Chris John

Mr. JOHN

Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Linda Pendergast from Baton Rouge, Louisiana--my nominee for the 2004 Angels in Adoption Award. Dr. Pendergast is a reunited birthmother who has devoted a large part of her life in volunteer service to the adoption community of Louisiana. As a member of the Catholic Community Services Adoption Advisory Board, she has provided prenatal education and support to pregnant teens in residence at Sanctuary House, a ministry of Catholic Services in Baton Rouge. She also has conducted behavioral/temperament assessments of infants placed for adoption through Catholic Community Services as a post-adoption strategy to foster family cohesiveness, parental satisfaction with the parenting role and optimal infant development. Dr. Pendergast is a coordinator and facilitator of a search and support group for adult adoptees, birthparents, and adoptive parents. She also serves as an advisor to Louisiana Adoption Advocates--a legislative group dedicated to adoption reform. A member of the Louisiana Adoption Advisory Bd. Inc., Dr. Pendergast has served 4 years as Board secretary and is in her second term as Vice Chair in addition to numerous other involvements in scholarship and volunteer programs. Her fight for Louisiana's children is a personal one. The happiness of her reunited family is a bright example of her commitment. It is individuals like Dr. Pendergast and her colleagues on the Louisiana Adoption Advisory Board who are truly making a difference in our communities. This week the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute is honoring Linda and hundreds of devoted volunteers like her in ceremonies in Washington, DC. I am proud to honor Dr. Pendergast as one of Louisiana's Angels in Adoption.

Mr. JOHN

Mr. JOHN. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. JOHN. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume, although I will not take all 5 minutes. But I did think it was important for me to come here and talk about this amendment to this legislation. I am offering this amendment, and I have worked with the ranking member, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey), and also the chairman, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Regula), about trying to work through this in conference, but I thought it was very important that we talk just a little bit about this piece of legislation. The amendment that I have at the desk is an amendment today to fully fund a piece of legislation that was passed out of this body last year and that was signed by the President of the United States. It is called the Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health Act, the MASH Act. The MASH Act has the support of the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Tauzin) and also Senator Gregg, who have joined together to support this piece of legislation along with the National Association of Counties. This amendment offers protection for our constituents from mosquito- borne diseases like the West Nile virus. This year alone, Mr. Chairman, over 1,100 human cases of the West Nile virus have popped up, and over 30 deaths have been reported in all but three States and the District of Columbia. Last year alone, this country faced over 9,800 human cases and 264 deaths from the West Nile virus which is spreading across our country. Of course, countless Americans, mainly our young and our elderly, are very susceptible to the West Nile virus, but it can be kept under control. I guess many of us outside of the deep South consider that Labor Day has passed and that summer is over, so the mosquitoes go away. But I can tell my colleagues that the infected mosquitoes are continuing to spread well into the months of November and even into some of December. What this piece of legislation does is establish a one-time matching grant through the CDC, Center for Disease Control, to enable counties to begin to improve their mosquito abatement programs. Funds can be used for laboratory equipment, purchase of equipment, conduct outreach, educational programs, the kinds of things we need to do to protect our constituents from mosquitoes and this bad disease. Currently the CDC offers some educational programs, but they do not have real assistance to our counties and to our parishes to make sure that we have the proper funds. Abatement programs are handled through the local government in many instances. So the Federal Government, I believe, because of the West Nile virus and it being spread throughout the whole continental United States, needs to get involved in this to protect our constituents. I certainly would ask both the chairman and the ranking member to work through this in conference committee, because I feel that this is not just a Louisiana problem, it is certainly a national problem. And I am prepared to withdraw the amendment at the proper time. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHN. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume to thank both the ranking member and also the chairman for working on this with me. This is a new disease, and we do not know much about it. This can go a long way in understanding and gaining some information and education about it and also in stopping the spread of this disease. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment.

Mr. JOHN

Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, our local employers are dedicated contributors to our local economies. Each day our local manufacturers not only produce valuable products in our communities, they employ the skills of area workers and resources to get the job done. Manufacturers like the one I am recognizing today are committed to success, and their success directly benefits our communities. One such local manufacturer is Baker Oil Tools located in Lafayette, Louisiana. Baker Oil Tools is a leader in oilfield services and today they are being honored by the Manufacturing Extension Partnership of Louisiana (MEPoL) with the first-ever Platinum Award for Continued Excellence (PACE Award). MEPoL--a non-profit business resource based at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette--has a distinguished history of providing business and technical assistance to manufacturing firms throughout the State of Louisiana. They have worked with over 550 Louisiana businesses--including Baker Oil Tools--since 1997 to increase the productivity and profitability of their clients. MEPoL educated, encouraged and empowered Baker Oil Tools to embrace the principles of `Lean Manufacturing,' a systematic approach to identifying and eliminating waste in the manufacturing process through continuous improvement. This efficient approach enabled the organizational advancements that led to the receipt of this prestigious award. Thanks to a committed workforce and leadership dedicated to excellence, Baker Oil Tools has made significant advances in driving productivity, quality and technology throughout their organization. Baker Oil Tools is a local manufacturing leader and this award is an outstanding achievement. Congratulations to Baker Oil Tools on receipt of MEPoL's first annual PACE award and to their long standing commitment to the people and prosperity of our community.

Mr. JOHN

Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a fine American, a devoted son and a brave soldier who gave his life serving our Nation in Operation Iraqi Freedom. David Paul Burridge served with the U.S. Marine's 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. On the afternoon of the 6th of September, was killed outside Fallujah, Iraq when a suicide bomber detonated a vehicle near a U.S. convoy. David had been stationed in Iraq since April and most recently, his Marine unit was charged with securing the volatile western Anbar province. David was one of seven brave Marine's killed outside Fallujah on Monday. While we here in the United States honored America's workers on Labor Day, David and his colleagues were hard at work defending our freedom. In the line of duty, David bravely gave his life to help make this world a better place for his fellow soldiers and indeed for us all. A 2004 graduate of Lafayette High School, David's principal remembered him as ``happy-go-lucky,'' saying ``he was just the kind of kid that if I were a teacher, that's the kind of kid that you say, `I'd take a whole class of them.' '' Mr. Speaker, please join David's friends, family and me as we honor his memory and thank him for his heroic service to our country.

Mr. JOHN

Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a fine American, a devoted son, brother and friend who gave his life serving our nation in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Joseph C. ``Joe'' Thibodeaux, III served with the U.S. Army's 25th Infantry Unit stationed in Hawaii. On the 1st of September, while in a convoy on a mission in Iraq near Hawija, Joe was killed by enemy sniper fire. Joe is survived by his parents Rebecca and Joseph, Sr. as well as a half-sister, Jennifer Karen Savoy; brothers Greg Thibodeaux, Army Maj. Maxwell Thibodeaux and Jerome Thibodeaux; and a younger sister, Brittany Thibodeaux. He is also survived by his maternal grandmother, Thelma Istre of Egan, LA and his uncles Daniel Istre, Johnny Istre, O'Neil Istre, James Istre and John R. Thibodeaux, all of Lafayette, as well as many proud nieces and nephews. An Army sharpshooter, Joe had just re-enlisted in the service and planned to teach at the Army sharpshooter school when he returned from Iraq. Family and friends describe him as a ``kind-hearted soul'' who loved what he did and took great pride in serving his country. On September 1, Joe undoubtedly approached what would be his last assignment with that same pride and determination. He bravely gave his life to help make this world a better place for his fellow soldiers and indeed for us all. His brother Jerome remarked that Joe ``lived as if he were invincible, and now he'll be forever invincible.'' Joe's selfless bravery and commitment to country are an example to each of us. Mr. Speaker, please join Joe's friends, family and me as we honor his memory and thank him for his heroic service to our country.

Mr. JOHN

Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce The Stop Forum Shopping Act of 2004. The trend of forum shopping by Native American Tribes for the ideal venue to locate a casino has become quite troubling. Tribes with no connection to lands, sometimes hundreds of miles from their home area, are seeking to place these lands into trust solely for gaming purposes. Today, I urge my colleagues to join me in curbing this trend by amending the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) to define ambiguous language and clearly reflect the intent of the law. Recent events in my home state of Louisiana best illustrate the need for these definitions. A Tribe that has been federally recognized since 1995 has only recently sought to obtain their ``initial reservation'' on lands over one hundred miles from their historical lands. They have also secured distant land for a casino that would have a negative economic impact on the five non-tribal, tax-paying casinos that operate less than 50 miles away. While the IGRA permits tribes to take such distant land into trust for gaming under very limited circumstances, the law did not intend for tribes to use such exceptions to shop for real estate. The Stop Forum Shopping Act of 2004 will prevent tribes from cherry picking land for a casino by clarifying the meaning of initial reservation and consultation. Essentially, this Act will heighten the level of scrutiny given to such action and increase the required notice to impacted parties. This Act will stay true to the intent of the IGRA by limiting an initial reservation to a tribe's service area, where more than 50 percent of the tribal members reside, or where the tribe has historically resided. Furthermore, this act will increase the requirements of the consultation process so that all impacted parties are provided adequate notice of any gaming proposals within 50 miles of their area and an opportunity to participate in the process. I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing that venue shopping by Native American Tribes is an increasing problem that must be addressed. Not only is it against the intent of the IGRA, it is unfair to the many tribes that abide by the rules and work hard in remote locations to provide economic benefits to their members. Allowing any tribe to circumvent the intent of the IGRA and randomly select the most economically advantageous lands should not be an option.

Mr. JOHN

Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to strongly oppose this rule. Yesterday, in the Committee on Rules, I offered an amendment to the defense authorization bill whose needs were proven and whose costs was fully offset, and it was sadly rejected. The Air Force's Joint Surveillance Target Radar System, or the JSTARS, is a program vital to our Nation's security in a time of war and is crucial to the jobs of hard-working men in Louisiana. My amendment would have ensured the continuation of this program in order to build the number of planes that the military requested. The next generation of JSTARS, the E-10A program, has been delayed twice and will not provide the needs of our military in sufficient time. Without my amendment made in order, resources will be cut for our troops, plain and simple. Shortchanging the military on their order for planes sells short this vital program and endangers valuable military support jobs in Louisiana. The delay of the E-10A will disrupt our military industrial base and will affect our Nation's responsiveness to production needs. The need is real, Mr. Speaker. The workforce is in place and our troops deserve the best we can provide. The JSTARS program merits funding and continuation. We will be continuing to discuss this, and it is a shame that we have not had this opportunity on the floor of the House to fully discuss this. The workers in my district deserve consideration to complete their mission, just as we have asked our troops to complete their mission. I strongly oppose this rule.

Mr. JOHN

Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of an extraordinary man who made a tremendous impact on my life and the lives of so many in Louisiana. State Representative Charles ``Doc'' Hudson, educator, statesman, businessman, husband, parent, pioneer, friend and mentor, passed away May 7, 2004, at the age of 72 in Opelousas, Louisiana. Dr. Hudson began his life in public service as the first African- American elected to the Opelousas Board of Aldermen, where he served for ten years. He went on to become the first African-American to serve a four-year term as deputy secretary of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and the first African-American mayor protemp of Opelousas. In 1991, he became the first African-American from St. Landry Parish to be elected to the Louisiana House of Representatves, a position he held until his death. However, it is impossible to describe Doc by simply enumerating the positions he held. Anyone who knew him knew of his zealous commitment to education. As an accomplished student himself, he valued knowledge more than anything. In 1999, he gained national prominence when he introduced a bill in the Louisiana Legislature requiring students to show respect to teachers and school personnel. Doc himself was an incredible teacher. Having spent four years serving with him in the Louisiana Legislature, I can personally attest that he was a tremendous mentor for young politicians. He was never too busy to talk to someone, spend time with them, listen to their problems, and give them advice. I could always count on his honest opinion and he always kept his word. Doc was also a steadfast supporter of his fellow public servants. When I hosted events in his area, Doc was always there; and while he fervently upheld his Democratic ideals, he never had a bad word to say against anyone of a different opinion. With the passing of Dr. Hudson, Louisiana loses a civil rights pioneer and one of its strongest education advocates. I mourn the loss of my friend and am sorry for the legislators who will not be able to benefit from his guidance and wisdom. To his family, I express my most sincere condolences; and while so many are saddened by this tragic loss, I am confident that southwest Louisiana is a better place to live because of his influence and efforts. He will be remembered fondly by those who knew him.

Mr. JOHN

Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize an outstanding individual who has dedicated 40 years of his life to educating young people in Southwest Louisiana. At the end of this academic year, Mr. John E. Dailey will retire as principal of Notre Dame High School of Acadia Parish, my alma mater. Mr. Dailey began his career in education at Notre Dame in 1964 and remained there until 1970 when he moved to Iota High School. During his time at Iota, Mr. Dailey was twice named Teacher and Coach of the Year, was a runner up in the Louisiana Principal of the Year process and oversaw vast improvements in the school's academic and athletic programs. After over 20 years at Iota, Mr. Dailey returned to Notre Dame High School, where he would remain until his retirement this year. During his second tour at Notre Dame, Mr. Dailey oversaw a significant increase in enrollment, the addition of twelve classrooms, the implementation of an Agriscience Program, a rise in ACT scores to well above the national average, and nine State athletic championships and eight second place finishes. Mr. Dailey was also honored as the Administrator of the Year in the Diocese of Lafayette and recently inducted into the Notre Dame High School Shoe of Fame. I rise today to honor Mr. Dailey because it is men and women like him that willingly take on the overwhelming job of preparing our youth for their entry into the professional world. Since 1964, Mr. Dailey has been making a difference in the lives of young people and Acadiana is grateful to all of the work that he has done. I know I am joined by many others when I tell Mr. Dailey congratulations and thank you.

Mr. JOHN

Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, April 9, 2004, my district suffered the loss of a brave American. KBR Contractor Jeffrey Parker of Moss Bluff, LA, was killed in an attack on a fuel convoy while working as a truck driver in Iraq. Jeff was one of seven contractors and two U.S. soldiers reported missing in the attack. As he is laid to rest in Louisiana, we honor his commitment to his family, his work, and his country. As his company noted, these contractors that lost their lives were ``brave hearts without medals, humanitarians without parades, and heroes without statues.'' Neighbors described him as a ``friend to everyone.'' Jeff was one of nine children in the Parker family. He was a father and a grandfather. He was to be married this summer after his work in Iraq was completed. He took the job with KBR in Iraq to provide for his loved ones. He served his country in a vital support role and he tackled his job with courage, conviction, and bravery. He will be remembered as a hero whose spirit and determination defines the American spirit. To his family, I humbly extend my thanks and the sincere appreciation of a grateful community, State, and country for his sacrifice. On behalf of the people of the 7th Congressional District and the U.S. Congress, I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the Parker family.

Mr. JOHN

Mr. JOHN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Chairman, of course I fully support funding of I-49, which runs right through the Seventh District of Louisiana, right through the heartland of Louisiana. Completion of this very important interstate system from Canada to New Orleans is an incredibly important corridor, from the Midwest of America down to the coast and for the economics of trade, and it is an incredibly important program. I have worked very hard over the last few years to make sure that I- 49 South was given a high priority designation in TEA 21, and also I-49 North, as a high priority corridor. This amendment today I think reinstates the importance of I-49 as a priority for Congress, and I fully support it. However, there is a larger issue at hand. I think we need more funding for this bill to accelerate funding for I-49 and other projects across the Nation. Each Member in this body believes that highways running through their district are a priority, and they are correct. Improved transportation infrastructure means economic development; it means good American jobs. But the only way that we can see these priorities met is to increase the funding for this bill in Congress. The I-49 Congressional Caucus is working with the chairman and the ranking member on a way to complete the funding for this project, and many other projects; and I pledge to create new jobs and expand economic development for the full funding of I-49 and other high- significant and regional priorities.

Mr. JOHN

Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, I unavoidably was absent last Thursday. Had I been present, I would have voted on Roll Call 66--``no''; on Roll Call 67--``no''; on Roll Call 68--``yes''; on Roll Call 69--``yes''; on Roll Call 70--``yes''; on Roll Call 71--``yes.''

Mr. JOHN

Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, Please allow me to extend my thanks and gratitude to a class of extraordinary Americans who put their lives on the line daily for the security of our nation and its citizens--our firefighters. Yesterday marked National Firefighter's Day, and it is important for us to realize that in almost any emergency, the first agency called is the fire department--putting America's firemen and women among our nation's first lines of defense. Every hour of every day, the 21,000 fire companies across the nation stand ready to answer the call. In my home state of Louisiana, nearly 20,000 firefighters in 592 departments are prepared to encounter any threat. While we may not see these men and women every day, their importance is unquestioned when an emergency arises. Not only do firefighters provide our citizens with dependability in security, but their record of civic duty is long withstanding. Firefighters dedicate much of their free time to volunteer in their local communities. We've seen them at the grocery stores and intersections, encouraging citizens to ``Fill the Boot'' to contribute to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, for which they've raised nearly $200 million over the past 50 years. When off-duty, a firefighter will often stop to help a stranded motorist, render aid at an accident, or just stop whatever they are doing to help. Our quality of life in America is better thanks to the services of our law enforcement, first responders and firefighters. The security role our firefighters retain has evolved beyond just putting out fires. Our firefighters now deal with hazardous material response and medical emergencies. They train to be first responders and paramedics, comprise search and rescue squads to retrieve trapped victims in burning or collapsed buildings, and extract injured persons from car accidents. Some departments also have SCUBA teams and high angle rescuers. The role of our firefighters changed forever when we witnessed 343 of them give their lives just two years ago. On 9/11, hundreds of firefighters rushed up the stairs of the burning World Trade Center, as everyone else was rushing down and out of the building. They saved thousands with their selfless bravery. Now, after 9/11, we see more than ever the vital role firefighters play in our nation's security and preparedness. There should be no doubt that our firefighters remain squarely on the front lines of homeland security; and if terrorists strike again, they will be the first ones on the scene risking it all for our well being. On National Firefighter's Day--and everyday--let's remember to say ``thanks'' to all of our brave and selfless firefighters.

Mr. JOHN

Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment and recognize some of the great things that are happening right now at Louisiana State University at Eunice. This two-year college located in Acadia Parish, a part of my district, provides students with the educational tools they need to either enter the workforce or continue their studies at a four-year university. With 94 professors on hand, and nearly all of them full-time staff, LSUE has registered more than 3,000 students for the 2004 Spring semester. This number marks an all-time high for the school. LSU at Eunice is excelling outside the classroom as well. The school has recently initiated a wellness program entitled ``Bonne Sante!'' Students and staff will benefit from this exciting program which will promote healthy living through a variety of sources including a monthly magazine, a free web service, a fitness/health film series and a community of fitness activity groups. ``Bonne Sante!'' promises to make LSUE a healthier and happier campus. Staff at LSUE has also garnered some impressive accolades. The college's Chancellor, Dr. William J. Nunez, III, was recently selected to serve as chairman of the Eunice Community Medical Center Board of Directors for the current calendar year. In addition, Ms. Theresa Darbonne, a member of the SIFE@LSUE National Team recently returned from Honduras where she visited the medical clinic that SIFE@LSUE helped establish three years ago. SIFE is a global, not-for-profit organization that works to improve living standards throughout the world by teaching the values of market economics. Exciting things are happening at LSUE. Its students and faculty should be proud to know that their school is making unprecedented strides and continues to provide an excellent education in Southwest Louisiana.

Mr. JOHN

Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, first let me thank my good friend and colleague from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for introducing this resolution, and, of course, thank him for extending me the time. I am very proud to stand up here today to congratulate two national championships from the same city. I think that is an accomplishment that we all in Louisiana, and certainly the Congressman from Baton Rouge, should be very proud of. As the gentleman mentioned, on January 4, down in the Louisiana Superdome in the Sugar Bowl, which was the BCS national championship, the LSU Fighting Tigers, my alma mater, defeated the Oklahoma Sooners in the Bowl Championship Series national title. The Tigers did the State proud by bringing home the first national championship in 45 years, Mr. Speaker; and I think that is a proud accomplishment. However, LSU, as the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Baker) has mentioned, is not the only collegiate football team to excel this year. The Southern University Jaguars gave the fans throughout the country something to cheer about when they were recognized in the Sheraton Poll as the 2004 Historical Black College National Championship, completing the dual national championships from two universities from the same town. The Southern Jaguars completed an impressive 12 and 1 season, including a very exciting football game in the Superdome in the Bayou Classic and also the Southwest Athletic Conference title championship game. Mr. Speaker, but this was more than just about two football games. I am very proud to stand up here and congratulate the athletic programs of both universities, but this was also an opportunity to showcase the academic excellence of both of those universities. I am very proud of that. LSU chancellor, Mark Emmert; Southern University chancellor, Ed Jackson; the LSU football coach, Nick Saban; the Southern football coach, Peter Richardson; all the students; the great fans from Louisiana should all be proud and join us in recognizing this wonderful accomplishment of the two national championships from my home State. I am very proud to stand here and congratulate them. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I have the gentleman from New Orleans, Louisiana, (Mr. Jefferson) who is on his way to also join in this celebration of two national championships. Of course, I am very proud of being not only an alumnus of that great institution but also for being present at the game. It was an incredible game. It was a defensive game. Of course, Coach Saban always said, and borrowed a line from many famous coaches, that defense wins national championships. Of course, the 21-to-14 score at the end of the game I think reiterated the fact that the defense indeed did win this national championship. I am actually looking forward to the 2004 season with the BCS to ending up very similar to this year, but the only difference is it will happen in Miami and not New Orleans. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As the gentleman mentioned, I happen to be, I guess notwithstanding anything else, a big fan of the BCS. I believe that it is a system that is maybe far from perfect, but I am very supportive of the theory of what it is all about. It puts to strength the schedule and also puts the games, who you play, and not just how many points you score. And I think that, in the end, it was very close. It was in the decimal points. But I also want to congratulate the University of Southern California, who had a very excellent season and ended on a very positive note. But the BCS, I think we will hear lots of controversy about it, but I think it worked. I think it was something that is far from perfect, as I mentioned before, but it is something that is needed in college football, and we are moving towards that.

Mr. JOHN. I yield to the gentleman from Louisiana.

Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, it is also just interesting to note that all of the conferences across the NCAA signed off on those rules before the season started, so we must play by those rules. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Orleans (Mr. Jefferson), my friend and colleague.

Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHN

Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, on January 4, 2004, the Louisiana State University Tiger football team, my alma mater, defeated the Oklahoma Sooners 21-14 in the Nokia Sugar Bowl, securing the Bowl Championship Series National Title. The Fighting Tigers did their State proud by bringing home the first football National Championship in 45 years. This unique honor is one that every citizen in Louisiana will certainly cherish. LSU Chancellor Mark Emmert, Coach Nick Saban, the student- athletes, cheerleaders, members of the band and fans deserve a moment of recognition for a job well done. However, the football team has not been the university's only champions this year. The women's indoor and outdoor track teams both earned the title of ``best in the Nation''; the baseball team claimed first place in the Southeastern Conference, which propelled them to yet another College World Series. I know that fans throughout the country have watched with intense excitement as the Tigers distinguished themselves on the field of play. LSU's accomplishments have in no way been limited to athletic achievements. As one of the Nation's largest institutions of higher learning, the university continues to raise its standards and increase its funds for research. In the last fiscal year, a record-breaking $122.4 million was awarded to the school in the form of research awards and sponsored projects, establishing LSU as a significant player in the development of innovative ideas and technology. In the quest for increased technology, faculty and staff designed and developed SuperMike, one of the fastest computers on the face of the planet. This impressive machine is expected to do a myriad of important tasks from helping to develop the next generation of the Internet, TeraGrid, to modeling coastal erosion and storm damage. In response to our country's heightened awareness to issues of national security, LSU has developed a National Center for Security and Research. The center will pull from experts in a number of LSU's departments as well as the private sector to share knowledge about the best ways to deal with national catastrophes. While all of this has been going on, the faculty as LSU continue to be among the best in the Nation and have garnered awards too numerous to mention here. As a result, faculty pay has increased and the school has been able to retain and attract some of the country's greatest minds. These accomplishments have translated into a rising bar for LSU students. The pool of applicants continues to increase while the standards for admission are the highest the university has ever seen. At the same time, LSU has been able to retain over 80 percent of its students and graduate more than half of its candidates. With admission requirements set to rise again in 2005, LSU will continue to offer an excellent affordable education to the young men and women who study there. I appreciate this opportunity to recognize some of the accomplishments of this fantastic institution. As LSU continues to strive for excellence, Louisiana can be proud that the university remains a respected national force in both athletics and academics.

Mr. JOHN

Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, the Southern University football team gave Jaguar fans throughout Louisiana something to cheer about when they were recently recognized by the Sheridan poll as the 2004 Historically Black College National Champions. The football team certainly earned this distinction by completing an impressive 12-1 season that included victories in the Bayou Classic over instate rival Grambling State University and Alabama State University in the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship game. Congratulations are in order for Southern University Chancellor Edward Jackson, Coach Pete Richardson, the student-athletes, cheerleaders, members of the band and fans. The Jaguar football team joins with a number of other Southern athletic teams that have had success. In 2002, Southern University was ranked by Sports Illustrated magazine as the 131st best Division I athletic program in the Nation, quite an accomplishment when thinking about all of the terrific athletic programs throughout the country. Seven teams, including baseball, women's basketball, bowling and softball, took SWAC titles. The university was the highest ranked Historically Black College on the Sports Illustrated list. The Jaguars also boast one of the most dynamic marching bands in the country. A revered and cherished tradition, the band never ceases to amaze. Last year, led by Dr. Isaac Greggs, the band participated in a competition involving more than 20 other black colleges. Southern emerged victorious and took first place as well as a $10,000 award. However, athletics and extracurricular activities are just some of the many exciting things going on at Southern. The university was named yet again as one of the top 50 colleges with the best environment for African American students; and only three other public black universities were ranked above Southern. This survey proves that Southern offers an excellent, well-rounded education at an affordable price. Some of the achievements at Southern can be attributed to the rising operating budget and funds available for campus improvements. The university is currently operating with a $180 million budget, the largest in the school's 124 years. This money will be available to run the university's five campuses spread throughout Louisiana. A significant portion of the budget had been allocated for endowed professorships which now stand at 31, but are set to increase. The university is also preparing to make drastic changes to a number of its campuses. Construction is set to begin on residential housing developments on the Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Shreveport campuses as well as improvements to the athletic facilities and off-campus housing. These accomplishments define Southern University as one of the preeminent Historically Black Colleges in the country and a source of tremendous pride for Louisiana. From its humble beginnings in 1880, Southern has grown into a vast university system with over 15,000 students. However, the school continues to produce outstanding graduates and loyal alumni. I know that the university will proceed with confidence as a respected force in education and athletics.

Mr. JOHN

Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my hearty congratulations to Walter Comeaux, a friend and colleague from my district, upon the completion of 30 years of public service. In that time, Mr. Comeaux has dutifully served the people of Lafayette Parish and exemplified what it truly means to be a servant of the people. Mr. Comeaux has spent more than half of his life working to better the local government in Lafayette Parish. He began as a young City Council member in Broussard, Louisiana, and then as member of the Lafayette Police Jury, including 4 years as president of that body. However, his greatest political accomplishment came as the Lafayette City and Parish governments consolidated in 1996. He was elected as the first City-Parish Council President and charged with the difficult task of making the newly formed government operate smoothly. As the first chief executive of the City-Parish government, Mr. Comeaux excelled; and 4 years later his constituents returned him to office. In his 8 years as president, he made countless improvements to the parish infrastructure while working to craft an efficient and responsive local government. At the end of his career of service, I have no doubts that Lafayette is a better place to live due in large part to his efforts. I know that he is looking forward to more time with his family and friends, but his departure will certainly be a loss. I applaud his success and appreciate the time and commitment he has given as a public officer.