George Holding

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, a small but vibrant community called Nahunta, which is hidden off the beaten track in eastern North Carolina, sadly said good-bye last year to one of its most beloved residents. Mack Pierce, who lived and breathed Nahunta for 81 years, passed away on November 3. Now, up here in Washington, D.C., the title ``Pork King'' might not be a compliment, but in Nahunta, Mack Pierce's company wore the crown proudly. He founded the Nahunta Pork Center in 1975, and grew it into one of the largest pork retail displayers in the Nation. In the eastern portion of my congressional district, it is impossible to miss the enormous yellow signs up and down the interstate that declare the Nahunta Pork Center as the ``Pork King,'' a treasured title in one of the country's largest pork-producing States. Mack had a keen insight for business and an unwavering commitment to his family, his faith, and his community. Rather than taking his business to a larger city as it grew, Mack chose to build a successful, stable business that would bring employees and customers alike to his hometown of Nahunta. As a result, thanks to Mack, Nahunta is a household name in eastern North Carolina, and it is recognizable to its customers up and down the east coast. The Nahunta Pork Center has remained in the same location since it opened, and it has grown substantially as its customer base has increased. Throughout his life, Mack focused on providing the best product and outstanding service, and his hard work helped put Nahunta on the map. Business, though, was second to family and community. If there were an opportunity to volunteer, Mack was first in line. For over 70 years, he was a member of the Nahunta Friends Meeting, where he served in many capacities. At his church, Mack served as an elder and as a finance committee member. He sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, and mentored young folks at the church. In the community, Mack was a founding member of the Nahunta Fire Department. He served as a trustee at the nearby Mount Olive College, and he sat on the board of directors of the BB&T Bank. At home, he and his wife, Jean, spent 61 wonderful years together. They had two sons, Larry and Freddie, and four grandchildren. Mack cherished his role as a husband, as a father, and as a grandfather. In his lifetime, Mack Pierce enriched the community of Nahunta in too many ways to count, and he will be greatly missed.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, last week we once again saw what Prime Minister Netanyahu correctly described as ``the true face of Iran.'' After Israeli Defense Forces intercepted an illicit shipment of rockets, bullets, and mortars reportedly bound for Hamas fighters in Gaza, Israel was able to publicly show how Iran continues to fund and supply terrorism across the globe. This operation also demonstrated Israel's inherent right and need to defend its people and homeland from neighboring terror groups. Madam Speaker, while the administration is quick to negotiate terms of a nuclear deal with the regime in Tehran, last week's event should serve as yet another stark reminder of whom this administration is really dealing with, but more importantly, whom they are choosing to trust. While the face of the regime and some of their rhetoric has changed, Madam Speaker, it is clear that the Iranian regime's true intentions and end game has not.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I would like to first thank Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel for their leadership on this issue in the Foreign Affairs Committee. The situation in Ukraine continues to be grim. Now is the time to support those who strive for democracy. Included in H. Res. 499 is an amendment I offered in committee to strengthen the language expressing the support of the House to work with our partners in the Ukraine to improve transparency, combat corruption, and protect individual rights through an independent judiciary and strong rule of law. This resolution, Mr. Speaker, is an important first step, but there is more we must do to address Russia's violation of Ukraine's sovereignty. I hope to work with the chairman and the ranking member to quickly pass a strong package of sanctions that targets those responsible for the invasion of Crimea and lets Russia know that annexation of Crimea or any part of Ukraine is not an option. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Clerk be authorized to make technical corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 2804, including corrections in spelling, punctuation, section and title numbering, cross-referencing, conforming amendments to the table of contents and short titles, and the insertion of appropriate headings.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 2804, the ALERRT Act. I would like to thank Chairman Goodlatte, Chairman Bachus, and the gentleman from Georgia for their hard work and contributions to making this legislation better. In my district in North Carolina, small businesses are a primary driver of the economy. The businesses, like many across the country, are being harmed by excessive regulations. Excessive regulations mean lower wages for workers, fewer jobs, and higher prices for consumers. Oftentimes, Madam Chairman, small businesses are not given enough notice of how new regulations will affect their everyday operations. They are faced with tough decisions like whether to cut workers' hours or wages or adjust their business plan elsewhere. That is why I introduced the ALERRT Act, to ensure that the administration publishes its regulatory agenda in a timely manner and provides annual disclosures about planned regulations, their expected costs, final rules, and cumulative regulatory costs, in general. During President Obama's first term, our Nation's cumulative regulatory cost burden increased by $488 billion. Compounding the problem, this administration has failed to make public, as required by law, the effects of new regulations in a timely, reasonable manner. The administration is required to submit a regulatory agenda twice a year, but they have consistently failed to do so on time. You will recall, Madam Chairman, that in 2012 the administration made neither disclosure required by law until December, after the general election. This deprived voters of the opportunity to see how proposed regulations would increase prices for household goods, lead to stagnant wages, and decrease job opportunities. This is important when Federal regulations already place an average burden of almost $15,000 per year on each American household. That is not a burden that folks in this economy--or any economy--should have to bear. Madam Chairman, this bill is not about shutting down the regulatory process but about providing much-needed sunlight and transparency. It requires monthly online updates of information on planned regulations and their expected costs so everyone who is going to be affected can know, in real time, how to plan for the regulations' impacts or how to cast their vote. The ALERRT Act is comprehensive reform that promotes economic growth and takes steps toward reform of the regulatory system to provide the government accountability that our citizens deserve.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share a story about Patrick Jackson. Patrick is a firefighter from North Carolina who is using new technologies and his programming skills in his mission to save lives. Patrick is using Google Glass, along with the Android and iPhone apps he has developed, to support firefighters on the job. The apps he has created encourage and increase communication between firefighters and emergency responders to accelerate the process of saving victims and putting out fires as quickly as possible. Although Google Glass is not yet on the market, except for Google's Explorer's program, it has generated a lot of buzz in the tech community. With Glass, people can send and view messages and emails, videos and pictures, and surf the net without using their hands. They can also ask the device for information or get directions without using their hands. Patrick's Glass app would help firefighters locate incidents and hydrants, and give them hands-free building layouts and the ability to record video from the first responders on the scene. Some departments that have expressed interest in this technology want to take it a step further, such as linking the app to a thermal imaging camera and oxygen masks to increase a firefighter's ability to see in smoke. Although it is still in its preliminary stage of development, technologies like Patrick's could potentially help firefighters and other emergency response teams do their jobs and save lives. Mr. Speaker, Patrick's idea is a perfect example of how technology betters our lives and can, ultimately, save lives. Innovation leads to job creation. We need to encourage more innovators like Patrick to keep America on top as the world's leader in innovation.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, over the last several weeks, I have come to the House floor on numerous occasions to talk about the interim nuclear agreement that this administration is negotiating with Iran. I have come here to discuss exactly what that administration is--or, more importantly, isn't--negotiating and what that means for our national security and the stability of the region as a whole. While there can be no question that we need to continue having that discussion about whatever else the regime in Tehran decides to do, like send warships off of our eastern coast, we also need to take some time to discuss what exactly the real power brokers in Iran are doing when they aren't talking about destroying Israel or attacking America. Many of my colleagues have been down on this very floor before to discuss the oppressive nature of the Iranian regime. It is important that we remind folks just how tyrannical those who are in power there really are. So, just what exactly have we seen since the election of the self- described moderate President in Iran? We have largely seen the continuation of the same human rights abuses that we have seen for years in Iran. We have seen the grip of Tehran's media and Internet sensors tighten since Mr. Rouhani came to power. Web sites have been restricted and mobile phone applications have also been blocked. There have also been reports of numerous newspapers and blogs being shut down altogether and their reporters and editors being arrested. Now, what do they all have in common, Mr. Speaker? What they have in common is these people advocate for reform and are critical of the regime in Iran. We have seen a number of Iran's executions occur at an alarming rate since Mr. Rouhani took office. There are many theories as to why this is happening, but the fact remains, somewhere upwards of 60 people are being executed each month in Iran. Some of these executions are being carried out in public with those in charge intentionally leaving the bodies to hang from construction cranes in public areas. We have seen the persecution of religious minorities. We should all support freedom of religion, and the regime's persistent crackdowns and arrests of Christians, the Baha'is, and other religious minorities should trouble everyone. Mr. Speaker, as I have talked about before, Iran continues to prop up Hezbollah across the Middle East. Their involvement across the region is widely noted. Of particular concern should be their connection to Syria. Iran sends trained murderers and weapons to prolong the brutal civil war that continues to destroy Syria, separate families, and cause millions to flee their country. Sadly, this is not even a comprehensive list of what goes on inside of Iran. We could discuss their appalling human rights trafficking record or their full record of sponsoring terrorism, in addition to what we have already discussed. Why is all of this important when we are talking about the administration's pursuit of a nuclear deal with Iran? Two reasons: first, it should serve as a stark reminder of just whom exactly the Obama administration is really negotiating with; second, it shows the true intentions and belief of those that are really in power in Iran. It shows the disconnect between the rhetoric of the self-described moderate President and what is really going on within Iran's borders. Above all, it shows where the real power lies, which is in the hands of the Supreme Leader of Iran. To forget about the plight of the Iranian people and not address what happens domestically in Iran would be a failure, plain and simple, and one which will continue to cost innocent lives.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlelady for bringing us here today to talk about this important issue. Mr. Speaker, excessive and burdensome regulations have become a pattern under this administration. It is harmful to business and prevents growth in our economy. One area of concern, amongst many that I have and my constituents have in North Carolina, is the proposed Environmental Protection Agency rule which would make changes to the Clean Water Act. The proposed rule by EPA would grant them control over essentially all waters, not just navigable waters as any commonsense person understands navigable waters and which is clearly defined in the Clean Water Act of 1972 and has been upheld by the Supreme Court. In North Carolina, farmers are a critical part of this economy and community. Earlier this week, I had the chance to meet with a group of farmers from Wayne County, which is a large population center in my district. One of their greatest concerns was not a traditional farmer concern that you hear. It wasn't a concern about feed prices or soil fertility or farm equipment maintenance. It had to do with a Federal agency attempting to regulate any ditch, puddle, or dry creekbed within their property lines. This proposed rule from the EPA would take control away from these farmers and place it in the hands of a Federal Government bureaucracy. Now, the EPA claims that it needs the authority to do this, but in reality, this expansion of power would unnecessarily put local and State issues in the Federal Government's hands. The EPA wants to expand the jurisdiction to intrastate waters, which could include isolated streams or ditches. This is extremely consequential to private property owners who could now be subject to EPA regulations even if they merely have a small pond in their backyard. If the EPA is given this authority, private property owners will be vulnerable to lawsuits from environmental groups for not complying with regulations. In some of these cases, these waters have nothing to do with Federal interests and the rule could override State prerogatives. The rule would allow EPA to regulate activities beyond the scope of interstate commerce, which is clearly not what was intended when the Clean Water Act was passed in 1972. It is essential that we support policies that help farmers not only in North Carolina, not only in my district, but across the country to grow and produce their crops. They cannot afford to be laid low by overreaching government regulations. These are not large corporations. We are talking about local farmers who are farming sweet potatoes or soybeans or tobacco, and for them, these new regulations can be complex and compliance can be time consuming and expensive. The Small Business Office of Advocacy has reported that Federal rulemaking has imposed a cumulative burden of $1.75 trillion on our economy. We should not add more to the problem with the proposed EPA rule; but, rather, we should be doing all we can to alleviate the burden on our farmers, small businesses, and our Nation's economy. Again, I want to thank the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Hartzler) for organizing this Special Order this afternoon.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, last week, North Carolina lost a real leader and a good man--my loyal friend, Sheriff Carey Winders of Wayne County. He was only 57 years old. Carey was one of the youngest men to be elected as sheriff in Wayne County, and 2015 would have marked his 20th year of service. He was dedicated to the people he served and respected by all. Carey was a lifelong member of Union Grove Free Will Baptist Church, where he met his wife of 33 years, Teresa. Family was everything to Carey. Carey had three daughters--Jessica, Ashley and Carianne--and two granddaughters. Mr. Speaker, Carey was devoted to Wayne County and driven by his faith, his family and his commitment to the citizens who put their trust in him. While it is a dark time in Wayne County, we know that the light of his life and his principled example will illuminate this community in the days ahead.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, as the Obama administration continues to cut deals with the regime in Iran, Iranian military leaders pulled no punches in letting us know that they are prepared to strike our homeland, our forces in the Middle East, and our ally Israel. These military leaders are at the real center of power in Tehran, pulling the strings behind the scenes. They are also the people who this administration is trusting to end their nuclear weapons program even though they invested heavily in keeping that same program hidden from the world for years. Iranian commanders just this past weekend went as far as to talk about destroying America from within and how we will face devastating consequences if we exercise our military option. Madam Speaker, their words are just another reminder of how this administration has misplaced their trust and how the current deal with Iran jeopardizes our national security.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

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

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, when the President delivers his State of the Union address tonight, it will be important to note what he won't say about the state of our Nation's foreign policy. This is because, on President Obama's watch, America has been notably absent from the world stage. His foreign policy has taken America away from a role of global leadership to a shuffled retreat. Madam Speaker, successful foreign policy is defined by your friends trusting you and your enemies fearing you. Chances are the President will only touch momentarily on the Iranian nuclear deal tonight and for good reason. It has gathered strong bipartisan opposition, and the regime in Tehran has flaunted the deal as a legitimization of their shadowy nuclear program. Madam Speaker, those who seek freedom and democracy look now more than ever to America for leadership. Chances are you won't hear much about that from the President tonight.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, it is hard to find anyone outside the Obama administration singing high praises for the nuclear deal with Iran. In fact, the regime in Tehran has on more than one occasion taken to the media to declare how the Obama administration is overselling the terms of the agreement, how there will be no dismantling of centrifuges, how the United States ``surrendered to the Iranian nation's will.'' So while this administration, Mr. Speaker, gives back access to billions of dollars in frozen assets and relaxes sanctions on the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism, Iran, their centrifuges will continue to spin. History has taught us that we are not dealing with an honest broker in Tehran. The election of President Rouhani does nothing to change the fact that the Supreme Leader is still in charge. Nothing in this agreement denuclearizes a hostile and an oppressive regime.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, at a time when the national debt is over $17 trillion and growing by the second, the government continues to borrow and spend money that we simply do not have. Each day that we do not address this problem, the American people continue to lose faith in Washington's ability to spend their tax dollars wisely. Mr. Speaker, one of our jobs as Members of Congress is to provide aggressive oversight as to how our tax dollars are being spent by the Federal agencies. The American people already see the government take far too much of their hard-earned paychecks, and they have a right to know how these dollars are being spent. People across the country are struggling to find jobs and make ends meet. Now, imagine how frustrating it is for them to find out that some public officials are making extravagant salaries and receiving overly generous compensation packages, partially funded by the very dollars that they, the taxpayers, are sending to Washington. What kind of message does that send? It makes the public lose faith in their elected officials, and it is morally wrong. Reports in the Raleigh News and Observer indicate that in my home State of North Carolina, the executive director of the Raleigh Housing Authority is paid over $280,000 annually and is also allowed to take up to 11 weeks of vacation and compensation time. The Raleigh Housing Authority is funded largely by Federal taxpayer dollars doled out by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The practices at RHA certainly raise a red flag about how Federal dollars are being spent by local agencies. Last week, I requested a Federal audit of the RHA to make certain that they are adhering to the law. I also joined with Senator Chuck Grassley, who is a longtime advocate for oversight of public housing authorities, to send a letter to HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan requesting more answers and documentation regarding the questionable salary and compensation practices at the Raleigh Housing Authority. HUD needs to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent appropriately by the RHA and housing authorities across the country. HUD funds are intended for affordable housing for those in need, not for excessive compensation packages. The RHA needs to justify their compensation and salary practices. The audit should publicize how the RHA has spent Federal money, how much is wasted, and what and how it can do to eliminate further wasteful spending while continuing to fulfill its mission. Mr. Speaker, government transparency at RHA is not just important to my home State of North Carolina but to all of our government agencies. We are already spending Federal money at an unsustainable rate, and we need to eliminate areas where taxpayer dollars are being abused. If we do not ensure government transparency and cut wasteful spending, we will not only lose the faith of the American people completely, but our economy will continue to spiral downward.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

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

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, due to ObamaCare, potentially millions of small business employees will be affected by a surge of health care plan cancelations. The hundreds of thousands of individual cancelation notices we saw last year were just the beginning, and there will be more before the next open enrollment period. Mr. Speaker, small business owners are forced to buy more expensive comprehensive coverage, so they must find ways to offset the costs. They will have to cut employees' and workers' hours. And employees they can afford to keep will have restricted choices when selecting doctors and filling prescriptions; so they might not be able to keep the doctor they like, and if they can, it likely will be more expensive. Mr. Speaker, small businesses create jobs and grow our economy. Around 40 million people have health insurance through their small business employer, and for them, the next wave of ObamaCare cancelations could be catastrophic.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, it is unfortunate enough that ObamaCare has increased the cost of health care for families across the country. On top of the skyrocketing premiums, limited choices for doctors and coverage, and regulatory burdens on small business, it is worrisome that people's personal information is now being subjected to potential fraud in the ObamaCare exchanges. The security problems with healthcare.gov go far beyond error messages and connection issues. In many cases, the people in charge of collecting and processing our most sensitive information haven't been fully trained or vetted; and although the administration knew the Web site hadn't been properly tested, they launched it anyway, leaving the American people vulnerable. That is why I introduced H.R. 3652, the No Identity Theft in Health Care Act, which would increase penalties for those who abuse their access to personal information that Americans are forced to submit when signing up for ObamaCare to commit identity theft. I also look forward to supporting the Health Exchange Security and Transparency Act later this week. Mr. Speaker, it is unacceptable that people's personal information is at risk. The administration needs to address this.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, the disastrous rollout of ObamaCare has shown that those who were quick to sing its praises were not prepared to actually implement it. It quickly became apparent after the online exchanges opened that healthcare.gov was unworkable. Folks who were trying to create accounts and pick a plan were receiving error messages, being kicked off midway through the process, only to be sent back to the beginning, experiencing many glitches. Madam Speaker, the administration and the agencies responsible clearly were not prepared for the launch of healthcare.gov. They blamed issues with the Web site on unexpected volume, which simply does not make sense. ObamaCare requires all Americans to have health insurance or face a fine. There are over 313 million people in the United States, so how could they not expect a high volume? Madam Speaker, the American people are paying for a Web site that doesn't even work, and they are paying an outrageous amount. In her testimony before the Energy and Commerce Committee yesterday, Secretary Sebelius said that the administration has currently spent $319 million on healthcare.gov so far, and Health and Human Services has budgeted $667 million for the Web site through October of next year. At a time when we are over $17 trillion in debt and the government continues to borrow and spend at an unsustainable rate, this is simply unacceptable. Madam Speaker, the unworkability of this Web site goes beyond error messages and technical problems; it is vulnerable to security breaches as well. In late October, a Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services memo showed that administration officials were concerned, due to a lack of testing, healthcare.gov had potential high security risks. And yet they went ahead and launched the Web site anyway. When an individual uses the Web site to sign up, they enter much of their personal information such as Social Security number and address and so forth. Many individuals who have had problems with the Web site may have entered it several times, and they could be a victim of fraud or identity theft if the Web site is not secure. Madam Speaker, it is out of concern for the security of people's personal information on healthcare.gov that I have introduced H.R. 3652, the No Identity Theft in Health Care Act, which would increase penalties for navigators or other agency employees who commit identity theft by using information submitted for the purposes of signing up for ObamaCare. Under current Federal law, aggravated identity theft carries a 2-year sentence. My bill would increase the penalty to 5 years in prison for those who use your sensitive information that has been submitted for the purpose of signing up for health care. Many agency employees who have been tasked with implementing the law and processing Americans' sensitive personal information have not gone through background checks or even been thoroughly screened. My bill would deter navigators and others with access to sensitive information through ObamaCare from stealing the identities of Americans who are simply trying to pick a health care plan. Madam Speaker, we need to do what we can to protect the American people from this harmful law, starting with the security of their personal information. The problems with the Web site do not overshadow the problems with the law itself, because the real issues with ObamaCare go far beyond an unworkable Web site. I have heard from many of my constituents about their canceled plans, increased costs of premiums, and that they are being offered less choice about which doctors they can see. We need to continue to work toward patient-oriented reforms and focus on protecting the American people from this harmful law.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 3309, the Innovation Act, because it is crucial to preserving the integrity of our Nation's innovators and creators. One of the constitutional responsibilities of Congress is to ``promote the progress of science and useful arts.'' This legislation does just that by deterring abuse of our patent litigation system. As a United States Attorney, I saw how patent trolls abuse our patent litigation system by acquiring patents that they have no intention of using for anything other than their own monetary gain. Patent trolls sue companies for allegedly infringing on patents they had no business acquiring in the first place. The Innovation Act, which I am proud to cosponsor, makes it more difficult for patent trolls to form a case. It also aligns fee shifting in patent cases, which discourages frivolous cases. Madam Chairman, there is a lot of opportunity for job creation in the technology sector. The Innovation Acts is essential to protecting these technology companies from fraud and abuse. I want to thank Chairman Goodlatte for his leadership on this issue.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, when the President picks and chooses which laws to enforce, it undermines the foundations of our democracy. Yesterday, in the House Judiciary Committee, we held a hearing to examine the President's constitutional responsibility to ``faithfully execute'' the law. Our Founding Fathers formed the structure of our government specifically so that none of the three branches could become too powerful. If we ignore our system of checks and balances, our government will become unstable and chaotic. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, this President and his administration have abused their executive power. President Obama continues to violate his constitutional duty to enforce the laws and instead chooses when, where, and which laws to enforce. He has enforced laws and policies based on preferences, like making changes to our immigration system, our criminal code, and his signature health care law. Mr. Speaker, neither this President, nor any President, should grant themselves extra-constitutional authority to change laws they don't like. If the President himself does not follow the law, it sets a dangerous example.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great American, George Turner, from Wilmington, North Carolina, for his recent induction into the Wake County Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame. George is a man of character and conviction, who exudes principle and selflessness. He is a tireless worker and leader in his community. George's success in business is equally matched by his giving nature. Earlier this month, George was honored for his years of service to the Wake County Boys & Girls Club, and was inducted into their Hall of Fame. Over 700 people came to the Raleigh Convention Center to see George be honored for his service to the Boys & Girls Club. This is a testament to how many lives he has touched in his decades of work with the organization. As a longtime board member of the Wake County Boys & Girls Club, previously leading the organization as board president, George is a great role model to kids across North Carolina. George attended East Carolina University and served in the United States Coast Guard, Active and Reserves, from 1960 to 1968. Before he retired, George was CEO of the Ready Mixed Concrete Company in my hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina. George is a real leader in business and in education, serving on the board of directors for the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, the North Carolina State University Engineering School, the North Carolina State University College of Design, and the Raleigh YMCA. George is a truly giving man, and I can think of no one more deserving of the Hall of Fame than he. I congratulate him on receiving this award, and I thank him for his unwavering dedication to his community. It is spirit and enterprise like George Turner's that will rebuild our Nation and rebuild our economy.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.