Gregg Harper

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I send to the desk a concurrent resolution and ask unanimous consent for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on House Administration be discharged from further consideration of the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 28) providing for the appointment of John Fahey as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great American hero, Specialist Terry K.D. ``Dantez'' Gordon, who was among six U.S. soldiers who passed away due to wounds suffered when their Black Hawk UH-60 helicopter went down in Afghanistan's Zabul region on December 17, 2013. Specialist Gordon was born in Shubuta, Mississippi, on September 21, 1991. After graduating from Quitman High School, Gordon enlisted in the Army in the summer of 2011, fulfilling his basic training requirements at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He then went on to complete his advanced individual training at Fort Lee, Virginia, where he became a generator mechanic. Dantez was assigned to Echo Troop, 1st Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, Fort Riley, Kansas. He was later trained as a door gunner and attached to Bravo Company, 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment. There, Specialist Gordon was tasked with firing and maintaining manually directed armament during missions, protecting the helicopters' crew members and passengers throughout the deployment to Afghanistan. Dantez Gordon loved helicopters. He knew very early on that he was meant for the Army because that is where he could fly in a Black Hawk. His family said they were surprised at first that he wasn't going into the Marine Corps like his father, but it became quite apparent that his interests were centered in going up in a helicopter. His family members were nervous, yet they realized that he loved what he was doing and he was not afraid. Dantez loved his family, his friends and his country. He was fortunate in that he loved what he was assigned to do, and he would talk about it any chance he got when he came home on leave with anyone who would listen. Specialist Gordon is remembered by those closest to him as always being happy, especially when he was outdoors or playing baseball. He was a practical joker, and he loved to make people laugh. His family and his community saw him as an all-around, very devoted, humble, smart, and respectable young man who lost his life way too soon. He lost his life fighting for our families and for our country, and for this, our country, and particularly, the State of Mississippi, will be forever grateful. ``Like ripples in the water,'' his aunt said, ``Dantez Gordon affected people he may have never even met,'' adding that the world is a better place because he was there. In an article that described the moment when Specialist Gordon's flag-draped coffin was taken off the plane at Key Field in Meridian, Mississippi, on his final journey home, a family member observed: ``As they unloaded him off the plane, the sun peeked through the cloudy gray sky, and as they put him into the hearse, the clouds closed back up.'' It was as if the sky opened up to pay its final respects to its beloved native Mississippi son. Specialist Gordon's awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Ribbon, the Afghan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Combat Action Badge and the Aviation Badge. Specialist Gordon was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star by executive order for meritorious service from August 13, 2013, until December 17, 2013, upon which no greater honor can be demonstrated than by this ultimate sacrifice. He will always be remembered for these actions. Dantez Gordon is survived by his parents, Terry W. Gordon of Pachuta, Mississippi, and Sabina R. Edwards of Shubuta, Mississippi; as well as his sister, Terruna Gordon; stepfather, David Edwards; and two half brothers, David Edwards and William Edwards. I was so moved at his funeral service to see what was really a celebration of his life. Mr. Speaker, I would like to leave you with a quote from Dantez's father: ``Dantez was my hero long before joining the military, but now he's America's hero.'' How true that statement is. Dantez's love for his country and his dedication to protecting our freedoms took him from Shubuta, Mississippi, to Afghanistan. Christ said in John 15:13: ``Greater love hath no man than he that give his life for another.'' For his courage and final sacrifice, he will never be forgotten. Thank you for this opportunity to place focus on a true American hero.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. First of all, I want to thank Congressman Peter Welch for his hard work on this bill, and I certainly thank Leader Eric Cantor and Congressman Tom Cole. Mr. Speaker, creating a lifetime of hope and opportunity for our most vulnerable kids is more important than subsidizing weeklong political pep rallies for the Democratic and Republican parties. This is why the House must advance H.R. 2019, the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act, a bill that pays for children's medical research with the $126 million that the Federal Government currently sets aside for political conventions. On November 14, 2013, I had the privilege to meet in Leader Cantor's office with Ellyn and Mark Miller. I watched them struggle to come up with the words to express their grief, which I saw become steadfast determination to do something special for Gabriella by allowing this bill to be named after their precious daughter. I am wearing the yellow ``Smashing Walnuts'' bracelet that they gave me that day. I have watched numerous videos of Gabriella in which she has made moving and profound statements, such as, ``Once you get cancer, you kinda gotta be all grown up,'' and ``Sometimes you have to stop talking and start doing.'' As the father of a 24-year-old son who is living with Fragile X syndrome, I understand the challenges families face in raising children with special needs, but I also recognize the value of expanded and improved medical research. While raising a child with a genetic disorder can be very difficult, for my family, it has been a blessing, especially knowing that my son, Livingston, is here today. Mr. Speaker, Evie Horton and her cousin, Reese McDonald, who are kids from Mississippi who fight with all of their strength to overcome the struggles of spinal muscular atrophy, are two more reasons that I introduced this bill. Recent scientific research breakthroughs have also given hope to so many families, but in order for clinical trials and other advancements to meet their full potential, additional Federal research must be directed to pediatric research. Mr. Speaker, Members of both parties have an opportunity to demonstrate the priorities of this body. Will it be research for our most vulnerable kids or will lawmakers vote to continue funding political party conventions at the taxpayers' expense? I have listened to how this has been described by the other side. It has been called a joke, a ruse, a fraud, not credible, window dressing, smoke and mirrors, and their referring to Republicans supporting sequestration, I guess, means that it has been forgotten by our friends on the other side of the aisle that 95 Members of the Democratic Party voted in favor of sequestration. Mr. Speaker, let's get our priorities straight. Let's vote ``yes'' on the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act. National Fragile X Foundation, Walnut Creek, CA, June 12, 2013 ATTN: Scot Malvaney, Policy Director. Representative Gregg Harper, Cannon Building, Washington, DC. Dear Representative Harper: Confirming our earlier conversations with your office, the National Fragile X Foundation indeed agrees that additional research is needed to find the cures for fragile x syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, childhood cancer, and many other diseases impacting children. We are therefore pleased to add our support to The Kids First Research Act (H.R. 2019) that you recently introduced with Representative Tom Cole. As you well know, Fragile x syndrome is one of the conditions for which a cure (or targeted treatments) exist right around the corner. We wholeheartedly support this critical research initiative which seeks both to identify much needed additional funding for the NIH and to promote collaborations and collaborative spending across related conditions like fragile x syndrome and autism. Thank you for your leadership on this important issue. Jeffrey Cohen, JD, Director, Government Affairs.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the craftsmanship of George Berry, Sr. George's life has been dedicated to woodcarving. This interest began at a young age and developed into a lifelong pursuit. His artwork displays a passion for nature, particularly the wildlife of Mississippi. George has not only been committed to his art, but also to sharing his gifts through teaching. He has become an important fixture within the local art community in Mississippi, and he has been recognized both within this community and outside of it with several distinguished awards. Through his passion for art and education, George Berry, Sr. has made a tremendous impact on many Mississippians and others throughout this country. George was born in Vinita, Oklahoma; and at the age of 6, George was taught woodcarving by his father. He moved to Mississippi in 1972 to teach industrial arts at the Piney Woods School, a historically African American boarding school located in Rankin County, Mississippi. A year later, he became a charter member of the Craftsmen's Guild of Mississippi, a program created to promote folk art within the State. After retiring from Piney Woods in 1984, George Berry has dedicated a majority of his time to woodcarving. Even so, he continues to spend a great deal of his time teaching others. George teaches weekly classes for the Mississippi Craftsmen's Guild and frequently instructs students at the Allison Wells School of Arts and Crafts in Canton, Mississippi. Additionally, he has taught at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina. George Berry's preference in style is reflected in his large body of work. His realistic depictions of nature are the constant theme in his artwork. In particular, many of his wood pieces represent Mississippi wildlife with works such as catfish, deer, and hunting dogs. Beautiful sculptures of leaves and birds are other staples of his artwork. His skillful craft is a demonstration of the grace and rustic beauty that is found in nature. This Mississippi craftsman has been recognized with many awards and honors. George Berry received a Folk Artist Fellowship from the Mississippi Arts Commission in 1999. In 2002, he was presented with the prestigious Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts. The Craftsmen's Guild of Mississippi awarded him with their Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. On October 18 of this year, I had the privilege of speaking at the celebration of the opening of the George Berry, Sr. Gallery of the Craftsmen's Guild of Mississippi, joining hundreds of family and friends in honoring George. In addition to these awards, George Berry's work has been on display at several major festivals, including the Mississippi Arts Festival, Festival USA on the Strand, the Festival of Pennsylvania Folklife Bicentennial, and the Mississippi pavilion at the world's fair. His carved wood sculptures are on exhibit in a number of museums, including the Old Capital Museum in Jackson, Mississippi, and the Museum of Natural Science. George has been featured in many national and regional publications, such as Southern Living and Mississippi Outdoors. These many accolades are a testament to this gifted artist. So again, on behalf of the House of Representatives, I would like to congratulate and recognize Mr. George Berry, Sr. on his achievements as both an artist and as a teacher. For more than 50 years, George has used his God-given gift as a skillful craftsman to make beautiful pieces of art. Today, he continues to graciously share his knowledge and skill with many others.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Colonel Franklin E. Chalk, Commander, 186th Air Refueling Wing, Key Field Air National Guard Base, in Meridian, Mississippi, for his 35 years of faithful service to our country. A native of Meridian, Mississippi, Colonel Chalk attended Meridian Community College and received an Associate of Arts Degree in Accounting in 1974. After enlisting in the Mississippi Air National Guard and completing Undergraduate Navigator Training, he attended Mississippi State University--Meridian where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting in 1984. Colonel Chalk received a Masters of Commercial Aviation from Delta State University on Dec. 14, 2002. Colonel Chalk received his commission through the Academy of Military Science, Knoxville, Tennessee on Nov. 16, 1978. After commissioning, he attended Undergraduate Navigator Training, Mather Air Force Base, California, which he completed on Nov. 17, 1979. On Dec. 27, 1979, he graduated from Tactical Navigation Training at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. Colonel Chalk served as the 153rd Air Refueling Squadron Detachment Commander while deployed in support of Operation Phoenix Duke II, Rhein Main Air Base, Germany, flying numerous air refueling missions over former Soviet Bloc countries. He also served as Detachment Commander for Operation Deliberate Forge, Operation Joint Forge, Istres, France and Operation Northern Viking, Keflavik, Iceland. Colonel Chalk was activated Oct. 17, 2001, deploying as Commander, 341 EARS, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He has served as the Commander of the 478th Expeditionary Operations Squadron, Manta, Ecuador, the 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and Viking South, Bahia Blanca, Argentina in support of the 2005 Summit of the Americas. His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with one device; Air Medal; Aerial Achievement Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal with two devices; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two devices; Combat Readiness Medal with two devices; National Defense Service Medal with one device; Kosovo Campaign Medal with two devices; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Armed Forces Service Medal with one device; Humanitarian Service Medal; Air Force Overseas Ribbon Short; Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border; Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with four devices; Armed Forces Reserve Medal with one device; Air Force Training Ribbon; Mississippi Magnolia Cross; Mississippi Magnolia Medal; Mississippi War Medal with one device; Mississippi Emergency Service Medal. Prior to achieving the position of Commander, Colonel Chalk served as Vice Commander, 186th ARW. Other military assignments include Squadron Navigator, Chief of Standardizations and Evaluations, Training Officer, Air Operations Officer, Squadron Commander, and Operations Group Commander. As Commander, of the 186th Aerial Refueling Wing, Colonel Chalk distinguished himself by navigating the base through some of the most tumultuous times Key Field Air National Guard Station had seen since its inception in 1939. Due to a realignment of mission in the Base Realignment and Closure Round of 2005, Key Field lost its aerial refueling mission. When the last KC-135 refueling aircraft left in 2011, Key Field performed numerous different missions on behalf of the United States of America on numerous different platforms. Of particular note, Colonel Chalk's leadership in the establishment of the MC-12W Project Liberty program significantly bolstered the Department of Defense intelligence gathering capabilities, directly contributing to the demise of countless enemy combatants and the safe return of American ground forces. Colonel Chalk also oversaw the standup of the C-27J Joint Cargo Aircraft program, and was instrumental in Key Field's designation as the C-27J Flying Training Unit for the United States Air Force. Ultimately in 2012, under Colonel Chalk's command, Key Field, the birthplace of aerial refueling, saw the return of the KC-135R aerial refueling mission. Since coming to Congress in 2009, I have personally worked with Colonel Chalk to ensure Key Field was home to an enduring flying mission. I am pleased to say that under his leadership, the base has received that flying mission and is well positioned to play an integral role in the peace and security of this nation for many years to come. I wish Colonel Franklin E. Chalk Godspeed as he retires and enters this next phase of his life. On behalf of the Congress and the United States of America, I thank Colonel Chalk for his commitment, sacrifice, and contribution to this great nation in protecting it and our way of life.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Lieutenant General Darrell D. Jones, Deputy Chief of Staff, Manpower, Personnel, and Services, Headquarters United States Air Force, for his 34 years of faithful service to our country. The Air Force's senior personnel officer, General Jones is responsible for comprehensive plans and policies covering all life cycles of military and civilian personnel management, including military and civilian end strength management, education and training, compensation, resource allocation, and the worldwide United States Air Force services program. Over the course of Lieutenant General Jones' distinguished career, he commanded a squadron, group, two wings and a direct reporting unit. As previous Commander, Air Force District of Washington, and Commander of the Air Force Forces for Joint Forces Headquarters-National Capital Region, he organized, trained and equipped combat forces for aerospace expeditionary forces, homeland operations, civil support, national special security events and ceremonial events. He also provided major command-level support for 60,000 worldwide military and civilian personnel and was the Uniform Code of Military Justice authority for 40,000 Airmen. General Jones graduated from Mississippi State University's Reserve Officers' Training Corps Program in 1979. He began his career as a personnel officer at Williams Air Force Base, Arizona in the Consolidated Base Personnel Office. He excelled in a variety of jobs as the Chief of Customer Assistance, Chief of Quality Force, and Chief of Personnel Utilization. Immediately after this assignment, then- Lieutenant Jones reported to Randolph Air Force Base, Texas where he was the Chief of the Assignment Analysis Branch and later the Executive Officer to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel at Headquarters Air Training Command. Then-Captain Jones reported to Washington, District of Columbia as part of the very elite Air Staff Training Program as a personnel adviser and board member of the Secretary of the Air Force Personnel Council. Then Captain-Jones and later Major-Jones held the first of his many assignments as a leader in our Air Force, becoming the Consolidated Base Personnel Office Chief and Director of Personnel, and Commanding the Mission Support Squadron at McConnell Air Force Base. As a testament of his skills and abilities, he was chosen to attend in-residence professional military education at Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. Upon graduation, he showcased his talent in a variety of joint positions at Headquarters United States European Command, Stuttgart, Germany. He was the Chief of Entitlements, Compensation and Education, followed by Chief of the World War II Commemoration Branch and later Deputy Chief of the World War II Commemoration Division. Now-Lieutenant Colonel Jones was selected to return to Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama as an Air War College Student with a follow-on assignment to Headquarters United States Air Force as the Chief of Force Structure Plans and Policies in the Military Personnel Policy Directorate. Later, he was selected by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel as the Chief of the Personnel Issues Team. Based on his successes and ready for increased responsibilities, now-Colonel Jones took command of the 62nd Support Group at McChord Air Force Base, Washington. He then became the Director of Personnel at Headquarters Pacific Air Forces at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii followed by Commanding the 66th Air Base Wing at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts. Later, he was selected as the Director of Manpower and Personnel at Headquarters United States Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Then-Brigadier General Jones took command of his second wing, the 37th Training Wing at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, the largest wing in the Air Force at 21,000 people and graduating 60,000 Airmen from basic, technical, international and joint training annually. He followed command to Washington, District of Columbia, where he became the Director of Force Management Policy, Headquarters United States Air Force. In this position, he established force management policies guiding accessions, assignments, evaluations, skills analysis, promotions, readiness, retraining, separations and retirements of the Air Force's human capital. He also oversaw aspects of total force management to include contingency, mobilization, training management, and rated force policy. Now-Major General Jones with his vast knowledge and experience took command for a fifth time as the Commander of Air Force District of Washington and Commander of the Air Force Forces for Joint Forces Headquarters-National Capital Region at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. He was again extremely successful in this position which ultimately led to his most recent assignment as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Manpower, Personnel and Services, Headquarters United States Air Force where he and his team were responsible for comprehensive plans and policies covering all life cycles of military and civilian personnel management, and the delivery of fully-qualified, ready Airmen for the Joint warfighter while also meeting all the needs of our Airmen and their families. He planned, directed and evaluated programs, ensuring a qualified, productive and well-maintained work force of over 180,000 civilian employees. Additionally, he oversaw the execution and programming of the Manpower, Personnel and Services portfolio with an annual $40.9 billion personnel budget for 660,000 military and civilian total force Airmen. Under General Jones' leadership, the Air Force implemented sweeping policy changes to enlisted developmental special duty assignments and the Air Force fitness program. He led the Secretary of the Air Force- directed Personnel Readiness Review task force, ensuring our current population is ready to meet the needs of current and future war time requirements. Additionally, he led the Air Force Personnel Center in a historic consolidation with the former Air Force Manpower Agency and Air Force Services Agency, integrating three unique functional areas designed to reduce overhead, achieve efficiencies and maximize customer service. Finally, he guided Air Force senior leadership through the impacts of the Secretary of Defense's General Officer Efficiency Study. He provided critical Congressional interaction to ensure all timelines of the reductions were met. In every instance, General Jones was a steadfast advocate promoting the Air Force's mission, and its over 660,000 Total Force Airmen and their families. Today, I wish Lieutenant General Darrell ``DJ'' Jones good luck and Godspeed as he retires and enters this next phase of his life. On behalf of the Congress and the United States of America, I thank General Jones, his wife Holly, their sons, Taylor and Stewart, and daughter-in-law Lindsay for their commitment, sacrifice, and contribution to this great Nation in protecting it and our way of life.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Research for Lifesaving Cures proposal. This vote is about helping some of our country's most vulnerable patients: seniors hoping for cures to long-time illnesses, precious children and their families looking for answers about genetic disorders; and the scientists who are moving ever so close to discovering America's next medical breakthroughs find themselves asking if they'll be able to continue their life's work. The National Institutes of Health provide support to promising research leading to lifesaving treatments, innovative clinical trials aiming to reverse the core symptoms of disorders such as fragile X syndrome, autism, spinal muscular atrophy, down syndrome, Angelman syndrome, and cystic fibrosis to name a few. These give families hope, the research that is there. But this is just the beginning. These studies help our Nation's most dedicated scientists build on promising discoveries. To continue these trials, Congress must allow the NIH to stay open while we work on getting the government back up and running. This isn't about scoring political points. It's about principles. As the father of a special-needs child, I know the challenges that these families face. Vote ``yes.'' Vote for fairness.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, Mississippi College--the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of Mississippi and the second oldest Baptist university in the United States--recently celebrated the opening of its 187th school year. Since 1826, Mississippi College has provided students from across the state and around the world an education informed by Christian values, and was the first co- educational institution in the nation to grant a degree to a woman. The university has a long and distinguished history of educating future public servants, counting current leaders in federal and state government among her alumna, including Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant as well as both my wife, Sidney, and me. Through service to the Board of Trustees, U.S. Representative Alan Nunnelee and Order of the Golden Arrow recipient Gayle Wicker, wife of U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, have provided exceptional leadership to the university's presidents through the years. Located in Clinton, Mississippi, Mississippi College is a proud constituent of the U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson. For 64 years, students have received exemplary training in areas of speech, media, public relations, theater and related practices in the Mississippi College Communication Department. Founded in 1949 by Drs. Hollis and Julia Todd as the Department of Speech, the current Communication Department presented diplomas to hundreds of students who have subsequently experienced personal and career success in their chosen fields. Among its alumni, the department prides itself in seeing former graduates become leaders in fields as diverse as business and ministry, education and journalism. The faculty of the Mississippi College Communication Department embodies dedicated and sustained service to the university and its mission. In fact, only three individuals have chaired the department over the span of its 64 years: Dr. Hollis Todd, Dr. Billy Lytal, for whom the annual student scholarship fund is named, and current chair Dr. Cliff Fortenberry. With a teaching philosophy built around the practical application of theory and curriculum, departmental faculty are teachers first, individuals who view their service at Mississippi College as an investment in their students' lives and in their community. The Mississippi College Communication Department currently enrolls undergraduates in interpersonal and public communication, journalism, mass media, public relations, and theater concentrations, and offers graduate degrees in journalism, health services communication, professional communication in sports, and public relations and corporate communication. Leading in innovative online classroom offerings, the communication department partners with other academic departments to offer unique degree programs to meet student and market demands. With a current enrollment of over 5,000 students and future leaders, Mississippi College is known as a university recognized for academic excellence and commitment to the cause of Christ. The faculty, staff, students and alumni of the Mississippi College Communication Department are proud to fulfill this vision as the department enters its 65th year of service.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 256, and would like to speak also in support of the bill just considered, S. 304, a bill sponsored by a senior Senator of Mississippi, Thad Cochran. This legislation authorized the transfer of approximately 67 acres of unused Federal land originally envisioned to be part of the Natchez Trace Parkway to the State of Mississippi. The city of Natchez plans to use 37 acres for recreational purposes. It will improve the quality of life for the city's residents. Without this legislation, this tract will continue to set idle. I would like to thank Chairman Hastings for his work in bringing this commonsense and worthy legislation to the House floor. I also would like to thank our senior Senator, Thad Cochran, for his tireless leadership for the State of Mississippi. There are numerous individuals behind the scenes that have worked tirelessly for the city of Natchez to gain access to and the right to utilize this land over the years, and S. 304 will show that their hard work has finally paid off. I urge my colleagues to continue to support this legislation.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment by the gentlewoman from Washington. Like her, I am the parent of a child with special needs. My 24-year-old son Livingston has Fragile X syndrome, and we know personally the amazing progress we've made within our current educational system to help push our kids into mainstream America. I commend the gentlewoman from her leadership in making this point. We cannot give kids with developmental disabilities the tools they need to become employed and less dependent on government services without the most appropriate education possible. And we cannot provide an appropriate education to developmentally disabled children based upon antiquated assumptions of what our kids cannot do. We have to push our special kids and the schools if they are to have a chance to meet their full potential. There's a lot of good in this bill, and I commend and thank Chairman Kline for his efforts. I will vote for it. But I do so only because I'm confident that our concerns for special needs children will be addressed in conference.

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Chair, I submit the following letters for the Record: National Center for Learning Disabilities July 15, 2013. Dear Chairman Kline and Ranking Member Miller: The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) is writing to express our strong opposition to the Student Success Act (H.R. 5). The bill would dramatically alter the academic landscape for students with disabilities, jeopardizing their ability to graduate from high school, go to college and obtain employment. The bill virtually creates a system that reinforces rather than helping students become independent, educated, tax-paying citizens, they will most likely become tax burdens. While movement toward reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) is much needed, the cost these bills will have on the educational and employment futures of students with disabilities, especially those with learning disabilities, is too high. Our first and primary area of concern is the lack of a strong and meaningful requirement to close the destructive achievement gaps that impact students with disabilities and other disadvantaged students. While ESEA is in significant need of reform, its provisions have compelled certain schools and districts to focus on increasing the achievement of students with disabilities. Unfortunately, these bills eliminate the provisions of ESEA that have benefited students with disabilities. Most troubling is the lack of academic performance targets and graduation goals for students and the lack of a requirement for targeted instructional supports when students are academically struggling. The Student Success Act would also dramatically lower expectations for students with learning disabilities in three critical ways: (1) Allowing computer adaptive assessments that test students off grade level for summative and other purposes. Current practice in states utilizing adaptive testing show that while adaptive testing is a terrific tool to help teachers understand where learning gaps exist for formative purposes, when adaptive testing is allowed for end of year or summative testing, it can result in unacceptable consequences, including locking lower performing students into the simplest content. For example, a poorly engineered adaptive test risks testing lower performing students only on cognitively simpler skills such as recall, recognition and rote applications of mathematics. Furthermore, because the assessment may never test lower performing students on more difficult and/or cognitively complex items, it risks creating a situation that encourages teachers to limit the curriculum and instruction for lower performing students to the simplest tasks. Thus, teachers may avoid focusing on critical skills such as higher level problem solving and analysis. Similarly, a poorly designed adaptive test can deny students an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge across the grade level content. (2) Eliminating the current cap (often referred to as the 1 percent regulation) which restricts, for accountability purposes, the use of scores on less challenging assessments being given to students with disabilities. The bill allows schools to give the alternate assessment on alternate academic standards to an unlimited number of students. Under the bill, too many students with disabilities would be forced into an alternate curriculum very early in their educational career, thus jeopardizing their ability to graduate high school with a regular diploma, enter career training or attend college. (3) Ignoring the literacy needs of millions of poor readers and writers at a time when these skills are integral to ensuring every young person can enter college or career training with the most basic reading and writing skills. Rather than ensure that there is dedicated funding for these critical skills, the bill consolidates numerous Federal education initiatives, endangering literacy and other key focuses designed to help struggling students. These shortcomings set back efforts to ensure disadvantaged students, including students with learning disabilities, receive instruction, intervention and support that will strengthen their opportunity to achieve academically. In summary, the policies H.R. 5 advances would reverse the progress that has been made for students with learning disabilities over the past decade. For that reason, and on behalf of the 100,000 parents and children for which we advocate, we respectfully, but strongly, urge Members to oppose the bill. Sincerely, James H. Wendorf, Executive Director.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on House Administration be discharged from further consideration of House Concurrent Resolution 43, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I wish to commend Mr. Louis Drummond for his 30 years of exemplary service to the United States Congress. Mr. Drummond has been an invaluable member of the Congressional Research Service (CRS) most notably while developing, supporting and maintaining the Legislative Information System (LIS), a vital legislative branch partnership. The Congress, the Library of Congress and the public have greatly benefited from his outstanding work. Mr. Drummond came to the Library of Congress from library school in June 1983 for the nine-month Library of Congress Intern Program. After the Intern Program, he worked as a reference librarian in the Main Reading Room for two years. Due to his interest in automation and his work on the new optical disk program, he then moved to CRS. His career at CRS has been notable for innovation, responsiveness to the needs of Congress, and his willingness to share his extensive knowledge with others. He was a leader in the introduction of the Internet into the services of the Library. He coordinated the planning, policy and development of CRS's first home page as well as the Library's first website. Mr. Drummond was a critical player in the Library's ability to adapt, master, and eventually take an international leadership role in the Internet. Other accomplishments include the development and support of SCORPIO, a 1970's mainframe program that retrieved legislative and public policy information, and MARVEL, the Library's first Internet Gopher system. Mr. Drummond's devotion to the needs of congressional users for legislative information has defined his career. In 1996, Congress directed CRS to coordinate the creation of a single integrated legislative retrieval system (the LIS) that would serve the House, the Senate, and other congressional agencies. Mr. Drummond took responsibility for that directive and not only coordinated the development of the system, but also ensured that over the years it met the needs of the user community. Finally, he participated in the Legislative Branch XML Working Group which has been charged with improving the availability and exchange of legislative data amongst agencies and the public by publishing it in XML format. On behalf of the entire congressional community, we extend congratulations to Mr. Louis Drummond for his many years of dedication, outstanding contributions, and service to the Congress and we wish him the very best in his retirement.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the order of the House of January 3, 2013, regarding morning-hour debate not apply tomorrow, and when the House adjourns on Thursday, March 7, 2013, it adjourn to meet at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 11, 2013.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on House Administration be discharged from further consideration of House Concurrent Resolution 20, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on House Administration be discharged from further consideration of House Concurrent Resolution 14, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. I rise today to speak about the importance of the National Pediatric Research Network Act of 2013. This bill rightfully develops pediatric research consortia to identify and promote therapies for rare childhood diseases. One of the disorders that this proposal targets is spinal muscular atrophy, or SMA, which is the number one genetic killer of children under the age of 2. This often unforgiving neurological disease leaves children weak and unable to move, breathe, swallow or talk; but research is promising and a cure is close. Recently, a friend of mine, Jeff Horton from my home county in Mississippi, shared with my office that his daughter, Evie, who has SMA, had an encouraging visit with an SMA specialist in Dallas. You see, Evie has toured the country and has met with experts devoted to advancing new and innovative SMA therapies. As a result, Evie's quality of life continues to improve as she gains mobility and a sense of independence. I urge you today to please support this legislation for Evie and others, such as her cousin, Reese, and the many other families that are affected by rare childhood diseases. This is something that we can do and that we should do.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Madam Speaker, the No Budget, No Pay portion of this bill was written specifically to ensure that it complies with the 27th Amendment to the Constitution. The bill does not vary the amount of compensation and is, therefore, constitutional. It only changes when Representatives and Senators are paid if they fail to adopt a budget resolution, as required by law. Currently, Representatives are paid monthly and Senators are paid twice a month. This bill simply says, if the House does not adopt a budget resolution, the Members of that House, instead, get paid at the end of that term of Congress. In 1789, James Madison, when he introduced the 27th Amendment, spoke of preventing changes in compensation from being for the benefit of those determining them. The clear purpose of the amendment--which, as we know, was not ratified until 1992--was to prevent Members from drawing higher salaries from the public treasury without giving voters an opportunity to speak on that decision. This bill does not benefit Members at the expense of taxpayers, and it is consistent with the provisions of the 27th Amendment.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, on rollccall Nos. 557 (H.R. 6122), 558 (H.R. 2139), 559 (H.R. 6186), 560 (H. Res. 773), 561 (H. Res. 773), and 562 (H.R. 4264) I am not recorded as I was detained in my district due to the death of Dr. Bill Causey, my first Pastor, and close friend. I was asked to speak at his funeral. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye''.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to be the lead sponsor of H.R. 5859. This bipartisan bill repeals an obsolete mandate that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has said is rarely used and not helpful. Since 1991, the Department of Transportation has annually distributed by mail a document, entitled, ``Relative Collision Insurance Cost Information.'' This information is sent by mail to new-vehicle dealers who are required to make the information available to prospective new- vehicle customers upon request. NHTSA has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars distributing this booklet over the past 21 years. While this information is of value to insurance actuaries, it has been of little or no use to consumers--for whom it is primarily intended. Insurance premiums are set through numerous factors that take into account driver characteristics, such as age, gender, marital status, driving record, and geographical location. No brochure produced annually by the Federal Government can accurately gauge a prospective new car owner's insurance premium cost. A recent survey by the National Automobile Dealers Association confirmed what was expected: out of 800 new car dealers polled, an overwhelming 96 percent of the dealers answered that not a single customer had ever even asked for a booklet. I would like to make note that, if this regulation is repealed, the data will still be compiled, and NHTSA will still have the discretion to provide this information to consumers on their Web sites. We have heard from witnesses like Mr. Jack Fitzgerald, who has been in the car business all of his life. Neither he nor his employees have ever been asked for a copy of this booklet. In my home State of Mississippi, Butch Oustalet of Butch Oustalet Ford Lincoln in Gulfport, informed my staff that, despite selling thousands of vehicles to so many people over the years, not one customer has ever asked for this booklet. Barker Honda of Brookhaven and New South Ford of Meridian also reported that no customer has ever asked for a copy of this booklet. When customers go into a dealership and ask what their insurance premiums will be, they all agree that the best way to get accurate quotes is for them to simply contact their insurance agents. This simple and bipartisan bill, if passed, would show that Congress is serious about efforts to alleviate burdensome and unneeded regulations on businesses across this country. The President states that it is a priority of his administration's to get rid of absurd and unnecessary paperwork requirements that waste time and money. I say that Congress should lead now with H.R. 5859. I would like to thank Subcommittee Chairman Bono Mack, Chairman Upton and the Energy and Commerce Committee for moving H.R. 5859. I would also like to thank Congressman Bill Owens from New York for his hard work and leadership on this legislation.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, the policies and regulations resulting from the President's health care law are among the most overreaching added to the U.S. Code in modern history. Further, the President himself has said that his law's individual mandate is not a tax; yet he is now rallying behind the Supreme Court ruling that defined this requirement as just that, a tax. Look, I have little confidence that this far-reaching law would have ever advanced had the White House and congressional Democrats united behind a tax mandate on every single American citizen. Let's be clear: the Supreme Court ruled that this law is allowable, not that it's good policy, nor that it will improve the delivery of care. This law is bad for patients and providers, it's bad for individuals and employers, and it's bad for States and jobs. This repeal will allow Americans to receive the care they need from the doctors they choose at a cost they can afford. It's that simple.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 379 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Thank you, sir. I yield back the balance of my time.