Robin Hayes

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise this morning to salute the brave men and women in my district and around the Nation who graciously offer their time, compassion and lifesaving skills to fellow citizens in their time of greatest need. Volunteer firefighters and rescue squad personnel provide essential services to our communities. A Scotland County volunteer, James Rupard, recently made me aware of a mileage reimbursement problem that was causing a financial burden on our local first responders. The Volunteer Emergency Responder Fair Mileage Act seeks to give our volunteer emergency first responders a mileage reimbursement for use of their personal vehicles that reflects the critical service they provide. Our volunteer first responders don't have a choice in their driving distance when an emergency occurs. They also don't have the luxury of choosing times or convenience when duty calls. I feel that raising this rate is a way to keep critical volunteers from having undue financial hardship, and it reflects the contribution they make to our communities. I urge my colleagues to support volunteer first responders in their districts by cosponsoring the Volunteer Emergency Responder Fair Mileage Act.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise before you today to congratulate 13 distinguished businesses in North Carolina's Eighth District that have served their communities and their country for more than 100 years. Not only do these businesses provide valuable jobs in our community, but they also illustrate North Carolina's rich tradition of entrepreneurship and the importance of family-owned businesses. I congratulate the following businesses for their many contributions: Norton Doors, Moose Drug Company, Eaton Corporation, Mt. Pleasant Hardware & Milling, Efird Marble and Granite, Dunn Manufacturing Company, Coffing Hoists, Woodmen of the World Insurance, Miller Lumber Company of Mt. Pleasant, Wall Safety Products, Pass & Seymour/Legrand, Tuscarora Yarns, Incorporated, and Bonsal American. Small businesses like these remain pillars in our community because of their commitment to producing quality products and advancing award- winning customer service. I commend the owners and employees of these firms for their contribution to the American economy and their pledge to producing and selling quality and innovative products.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Chairman, thank you for yielding time. Your commitment to our troops is unmatched. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Mr. Speaker, said we are all entitled to our own opinions, but he went on to say we are not entitled to our own facts. Facts have been badly set aside today. Oversight? 92 hearings, 42 full committee, 52 subcommittee and others. Anyone that did not have oversight or was not fully informed simply had other priorities. And that is an option in the People's House. But the information was there, publicly exposed. And other information was readily available. Generals? Six generals have spoken out. In America we are free. We can speak out. But the facts are that in the Army alone there are 11 4- stars, 53 3-stars, in the Air Force 11 4-stars, 38 3-stars and numerous others who take exception to the quotes that have been misstated here tonight. This is a war against terrorists. Terror is a tactic. Here are 27 pages and 191 incidents since 1961 where Americans have died at the hands, the bombs or other devices of terrorists. Make no mistake about it. Terrorists have a goal, and it is to destroy freedom, America, all of us who live free. That is their goal. This is not about territory. This is not about negotiation. Our men and women have served us admirably, courageously and well. The progress was well documented by a release from Zarqawi himself this morning. The war for terrorists is going poorly, an incredible sign of progress. And I have been to Iraq and Afghanistan many, times Mr. Speaker. But on the floor of this House, just last week, I looked into the gallery, right there, and there sat seven members of Parliament from Afghanistan. I went up to speak to them, and as I walked down the steps, they saw me coming and they said, we had dinner with you in Afghanistan last week. Members of Parliament here in America looking at the People's House seeing how freedom, liberty, justice and the rule of law is made and administered. Remarkable, remarkable progress, Mr. Speaker. I am so proud of the men and women who are making this possible around the world. And I guess I should close by saying redeployment? What is that? It is cut and run. It is snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Sam Adams, several hundred years ago, spoke to this when he said, ``if you love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest for freedom, go from us in peace. We ask not your counsel or your arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you, and may posterity forget that you were our countryman.'' Mr. Speaker, God has blessed this country with men and women who wear the uniform, make us proud and make us free. Our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to them and their families.

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend the gentleman from North Carolina for yielding and I rise today to engage in this discussion on Iraq. But I don't think this is solely a discussion on Iraq because what happens in Iraq will have far-sweeping ramifications across the Middle East and around the world. When I am asked about a time line for removing our troops, my answer is not a day more than we need to ensure victory. We could leave tomorrow. We could set an arbitrary deadline, 6 months, a year, and tell the terrorists how long they need to stick it out before we leave. But what would the ramifications of that be? Unfortunately, I think there is a perception in this country that we are fighting a broad-based resistance from the Iraqi people, and we are not. Iraqis and their new government want to have a peaceful, free and democratic existence. I don't think it is a coincidence that violence escalated from the terrorist factions when the new government formed. While the violence in Iraq will not cease overnight, it is apparent to me that real progress has been made in the year since I last talked firsthand to our soldiers in Iraq. One of the most compelling changes made since last year is that Iraqi security forces are coming online and are more involved in planning and executing missions to stop terrorist activity. In a briefing with Special Forces leaders, we learned that more than 30 percent of all day-to-day missions are planned and carried out by the Iraqis themselves. This is significant because it frees our soldiers to focus on capturing and eliminating key figureheads, as evidenced by the recent death of Abu Musab al Zarqawi. There was so much attention on al Zarqawi that the appointment of three security ministers to complete the new Iraqi cabinet was all but missed. The fulfillment of the new government and these three posts in particular is a critical development in securing their nation from internal and external terrorist factions. Mr. Speaker, the key to victory in Iraq is the Iraqi people. As their government forms, as it gains influence, as their military is able to defend the people and the infrastructure, we can continue to pull back. And we should. But we have to ask ourselves what legacy we want to leave behind in this region, because that is the fundamental question we are asking today. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to engage in this discussion on Iraq. But I don't think this is solely a discussion on Iraq, because what happens in Iraq will have far-sweeping ramifications across the Middle East and around the world. When I am asked about a timeline for removing our troops, my answer is not a day more than we need to ensure victory. We could leave tomorrow. We could set an arbitrary deadline--six months, a year--and tell the terrorists how long they need to stick it out before we leave. But what would be the ramifications of that? I recently returned from leading a bipartisan Congressional Delegation trip to Iraq and Afghanistan, where I met with Special Forces troops to assess the training progress of Iraqi security forces as well as met with top Iraqi government leaders to discuss their commitment to building a coalition government and securing their own country. It's been a year since I was last in Iraq. Since that time, I have attended many briefings and received many reports, but seeing our troops and talking with leaders was the most telling status report of all. Unfortunately, I think there is a perception in this country that we are fighting a broad-based resistance from the Iraqi people--and we are not. The Iraqis and their new government want to have a peaceful, free and democratic existence. There has been and continues to be a very small but determined portion of the population in Iraq combined with al Qaeda who are determined to stop freedom at any cost. They will kill indiscriminately and there is no target off limits--coalition forces, police, women, and children. Their goal is to break our resolve with these barbaric acts of terror. The Iraqis who profited under Saddam's regime do not want a free and stable Iraq. Al Qaeda does not want a free and stable Iraq. Freedom is not conducive to their long term goals. Accountability is not conducive to their long term goals. Democracy is not conducive to their long-term goals. Saddam's former loyalists and al Qaeda thrive on poverty, despair, violence and fear. The bottom line is that they cannot afford for freedom to succeed. Conversely, we cannot afford freedom to fail. How detrimental would it be if we wave the white flag to al Qaeda and the Sunni terrorists? Do you think they will allow the people of Iraq to live in freedom and peace? Do you think they will allow the democratic process to continue? A while back, some of my colleagues on the other side of the isle raised a good point--we walked away from Afghanistan following the Soviet withdrawal. What emerged from that void were the Taliban and a safe haven for al Qaeda. Is that what we want the legacy of Iraq to be? If you think we made a mistake in the past, why would we repeat it? If we walk away prematurely, how can we deal with Iran? How can we deal with North Korea? As I said in the beginning, what we do in Iraq will have ramifications across the world for many years. I don't think it is a coincidence that violence escalated from the terrorist factions when the new government formed. While the violence in Iraq will not cease overnight, it is apparent to me that real progress has been made in the year since I last talked first-hand to our soldiers serving in Iraq. One of the most compelling changes made since last year is that Iraqi security forces are coming online and more involved in planning and executing missions to stop terrorist activity. In a briefing with Special Forces leaders, we learned that more than 30 percent of all day-to-day missions are planned and carried out by the Iraqis themselves. This is significant because it frees our soldiers to focus on capturing and eliminating key figureheads, as evidenced by the recent death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Zarqawi was an important leader for al Qaeda and a powerful figure for terrorists around the world--both tactically and symbolically. He was responsible for orchestrating the death of many civilians and coalition soldiers. I don't believe his death will end all violence in Iraq, but his demise is an important psychological boost to the Iraqi people and a blow to those across the world who sympathize with militant extremists and terrorists. The end of one of the most notorious terrorists in the world was a great day for our military forces, but I would point out that our special and regular forces have had many victories that didn't gain media attention or just could not be brought to light due to their sensitive nature--and we all owe our troops a great deal of gratitude for all they do. There was so much attention on Zarqawi that the appointment of three security ministers to complete the new Iraqi cabinet was all but missed. The fulfillment of the new government and these three posts in particular is a critical development to securing their nation from internal and external terrorist factions. Mr. Speaker, the key to victory in Iraq is the Iraqi people. As their government forms; as it gains influence; as their military is able to defend the people and the infrastructure, we can continue to pull back. And we should. But we have to ask ourselves, what legacy we want to leave behind in this region, because that is fundamental question we are asking today.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I am the only person in this Congress that has ever lived on the north slope for over a year. I know what pristine means. If we put you down there in the middle of winter, you would not think pristine. If we put you down in summer, which is 2 weeks in July, with the mosquitos, you would not think pristine, but once you live there and learn to appreciate what has happened there, it becomes pristine, but that should not be the issue. This bill is an insurance policy against dependence on foreign oil. Let us develop this, not to consume it. Let us develop this resource, find out where we are, to have an insurance policy against foreign oil price gougers. Let us give our folks some protection at the pump by filling in this one piece. Again, exploration; not for consumption. Exploration is pressure against foreign oil suppliers now as we develop alternative forms of energy as we increase conservation. I arrived here in a hydrogen car a few minutes ago. I never would have thought that would have happened. That is an alternative. E-85, I have got a bill to do that, again, to take away our dependence, but don't take this piece away from us. It will help us. It is not about consumption; it is about conservation.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Madam Chairman, I thank the chairman for yielding me the time. Madam Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4200. The people who wrote the bill are here in the room, as far as I can tell. Forestry is the dominant land use in my State, covering almost two-thirds of our land. About 10 percent of our timberland is in Federal ownership. H.R. 4200 would give our forestry advisors a badly needed new tool to deal with the types of catastrophes that sometimes visit our forests. Although we do have fires, our forests suffer much greater harm from bugs, like the pine beetle, and from hurricanes like Hugo. Thank God we have not had a visitor like that for some time. Hugo destroyed some $250 million worth of timber. South Carolina suffered similar damage from that storm. The 2000 outbreak of southern pine beetle spread rapidly to over 130,000 acres of non-Federal land, and additional private land in and around Pisgah National Forest and the Biltmore Estate, known as the Cradle of Forestry in America. If the beetle is not controlled quickly, it will easily spread to adjacent lands. Most of this outbreak is on Federal lands, making it extremely important the Forest Service respond quickly to avoid spreading infestations to adjacent healthy non-Federal forests. ``We do not have a year or 2 years'' stated Jim Hefley, a retired forestry professional charged with heading up the committee to address the outbreak. ``We have 120 days to accomplish our work and remove the infested trees.'' This statement was made in November of 2000 as the beetles entered their period of winter dormancy. The Forest Service did not issue their decision to implement treatments until April 16, 2002. This is unconscionably slow. With the authority available under H.R. 4200, the Forest Service could substantially shorten the time frame to move forward with the recovery project down to as little as 60 days if the Forest Service develops an appropriate preapproved practice to deal with southern pine beetles. In the Southeast, we are lucky that our pine forests grow quickly. That is why they make such good wildlife habitat, and why they are the engine of the region's timber economy. Madam Chairman, I urge unanimous support of H.R. 4200.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I would like to add the additional point on the committee's bipartisan and very enthusiastic and aggressive effort to do everything we could for the troops, the advantage to the position on drugs. Not only is the copay zero on mail order drugs, but when you get your pharmaceuticals through the mail, the recipient can get a 90-day supply instead of a 30-day supply. So there are several advantages there. Again, it is a reflection of Mr. Skelton's, Mr. Hunter's, and the committee's desire in a bipartisan fashion to do everything that we possibly and reasonably can for the troops.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Hunter and I thank the minority member, Mr. Skelton, for a truly outstanding piece of bipartisan work. This is all about the men and women in uniform. It reflects the commitment, the dedication, the timing and the absolute perseverance of two fine leaders in our committee in wholeheartedly supporting the incredible effort that our men and women in uniform are putting forward in winning the war on terrorism. I thank them for their hard work and support and their unanimous approval of this bill. I am very proud to have Fort Bragg, the epicenter of the universe, home of Joint Special Operations Command, in my home district. As we are all aware, Special Operations Forces, SOF, are playing an increasingly essential role as we continue to fight and, more importantly, win the war on terror. Due to their importance in winning this fight, the 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review called for a 15 percent increase in Special Operations Forces beginning in fiscal year 2007. This would increase Army Special Forces battalions by one-third, raise SEAL team manning, and grow Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations. Some of the very best ways to begin growing the SOF force is to retain those highly trained individuals already serving under Special Operations and attract like-minded warriors to the command. That is why my provision requiring a DOD study on improving retention of special operators is so essential. I would again like to thank Chairman Hunter and Chairman Saxton of our subcommittee for their support and for working with me on this, and supporting me by including it in the manager's amendment. The report will give us better data on the cost and investment that goes into training and maintaining a special operator. It will include cost of training and how much has been invested in the average SOF operator after two deployments. It will also speak financially to the special operators who have accumulated over 48 months of hostile fire pay and the percentage who have accumulated over 60. I will soon introduce a bill to provide a new retention incentive for Special Forces soldiers, and look forward to continuing to work with Chairman Hunter and my colleagues on this critical national security issue. As we look towards the future, winning the war on terror, securing the freedom for America and other like-minded folks around the world, I want to emphasize this is about every man and woman in uniform whom we are so proud of and appreciate for their service, and for their families' support, and we will continue to say prayers for their continued safety and success. As we look forward to freedom, the shining city on the hill and the best days of America lying ahead, it is the men and women in uniform who protect, defend and make us proud to whom we should look and give thanks every night.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, today I want to congratulate Albemarle, North Carolina, native and ``American Idol'' contestant Kellie Pickler for pursuing her dream and using her God-given talent to sing. Kellie is returning home, but she consistently received some of the highest vote totals of any of the other contestants. And it is easy to understand why. Kellie's charm and talent clearly defined her success each week as Americans tuned in to the most popular show on television. Kellie will be returning home to Stanly County and North Carolina a true idol to many for her performances, her extraordinary singing voice and the grace she personified in front of millions as she represented her community, family and friends. Kellie, we wish you the best. I know that great opportunities lie ahead for you.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, today I want to congratulate Rockingham, North Carolina, native and ``American Idol'' contestant Bucky Covington for pursuing his dream and using his God-given talent to sing. Bucky is returning home, but he quickly established himself as a rising star and a contestant to watch. It's easy to understand why Bucky's strong vocals and love for Country and Southern Rock clearly defined his success each week as Americans tuned in to the most popular show on television. Bucky will be returning home to Richmond County in North Carolina, a true idol to many for his extraordinary singing voice and the charisma he personified in front of millions as he represented his community, family and friends. Bucky, we wish you the best, and I know that great opportunities lie ahead for you.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. I thank the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Westmoreland) for yielding the time. And I want to thank my good friend, Danny Davis, for his kind and most appropriate words about this outstanding and honorable gentleman, Mr. John T. Garrison, Sr. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4688 honors Mayor John T. Garrison, Sr., a good friend and wonderful leader known to his friends and family as simply Tom. Tom served as mayor of Badin from the town's incorporation in 1990 until his passing last October. Tom's 15 years of honorable service as mayor of Badin represented merely a small fraction of his career in public service. Whether it was in the European theater in the Army during World War II where he distinguished himself among his peers earning a battlefield commission and numerous commendations including a Silver Star, or working with volunteer organizations in Stanley County, including among others, an active member of the Committee of Boy Scout Troop 82, serving as president of his local Rotary Chapter in Albemarle, or serving on the Badin Museum and Better Badin Committee, Tom never hesitated to selflessly give his time and talents to causes that bettered his community. We can all look at these accomplishments and know he had lived a full and complete life. In addition to Tom's impressive record of public service, he was a successful professional in real estate and insurance. Most important in Tom's life was his family. He was married to his wife, Anne, until her passing, and together they raised three children, Ellen, John, Jr., and Lenora. Mr. Speaker, Tom Garrison embodies the great American pride and spirit we all desire. He worked tirelessly with his twin brother, Jim, who was very active in State and local politics in efforts to create hope, opportunity and prosperity for the people in the region, the State and the country. I am proud to call Tom a friend and am grateful I had the opportunity to have him also as a neighbor. Tom, like many other champions around the Nation, did not seek public accolades for his efforts. He simply wanted to make the lives of the people in his community the best they could be. The current mayor of Badin, Jim Harrison, put it well when he said, ``Tom was one who could build you up, and no matter how small the task or responsibility, he would make you feel very good about yourself and your importance to the Badin community. It was one of this life's many blessings to have known Tom Garrison.'' Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to join me in saluting this dedicated and honorable man by passing H.R. 4688.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to announce that not one but two talented individuals from the Eighth Congressional District of North Carolina have made it to the final 12 on the hit show ``American Idol.'' Stanly County's Kellie Pickler and Richmond County's Bucky Covington are using their God-given talents to compete and make their dreams come true. Both Kellie and Bucky's communities are pulling for them, watching every week and dialing and texting as many votes as possible to keep them in the competition. Their local newspapers keep everyone informed of their progress on the show and their thoughts when the cameras are turned off. Mr. Speaker, I wish Kelly and Bucky all the best. Even judge Simon Cowell cannot deny their talent and drive to compete.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an individual here with us who has dedicated his life to the service of others in his congregation and in his community. Pastor Steve Owenby is a selfless person who continually exemplifies servant leadership. I want to express my appreciation for his witness and the difference he makes in the lives of others each day, and thank him for being here with us to deliver this morning's prayer. Steve has been married to his loving wife, Donna, for almost 21 years and has three wonderful children, Megan, Josh and Christy. As a young adult, Steve began his life of service in the United States Air Force where he served 4 years honorably. He later felt called to the ministry and attended Liberty University, where he completed his Master of Theology. He is currently the Senior Pastor of Stewartsville Baptist Church in Laurinburg, North Carolina. Stewartsville is a member of the Southern Baptist Convention and currently has about 800 members. It is a vibrant congregation that has a strong focus on missions, to the credit of Pastor Owenby and his family. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in appreciation for Steve's many years of service as he leads his family, congregation, and community. I pray that others may follow his lead so that they too would understand the true meaning of life.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, great and heartwarming news from Iraq. Early this morning, I received an e-mail from a soldier serving in Iraq which provides one small example of how democracy is progressing in Iraq and how our troops along with the Iraqi security forces are making a difference. He wrote: ``The highlight of my day, Election Day, was in south Baghdad, where there were no polling stations in January 2005 and where many Sunnis did not vote in October 2005. I watched as two affluent local sheiks walked into the polling station together holding hands, which is a huge sign of respect here. What was moving about this was one sheik was Shia, the other Sunni. They told me how much they appreciated what the United States had done for them and that they could never repay us. The Sunni said, `We are tired of violence and the fighting that destroys our people and our country; that they would work to make the U.S. proud and that the sacrifices of American soldiers is respected and appreciated.' '' God bless our troops.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I join my friend and colleague, Ms. Foxx, tonight. This morning I paid tribute to our wonderful men and women in uniform for a great win for freedom in Iraq. But tonight, Representative Foxx and I want to pay tribute to a great team, Appalachian State, for a wonderful win in the national championship that they won last night in Division I-AA football. What a thrill it was to watch those young men, their fans, their school administrators, the whole Appalachian community come together through a tough play-off, exhibiting sportsmanship, hard work, commitment, incredible enthusiasm, and to win that game last night. Take nothing away from Northern Iowa, they played hard. They played well. Appalachian prevailed. Seeing the spirit that those young men and women exhibited, coaches, who by the way, ladies and gentlemen, Coach Jerry Moore, the winning coach, was given his first coaching job by our colleague, Coach Osborne. And Coach Moore reflects all of the wonderful qualities of Coach Osborne. By the same token, I thank Representative Foxx for calling attention to my son-in-law, Lonnie Galloway, who coaches there; and I am so proud of him and all of the folks. Mr. Speaker, I now yield to Representative Foxx for some comments.

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for her comments and, again, calling attention to this great victory. My almost 90-year-old mother was there, all my family, except for us. But we were here following the action very closely. We have an Iraqi Marine veteran who plays on that team, number 89, Mr. Stokes. I do not know how Winslow survived without me there to keep her from having a heart attack, and Barbara suffered, too. But, again, my congratulations, heartfelt, and the gentlewoman's as well for such a wonderful performance representing North Carolina, the academic, the athletic, the school community, Boone, and western North Carolina and the mountains. Congratulations to Appalachian. A wonderful victory. I thank them for representing us. Mr. Speaker, I now yield to the gentlewoman from North Carolina.

Mr. HAYES. Go Mountaineers.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Chairman, I thank Mr. Renzi for his very thoughtful amendment, and I thank him for yielding the time. Mr. Chairman, this is about Border Patrol uniforms, the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of this amendment. I know we need to take the necessary steps to ensure the Federal Government is producing sensitive goods such as U.S. Border Patrol uniforms in the United States to help alleviate this national security risk. After reading an Associated Press article in late November, I was shocked to learn that U.S. Border Patrol uniforms are not made in America. The article states that agents and lawmakers are concerned about the consequences if the uniforms for agents charged with combating illegal immigration fall into the hands of criminals or terrorists. The article detailed some of the concerns I have been expressing for some time now. For years now I have been a stalwart for strengthening the Berry amendment, which requires the Department of Defense to give preference to domestically produced and manufactured products, notably clothing, food, fabrics, and specialty medals. Soon I will reintroduce a bill that applies the Berry amendment guidelines to Department of Homeland Security procurement. It is imperative that we remedy this issue to help protect our borders and deter terrorists or criminal acts. Not only is this an issue of national security but it would help our Nation's economic security by maintaining a strong U.S. manufacturing base as well. I commend Mr. Renzi for offering the amendment, and I look forward to working closely with him and my colleagues and the administration to ensure that we are all doing everything that we can to protect America's national security. I urge all my colleagues to support this important amendment.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take the time of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess).

Mr. HAYES. Madam Speaker, this has been a remarkable day in Iraq, and I would like to redirect our attention for a moment to the things that Mr. Osborne outlined. Remarkable, the accomplishments of Iraqi people today. More than 70 percent of their population went to the polls and exercised the right that they have never had before, the right to vote for a democratic government. That vote was courageous. It showed commitment. It showed the resolve of the Iraqi people to take control of their destiny and their future. It was a tremendous step forward for peace, stability in the future of freedom in the Middle East. So I would like to take a part of my time to salute and to call attention to the incredible things that the Iraqis have done today and have committed themselves to do in the future by voting for a free Iraq. But more especially, Madam Speaker, I would like to call attention to the men and women in uniform from America and around the globe in the coalition forces, but especially tonight the American men and women who have made this election possible, who have spoken out, who have given, in many cases, their lives so that Iraqi men and women could vote today and determine their own future. My most sincere thanks and the thanks of a grateful Nation is extended from every quarter today to these men and women who have performed so courageously and so remarkably and have made this day and this election possible. I do not know how we can thank them enough, but it is a privilege for me to stand before the people's House and call attention to these wonderful men and women who represent America and all we stand for: freedom, democracy, equal opportunity. They did it today. What a tribute to them, but especially a tribute to their families, the moms and dads, wives and husbands of those soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines whose lives have been lost in the quest for freedom for people around the world. So as I close, Madam Speaker, thank you for allowing me to speak tonight on behalf of myself, the Eighth Congressional District of North Carolina, the home of Fort Bragg, the 18th Airborne Corps, the 82nd Airborne Division, and all the men and women in uniform. God has blessed America so richly by giving us these men and women who have stood and fought and won for democracy. God bless them all.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Upton) for his time and for dealing with this issue. Today I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 268 regarding oversight of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. With over 1 billion users and counting worldwide, the Internet has quickly become a critical place for individuals, business communities and governments to share and distribute information. Ranging from middle school students researching a paper, to small business owners like Steve Earwood, running the Rockingham Dragway, and using it to promote his business to Ukrainian bloggers that helped start the Orange Revolution which swept Victor Yushenko into office, the Internet has literally changed the world. The Internet was developed in large part by U.S. government research funding to develop new communications networks, starting with a network created by the Department of Defense. Today the Internet is run by private sector interests within the United States under the supervision of a nonprofit entity formed by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Mr. Speaker, there was an initiative to put full control of the Internet into the hands of the United Nations. That is a bad idea. The freedom of the Internet that exists today will be transferred to the discretion of countries like China, Syria, Cuba and Iran. Beyond the concerns with freedom, there are concerns about the U.N. using its control of the Internet as a means to impose new international taxes. Yesterday, a favorable agreement was reached at the United Nations world summit on the information society. However, there remains an effort by some to create a global regulator of the Internet. Mr. Speaker, I support this resolution because we must maintain the integrity of the Internet as this U.S.-developed product has changed the world with its freedom of message and freedom of commerce. To put it in NASCAR terms, if you are the fastest car on the track and leading the race, don't touch it.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to participate in the following votes. If I had been present, I would have voted as follows, November 8, 2005: Rollcall vote 575, on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 302--recognizing and commending the continuing dedication and commitment of employers of the members of the National Guard and the other Reserve components who have been mobilized during the global war on terrorism and in defense of the United States, I would have voted ``yes''. Rollcall vote 576, on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 3770--to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 205 West Washington Street in Knox, IN, as the Grant W. Green Post Office Building, I would have voted ``yes''.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to talk about a lifelong dedicated public servant and friend who has recently passed away. I am referring to John T. Garrison, Sr. To his family and friends he was simply known as Tom. Tom was the only mayor that the town of Badin, North Carolina, has known since its incorporation in 1990. Tom was extremely active in day- to-day operations of the town and with little or no dissent could be described as the number one advocate for this small Stanly County community. In addition to guiding the town of Badin, Tom was also active on numerous boards and commissions throughout the region. Tom served in leadership roles with the Stanly County Visitor and Tourism Bureau, the Rural Planning Organization for Stanly, Anson and parts of Union counties, the Yadkin Pee Dee Lakes Project, the Badin Museum and the Better Badin Committee, and the League of Municipalities. Prior to entering elected public service, Tom served his community in several other ways. He was a Paul Harris Fellow and past chapter president of his local Rotary Club in Albemarle, North Carolina. Tom was also an active member of the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce, Stanly County 2000 Committee, and maybe most importantly, Tom was an active member of the Committee of Boy Scout Troop 82. Mr. Speaker, this great American answered the call to public service at an early age. As a young man, he entered military service and distinguished himself among his peers by earning a battlefield commission, the Silver Star, and numerous other awards and honors as he served his nearly 2 years in the European Theatre of Operations during World War II. Upon returning home, Tom served for 20 additional years in the North Carolina National Guard. Mr. Speaker, most of us would consider that life to be full and complete, but not for Tom. Tom was married to his wife, Anne, until her passing, and brought up three children, Ellen, John, Jr., and Lenora, who combined have five children of their own. Tom also earned a college degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was a successful professional in the real estate and insurance industries as well. Mr. Speaker, as you can see, Tom was extremely dedicated to his family, his community, and our Nation. Mr. Speaker, Tom Garrison embodied the great American pride and spirit that we all desire. He worked tirelessly along with his twin brother, Jim, who was very active in State and local politics, in an effort to create hope, opportunity, and prosperity for the people in his community, region, and State. Mayor Tom Garrison will be remembered by all for his constant championing on behalf of his constituents and his willingness to dedicate his life to public service. I am proud to call Tom a friend and a neighbor, and I deeply regret his passing. Tom, like many other champions around the Nation, did not seek public recognition for his efforts. He simply wanted to make the lives of the people in his community the best they could be.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of this resolution, having recently traveled to Guantanamo Bay with 16 of our Republican and Democrat colleagues. If people around the world knew how well people at Guantanamo Bay are treating prisoners, they would not fall prey to the accusations that some in our Chamber are making. They are all receiving judicial review. If anyone has it rough at Guantanamo, it is the guards. They are constantly harassed and threatened by some of these terrorists. Prisoners tell guards, we know where your families are. We know where your wife is, your children, and we are going to kill them. We were shown an array of handmade weapons used to injure and to kill the guards, if given the chance. They have tried gouging guards' eyes out, sticking their hands in their mouths and ripping them open. One prisoner tried to braid a rope with which he could strangle a guard. There should be no doubt these prisoners will inflict harm or death on Americans, given the chance. Mr. Chairman, our best defense against terrorism is to continue intelligence-gathering. The good news is we are treating them too well. The better news is that because we are treating them like American men and women in uniform, they are giving us the information we need. Support the Rohrabacher amendment.