Robin Hayes

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Chairman, I would like to share with my colleagues an issue of importance regarding the Energy Star program. Over the last 18 months, the Department of Energy has solicited public comment for proposals to change the criteria applicable to its Energy Star windows, doors, and skylights program. A recent decision by the Department of Energy confirms that no new criteria will be implemented, and the current Energy Star criteria for windows, doors, and skylights will remain in effect. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the DOE for removing from consideration the proposal to change the criteria so that the Department of Energy may more carefully analyze the significance of solar heat again in certain regions of the country. By withdrawing this proposal from consideration, DOE has averted the creation of a government-sanctioned monopoly, and determined that competition is preferred and marketplace forces should prevail. I would also like to commend DOE on their intention to complete additional research concerning technical issues before proposing any future change to the current criteria. Is it my colleague's position that any proposed changes to the criteria for this program by DOE should be based on sound science, should rely on the collective input of stakeholders in the program and, above all, should continue to rely on the marketplace to determine the structure of the industries affected by this program?

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman of the committee, the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Skeen), for all his wonderful work.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, 2 weeks ago the 8th Congressional District of North Carolina lost one of its treasures. Sam Morris was the epitome of a newspaperman who cared deeply about his community, the City of Raeford in Hoke County, North Carolina. Sadly, my friend, Sam Morris, recently passed away. Sam played a number of roles in his community. He was a respected historian, long time newspaperman, prominent civic and political leader, and a leader in the Raeford Presbyterian Church. Sam was the former general manager of the Dickson Press, and a former Raeford City councilman. Additionally, Sam proudly served his State and country as a member of the North Carolina National Guard, rising to the rank of first lieutenant. Sam stepped down from his official role with the Raeford News Journal back in 1982, but kept up his weekly column until the very end. His column, ``Around Town,'' focused on people, social events, weather, politics, and anything else that caught Sam's eye. The column was a widely read and widely respected one in Hoke County. As a matter of fact, I would gladly trade a week of national TV interviews for one good mention in Sam's column. Sam 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. I am going to miss Sam. I know that Hoke County is going to miss Sam and miss reading his weekly insights. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Alice; son, John Arthur Morris of New Bern; daughter, Sarah Morris Moore of Virginia Beach; and four grandchildren. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family for their loss and the community's loss. While his presence in Hoke County will be missed, his legacy will remain with us forever.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the DeFazio- Nethercutt-Thune-Barton amendment. I appreciate very much the effort that our chairman, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica) and the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar) have put into crafting a compromise. Their efforts are well intended and we are moving in the right direction, but the amendment before us today will take their good work and expand it. This will provide true security at a moment's notice, deterrence that will mean something that can be clearly understood and will provide a tremendous boost to both the confidence and the security of the flying public. There are three things I want to mention briefly here. When an airplane leaves the ground, all the passengers and the crew are entirely dependent on the ability of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft. Over 70 percent of the pilots and the majority of the public at large overwhelmingly agree that properly trained pilots should have the opportunity to carry a firearm. If I might address my friend, the gentleman from Minnesota's comments about the training part of the bill. As I understand it, it allows appropriate training for the pilots to be armed. Of course, they will be experienced. They will have proper training. Training for the pilot is far different. This is about someone coming through the cockpit door. This is not about someone unidentified rising in a seat, perhaps coming out of a lavatory. The type of training and level of training is far less and, consequently, in my opinion, far less expensive than it would be to train a sky marshal. At the same time, let me stress that the training they would receive would be appropriate. It would be sufficient, and it would also be very relevant to the task that you hope that they would never be called on to perform. Also, this is volunteer pilots. It increases the number of participants in the program. It is clearly more effective and more helpful than asking passengers to take their shoes off in a random fashion and checking them. A potential terrorist who knows that the pilot is armed and trained to deal with anyone who comes to the door to take over control of that aircraft and uses a weapon, that is a deterrent. That is a real deterrent. Lastly, the amendment will accelerate the training of qualified pilots by requiring TSA to begin training the qualified pilots within 2 months of enacting the legislation. I also might add this keeps the under secretary, who has expressed some disfavor for this project, from stopping it arbitrarily in 2 years. This is a good amendment and it can make a good bill even better. I urge support for the Barton-Thune amendment.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time. The irony today that we stand before this body and ask for the needed resources and assets that our men in uniform need to protect our freedom and our liberty and our heritage, we stand here under the very appropriate words ``In God We Trust,'' but yet a judge in California, with the stroke of a pen, would undo these things that we fight for. I hope that irony is not lost on us today. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule that will allow for consideration of H.R. 5010, the defense appropriations bill for fiscal year 2003. The tragic events of September 11, 2001, have thrust our Nation's military into the spotlight and called to duty the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. Once again, U.S. citizens are rallying behind them in strong support of the harrowing mission they have been called upon to do; and today the United States Congress has a duty to pass this important legislation that will help provide the necessary resources for these brave men and women to do their job. This legislation first and foremost takes care of our most vital asset in the military, our people. It provides every servicemember with a 4.1 percent pay raise. It approves housing allowances for the buy- down of service personnel's out-of-pocket housing expenses from 11.3 to 7.5 percent in 2003. For the soldiers and airmen in my district at Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base, the ability to adequately care for their families and train for the mission for which they are called are the two issues which are second to none. I believe this legislation makes significant progress in these areas. The defense appropriations bill for fiscal year 2003 builds upon our work from last year and continues to reverse the decline of military readiness by funding key operations, maintenance, and training accounts. This financial support devoted to our national security is long in coming. We must adequately provide the men and women from Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base and all of our military personnel who are currently prosecuting the war on terrorism adequate and necessary resources to do their job. I would like to specifically mention that this bill provides some funding for some key capabilities for our U.S. Special Forces, whose anniversary we celebrated last week. While they, alongside members from all our Armed Forces, serve in Afghanistan and all over the world today, we show our support by providing the funding necessary to effectively and safely do their job. The $354.7 billion we are voting on today will help do that. It is targeted at two of the most critical areas crucial to maintaining a quality of life and readiness. Furthermore, this bill funds the development and testing of an effective ballistic missile defense system. Mr. Speaker, it is gross injustice and misfortune that it took the tragedy in September to focus the public eye on the need for a more robust defense budget; but I feel the legislation in front of us takes that step, and the rule provides for its consideration. I urge Members to vote strongly in favor of the 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, but first let me pay particular tribute to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hobson) and the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Olver), chairman and ranking member, who have a keen awareness of the need for the best of military housing and also an aggressive posture towards pursuing and solving the problems that we have faced in the past, and I appreciate their support for that. I rise in strong support of the rule that will allow for consideration of H.R. 5011, the Military Construction Appropriations bill for 2003. This bill provides over $10 billion for military construction projects. Providing adequate housing and facilities for our men and women in uniform enables them to better do their job. Having safe and secure housing allows servicemen and women to know that their families are out of harm's way while they are deployed or serving our country overseas. This assurance is a key component of our Nation's military readiness, and today we take steps to further improve and also to modernize the housing and facilities for our military families. Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight a significant component of the MILCON Appropriations bill which will help all soldiers at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Since I came to Congress, I have been working to secure funds for the Soldier Support Center at Fort Bragg. This center, to be named in honor of General Hugh Shelton, currently recovering from a spinal cord injury, will provide a one-stop in-and-out-processing facility for soldiers at Fort Bragg. Today we take the first step in providing the first half of the funding for this important resource for the epicenter of the universe, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, in addition to providing funds for MILCON, I would also like to take this opportunity to highlight some of the innovative projects to leverage private capital that individual services are currently pursuing. At Fort Bragg in my district in North Carolina, the Army is getting under way with a project called Residential Community Initiative, or RCI. Through RCI, the Army has decided upon a private contractor to build several thousand homes on post and to renovate many, many others. This contractor was awarded a 50-year, multi-million dollar contract and will be responsible for the homes for the next 50 years. I am hopeful that this will create both improved housing for our soldiers and their families but also generate many economic opportunities for the greater Fayetteville community. This innovative way to use private capital to fix some of our most serious family housing problems will provide the best housing for our soldier, the best value for the taxpayer, and maximum benefit for our community. The tragic events of September 11, 2001, have thrust our Nation's military into the spotlight and called to duty the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. Once again, U.S. citizens are rallying behind them in strong support of the harrowing mission that they have been called upon to perform. Our U.S. Congress has the duty and the opportunity to pass the Military Construction Appropriations bill for 2003. Please join me in supporting this rule that enables us to provide the necessary facilities and security for these brave men and women who are protecting us and our country and our freedom. We are ever grateful.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 279 I was detained on the floor by legislative business. Had I voted, I would have voted ``present.''

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to the amendment of my friend the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), and I rise to take a counterposition from my friend the gentleman from Texas. The issue here is safety. The issue is safety as well as security. As an example, Concord Regional Airport in my district will lose if this amendment passes, but that is not the issue. The issue is not losing potential funding alone. The real issue is they will lose their ability to address vital safety needs. The two key components of this bill are increased safety and flexibility for local concerns. The number one concern of any aviator and the public is safety. The presence of air traffic control towers, where appropriate, staffed by competent professionals, greatly increases safety for the flying public, whether commercial or general aviation. Concord Regional is the fourth busiest airport in North Carolina. Local leaders in Concord had the vision to address safety concerns before an accident occurred, and that is what we are talking about here. We have a clear choice: Either we can say to our local governments and leaders, we are going to reward you for thinking ahead, thinking out into the future and addressing vital safety needs of the flying public and the public who are on the ground; or we are going to punish you for doing the things that make sense, for using common sense. I know it is contrary to Washington thinking, but common sense provides that these forward-thinking leaders, wherever they might be, have provided for vital safety concerns, and that is important to America, along with security. Many of the airports that will be eligible under this legislation are located near metropolitan areas. Without guidance from air traffic controllers, pilots are solely responsible for locating and avoiding other aircraft. In the past, a lack of control from towers has often been a major contributing factor in air-to-air collisions, even over residential areas, with damage to ground structures and threat to human lives. The Congress should not penalize airports for taking positive steps to increase safety. These airports built towers to make their operators more efficient and to avoid the dangers associated with congested airspace. Contrary to what has been reported here today, reimbursement of AIP funds for contract towers will not take money away from needed security improvements at airports. In fact, this bill will allow airports to prioritize their safety and security improvements and fund the most significant needs. Funds for reimbursement would come only from entitlement funds, not discretionary spending. Under this bill, airports may not apply for discretionary funds to build, equip or reimburse themselves for contract control towers. In the end we must let local airports, not bureaucrats in Washington, decide how to best utilize the limited entitlement funds from the Airport Improvement Program. I am confident the Administrator at Concord Regional Airport will fund wisely the safety and security needs and concerns of that airport and the flying public. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to oppose the Oberstar amendment.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 364) recognizing the historic significance of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the United States Army Special Forces and honoring the ``Father of the Special Forces'', Colonel Aaron Bank (United States Army, retired) of Mission Viejo, California, for his role in establishing the Army Special Forces, as amended.

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Con. Res. 364, the concurrent resolution under consideration.

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Today, we pay honor and tribute to the fine men and women of our U.S. Army Special Forces and commemorate them on the 50th anniversary of Special Forces this coming Thursday, June 22. Fifty years ago, Colonel Aaron Bank's service in the Office of Strategic Services and his experience leading resistance fighters against Nazi Germany convinced him of the need for permanent elite units in the Armed Forces. He envisioned a force that would specialize in small unit and counterinsurgency tactics, intelligence operations, and the training of indigenous soldiers. As a result of Colonel Bank's efforts, in 1922 the Army created the first permanent special operations force, the 10th Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Colonel Bank became the commander of these soldiers, who are known for their distinctive green berets. Becoming a highly specialized and effective component of our military, the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force have all followed suit in creating special operations units. The Special Forces have helped revolutionize the way we wage war, and they are an integral part in prosecuting the war on terrorism. When I was in Afghanistan a few month ago, I was not only very impressed by the capabilities and effectiveness of Special Forces, but also very touched by their professionalism and positive impact on the Afghan society. These are the key to the security and the future of Afghanistan, and they are doing a fantastic job. Today we honor the sacrifices made by the special operations soldiers of the Armed Forces who have trained hard, served valiantly in battle, and made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, many times in missions so secret that their valor may never be fully acknowledged. It is right that we also express our deep gratitude for the continuing sacrifices of Army Special Forces soldiers, many of whom are based in my district at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and of all other special operation soldiers in the Armed Forces now fighting throughout the world in defense of the freedoms challenged by the heinous events of September 11, 2001. I call on my friends and colleagues to pass this legislation, sending a message loud and clear today to our U.S. Special Forces that your efforts are honored, and your sacrifices are appreciated by this Congress and a truly grateful Nation. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox).

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Bartlett).

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus), who also is a lieutenant colonel, airborne and ranger-qualified in the Army Reserve. (Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, first I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox) for his leadership in helping bring this resolution forward, and also I thank the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Sanchez) for her leadership and interest in this vital project, and the ranking member of our Committee on Armed Services, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton). Their efforts and their time spent in bringing this measure to the floor expeditiously are most appropriate and appreciated. These folks that we honor today, past and present, are first and foremost warriors; but they are also engineers, teachers, and medics. They bring stability and peace to the regions in the areas that they touch. They represent us with incredible distinction and make clear the old adage that simply says, our citizen soldiers clearly recognize the difference between good and evil, and they are not willing to live in a world where evil prevails. In honor of the Airborne, the Special Forces and for Colonel Shimkus, I close by saying simply: Stand up, hook up, shuffle to the door Leap right out and count to four. If your main don't open wide, You got a reserve by your side. Airborne.

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

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of this bill today, the manager's amendment, the substitute by the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas). H.R. 3129 will provide customs with better tools to protect America's borders during this time of war. But specifically, I would like to highlight some of the provisions for the textile industry. Illegal transshipments are some of the most critical issues facing our domestic textile industry, and it is one of the issues that I said should be a part of any debate on trade. I want to thank the chairman and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Crane) for their willingness to work with me and other Members and with the textile industry to address this growing problem of illegal textile transshipments. Without question, one of the greatest threats to our domestic textile industry is the illegal shipment of textile and apparel goods from ports around the world. Our domestic industry can compete on a level playing field, but they cannot compete against a flood of illegal imports. This bill will go far in helping to address the problem. It adds $9.5 million to fight textile transshipment through added staff dedicated to specific geographic areas such as Hong Kong, India, Korea, Mexico, and the Middle East. It includes an additional 50 new staff, including investigators and inspectors. By no means will this solve every problem, but it will be very helpful in fighting the problems of illegal transshipments; and I urge my colleagues' support.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, if I might for a moment revisit the issue of USAir. The Eighth District of North Carolina has a number of USAir employees. I want to reassure them in spite of some of the things that they may have heard, that I and others here are vitally interested, whether they are machinists, pilots, caterers or other people who work at USAir. We worked very, very closely with every aspect of USAir to make certain they had every possible chance to work with us. My colleagues here on the floor heard earlier today a very specific colloquy between the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Moran), the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis), the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf), and the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. Myrick), very specific, about our ability, desire and capability of working with USAir to make sure that there is a proper outcome for those very valuable employees.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, this week, an incredibly brave fighting force will mark its 86th birthday. This fighting unit is the 82nd Airborne Division, which is based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. As the U.S. Congressman for the Eighth District of North Carolina, I am honored to represent these troops and the many others that serve in the Eighth District in North Carolina. In 1917, the 82nd was designated as an infantry division, but became airborne in World War II. As the United States first airborne unit, they have been serving with this distinction ever since. One of the most impressive aspects of the 82nd is their rapid response ability. They can be packed and en route and ready for battle within 18 hours of being called up to duty. I have met with members of the 82nd and seen them in action during their training exercises. If you have any doubt, let me assure you, you want these guys on your side. We live in an uncertain world, a world made even more uncertain by the tragic events of September 11. But in this world of uncertainty, there are a couple of things we can count on. One is when the Commander in Chief calls, the men and women of the 82nd Airborne Division are ready to answer that call. Throughout the storied history of the 82nd Airborne Division, brave young patriots have stood in the breach and sacrificed anything necessary to defend freedom throughout the world. They were among the first units put on the alert after the terrorist attacks of September 11. 3,000 Members of the 82nd have recently been activated to head to Afghanistan. A commander of the 82nd Airborne, General Dan McNeill, will head the new joint task force and will consolidate operations in Afghanistan under one umbrella. I have full faith that those members of the 82nd that will accompany him will serve honorably and effectively. North Carolina, particularly the Eighth District, has long played a key role in our Nation's military forces. Fort Bragg is one of the premier military installations in the world. Some of our finest military personnel are stationed there. As a matter of fact, when President Bush wanted to say thank you to our troops, Fort Bragg is where he went to say thanks. Pope Air Force Base, which I visited a few weeks ago, is another important installation. The odds are pretty good that if the U.S. is involved in a military action, then troops from Fort Bragg and Pope are probably going to be there on the front lines. In addition to celebrating the 82nd birthday, this week is All American Week in Fayetteville, and Memorial Day is just around the corner. These occasions give us reason to celebrate the tremendous job that all our armed forces are doing in waging the war on terrorism. I would like to take a moment to commend some other units from North Carolina that have played an important role in Operation Enduring Freedom. National Guardsmen from across the Eighth District have helped to secure our airports and participated in other homeland defense activities here in North Carolina. The 145th Air Wing of the North Carolina National Guard, based out of Charlotte, has been flying over the skies of Afghanistan. The 211th Military Police Unit has been helping to guard prisoners in Afghanistan awaiting transfer to Guantanamo. The 263rd Combat Communications Squadron has recently returned to Stanley County after serving in Qatar. While we are on the subject of the Eighth District military personnel who are serving with distinction, I should also note that Andrea Quillen was recently named as Airman of the Year. While Airman Quillen is currently serving in South Carolina, she is a native of Fayetteville, and another reason we recognize our North Carolina military pride. Since 1868, when Memorial Day was first established, more than half a million soldiers have died in the course of serving in major wars to defend our freedom. This Memorial Day, May 27, at 3 p.m., the President is encouraging all Americans to take a moment to remember the men and women of our armed forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the liberty that we cherish. I encourage you all to remember these troops and their families in your daily prayers. I think we can all agree that this is more important than ever before as Memorial Day 2002 approaches. Next time you see a soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine, tell him or her thank you for their service. If the individual is a member of the 82nd, you might want to add ``G.I. gravy, G.I. corn, sure am glad that I'm airborne.''

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, today I rise strongly in support of the rule that would allow for consideration of H.R. 4546, the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for 2003. The tragic events of September 11, 2001, have thrust our Nation's military into the spotlight, and called to duty the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. Once again, U.S. citizens are rallying behind them in strong support of the harrowing mission they have been called upon to perform, and today the U.S. Congress has the duty to pass this important legislation that will help provide the necessary resources for these brave men and women to do their job. Where were the Members on September 11? I was in the Pentagon at 8:47 a.m. discussing the defense bill with Secretary of Defense. My question to him that morning was, when will people realize that national security is our number one priority? His answer was to agree and say that it would take a major incident for this to happen. That was 8:47 a.m. on September 11. Mr. Speaker, this rule and the underlying legislation first and foremost take care of the most vital asset in our military: our people. It provides every servicemember with a 4.1 percent pay increase. It also begins a transition program to fully fund concurrent receipt of veterans' disability and retirement pay. It increases housing allowances and boosts special pay while extending enlistment and reenlistment bonuses. The defense authorization bill increases our manpower by nearly 1 percent, the largest single increase since 1986. It builds upon our work last year and continues to reverse the decline of military readiness by funding key operations, maintenance, and training accounts. This financial support devoted to our national security is long in coming. I am proud to say that as a member of the Committee on Armed Services, this legislation will enable our men and women in uniform to continue prosecuting successfully the war on terrorism. The bill in front of us today marks the most significant increase to the defense budget since 1986. It has targeted two of the most critical areas which are crucial to maintaining a healthy and robust military: quality of life and readiness. For the soldiers and airmen in my district, Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina, the ability to adequately care for their families and train for the mission for which they are called are two issues second to none. I believe this legislation makes significant progress in these areas. Furthermore, the bill funds the development and testing of an effective ballistic missile defense system. Mr. Speaker, it is a gross injustice that it took unspeakable tragedies in September to focus the public eye on the need for a more robust defense budget. I feel the legislation in front of us today takes the first step, and the rule provides for consideration and 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 them and give them the resources necessary to perform the mission. Mr. Speaker, before I close, I would also like to pay tribute to my friend and colleague, the chairman of the Committee on Armed Services, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump). He has served honorably, courageously, and effectively. He will be sorely missed. He personifies national security by his service in our military and in our Congress. I say to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump), best wishes and Godspeed. When it comes to defending our country, our families, and our freedom, there is no higher priority than national security. To this end, I think the Marine Corps says it best: We must always be faithful; Semper Fi. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the rule for national security and in favor of H.R. 4546, the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2003. Semper Fi.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, this past February, Scotland County lost one of its finest law enforcement officers. Henry ``Bud'' Gardner was a police officer for 37 years in Laurinburg, North Carolina. Bud served his community with pride and honor and will be missed. The citizens of Laurinburg will always be grateful for his loyal service. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, of 57 years. Barbara and I join the Laurinburg community in prayer for Bud's family and friends during this difficult time.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in tribute to Chief Warrant Officer Stanley L. Harriman of Wade, North Carolina, killed in action as a result of enemy fire during Operation Anaconda. He had been assigned to the Third Special Forces Group in my district at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was the first Army soldier from North Carolina to die in action in the Afghan war. Stanley, a loving husband and father, was a model soldier. Spending more than 16 years in the military, he hoped to complete at least 14 more before he planned to retire. He dedicated his life to the Special Forces and graduated with top honors from warrant officer school. He had been deployed in Haiti, Kuwait, Nigeria, Germany, and for Operation Desert Storm. During his career he earned two Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, and an Army Superior Unit Award, among many others. The accolades of Chief Warrant Officer Harriman's military career speak for themselves. I would like to highlight his strong moral character and dedication to our country. Stanley wanted freedom. He wanted freedom for us and for his children. He believed in the fight to free the world of terrorism. Stan loved his country, and we must not forget the ultimate sacrifice that he made for us and our children. Recently I had the chance to visit Afghanistan and see the outstanding work that the Special Forces have done. Sheila, Barbi, and Christopher, our thoughts, our prayers, and those of a grateful Nation, are with you today.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join Hoke County, North Carolina, in mourning the loss of one of our most respected citizens, Superintendent of Schools Mitch Tyler. At the age of 46, Mitch was taken from us far too early, and we will feel the loss to our community for years to come. Mitch had been superintendent for less than 2 years, but his more than 20 years in education, from the State and university levels to Hoke and Cumberland County, made him a well-known, trusted figure and a respected role model. Mitch, a Robeson County native, started his career in Hoke County. He was a teacher or administrator at West Hoke Elementary, J.W. McLauchlin Elementary and the Turlington School. From 1989 to 1992, he was principal of Hoke County High School. He also worked as a coordinator of Hoke County's Indian education program, a senior assistant to State Superintendent Mike Ward and a director of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke where he was a liaison to region schools. He was a tireless and selfless advocate for children and an enthusiastic consensus-builder encouraging camaraderie, teamwork, and self-respect among teachers and staff. They knew they could trust his word and that he would do things right. Mitch was also a man of faith who served as assistant pastor and Sunday school teacher at Shannon Assembly of God. Today we mourn the loss of Mitch Tyler, a man of great character and a leader who always strived to do what was best for children. Barbara and I join the Hoke County community in prayer for Mitch's wife and two teenage children as they grieve the loss of husband and father. Yet we celebrate the life of one who lived so well. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, due to a scheduling conflict, I was unable to be present for rollcall Nos. 41 and 42. Let the record reflect that, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on each of these votes.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, make no mistake about it, this is a vote for veterans, if one supports the Johnson amendment, which I do; if we vote against it, it is a vote against veterans. The gentleman from Ohio made the case very, very strongly. Their voice. Look at the gentleman from Texas. Look at how he walks. Look at his hand. Do we not want veterans to have free speech at the time of an election when decisions are made? I represent Fort Bragg. My veterans, my soldiers, men and women in uniform appreciate tax cuts as well, because that gives them the freedom and the flexibility and the financial ability to meet the challenges that they face. So please join me in voting for the Johnson amendment which will allow veterans the voice that they need, particularly at election time.