in the exclusive or concurrent jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Labor, the National Labor Relations Board, the U.S. Attorney's Office or other U.S. Departments. Only six were within the exclusive jurisdiction of the CNMI. Mr. Miller's report was a scathing denunciation of the CNMI but contained no similar rebuke of the Federal agencies who had jurisdiction over the majority of abuses he cites. I am pleased to see his recognition of the need for Federal attention to Federal problems in the CNMI. While this may be a proper forum to take this first small step, it is not the forum to address the larger questions of Federal responsibility in the CNMI. The committee of jurisdiction is the Resources Committee. It is my understanding that my good friend from Alaska, Mr. Young, chairman of the Resources Committee, will lead a delegation to that area in January. I strongly suggest that the gentleman from California, who is the ranking member of that Committee join the chairman on that trip. Hopefully, he will be persuaded--as I was after my visit there-- that while there are some problems in that area--which voluntarily became a part of America 21 years ago--those problems are not insurmountable. I believe this cooperation will yield much more readily to reasoned solutions than the impassioned rhetoric heard on the House floor.

Mr. HALL of Texas

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

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I do not always agree with the gentleman from California [Mr. Miller] on issues, but I have high regard and high respect for him. We seem to be in agreement today that more resources and efforts have got to be committed to the law enforcement in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands. It is my strong recommendation that additional funds be transferred to the appropriate category for use in adding an additional Assistant District Attorney. That is what they tell me they need. Going over there and staying 4 or 5 days does not make me an authority. I did not find the things that have been related here. But I know the gentleman from California [Mr. Miller] is an honorable man who knows how to detect these things. I hope he will go with the gentleman from Alaska [Mr. Young] early next year. As I understand, the committee of jurisdiction should be the Committee on Resources. It is my understanding that the gentleman from Alaska [Mr. Young] is going to lead a delegation there in January. I strongly suggest that the gentleman from California [Mr. Miller], who is a member of that committee, join the chairman in that group. Hopefully, he will be persuaded, as I was, that there are many, many more people that are much better off because of the fact that they get an opportunity to leave the poverty of the Philippines and part of China and part of other areas, come there and work 2 years, go back very wealthy. And they have long lines to do that. And, of course, it is not perfect. If there are any of the things that the gentleman from California [Mr. Miller] has related going on there, none of us on this floor condone it. We just need to get the hard, cold facts out on the floor.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today is the funeral of one of the kindest and most compassionate men I have ever known and one of the most gifted, most respected and most beloved physicians in Sherman, TX--Dr. Roberto Olivares, who died Sunday at the age of 57. Dr. Olivares was born in Puebla, Puebla Mexico, studied at UNAM, the national university in Mexico City, and received his medical degree in 1962. He moved to the United States in 1966 and after completing his internship at Kettering Memorial Hospital in Dayton, OH, he spent 4 years as urology resident at The Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, IN. While there he was named chief resident and received the Pediatric Fellowship from Riley Children's Hospital. After a brief return to Mexico, Dr. Olivares moved to Sherman in 1974 to begin what would be a 23-year practice. He was a beloved and highly respected physician and was only the second urologist in the United States to receive the Distinguished T. Leon Award from the American Urological Association four times for significant achievement in the field of urology. Dr. Olivares was a member of the AUA Terminology and Health Policy Committee from 1992 to 1997 and served on the board of directors for the South Central Region and as the Texas delegate to the national organization. He was past president and board member of the Texas Urological Society and was a selected member of the International Andrology Society, the Society of Laparascopy Surgery, the Endouriogical Society and Lithotripsy Society. He was dedicated to the local medical community and served as president of Medical Plaza Hospital for 2 years, chief surgeon at Wilson N. Jones and past president of the Grayson County Medical Society. Dr. Olivares was a dedicated and prominent figure in the community. He served as president of the Parks and Recreation Board, was a basketball and soccer coach for many years for the Boys and Girls Club and was a proud member of the Sherman Bearcat Booster Club. He could always be seen sitting at the 50-yard line cheering for the Bearcats. He and his wife, Gayle, hosted numerous fundraising events for local charities. But more than any of these achievements, his kindness, his compassion, and his faith distinguished him among his patients and his friends. I never heard him utter an unkind statement, and I never heard an unkind statement uttered about him. He took both a professional and personal interest in his patients and was concerned about both their physical and emotional well-being. His faith sustained his own struggles with leukemia, which eventually claimed his life, and with other family tragedies and other challenges that he endured with eternal optimism. His faith was a powerful example for all who knew him and were inspired by him, and he demonstrated his faith in all that he did and with all those he touched--through his words, his deeds and his daily interactions with people from every walk of life. Dr. Olivares is survived by his wonderful wife, Gayle; his sons, Roberto III and Ricardo; his daughters, Rebecca and Raquel; his mother, Minerva; sisters, Minerva and Elsa; brother, Sergio; and grandsons, Roberto IV, Julian and Austin. I am saddened to lose such a dear friend and constituent, and I share the grief of his family and many friends in the Sherman community. But I know that this great man would want us to carry on with the same optimism that he demonstrated so well, and we will carry him with us in our hearts and in our memories. Mr. Speaker, as we adjourn today in the House of Representatives, I ask that we do so in honor of and in memory of this great America, great physician, and great man--Dr. Roberto Olivares.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as our Nation's young people return to school for the beginning of a new year, we are reminded of the importance of education in their lives and our responsibility not only to provide a quality education for them but also to encourage their efforts, build their self-esteem, and motivate them to aspire to a standard of excellence in all that they do. This is a responsibility shared by all of us--by parents, teachers, school administrators, Government, and the community at large. Today it is my privilege to pay tribute to a community organization in my home town of Rockwall, TX, the Rockwall Academic Booster Club, that was recently formed with these goals in mind. Beginning this year, the Academic Booster Club will present a letter jacket patch to those students who received straight A's for two consecutive semesters of the previous academic year. The first awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday, September 9, when some 40 students from two middle schools will receive a jacket patch. The letter program is being underwritten by Rockwall Women's League and Rockwall Newcomers Club. The Academic Booster Club also will present awards to students whose grades improve, honorable mention awards to those who came close, and awards to inspirational teachers. Additional club activities include providing volunteers for school mentoring programs and raising scholarship funds for teacher endowments. Mr. Speaker, we know that the quality of our students' education is the key to both their future success and to America's future in the global environment. We know that we must do all we can to prepare our young people for the challenges of the 21st century and to promote academic excellence in our schools. I am proud of these efforts in my hometown, and I ask my colleagues today to join me in saluting the Rockwall Academic Booster Club and the outstanding students in Rockwall, TX, whose dedication to academic excellence deserves our recognition.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay a final tribute to a close friend and fellow east Texas, R.W. ``Dick'' Pickens of my hometown of Rockwall, TX, who died earlier this year at the age of 84. Dick Pickens was an extraordinary man who leaves behind a legacy of professional and personal accomplishment, and he will be greatly missed by those of us who were fortunate enough to know him. Born May 28, 1912, in Frankfort, OH, Dick lived in my hometown of Rockwall for the better part of his life. After earning a degree in mechanical engineering in 1935 from Ohio State University, he went to work for the Alcoa Aluminum Co. as staff engineer. He later worked for Reynolds Metals Co. and then organized the Texas Aluminum Co. in 1942, over which he presided for more than 20 years. Because of him, Texas Aluminum won the prestigious Lockheed Zero Defects Award--a tribute to the standard of excellence he set. At one time he had an interests in facilities that stretched from Rockwall to Commerce, CA, to Puerto Rico and Australia. After a 60-year distinguished career, Dick retired from the Aluminum industry that he had served so well. Dick's professional accomplishments, however, are just part of who he was. Dick cared about everyone he met and knew. He was devoted to his community and gave his support wherever it was needed. He was particularly interested in helping young people and at one time, he was sponsoring as many as 12 students in college. Dick is survived by his wife, Louise Pickens of Rockwall; daughter and son-in-law, Patti and David Canup of Rockwall; daughter and son-in- law, Francie and Ross Oliver of Austin, TX; daughter Mayre Springer of Phoenix, AR; and step-son Mike Barringer of Rockwall; numerous grandchildren and a great grandchild. Mr. Speaker, Dick Pickens was a true giant among us. He will be remembered by his family and many friends for his kindness and generosity--and he will be greatly missed. As we adjourn today, it is a privilege for me to honor this great man who also was my close friend.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this motion to recommit. It is crucial that the conference report retain the Traficant language authorizing the use of our military forces to protect our Nation's borders from illegal immigration and drug trafficking. It's time to face the fact that we are losing the war against drug infiltration into this country and that our Border Patrol is too few in numbers to guard our borders. We have 6,600 Border Patrol personnel to do the work of 20,000. Congress has mandated hiring 1,000 Border Patrol agents a year, but the Immigration and Naturalization Service is having a tough time hiring that number--and it will take another 10 years to reach the level of border support that we need. If we can send our troops to Europe, Haiti, and to Bosnia, we can certainly send them to help protect our own country against criminal encroachment. Our troops would provide the support and assistance that we need--a visible presence that would have tangible results. Critics of this language argue that it would raise all sorts of questions about jurisdiction and personal liability. These are issues that can be resolved by the Department of Defense, Justice, and INS. They are small problems compared to the seemingly insurmountable flow of illegal drugs into this country--a problem that costs lives and money and livelihoods and threatens the safety and security of our families. We also should not be misled by the issue of funding. We are already paying our military for food and shelter and salaries. We might as well use this valuable resource here at home and focus as much effort on protecting our borders against criminal activity as we do in protecting other countries. I urge my colleagues to support this motion to recommit with instructions.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute today to the late John E. Avery, who was a valued and respected member of the Honey Grove, TX, community until his death on July 2 at the age of 87. Mr. Avery spent virtually his entire lifetime in Honey Grove and nearby Dial, where he was born and attended school and church. The only time he left the Honey Grove area was to serve his country during World War II. He served as a sergeant in the 865th Squadron of the 494th Bomb Group of the U.S. Air Force. Following the war, he returned to Honey Grove, married Pauline Wishard and devoted the remainder of his life to his community. Mr. Avery served as Fannin County commissioner of Precinct 3 for 20 years, from 1948 to 1952 and from 1961 to 1976. In recognition of his outstanding service, he received the Road Hand Award from the Texas Department of Highways and Public Transportation. In 1969 he was named Outstanding Citizen of Honey Grove. Mr. Avery was a member of the Texas Historical Commission for 20 years. He was a member of the North Texas Tuberculosis Association, the Honey Grove Chamber of Commerce, American Heart Association for Fannin County, Friends of the Sam Rayburn Library, and Friends of Bertha Voyer Library. He was vice president of the Oakwood Cemetery Association and the Northeast Texas Resources Conservation and Development Association. In addition, Mr. Avery was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also an elder at the Dial Presbyterian Church. He is survived by his wife, Pauline; daughter and son-in-law, Mary Alice and Steve Glover of Paris; two granddaughters, Allison and Amanda Glover; one sister, Lena Smith of Paris; and other relatives. I visited with Pauline just last week, and I will miss the many visits and telephone calls that John and I enjoyed. John Avery will be missed by his family and many friends in Honey Grove and Dial, but he leaves behind a legacy of devotion and service that will be remembered for many years to come. Mr. Speaker, it was a privilege to know this outstanding citizen of the fourth district of Texas, and it is a privilege for me to pay my last respect to him today.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it has been 6 months since Hunt County Sheriff Bobby Young retired, and I hope that he is finally able to enjoy some peace and quiet after serving 20 years as the chief law enforcement officer of Hunt County. He was and is a close friend of mine, and I have always enjoyed every contact I had with Bobby. Sheriff Young occupied that office longer than any other Hunt County sheriff, having first been elected in 1976. During his tenure the old jail in the Hunt County Courthouse was replaced by the Hunt County Criminal Justice Center, and his department grew over the years in an effort to provide more protection for the 840-square-mile area of jurisdiction for which he was responsible. Despite these accomplishments, Sheriff Young notes that there is still much more that needs to be done. His successor, Don Anderson, will have that opportunity. Sheriff Young spent much of his life maintaining law and order in Hunt County and protecting its citizens--and they rewarded him from his efforts by continuing to re-elect him for 20 years. Mr. Speaker, law enforcement officials like Sheriff Young not only uphold the peace-- they uphold the principles of justice and liberty that define our way of life. They are often the unsung heroes of our communities, so I am honored today to salute this legendary law enforcement officer of Hunt County and to wish him well in his retirement. As we adjourn Congress this day, let us do so in honor of and with great personal thanks to Sheriff Bobby Young.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to recognize three outstanding individuals from Tyler, TX, who were recently honored during Law Day ceremonies in Smith County. Law Day is sponsored annually by the Smith County Lawyers Auxiliary in cooperation with the Smith County Bar Association. Long-time Tyler attorney and my good friend, Murph Wilson, received the Justinian Award. Mr. Wilson has served the Tyler community in various capacities through the years. He served as mayor and as a member of the Tyler City Council, member of the Tyler School Board, president of the Smith County Bar Association, president of Southside Bank, member of Marvin United Methodist Church, and charter member of the Sharon Temple. Preston McGee received the Outstanding Young Lawyer Award. Mr. McGee is a member of the Potter, Minton, Roberts, Davis & Jones law firm. He has been active with United Way, the American Heart Association, and Green Acres Baptist Church. The Liberty Bell Award was given posthumously to Sally Ellis Dobbs for her efforts to educate the public about legal issues and the role of law in our society. Mrs. Dobbs was instrumental in developing the ``Now You Are 18'' Program and brochure and a similar program for eighth-graders. These programs are now used in educational efforts statewide. She is survived by her husband, J. Robert Dobbs Jr. and son, Smith County Assistant District Attorney David Dobbs, who accepted the award on her behalf. These individuals have earned the respect of their peers in their community and of all those who seek to preserve and promote the ideals of law and justice upon which our great Nation was founded. Their integrity, hard work, and commitment to high standards of professionalism are exemplary. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute to these outstanding citizens of Tyler, TX, and to the efforts of the Smith County Bar Association and Smith County Lawyers Auxiliary.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to voice strong support for the Hilleary amendment and for ending deployment of our United States ground forces in Bosnia. I did not support the administration's decision to send troops to Bosnia a year and a half ago, and I would vote to bring our troops home today if I could. The best we can do, however, is to bring them home as soon as possible. The administration has stated repeatedly that our troops would be in Bosnia for no longer than 12 months. It has been well over a year since our troops were deployed there--and there still is no end in sight. The amendments offered today will require a ate certain for troop withdrawal, require development of an exit plan, and require a defined policy concerning the role of the United States and our allies in Bosnia following withdrawal of United States troops. We have been most fortunate that in the past 18 months, no Americans have died from hostile fire in Bosnia. However, as frictions continue to get more heated and ethnic divisions continue to erupt in human rights violations, the dangers to our troops will intensify. Our mission in Bosnia still remains unclear--and without a clear policy, the future of our troop involvement also remains uncertain. It is imperative that we have a clearly defined exit policy and that we stick to it. Today, we have an opportunity to express our support for our troops by voting our desire to bring them home, and I urge my colleagues' support.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to pay tribute today to a great American, a great man, and a good friend--the late Robert Krieble. Many in this body had the privilege of knowing Bob Krieble, and many more undoubtedly know of his many accomplishments. As a scientist, entrepreneur, and supporter of freedom throughout the world, Bob Krieble influenced thousands of lives, helped make the world a better place in which to live, and helped change the course of history. Bob Krieble first made his mark as a scientist, inventing super adhesives that revolutionized the manufacturing industry. From a $100,000 investment borrowed from family and friends in the 1950's, he built a multinational, billion-dollar corporation that created tens of thousands of jobs throughout the world. That success was the foundation for a life-long support of the free enterprise system and for investments both at home and abroad to further that cause. Bob generously supported dozens of pro-democratic and pro-free market institutions. He was an early supporter of both the Heritage Foundation and the Free Congress Foundation, based here in Washington. He also supported many of the dissident pro-democratic groups in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union, even in the face of criticism and skepticism at home. His vision, however, proved prophetic, as his efforts contributed to the fall of communism and helped pave the way for pro-democratic candidates. His Krieble Institute spent millions of dollars on political and economic training and on helping develop viable candidates, including Boris Yeltsin. Bob also helped individuals in need and helped countless entrepreneurs throughout the world. He was particularly devoted to helping private businesses in newly freed economies and transition countries. Bob's generosity was matched only by his dedication and his boundless energy, and until he was stricken last month, he continued to work tirelessly in these many endeavors. Though some might not have the capacity to understand his full contributions to our Nation, politically and strategically, I believe that all would recognize Bob Krieble's significant accomplishments, his dedication to free-market principles, and his extraordinary life. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to pay my last respects to this man of many talents, this great American and defender of freedom throughout the world--the late Robert Krieble.