Richard Hudson

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call upon my colleagues currently negotiating the Farm Bill through the Conference process to get the job done on behalf of our nation's farmers and agribusiness community. I understand and respect the challenges facing the House and Senate in these final steps to getting a bill across the finish line. I also understand the significant differences between the two bills before us. But, it's time to get a deal done. We have waited long enough. I have the privilege to serve on the Agriculture Committee and I join my colleagues in supporting the House-passed bill that equips our farmers with the tools and certainty they need to produce an affordable and stable food supply while making significant reforms and cutting wasteful spending. I am proud of the bill the House passed and support many of the provisions contained therein. I join with my farmers back in the Eighth District of North Carolina in encouraging our negotiators to finish this work so we can get a Five Year Authorization complete. It's time to get this bill to the President's desk. Our farmers and agribusiness community have waited long enough and our local economies depend on it.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, the nuclear deal agreed upon with Iran is shameful. There is no better example of this than Iran's announcement just days after the agreement was reached to open a new nuclear weapon plant that is not even subject to IAEA inspection. Any nuclear deal must include swift and decisive action that forces Iran to completely abandon its crusade to acquire a nuclear weapons capability. We must not give a dangerous regime with a penchant for terrorism and extremism the capability to build a weapon before the world can react. A nuclear-equipped Iran is the most dangerous threat to Israel, the world, and to the stability of the Middle East. Indeed, with a nuclear weapons capability, Iran is a direct threat to the United States. Mr. Speaker, negotiations like this require serious discussions about our foreign policy in the Middle East, not a reckless decision by President Obama that weakens our national security, threatens our allies, and lacks the support of this Congress and, frankly, the American people. Reducing sanctions now merely rewards bad behavior and fundamentally halts the progress we have already made. Indeed, instead of reducing our influence and taking steps backward, we must pursue every avenue to ensure that Iran does not engage in nuclear weapons proliferation and, most importantly, does not develop a nuclear weapon. The only suitable agreement is one that starts with Iran ending their uranium enrichment program; otherwise, we should not loosen sanctions on this bad actor.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support a critical piece of legislation, the Transportation Security Acquisition Reform Act, which I introduced in July and have been working on for many months. I thank Chairman McCaul for helping move this bill through our committee, and I commend all of the members on the committee for a swift and unanimous vote to bring this bill to the floor. Again, this was a unanimous vote both in the subcommittee and in the full committee. This bill has the bipartisan support of our chairman and ranking member on the full committee as well as having mine and the ranking member's on the Transportation Security Subcommittee. Let me also say that this bill would not be possible if Mr. Thompson and Mr. Richmond were not willing to work with me on this. Frankly, their collaboration made this better legislation. As I have said before, the American people expect us to come here and work together for solutions, and this is a prime example of that. This bill has withstood the careful scrutiny of our committee's oversight, and it has also been endorsed by numerous stakeholders outside the Capitol, and I submit for the Record their letters of support. Mr. Speaker, in today's partisan culture of a divided Congress, I am very proud to report that we can come together from across the aisle in order to address very real issues that we have in the Transportation Security Administration, those being acquisition and procurement. For over 10 years, we have all witnessed hundreds of millions of dollars being wasted on failed technologies and have witnessed machines sitting idly in warehouses. Poor planning, inventory management, and limited communication with stakeholders have decreased security, limited innovation, and squandered taxpayer dollars. I recognize that TSA is constantly trying to respond to new threats-- they have a difficult job--but in some cases, the pressures to perform and deploy new technologies can lead to a reactive approach without sufficient planning. They still have a long way to go. Having a long- term plan that leverages experts within government and within industry can help to prevent these capability gaps. Our bill provides that roadmap to success. Mr. Speaker, we cannot continue to let TSA drag its feet on establishing greater transparency and accountability for technologies that protect our Nation's traveling public. It is incumbent upon us to make sure that taxpayer dollars are being used effectively and efficiently. We must take action. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. July 23, 2013. Hon. Richard Hudson, Chairman, House Subcommittee on Transportation Security, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Hudson: On behalf of the Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), which represents local, regional, and state governing bodies that own and operate commercial airports throughout the United States and Canada, I am pleased to offer our endorsement of H.R. 2719, the Transportation Security Acquisition Reform Act. Airport operators have long advocated for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to implement best practices and improve the transparency of its technology acquisition programs. H.R. 2719 would also require TSA to incorporate feedback and input from the private sector on technology trends and other research and development information that helps TSA develop a strategic plan on technology acquisition. Again, thank you for your continued support of airport operators and on recognizing the need to improve TSA's technology acquisition process. We look forward to working with you on the passage of H.R. 2719. Sincerely, Deborah McElroy, Interim President, Airports Council International-North America.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act introduced by my friend, the ranking member of the Homeland Security Committee, Mr. Bennie Thompson. This commonsense bill ensures stakeholders have a seat at the table when working with their partners at the Transportation Security Administration. Too many times in government we see a lack of communication between government officials and industry stakeholders. This gap is troubling as it creates a vacuum of ideas and does not allow for a flow of information between the Federal Government and the private sector that is necessary. Mr. Thompson's bill, which passed out of our committee unanimously, would bridge that gap by allowing the Aviation Security Advisory Committee to take effect and have the constant line of communication to exchange ideas and formulate thoughtful procedures at the agency responsible for security of commercial aviation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for the TSA Loose Change Act, authored by my good friend, Jeff Miller of Florida. We see loose change at security lines in every airport, from Charlotte down to Pensacola and all across this Nation. It may not seem like much, but as people quickly shuffle through the checkpoints and leave change behind, it adds up to almost $500,000 a year. Under current law, the money is used for civil aviation security, but this bill will allow TSA to use this loose change to direct it to a good cause. Mr. Speaker, I agree with Mr. Miller. This money should be put to the use of supporting our military members and their families by providing them a place to rest at the airports. I would like to thank Chairman Miller for his tireless effort, his work on this issue, and also thank other members of the Homeland Security Committee. I particularly want to recognize the ranking member on our subcommittee, Mr. Richmond, who has dedicated himself to this work. He has worked with me on this and many other issues in a bipartisan way. Mr. Speaker, that is what the American people are looking for. They are looking for us to come here and work together for solutions for the American people. Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the work that we have produced with this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to one number that has remained too high for too long, and that is the number of unemployed people in this country. Right now, that number stands at 11.3 million. That is 11.3 million of our fellow Americans. These are not just statistics. These are real people. They are our friends, our neighbors, our children; and they deserve better. These are policies that encourage real economic growth that will create jobs Americans need--not higher health care costs, policy cancelations, and threats of job loss brought on by ObamaCare. This unworkable law is causing health care premiums to rise all across the country, particularly in my home State of North Carolina; and millions of Americans have had their insurance policies canceled. This is not a plan for growth. It is a plan for more strain on hardworking Americans. It is time for real solutions. It is time to get Americans back to work.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Jimmie Johnson for winning the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship. With this achievement, Jimmie has earned his sixth Sprint Cup championship, further securing his spot in racing history. North Carolina's Eighth Congressional District is home to many of NASCAR's greatest teams and, without a doubt, some of NASCAR's biggest fans. The Charlotte Motor Speedway, one of the premiere tracks where NASCAR races, sits in my hometown of Concord, North Carolina. Jimmie Johnson, his No. 48 Lowes team, and Hendrick Motorsports skillfully clinched the Sprint Cup title, swiftly leaving other teams in the rearview mirror. But more than a champion driver, Jimmie uses his platform as one of the best drivers in NASCAR history to assist those in need. From public education to disaster relief efforts and rebuilding homes, he has raised more than $5.6 million to better the lives of our children and families across the nation. The impact Jimmie has had on our local communities is undeniable, and we are grateful for his commitment to help those in need. I am proud to represent Jimmie Johnson, Hendrick Motorsports as well as NASCAR, and we are thankful for the success this championship team brings to our state.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, given the bicameral and bipartisan support for our bill and the overwhelming consensus about the systemic risk created by the section we are working to reform today, I am genuinely surprised we are even here debating this today. Nevertheless, I rise to speak in support of H.R. 992, the Swaps Regulatory Improvement Act, which my Democrat friend from New York, Sean Patrick Maloney, and I have worked together on in the House Agriculture Committee. As my colleagues are aware, our bipartisan bill amends a provision in the Dodd-Frank Act which was included at the 11th hour to ``get 60 votes in the Senate'' as former House Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank indicated during a markup of the bill back in February, 2012. This section we reform with our bill was mischaracterized as an effort to prevent ``risky'' swaps activities in the bank. While we believe this provision was proposed in good faith, it simply does not prevent the risk that its authors intended. Moreover, this provision of the bill will cause many American financial institutions to operate at a significant disadvantage to their foreign competitors. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker have both publicly raised concerns about section 716. In the 112th Congress, the House Financial Services Democrats, including Chairman Frank and current Ranking Member Maxine Waters, endorsed H.R. 1838, agreeing that this measure addressed the valid criticisms of section 716 without ``weakening the financial reforms law's important derivative safeguards or prohibitions on bank proprietary trading.'' The bill before us today is virtually identical to H.R. 1838 from the last Congress. Mr. Speaker, to echo what Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said at a hearing on February 27: Section 716, as drafted, will not reduce risk and will likely increase costs of people who use the derivatives and make it more difficult for the bank to compete with foreign competitors who can provide a more complete set of services. It is crystal clear: this section needs to be reformed. I ask my colleagues to support this bill and look forward to my Senate colleague, Kay Hagan, passing her companion bill in the Senate so we can get this commonsense reform completed. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Washington, DC, May 12, 2010. Hon. Christopher J. Dodd, Chairman, Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: You have asked for my views on section 716 of S. 3217. This section would prevent many insured depository institutions from engaging in swaps-related activities to hedge their own financial risks or to meet the hedging needs of their customers, and would prohibit nonbank swaps entities, including swap dealers, clearing agencies and derivative clearing organizations, from receiving any type of Federal assistance. The Federal Reserve has been a strong proponent of changes to strengthen the regulatory framework and infrastructure for over-the-counter (OTC) derivative markets to reduce systemic risks, promote transparency, and enhance the safety and soundness of banking organizations and other financial institutions. Title VII and Title VIII of S. 3217 include important provisions designed to achieve these goals. For example, Title VII would require most derivative contracts to be cleared through central clearinghouses and traded on exchanges or open trading facilities, require information concerning all other derivatives contracts to be reported to trade repositories or regulators, and provide the regulatory agencies significant new authorities to ensure that all swaps dealers and major swap participants are subject to strong capital, margin, and collateral requirements with respect to their swap activities. Title VIII also includes provisions designed to help ensure that centralized market utilities for clearing and settling payments, securities, and derivatives transactions (financial market utilities), which are critical choke points in the financial system, are subject to robust and consistent risk management standards--including collateral, margin, and robust private-sector liquidity arrangements--and do not pose a systemic risk to the financial system. I have also frequently made clear that we must end the notion that some firms are ``too-big-to-fail.'' For that reason, the Federal Reserve has advocated the development of enhanced and rigorous prudential standards for all large, interconnected financial firms, and the enactment of a new resolution regime that would allow systemically important financial firms to be resolved in an orderly manner, with losses imposed on the Federal Reserve to provide emergency, secured credit to nondepository institutions only through broad-based liquidity facilities designed to address serious strains in the financial markets, and not to bail out any specific firm. S. 3217 makes important contributions to the goals of reducing systemic risk, eliminating the too-big-to-fail problem, and strengthening prudential supervision. I am concerned, however, that section 716 is counter-productive to achieving these goals. In particular, section 716 would essentially prohibit all insured depository institutions from acting as a swap dealer or a major swap participant--even when the institution acts in these capacities to serve the commercial and hedging needs of its customers or to hedge the institution's own financial risks. Forcing these activities out of insured depository institutions would weaken both financial stability and strong prudential regulation of derivative activities. Prohibiting depository institutions from engaging in significant swaps activities will weaken the risk mitigation efforts of banks and their customers. Depository institutions use derivatives to help mitigate the risks of their normal banking activities. For example, depository institutions use derivatives to hedge the interest rate, currency, and credit risks that arise from their loan, securities, and deposit portfolios. Use of derivatives by depository institutions to mitigate risks in the banking business also provides important protection to the deposit insurance fund and taxpayers as well as to the financial system more broadly. In addition, banks acquire substantial expertise in assessing and managing interest rate, currency, and credit risk in their ordinary commercial banking business. Thus, banks are well situated to be efficient and prudent providers of these risk management tools to customers. Importantly, banks conduct their derivatives activities in an environment that is subject to strong prudential Federal supervision and regulation, including capital regulations that specifically take account of a bank's exposures to derivative transactions. The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision has recently proposed tough new capital and liquidity requirements for derivatives that will further strengthen the prudential standards that apply to bank derivative activities. Titles I, III, VI, VII and VIII of S.3217 all add provisions further strengthening the authority of the Federal banking agencies and other supervisory agencies to address the risks of derivatives. Section 716 would force derivatives activities out of banks and potentially into less regulated entities or into foreign firms that operate outside the boundaries of our Federal regulatory system. The movement of derivatives to entities outside the reach of the Federal supervisory agencies would increase, rather than reduce the risk to the financial system. In addition, foreign jurisdictions are highly unlikely to push derivatives business out of their banks. Accordingly, foreign banks will have a competitive advantage over U.S. banking firms in the global derivatives marketplace, and derivatives transactions could migrate outside the United States. More broadly, section 716 would prohibit the Federal Reserve from lending to any swaps dealer or major swap participant--regardless of whether it is affiliated with a bank--even under a broad-based 13(3) liquidity facility in a financial crisis. Experience over the past two years demonstrates that such broad-based facilities can play a critical role in stemming financial panics and addressing severe strains in the financial markets that threaten financial stability, the flow of credit to households and businesses, and economic growth. These facilities will be less effective if participants must choose between continuing (or unwinding) derivatives positions and participating in the market-liquefying facility. I am concerned that section 716 in its present form would make the U.S. financial system less resilient and more susceptible to systemic risk and, thus, is inconsistent with the important goals of financial reform legislation. We look forward to continuing to work with the Congress as you work to enact strong regulatory reform legislation that both addresses the weaknesses in the financial regulatory system that became painfully evident during the crisis, and positions the regulatory system to meet the inevitable challenges that lie ahead in the 21st century. Sincerely, Ben Bernanke.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of United States Army Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Donald R. Wingrove and commemorate his valiant service to our great nation. CSM Wingrove was born on November 12, 1936, and enlisted in the United States Army two short months after turning eighteen. After basic training, CSM Wingrove quickly rose up the ranks, training and serving from Fort Bragg, North Carolina to Thailand. In November of 1970, CSM Wingrove heroically put himself in harm's way and displayed immense dedication to this nation in a clandestine mission to rescue American prisoners of war in North Vietnam. CSM Wingrove was awarded the Silver Star Medal, the third highest military decoration for valor, for his extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in the face of enemy forces. I applaud CSM Wingrove's bravery and service, and I thank him for his heroic and selfless actions. We are fortunate to have brave men and women like CSM Wingrove who stand committed to defending our great nation at home and abroad. His dedication and sacrifice represent the best our nation has to offer. Mr. Speaker, CSM Wingrove was one of the greatest American soldiers and patriots, but he was also a loving father and husband, and a faithful friend to many. North Carolina is no stranger to heroes like CSM Wingrove. Our state boasts some of the finest warfighters the nation has ever seen. We are forever indebted to him and other American soldiers who dedicate their lives to defend our freedom, secure our homeland, and protect our democracy.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jesse Carson High School. This school, established in 2006, has been awarded the Wells Fargo Conference Cup for overall interscholastic athletic performance within its individual conference. Last year, the school's volleyball team won the Western Regional Championship, and the baseball and softball teams were also tournament champions. These accomplishments exemplify the hard work and dedication of the students, teachers and mentors of Jesse Carson High School. Principal Kelly Withers is dedicated to her students and believes that with the right opportunity and environment, each student can achieve his or her goals. I believe that a strong athletic program teaches students the importance of teamwork and how to overcome challenges. Along with a strong academic background, these skills will help our students in future endeavors. Jesse Carson High School has made the Eighth District of North Carolina proud, and its success serves as an example to other schools in North Carolina and across the nation.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, it has been 8 days since the government shut down. The postal service is still running. Social Security and unemployment checks are being processed. Citizens can get passports and food stamps, and certain groups that have the right ideology are even given permits to protest on our National Mall; but for some reason, our military families, including those at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, cannot receive emergency death benefits. This is worse than excusable. It's shameful. Last week, Congress unanimously passed the Pay Our Military Act, with the intent that all military pay and allowances will be disbursed during the government shutdown. Unfortunately, this administration has been playing political theater with the families of our war heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice. To make our intent crystal clear, today the House passed the Honoring the Families of Fallen Soldiers Act. Certain things should transcend politics, and it is up to the Senate and the administration. In fact, they have a moral obligation to join the efforts of the House to fix this problem and to express our deepest gratitude to the families of our heroes.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to join my colleagues to voice my strongest opposition to the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty currently before the United Nations. First and foremost, by signing this overreaching treaty, the administration is crippling one of our most fundamental rights: the Second Amendment, the right to keep and bear arms. The Second Amendment is our most fundamental right because it ensures that we can maintain our other rights. Second, by their own admission, the President and his administration have said this vague treaty is difficult to interpret. Why would we engage in an ambiguous and harmful agreement like this? Finally, the President's own State Department said this treaty will have international implications for U.S. arms sales to Israel and Taiwan. Why would we engage in an agreement that would damage our relationships with two of our strongest allies and give veto power over decisions to sell arms to our allies to other nations around the world? Mr. Speaker, I spent the past weekend in a deer stand and cannot imagine allowing the laws of other countries to stop my ability and the ability of other Americans from enjoying this tradition that I've enjoyed my entire life. The people I represent in North Carolina can't understand why this administration is seeking to damage our personal liberty and the sovereignty of our great Nation. We must oppose this treaty, and I encourage our colleagues in the Senate to do the same.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the community service of retiring Stanly County Chamber President, Tom Ramseur. Mr. Ramseur has served two counties in the 8th Congressional District of North Carolina as Chamber President for more than two decades. He served as President and CEO of the Cabarrus Chamber of Commerce from 1988 until 2001. Mr. Ramseur then served as President and CEO of the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce from 2006 until his retirement this month. I had the privilege of working with Mr. Ramseur while I was serving as District Director for Congressman Robin Hayes. During a time in which Cabarrus County was hit hard by textile and manufacturing job losses, Mr. Ramseur helped bring business and community leaders together to spur the local economy and create jobs. He recognized the importance of an economic-friendly environment that allows businesses to grow and hire people. The 8th district is fortunate to have hardworking men and women like Mr. Ramseur who are committed to strengthening our economy and bringing jobs home. I'm proud to have worked with Mr. Ramseur over the years, and I know the folks in both Stanly and Cabarrus Counties are grateful for his service to their communities. (From the Stanly News and Press, Sept. 18, 2013) Ramseur Prepares for Exit at Stanly County Chamber of Commerce Tom Ramseur is cleaning out his office at the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce and will cede his chair to his successor as he winds down his nearly eight years as the organization's president and CEO. But he will not be packing up his enthusiasm for the Chamber or for the county it serves. ``The way I got involved in the Chamber several years ago was as a volunteer in Cabarrus County and I knew that side of it,'' Ramseur said. He was involved in his family's business, which brought the real-life work experience into the mix. ``We sold our business and I was working for the parent company and I was asked to run the Chamber in Cabarrus County and it appealed to me and I saw both sides of being a volunteer and running the organization,'' Ramseur said. His wife, Diane, is a native of Stanly County, which gave him knowledge of the area and he also had known Marianne Bright, who was the former president of the Chamber. When he came to the Stanly Chamber, the board had just completed a planning retreat and had some goals. ``Chambers are run the same no matter where they are. They are membership-based and we needed to grow our membership,'' Ramseur said. ``We also, more importantly, needed to grow our sphere of influence because the Chamber needs to be relevant in each community.'' Ramseur said that was somewhat of a problem with as many communities and municipalities spread out over such a large area. ``We needed to tell our story and be more of a county-wide chamber,'' he said. ``We needed to show how we could help people in Misenheimer, Locust, Stanfield and all the others. They needed them to know how we could help and we wanted to help.'' He also said governmental affairs is a big part of what the Chamber has done. ``I understood how to work with governmental officials and building relationships and we had to do that,'' he said. He said relationships, through no particular one's fault, had not been as good as they should have been with the county commission. ``It just needed to be enhanced,'' Ramseur said. He said most people do not understand how the Chamber works. ``We're not funded by the government. We are a nonprofit run by a board of directors, and the income is primarily through dues and special events,'' he said. Ramseur said he can understand why the Chamber may be viewed by some as just a ``social club.'' ``I have tried to eliminate that label,'' Ramseur said. ``We do have social events, and we have fun, but you might meet somebody who you can talk to about refinancing or other business subjects. ``Networking is important and can't all be done online. They have to get out of their comfort zone.'' He mentions the success of the legislative breakfasts, which are designed to help local businesses have quality time with their representatives in Raleigh and Washington. ``We have 200 coming in to those events, and the representatives are telling us the other counties do not have that kind of attendance,'' Ramseur said. ``Those things happen because the Chamber makes it happen. It's no accident and there's a lot of hard work that goes into promoting those events.'' ``I also tell people to give us a try for a year. Come to some meetings. Go to some of the seminars we're doing with Stanly Community College. Come to some business after hours. Come to some of our events and you'll meet somebody.'' He said the organization has been responsible with its funds and owns its own building and has no debt. ``I'm also proud we have now built a reserve fund and we had a successful membership drive last year with 220 new members,'' Ramseur said. One of the programs Ramseur said he is proud of helping to establish is the Career Academy for Educators. The program brings teachers in to meet with existing businesses and educates them as to what skills are currently needed to supply the county's industries and businesses. ``The problem is many times getting teachers, counselors, parents and students to make realistic decisions. Everybody wants to go to Chapel Hill. Many people don't know how to cope after high school and a four-year degree is not always a ticket to a job,'' he said. ``That is not to discourage anyone from pursuing that goal. It just may be some would be better prepared by entering the workforce first and this program helps in that regard.'' If there was one magic moment during his years directing the Chamber, it happened in March 2009. ``We found out Harris Teeter announced it would close its Albemarle location,'' Ramseur said. ``The manager said he thought the decision was final. I asked what we could do.'' What happened is what Ramseur said needs to happen throughout the county when it comes to the economic betterment of the area. Come together. ``Everybody was on the phone with each other and Harris Teeter got more than 700 calls and emails within hours,'' he said. ``They announced the store would remain open within a few days. That's what happens when everyone works together.'' He said there weren't many disappointments, but mentions the prolonged discussions between Alcoa and the county as ``not very helpful.'' ``The Chamber did not take sides on the issue. Alcoa is still an active member of the Chamber. We have an excellent relationship with the county. But the fact it hung on that long probably did not cast a good image on Stanly County,'' Ramseur said. ``The only time we ever got covered or noticed was when it had to do with that issue.'' He said he was ``very pleased when there was a settlement. I commend the two parties for settling that. What it means is we can move on to other issues that can make a difference such as education and recruiting businesses.'' As Ramseur leaves his post, he does so with a busy schedule ahead for the next few weeks. The Chamber will initiate the new class of Leadership Stanly and host its annual Business Expo, which is already successful by the number of participants who have signed to be there. He will do that while guiding his successor, Kathy Almond, into her new role which begins officially Oct. 1. Ramseur has no worries about the job Almond will do, taking into account her already being active with the Chamber and a superb board of directors. ``I will never be able to express how much I have appreciated the board and their support in all we've done,'' he said. ``They are volunteers and yet they are always there and do what needs to be done. With their support and enthusiasm, they have been great to work with. ``We have the best staff with Stephanie Gresham and Winona Vullo who always work hard to make everything we do successful as well as being there to help our members in any way they need us,'' he said. His advice to Almond or to anyone else in the post is to keep focused on the main reason the Chamber exists. ``Just help people to find what they need and go the extra mile and everything else will be fine,'' Ramseur said. Ramseur has some parting shots as to what he's learned and what the county should learn about the local economy. ``I think you need to keep the personal touch. Call people back. But you can't do everything,'' he said. ``I said I'd get by and see every member the first year. I found I couldn't. But I still try to communicate as much as possible.'' He said he would put a personal note on each yearly fee announcement and one when it was received. ``The Chamber can't be all things to all people. My successor needs to always ask if it is something that is part of what the mission is and what we do,'' Ramseur said. He said there are many people in the business of economic development and commends the county for funding a separate economic commission. ``(Economic Development Director) Paul Stratos can do the hard fast economic development. He understands the land use and utilities and you have to have someone doing all of that,'' he said. ``We shouldn't lose sight of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, where we have more and more people coming through here. People come from all over. ``I have no problem with the cities doing more in economic development on their own part as long as they try to coordinate their efforts.'' ``I encourage people to work together, but if a group can financially commit to have more work for the good of the county, who is going to complain? We're going to get more jobs and that's the goal.'' Ramseur has received praise from his Chamber colleagues for his leadership of the organization. ``Even during a down economy, under his leadership the Chamber has grown and thrived,'' Past Chamber Chairman Matt Smith said. ``He has also been very instrumental in making our chamber a strong voice in the community that works hard to bring people together and build a better business environment in Stanly County.'' Current Chamber President Bill Lawhon echoed Smith's remarks. ``He has been good for our chamber, working extremely hard to bring our community of businesses together,'' Lawhon said.''

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 2013 North Carolina Principal of the year, Lynn Rhymer. Ms. Rhymer, who lives in Cabarrus County and is originally from Asheville, N.C., is currently the principal at Central Cabarrus High School in Cabarrus County, N.C. She has served in education for the past 25 years, dedicating 15 years as a high school mathematics teacher and basketball coach and the past 10 years as an administrator. She first received her bachelor's degree in mathematics and a teaching certificate from Western Carolina University. Since receiving her master's degree in school administration from Appalachian State University, Ms. Rhymer has served as an assistant principal and principal. She began her career as principal at Northwest Cabarrus High School, transforming it within three years from a failing school to the sixth best for the state of N.C. as ranked by U.S. News & World Report. She is in her seventh year as principal and loves the time she gets to spend with staff and students. When asked about her profession, Ms. Rhymer simply states, ``I wouldn't do anything else in the world than what I'm doing now. This is my fate, and it's a pretty amazing job.'' As the son of a school teacher, I understand that education is imperative for the future of our nation, and I appreciate Ms. Rhymer's dedication to our students. Her success serves as an example to other teachers in North Carolina and across the nation. The students of the Eighth District of North Carolina are fortunate to have administrators, teachers and mentors like Ms. Rhymer who recognize the importance of building a culture where every student can succeed.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the first sponsor of H.R. 1001, a bill originally introduced by Representative Bonner of Alabama, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprinting pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 430, I was unavoidably detained at a personal doctor's appointment. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker on rollcall No. 431, I was unavoidably detained at a personal doctor's appointment. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no''.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 433 I was unavoidably detained at a personal doctor's appointment. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 435, I was unavoidably detained at a personal doctor's appointment. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 434 I was unavoidably detained at a personal doctor's appointment. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall no. 428, I was unavoidably detained at a personal doctor's appointment. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 1344) to amend title 49, United States Code, to direct the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) to provide expedited air passenger screening to severely injured or disabled members of the Armed Forces and severely injured or disabled veterans, and for other purposes, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I recently heard a story about one of our wounded soldiers being forced to participate in a lengthy and uncomfortable security screening at the airport. I immediately contacted the head of the TSA to express my outrage and disappointment that one of our Nation's heroes would be forced to go through such an ordeal. I believe one of the most solemn responsibilities of our government is to care for our veterans and those who have been injured in the line of duty. We must remember that even little things can be cumbersome and difficult. The last thing our heroes need is to face a long line or be forced to answer endless questions about their conditions when all they want to do is board a plane and fly home to be with their loved ones. As chairman of the Transportation Security Subcommittee, I've had an active role in working with TSA, the administrator, and my colleague, Ms. Gabbard, the author of this legislation, to adopt protocols that will increase accessibility and privacy and offer less invasive screening for those with severe combat-related injuries. I urge my colleagues to help pass the Helping Heroes Fly Act, as amended, by unanimous consent today. I am proud of this legislation because it shows an example of Republicans and Democrats working together to find solutions for the American people.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 432 I was unavoidably detained at a personal doctor's appointment. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 429 I was unavoidably detained at a personal doctor's appointment. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''