Robin Hayes

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and pay tribute to the Concord High School Spiders men's athletic team for making history by being the first 3A school in North Carolina to win State titles in both men's basketball and football in the same year. The Spiders basketball team, who finished as the runners-up in 2006, defeated Kinston High School 85-79 for the 2007 championship title on March 10. The Spiders football team defeated Western Alamance last December, taking the State championship for the second time in 3 years. Star players on both of Concord's teams include senior guard, Dee Bost, who scored 27 points in the championship game and earned the honor of Most Valuable Player for both basketball and football. Lance Lewis, a starter on the 2004 and 2006 football championship teams, scored 16 points and four rebounds, and was named Concord's Most Outstanding Player in the final. The athletic program at Concord High is one of great tradition that dates back even further than my years of playing there. The nickname Spiders came from the athletic field at the old Concord High School, which was named after Principal and School Superintendent A.S. Webb. Concord's first State title was one in 1929. I am extremely proud of the hard work and dedication of these young men from my hometown of Concord. Congratulations to Coach E.Z. Smith, Coach Andy Poplin and the Concord High men's football and basketball teams on your successful seasons, great teamwork and dual State championship victory.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Congressman Carter, thank you very much for holding this Special Order tonight. I think it is critically important that people be fully informed as to the quality of medical care that is being administered to our troops. You are a true champion for Fort Hood down in Texas. The epicenter of the universe for me is Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina. You and I both spend a tremendous amount of time on this. Nothing is more important to you and I and our staffs and other Members of Congress than the health of every active duty, former, or soon-to-be-retired veteran. Anybody that is connected to the military, there is nothing that we will not do to make sure that their care is the absolute ultimate. You and I both have seen, as has Congressman Poe and others, there have been some revelations at Walter Reed Army Hospital. There have also been two instances at the VA hospital in Salisbury, in my district, where the care was not what you and I would have liked. Medicine is an art as well as a science. You and I and the rest of Congress are committed to making sure that those situations don't ever happen. But I think far more important, particularly in this debate, is the American public see here and realize fully that when you and I travel to Landstuhl, Germany, or Fort Bragg or the Hefner Medical Center or the Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas, the care that these men and women receive from incredibly dedicated, well-trained and committed individuals have saved so many lives on the battlefield. These are the pilots who have flown the medical evacuations in helicopters and C-17 and other aircraft, racing the medical clock back to the U.S., Walter Reed, where incredible medical miracles have been performed, not just because of the advancement of science, but the dedication of the men and women who administer the care. As we talk about this, it is appropriate and necessary that we look under every nook and cranny. And if any Building 18 situation arises, whether it is Walter Reed, Fort Hood, Fort Bragg, whatever the case may be, we want to know about it. We have many Members and staff members who follow this closely. We will move as quickly as we possibly can. We try to stay in front of these situations. General Kiley has resigned. I called for his resignation. You hate to do those kinds of things, but the appropriate people need to take action. Action has been taken. People are aware at different levels that maybe weren't as aware as they should have been before. But at the end of the process, and thank you for bringing this to everyone's attention in a concise and I think important manner, the men and women as we speak around the clock and around the world are doing everything they can, not only to treat our wounded on the battlefield, but to provide preventive care for their wives, children and their parents. Everything that can be done, obviously, is not done every day; but it is not because the desire is not there. When I look at Womack Army Medical Hospital at Fort Bragg, they receive tremendous care. I was recently down there with Adam Smith who is now chairman of the TUTC, which stands for Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Contingencies, to us Special Forces, and he and I toured the medical training facilities where combat medics are trained to respond to battlefield situations. Let me tell you, these men and women have done incredible things. As we move forward, and well we must, you and I and everyone here are going to do everything possible to make sure that care exceeds everyone's expectation. Nothing is more important to this country. They are responsible for the past; they are responsible for the future. Thank God for the men and women in uniform. We will do everything we can to support them. Again, I thank you very much for having this Special Order tonight.

Mr. HAYES. If the gentleman will yield, you just returned from Iraq, literally landed moments ago. You visited Landstuhl. You were downtown in Fallujah and Ramadi. You were in Landstuhl this time, and you have been there before. I just realized that our Speaker tonight, the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps), is a wonderful medical professional in another life. So it points out again and again that care and desire to do the right thing medically, absolutely knows no boundaries here. I remember being in Landstuhl on another trip with Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and she was particularly intrigued by the facilities for premature babies there. So our wounded soldiers are critically important, their families, their children. You spoke of Dr. Snyder, a Democrat from Arkansas, a doctor from Arkansas. Again, my purpose is to reassure people at home, no, we are not perfect, and yes, it was a serious, serious issue at Walter Reed and there are others, but we are willing, able and anxious and ready to deal with those issues. Could you relate some of things you saw in your most recent visit to Landstuhl, which was this morning?

Mr. HAYES. If the gentleman would yield for just a moment, if I might.

Mr. HAYES. We have got a good doctor from Texas, Dr. Burgess, going to join the discussion, and excuse us for overlooking you. You are the most qualified to be here. Duncan and I, I think have been accused of being hit in the head too many times before, but the point is on traumatic brain injury, this is something that has been very, very important. Tomorrow, the private sector, which has been very, very active, Martin Foil from my district, Traumatic Brain Injury Foundation will be here in the foyer of the Rayburn House Office Building, again to help further educate Members on the multiplicity of the implications and complications of brain injury, and all of us here have worked very, very hard for additional funding to do just that.

Mr. HAYES. Congressman Carter, after listening to Dr. Burgess, I just had a couple of more things I wanted to relate because they were so important.

Mr. HAYES. I was telling former Chairman Hunter, Ranking Member Hunter now, that when he and Randy Neugebauer return, we have our Congressional Prayer Caucus that meets every Monday or Tuesday night, just at the beginning of votes, and three young men who were just wounded and brought back from Iraq, we were able to pray for them and will contact their families tonight. Prayer still goes on here in the Halls of Congress, as you well know. We will meet on Wednesday morning. There are a number of organizations, Semper Fi Fund, Fallen Heroes Fund, but there are numerous others where men, women and children are working around the clock again to assist with these wounded veterans. They are doing a fabulous job. As part of this discussion, I wanted to call attention to them. Last but not least, I met a young man at Landstuhl a couple of years ago, Sergeant Danny Metzdorf, 82nd Airborne, all the way, and walked into that room, and you have had the same experience, he looked just like my son. That was what really caught my attention. He had just been wounded there, and I struck up a conversation with him and he hardly remembered that night. But when he got back to Walter Reed, went to visit him a couple of times, got to know his family, had a prosthetic leg, 25, 30 surgeries, just, really, all he thought about, I want to get back with my buddies, back with my unit. Well, that outstanding young soldier, Airborne guy, is now the coordinator and jump master for the Golden Knights. So with that new artificial leg, and these stories are, so, so, many, I want people again to be encouraged, not satisfied, but encouraged that medical treatment is not only available but it is something that is so critically important to us. I was here one day and some contentious issue was going on in the people's House, and I got an emergency, I thought, call. Dan Metzdorf is calling you. Oh my gosh, something has gone wrong, surgery, he had a complication. I immediately left the floor and called him. He said, gosh, there was so much going on, are you doing okay? That is the way our young people are today. They are for America. God bless them all.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, there are many heroes fighting the global war against terrorists, and many from the Eighth District of North Carolina. But today I rise to pay tribute to one hero in particular. Today I am proud to recognize Air Force Staff Sergeant Richard Rose, son of Robyn Rose of Laurinburg, North Carolina. Staff Sergeant Rose, a member of the 1st Combat Camera Squadron at Charleston Air Force Base, served as a Joint Combat Camera photographer with the Multinational Division in Baghdad from May 18 to September 18 of 2006. During this time, Sergeant Rose was attached to several Army units, documenting their daily missions and contributing over 1,000 images of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sergeant Rose primarily shoots with his camera lens, but that changed last summer. During a mission with the 101st Airborne Division Air Assault Unit, insurgents began firing at an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team which was clearing roadside bombs nearby. Richard quickly responded by returning fire with his M4 rifle, which allowed the Explosive Ordnance Team to move to safety. His efforts are credited with helping to save the lives of 56 servicemembers during the attack, and his bravery in this firefight earned him the Bronze Star. I ask that you join me in congratulating Sergeant Richard Rose on being awarded the Bronze Star in defending our Nation in the war against terrorists. Pray for their safety, and pray for victory against these terrorists.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. I thank the gentleman from California, my friend, Ranking Member Duncan Hunter. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to vigorously oppose and to speak against the resolution at hand; a resolution that is being watched by friend and foe alike; a resolution that I feel will serve to embolden those who promote and use violence in Iraq, and across the world for that matter; a resolution that sends a message to our troops at home and deployed that we are not supporting the mission that we are conducting. Mr. Speaker, I don't know of a single Member in this Chamber who is satisfied with the existing situation in Iraq. In fact, with the escalating violence and an increase in terrorist activity, we shouldn't be satisfied with the situation in Afghanistan either. But Iraq has become intensely political, and that is unfortunate. Make no mistake about it, this is the beginning of defunding our military and our national security. Mr. Speaker, in this age when the Internet and global newscast are an integral part of warfare and propaganda, it is naive to think that the resolution is not being watched and its outcome won't be used to further embolden the resolve of those who use indiscriminate violence to advance their radical agenda. When you recruit homicide bombers, they need to feel that their ultimate sacrifice is meaningful, and I fear this resolution will be used as an additional recruiting tool to show that our resolve is wavering in the face of their acts. In some instances, Members have made no secret of their desire to defund the military. Mr. Speaker, it wasn't that long ago that our Nation faced another global war for freedom, it was a different type of war, but a war that was won because we held firm. There were a lot of people who said we couldn't win; they said that pragmatism dictated we would compromise our values and our beliefs. President Ronald Reagan told our Nation that we needed to hold firm because ultimately our values and beliefs would prevail in cold war then, and ``hot war'' now. President Reagan said, ``The ultimate determinant in the struggle now going on for the world will not be bombs and rockets but a test of wills and ideas, a trial of spiritual resolve, the values we hold, the beliefs we cherish and the ideals to which we are dedicated.'' This quote was in context of the cold war, but it is applicable today in our present hot war against terrorists. This resolution shows a lack of will to win. This resolution hurts our troops and it helps our enemies. Mr. Speaker, similar to debates from years ago during the cold war, I have heard speakers on the other side say, all we need is a strategy based on diplomacy. Mr. Speaker, I am all for peace and for diplomacy and for cooperation and for working things out, but al Qaeda is not, suicide bombers are not, terrorist executioners are not. That is reality, and our foreign policy has to be based on reality. Terrorists thrive on poverty, despair, violence and fear. And the bottom line is they cannot afford for freedom and justice to succeed. Conversely, we cannot afford to allow freedom and justice to fail. That is reality, and one-sided diplomacy is not a strategy. Where is the other side's strategy for victory? There is none in this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I have concerns with the situation in Iraq. No one wants to see the Iraqis stabilize the security of their nation more than I do. The reality is we have troops over there in harm's way. Troops from the 82nd Airborne, stationed at Fort Bragg in my district, are part of this surge deployment. Mr. Speaker, they are watching. I have received their e-mails letting me know in no uncertain terms that they are paying attention to what we are doing today. One soldier wrote to me using this quote from the ancient Athenians, which he thought was appropriate to this debate. This soldier said, ``I will not disgrace the soldier's arms nor abandon the comrade who stands at my side, but whether alone or with many, I will fight to defend things sacred and profane. I will hand down my country not lessened, but larger and better than I have received it.'' As my colleague from South Carolina quoted a soldier in his district yesterday, he said, ``This is my war.'' That is a soldier's attitude and should be our attitude. It is our war against brutal, ruthless terrorists. I will not support a resolution that tells our soldiers that the United States Congress is not supporting what they are doing. Mr. Speaker, I ask that everyone pray for our troops, for their safety and for their victory. May God continue to bless America and the magnificent men and women in uniform who protect her.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. I thank my friends Danny Davis and Dan Burton. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Benny Parsons, a friend, a true friend and a legend in the racing community. Benny passed away in January; a great loss to all our community. Benny was born and raised in the foothills of North Carolina. After literally stumbling into the racing industry while working for his dad's service station in Detroit, Michigan, Parsons returned to Ellerbe, North Carolina in Richmond County to drive for car owner L.G. DeWitt, a local businessman who also just happened to own the Rockingham race track. Benny Parsons led a legendary career as a NASCAR driver, and he helped make the sport what it is today. From 1964 until his retirement in 1988, Benny made 526 starts. Benny Parsons was the first stockcar driver to go over 200 miles an hour, and he turned that speed into incredible success on the track. Benny won 21 major races, including the Daytona 500 and, in 1973, earned the highest honor in NASCAR, the Winston Cup. Benny's work and contribution did not end on the race track. Upon his retirement from racing, Benny Parsons entered broadcasting, where he further expanded the sport through his insight and his down-home commentary. Benny was a fan favorite and became known as The Professor for his relaxed and uncanny style of commentary. Besides being a champion and Hall of Famer, Benny Parsons was most revered by his colleagues and fans for his generous nature and lovable personality. Benny told me he was always grateful for the support the people of Richmond County gave him. Despite his fame, my conversations with Benny seemed to flow around eating at the Dixie Burger and talking Raider football in Richmond County. He maintained a home there even after settling in my hometown of Concord. To the people of North Carolina's Eighth District, Benny Parsons will always be a hometown boy as well as a champion. I ask that you join me today in extending your sympathy to Benny's wife, Terri; his sons, Kevin and Keith; and his entire family in the racing community. Mr. Speaker, I ask to observe a moment of silence in honor of Benny Parsons' legacy of giving. Mr. Speaker, I yield back for a life well lived.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to call attention to the loss of one of the foremost members of the racing community. Benny Parsons passed away on Tuesday. Benny was a wonderful friend, not only to the industry, but to mankind. Benny lived a wonderful life. He set many records. He was the first person to drive a stockcar over 200 miles an hour, and won many, many championships. A native and resident of North Carolina, he will be sorely missed. Mr. Speaker, this body extends our sympathy and gratitude to the Parsons family and his wife, Terri, for the many, many services Benny has provided.

Mr. HAYES

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

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, let me add my thanks and congratulations to those that you have added, and to also add literally as we speak, General John Vines, the commanding general of the 18th Airborne Corps, a wonderful American, a patriot, a great warrior, a veteran of Iraq, and one of our most valued assets. The change of command ceremony and retirement is today, and I wanted to add his name to that list of distinguished folks

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, first let me thank the gentleman from Florida for his incredibly distinguished service over the years. We will miss him so, so much. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong opposition to the Haiti trade bill which is included in the package. Folks, if you want to see more ``made in China'' labels in your clothes, this bill is for you. It is clearly a bill that will help China and their textile industry take advantage of Haiti at the expense of the U.S. industry and the Haitians, I might add. Mr. Speaker, the U.S. textile industry has been raising alarms about Asia in general and China in particular. Last year we succeeded in getting new limits on Chinese imports. But this harmful bill would allow Haiti to ship millions of dollars; worth of textile and apparel products to the U.S. duty-free from China, products made with Chinese fabrics and Chinese yarns. Not only does the bill increase the legal duty-free import limits for Chinese goods, it vastly increases loopholes that give the Chinese more incentive to transship illegal textile goods through Haiti into the U.S. duty-free. There is no doubt in my mind that this places at risk many of the 700,000 textile and apparel jobs we have remaining in our country. U.S. Customs have repeatedly told us they have strong concerns with the rule of origin proposal. They know it cannot be enforced. Again, the benefits will go to China rather than Haiti. Last year alone, U.S. Customs seized over $100 million in illegal textile goods. Our Customs officials are catching more and more transshipments. If we are seizing $100 million in illegal goods, think how many we have not been able to catch and how this Haiti bill will vastly increase the number of goods getting into the country. Let's think about it for a minute. We are considering legislation that includes a dramatic change in the yarn-forward rule of origin that U.S. Customs tell us they cannot enforce, which means more illegal textile goods will enter the U.S. No congressional hearings have been held on the bill. The U.S. industry has not even had an opportunity to provide input or feedback on the proposal. Why in the world would we bring this up for a vote when the problems with this bill are strikingly apparent? The U.S. textile and apparel industry is vital to the economic security and national security of our Nation. The industry has contributed $120 billion to our GDP and supplied more than 8,000 products to our Nation's military. U.S. textile sector is also one of the Nation's most competitive manufacturing industries that has invested more than $30 billion in new plants and equipment over 10 years. If you care about preserving the strong manufacturing sector in the future, an industry that provides good-paying jobs to American citizens, no way you can support the bill. Folks, this is a simple choice. It is about doing the right thing. It is about preserving American textile jobs and American textile businesses. We cannot and must not allow these flawed policies. We want to help Haiti, but we are helping China.

Mr. HAYES. May I ask for an additional 20 seconds?

Mr. HAYES. I thank the gentleman for his courtesy. Again, I thank Chairman Shaw. This does not help Haitians. This helps Chinese. We want to help the Haitians, but by giving more jobs to China and allowing more goods to come in, the well-intentioned folks, and I applaud their support because I support their desire to help the Haitians, they do not accomplish it with this bill. Again I thank Mr. Shaw, Chairman Thomas, and Senator Cardin for their courtesy.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Young and others who have been recognized so far for their diligence, leadership and hard work on this very important issue. The safe and reliable operation of our Nation's pipeline system is key to our security and our energy independence, and I am generally pleased with the conference report and do support it. I am concerned, however, by certain aspects of the legislation before us today. As part of the last pipeline safety authorization, Congress required natural gas transmission pipeline operators to undertake an integrity management program. This program required operators to perform initial baseline inspections on all their pipelines in high consequence, or highly populated areas, by 2012 and perform reinspections every 7 years thereafter. The 7-year period for reinspections was a compromise between two versions of the legislation and was not based on scientific or engineering standards. As a result, Congress required the Government Accountability Office to study the integrity management program and report back with recommendations as to whether the 7-year reinspection interval is appropriate from a safety standpoint. The purpose of requesting the study was to essentially audit the integrity management program and determine, based on an analysis of data collected during the baseline inspections, what the optimum period for conducting reinspections should be. These reports were issued in September of this year and reached two important conclusions: The first conclusion was that the integrity management program for natural gas transmission lines is working well overall and is making the system safer. Furthermore, few serious problems are being discovered. Secondly, the report concludes that a fixed, one-size-fits-all approach to reinspection is not the safest option. It does not give operators the flexibility to tailor inspection resources to the riskiest segments of the pipeline first. Rather, the GAO recommends switching from a static, fixed-year reinspection interval, to one based on risk and engineering standards. Using a risk-based approach factors in the age, location, soil conditions, climate, metallurgy and changing population near a pipeline, allowing operators to best utilize limited inspection resources. I am strongly concerned that the commonsense recommendations of the GAO report are not being implemented and that we are passing up an opportunity to make a good regulatory program work even better. The conference report does contain a provision requiring the Secretary of Transportation to report back to Congress within 60 days of enactment on suggestions for implementing the GAO recommendations. I hope the committee of jurisdiction will hold hearings on this issue early next year so that we can receive the Secretary's suggestions. I look forward to continuing the important work of ensuring the safe and reliable operation of our Nation's natural gas transmission system. We must do more to focus resources so that they will have the most impact. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Madam Speaker, today I want to recognize the town of Norwood, North Carolina, for its 125th anniversary. Norwood has a rich and vibrant history as the area's earliest settlers arrived in the 1750s, and the town officially was incorporated in 1881. In the beginning, Norwood was a town thriving on agriculture and newly established railroad lines. Local entrepreneur Troy J.W. McKenzie relocated his business to Norwood and commented that the town will very soon, unless indications are false, become an important trade center. McKenzie was correct. In the 21st century, Norwood is the home of many local and international manufacturing companies, and this business-friendly environment has the potential for continued economic growth. Today I say congratulations to the town of Norwood for 125 years, many exciting years to come.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 503. This is a bill that has tremendous shortcomings, will cause major negative disruptions throughout the horse industry and lacks any strategy of how to deal with the problems that it will undoubtedly create. The bill is based on emotion. If you stop to think about what will happen to these 60,000 to 90,000 horses being diverted from processing each year, you will realize the bill does not provide a single answer to truly the problem. I find it deeply troubling that the sponsors of H.R. 503 care more about what happens to the animal after it is euthanized than what happens when it is alive. If these animals are no longer able to be processed at federally regulated plants, where will these horses go? Yes, these animals will be alive, but if it is a life of negative abuse, abandonment and starvation, what good have we served? We want to make sure all these animals are cared for humanely throughout their life. Owning a horse is a privilege that should be taken seriously. Horses are high maintenance animals that require feed, water, veterinary care and safekeeping. The care of horses is expensive. The Animal Welfare Council estimates it costs $2,340 per year per horse. Public animal rescue facilities and horse sanctuaries across the country are currently saturated with unwanted horses and in desperate need of funds. Even the proponents of this bill have acknowledged this fact. How does adding thousands more horses help this already dismal situation? H.R. 503 does not provide a single answer to ensure the proper care of these animals. Where will these animals go? How will we fund their care? How do we ensure they are not starved and abandoned? Why should we burden our local communities with problems created by this bill? More than 200 reputable horse organizations, animal health organizations and agricultural organizations oppose this legislation, and they represent some of the most respected and knowledgeable people who own and care for horses in the United States. In my home State, the North Carolina Horse Council, Quarter Horse Association, the North Carolina Department of Ag and Consumer Services, the North Carolina Farm Bureau, the North Carolina Pork Council and the North Carolina Cattlemen's Association all oppose this legislation and the precedent it would set for other livestock. If you look at the facts and not the emotional hype, I believe the choice here is really quite simple. My stand against H.R. 503 is a stand for the humane treatment of these animals. I urge my colleagues to do the right things for horses and horse owners. Vote ``no'' on H.R. 503.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Madam Speaker, today I rise in strong support of H.R. 5534, the E85 Kick-Start Bill. I am a proud co-sponsor of this bill and I applaud my good friend and colleague, Congressman Mike Rogers, for bringing this bill to the floor and helping the U.S. in the fight for energy independence. High energy prices are a significant threat to our long-term economic well-being and we need to aggressively pursue a goal of energy independence for our Nation. This independence can only be achieved through greater domestic production of energy conservation and the use of alternative energy sources. Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes to the energy crisis that is before our country. It will take years to build new refineries and mass transit systems. But right now, there are 6 million vehicles on the road that can use E85, an alternative blend of fuel using 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. What we are missing is a distribution network to make this gasoline alternative feasible and this legislation seeks to double that network, which is critical to expanding the use of alternative fuels. Earlier in the year, I introduced the E85 Investment Act, which would increase the tax credit from 30 percent to 75 percent, up to $30,000, for E85 tanks and pumps. This legislation embraces the goal of increasing alternative fuel infrastructure. Specifically, this bill creates a federal ``Fuel Economy Fund'' by diverting the corporate average fuel efficiency (CAFE) penalties currently paid by automakers from the general treasury to the ``Fuel Economy Fund.'' The legislation also calls for up to a $30,000 grant to station owners who invest in alternative fuel pumps and fuel stations, including E85 infrastructure. I want to thank Mike Rogers for being a leader in this effort to help bring energy independence to our Nation. This legislation will help our Nation truly invest in alternative fuels and give consumers a choice when they go to the pump. I look forward to continuing to work with you to identify other ways we can help strengthen our Nation's economy. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the underlying bill.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to participate in the following votes on July 17, 2006. If I had been present, I would have voted as follows: Rollcall vote 377, I would have voted ``yea.'' Rollcall vote 376, I would have voted ``yea.'' Rollcall vote 375, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to defend traditional marriage. It is hard to believe that we have come to such a time in our country that we must even debate this basic American value. Marriage is defined as the union between one man and one woman. Some may question whether or not this issue warrants a Federal debate and Federal action. Unfortunately, certain courts in this land have answered that question as ideological judges threaten to undo the very fabric of our families by imposing their opinions and policies as the final say on what marriage means. Mr. Speaker, families matter, because fathers and mothers matter. They are not interchangeable. Literally hundreds of studies point to the crucial nature of mothers and fathers rearing children within the bonds of traditional marriage. Every deviation from the ideal model of enduring monogamous marriage between a man and a woman expands those boundaries; and when we push these limits, who is to say where the definition of marriage will end? Government and societies have granted certain institutional benefits and privileges to heterosexual marriage because these unions have the biological potential to provide societies with a tangible benefit, children. Mr. Speaker, redefining marriage to include same-sex unions not only devalues marriage, but it diminishes the rights of children. Nature itself gave children this right. I wish that this fight here today was not necessary. We did not ask for it. But failure to enact a constitutional amendment will mean that the decisions made by the American people at the ballot box and through their elected representatives regarding marriage will continue to be overruled, bit by bit, by a few renegade judges and local officials. Unfortunately, when judges distort the Constitution to overrule the express will of the people, only constitutional amendments can overturn the judges. Mr. Speaker, the people in the Eighth District of North Carolina have clearly and repeatedly asked me to defend traditional marriage, to do whatever it takes to ensure that the people have the final say. That is why I rise here today, convinced that this constitutional amendment is the right thing to do. The time is now. Let's give American moms and dads the chance to protect marriage. I urge a ``yes'' vote on the rule and the Marriage Protection Amendment. Parliamentary Inquiry

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the outstanding service of Lieutenant Colonel Samuel I. Parker of North Carolina's 8th district. Lieutenant Colonel Parker was one of only two soldiers from North Carolina to receive the Medal of Honor for his ``valiant heroism'' during the First World War. Born on October 17, 1891 in Monroe, North Carolina, Samuel Parker entered the United States Army at a young age. When the United States entered World War I, Samuel Parker, like so many of his generation, chose to put his own interests aside and lay his life on the line to serve his country. As his citation dutifully notes, on July 18, 1918, then-Second Lieutenant Parker found himself near Soissons, France. During the attack on Soissons, two infantry battalions were merged and established a frontline position. In so doing, a gap was left between the right flank of the French 153D Division and the left flank of the 28th Infantry, exposing the left flank to enemy machine-gunfire in a rock quarry on high ground. Second Lieutenant Parker ordered his depleted platoon to follow him in an attack upon the strong point. Meeting a disorganized group of French Colonials, he persuaded them to join his platoon. They followed him through enemy fire to the crest of the hill, and rushing forward, took the quarry, capturing six machineguns and 40 prisoners. The next day when the assault continued, Second Lieutenant Parker was in command of the merged battalions. Although wounded in the foot, he refused to evacuate and continued to lead his command until the objective was reached. Seeing that the assault battalion was subjected to heavy enfilade fire due to a gap between it and the French on its left, he led his battalion through heavy fire and closed the gap, remaining in command until the newly established lines were thoroughly consolidated. In supervising this, Lieutenant Parker had to crawl on his hands and knees on account of his painful wound. As the British statesman and philosopher Edmund Burke once said, ``The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.'' That day good men like Lieutenant Parker did something, and evil did not triumph, but rather our freedom was ensured. Unlike many of his comrades, Second Lieutenant Parker survived to receive his Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross and went on to achieve the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He passed away on December 1, 1975 at the age of 84. It is our duty to remember the service and sacrifice of Lieutenant Colonel Samuel L. Parker and that of all our veterans. Our veterans are the heroes who helped define our American heritage, and are living proof that freedom is never free. The memory of those we lost and the sacrifice of those who lived to tell the tale must be held in high esteem by Congress and a nation that extends our veterans its utmost respect and gratitude. As we approach the fourth of July, the anniversary of our independence, we must never forget the service of our veterans and pay tribute to those who have gone before us. Now more than ever, we must come together as a nation to unite and rally around those who continue to fight for our freedom.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and to pay tribute to Brigadier General Joseph J. McMenamin, United States Marine Corps, on the occasion of his retirement from active duty. General McMenamin has served our great Nation for more than 32 years. The departure of General McMenamin marks not only the end of an illustrious career filled with many honors, but also the commencement of several initiatives which, by virtue of his dynamic leadership, forward thinking approach, and accomplished diplomatic skills, will ensure that U.S. national strategy is prepared to meet and defeat the challenges of the 21st century. A native of historical Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, General McMenamin graduated from Villanova University with a degree in political science in May, 1974 and later completed his Master of Arts degree in Strategic Studies and National Security Affairs graduating with distinction in May 1995 from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. Upon his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps via the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program, General McMenamin was assigned to 2d Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division, Okinawa, Japan where he served as the 81mm Mortar Platoon Commander and Headquarters & Service Company Executive Officer. For heroism during a mission on the Koh Tang Island in the Gulf of Siam, General McMenamin earned a Bronze Star Medal with Combat ``Y''. Upon returning from Okinawa in February 1976, General McMenamin was assigned to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, where he served as a Series Officer, Battalion Adjutant and Regimental Adjutant. In October 1979, he transferred to the 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California where he served as the Weapons Company Commander and the Battalion Fire Support Coordinator with the 2d Battalion, 7th Marines for three years. Following this tour, he attended and graduated from Amphibious Warfare School with honors at Quantico, Virginia. Whereupon, General McMenamin reported to The Basic School to serve as a Tactics Instructor, Tactics Section Chief, Student Company Commander and Assistant Tactics Group Chief guiding the integration of tactics and weapons utilizing classroom instruction, field applications and live fire in order to produce a better trained basic Marine Officer. Selected for recruiting duty, he served as the Commanding Officer of Recruiting Station, Cincinnati, Ohio from June 1986 to June 1989. In Cincinnati, he focused on quality recruiting while reducing entry-level attrition. After recruiting duty, General McMenamin attended Marine Corps Command and Staff College graduating with honors. Completing school in June 1990, General McMenamin served an air-ground exchange tour with the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Okinawa, Japan participating in Operation Sea Angel in Bangladesh. Returning to the United States in July 1991, General McMenamin was initially assigned as the G-3 Training Officer of the 2d Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He later assumed command of the 2d Light Armored Infantry Battalion in July 1992 applying the post Desert Storm lessons learned into manuals for Command and Control and Combat Operations. He developed a comprehensive training program that laid the foundation for increased combat readiness and the professional development of his Marines and Sailors. Completing this assignment in February, 1994, General McMenamin completed his tour with the 2d Marine Division as the Assistant Chief of Staff, Readiness. In 1995, General McMenamin reported for joint duty with the United States Central Command serving as the Strategy Branch Chief and Division Chief, Policy and Strategy Division in the J-5 Plans and Policy Directorate where he guided the development of the initial CENTCOM Theater Engagement Plan and the significant expansion of the Humanitarian Demining Program. In June, 1999, he reported for duty as the Commanding Officer of the Sixth Marine Corps District where he re- energized the District into a cohesive team increasing quantity and quality, reducing attrition, and focusing leadership development on long term success. General McMenamin then served as the Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruit Depot/Eastern Region, Parris Island, South Carolina from June, 2001 until May, 2004. Under his leadership, Parris Island provided reception, processing and recruit training for 17,500 enlisted male and 2,200 enlisted females annually to accomplish entry-level skills. In addition, Parris Island achieved a historically low 10 percent male attrition over the course of three years. In June, 2004, General McMenamin was assigned as the Director, Iraq Survey Group (ISG), Baghdad, Iraq leading the presidential directed joint coalition intelligence operations group in Baghdad, Iraq. The ISG was charged with the missions of assessing Iraq's weapons of mass destruction programs, supporting counter-terrorism and the POW/MIA search under combat conditions in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. General McMenamin assumed duties as the Assistant Division Commander of 2d Marine Division during December of 2004, returning to Iraq in February, 2005. Most significantly was his personal effort in the engagement of the newly elected Iraqi Leadership of Al Anbar Province. Through his tireless efforts and leadership, he laid the foundation for the Division's governance, economics, security and influence Lines of Operation that enabled the Iraqi citizens to continue regional development and participate in Iraq's Constitutional Referendum and the National Elections. Upon returning to the Camp Lejeune, he served as the Commanding General (Rear) for over 17,000 Marines and Sailors. He oversaw the Division's Pre-deployment Training Plan and execution of evolving training requirements at Mojave Viper in preparation for deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. General McMenamin's personal military decorations also include the Defense Superior Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of Second Award, Legion of Merit Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon. Throughout his career, General McMenamin demonstrated resolute character, discerning wisdom, and a sincere, selfless sense of duty to his Marines. General McMenamin's decisive decisions have and continue to contribute to the present day Marine Corps, as well as lay the foundation for the future of the Corps. We are grateful for General McMenamin's dedication, patriotism, advice and counsel. While the Marines will certainly miss him, General McMenamin's actions have already inspired the future leadership of the Corps. One needs to look no further than the Marines under his command for evidence of his mentorship and encouragement. On behalf of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, I would like to recognize General McMenamin's extraordinary accomplishments and his devoted service to the Nation. Congratulations to him, and to his sons Joe and Jim, on a long and distinguished career.

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: July 29, 2006 Rollcall vote 353, I would have voted ``yea.'' Rollcall vote 352, I would have voted ``yea.'' Rollcall vote 351, I would have voted ``yea.'' Rollcall vote 350, I would have voted ``yea.'' Rollcall vote 349, I would have voted ``yea.'' Rollcall vote 348, I would have voted ``nay.'' Rollcall vote 347, I would have voted ``yea.''