Ralph Hall

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 1505, the Pipeline Safety Reauthorization Act. This legislation is not really a stranger to this House. In fact, it is similar to the legislation that passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure over a year ago. Mr. Speaker, the bill reaches some important compromises on several issues that were contentious in the House. If I recollect, the gentleman from New Jersey had some problems with some of those. Frankly, I had thought the gentleman had done such a good job representing the people of New Jersey that he had had his problems solved over there. I am surprised to find out today that he has not. I admire his spunk in standing up and taking the positions he has taken. I think we have reached out the hands to try to take care of the problems that were set forth. If not, had I known so 2 weeks ago, we would have done our best to have addressed them. Really and truly, Mr. Speaker, the bill reaches all types of important compromises. I think first, the risk assessment cost-benefit analysis in the Senate bill is significantly less prescriptive than last year's regulatory reform legislation. Senators John Glenn and Carl Levin, the senior Democrats on the Senate Government Affairs Committee, agree. According to these two Senators, I understand that their position is that the risk assessment provision in S. 1505 is carefully tailored to the pipeline safety program at the Department of Transportation, and represents a fair and reasonable approach, so they said. This provision has the support of the Department of Transportation. Second, S. 1505 contains a risk management demonstration project which is virtually identical to a provision in the House legislation. Some have suggested that this program will exempt pipeline operators from existing pipeline safety regulations. Of course that is not so. Under the voluntary demonstration program, pipeline operators would be given the opportunity to submit alternative safety plans to the Department of Transportation which address the unique safety concerns of that pipeline system. The Department of Transportation would have to certify that the risk management plan provided an equal or greater level of safety than existing regulations before the plan could be approved. This is not a plan for thwarting regulations, it is a way of providing an even higher level of safety than simply sticking to minimum safety standards. Last, this bill provides a more than adequate budget for DOT to carry out its pipeline safety program. The authorization figures in S. 1505 are significantly higher than those contained in last year's bill, and have the support of both DOT and the regulated industry. Mr. Speaker, this legislation enjoyed unanimous bipartisan support in the other body just yesterday. It is not anything new. They passed it unanimously over there, Republicans and Democrats alike. I do not see any reason why, Mr. Speaker, it should not be approved today and receive the same overwhelming support in this Chamber today. I am really a little surprised that there is even any opposition to it. The bill is going to continue to provide the Department of Transportation the necessary tools to continue to protect the public safety and the environment. I urge Members' support.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act of 1996. It is a bill that will safeguard our Nation against the use of Federal tax dollars to subsidize or promote the practice of assisted suicide. Now, this bill is the product of a bipartisan effort--we have over 100 signatures, and no one has turned me down as a cosponsor, we just have not had the time to get around to every office-- with supporters from both sides of the aisle, and overwhelming support from the public. This legislation is needed, Mr. Speaker, in light of recent court actions. Assisted suicide, or ``aiding, abetting or encouraging the suicide of another,'' is a criminal offense in 40 States. Yet two Federal appeals courts, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and the 2d Circuit Court of Appeals, have ruled assisted suicide is a constitutional right. One State has already chosen to actually legalize assisted suicide, and while that law has not taken effect in that State yet, the 9th Circuit Court could reinstate it any day, and that State's Medicaid director has publicly stated that Medicaid, which is a Federal program funded by Federal tax dollars, will pay for assisted suicide. Unless the Supreme Court disagrees with these opinions, physician- assisted suicide could become a legal and a routine practice throughout our country. Taxpayers could be funding assisted suicides, no matter how strong their conscientious objections were and how much they objected to the practice itself. Polling shows us that a majority of Americans, 83 percent, oppose assisted suicide. This legislation will preempt the use of taxpayer dollars by preventing programs such ad Medicaid, Medicare, Indian health care, the military health care system, the Federal employees benefits plans and other Federal programs from paying for assisted suicide, euthanasia or mercy killing of an individual. This bill does not affect the patient's right to reject or to discontinue medical treatment. It respects the wishes of the patient and it respects the sanctity of the doctor-patient relationship. It does not affect recognized modes of pain relief. Doctors will be able to continue to administer pain medication in any dose necessary to control pain. This bill permits full funding of this type of relief and any other type of medically recognized comfort or pain care that does not assist in the killing of patients. The sum, Mr. Speaker, this legislation has the modest goal of keeping the Federal Government out of the business of euthanasia and out of the business of using taxpayer money for assisted suicide. I urge my colleagues to give their support to this bill, the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act of 1996.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I, of course, rise to urge the override of the very ill-advised veto of the ban on partial-birth abortions. Back, oh, earlier in the year, one of the most widely respected and politically moderate physicians I suppose ever to hold the office of Surgeon General, Dr. C. Everett Koop, criticized this practice. And as recently as August of this year, Dr. Koop granted an interview to an American Medical Association publication on this issue. He states quite simply that he believes, ``that the President was misled by his medical advisers on what is fact and what is fiction in reference to late-term abortion,'' going on to say that ``In no way can he twist his mind to see that this late-term abortion technique is a necessity for the mother, and certainly can't be a necessity for the baby.'' So I guess we are left to ask the question, why? Why would we even consider condoning a procedure like this when no medical necessity for it can actually be shown? No acceptable answer can be given to this question because partial- birth abortion is completely unacceptable, unnecessary, and a cruel procedure that should not be permitted in our policy. I urge the override.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, of course, I rise in support of the bill. It is hard for me to understand how some people can complain about a $3 million expenditure. It is matched immediately by a $25 million expenditure by the State of Texas and Texas A&M University. It is not $3 million that invites other money in the future, it is a one- time deal. They wanted $5 million for Hubert Humphrey not too long ago. It is hard to see how they can complain about something like this for education, that educates a lot of youngsters. Education is the answer to petitions to Federal courts and mobs in the streets. If there is any answer, it is education. I do not understand how they can stand here and vote to send $16 billion to $17 billion overseas in foreign aid and complain about $3 million to help some youngsters get educated. Mr. Speaker, I think certainly for George Bush, a friend of mine, a longtime friend, I am pleased to speak on behalf of this. He was a leader in everything he did. He served as a carrier-based torpedo bomber pilot in the Navy during World War II, was in many major battles. Even, at one time, he was shot down, picked up by a PT boat. He also served as congressman, ambassador, CIA director, Vice President, and ultimately President. Other than possibly Thomas Jefferson, he brought the greatest portfolio into the Presidency of any of his predecessors, and probably any since. He served his country for many years. I just think that today, if we pass H.R. 3803, we in Congress say to our President, to George Bush and his great family, we respect you, your leadership and dedication to public service will never be forgotten, because it will always be studied and taught at the George Bush School of Government and Public Service. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak today on behalf of H.R. 3803, the George Bush School of Government and Public Service Act. This bill will authorize one-time funding which will help establish the George Bush fellowship program at the former President's School of Government and Public Service. Mr. Speaker, George Bush was a leader in everything he did. He served as a carrier-based Torpedo Bomber pilot in the Navy during World War II--was in many major battles and was even, at one time, shot down and picked up by a PT boat. He also served our country as a Congressman, Ambassador, CIA Director, Vice President and, ultimately, President. Other than possible Thomas Jefferson, he brought the greatest portfolio into the Presidency of all of his predecessors. He served our country for many years, and in so doing, he served the world. He was a leader for a greater America and through his leadership, he shaped for us and for future generations a better world. As we pass this bill, we will have the opportunity to honor President Bush like we have no other former President. As a man who dedicated his entire life to public service, I can think of no greater honor than to help establish an educational program geared toward public service in his name. Rather than constructing a building, a statue, or a park in his honor, we will be investing in the future of our country. We will be helping to produce leaders and public servants who will be proud graduates of the George Bush School of Government and Public Service, and who will go on to follow President Bush's noble example of selfless leadership and public service. President Bush is aware of this new fellowship initiative and has committed to becoming personally involved with the educational program of his school and, in particular, with the George Bush fellows. The leadership opportunities for these fellows and the close, personal interaction they will have will be unmatched in the world. These students will be learning public policy and international affairs at the arm of the master himself, George Bush. Today, we pass H.R. 3803 and we in Congress say to President George Bush and to his great family, we respect you. Your leadership and dedication to public service will never be forgotten, because it will always be studied and taught at the George Bush School of Government and Public Service.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3103, a health care reform bill that represents more than 6 years of hard work on the part of many Members of Congress, beginning with Senator Bentsen in the 102d Congress and continuing through the 103d Congress and now the 104th. I've had the opportunity to work on health care reform over the past 4 years through the Commerce Committee and through The Coalition. Many of the provisions in the bill that we are considering today were included in previous work, and I want to commend my colleagues for finally bringing this legislation to the floor of the House for consideration. Health care is one of the most important concerns of Americans, and this bill will help alleviate some of their greatest fears. Americans who want to pursue other job opportunities or who lose their job are now free from the worry of losing their health insurance, and those with pre-existing conditions are no longer faced with the nightmare of being unable to secure insurance coverage. In addition, taxpayers will be able to purchase long-term care insurance and deduct this as a medical expense. Terminally and chronically ill citizens will be able to receive life insurance benefits prior to death without paying taxes on them. And some citizens will have the opportunity to try an alternative to traditional health insurance in the form of medical savings accounts, which I support. Mr. Speaker, these are important reforms that will offer much-needed relief to all Americans. I believe that it will be one of the most important accomplishments of this Congress, and I urge my colleagues' support.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to the amendment offered by my colleague, Mr. Frank. This Congress has just succeeded in passing the landmark Telecommunications Act of 1996 following months of hearings and negotiations. This legislation represented a bipartisan effort that resulted in an agreement made by the House and the Senate to instruct the Federal Communications Commission to move forward to implement a digital broadcasting plan. My colleague, Mr. Frank, wants to pass an amendment that would destroy any plan for a successful transition to digital broadcast television. To permit digital spectrum auction, as is Mr. Frank's intent, would disrupt the economics of the broadcast industry and would make it impossible for broadcasters to continue to offer free television to American viewers. The burden would fall heaviest on the middle and lower income classes. We must allow broadcasters to make the transition to digital without any spectrum auctions. The financial burden of an auction plus as much as $8 to $10 million of additional hardware costs to digital could kill a broadcast station. We are not talking about a free giveaway, as some people want to call it. This agreement is the result of legislation that this House overwhelmingly passed and the President has signed it into law. I think it is a waste of time to come here today and readdress this issue. I personally do not want to go back to my Fourth District of Texas and tell my constituents that they will have to start paying for their local broadcasting because someone turned public interest into a fiscal issue and is using this digital spectrum as a revenue potential instead of a communications issue that should be decided on its merits. I urge my colleagues to keep local television tax free and allow every American to reap the benefits of digital technology instead of being asked to reach into their pockets as they so often do.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise in objection to this amendment. To permit a digital spectrum auction, as this amendment does, would absolutely disrupt the economics of the broadcast industry and would make it, I think, impossible for broadcasters to continue to offer free television to American viewers. The burden would fall heaviest on the middle- and lower- income classes. I think we have to allow broadcasters to make the transition to digital without any spectrum auction because the financial burden of an auction plus as much as $8 to $10 million of additional hardware cost to digital could kill a broadcast station. Of course, we are talking about a compact between broadcasters and the public, as Mr. Dingell said, dating back 60 years. Killing local television means destroying a major lifeline for many. It would mean the end to a part of the American culture. I oppose the amendment.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as our Nation's teachers and students complete the end of another school year and enjoy a much-deserved vacation, I would like to salute our teachers and pay tribute to one in particular--coach James Cameron--a well-known and well-respected Texas coach who accumulated a record of more than 200 victories prior to his unexpected death last year. Coach Cameron leaves behind a legacy, however, that is far greater than his teams' victories on the playing field. The measure of his legacy can be found in the hearts and minds of those who had the privilege of knowing him and whose lives were influenced by a great coach who was also a great man. Coach Cameron achieved fame first on the gridiron for Commerce in the mid-1050's and as an offensive center at East Texas State University, where he helped guide his team to consecutive Tangerine Bowl victories. He was drafted by the AFL's Los Angeles Chargers but chose instead to finish his degree. His coaching days began even before his graduation, and his reputation soon spread throughout the high school and small- college ranks of Texas. He amassed victories at high schools in Mansfield, Waco, and McKinney before taking over at Howard Payne University and leading his team to a tie for first place in the first and only Lone Star Conference championship. He then moved to Angelo State University, where he achieved the best record in school history. Along the way he was recruited by Grant Teaff at Baylor University and was considered for the top position at North Texas State University. For varying reasons, he did not find those positions to be part of his destiny. He returned to high school coaching at Rockwall, Kilgore, and finally Sulphur Springs, where he was coaching at the time of his death and where he led the Wildcats to half a dozen district championships. But what equally distinguished his career was his influence on his players and his community. The Sulphur Springs News-Telegram wrote a feature about Coach Cameron in 1994 that included comments by those who knew him well. Joey Florence, head football coach at Cooper, said: He gets more out of his kids because of motivation, but he also motivates the entire community. . . . He told me something one time that I'll never forget. He said he'd rather lose with class than win without it. And that's something I try to impart to our team. Bill Grantley, superintendent at Kilgore, said, ``It was more than just the winning--it was how he dealt with the townspeople and the students.'' Paul Glover, the superintendent at Sulphur Springs, said: I think James saw the situation here and decided he could be a factor, not only in the athletic program but the community as well. He saw a need he could fill and obviously we have not been disappointed at all. One of his students, Matt Rosamond, wrote an essay for his Sulphur Springs High School English class this year that illustrates Coach Cameron's extraordinary influence. Matt wrote: Not only was he a great man, but also he was a great teacher. Not a class room teacher, but a teacher of life . . . Coach lived his life the way most people only wish to live theirs. He was the most understanding and forgiving person I ever knew . . . Coach was by far the most influential person in my life. Coach Cameron was one of those exemplary teachers who made a difference in the lives of his students, and he was an exemplary American who made a difference in his community. He is truly missed by all those who knew him and loved him. His brothers, Bill and Raymond, who are prominent businessmen, outstanding civic leaders, and my good friends in Rockwall, are particularly proud of James and of what he accomplished in his life. So it is a privilege, Mr. Speaker, to have the opportunity to pay tribute to this great man whose influence continues to live on in the lives of those who knew him. In his essay Matt Rosamond concluded, ``I realized deep inside that Coach is very much alive. He is alive in every player and every person that knew one of the greatest men who had ever lived.'' Such is the legacy of coach James Cameron.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, last night two churches in Greenville, TX, the fourth district that I represent, were damaged by fires which are suspected to be acts of arson. These are the latest in a long and tragic series of church burnings that have struck predominantly black, southern churches in the past 18 months. Whether these burnings eventually are found to be part of a conspiracy, isolated incidents, or ``copy-cat'' crimes, these are crimes that must be given top investigative priority. Members of the blue dog coalition, of which I am a member, have joined with members of the Congressional Black Caucus in asking Attorney General Janet Reno to give this issue the full and focused attention of the Department of Justice. In recent weeks, we have received assurance that the Department is committed to thorough investigation of these burnings, and yesterday Attorney General Reno gave her personal assurances to a delegation of ministers. As we speak here tonight, agents from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms are in Greenville investigating these recent burnings. I would like to commend the efforts of the distinguished gentleman from Louisiana, Mr. Cleo Fields, and the distinguished gentleman from Alabama, Glen Browder, for their leadership on this issue, and I join others in the blue dog coalition, the Congressional Black Caucus, other Members of Congress, and the majority of Americans in condemning these acts of violence. Whether these are crimes of hate or random incidents of vandalism and arson, this is a disturbing pattern of violence in America that must receive our serious attention. The issue is not merely the physical damage resulting from these fires. I am confident that the congregations of Greenville's New Light House of Prayer and the Church of the Living God will unit to repair their churches and will be joined in that effort by the Greenville community at large. The issue is that these fires represent an act of violence that must not be tolerated in a free and civil society. When we read about church burnings or awaken one morning to discover that a suspicious fire has damaged a church in our own community, we are reminded that religious freedom is the solid rock upon which our great Nation was founded and which must be preserved and protected.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Jackson-Lee amendment. The Brown substitute would have corrected this but we failed on that. We think this is a cut that should have never been made in the first place. We have talked about this in committee, we have talked about it on the floor earlier. I think to put it succinctly and to the point I need to quote Mr. Peterson, who is the NASA comptroller, who says: To put it bluntly, the S&E reduction is impossible to achieve without drastic action. Unless a miracle occurs and we have both buyout legislation and a lot of takers, there is simply no way feasible to implement this reduction without resorting to furloughs. At $81.5 million, we estimate a 10- to-12 day furlough would be necessary to make this number. We do not want furloughs. I know no one on the other side wants furloughs. I believe that this comptroller knows what he is talking about, and submit this to Members for their consideration. I urge the adoption of the Jackson-Lee amendment.

Mr. HALL of Texas. I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Mr. Chairman, I, of course, like all the other Members who will speak and who have spoken, have the highest regard for the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Roemer] and those who support him. We just differ with him. We just think he is still wrong and probably will be wrong in the next Congress and in the Congress after that and the one after that. Because he is a fine young man, he will be reelected, and he will be here when I am in the corner room of the Rockwall Nursing Home, but I will still be calling out to save the space station for us old folks. As I mentioned to the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Roemer] at the recent full committee markup of the bill, the space station amendment, as the gentleman has said, is one of the endearing traditions here. I respect his convictions. Mr. Chairman, the value of research today is already demonstrated in a lot of ways, but in a limited way by experiments that are being conducted on the space shuttle. In previous sessions, we have held hearings and we have held a number of hearings where we heard from some of the leading medical researchers of our day. Dr. Michael DeBakey walked these halls 3 days, going in to visit with Members to tell them of the value of the space station and the hope that the space station holds out; in his early 80's, Dr. Mickey LeMaistre, head of M.D. Anderson, who knows the attacks that cancer makes on the citizenry, and all of us have someone in a cancer ward. I think there is one word that the space station holds out and that one word is so important to people that are wasting away in the cancer wards. It is so important that we are even talking about revolutionizing the FDA because of that one word, and that one word for people is hope. They have hope that there is medication for them. They have hope that there is a breakthrough. We have not found that here in this environment. We hope and they hope that we will find it in the weightless environment of space. Yes, it is a large expenditure of money, but the American people have cried out that they want this station, and if you really want to hear a hue and cry all across the universities of this country, from children in the first grade on up to the senior colleges, do something to the space station. We almost lost the space station several sessions ago but we have never lost it. This body has always said yes, that this gives that one thing called hope. And when we talk about Russia and whether or not they are going to stay hitched, it has been certainly my finding in Russia itself that they seem not to have money for other things, but for educational pursuits and for the space station they seem to allocate and have money to set aside for it. Both sides requested that Al Gore give us some assurance as to what their intentions were and what they thought the Russian intentions were. I read to you a letter from Al Gore addressed to us dated May 9. It says: As you are aware, I recently wrote to Prime Minister Chrnomyrdin regarding the status of funding for the Russian Space Agency's cooperative activities with NASA on the international Space Station program. In response, the Prime Minister has firmly pledged that Russia will meet its commitments to the ISS program in full. It goes on to say other things. Members all have copies of this letter. I invite them to read it. But its assurance to us that the leaders of this country, the leaders of that country, certainly the investment that Japan and other countries have made ought to cry out to us: Save this space station and give these people hope.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today marks the 25th anniversary of the death of the most decorated soldier of World War II and a genuine national hero--the late Audie Leon Murphy--who was a native of the Fourth District of Texas as well as a personal friend of mine. It is a special privilege for me today to pay tribute to this legendary American, and I would like to do so on behalf of the entire Texas Delegation as well as on behalf of his hometown friends and relatives in Farmersville, TX, and on behalf of the late Congressman Olin Teague of Texas who first paid tribute to Audie Murphy in the Congressional Record on October 13, 1971--on the occasion of the dedication of the Audie Leon Murphy Hospital for veterans in San Antonio. Audie Murphy was indeed a legend in his own time--and a hero for all times. For his valor in combat and action above and beyond the call of duty, he received every medal the Army awards. He earned the Silver Star twice in 3 days, three Purple Hearts, the Distinguished Service Cross, and the Medal of Honor. The Citation to the Medal of Honor recognized 2d. Lt. Audie Murphy, 15th Infantry, for his valor on January 26, 1945, near Holtzwihr, France. His Company B was attacked by six tanks and waves of infantry. Second Lieutenant Murphy ordered his men to withdraw to prepare positions in a woods, while he remained forward at his command post to direct the artillery. One of his company's tank destroyers received a direct hit and began to burn. Lieutenant Murphy climbed on the burning tank destroyer and trained its machinegun on the enemy, killing dozens and causing their infantry attack to waver. He held his position for more than an hour, received a leg wound, but continued the fight until his ammunition was exhausted. He then made his way to his company, refused medical attention, and organized the company in a counterattack which forced the enemy to withdraw. The Citation states, ``Lieutenant Murphy's indomitable courage and his refusal to give an inch of ground saved his company from possible encirclement and destruction, and enabled it to hold the woods which had been the enemy's objective.'' Audie received the Distinguished Service Cross for his extraordinary heroism on August 15, 1994, near Ramatuelle, France. On this date, according to the award citation, ``His extraordinary heroism resulted in the capture of a fiercely contested enemy-held hill and the annihilation or capture of the entire enemy garrison.'' And yet Audie believed that his medals belonged to every man in his company, and he always maintained that he was just ``another man.'' His humility stemmed perhaps from a humble beginning near Kingston, TX and years of living in poverty. Audie had to quit school in the eighth grade to help support his mother and eight siblings. He hunted small games to supply food for the family, and became an expert marksman. He took odd jobs wherever he could find them--on a farm, a filling station, and grocery store, a radio repair shop. But Audie made up for his lack of education with a brilliant mind, great dignity, and a sense of composure that impressed all those who met him. Following the war, James Cagney extended him an invitation to visit Hollywood, where he signed an acting contract. His best-selling autobiography, ``To Hell and Back,'' was made into a successful movie in which Audie played the starring role. His specialty was small-budget westerns, but Audie never really liked acting, and he pursued several business ventures over the years. It was on one of these ventures that he was killed in a plane crash near Roanoke, VA, on May 30, 1971. He left behind his wife of 20 years, Pamela Archer, two sons, Terry and James Shannon, other family members and hundreds of friends and admirers. Since that time the Audie L. Murphy National Memorial Tribute Committee, headed by Louis J. Parillo, has honored his memory by awarding the ALM Patriotism Portrait Awards. The awards are presented in groups of three to represent our Nation's Triad Defense System, and this 25th anniversary of Audie's death will mark the final presentation. Recipients in the order presented, include: The American Security Council, Maj. Gen. John K. Singlaub, USA Ret., Gen. William C. Westmoreland, USA Ret.; Gen. Louis H. Wilson, USMC Ret., The Marine Attack Squadron 131, 4th Marine Air Wing, Fourth Marine Division; Gen. Omar Bradley, USA Ret., 28th Division PNG, First Army; Headquarters 3rd Infantry Division U.S. Army, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), U.S. Army Parachute Team (Golden Knights; North American Air Defense Command, 112th Fighter Group, Pennsylvania ANG, 910th Special Operations Group, USAFR; City of New Castle, PA, County of Lawrence, Pennsylvania, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Department of the Army, Department of the Navy, Department of Defense; Robert Bleier (Trustee for Vietnam Veterans), Congressman Olin ``Tiger'' Teague (posthumously), President Ronald W. Reagan; The Honorable William J. Perry, Secretary of Defense, The American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. In closing, Mr. Speaker, we are joined today by Audie Murphy's family, his friends, and his many fans in paying this final tribute to WWII's most decorated war hero. Perhaps the finest tribute would be to place in the Congressional Record two odes composed by Audie Leon Murphy. These reflect his thoughts and feelings for his fallen comrades and reveal to us, more than any words of our own could possibly reveal, the full measure of this great American. Alone and Far Removed Alone and far removed from earthly care The noble ruins of men lie buried here. You were strong men, good men Endowed with youth and much the will to live. I hear no protest from the mute lips of the dead. They rest; there is no more to give.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman from Texas [Ms. Jackson-Lee] for her words about restoring the funding to the NASA personnel account. That was a cut that should not have been made, and, as I think we noted when we marked up H.R. 3322 at full committee, these personnel funding cuts would cause a very severe hardship on the very hard- working men and women at NASA centers, something that was confirmed in writing by the NASA comptroller some time ago. I certainly rise in support of the Brown substitute and particularly the provisions relating to the NASA administration. As I mentioned in the general debate, while H.R. 3322 maintains full funding for the space station and biomedical research; I am grateful for that; I like that part of it; I have been troubled by some of the other cuts to NASA though in the bill, and I am pleased that the Brown substitute would correct these problems. First, the substitute funds NASA at the level of the President's request, $13.8 billion. It is a reasonable funding level, maintaining our commitment to NASA's programs and its dedicated personnel while at the same time continuing our commitment to deficit reduction. It is not a budget buster, and in fact the level of NASA funding contained in the Brown substitute and in the President's request is almost $100 million below the fiscal year 1996 appropriation for NASA. Second, the Brown substitute fully funds the space station as well as the biomedical research that I believe will develop and develop into very important benefits to all of our citizens, young and old. So I am pleased that NASA and the National Institutes of Health are working together effectively on a wide range of cooperative research activities, and the Brown substitute will allow that significant research to continue. Third, the Brown substitute will restore funding that was cut from a number of critical accounts. In addition to the funding for Mission to Planet Earth, which I am sure other Members have addressed or will address, the Brown substitute restores funding for the Advanced Subsonic Aeronautical Research Program. The funding will allow NASA to continue several things, among them research to address safety concerns relating to aging aircraft, collaborative initiatives with the Federal Aviation Administration to improve the safety and efficiency of the Nation's air traffic management system, R&D to develop the technologies for quieter, more fuel efficient aircraft, R&D for general aviation commuter aircraft. Mr. Chairman, the Brown substitute also restores the funding that was cut from NASA's personnel account, and I have addressed that, and it was very well addressed, and the NASA comptroller had already stated that the proposed cuts to the salaries and expense accounts would result in furloughs at the NASA centers, something that I believe no Member of Congress wants to impose on the hard-working employees of the space agency. Further, the Brown substitute restores the funding for facilities and maintenance facilities at the center. That is very important. The one- third cut to the maintenance budget contained in H.R. 3322 would hurt the ability of the centers to carry out their missions in a safe and timely manner. So we should not really be making cuts that lead to higher costs down the road, as is usually the case when we cut the deferred maintenance. All in all, Mr. Chairman, the Brown substitute maintains our historic support of the U.S. space program and provides the responsible level of funding for NASA and its activities. I urge my colleagues to support the Brown amendment.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, it is 35 years ago this month, May 5, 1961, that a young man named Alan Shepard became the first American to fly into space. His 15-minute suborbital flight was the first milestone in a journey that has taken Americans to the moon, has led to the development of the world's first reusable spaceship, the space shuttle, and will soon result in American scientists and engineers conducting important research on the international space station. 1515 Our citizens take great pride in what our Nation has achieved in the human space flight, and we look forward to what lies ahead. We have some concerns, of course, about what lies ahead. The U.S. space program is not just about men and women in space. I think ever since the dawn of the space age the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has been pushing back the boundaries of knowledge and sending robotic spacecraft to almost every planet in the solar system, observing other stars and galaxies with space-based observatories and probing the very complexities of our own planet's atmosphere, our oceans, and our climate. I think all of these achievements have been very impressive, but NASA's world class capabilities did not just come out of thin air, they are the result of investments by the American people, and that is why I am troubled a little bit about the bill the Members have before us today. H.R. 3322 represents, in my opinion, a step backward in our support of the space program that has delivered so many benefits to our citizens. I think most of my colleagues know that I consider myself somewhat of a fiscal conservative who is willing to make some tough spending cuts when we have to. In past years, though, I have worked with the chairman and with the ranking Democrat to make these cuts and to streamline the program, and NASA has risen to that challenge. It had an outyear funding plan cut by over one-third over the last 4 years. No one else that I know of has made those type cuts. I could give you examples, but time does not allow me to. I would just say that the gentleman from California [Mr. Brown] will offer an amendment to fix the programs in the NASA authorization that I have outlined, and I think that the American space program is very vital to our future. We ought to give it the resources it needs to carry out the mission.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on May 14, 1871, an earnest group of east Texas Christians established the First Baptist Church of Gainesville, TX. On Sunday, May 19, 1996, First Baptist Church will celebrate its 125th anniverary--a testament to the hard work and dedication of its congregations and its pastors and to the ministry that First Baptist Church has provided in Gainesville and in Cooke County for more than a century. From its humble beginning amid frontier surroundings, First Baptist Church has flourished through both good times and bad. The church's 44 founding members--some of whose ancestors are part of the present congregation--would be proud to see their church grow to its current roster of approximately 2,000 members. The church has occupied three buildings throughout its history. The first was destroyed by fire, and the second was replaced by the current facility in 1952. Since that time, as the congregation has continued to grow, the church has expanded to encompass a full city block and portions of two others. There have been 32 pastors of First Baptist Church, including the present pastor, Dr. Bennie Slack. First Baptist Church has always had an active ministry. The church was active in helping meet the needs of members of the armed services, during World War II. Its leaders were instrumental in organizing the current food collection program for Cooke County, and its congregation continues to support a strong missions program. First Baptist has a large and active youth group, a strong senior adult group, large choir, and strong music program--in addition to many other activities and programs for members of all ages. Mr. Speaker, religious freedom was a principle upon which our Nation was established. Our Founding Fathers--and the founding members of First Baptist Church--would be proud to see this principle flourishing today in the churches of America and in communities like Gainesville, TX. Likewise, the present church members look back in appreciation for their rich heritage and for the hard work and dedication of all those who have come before them. They also look to the future--to the ministry and the opportunities for service in the years to come. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege as the Representative for the Fourth District of Texas to pay tribute to the First Baptist Church of Gainesville on the occasion of its 125th anniversary, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our best wishes to the First Baptist Church for a future that will be as blessed as its past.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a longtime civic and political leader from east Texas--Ruby Irene Worthen of Terrell--who died recently at the age of 95. Mrs. Worthen was an outstanding citizen who devoted a lifetime to helping those in her community, and she will be missed by all those who knew her. Born on Jan. 22, 1901, Mrs. Worthen served her community as a teacher, home demonstration agent for the Texas A&M Extension Service, real estate agent, and as a moving force in community activities in Terrell--especially in the development of services for senior citizens. On her 95th birthday this year, the Kaufman County Commissioners' Court recognized her life of dedication to others by proclaiming the day as Ruby M. Worthen Day in Kaufman County. The proclamation noted her many accomplishments and contributions to the community and stated that ``she is perhaps most widely known and highly acclaimed as a loving and selfless caregiver to anyone in need, having provided meals and a place to live for many through the years.'' Mrs. Worthen was active in the Democratic Party. She taught the senior adult ladies Sunday school class at the First Baptist Church for several years. She also was active in the AARP. Mrs. Worthen was preceded in death by her husband, Don; a sister, Idella Coffman; and a brother, T.O. Mashburn. She is survived by a brother, Eugene Mashburn of Dallas, a sister, Thelma Mashburn of Terrell, and other relatives and friends. She was well-loved and well- respected in Terrell, and she will be missed by all those who knew her. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to pay a final tribute to this outstanding community leader, Ruby Irene Worthen of Terrell, TX.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a young Texas hero--Jose Rios, a 17-year-old who rescued a young boy from a house fire before tragically losing his own life during another heroic effort to save the life of the boy's brother. There are no words to adequately express our sorrow when one so young, acting in such a courageous manner, should be taken so tragically. To his family and friends in the small community of Royse City, where he lived, he is a genuine hero. And as is common in small communities across America when tragedy strikes, the citizens of Royse City have united in their efforts to help the families of the victims and to make sure that Jose Rios will forever be remembered for his selfless act of courage. Early in the morning of February 20, 1996, a fire broke out from a space heater in the bedroom shared by 11-year-old Aron Carreon and his 7-year-old brother, Ramon. Jose observed the fire coming from his neighbors' house and rushed over to help. He broke through the bedroom window and carried the wheelchair-bound Ramon to safety, apparently with the assistance of Ramon's brother, Aron. Without stopping to think of his own safety, Jose rushed back into the burning house in an effort to save Aron, but he was overtaken by smoke. Rescue efforts by the local fire department ended in vain. Both Jose and Aron died of smoke inhalation. Jose was a student at Royse City High School. Principal Ruth Cherry said, ``He's a hero. He helped a lot of the students who are new from Mexico. We'll miss him. I'm so happy to have known him.'' Aron was a student at Royse City Elementary School, where Principal Gary Evers described him as a ``wonderful boy'' who was respected and loved by everyone. Royse City has been deeply moved by this act of courage and by the premature deaths of these two young boys. The story was carried in area newspapers. A memorial fund was established. There are plans for a permanent memorial. Jose Rios deserves this recognition, Mr. Speaker, and he deserves our respect. So as we adjourn today, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to this courageous young Texan, Jose Rios, and to his young neighbor, Aaron Carreon, who died along with him. They will be missed by all those in Royse City who knew and loved them. And they will be remembered. Jose Rios will be remembered as a genuine hero, one who gave his life to save the life of another. Mr. Speaker, Jose Rios is a hero for all times.

Mr. HALL of Texas

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

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would say to the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Barton], the leader and the original sponsor of this amendment, that we need to reduce this down to its easiest terms to understand. It is not tough. It is really simple. It is just, simply, do you want half the Members on this floor to be able to raise your taxes, or do you want it to require two-thirds. We have de minimis and all these other one-way roads and explanations and diversions and questionings, and we will have speeches about it later in the day, but it narrows right down to whether or not we want half the people to be able to put taxes on us to where they can have more spending, or we want it to require two-thirds. The gentleman from New York [Mr. Solomon] and I were here when they passed the so-called Tax Reform Act of 1986. It was an act that he simply wanted, the President, President Reagan wanted an act. He wanted a Tax Reform Act. The Committee on Ways and Means chairman wanted a Tax Reform Act. They got together on a Tax Reform Act. We passed it. I think of the two, only one of them really understood it. I am sorry to say that was not President Reagan. We got the sorriest act that has ever been passed on the floor of this Congress, that set this country back so far. That would not have happened if your amendment, I would say if the gentleman from Arizona [Mr. Shadegg] had been here, and the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Barton], if his amendment had been passed, that would not have taken place. It took place right at the break of day when people were trying to go home. This protects people against those of us who are trying to go home; stay here and work, and require a two-thirds majority. I thank the gentleman for his tenacity and the tenacity he will set forth in the future if we fail today.

Mr. HALL of Texas. I think also, Mr. Speaker, that it might be pointed out: I think that same poll that was conducted indicated not just people that are out of work or that are looking for work, Democrats or Republicans, support this. I think that same poll showed that among Federal employees who already have a job, that 68 percent of those supported the supermajority, and I think it also should be pointed out that union members, who historically have voted Democratic, have indicated that 71 percent of the union members polled supported the supermajority. So while we up here on the floor of Congress try to shoot an arrow that hits the taxpayer and misses the voter, let me tell you we are hitting both of them and this is a chance for the voters and the taxpayers to have a shield, and I think the gentleman from Fort Worth probably agrees with that.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, of course, is tax day for millions of Americans. It is also tax day for Congress. I think what we do in the next few hours will send a message to all the hard-working Americans all across the country. It will either give Americans some hope for the future, some hope for tax relief, or it will give them nothing but the status quo. In the next few hours, we will have an opportunity to vote in support of House Joint Resolution 159, the tax limitation amendment to the Constitution. This amendment would require a two-thirds, a supermajority vote in the House and Senate for any bill that would raise Federal taxes. If a two-thirds requirement had been in place over the past 15 years, major tax increases in the years 1982, 1984, 1987, 1990, and 1993 would have failed. It does not mean we would not have had a tax bill, but it would have been a more sensible tax bill. It would have been sent back and reworked and we would have had more cuts in spending and less taxes on the backs of the American people. This is a much higher standard than a simple majority vote and a standard that would be far more representative of the wishes of the American people. Most of us here in Congress, like most Americans, support efforts to balance the Federal budget, and last year Members of the House went on record to pass a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. Now today we have another opportunity to show where we stand on an issue that will affect everyone in this country. Most of us, like most Americans, most of us Members of Congress believe that taxes are either too high or they are high enough, and today we have an opportunity to vote on a bill that would offer some protection to the American taxpayer by making it more difficult to raise Federal taxes. Hopefully the balanced budget amendment will pass the Senate this year and go all the way to the statehouse and to the States for ratification. Following ratification of the amendment, Congress would be obligated to produce balanced budgets. Now if the vote falls short, which some people predict that it might do and we have to know that anything can happen on the floor of this house, if we do not have enough contact from the people of America to those who stand on this floor and represent them here as their Member of Congress, it is possible that we will not pass this day, this time this bill. But I think we will accept the lessons of history and consider this another step in the right direction. If I know the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Barton, and the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Pete Geren, and the gentleman from Arizona, Mr. Shadegg, as well as I know them, they will be back again and again. It took 13 years for the balanced budget amendment and the line item veto, but it is here and this will follow. Mr. Speaker, I believe that we can pass it this day. I think if history is any indication and if we listen to the people, that is exactly what we ought to do. So on this historic day, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be an original cosponsor of the tax limitation amendment, along with Mr. Barton, Mr. Shadegg, and Mr. Pete Geren. They have worked tirelessly. I do not know of anyone who has worked harder than those men and their staffs throughout this legislation. The grassroots response have been enormous. On this historic tax day, I think Americans are watching to see where Congress stands on this important issue. I think we need to show the American people that we stand with them. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of House Joint Resolution 1759, the tax limitation amendment. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this is not a difficult issue at all. It is rather simple actually. It just gets down to this, as to whether or not in order to raise people's taxes, we want a simple majority to do it, or do we want to make it a little bit tougher and require two- thirds? I think most Americans filing their tax returns today firmly believe that they are paying too much in taxes at all levels of government. These hard-working Americans are tired of a tax and spend Federal Government. They want some financial accountability. Let me issue a challenge to every Member of this body: When you go home, look into the face of the first 15 of your constituents you see, and ask them a simple question: Would you like me to make it a little tougher for those folks up there to raise your taxes or not. I challenge you to do that. I assure you that you will get 15 out of 15 that will tell you, Yes, I would. We are paying too much taxes. We want more return for your tax dollars. We don't want higher taxes. Mr. Speaker, that is why I rise today as a cosponsor, along with the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Barton, the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Pete Geren, and the gentleman from Arizona, Mr. Shadegg, in support of this. A year ago we announced the sponsorship of this legislation, and the leadership made good on its promise to allow us a vote on this bill on tax day. Today we have an opportunity I think to show the American taxpayer where we stand on this issue. For the first time in many year this Congress has focused on efforts to achieve a balanced budget and decrease taxes at the same time. These are goals that many of us have worked on forever since we have been elected to Congress. Last year the House passed an historic balanced budget amendment to the constitution, and now we are asking our colleagues' support of the tax limitation amendment, which will further ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability in Federal Government. This amendment will help make sure that future Congresses continue to focus on slowing the government and slowing the spending at the Federal Government, rather than increasing taxes as the means to balance the budget. If history teaches us anything, Congress will always be tempted to raise taxes, especially if a balanced budget becomes a constitutional mandate. While raising taxes may eventually be necessary, this important issue should not be resolved by a simple majority vote. The tax limitation amendment would not make it impossible to raise taxes, it would simply make it more difficult. Each of those 15 constituents that you talk to and ask whether or not they want it to be more difficult for us to raise their taxes, they are going to tell you yes, make it as difficult as you possibly can. A two-thirds vote, 290 votes in the House and 67 in the Senate, is a lot higher standard, one that would afford more protection for the American taxpayer. I think certainly, as has been noted, the two-thirds requirement can be waived in the event of a declared war or military conflict that threatens national security. Mr. Speaker, fairness in taxation is an issue upon which this Nation was founded. The tax limitation amendment would help restore this fairness. We can go to the polls if we want to. Seventy-three percent of registered voters support a two-thirds supermajority; 72 percent believe there is no need to raise taxes. Sixty-four percent of the Democrats said support the supermajority. Sixty-eight percent of the Federal employees and 71 percent of union workers said support this amendment.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege for me to pay tribute today to a legendary educator and outstanding citizen from the Fourth District of Texas--Millard Lee Brent, who died recently at the age of 83. Throughout his life Millard Brent was a prominent and respected figure in Dodd City, and he leaves behind a legacy of accomplishment that will be remembered for years to come. A native of Dodd City, Millard Brent was born on October 22, 1912, to Ada Finley and Lee William Brent, and devoted much of his life to education. He received a bachelor's degree from Austin College in 1939, a master's degree from East Texas State University in 1951, and was an educator for 46 years. He served as superintendent of Dodd City schools from 1947 to 1962, was superintendent of Fannin County schools from 1962 to 1979, and in 1979 received the Fannin County Teacher of the Year Award. He then served on the board of directors of region 10 on State education from 1979 to 1988. Millard also devoted much of his time in service to his community and county. He served as president of the Bonham Lions Club and president of the Fort Inglish Society. He served on the board of directors of the American Lung Association of the Dallas area, the Friends of Sam Rayburn Board, the Fannin County Fair Board, the board of the Fannin County Teachers Federal Credit Union, and the Board of Resolution, Conservation and Development. Millard was a member of the Dodd City Masonic Lodge, past Master, 32d degree Mason, Sherman Scottish Rite, and Denison County Commandry, and was an elder of the Dodd City Church of Christ. He received the Texas Historical Commission Award from Governor Dolph Briscoe and received the Fannin County Farmer Award for Outstanding Conservation. Millard was married to Evalyn Opal Doan, who preceded him in death. Surviving are his son, Dr. Millard Brent of Sherman; brothers, George Brent of Bonham and C.J. Brent of Lannius; sister, Madeline Veal of Dallas; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Speaker, Millard Brent devoted his life to the betterment of his community and to the noble cause of education. His influence was felt in every aspect of his community and county, and there is no way to measure the good that he accomplished. As we adjourn today, I join his family and many friends in paying our last respects to this outstanding individual.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, one of the privileges that I have most enjoyed as a Member of the House of Representatives is the opportunity to offer assistance to the hundreds of veterans who reside in the Fourth District of Texas, and today I would like to recognize and pay tribute to someone who has devoted countless hours in this cause--Dorothy Bateman Barnes, whose exemplary service as the Van Zandt County Veterans Service Officer has earned her the respect and gratitude of those veterans who have called on her for help. ``Dottie'' Barnes was appointed to the veterans post in August, 1984. A native of Wills Point in Van Zandt County, she contributed to the war effort in the 1940's while working in the accounting office of North American Aviation. Years of Federal Government service followed, the last 7 with the Department of Defense. Her late husband, Maj. (Ret.) Matthew J. Barnes, was a veteran of World War II and the Korean war, and was wounded in the Korean war and left for dead but managed to escape. This ordeal gave Mrs. Barnes a heightened awareness of veterans' needs and an empathy for their plight. Known for her dedication, professionalism, and long hours of service, Mrs. Barnes was presented the Outstanding Veterans Service Officer of the Year award for the Dallas Region in 1991, having been selected from 200 officers for the annual award. Commenting on the award, she stated, ``My main purpose in life is serving the veterans of this county and anybody else who walks through my door.'' In addition, she was given a Distinguished Service Ward by the United States Marine Corps League and has received frequent commendations from the Van Zandt County Judges and Commissioners. The county's consultant on the Americans With Disabilities Act stated that Mrs. Barnes ``may be one of the best veterans services officers in the country.'' Veterans Service Officers routinely provide an array of assistance to veterans--including compensation and pension matters, hospitalization, insurance, transportation, education, G.I. home and farm loans, disability retirement, military records, and others. Mrs. Barnes provides all these services--and more. She works long hours and takes paperwork home with her at night in an effort to provide efficient service to those in need. She organized the first veterans' health screening clinic in the area, which continues to be an overwhelming success. In addition to the long hours that she devotes to veterans, Mrs. Barnes somehow finds time for a number of other worthy causes. She is a member of both the Canton and Wills Point Chambers of Commerce, a member of the Business and Professional Women's Club, holds lifetime memberships in the Wills Point Historical Society, the Van Zandt County Genealogical Society, and the Van Zandt County Friends of the Library. She served as chairman of the Van Zandt County Historical Commission for a number of years, is the current vice-chairman, and was chairman of the county's Sesquicentennial Committee. She is also a certified nursing home ombudsman and is chairman of the Selective Service Board for the East Texas area. In recognition of her outstanding service to the county, Mrs. Barnes was named Van Zandt County Citizens of the Year in 1987. She also received an Award of Achievement and Appreciation from the Wills Point Chamber of Commerce and was given an Award of Merit for Outstanding Achievements from the Genealogical Society. Mr. Speaker, Van Zandt County is truly fortunate to have a veterans service officer with the depth of experience, compassion, and integrity that Mrs. Barness brings to her job--and a citizen so devoted to community service. Dorothy Barnes embodies the highest ideals of both government service and civic responsibility, and she deserves our profound gratitude and respect. I ask my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute to this outstanding American.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a loyal Democrat and community volunteer, Lillian Mae Breckel of Tyler, TX, who died recently at the age of 92. She devoted a lifetime of service to the causes she embraced--particularly the Smith County Democratic Party and her church--and she leaves behind a legacy of accomplishment and a loving family. Mrs. Breckel was an active member of the Smith County Democrats. She served on the party's membership committee, was an alternate delegate to State conventions, and was a member of the Women's Democratic Organization. She believed so completely in the democratic process that she was willing to place her name on the ballot, running for State representative from District IV and as a candidate for the Tyler City Council and mayor. It is testimony to her devotion that officers of the Smith County Democratic Party served as honorary pallbearers at her funeral. She also was devoted to her church. She helped organize Trinity Baptist Church, York Baptist Church, and Dill City First Baptist Church. She was church pianist for each of these churches, taught Sunday School, and also served as chairman of the finance committee of the Smith County Baptist Association. Her community involvement extended to other worthwhile causes. She served on the volunteer council for Denton State School and served as past-president of the American Businesswomen's Association, past oracle of Royal Neighbors of America, and past noble grand of Tyler Rebekah Lodge 142. Wherever she volunteered her talents, Mrs. Breckel's presence was felt--and will be missed. Most of all, her pride and happiness came from her family--some of whom visited with me and Mary Ellen in our Rockwall home. She is survived by her son, Henry Austin Breckel of Dallas; daughter and son-in-law, Kathlea and Richard Florey of Tyler; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of her family and many friends who loved her, I ask my colleagues to join me today in paying our last respects to this outstanding citizen--Lillian Mae Breckel.