Richard Hudson

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Capt. Will Cannon and Capt. Jonathan Maulden of Cabarrus County EMS who took home the top prize at the 2016 Carolina's Paramedic Competition in Greenville, SC on October 15, 2016. The duo of Cannon and Maulden faced eleven other teams from North Carolina and South Carolina as they competed in two medical emergency scenarios. Established in 1997, the Carolina Competition pits the best of the best EMS teams against each other as they showcase their ability to respond to complex scenarios. As the competition has grown, the teams have gotten stronger and the competition has been recognized as the gold standard for these types of first responder events. This year's contest was no exception, making Cannon and Maulden's victory even more impressive. By winning this year's competition, Capts. Cannon and Maulden are taking home their second top prize having already won in 2014. This also marks the third occasion when a team from Cabarrus County EMS has won the event. Capt. Cannon and Capt. Maulden have made their department proud and are extremely deserving of this recognition. I am extremely grateful that our community is fortunate enough to have such great public servants who truly excel in their fields. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Capt. Will Cannon and Capt. Jonathan Maulden on winning this impressive distinction and wishing them well as they continue to serve the people of Cabarrus County.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of our Nation's farmers and the Farm Credit System as we mark its 100th anniversary. Since Congress established the Federal Farm Loan Act in 1916, many farmers and producers have relied on the Farm Credit System for access to capital and financial opportunity. With this incredible program comes more freedom, opportunity, and prosperity for the agriculture community across our nation. It's a critical piece of our duty to help ensure we can keep farmers on their farms. Back home in North Carolina, we know how important it is to have a prosperous and productive agriculture industry. We respect and admire the men and women who toil our lands and work incredibly hard to provide food and products we depend on in our daily lives. The Farm Credit System is a vital part of this chain, and it ensures we can continue supporting the prosperity of agriculture producers of all sizes and types. Across North Carolina, more than 14,800 farmers and producers rely on the Farm Credit System to borrow the capital they need to make their businesses successful and provide food and fiber to our communities. Many of these people are young and just starting out in the agriculture industry or are on small farms. As we commemorate a century of service, we say thank you to our farmers and producers for their hard work to ensure our agriculture community remains strong, both now and for generations to come. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to watching the Farm Credit System continue to serve our rural and agriculture communities for the next 100 years.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Old Hickory Division for their service during World War II. This October 2nd will mark the 72nd Anniversary of the 30th Infantry Division's crossing into Germany during World War II and smashing through Adolph Hitler's vaunted Westwall. The Westwall was designed to keep American forces from driving into the heart of the Ruhr Industrial area, but American forces broke through, destroying Germany's ability to supply its armies. The 30th Infantry Division, a National Guard Division made up of young men from the Carolinas, Tennessee and Georgia was part of that force that broke through the German lines. The 30th Infantry Division was proudly called ``Old Hickory'' after Andrew Jackson, the 7th President of the United States. In less than 100 days after landing on the beaches of Normandy, these men first kept the routes between Omaha and Utah Beach--the two principal American landing sites--open. They then led the charge through the Normandy hedgerows down to Saint-Lo, France. Next, they were the division that spearheaded the Normandy breakout in late July. Less than two weeks later--in what was agreed to by both American and German commanders as the turning point of World War II in Europe--Old Hickory managed to hold off the onslaught of four German panzer divisions during a fight at Mortain, France that numbered nearly 80,000 Germans against 13,000 brave soldiers from Old Hickory. By the 2nd of October, 1944, 72 years ago next week, the 30th infiltrated into France and became the first infantry division into Belgium and the Netherlands. This was the longest and fastest military incursion in history. Two weeks later the men of Old Hickory broke up a massive counterattack put on by the 1st SS Panzer Corps and closed the Aachen Gap, which cut off all supply and reinforcement lines into the ancient imperial city of Aachen and forced its surrender on the 21st of October, 1944. This was the first large German city to be captured by the Allies in WWII. The 30th followed this success with a rapid advance around the north side of the Ruhr Industrial Pocket, capturing Brunswick and finally capturing Magdeburg on the Elbe River on the 17th of April 1945. The 30th met the Russian army at Magdeburg and remained in occupation there throughout the month of May when it was turned over to the Russians, as part of their designated occupation territory. This brought the end of the war for the 30th Infantry Division. After war's end in 1946, General Dwight Eisenhower directed his historian of the European Theater to draw up a rating sheet and rank all of the divisions that fought there. There were 42 infantry divisions in all. His staff of 35 officers came to a quick and near unanimous consensus. Old Hickory was merited with the distinction of being the top-rated infantry division in all three major operations performed in Europe during World War II. A Presidential Unit Citation honoring these men for this achievement was recommended that very same year. But it was never awarded. Following the end of conflict in Europe, the 30th returned to Ft. Jackson, SC and was deactivated on the 25th of November 1945. On this anniversary of the crucial breaching of Hitler's vaunted Westwall and subsequent capture of Aachen, I ask this body to pause and remember. Remember the achievements and sacrifice of those members of the greatest generation who belonged to the ``most outstanding infantry division'' in the European Theater in World War II, the 30th Infantry Division, the Workhorse of the Western Front. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recognizing the 30th Infantry Division for their outstanding service and sacrifice during World War II.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte as we commemorate its 70th anniversary. I am proud to be among the 122,000 living alumni of UNC Charlotte and to be the first elected to Congress, though I am sure I won't be the last. My alma mater was founded by the visionary Bonnie Cone in the wake of the Second World War as a service to returning veterans pursuing higher education. The lasting legacy that continues to guide the university is best expressed in one word, ``opportunity.'' Opportunity characterizes the futures being built each day on campus. Opportunity describes the powerful economic impact this university has on one of the Nation's fastest growing regions. UNC Charlotte has grown into its distinctive role as a research university in areas like big data, energy, and cancer prevention, focused clearly on the opportunities and needs of the future. Mr. Speaker, while still a relatively young university, UNC Charlotte is one of the leading American universities of the 21st century. I am pleased on behalf of the university family and all of Niner Nation to say the future is ours. Go Niners.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mrs. Betty Jane France, a lifelong philanthropist, who passed away on Monday, August 29, 2016. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire France family as they mourn the loss of this extraordinary woman. A native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Mrs. France dedicated her life to the service of others. As the founder and chairwoman emeritus of the NASCAR Foundation, she helped lead efforts to grow the sport of NASCAR alongside her husband, the late NASCAR Chairman and CEO William C. France. Her positive attitude and uplifting demeanor was a source of inspiration for all of those around her. Throughout her lifetime, Mrs. France was staunchly committed to bettering the lives of those around her, particularly the children in the community. A strong advocate in the field of children's health care, she launched projects that helped establish ``Speediatrics'' children's care units at two Florida hospitals. Her work in this field also included serving as an honorary co-chairperson for the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma, as well as on the boards of several other community service organizations. For her efforts, the NASCAR Foundation created the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award which recognizes the outstanding charitable and volunteer efforts of NASCAR fans across the country. Compassionate, kind, and loving, Mrs. France's impact resonated throughout the entire sport of NASCAR. Whether it was in her role as Chairwoman, as an advisor to her husband, or as a mother, her impact never went unnoticed. As someone who enabled others to explore the limitless possibilities of their dreams, she truly left the world a better place. While we mourn the loss of Mrs. France, there is no doubt in my mind that her legacy will live on through not only her professional success but also in the countless lives she was able to touch along the way. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in commemorating the remarkable life of Mrs. Betty Jane France.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Dominique Beaudry for receiving a Fulbright award for the 2015-2016 academic year. Dominique was awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant grant to Malaysia where she currently assists English teachers and serves as a cultural informant. A native of Concord, North Carolina, Dominique graduated from Duke University in May of 2015 after studying public policy, education, and psychology. To go along with an outstanding academic career, Dominique has been an active leader in her community and demonstrated her willingness to serve others. Dominique's many commitments have now taken her across the globe as a she continues to make an impact on the world around her. Since its creation in 1946, the Fulbright Program has sought to foster people-to-people connections around the globe. By encouraging innovation and academic excellence, the program allows outstanding students to develop relationships, knowledge, and leadership skills necessary to address the challenges of the future. Alumni of the program have gone on to become leaders in their fields, and include Nobel Laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and even Members of Congress. There is no doubt in my mind that Dominique is well on her way to joining the ranks of these impressive individuals. Her time in the Fulbright program will serve her well in all of her endeavors and will leave her with memories that she is sure to cherish for the rest of her life. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Ms. Dominique Beaudry as a Fulbright award recipient and wish her well as she continues to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Lauren Baucom, a mathematics teacher at Forest Hills High School in Marsheville, NC, who was recently recognized as a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). This distinction celebrates teachers from across the country who are leaders in the fields of science and mathematics and promote innovation in the classroom. Each year a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators review nominees and select PAEMST award recipients who challenge their students to equip them with critical thinking and problem solving skills. This year, 213 educators were selected representing all 50 states, grades K-12. Upon receipt of the award, each teacher will be given a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion. Mrs. Baucom is a shining example of a leader in the classroom who values the personal development of each one of her students. Her efforts include not only helping her students master the material but also assisting in their personal development. Mrs. Baucom encourages students to take the lessons they experience in the classroom and apply them to real life issues in an effort to impact the world. When Mrs. Baucom is not in the classroom, she spends time investing in her colleagues and serving as a mentor for fellow educators. As the Instructional Support Coordinator at Forest Hills High School, she leads fellow teachers in rigorous professional development courses showcasing her pursuit of lifelong learning. As one of two award recipients in the state of North Carolina, she joins an elite group of educators who are on the cutting edge of classroom innovation. Our community is fortunate to have Mrs. Baucom dedicate her time and talents to educating our students. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Mrs. Lauren Baucom for receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and wish her well as she continues to make a positive difference in the lives of her students.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my friend and a true American patriot, Mr. Leonard Suggs. Born in Cumberland County in 1945, Leonard never met a stranger. Everyone that ever has the pleasure of meeting him is left with a smile on their face. Leonard's warm personality lights up any room and his infectious humor often leaves everyone in stitches. Uncommonly kind, Leonard measures his success in life not by career accomplishments, of which there are many, but rather by the lives he touches and his connections with friends, neighbors, and especially the soldiers stationed at Ft. Bragg. Throughout his lifetime, Leonard Suggs has constantly devoted his time in the service of others and he does everything he can to make the world a better place. By staying actively involved in the Fayetteville community, Leonard has created a legacy for which we all are grateful. As an unrelenting supporter of our men and women in uniform, Leonard has served as Bragg Special Activities Committee Secretary Treasurer for nearly 30 years. I am convinced you will never find a more patriotic American who is so committed to helping our soldiers and their families. Leonard Suggs was recently diagnosed with a terminal form of cancer and has elected to stop receiving treatment in preparation to leave this Earth in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Suggs family as we celebrate and honor this remarkable man. It is my hope that Leonard lives out the remainder of his days in the comfort of the Lord knowing that while his time on Earth may be nearing an end, his legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all of those he touched. I will personally always cherish the time I have spent with Leonard at Ft. Bragg and visiting our men and women in uniform around the country. Leonard can always be counted on to make me laugh at the most inopportune moment and he always has a stick of Wrigley's chewing gum on hand when you are in a pinch. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring the life and legacy of my friend Leonard Suggs for his service to God, our country, and our community.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Tony Zeiss for his 24 years of service at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC). Dr. Zeiss joined CPCC in 1992 and developed a vision and strategic plan that has made CPCC the nation's leader in workforce development. In fact, under the leadership of Dr. Zeiss, Central Piedmont has become one of North Carolina's largest and most successful community colleges. As the third president of Central Piedmont Community College, Dr. Zeiss grew the school from one campus to six and expanded its outreach efforts and class offerings. Currently, CPCC now serves over 70,000 students, approximately twice as many as it did when Dr. Zeiss started. In these times of economic hardship, Central Piedmont Community College has consistently succeeded in training students to meet the demands of the 21st century job market. The ability of Dr. Zeiss to connect students with the needs of businesses cannot be understated, because his work has allowed students to prosper in difficult times. An active member of many civic groups, Dr. Zeiss serves as an outstanding role model for both students and colleagues seeking to better themselves and their community. He has built a career of serving others and CPCC now reaps the benefits of his years of dedication. Whether it is in his travels as a professional speaker, or found in one of the twenty books he has written, Dr. Zeiss' wisdom always captivates an audience and leaves a place better than he found it. That is exactly what he has done at CPCC. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring the career of a truly remarkable individual, and my friend, Dr. Tony Zeiss, for his service to Central Piedmont Community College and wishing he and his wife Beth well as they begin the next chapter of their lives in retirement.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5728, the bipartisan Cuban Airport Security Act of 2016. Over the past several months, the Obama administration and the Cuban Government have stonewalled oversight of airport security arrangements. This lack of transparency is troubling and begs the question: What are they hiding? As far as we know, Cuban airports don't have proper screening for explosive detection; they can't check for fake IDs and fake passports; they don't allow TSA on the ground to evaluate security; and they don't have air marshals on planes. The administration plans to start flights into Charlotte from Cuba in a few months, but they are not doing enough to guarantee there won't be a security threat on one of those planes. After all, Cuba has been a safe haven for terrorists and was just recently removed from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. It is a brutal regime that recently hosted the North Korean equivalent of our CIA Director. We should not allow the proposed 110 flights a day of commercial air flights--indeed, we shouldn't allow a single flight until we are absolutely sure they have the proper security at airports to protect the American people. This legislation puts the brakes on the President's dangerous plans. I encourage my colleagues to support it.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Chairman, how much time do I have remaining?

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support my amendment that prohibits future regulations from the Obama administration. This is a commonsense step to rein in our regulatory system and make it work for the American people and not the other way around. Since my first days in office, one message I continue to hear is people are tired of an unaccountable government that oversteps its bounds. In April, I was successful in pushing the EPA to withdraw a harmful regulation that would have devastated the motorsports industry. I recently had the opportunity to visit a national leader in custom auto-racing parts in my hometown of Concord, North Carolina. I spoke with one worker who told me that if this one regulation would have gone through, he would have lost his entire livelihood. That, Mr. Chairman, is unacceptable. The problem is, agencies have moved beyond their constitutional authority, and Washington bureaucrats are accountable to no one. They show little regard for the real world damage of their new rules on working families, on people looking for jobs, on our economy in general. From regulatory gut punches like ObamaCare and ever-expanding EPA rules, stacking one on top of the other often before the previous rule is even enacted, regulations under this President have woven a web so complex and large, it risks ensnaring every American. This means fewer job opportunities, it means lower wages, and more families struggling. At its core, overregulation is a form of stealth taxation. Working families, working people are paying the price for every new rule that comes out of Washington. Now, I recognize some regulations are necessary, but we need a regulatory system that is transparent, one that balances the needs of our environment and public safety with economic strength and jobs, one that benefits hardworking Americans, not big government, big labor, and big business. It is time for us to chart a new pro-growth course away from this administration's burdensome regulations so that Americans can get back to work, and this amendment is one solution. It will prevent the President from unleashing a new hailstorm of regulations in an attempt to cement his legacy in the last months of his administration. I encourage my colleagues to support it. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HUDSON. I thank my colleague for his comments. I do agree that we don't need to eliminate all regulations. That is certainly not what we are saying here. We are saying that, from October 1 until January 21, we don't need new regulations. With all due respect, I think we have had plenty. The amount of regulations that have come out of the Obama administration has been astounding. If you compare the amount of regulations to all other administrations combined, it is astounding, and they affect every aspect of people's lives. Mr. Chairman, the gentleman mentioned regulations in the past have been good. For example, regulating coal mines. I am sure that there were good regulations on coal mines, but we are at the point now where this administration is going to make coal mines illegal. The gentleman also mentioned, Mr. Chairman, regulating water and air. We certainly all agree that we want clean air and clean water. But this administration issues a clean air regulation, or a new rule, and even before it goes into effect, they issue the next one to reduce the levels even lower--to levels that even experts agree aren't necessary. In fact, members of the other party, in our hearing in the Energy and Commerce Committee, testified to the fact that the air today is so much cleaner than it was before. And science proves that. In North Carolina, we have got a 20 percent reduction in the coarse particulate matter in our air. We have made great progress, but to say we are going to continue to lower that level even before the science is to determine what the effect of the last regulation was is simply going too far. What that means is, in places like Montgomery County, North Carolina, where we desperately need jobs, you can't have a new job. You can't have a new road. You can't have a new water-sewer line. You have can't add any new manufacturing jobs. That is ridiculous. This administration has had 7\1/2\ years, and they have used that time wisely if their goal was to overregulate the American people. All I am saying is, in the last few months of this administration, let's put the brakes on. As my colleague mentioned, we don't know who the next President is going to be. It may be someone from the other party. But that new President will have won a mandate, and that new President can then address the regulatory scheme. I look forward to having that debate. But as far as this administration, the votes are in. We have gotten our results. This administration has gone way too far with regulation. So I urge my colleagues to support this amendment to put on the brakes and say: 7\1/2\ years; enough is enough. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brent Offenberger, Luke Offenberger, and Chris Atwell for their heroic efforts in rescuing three U.S. Navy helicopter crew members who crashed into the James River during a routine training mission on June 14, 2016. All three men should be recognized for their selfless attitude and willingness to help those in need. Brent Offenberger was fishing with his son, Luke, and father-in-law, Chris, when they saw a U.S. Navy MH-60S helicopter flying at low altitude near their boat. While it is not uncommon to see helicopters in the area, the men noticed the helicopter was having issues as it began to hover a mere ten feet above the surface, throwing water into the air. Soon after, the propeller hit a metal buoy and shattered into pieces. Immediately after the propeller hit the buoy, the men sprang into action to lend assistance to the crew. Approximately 30 seconds after the helicopter went down, the family was at the crash site and began assisting the crew members who were in the water. Because of the swift actions of these men, the entire crew was pulled to safety without any serious injuries. While the Navy is still investigating the incident to find out what went wrong, I am thankful these good Samaritans were there to lend a hand. It is an honor to celebrate their actions today. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recognizing these fine men for exhibiting bravery and fortitude in helping rescue the crew of the downed U.S. Navy helicopter.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the racing legend Mark Martin upon his induction into the eighth class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Ever since his early days it was clear that Mark Martin was born to race. At the age of 15 he won his first race at a local dirt track in Arkansas. In his very first season, he walked away with the state championship. Success followed him during every step of his journey which culminated in one of the most impressive careers in NASCAR history. Upon his retirement from driving, Mark Martin had amassed 96 total wins across NASCAR's three national series. His accomplishments also include five second place finishes in the championship standings and 56 career poles. To say Mark Martin is a racing legend would be a gross understatement. A fierce competitor and true gentleman, Mr. Martin is the embodiment of racing and will now take his place among the greats in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. This year's class was selected by a comprehensive voting panel that included track owners, retired competitors, industry leaders, members of the media, and a nationwide fan vote. In total, a group of five was chosen to join the ranks of other NASCAR legends in the Hall of Fame. Mr. Martin is extremely deserving of this honor and will now be enshrined forever for his contributions to the sport. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Mark Martin on his induction to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate racing legend, and my friend, Rick Hendrick upon his induction into the eighth class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. A native of Warrenton, North Carolina, Rick Hendrick was born with racing in his blood. At an early age his father, ``Papa Joe'' Hendrick, instilled in Rick the value of a hard day's work and a love of automobiles. At the age of 14, he made a name for himself by shattering speed records at the local drag strip. After purchasing a Chevrolet dealership, he quickly found success which led to the creation of Hendrick Automotive Group--the largest privately held dealership in the country. In 1984, he founded All-Star Racing which would eventually become Hendrick Motorsports. Headquartered in my district in Concord, North Carolina, Hendrick Motorsports is now consistently recognized as one of the sport's premier operations. As an owner, Rick Hendrick has won a total of 14 NASCAR national series championships, the most all-time. Drivers for Hendrick Motorsports have become household names including the likes of Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Terry Labonte, Kasey Kahne, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. In total, Hendrick Motorsports has delivered an incredible 242 total wins. You would be hard pressed to find anyone more deserving of this honor. This year's class was selected by a comprehensive voting panel that included track owners, retired competitors, industry leaders, members of the media, and a nationwide fan vote. In total, a group of five was chosen to join the ranks of other NASCAR legends in the Hall of Fame. Mr. Hendrick is extremely deserving of this honor and will now be enshrined forever for his contributions to the sport. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Rick Hendrick, his wife Linda, and their entire family on Rick's induction to the NASCAR Hall of Fame

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the late racing legend Raymond Parks upon his induction into the eighth class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. If it weren't for men like Raymond Parks, there is no doubt the racing industry as we know it would not exist today. Mr. Parks was a pivotal player in both the development and expansion of NASCAR since its inception. After serving his country during WWII, Mr. Parks returned to the United States where he had begun a career as a stock-car owner before the war. In 1947, he attended a meeting in Daytona Beach, Florida that would change racing forever. Sitting around the table with other drivers and promoters, they agreed that racing could not grow without a formal organization to create rules and give their sport structure. As a result, NASCAR was born. From then on Raymond Parks remained an influential member in motorsports. Known for being the first successful team owner in racing, he won the first NACSCAR title ever in 1948. He would continue to work alongside his original team to dominate the sport until his retirement. Even though Mr. Parks passed away in 2010, his legacy lives on and will now be preserved forever in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. This year's class was selected by a comprehensive voting panel that included track owners, retired competitors, industry leaders, members of the media, and a nationwide fan vote. In total, a group of five was chosen to join the ranks of other NASCAR legends in the Hall of Fame. Mr. Parks is extremely deserving of this honor and will now be enshrined forever for his contributions to the sport. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring Raymond Parks, a 2017 inductee of the NASCAR Hall of Fame

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Chairman, I don't have any further speakers, and I am prepared to close. How much time is remaining?

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Chairman, I rise to urge my colleagues to support my amendment that prohibits funds from this appropriations bill from being used to transfer prisoners from Guantanamo Bay. Over the weekend, we were tragically reminded of the very real threat of radical Islam when 49 Americans were murdered in the worst terrorist attack on our soil since 9/11. As we continue to mourn and pray for the victims and their families, we must recommit our efforts to defeat those who want to harm us. We are at war with the radical Islamic extremists, yet our Commander in Chief is so focused on closing Guantanamo Bay that he ignores the danger posed by the terrorists detained there. The American people are counting on us to protect them. This is a prison that houses some of the world's most dangerous war criminals and hardened terrorists, including some responsible for 9/11. How can this administration guarantee that these prisoners won't return to the battlefield? The fact is they can't. In a gut-wrenching admission, a senior Pentagon official told the House Foreign Affairs Committee that former Guantanamo inmates are responsible for the deaths of our fellow Americans overseas. According to The Washington Post, the Obama administration admitted at least 12 detainees released from the prison have launched attacks, killing about a half dozen Americans. This confirms, Mr. Chairman, our worst fears. The American people get it, and are strongly opposed to closing Guantanamo. Our constituents continue to agree these prisoners do not belong in our backyards and shouldn't be transferred to other countries where there is a great risk they will be released and returned to the battlefield. In the last several months alone, our world has been rocked by terrorist attacks from San Bernardino to Paris, and, most recently, in Orlando. Many of our biggest national security threats no longer come from traditional nations but from determined groups of extremists like these very detainees, whose sole desire is to kill Americans. The war on terror is an ongoing battle against evil, and we must remain vigilant. We must take every action necessary to block the President's plan to close Guantanamo Bay. My amendment is another hurdle that will make sure it never happens. I urge my colleagues to put the safety and security of the American people first, and support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Chairman, I would just, again, urge my colleagues to support this amendment. I understand the point raised by my colleague, and I think there are some valid points that ought to be discussed; but I think the bottom line here is the folks who are left at Guantanamo are the worst of the worst. These are some of the most violent, dangerous criminals in the world, and this President has shown that he is willing to transfer them to other places where the risk of them escaping back to the battlefield is very high. So I believe we can't risk that. I think the American people are counting on us to put their interests first. So I will close by urging my colleagues to please support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate racing legend and my friend Richard Childress upon his induction into the eighth class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Mr. Childress began his racing career at the age of seventeen when he bought his first race car for $20. He may not have known it then, but this was the very beginning of what would become one of the most legendary careers in the history of motorsports. As a driver, Richard Childress enjoyed success including six top-five finishes and 76 top 10's. In 1981, he retired from driving to focus on leading Richard Childress Racing which he had founded nine years earlier. Through the years Richard Childress established his team as the preeminent force in NASCAR. In 1984, ``The Intimidator'' Dale Earnhardt returned to Richard Childress Racing to create one of the most successful partnerships ever. Winning six championships together, the pair solidified their place in the record books. In total, Childress has won 11 championships making him second on the all-time list for owners. Mr. Childress' contributions to racing are truly immeasurable and now he will be remembered forever as a member of the Hall of Fame. Mr. Childress has also made a great impact on the community by serving others outside of racing. In 2008, the Childress family launched the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma in coordination with Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC. Through their work, the Childress Institute has led the way in the pioneering prevention and treatment techniques for severe injuries in children. Mr. Childress and the Childress Institute have been instrumental in raising national awareness of this issue including the launch of the Congressional Pediatric Trauma Caucus. This year's class was selected by a comprehensive voting panel that included track owners, retired competitors, industry leaders, members of the media, and a nationwide fan vote. In total, a group of five was chosen to join the ranks of other NASCAR legends in the Hall of Fame. Mr. Childress is extremely deserving of this honor for his many contributions to the sport. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Richard Childress, his wife Judy, and their entire family on Richard's induction to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember my friend, the late racing legend, Benny Parsons upon his induction into the eighth class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. While he was born in Ellerbe, North Carolina, Benny Parsons grew up in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Wilkes County. After high school he moved to Detroit, Michigan to work for his father's taxi company. After being invited to a local race track by a customer, fate intervened when he was asked to be the driver for the race that night. In that moment a racing legend was born. In 1970, Mr. Parsons joined the NASCAR circuit full time as a driver and it wasn't long until he won his first championship. A humble victor, he was described by many as an ``everyman champion.'' In his career as a driver he amassed 21 victories and managed to finish in the top ten 283 times, roughly 54 percent of his races. Following his driving career, he seamlessly transitioned to television as a very popular announcer until his death in 2007. I got to know Benny while serving on a YMCA board that he chaired in Concord, NC. I will always remember his integrity, humble nature and infectious humor. While he is sorely missed by the racing community, his legacy will now live on as a member of the Hall of Fame. This year's class was selected by a comprehensive voting panel that included track owners, retired competitors, industry leaders, members of the media, and a nationwide fan vote. In total, a group of five was chosen to join the ranks of other NASCAR legends in the Hall of Fame. Mr. Parsons is extremely deserving of this honor and will now be enshrined forever for his contributions to the sport. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring Benny Parsons, a 2017 inductee of the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Ralph Ketner, co-founder of the grocery store chain Food Lion, who passed away at the age of 95 on Sunday, May 29, 2016. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Ketner family as they mourn the loss of this great man. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Mr. Ketner learned early on the value of a hard day's work, receiving a single penny for each chicken he plucked at his family's house. While it was far from glorious work, that never bothered Mr. Ketner and he used the lessons from those early days to launch one of the most successful grocery store chains in the country. In 1957, Ralph Ketner opened the first Food Town store in Salisbury, North Carolina. When the store initially opened, it struggled to differentiate itself from the competition until he took a major risk and began an aggressive price cutting program. However, the risk paid off and the results were revolutionary. With the rallying cry of ``Lowest Food Prices in North Carolina,'' Mr. Ketner went from having one store to owning one of the largest grocery franchises. Even though his professional accomplishments are outstanding, Mr. Ketner's proudest achievements came in what he was able to give back to the community through his many philanthropic works. During his lifetime, he never forgot to thank those that made it all possible and helped whenever he could. After the success of Food Lion, Mr. Ketner donated millions of dollars to support various education projects including the development of the business school at Catawba College which now proudly bears his name. Ralph Ketner was a remarkable man known for his dedication, passion, and kindness. You would be hard pressed to find anyone who does not speak of him with the utmost respect and admiration. I will always cherish the time I spent with Mr. Ketner. I will never forget his friendship, humor, and sound advice. While we mourn the loss of Mr. Ketner, there is no doubt that his legacy will live on through not only his professional success but also the countless lives he was able to touch. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in commemorating the remarkable life of Mr. Ralph Ketner.