Richard Hudson

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. I thank you for your strong leadership here in Congress. Often a new Member of Congress comes to town and spends a little bit of time learning the ropes, maybe sitting in the back row observing, but that is not true of Mark Walker. Mark Walker has quickly become a leader in Congress and particularly on issues such as this. Tonight is the people's night. Government accountability is the topic. I thank the gentleman for bringing up the issue of the EPA. We had a hearing Friday in the Energy and Commerce Committee, on which I serve, in which we had the acting assistant administrator who oversees the Clean Air Act. We were looking at this new proposed rule that the EPA has put out having to do with ground-level ozone. Now in 2008, the EPA issued a rule that brought the levels of ground- level ozone down to 75 parts per billion. Based on that number, many counties in North Carolina and across this country were out of attainment. Everyone wants clean air. Everyone wants clean water. Even those of us who are concerned about jobs know that if you don't have clean air and clean water, you can't attract industry, and you can't have businesses grow in your community. But you have to look at the real science, and you have to look at the real numbers. And the truth is, since 1980, we have cut ground-level ozone levels 30 percent in this country. We have done a tremendous job, and that has been driven by industry. This new rule was issued in 2008, but the instructions to States weren't issued until March of this year. So in March of this year, the EPA finally told the States how to comply with these new levels of 75 parts per billion. But now they have come out with a new rule that says, we are going to drop that to 65 or maybe even 60. If that is the case, every county in North Carolina--except one county in western North Carolina--would be out of attainment. So what does that mean? That means you can't have a road project. It means you can't build a new home. It means you can't add any jobs to any existing industry. It means you can't bring any new industry into the State. And they are doing this at a time when we haven't even implemented the old rule, when we have already cut ground-level ozone 30 percent. So what I would say is, let's wait and look at the science. Let's look at the real health impacts. Let's see what the results of the current regulations are before we rush out with some new regulations which we are told could cost as much as 270,000 jobs in North Carolina. I have seen a figure of 1.3 million jobs in the country. Before we bring on this cost, before we threaten these jobs, before we basically shut down all growth and development, let's take a look at the actual science. So this is just one example of one agency that is overreaching. We have got other examples. You have got the IRS using ``the dog ate my homework'' excuse to duck responsibility. We have also got the Department of Veterans Affairs failing to provide adequate care for our heroes. When he established the VA, President Abraham Lincoln promised that our Nation would take care of our men and women in uniform and their families who have served and defended our country. Mr. Speaker, it is an understatement to say that today, the VA is failing and falling extremely short of that promise that President Lincoln made. Our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines have endured traumatic experiences on the battlefield and should not have to continue to fight to receive proper care when they return home. Make no mistake, there are many good and dedicated people at VA medical facilities across the country who do a tremendous job every day caring for our veterans. In fact, many of the folks working at VA facilities are veterans themselves. The problem is, the bureaucracy has gotten so massive and so out of control, the resources are wasted and the quality of care delivered to veterans has decreased. This culture of unaccountability has led to long wait times, 10,000 disability claims still in backlog, and millions of our tax dollars wasted. Our veterans are being ignored and tragically, in some cases, left to die. It was George Washington who has been talked about by my colleague. Mr. Walker mentioned the anniversary of him resigning his commission. George Washington said: ``The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive how the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their Nation.'' Mr. Speaker, I know we will continue our efforts to reshape the culture at the VA, but it is high time this administration takes responsibility and joins those of us who want to give veterans a choice. Every veteran in this country should have the choice to go to any doctor of their choosing, and the VA should not have to preapprove it, and the VA should pay for that medical care. That is the proposal that I have talked about. I think that is the way that we could finally end these wait times, and we can break down these backlogs. I call on the administration to work with us. It is time for the people to have accountability from their government. It is time for our veterans to have accountability from the VA. They put everything on the line for our country, for our freedom. It is time for us to do the same. God bless our veterans and their families. It is time to get to work.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate my colleague's rhetorical question. Mr. Chairman, I would just say that the point is a 5.56 green tip bullet is not an armor-piercing bullet. The only reason it has been called an armor-piercing bullet is because of a loophole, and that is my point. We have an administration that has just put out a whole list of regulations that say they want to restrict the rights of people because they may or may not have a mental illness. They want a whole list, a whole range of regulations that they would like to roll out in the final days of this administration to limit, to infringe upon our Second Amendment rights. What I am saying is we are not going to stand for that. The bullet, the round that I am talking about is not an armor- piercing round; it has never been defined as an armor-piercing round, but because of a loophole, this administration tried to ban it as such. Having said that, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Culberson), the chairman.

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Chairman, may I inquire how much time is remaining?

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Chairman, first and foremost, I want to voice my strong opposition to the Obama administration's continued assaults on our Second Amendment rights. I ran for Congress to stand up against this overreach and to keep Washington bureaucrats' influence out of our lives and their hands off our freedoms and their hand off our guns. That is why I am offering an amendment to the Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bill that would stop President Obama's green tip ammo ban. As you recall, the ATF recently tried to ban common rifle ammunition that has been legally used by law-abiding American sportsmen for decades. It was only after receiving intense pressure from Congress and more than 80,000 public comments and, frankly, the direct intervention of Chairman Culberson that the administration stalled their proposed ban. As the clock ticks down on this President's second term, the administration is cooking up more than a dozen gun control regulations and has left the door open to reconsider future ammo bans. This determination to unconstitutionally restrict one of our most fundamental rights and--I would argue--our first freedom has nothing to do with safety or security and everything to do with government control. My amendment, previously introduced as a stand-alone bill by my good friend and colleague, Chief Deputy Whip Patrick McHenry, from North Carolina, would put an end to this attack on our Second Amendment rights by ensuring this popular ammunition remains available and not subject to any future ATF bans. Mr. Chairman, like many of my constituents from North Carolina, I like to spend time outdoors in a deer stand, in a field, or at the range. I will not stand idly by and allow a unilateral executive fiat to threaten our right to enjoy this cherished American tradition. The Second Amendment is not about hunting or shooting sports. Our right to keep and bear arms is a right that ensures our ability to protect all of rights. That is why I refer to it as our first freedom. This fundamental freedom must be defended and protected. For that reason, I encourage my colleagues in the House to support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to my colleague from North Carolina (Mr. Rouzer).

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the graduates of the Leadership Rowan class of 2015. These graduates represent a cross-section of leaders in Rowan County, North Carolina, who are dedicated to making their county and local communities a better place. Leadership Rowan is a nine month program designed to teach existing leaders and community volunteers about important local issues, introduce them to new means of involvement, and connect them with other leaders in the community. For 23 years under the sponsorship of the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Rowan has graduated over 500 emerging leaders. As a graduate of Leadership Cabarrus and Leadership Montgomery, which are similar programs in other North Carolina counties, I understand the level of commitment necessary to complete this program. I commend each graduate for taking the time to learn more about the political, cultural, social, economic, and educational issues in Rowan County in order to better understand and improve our community. These 25 graduates completed courses in History and Power; Business and the Economy; Public Education; Human Needs; Government; Criminal Justice; Communications; and Quality of Life. Participants in this year's Leadership Rowan class include: Keri Allman, D.J. Barksdale, Gary Blabon, Keith Bowersox, Wendy Brindle, Mary Burridge, Thomas Cobb, Heather Crawford, Victoria Curran, Teresa Dakins, Addison Davis, Benjamin Davis, Michelle Fisher, Jon Folstad, Rori Godsey, Ashlee Hawkins, Deborah Johnson, Heather King, Glenwood Oats Jr., Ann Pressly, Laurie Ritchie, Janet Spriggs, Shane Valley, Curtis Walker, and Jeanette West. It is an honor today to congratulate the graduates of Leadership Rowan for completing this program and for their dedication to serving our community and the State of North Carolina.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to commemorate the 240th anniversary of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. Meck Dec Day marks a defining moment in our nation's history when brave North Carolinians--united by their common pursuit of freedom-- stepped forward to become the very first Americans to declare independence from the tyrannical crown of Great Britain. This courageous act of defiance paved the way for the establishment of the United States of America and our great experiment in democracy. North Carolina's bold leaders and citizens resisted British occupation during the Revolutionary War, prompting British Commander General Cornwallis to describe our fearless city as ``a hornet's nest of rebellion.'' It's in this spirit that our community continues to stand for liberty, justice and freedom. I am so proud of our heritage and for the leadership that the State of North Carolina continues to provide this great nation. Mr. Speaker, on this historic anniversary, I want to congratulate the city of Charlotte and all North Carolinians. I welcome each and every one of my colleagues to join us in celebrating this important moment in our history and the great North Carolinians who risked everything to lay claim to our rights and freedom.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the fine men and women who faithfully serve in North Carolina's 8th Congressional District as law enforcement officers. Every year since 1962, when President John F. Kennedy declared May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day, our country observes National Police Week during the calendar week of May 15th. This is the day we pay our respects to those heroic officers who died in the line of duty and to their families. National Police Week presents us with a unique opportunity to show support for these important public servants. My district is fortunate to have brave men and women who dedicate and risk their lives daily for our well-being and security. Their commitment to the safety of others deserves our gratitude and appreciation, and their service is an example to the people of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me today to recognize and honor the law enforcement officers in North Carolina's 8th Congressional District.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Chairman, this evening, I offer an amendment to the Energy and Water Appropriations bill that would cut spending back to the fiscal year 2008 level. While I appreciate the work of the Appropriations Committee in crafting this important bill, I recognize that we should go further to cut reckless spending. Washington has a spending problem, and we can't afford to kick the can down the road any longer. My amendment makes an across-the-board cut of more than 11 percent to the bill in order to decrease the amount back to the fiscal year 2008 level, saving nearly $2 billion for the taxpayers. We are over $18 trillion in our national debt. This is merely a drop in the bucket, and we owe it to our constituents to cut even more to restore fiscal sanity in Washington. Defense accounts are exempt from this cut because Congress is expected to take up the National Defense Authorization Act in the near future to address those programs. Mr. Chairman, when I first ran for Congress, I was repeatedly asked: ``If you are elected, what programs would you cut?'' The answer I gave was: ``First, I would go back to 2008 spending levels, and then we will start cutting.'' My amendment does just this. It allows us to return to the point when we can finally get serious about paying down our national debt and saving future generations from economic disaster. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Chair, I acknowledge the fine point the gentlewoman made that we can't cut discretionary spending to get ourselves out of debt. She makes two valid points: we need more revenue and we need to address the mandatory spending side. I agree wholeheartedly. We need tax reform to get us more revenue, to get the economy generated, to get people back to work, and we also need to look at saving Social Security and Medicare, shoring them up for future generations and controlling the cost curve. She makes a valid point. I also want to acknowledge that Chairman Simpson and the Committee on Appropriations have actually made real cuts over the last few years. He also makes a valid point that we have actually cut discretionary spending in real dollars. I would say to you, Mr. Chairman, we can do more. I just believe that if you look at the path we are on, we are heading, if we don't spend another dime, toward a horrific debt crisis in this country. We just can't afford to sit back and not deal with that. I believe we do need to work on the mandatory side for sure because that is the real driver of our debt. But in the meantime, let's go back to pre-stimulus time, let's go back to 2008 spending levels because I don't remember the Federal Government starving for money. I don't remember the Federal Government just barely being able to function because it didn't have enough revenue back in 2008. I think it is prudent for us to do that. It is about jobs, it is about the economy, it is about our future generation, our children and grandchildren who are going to have to actually pay the bills that we are running up right now. Mr. Chairman, I would ask my colleagues to please support the amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HUDSON. How much time do I have remaining, Mr. Chair?

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Chairman, I call up the Hudson amendment.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we are working through a bipartisan Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill that contains a lot of good measures, that keeps the VA under the magnifying glass, and helps guarantee topnotch care for our Nation's heroes, our veterans. Continuing to fix the issues at the VA needs to remain our top priority, but the solution is not throwing more money at it, Mr. Speaker. We spend more now on the VA than at any point in our history, but too much money is wasted on the bureaucracy here in Washington and doesn't get down to the caregivers and to our veterans who need the care. My constituents and veterans across the Nation are waiting months for routine exams, while others who need special care are stuck in backlogs. Mr. Speaker, it simply isn't fair, and it is not tolerable. Our veterans deserve the best, and we can deliver that by breaking up this bureaucracy in the VA. We should give our veterans the option to get health care at the VA if they choose, or to go to a private healthcare provider in their local community and have the VA pay for it. Until we move to that system, Mr. Speaker, the VA at the top is going to continue to soak up the money, and the veterans at the bottom are going to continue to not get the care that they deserve. I ask my colleagues to continue to work with me so that we provide the best health care in the world to our veterans, that we keep the promises we made.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor United States Army Sergeant Matthew Cooke, a recipient of the Purple Heart from North Carolina's 8th Congressional District. Sergeant Cooke was one of thirty-two wounded during the 2009 shooting at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas. On November 5, 2009, Nidal Hasan opened fire at the Soldier Readiness Center at Fort Hood, killing 13 people and wounding 32 and without the courageous actions of Sergeant Cooke, the death toll would likely have been higher. When Sergeant Cooke saw a non-commissioned officer shot in the torso, he draped himself on the higher-ranking soldier to shield him from Hasan. He was shot five times in the act of protecting another's life. Recovering physically and mentally from the massacre at Fort Hood has been a continuing struggle for Sergeant Cooke. Despite serving two deployments in Iraq, Sergeant Cooke's greatest injuries and selflessness took place on home soil. I am overjoyed that Sergeant Cooke is finally receiving the Purple Heart and well-deserved recognition for his heroic actions. It is an honor to extend these remarks today to congratulate United States Army Sergeant Matthew Cooke for receiving the Purple Heart and to thank him for his brave and selfless service.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Stanly County Sheriff Captain Darrell Burgess for his faithful service over the last 40 years to North Carolina's 8th Congressional District. Captain Burgess has served professionally with the Stanly County Sheriff's Office where he moved up in the ranks from an employee of the Communications Division, to a sworn Deputy Sheriff after his completion of Basic Law Enforcement Training, and finally to Captain of Patrol. He has been chosen twice by his peers as the Stanly County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. During his time with the Sheriff's Office, Captain Burgess served as one of the first K-9 officers in Stanly County, where he worked with a bloodhound named Lucky. He holds a certification as a state instructor from the North Carolina Police Work Dog Association, as well as with the North American Police Work Dog Association. Additionally, Captain Burgess volunteers with the North Carolina Canine Emergency Response Team. Captain Burgess has dedicated his time to Stanly County, both as a volunteer and public servant, since 1970 when he first started working for the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. Captain Burgess was one of the first Emergency Medical Technicians in the state, served with the Oakboro Rural Fire Department, and volunteered for more than 30 years with the Stanly County Rescue Squad, where he even served as chief. Despite a kidney transplant in 2008, Captain Burgess has never slowed down and returned to work and volunteering after only three months. Because of his lifetime of service through his volunteer work and vocation, Captain Burgess was bestowed the ``Order of the Long Leaf Pine'' award in April 2015, which is the highest civilian honor awarded in North Carolina. Our state and local community have greatly benefitted from his servant leadership. It is an honor to extend these remarks today to congratulate Captain Burgess on his retirement and receiving the ``Order of the Long Leaf Pine'' award.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the Rowan-Kannapolis ABC and Rowan-Salisbury Schools on educating more than 100,000 students on the dangers of underage drinking in middle schools and high schools across Rowan County. The Rowan-Kannapolis ABC Board and Rowan-Salisbury Schools have worked together for more than a decade encouraging students not to drink underage through a series of assemblies at schools in the region. Since the Rowan-Kannapolis ABC started the program in 2003, their initiative has served as a model for similar programs across the state. Over the years, they have partnered with former Washington Redskins coach and current NASCAR team owner Joe Gibbs to bring famous athletes and other notable guest speakers to talk with the students and share real-life testimonies of struggles they have faced. This year's assembly series, called ``Game Plan for Life,'' will emphasize that ``decisions equal our destiny.'' The assembly series will impact about 4,650 students in North Carolina's 8th Congressional District. I am proud to commend this program for bringing together our community to make a difference in student decision-making regarding alcohol. I would also like to commend Mr. Terry Osborne of the Rowan- Kannapolis ABC Board, Rowan County Sheriff Kevin Auten, and Salisbury Police Chief Rory Collins for their continued support of this program.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and express appreciation for the kind acts of Mr. Chuck Maulden, an emergency department nurse at the Salisbury Veterans Affairs Medical Center. We are all well aware of the tragic backlog for benefit applications and long wait times at VA hospitals that affect so many veterans across our country. We spend more money today on the VA than at any point before, but too much of this money is spent on the bureaucracy in Washington and not enough at our hospitals and most importantly on veterans themselves. In spite of this problem, we are thankful for the effort and hard work by caregivers like Chuck. Chuck recently attended to a Vietnam veteran in his 60s who had severe pain and bad blisters on his feet. When Chuck saw the veteran's tattered shoes with holes worn through the soles he took action. Chuck bandaged the veteran's feet and then--in an act of servanthood--gave him the brand new shoes off of his own feet. Now, Mr. Speaker, I hope Chuck's actions inspire us all to lend a helping hand to those in need, especially to our nation's heroes. I hope Chuck's selflessness will inspire us to work to better serve the veterans in our communities. I commend Chuck for his act of service. I am proud to represent him and the veterans he serves.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Barry Shepherd for his faithful service as the Superintendent of the Cabarrus County School system in the 8th Congressional District of North Carolina. When Dr. Shepherd became Superintendent in 2008, he brought a unique vision that transformed Cabarrus County Schools during many challenging years. In spite of reductions in funding, Dr. Shepherd continually emphasized the value of people and his students. As a result of this approach, students from Cabarrus County Schools are scoring higher on end-of-year assessments, graduation rates have increased, and the school system was able to open eight new schools during his tenure. Today, Cabarrus County Schools boasts some of the most unique learning experiences offered in the country. Specifically, Cabarrus County Schools has a partnership with the Center for International Understanding at the University of North Carolina called Confucius Classrooms. This program features a reciprocal agreement where teachers and administrators from Cabarrus County visit schools in China to fine tune best practices in education. As part of this program, Chinese educators come to Cabarrus County Schools to learn from their successes as well. Dr. Shepherd is a native of Wilkes County, North Carolina, and received a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. He went on to receive his Doctoral Degree in Education from Columbia University in New York. Dr. Shepherd served as Superintendent of Elkin City Schools and as Assistant Superintendent in the Mooresville Graded School District before arriving in Cabarrus County. He also held various administrative positions in the Iredell-Statesville Schools, Lexington City Schools, and Thomasville City Schools. It is truly an honor to extend these remarks congratulating Dr. Shepherd on his retirement and to thank him for his esteemed service to our local community as a visionary educator.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Jerry McGee for his faithful service as President of Wingate University in the 8th Congressional District of North Carolina. When Dr. McGee became President of then Wingate College in 1992, he brought visionary leadership that transformed this educational institution from college to university status. During Dr. McGee's presidency, Wingate's enrollment increased more than 125 percent. Under his leadership, Wingate went from a small college to a thriving university. Wingate University has been recognized as one of the best small liberal arts colleges in the Southeast and the premier small private university in North Carolina. As a result of Dr. McGee's leadership, Wingate University has expanded to new campuses in Charlotte and Henderson, opened 37 new buildings, and refurbished every facility on campus. Wingate opened its School of Pharmacy in 2003, and it now offers six health-care related graduate degrees and seven pre-professional undergraduate health programs. In a ten-year period starting in 1993, the number of Wingate undergraduates pursuing degrees in science or health-care related fields quadrupled. The Wingate University community has expressed its support and praise for Dr. McGee's leadership through an influx of millions of dollars in gifts and grants for endowments, scholarships, and campus development. During Dr. McGee's presidency, Wingate University's endowment increased by 420 percent and its operating budget has nearly doubled. Dr. McGee is a native of Rockingham, North Carolina, and received his Bachelor's Degree from East Carolina University and a Master's Degree from Appalachian State University. He went on to receive his Doctoral Degree from Nova Southeastern University. Before being named President of Wingate University, Dr. McGee served as Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Meredith College and Vice President for Development at Furman College. Dr. McGee is actively involved in our local and state community, and he is the recipient of North Carolina's highest civilian honor, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, in recognition of his exemplary service to North Carolina. Dr. McGee is also a member of the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame for officiating 404 NCAA Division I college football games, 20 of which were bowl games. It is truly an honor to extend these remarks congratulating my friend Dr. Jerry McGee on his retirement and to thank him for his esteemed service to our community as a visionary educator and leader.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Elizabeth Scott Safrit, a constituent from Kannapolis, North Carolina, who placed 3rd in the 64th Miss World pageant on December 14, 2014, in London, England. Elizabeth represented North Carolina in the Miss United States Pageant last year, and upon winning qualified to represent our country in the Miss World competition. The 130 Miss World contestants were judged not only on beauty but also on physical fitness, modeling, social media skills, interview skills, and their philanthropy project, called ``Beauty with a Purpose.'' Elizabeth represented the United States well, finishing first in the multimedia portion of the competition. She ultimately was crowned 2nd Princess, a 3rd overall finish in the 2014 Miss World pageant, thereby receiving the additional title of Miss World Americas. So far, Elizabeth has served admirably as Miss United States. She has traveled across the country promoting ``Save the Children'', advocating for the welfare of children, and has also served as a spokesperson for ``Rock the Vote.'' She will travel much of the world as Miss World Americas. Her parents, Walter and Lynne Safrit, who I know well, along with Elizabeth's extended family and friends, are very proud of her accomplishments. It is a great honor and privilege to extend these congratulatory remarks to an inspiring young lady who represents Kannapolis, North Carolina's 8th District, North Carolina, and the United States worldwide in her role as Miss United States and Miss World Americas.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Barry Shepherd for his faithful service as the Superintendent of the Cabarrus County School system in the 8th Congressional District of North Carolina. When Dr. Shepherd became Superintendent in 2008, he brought a unique vision that transformed Cabarrus County Schools during many challenging years. In spite of reductions in funding, Dr. Shepherd continually emphasized the value of people and his students. As a result of this approach, students from Cabarrus County Schools are scoring higher on end-of-year assessments, graduation rates have increased, and the school system was able to open eight new schools during his tenure. Today, Cabarrus County Schools boast some of the most unique learning experiences offered in the country. Specifically, Cabarrus County Schools have a partnership with the Center for International Understanding at the University of North Carolina called Confucius Classrooms. This program features a reciprocal agreement where teachers and administrators from Cabarrus County visit schools in China to fine tune best practices in education. As part of this program, Chinese educators come to Cabarrus County Schools to learn from their successes as well. Dr. Shepherd is a native of Wilkes County, North Carolina, and received a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. He went on to receive his Doctoral Degree in Education from Columbia University in New York. Dr. Shepherd served as Superintendent of Elkin City Schools and as Assistant Superintendent in the Mooresville Graded School District before arriving in Cabarrus County. He also held various administrative positions in the Iredell-Statesville Schools, Lexington City Schools, and Thomasville City Schools. It is truly an honor to extend these remarks congratulating Dr. Shepherd on his retirement and to thank him for his esteemed service to our local community as a visionary educator.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall vote Nos. 116, 117, 118, 119, and 121, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted `yes.'' On rollcall vote No. 120, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the invaluable service that local broadcasters bring to North Carolina's 8th Congressional district. From coverage on the most serious issues facing our communities to commentary on local sports teams, we often turn to our local television and radio stations to provide us with timely and relevant news coverage. Just this week, North Carolina experienced a winter storm that impacted my constituents. It was local broadcasters who were there to deliver emergency communications, weather forecasts, tips on staying safe, and information regarding school closures. Time and time again, the tireless efforts of our local broadcasting teams produce in-depth reporting that keeps citizens informed on a variety of topics that are important to their lives. They often lead the way in generosity in our communities and encourage citizens to lend a helping hand to their fellow neighbor. It is an honor to extend these remarks thanking the local broadcasters in North Carolina's 8th Congressional district for their service to our communities.