Ron Lewis

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information for publication in the Congressional Record regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2638, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. Requesting Member: Congressman Ron Lewis Bill Number: H.R. 2638 Account: OM, A Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Fort Knox Address of Requesting Entity: 127 6th Ave. Ste 202, Fort Knox, KY, USA Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $2,320,000 for roof removal and replacement at Fort Knox, U.S. Army instillation. The roofs on six barracks that house soldiers at Fort Knox are in need of being replaced or repaired. This project request has the support of the Fort Knox Garrison Command and would repair the roofs on buildings 1479, 1480, 2371, 2376, 2377, 2378, 2379, 2381. Requesting Member: Congressman Ron Lewis Bill Number: H.R. 2638 Account: RDTE, A Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Owensboro Medical Health System Address of Requesting Entity: 811 East Parrish Ave., Owensboro, KY, USA Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $2,000,000 for plant- based vaccine research at the Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center. The Owensboro Medical Health System and the University of Louisville have partnered to place university researchers in hospital labs to further explore plant-based technologies. Research at the facility has already begun to create significant achievements by using the proteins from tobacco to create potential life-saving vaccines. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of Army RDTE. As certified by the Owensboro Medical Health System, the organization will provide at least 5% in matching funds. Requesting Member: Congressman Ron Lewis Bill Number: H.R. 2638 Account: FEMA Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Heartland Commerce and Tech Park Address of Requesting Entity: 107 W. Broadway, Campbellsville, KY, USA Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $750,000 for Predisaster Mitigation for the County of Taylor. The regional industrial park attracts businesses to the Campbellsville/Taylor County area. The park faces significant water problems and is in need of earthwork to control erosion as well as storm water management assistance. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the Federal Emergency Management Agency account. The Executive Director of the Campbellsville/Taylor County Industrial Development Authority has certified that as the requesting entity it will provide matching funds of 5% or more above the statutory requirements. The committee report language incorrectly stated that the funds would go to the City of Taylorsville, KY and not the requested location of the County of Taylor, KY.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to welcome athletes, fans, and sponsors of the PGA Tour to the City of Louisville for the 37th Ryder Cup. The competition will take place at the Valhalla Golf Club September 16-21, 2008. The Ryder Cup matches the 12 best American golf professionals against the best 12 from Europe. The competition will be seen by hundreds of millions of golf enthusiasts throughout the world. In the spirit of Olympians, athlete participation is grounded in the prestige of representing their country rather than prize money. I would like to make special note of two fellow Kentuckians, Kenny Perry and J.B. Holmes, joining the American team. Their competitive spirit and good sportsmanship will make our state and country proud. I applaud the PGA of America, the PGA Tour, and First Tee for the charitable contributions they will generate through this event. The Ryder Cup will directly raise over $780,000 in funds for charity. An additional $2.6 million will be donated on behalf of the U.S. Ryder Cup captain and team. It is my great privilege to recognize the athletes, sponsors, and hosts of the 37th Ryder Cup for their collective contributions to charity and international goodwill through this special event.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay public tribute to the Lincoln Trail Area Development District (LTADD), a public agency in my congressional district that promotes regional economic growth by creating partnerships with local, civic and governmental leaders. LTADD will mark their 40th year of service during ceremonies scheduled later this month. The Lincoln Trail Area Development District was created as a non- profit corporation in March 1968. Four years later, the organization was designated as a public agency under KRS 147a and assigned a development district that includes the west-central Kentucky counties of Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, Larue, Marion, Meade, Nelson and Washington. Since its formation, LTADD has adhered to a philosophy that conscientious personal attention provided to communities they serve will ensure long and mutually beneficial relationships. Their mission to develop innovative, economical and socially acceptable solutions to difficult community problems remains the trademark of LTADD's success as they begin their fourth decade. The Lincoln Trail Area Development District includes major population centers, businesses, and tourism destinations including the birthplace and boyhood home of Abraham Lincoln and the Fort Knox Army Installation. The agency continues to play a significant role in coordinating community transitional needs resulting from the 2005 BRAC- mandated mission realignment at Ft. Knox. LTADD currently employs a staff of over 40 planners, administrators and support personnel who manage a region that includes more than 243,000 residents and 35 local government bodies. It is my great privilege to recognize the exceptional board of directors and staff of the Lincoln Trail Area Development District for all that they do to promote the economic vitality of local communities and enhance quality of life for those who live and work within the district. The objectives and collective achievements of this special organization are worthy of our honor and respect.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ernestine Pigg, a remarkable citizen from my congressional district. Ernestine recently marked her 45th consecutive year teaching citizenship classes for legal immigrants. Ernestine Pigg began teaching citizenship classes at Fort Knox, KY in 1963. Her final class graduated in 2007. Through the years, Ernestine has remained exceptionally generous with her time as she's prepared more than 2,000 students to pass a Federal test to become United States citizens. In addition to her work with immigrants, Ernestine has also volunteered her services and expertise in foreign languages as a teaching assistant at North Hardin High School in Radcliff, KY and at Armor Office Basic classes at Ft. Knox. She has also assisted Army JROTC students with various fundraising activities and community outreach projects. It is my great privilege to honor Ernestine Pigg today before the entire United States House of Representatives. Her spirit of volunteerism and special commitment to the future success of her students is a portrait of outstanding citizenship worthy of our collective respect and appreciation.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay public tribute to Command Sergeant Major Otis Smith, Jr., an exemplary citizen and soldier from my Congressional District retiring this month after 33 years of military service. CSM Smith currently serves as Armor Center and Fort Knox, KY CSM. CSM Smith entered the Army in March 1975 as a cavalry scout and graduated from OSUT at Ft. Knox, Kentucky. His first assignment was with A Troop, 15th Cavalry at Fort Benning, GA, as a loader and driver of a Sheridan. He was later assigned to 1-64 Armor in Kitzingen, Germany as a gunner for the improved tow vehicle. In November of 1978, CSM Smith was assigned to Fort Knox, KY, as an Instructor for 19D Advanced Individual Training. He served as a Drill Sergeant at Fort Knox from 1980 to 1982. CSM Smith returned to 1-64 Armor in Kitzingen, Germany, in September 1982, where he served as a Scout Squad Leader and Platoon Sergeant. He served as an instructor at the Primary Leadership Development Course at Fort Bliss, TX from 1985 to 1989. CSM Smith returned to Europe in November 1989 to serve as an Evaluator and Observer/Controller for Bradley Gunnery at the 7th Army Training Center in Vilseck, Germany. In 1993 he was assigned to 2-37 Armor (Vilseck) and served as the acting Operation Sergeant Major for six months before assuming duties as First Sergeant of C/2-37 Armor, with a tour of duty at TF Able Sentry (Macedonia) from March to September 1996. CSM Smith's next assignment took him to Fort Stewart, GA, where he served as the Operation Sergeant Major of 3-69 Armor for eight months. CSM Smith attended the Sergeants Major Academy from August 1997 to May 1998, subsequently returning to Fort Stewart where he assumed duties as the Operation Sergeant Major of 2d Brigade, 3d Infantry Division, with a deployment to ``Operation Desert Fox.'' In March of 1999 CSM Smith assumed the duties as CSM of 1-64 Armor. In April of 2001, after a successful SFOR 8 rotation, CSM Smith assumed the duties as the 2d Brigade CSM, with deployments to ``Operation Desert Spring'' and ``Operation Iraqi Freedom.'' CSM Smith served as the Armor School CSM from August 2003 to July 2005 before receiving his current assignment. CSM Smith was a tireless advocate of Fort Knox's military value and future viability in the months leading up to the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure consideration. He has remained a valuable steward at the Armor School and throughout the Installation during this time a war and administrative transition. CSM Smith's awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal with six Oak Leaf Clusters, Good Conduct Medal, U.N. Medal, Global War of Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NATO Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, Drill Sergeant Badge and the Order of Saint George. It is my great privilege to recognize Command Sergeant Major Otis Smith, Jr. today, before the entire U.S. House of Representatives, for his lifelong example of leadership and service. His unique achievements and dedication to the men and women of the U.S. Army make him an outstanding American worthy of our collective honor and respect.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable citizen from my congressional district. Ronnie Heep, Chief of the Owensboro Fire Department, is retiring next month after 30 years of service. Chief Heep first joined the Owensboro Fire Department in 1978, following in the footsteps of his father, Stewart, who himself served for 32 years. Ronnie steadily rose through the ranks, becoming a serious firefighter and public servant, culminating with his appointment as Chief in 2004. As Chief, he has been responsible for training and managing a diverse crew of firefighters, purchasing and maintaining fire apparatus, and developing policies designed to help the department run as efficiently and safely as possible. He has been personally responsible for countless acts of heroism throughout his three decades as a firefighter and a medical first responder. His collective efforts have saved lives, protected property, and contributed to the overall safety and comfort enjoyed by those who live and work in Owensboro, KY. It is my great privilege to honor Ronnie Heep today before the entire United States House of Representatives. His distinguished career, along with his unwavering dedication to his family and fellow firefighters, is a portrait of outstanding citizenship worthy of our collective respect and appreciation.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay public tribute to Colonel Mark Needham, garrison commander at Fort Knox, Kentucky, retiring next month after 26 years of military service. Colonel Needham was commissioned in the U.S. Army upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1982. During his tenure, he has completed assignments in Germany, the Balkans, and the United States. Prior to his current assignment, Colonel Needham attended the prestigious Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, PA. He went to Carlisle Barracks after having served as an instructor at the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA where he was responsible for developing the Campaign Planning and Operational Art Course for the Joint Advanced Warfighting School. He also taught Joint and Combined Operational Planning to mid-grade officers. Earlier in his career, Colonel Needham commanded a tank battalion at Fort Knox, training Soldiers and Marines as Armor Crewman and Combat Vehicle Mechanics. When he served as a Battalion Operations Officer in Europe, he deployed with U.S. Forces into Bosnia as part of the 1st Armored Division's Implementation Force mission. He was thereafter assigned as a Special Assistant to the Commander of all NATO forces in Bosnia. He has held numerous other positions during his military career including service as a War Planner and Assistant Secretary to the General Staff for the U.S. Army Europe, and an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the U.S. Military Academy. As Garrison Commander, Colonel Needham has been a tireless advocate for soldiers, their families, and the communities surrounding Fort Knox. Taking command shortly after BRAC changes were announced, he has overseen the transformation of Fort Knox into its new mission as a vital multi-functional home to operational Army forces and various administrative commands. Colonel Needham has demonstrated an exceptional determination to ease transition-related concerns by communicating with incoming personnel, citizens, and community leaders at every opportunity. As part of this effort, he developed ``BRAC Roadshows,'' informational seminars conducted at locations with units that are scheduled to move to Fort Knox. He has also worked to transform the Garrison Staff, finalizing the organizational structure to ensure that soldiers, their families, and the community all receive the support that they need. Colonel Needham's awards and decorations include three Defense Meritorious Service Medals, five Meritorious Service Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and a NATO Medal. It is my great privilege to recognize Colonel Mark Needham today, before the entire U.S. House of Representatives, for his lifelong example of leadership and service. I would like to thank him personally for his exemplary stewardship at Fort Knox during a time of war and administrative transition. His unique achievements and dedication to the men and women of the U.S. Army make him an outstanding American worthy of our collective honor and respect.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. I think they're starting to ask. I talked to a group of citizens this morning, and they're wanting to know what is wrong with the Congress; what is wrong with the Democrat leadership; what is wrong with their presumptive nominee for the presidency who says, Yeah, I think this is good that gas is at this all-time high price. I just wish it had come along a little slower. You know, I think there is going to have to be some answers, and they're going to have to come up fairly soon because the American people are fed up. They're not wanting worker compensation, unemployment compensation. They're wanting jobs, and energy provides jobs.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I think the American people, the American workers, they're fed up. They're probably fed up with the fact that we have to be here today debating an extension of unemployment compensation, and if we don't do something about the energy crisis in this country, we're going to be back time and time again to talk about extending compensation to unemployed workers because it's going to lead to more and more unemployment. You know, it is a shame, and I think the American people are starting to say, What is wrong in Washington when America has 496 billion barrels of oil that can be used, but the Democrat leadership in Congress says, No, not one dime for American oil. But they're willing to spend billions upon trillions of dollars to foreign countries for oil. What is wrong with that picture? It's okay for gas to be maybe at $5 a gallon by the end of the summer, but no, we can't do anything about building new refineries here. We can't do anything about drilling oil here. We can't do anything about mining coal here, coal gasification. The energy bill that the Democrats offered was solar, wind, and renewable. Not one dime for oil, not one dime for coal, not one dime for natural gas. You can't put solar in your gas tank. You can't put wind in your gas tank. Now, I'm wondering how the United Miner Workers feel about the fact that they have a 300-year supply of coal but no help for coal gasification. I wonder how the United Auto Workers feel in Michigan, talking about losing jobs. When GM and Ford are moving as quickly as they can to electric automobiles but the Chinese are buying SUVs as fast as they can get them. There's something wrong with this picture. And I wonder how the Teamsters feel when their trucks are sitting idly by not being able to move the goods across this country, out of work because the Democrat Congress--where is the leadership? We need in this country leadership to step forward and say by a date certain, we are going to be energy independent from the Middle East, from Venezuela, and we're going to have our own energy, our own opportunities to create jobs. Can you imagine the millions of jobs that would be created by building pipelines, by going after our resources? Can you imagine the millions of jobs that the United Mine Workers would have, the United Auto Workers would have, the construction union workers would have? I think the rank and file members of our unions in this country have got to say, What is wrong with these people that we've been supporting all of these years? What are they doing for us now?

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay public tribute to Home of the Innocents, an innovative nursing facility and children's village for vulnerable children and at-risk families located in Louisville, Kentucky. For 128 years, Home of the Innocents has provided loving and therapeutic care to children who are victims of abuse, neglect, and abandonment, as well as treatment services for medically fragile, and special needs children, and youth diagnosed with autism. The Home serves approximately 300 children a day and more than 2,220 children and at-risk families per year throughout Kentucky and southern Indiana. Home of the Innocents is operated by a team of dedicated professionals deeply invested in the health, security, and advocacy for children and families in crisis. Through its two service divisions, the Kosair Charities Pediatric Convalescent Center and the Childkind Center, the home offers a wide range of specialized residential, medical, and community-based services to improve the lives of children. It is my great privilege to recognize the exceptional staff of Home of the Innocents today before the entire U.S. House of Representatives for all that they do to promote health, stability, and hope among vulnerable children and their families. The objectives and collective achievements of this special organization are worthy of our honor and respect.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to Dystonia Awareness Week, designated by the Commonwealth of Kentucky for June 1-7, 2008. Dystonia is a neurological disorder that creates painful, involuntary muscle spasms throughout the body. The public knows little about this disorder, afflicting as many as 1 million people in North America alone. The causes of dystonia are still largely unknown within the medical community. The physical manifestations of dystonia can be debilitating and the lack of understanding among the general public often creates isolation and psychological distress to those who suffer from the disorder. The Dystonia Association of Kentucky, Inc., was formed by patients, families, and friends to help one another and to seek a cure for their condition. Widespread public support for their efforts is essential. I urge my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in supporting the goals of Dystonia Awareness Week and urge all Americans to gain a deeper understanding of this disorder and those who are afflicted by it.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bonnie Cox, a remarkable employee and public servant at the Department of Disability Determinations in Frankfort, Kentucky. Bonnie is retiring this month, ending her three decade career in Kentucky State government. Bonnie began her career at the DDS in the operations support branch and advanced through numerous positions to her current executive secretary position in the Commissioner's office. She has spent the last 25 years with the Department of Disability Determinations. Bonnie has been an invaluable participant in many events outside the realm of her daily job duties. She has been the chairperson for the agency's Kentucky Employees Charitable Campaign and has worked tirelessly in this capacity. Having been touched by the generosity of KECC in her own personal life, Bonnie was the perfect advocate for KECC at the agency and brought a newfound inspiration into the DDS regarding this worthy organization. In addition to her compassion, dedication, and good works for KECC, Bonnie also organizes appointments for the Red Cross blood drive, is instrumental in preparing information for the PRIDE, People Responsibly Influencing Decisional Excellence awards, and organizes retirement receptions and other noteworthy meetings within the DDS. She has received numerous awards and commendations for her dedication and commitment to these endeavors. Bonnie has touched countless lives through her contacts with congressional inquiry claims. Her caring attitude and compassionate spirit have made her one of the strongest advocates for Kentucky's disabled citizens. State government will lose a ``voice'' for the disabled and a friend to all when Bonnie retires. On behalf of the countless men and women who have benefited from her dedicated service, I would like to express my profound appreciation to Bonnie Cox and wish her a very happy and healthy retirement.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Sergeant First Class Ronnie Thompson, Jr., a remarkable soldier and citizen from Rineyville, Kentucky. SFC Thompson's recovery from a grave injury sustained while serving in Iraq has made him a source of inspiration among his fellow soldiers and throughout the extended Fort Knox community. SFC Thompson joined the United States Army in 1991 and was assigned to the First Infantry Division. During his early tenure, he completed a deployment to Bosnia and two additional deployments to Kosovo. He was subsequently deployed to Iraq where he served as a Scout Platoon Sergeant with the Air Assault Quick Reaction Force. On December 11, 2004, SFC Thompson was severely wounded by an improvised explosive device while participating in Coalition efforts in Iraq. He was air evacuated back to the United States and placed in emergency care at the Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, DC. In the months and years that have followed, SFC Thompson has defied doctor's expectations, emerging from a coma and enduring countless hours of grueling physical therapy. In his long convalescence, SFC Thompson continues to demonstrate the unique courage and keen sense of duty that made him such an exemplary soldier. In addition to the daily rigors of rehabilitation therapy, he has found time to serve his fellow soldiers as a volunteer at the Fort Knox Veteran Service Office. On the battlefield and off, SFC Thompson has answered the call of his country in a profound way, making deep personal sacrifices to serve others and preserve our freedom and way of life. It is my great privilege to recognize Sergeant First Class Ronnie Thompson, Jr. today on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives for his service to our country, support of our soldiers, and lifelong example of leadership and service. His unique achievements make him an outstanding American worthy of our honor and respect.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ray Lackey, a remarkable soldier and public servant from my congressional district. Ray is retiring this month as Postmaster to Bowling Green, KY, ending a 38 year career in federal service. A native of Middletown, OH, Ray first came to Bowling Green in 1979 following nine years of active duty in the U.S. Army. Beginning as a letter carrier, Ray quickly advanced through numerous managerial positions with the U.S. Postal Service prior to being named Bowling Green Postmaster in 2003. During his tenure, Ray has overseen various infrastructure improvements at the facility. Colleagues and customers alike have long been impressed with his leadership abilities and rigid commitment to maintaining an efficient and consistent postal operation. Throughout his career at the U.S. Postal Service, Ray remained active in the U.S. Army Reserve, serving in various noncommissioned officer leadership positions, culminating in a three year tour at the Pentagon as Command Sergeant Major. Ray was at the Pentagon during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack and spent the ensuing hours assisting survivors. He has received numerous awards and commendations for the valor he demonstrated under pressure and at great personal risk that day. It is my great privilege to recognize Ray Lackey today on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives for his service to our country, support of our soldiers, and lifelong example of leadership and service. His unique achievements make him an outstanding American worthy of our honor and respect. On behalf of the countless men and women who have benefited from his years of dutiful service to our country and community, I would like to express my profound appreciation to Ray and wish him a very happy and healthy retirement.

Mr. LEWIS of KENTUCKY

Mr. LEWIS of KENTUCKY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Wil Cooksey for his service to the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Mr. Cooksey, a resident of Bowling Green, Kentucky, recently retired as plant manager of the General Motors Bowling Green Assembly Plant. Mr. Cooksey served as plant manager at the ``Home of the Corvette'' since 1993. The Bowling Green facility employs approximately 1,000 total employees and assembles 35,000 Chevrolet Corvettes and 4,000 Cadillac XLRs per year. Under Mr. Cooksey's leadership the Corvette team has earned more than 70 automotive industry awards since 1997 including Motor Trend Car of the Year, JD Power Silver Plant Award, JD Power APEAL Award, and Car and Driver Top 10. Mr. Cooksey has been a successful advocate for building diversity at the Bowling Green facility, recruiting qualified minority students from schools not used in the past. Mr. Cooksey has also been active on the Executive Advisory Board of Advancing Minorities' Interest in Engineering and 100 Black Men of America Inc. For his hard work, Mr. Cooksey was recently awarded the Civil Rights Humanitarian Award by the State Street Baptist Church. Mr. Cooksey is also an active member of the Greenview Hospital board of directors, the boards of the National Corvette Museum, Tennessee State University, Western Kentucky University's College of Education and Behavioral Science, and the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Advisory Council. It is my privilege to honor Wil Cooksey today, before the entire United States House of Representatives, for his service to the Bowling Green community. I wish Wil, and his wife Elizabeth, a happy and healthy retirement.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Master Sergeant Vernon Ray Rose, a remarkable man with a long history of service to his country and community. Mr. Rose had a distinguished 18-year career in the United States Army leading men into combat during a tour of duty in Southeast Asia. He was a platoon sergeant of an infantry platoon with A Troop, 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry, Air, during the Vietnam war. His platoon had the responsibility of rescuing downed U.S. helicopter pilots. In March 1968, Mr. Rose was severely wounded by an enemy hand grenade and was medically retired from the Army. Vernon Ray Rose was the recipient of many honors during his exemplary military career including the Bronze Star Medal, a Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Army Occupation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, the Parachutist Badge, and the Ranger Arc Tab. Mr. Rose's service did not end once he retired from the military. Mr. Rose chose to become a National Veteran Service Officer, dedicating his life to serving veterans over the course of three decades. It is my privilege to honor Vernon Ray Rose today, before the entire United States House of Representatives, for his service to our country and to his fellow veterans. His contributions are worthy of our collective appreciation and respect.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, let me take this time to recognize the outstanding federal civilian service of Ms. Sonja Dran Embry on the occasion of her retirement. Ms. Embry has worked for the federal civil service at the Navy Personnel Command for the past 36 years. A native of Caneyville, Kentucky, Ms. Embry is a 1970 graduate of the Kentucky Business College in Lexington, Kentucky. On January 4th 1971, she began her civil service career working at the Bureau of Naval Personnel where she held administrative support positions in the Recall and Release Branch, Civilian Personnel Branch/Administrative and Management Division, and the Congressional/Disposal Sections. As the Vietnam Conflict was winding down, Ms. Embry was again assigned to the Recall and Release Branch where she worked until September 1979. Ms. Embry was selected to serve as the Human Resources Assistant in the Submarine and Nuclear Power Officer Assignments Branch in September 1979. In August 1998, she assisted in the move and reorganization of the Bureau of Naval Personnel, Washington, DC into the Navy Personnel Command in Millington, TN. She has been the cornerstone of this office providing continuity and service to the military members of the U.S. Navy's Submarine Service. Her tireless and caring performance of duty has touched and had a pronounced effect on the lives and careers of over 18,000 submarine officers. Please join me and our colleagues in thanking Ms. Embry for her tireless contributions to a grateful Nation and in wishing her the best in her future.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. In closing, I want to, again, thank Chairman Rangel and Ranking Member McCrery. Jim and the chairman have certainly done a good job in working together to bring about this piece of legislation. Also I would like to thank the majority and the minority staff for their hard work and effort on this. And, too, I would like to thank Kevin Modlin on my staff. He has worked hard to help move this legislation through the process. This is a good day for those homeowners that are in much need of some help. And of course, Congressman Andrews, thank you so much for your hard work on this and putting it forward. I yield back the balance of my time and ask for a ``yea'' vote on this important piece of legislation.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. I continue to reserve my time. General Leave

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. I reserve my time.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Brady).

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my good friend from Texas, Sam Johnson.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I rise today in strong support of the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007. I've heard concerns from many homeowners in my district about the serious situation in the mortgage market. These declining prices have led some families to sell their homes for less than they paid. On August 31, President Bush spoke from the Rose Garden and called on Congress to address the crisis in the mortgage market. Included in the President's priorities was a bill that Congressman Rob Andrews and I introduced in April. Our legislation would relieve tax obligations on those who sell homes that have lost equity and had been forgiven a portion of outstanding mortgage debt. Our measure is the cornerstone of the larger bipartisan bill that we are considering here today. Under current law, only two categories of individuals pay taxes when selling their principal residence: those who have been able to realize a capital gain of more than $250,000, or $500,000 on a joint return, and those who lose the equity in their home and are forced to pay taxes if the lender forgives some portion of the mortgage debt. It is unfair to tax people on phantom income, particularly when they have suffered serious economic loss and have less ability to pay the tax. The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act would relieve this tax burden. The Andrews-Lewis provision states that no tax will be collected when a lender forgives part of the mortgage on the sale or disposition of a principal residence. This proposal has earned the support of the National Association of Home Builders, the National Association of Realtors and the United States Department of the Treasury. Addressing this Tax Code inequity and other long-term issues in the housing market goes to the core of our national economic stability. Today, we advance a bill to the President that seeks to calm financial markets, aid local communities, and support one of our most basic American aspirations: homeownership. I would like to thank my colleague Congressman Andrews for his commitment to this issue. I also appreciate the time and effort of my chairman, Congressman Rangel, Ranking Member McCrery and their staffs for moving this important measure to the House floor. The bill before us is a good first step toward addressing the mortgage situation. But more importantly, this bill is an example of what happens when both parties work together to produce good policy that will benefit millions of Americans. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kentucky's Special Olympics Women's Basketball team for capturing the gold medal at the 2007 Special Olympics World Games in Shanghai, China. Members of the team include: Sheila Crowson, Kay Gregory, Crystal Matson, Mary Ann Wilcome, Natalie Williams, Kelly King, Marcie Blandford, Jennifer Hamilton, and Taylor Thompson. The team qualified to be one of two teams to represent the United States by winning the 2006 Kentucky State Tournament. In preparation for their trip to China, the team joined 400 other athletes in Nashville, Tennessee at a Team USA Training Camp. In China, the women were joined by almost 7,500 other athletes from around the world competing in 25 different Olympic-type sports. The team started the games with an 0-3 start but their fortunes quickly changed. In the all important medal round, the team went undefeated. Their victories included an upset win over an undefeated Serbian team and their 21-6 victory over Tunisia in the Gold Medal game. I would like to congratulate the players and their coaches for this impressive achievement, particularly Head Coach Brent Belcher and Assistant Coaches Derek Shadoan and Jennifer Siebold for their hard work and dedication. Also, I would also like to thank the Bowling Green community for their generous support that allowed the team to participate in the Summer Games. The players and coaches raised over $22,000 from businesses, civic groups, and individuals. It is my privilege to recognize the Kentucky Special Olympics Women's Basketball team today, before the entire House of Representatives, for winning the Gold Medal at the 2007 Special Olympics World Games. Their hard work and success has made the entire Commonwealth of Kentucky proud.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Charles Wimsatt. an outstanding man with a long history of service to our country and to Kentucky. Mr. Wimsatt has been an active member of American Legion Post 121 in Bardstown, KY, for 24 years. Mr. Wimsatt joined the Army in 1953, serving as a medic. He retired from the Army with the rank of corporal. Mr. Wimsatt has made it a personal priority to serve his fellow veterans through his work with American Legion Post 121. He is currently in his fourth term as post commander. Under his command the post reached its 100 percent membership goal for the first time in 15 years. Mr. Wimsatt also directed recent facility renovations. Beyond his service to the American Legion. Charles Wimsatt has found time to he active in many other worthy causes. He has played an integral part in fundraising for his local National Guard unit and is currently raising money for a VA medical facility in Germany. Mr. Wimsatt also served on the Black Mud Volunteer Fire Department for 46 years. It is my privilege to honor Charles G. Wimsatt today for his service to our country and his tireless efforts on behalf of American Legion Post 121. Mr. Wimsatt has made a significant difference to his Old Kentucky Home.