Robin Hayes

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 703) to designate the regional headquarters building for the National Park Service under construction in Omaha, Nebraska, as the ``Carl T. Curtis National Park Service Midwest Regional Headquarters Building.''

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, S. 703 designates a building under construction in Omaha, Nebraska, as the Carl T. Curtis National Park Service Midwest Regional Headquarters Building. Carl T. Curtis was born near Minden, Nebraska in 1905. Upon graduating from the public schools in Minden, Curtis attended Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska. After his graduation from Nebraska Wesleyan, he taught in the Minden public schools. Carl Curtis never attended law school, but he obtained his law degree by reading the law on his own and passing the bar exam in 1930. He was in private practice until 1939 when he went on to serve Nebraska and the country in Congress for the next 40 years. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for the first of eight successive terms in 1938, and the United States Senate for four terms until 1979. Carl Curtis is the only elected official in the history of Nebraska to win statewide office while losing both Omaha and Lincoln. In Nebraska politics, he was known as a giant killer, defeating two incumbent governors, one former governor, one governor-to-be, and two former House Members. He was chairman of the Republican Conference in the Senate from 1975 until 1979. In Congress, he served on the Committees on Finance, Agriculture, Rules and Space, and led the drive for flood control and irrigation improvements along the Missouri River. He is the author of one book, and the coauthor of a second book, both on public policy. Carl T. Curtis passed away in 2000 and is survived by his wife, Mildred, son Carl, Jr., four grandchildren and five great- grandchildren. This is a fitting tribute to a dedicated public servant, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Omaha, Nebraska (Mr. Terry).

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to another distinguished gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne).

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

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on S. 703, the matter just considered by the House.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Chairman, as a person with an experienced perspective on aviation and the role of aviation in promoting economic investment, I want to thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica), the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), and the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio) for their leadership in working with Members to craft this excellent current legislation which I strongly support. Modernization of the air traffic control system through an innovative financing program that they have included in this bill is very helpful to provide the kind of safety that we seek in our air traffic control. Keeping air traffic control from being privatized is very important. We have done that in this bill. Funding. Providing significant increases in the AIP, Airport Improvement Fund, is important. We have done that. Streamlining provisions which allow for runways and expansion to be accelerated without compromising any of our environmental concerns is in this bill and vitally important to helping alleviate future congestion in the system. All of these and many other provisions included in the bill will strengthen the aviation industry, our transportation system, and will grow our economy for future generations. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the efforts, I appreciate the attention that was paid to the fine personnel who operate the finest and safest air traffic control system in the world, and I appreciate Members' support for this bill.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the rule that will allow for consideration of H.R. 1588, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004. The legislation we have crafted in the Committee on Armed Services is targeted at two of the most critical areas crucial to maintaining a healthy and robust military quality of life and readiness. For the soldiers and airmen in my district at Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base respectively, the ability to adequately care for their families and train for the mission for which they are called are the two issues second to none. I believe this legislation makes significant progress in these areas and will enable our men and women in uniform to continue prosecuting the war on terrorism. A recent trip to Iraq served to strongly reinforce my existing pride in our Nation's war fighters. These brave men and women served with honor and distinction as they liberated a nation. Troops from the Eighth Congressional District of North Carolina have been at the very tip of the spear that ended the dark reign of Saddam Hussein and continue to lead the way in post-conflict resolution in Iraq and Afghanistan. These men and women deserve our support for this rule and the underlying bill. This legislation takes care of our most vital asset, our people. It provides every service member with an average 4.1 percent pay raise. It also boosts military special pay and extends enlisted and reenlistment bonuses. It funds programs to improve living and working facilities on military installations. The bill under consideration indicates we have come a long way since the procurement moratorium of the mid-1990s and are seeing the results of a restoration of national security funding in our victories in Iraq and Afghanistan. I believe we must continue to provide adequate funding for our Nation's military. President Kennedy spent 9 percent of our gross domestic product on national defense. President Ronald Reagan 6 percent. The legislation today spends only 3.4 but is inching upwards; and with the security threats we face today, I believe we must continue moving upward with our defense allocations. I would like to highlight two issues the National Defense Authorization Act addresses which are of particular concern to me. The first is domestic violence. Last year, in the wake of several murders involving soldiers stationed at Fort Bragg, I requested the Committee on Armed Services to conduct a series of fact-finding meetings at Fort Bragg and in the Fayetteville community to examine the problem of domestic violence in the military. Working close with the community and the Defense Task Force on Domestic Violence, we have made progress in implementing their recommendations. The bill before us provides a provision that allows chaplains to work more closely with military families and gives them the maximum flexibility to work with all family members to prevent potentially tragic situations. It also provides funding for travel and transportation for military dependents who are relocating for reasons of personal safety. It provides traditional compensation for victims and additional measures for implementation of the task force recommendations. I commend the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter), the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh), and the subcommittee for their leadership and attention to this matter and look forward to continuing their work to put an end to domestic violence. The National Defense Authorization Act addresses another critical issue, that of fortifying the defense industrial base, ensuring that the DOD purchases products that are made in America. My two top priorities are national and economic security. There is seldom, if ever, a reason that these two goals should be considered mutually exclusive. I have vowed to always work to protect and promote the U.S. manufacturing industry, and this is a perfect opportunity to do so. Strengthening the ``Buy American'' provisions is the right thing to do for our workers and soldiers. Protecting national security is important; economic security is important as well. Mr. Speaker, we debated this bill for 25 hours, and we had a good debate. It is time to support this rule in the underlying rule that supports our men and women in uniform. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the rule that will allow for consideration of H.R. 1588, the National Defense Authorization Bill for Fiscal Year 2004. The legislation that we have crafted in the Armed Services Committee is targeted at two of the most critical areas crucial to maintaining a healthy and robust military--quality of life and readiness. For the soldiers and airmen in my district at Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base respectively, the ability to adequately care for their families and train for the mission for which they are called are the two issues that are second to none. I believe this legislation makes significant progress in these areas and will enable our men and women in uniform to continue prosecuting the war on terrorism. My recent trip to Iraq served to strongly reinforce my pride in our Nation's war fighters. These brave men and women served with honor and distinction as they liberated a nation. Troops from the 8th District of North Carolina have been at the very tip of the spear that ended the dark reign of Saddam Hussein and continue to lead the way in post conflict resolution in Iraq and Afghanistan. These men and women deserve our support for this rule and the underlying bill. This legislation first and foremost takes care of our most vital asset of our military, our people. It provides every service member with an average 4.1 percent pay raise. It also boosts military special pay and extends enlisted and reenlistment bonuses. Furthermore, it funds programs to improve living and working facilities on military installations. The bill under consideration today also indicates that we have come a long way since the procurement moratorium of the mid-1990s, and we are seeing results of the restoration of national security funding in our victories in Iraq and Afghanistan. I believe that we must continue to provide adaqaate funding for our Nation's military. President John F. Kennedy spent 9 percent of American's gross domestic product on defense. President Reagan spent six. The legislation in front of us today spends 3.4 percent and is inching upward. With the national security threats we face today, I believe we must continue moving upward in defense spending. I would also like to take this opportunity to highlight two issues the National Defense Authorization Act for FY04 addresses that are of particular concern to me. The first is domestic violence. Last year, in the wake of several murders involving soldiers stationed at Fort Bragg, I requested that the Armed Services Committee conduct a series of fact- finding meetings at Fort Bragg and in the Fayetteville community to examine the problem of domestic violence in the military. Working closely with folks in the community and the Defense Task Force on Domestic Violence, we have made progress in implementing their recommendations. The bill before us today contains a provision that allows chaplains to work more closely with military families and gives them the maximum flexibility to work with all family members to prevent potentially tragic situations. It also provides funding for travel and transportation for military dependents who are relocating for reasons of personal safety. It provides transitional compensation for victims and additional measures for implementation of the Task Force recommendations. I commend Chairmen Hunter and McHugh and the staff of the Total Force Subcommittee for their leadership and attention to this matter and look forward to continuing to work with them to end domestic violence. The National Defense Authorization Act for 2004 also addresses another critical issue, that of fortifying the defense industrial base, ensuring that the Department of Defense purchases products that are made in America. My top two priorities are national security and economic security. There is seldom, if ever, a reason that these two goals should be considered mutually exclusive. I have vowed to always work to protect and promote the U.S. manufacturing industry and this is a perfect opportunity to do so. Strengthening the ``Buy American'' provisions is the right thing to do for our workers and our soldiers. Protecting our national security is important but it's just as important to protect our economic security here at home. I have worked hard with Chairman Hunter to mandate more accountability on the specialty metals used in all of the components used in DoD projects, ensure that all of the parts of DoD uniforms come from domestic sources, and require the Secretary of Defense to notify Congress in writing of the factors that would ever lead to a decision to waive the domestic sourcing requirement. I am hopeful that our colleagues in the other body will recognize the need to protect U.S. jobs and work with us through the conference process. Mr. Speaker, it is a gross injustice and misfortune that it took the tragedy on September 11th, 2001 to focus the public eye on the need for a more robust defense budget. But I feel that the legislation in front of us today will help our troops accomplish their mission and the Rule that provides for its consideration is fair and effective. We are establishing a clear and strong course to rebuild our Nation's defenses. I urge my colleagues to send a message loud and clear to our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines--that we will strongly support you and give you the resources necessary to perform the mission at hand. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the rule and in favor of H.R. 1588, the National Defense Authorization Bill for Fiscal Year 2004.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me time. I will go back from passion to policy for just a minute. The Miller amendment ignores the forest health crisis in Southern, Midwestern and Eastern forests. I strongly oppose the Miller amendment. In spite of the fact that millions and millions of acres of pristine forests are spoiled each year by large-scale and unnatural insect and disease outbreaks, in this amendment the words ``insect and disease'' do not appear in the text. The Miller amendment would strip out the bug and insect provisions in the Healthy Forests Restoration Act that have given the bill such broad backing with Members from every region and every political orientation. The Miller amendment would transform this nationally focused Healthy Forests Restoration Act into the ``California and Oregon Unhealthy Forests Act.'' Living in the South, where Southern pine beetles and red oak borers have destroyed millions of acres of old-growth forest, or in the Midwest, where the emerald ash borer is raking across America's forests, I am very disappointed by the Miller amendment. Wildfire is an important part of the healthy forests debate, but not the only part. Are western forests inherently more valuable than those east of the Mississippi? The author of the amendment apparently thinks so. Mr. Speaker, I urge a vote against the amendment and support the underlying bill. Are western forests inherently more valuable than those East of the Mississippi? The authors of this amendment apparently think so because no other region gets a thing out of this amendment. Even in the West, massive beetle outbreaks are often the precursor to calamitous wildlife. The beetles kill the trees, and then wildfire burns them, threatening homes and watersheds and wildlife. Vote against this amendment and vote for the base bill which gives a balanced common sense approach to healthy forests.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain Timothy Daniel Aiken of Charlotte, North Carolina. Captain Aiken is one of North Carolina's and America's finest soldiers. His service and dedication to his country and the Army National Guard have garnered him the prestigious General Douglas McArthur Leadership award. This award is designed to recognize company grade officers who best demonstrate the values of General Douglas McArthur, ``duty, honor, and country.'' The McArthur Leadership award is given out annually to 24 armed service personnel. Only six of the 24 go to members of the Army National Guard. Captain Aiken was chosen to receive this distinguished honor because of his ability to motivate others, understand fellow soldiers, inspire teamwork, commitment, and espirit de corps. The criteria determined by the Army to receive this award is rigorous and demanding. Along with the defined selection criteria guidelines, an officer must have intangible aspects of leadership, including people skills, leadership abilities and interpersonal skills. Captain Aiken has committed his life to pursuing these goals for the protection and well-being of the citizens of the United States of America. Captain Aiken started his career July 31, 1984. He received his commission as a 2nd lieutenant in August and quickly rose to the rank of captain with the 30th Engineer Brigade of Charlotte, North Carolina. He is married to Allison Aiken and is the proud father of two daughters, Lauren and Sarah, and a son, Timothy. During his 18 years of service, Captain Aiken has received 17 U.S. decorations and six State awards. He is currently charged with the overall management of the 30th Engineer Brigade's personnel issues, encompassing six subordinate battalions. His time in service has been exemplary, and he has served as an inspirational role model to many. I am honored to bring this fine young soldier to the attention of my colleagues today. Congratulations to Captain Timothy Aiken receiving the Douglas McArthur Leadership award; and I thank him for the dedicated, selfless service to our country.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Congressman Larry Combest for more than 18 years of dedicated service to the 19th District of Texas. As a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, I have appreciated his leadership as the former chairman and his genuine desire to pass sound legislation for America's farmers and ranchers. Larry took an approach to crafting the 2002 farm bill that no other legislator took before--he began holding hearings around the country as well as in Washington, listening to the producers affected by farm policy, asking for concrete ideas and proposals which helped the Committee develop a farm bill that met the needs of our agriculture industry. His ability to work in a fair bipartisan manner allowed the committee to establish a bill that was balanced and supported by members representing many regions of the United States. Throughout the entire process, his tireless efforts did not go unnoticed by his colleagues or America's agriculture sector. When I go home to North Carolina, I hear from my own farmers how much the farm bill has helped their families stay on the farm, and because of the leadership that Larry provided, I know my producers have a safety net that they can count on. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to serve with Larry and I wish him and his family the best in the future. His leadership will be missed but certainly his accomplishments and all of his efforts will not be forgotten. It is again my pleasure to honor congressman Larry Combest for a job well done. He is a great statesman and trusted friend.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. If the gentleman will yield further, earlier tonight we heard our colleagues talk about sending more money back to the States. My first question to the gentleman from South Carolina is, are the States better off if they are allowed to keep their own money and spend it there or are they better off sending it to Washington, us taking part of it and then sending the remains back? What do the people back home tell the gentleman? I bet I know the answer.

Mr. HAYES. I would like to ask the gentleman one more question. Another thing we heard earlier was that we are not helping the States. That is simply not true. Before the gentleman answers my question, let me make one more point. They talk about States who are cutting teachers and education, who are cutting prosecutors, who are cutting prison guards. My State is not cutting those vital services. They have choices to make. I do not want to send money back to States that are making those kinds of decisions. I do not think that is happening. But the gentleman has a chart before him that gives a good illustration of how we in Washington are working to help our States. Would the gentleman describe that to our listeners at home, please?

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for bringing to our attention a vitally important part of our attempt to do everything we can for families in America, to strengthen those families and to provide them with the wherewithal they need to support this great country. The gentleman from South Carolina (Colonel Wilson) did spend time in my district. The gentleman's district and mine are very similar. We have some large cities, Columbia and Charlotte, Fayetteville; but we also have a tremendous amount of rural America that we represent in our districts, and as the gentleman and I spend time listening to our constituents, the themes are clear and consistent. National security and economic security through good jobs are the two issues that are on people's minds. I continue to refer to the gentleman as our colonel because our Armed Forces have distinguished themselves in ways heretofore never known. We are talking about the economy and jobs tonight, not only because it is so vitally important, but because we are in the midst of a period of trial in America, the likes of which we have never seen. September 11, 2001, no one ever thought that would happen. The terror, the horror of that still sticks with us, our people, our families, and, yes, our economy. We are fighting a war on terrorism very successfully, and that is a most appropriate use of the money that our constituents work so hard to earn. That is a big issue as we discuss what tomorrow will be, a jobs creation, economic stimulus package. It is not a complicated matter. Whose money are we here discussing tonight? Are we discussing the government's money? I do not think so. The last time I checked, the government had no money except that money which was sent to us by our people back home. That being true, then the question very simply is, Whom do the people trust to spend that money most wisely? In my case, we do not talk in my district, and I am sure it is the same in my colleague's, that much about Democrats and Republicans, because obviously both constituencies are vitally important; and the Democrats in my district are very conservative. They care about their families. They care about education. They care about jobs. Mr. Speaker, as I and other Members of Congress empower and enable our people at home to keep more of their money to spend on their education, their needs, then that money goes straight into the economy because there is not only a need for services and goods, there is the financial ability to buy those goods and services. Here we have a chart. This is the essence of our discussion tonight, creating new jobs. How do we do it? Fulfilling America's promise of a bright financial future for us, but more especially for future generations. I have a new granddaughter, 3 weeks last Monday night. Members can rest assured, I am concerned about future generations. The package that we are considering and will pass tomorrow creates over a million new jobs. A million new jobs or zero. What is the choice?

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my good friend and colleague, the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson), for yielding time; and if I may, I would like my colleague to yield just a few moments of time to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murphy), who has a very important issue that he wants to raise before we continue to discuss the important issue of how can we in the U.S. Congress allow our folks back home to keep more of their own money.

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I might ask a series of questions, and ask that the chart with the tax breakdown be put up on the easel. The gentleman did a wonderful job of outlining the specific areas in which money would be created and put into the economy. The gentleman indicated all of the different pluses of this stimulus package. I think it would be instructive at this point in time to see where that money comes from. If you would point to the bottom figure, the top 50 percent pays 96.09 percent of the tax bill. So if we are going to give people more of their own money back, we have to go where that money is in order to supply a stimulus, that fuel for the economic engine that creates jobs and creates revenue to drive this wonderful country forward. So I think it is very instructive for people to look at that as we continue this discussion. Earlier our colleagues on the other side of the aisle I think made just a little difference in the way you and I would look at things. Trying to phrase this kindly, we talk about deficits. You and I and the people in Columbia and Concord hate deficits. They and you and I have to balance our checkbook every month. We cannot spend more than we have or serious problems occur. That is not a serious question. That needs to stay on the table. Everybody agrees on that. The question becomes how do we create the revenue so this Federal Government can provide for the national defense of our young men and women who have done so well, and provide for the interstate highway system. There is the answer, we have to go where the money is. But our friends and folks at home would be interested to know that these new budget hawks, these new deficit reduction folks, and I am glad to see their new interest, there was a total a couple of weeks ago that was run up, a total of the amendments that they added to the budget bill. I have not seen it published, but the total of their additions, the folks that want to cut the deficit so and are so alarmed by the deficit, which we all hate, added over $1.6 trillion to that budget. I trust the people at home. I trust them to see through the subterfuge. We talk about stimulating the economy and creating jobs. It is our people using their common sense to solve problems to create jobs and to grow that economy. Do not fall for the tax and spend. They have never seen a tax hike that they did not like here.

Mr. HAYES. I thank the gentleman again for his incredible leadership not only here tonight but back home in South Carolina, not only as a Congressman but as a colonel in our wonderful Armed Forces. I think it is appropriate that we close with our continued pride, support and absolute awe at the way they have conducted themselves. That is so important to the economy, to rid the world of terrorists. The costs that have been incurred, they have created hardships for all of us. But thanks to their ingenuity, their courage, their training, their bravery, their leadership, they have gone in and outthought and outfought a very, very difficult enemy. Now we have, because of their sacrifices, the opportunity to put this economy back on its feet, to put our people at home to work. I hope the McMillens in Hampton County are listening tonight. They are farming pretty hard so they may not be. I hope the folks in Richmond County, in Hoke County, all throughout the eighth district, are listening because they understand from the gentleman's leadership and his presentation the sound, commonsense approach that this jobs growth economic stimulus plan that the gentleman and I and others on this side of the aisle support so strongly, they understand and appreciate what that brings to our districts and to our economy. Mr. Speaker, tonight we have heard the truth in a very clear, in a very concise, and in an understandable fashion. The presentation of the gentleman from South Carolina is responsible for that. I thank the gentleman for serving our country. I thank him for serving this Congress.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of honoring the City of Fayetteville, North Carolina, and the many public and private partners for their participation in organizing the Festival of Flight. The Festival of Flight will be the largest public centennial event in North Carolina and one of only four events nationwide endorsed as a full partner by the United States Centennial of Flight Commission. On December 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright launched mankind's first sustained and controlled flight in a heavier-than-air, engine powered aircraft at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Although the flight only lasted 12 seconds, and covered approximately 120 feet, this achievement fundamentally changed the world. The invention of powered air travel altered the way we fight wars, revolutionized travel and commerce, and fueled technological and scientific innovation. Fayetteville is blessed to be the home of the XVIII Airborne Corps stationed at Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base. These bases are home to some of the most advanced and successful aircraft the world has ever seen. From the A-10 Warthog to C-130 cargo planes, aviation in Fayetteville is an interregnal part of the United States armed forces. The Festival of Flight will highlight both civilian and military aircraft and the continuing evolution in technology. From an arts festival to military and general aviation air shows, the past, present, and future of aviation will be on display to educate the public of the continued importance of aviation. I commend the outstanding work of local leaders and volunteers in the Fayetteville community for their hard work and effort to honor this historic moment in human history. I urge my colleagues to join with me in honoring the Fayetteville, North Carolina, Festival of Flight by supporting H. Con. Res. 58.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to commend Col. Sanford ``Mac'' McLaurin for his valuable service to our nation. On Friday, April 18, 2003, a retirement ceremony in honor of Colonel McLaurin, Staff Director, Corporate Communications, Defense Logistics Agency, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, will be held in recognition of 21 years, 10 months, and 19 days of distinguished service in the United States Air Force. Colonel McLaurin began his military career in 1977 as the Deputy Information Officer at Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina. From there, he went on to be the Radio and Television Station Manager at Galena, Alaska. He held several positions as Chief, Public Affairs and Chief, Plans before becoming the Deputy, Media Relations (SAF/PAM) and Chief of Press Desk in 1995. His last position before coming to DLA was Chief, Air Force News & Information (SAF/PAI), liaison for Air Force News Service, San Antonio, TX, where he supervised 168 employees. Serving an illustrious and most impressive military career, Colonel McLaurin accomplished a great variety of tasks, to include working the evacuation of non-essential Americans in Sierra Leone, Africa, with Special Operation Forces in 1991; working the hostage release out of Lebanon in 1992 (including Terry Anderson); flying with the Presidential mission to Rwanda, Africa, for first water purification system in 1993; serving 3 months in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as Chief of PA--Joint Task Force/Southwest Asia; launching the Air Force's first electronic official newspaper, U.S. Air Force Online News--March 1999; and was instrumental in developing U.S. Air Force Image Express-- receiving video and imagery and supplying it to national media in real time. After completing Student Air War College in 2000, Col. Mack joined DLA. The DLA 21 reorganization of the Agency brought together Public Affairs, Congressional Affairs, Visual Presentations, Visual Communications, Freedom of Information/Privacy Act, Corporate Promotions, and History--all under Corporate Communications and under the capable direction of Colonel McLaurin. As Staff Director, Corporate Communications, Colonel McLaurin has numerous impressive accomplishments under his belt. He established the agency's first electronic official newspaper, DLA Today and Tomorrow. He also developed the Communications Plan and traveled to DLA activities around the globe to deliver a well-received Communications Road Show. He tackled the toughest media and congressional affairs issues and developed a ``Hill Strategy'' plan to aggressively pursue a better working relationship with congress. In addition to a distinguished list of military courses completed, Colonel McLaurin has a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and a Master's in Psychology and Counseling from North Carolina Central University, as well as a Master's in Strategic Studies--from Maxwell A.F.B. Married to Deborah, the McLaurins have two children: Justin, 15 and Maya, 8. I have enjoyed working with Mac the past few years and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. May God bless Col. McLaurin and his family.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the strong commitment and constant leadership of the chairman, and his doing everything, along with our friend, the ranking member of the Committee, to provide the resources in problem-solving for our military that they so richly deserve. Mr. Speaker, it is only fitting and timely that we take time to honor and commend the brave individuals serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Today, as we go about our normal, everyday business, thousands of troops are currently deployed or are already in locations across the globe to protect and safeguard the freedom and liberty we hold so dear. They are nobly answering the call of duty, separated from their families, friends, and loved ones. While putting themselves in harm's way, they seek to root out the evil that we have seen on September 11, 2001, and other terrorist acts of the past few years. Elimination of terrorism and terrorists is their mission. It is clear that they will succeed. Mr. Speaker, just yesterday I was at Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base in my district in North Carolina. There I saw thousands of Reservists preparing to deploy to undisclosed locations. Even though many of the 18th Airborne Corps, the 82nd, and Special Forces have already deployed, the post was a flurry of activity with mobile food tents, additional and temporary PXes, troops sleeping at night on cots in gymnasiums, and soldiers everywhere. As these individuals, many of whom are members of the National Guard and Reserve, prepared to deploy, morale was high and they are ready. I cannot express how proud I am of them and the entire military community in Fayetteville, North Carolina for their service, selfless attitude and sacrifice. Nearly 225,000 members of the Guard and Reserve have been mobilized. It is important to recognize the support the employers of these folks have provided in this mobilization effort. For example, the Right Gear Bicycle Shop in Concord was a two-man small business until the second of the two men were deployed. This is vitally important because of the contribution that half of the workforce of this important small business provides. Yesterday, I and my wife, Barbara, also met with spouses to discuss the impact that mobilization has on families. The support these individuals have provided for their loved ones and the hardships that they are enduring are to be recognized and commended. When they have problems this Congress must do all that it can to solve those problems. Mr. Speaker, the tragic events of September 11, 2001 and prosecuting the global war on terrorism has thrust our Nation's military into the spotlight and called to duty the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. U.S. citizens are rallying behind them in strong support of the harrowing mission they have been called on to perform. While terrorists and dictators seek to weaken the American spirit, their murderous acts instead serve to unite us in a way that has not been seen in decades. The 8th District of North Carolina has long played a key role in our Nation's defense, and I am honored to be able to pay tribute to the brave soldiers, sailors, coasties and Marines in my State and across this wonderful Nation. May God protect them and their families as they fulfill their duty and may He provide them the strength to perform the mission they are called on to do. May God bless and protect our U.S. Armed Forces and the United States of America.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, earlier this year the 8th Congressional District of North Carolina lost one of its strongest advocates, Mr. John Long, the editor and publisher of the Weekly Post in Stanley County. John Long was the epitome of a newspaperman who cared deeply about his local community, whether that local community be the city of Chicago or the city of Locust, North Carolina. Sadly, my friend John Long recently passed away. John grew up in Florida and attended college at Clemson University before taking a job with the Christian Science Monitor, working in their Boston and Chicago bureau. John started as a copy boy but soon became the youngest reporter to ever work for the Monitor. He traveled all over our great country in search of stories. In 1972 he returned to the South and spent time as an editorial writer with The Charlotte News. He has been the editor and publisher of The Weekly Post since its inception. John's articles and columns were widely read and widely respected in Stanley County. As a matter of fact, I would gladly trade a week of national TV interviews for a good mention in one of John's articles. John had a reputation for always doing the right thing in all of his pursuits in life. His time at the newspaper was no different. He was a stickler for accuracy and doing the right thing during his newspaper career. John passed away on a Tuesday, the day they put the paper together, and therefore, the busiest day of the week at The Weekly Post. I am going to miss John, and I know that Stanley County is going to miss John and miss reading his weekly insights. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Pat; three sons, John A. Long, III of Monroe, Matt Long of Raleigh, and Tim Long of Charlotte; daughters Elizabeth Vettorel of Charlotte and Laura Long of Charlotte; four grandchildren; and brother Michael Long of Atlanta. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family for their loss and the community's loss. Though we all felt a bit selfish, I know I speak for a lot of us in the community when I say that after the initial shock of hearing the bad news we all wondered if The Weekly Post was going to continue. I am pleased to note that his wife, Pat, and daughter Laura have pledged to continue publishing. I commend them for their hard work and continued dedication to Stanley County. While his presence in Stanley County will be missed, John's legacy will remain with us forever.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the accomplishments of G. Franklin Crumpler, coroner for Hoke County, North Carolina. Mr. Crumpler holds the distinction of being the longest-serving elected official in North Carolina. In 1960, G. Franklin Crumpler was appointed coroner for Hoke County after the serving coroner moved away. He served the unexpired term for 3 years and then ran for the office to which he was elected and has served in this capacity consecutively for the past 42 years. He is married to the former Dayne Capps and has two sons, a daughter, and 11 grandchildren. Frank and his wife moved to Raeford in April of 1960 and opened a funeral home. Since then they have purchased a funeral home in Red Springs, North Carolina, and are part owners of LaFayette Funeral Home in Fayetteville. Frank was born in nearby Sampson County in 1934 to the late Margaret Bradshaw and Gordon Crumpler. Frank graduated from Clinton High School in Clinton, North Carolina; Cincinnati College of Embalming; and Missouri Auction School in Kansas City, Missouri. He is a funeral service licensee, an auctioneer, and sells insurance. He is a member and lifetime deacon of Raeford Baptist Church, past president and lieutenant governor of Raeford Kiwanis Club of which he was awarded ``Man of the Year.'' He is on the board of directors of Raeford-Hoke Chamber of Commerce and past president of Red Springs Chamber of Commerce. He is also a mason and a Shriner. Please join me in expressing the appreciation of the House to Mr. G. Franklin Crumpler for over 4 decades of dedicated service to the citizens of Hoke County, North Carolina.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention to an important event that took place earlier this week here in our Nation's Capital. On October 8 & 9th, the Center for Spiritual Renewal hosted the National Solemn Assembly at Constitution Hall. During these two days, church, governmental, military and business leaders from around the nation, including many from the D.C. area, came together for a time of prayer and fasting in support of our nation's leaders. Special sessions of prayer were conducted for the President, White House staff, Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, the U.S. Supreme Court and our Governors and state and local leaders. The Assembly, based on the scriptural admonition of Joel 2 and 2 Chronicles 7:14, is to return the Nation's spiritual focus on repentance, reconciliation and revival. Most notably, this meeting and its purpose were scheduled and established before the events of September 11, 2001, and well before any House debate of the Iraqi war resolution was scheduled for these same two days. The Center for Spiritual Renewal, under the leadership of Dr. Robert E. Fisher, has been established to bring before the Church on a continuing basis the primary need for revival and renewal, both personal and corporate. The Center is a non-profit organization that works with all denominations, as well as non-affiliated local churches and ministry agencies to promote an understanding of the need to respond to the move of God through humility, worship and the embodiment of three sequential elements: spiritual integrity, scriptural unity and social responsibility. Mr. Speaker, I wish to commend Dr. Fisher and the Center for Spiritual Renewal for their leadership in the establishment of the National Solemn Assembly, and for their prayerful support of the Members of this body and the many others in positions of leadership within our government.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the Department of Labor's efforts to integrate faith-based and community organizations into employment and training services and encourage the department to continue and expand this initiative. In order to most effectively deliver services, especially in the hardest to reach communities, it is essential that the federal government partner with groups that have credibility in needy neighborhoods. Small community and faith-based organizations have a long-term, personal investment in the community, and are known and trusted to effectively deliver results. This approach is a necessity because for many of our most needy neighborhoods, faith-based and community organizations are frequently the strongest and most dynamic institutions available. Often, in the most distressed neighborhoods, they are not just the best partner, they may be the only partner available to us. I want to recognize the work that has already taken place at the Department of Labor. The Department has created several pilot programs and innovative grant programs designed to better utilize the unique skills of community and faith-based organizations in its employment and training efforts. I urge the Department to continue and expand these efforts and I call on the Senate to pass H.R. 7 to ensure that the Federal government no longer ignores this critical partnership.