Ron Lewis

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ray Adkins, a remarkable man with a long history of service to his country. Mr. Adkins, a resident of Harned, Kentucky, has spent the majority of his life serving his country and helping his fellow Veterans. A Vietnam veteran, Ray Adkins had a distinguished 20-year military career. While serving, Ray was always willing to lend a hand to his fellow soldiers. He and his wife Rosemarie always let new military families stay in their home and assisted them until they got back on their feet. Mr. Adkins' service did not stop once he retired from the military. He has dedicated his life to assisting veterans in Kentucky. Ray has a veterans ministry at Corinth Baptist Church in McQuady, Kentucky. Also, he is an adjutant in the American Legion Post #1 in Hardinsburg, Kentucky. Ray has been working tirelessly to get a building for his American Legion Post. It is my privilege to honor Ray Adkins today, before the entire United States House of Representatives, for his service to our country and to his fellow Kentucky veterans. I admire his endless dedication to helping veterans in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Barren County, Kentucky, recently designated as the ``Best Place to Live in Rural America'' by The Progressive Farmer magazine. Each year, The Progressive Farmer ranks ten top counties in rural America according to several quality-of-life indicators and statistics. Barren County won top honors for 2007, citing its strong and growing economy, great education, superior access to health care, and low crime rate. Settled by Scottish immigrants in the late 1700's, nearly 40,000 residents now call Barren County home. Rolling farmland and a strong agriculture heritage continue to influence local attitudes, consistently ranking Barren County as a top producer of Kentucky agriculture. Located along Interstate 65 midway between Louisville and Nashville, TN, Barren County is ideally situated as a place to live and work. Local officials and business leaders continue to attract new industries to the region, establishing four industrial parks throughout the county to accommodate future economic growth. Barren County schools maintain some of the highest achievement scores in the State. The county also ranks high in health-care services, attracting new doctors through a local residency program. It is my great privilege to congratulate the citizens of Barren County, Kentucky today, before the entire U.S. House of Representatives, for their example of prosperity and growth in rural America.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kelly Ross an exemplary teacher and citizen from my congressional district for being chosen as the Kentucky Education Association's 2007 National Foundation for the Improvement of Education Teacher of the Year in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Kelly is a language arts and journalism teacher at Barren County High School. She is also head of the school's English department. Kelly is a National Board Certified Teacher and past president of the Barren County Teacher's Association. To receive this honor, Kelly was selected by a committee of former Kentucky Teacher of the Year award winners. The award also automatically nominates her for the National Teacher of the Year award. The Kentucky selection committee highlighted Kelly's ``professional practice in language arts; media and journalism, her advocacy far the profession; her leadership in professional development; her work to provide a learning environment that meets the needs far all students, regardless of differences; and community engagement.'' Teaching runs in Kelly's family. Her mother, Frances Steenbergen, is a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at Barren County High School as well as the President of the Kentucky Education Association. I would also like to recognize her husband, Eddie, and their children, Campbell and Elaine for supporting her career. It is my great privilege to honor Kelly Ross, before the United States House of Representatives, on being chosen Teacher of the Year in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This achievement is worthy of our appreciation and respect.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the millions of seniors who will be hurt by this bill. In my home State of Kentucky, over 73,000 seniors are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, as well as all 19,000 of Kentucky's retired teachers. Each and every one of these seniors will have their benefits cut as a result of this bill, and some will find themselves without any Medicare Advantage options at all. It is unconscionable to me that this body would even consider robbing seniors by cutting $197 billion out of the Medicare trust fund to give to families making $80,000, or even more, free health insurance, many of whom already have coverage. This bill also cuts home health, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and dialysis centers. It is clear that this bill harms many of our Nation's most vulnerable population. This bill should be about providing poor children with health care, but it rations our Nation's health care, taking from seniors and working-class families to shift Americans from private health insurance into a big, liberal, tax-and- spend government program. Folks, they're back. I urge my colleagues to stand by their seniors and defeat this bill. Let's get back to helping poor children, not a Michael-Moore-endorsed health care system.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Robley Rex, a remarkable man with a long history of service to his country and to Kentucky. Mr. Rex recently celebrated his 106th birthday. Mr. Rex was born on May 2, 1901 in Hopkinsville, KY. He enlisted in the U.S. Army upon his 18th birthday, serving with the 5th Infantry from 1919 to 1922. During an assignment in Germany, Mr. Rex witnessed firsthand the terrible aftermath of death and destruction caused by World War I. A gifted athlete, he was also an amateur boxer during his tenure in the Army. Upon his return to Kentucky, Mr. Rex met Ms. Grace Bivens. The couple married April 3, 1926. Mr. Rex held jobs in a local tool factory and a rubber manufacturer before beginning a career as a railroad mail clerk for the U.S. Postal Department. During his 106 years, Robley Rex has personally lived through many of the historical events that have shaped our country and the world including two World Wars, women's suffrage, the Great Depression, and the fall of communism in Eastern Europe. It is my great privilege to honor Mr. Robley Rex today, before the entire U.S. House of Representatives, for his long life and service to our country. May his days continue to be filled with enriching experiences, the company of friends, and love for family and country.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise to inform my colleagues of legislation I have introduced today to broaden applications for personal health accounts. The legislation that I have proposed will amend existing Internal Revenue Service Code to permit the purchase of dental care items, including fluoride toothpaste, powered and manual toothbrushes, dental floss, dental cleaners, oral irrigators, and preventive and therapeutic mouth rinses and toothpastes. Specifically, my proposal adds a definition to the IRS Code for medical care tax treatment to include ``products used to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent the onset of tooth decay, periodontal diseases, and conditions ailing the teeth, gums, and mouth or affecting the proper function thereof.'' Personal health care accounts are funding arrangements where health care expenses are paid or reimbursed with funds set aside in pre-tax accounts. These pre- tax contributions can be made by the employer, the employee, or both, depending on the type of account. In recent years, Congress has worked to make these accounts more accessible and easier to manage. Expanding access to tax free savings accounts is a sensible way to help individuals manage health care costs and have greater control over their own care options. I believe this addition will create better opportunities for dentists and patients to provide and receive better quality dental care, which is especially important in rural and lower- income communities across the country. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate America's Second Harvest of Kentucky's Heartland Food Bank, located in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, for recently celebrating 25 years of charitable service to central and southern central Kentucky. America's Second Harvest began as a small operation in the basement of Elizabethtown's Christ Episcopal Church in 1982. Founding members struggled at first to raise enough money just to reserve a post office box. Support quickly grew as the community began to understand the mission of the organization. Over the last 25 years, America's Second Harvest has received and distributed approximately 100 million pounds of donated food and groceries to 170 charity organizations in 35 Kentucky counties. The food bank now occupies a large warehouse in Elizabethtown, with plans under consideration to extend the facility by another 10,000 square feet. America's Second Harvest representatives are also working to expand the BackPack program, an initiative that offers bags of food to schoolchildren who are likely to go hungry on weekends. I applaud America's Second Harvest, particularly founders Dot Hansen and Rita Jenkins, for their vision, determination, and continued cooperative efforts to assist those in need. It is my great privilege to recognize America's Second Harvest today, before the entire U.S. House of Representatives, on the occasion of their 25th anniversary. Their unique dedication to combat hunger in Kentucky communities makes them an outstanding organization worthy of our collective appreciation and respect.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Brodie Clark, a student at Greenwood High School in Kentucky's Warren County School District. Brodie is the recipient of the spring 2007 Outstanding Student Award from Carnegie Learning, a publisher of research-based math curricula for middle school and high school students. Brodie received this award for his success in math, and also for his ability to appreciate the practical applications of math concepts--not just memorized formulas--in his everyday life. Brodie is a 10th grade Algebra II student, and enjoys using the Carnegie Learning curricula in Ms. Lee's Algebra II class. Brodie has excelled beyond Ms. Lee's expectations and has challenged himself to complete every Algebra II unit before the end of the school year; a task which is nearly complete. He has emerged as a leader in his Algebra II class, helping other students understand the material and stay on task. In his spare time, Brodie enjoys playing disc golf, a sport in which he constantly uses math. ``Whether I am trying to figure out the distance to the basket, or my score, addition and subtraction are constantly being performed. I have to think about the angle I am going to throw the disc, and what speed I want to throw it,'' said Brodie. ``Thanks to math, I am able to do all of this in my head with ease. Playing disc golf and doing math allows me to combine my two favorite things.'' Brodie received the Outstanding Student Award from Carnegie Learning, a developer of math programs for middle school, high school, and postsecondary students. Carnegie Learning is helping students across the Commonwealth of Kentucky increase their achievement in math, and in a recent evaluation by the Kentucky Committee for Mathematics Achievement, was the only one of nine curricula to receive the top ranking in every category in the committee's assessment of intermediate and middle grades math intervention programs. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Brodie's achievement in math education, and in encouraging more students to appreciate the importance of math and science education. In the global economy of the 21st century, knowledge of math is absolutely critical. While our Nation is concerned by reports that our students are falling behind in basic math skills, Brodie Clark is proving that our students can succeed if they have access to quality resources, and the support of dedicated family and teachers. I would also like to thank Carnegie Learning for recognizing his exceptional efforts.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of funding for our soldiers, veterans, and military families. Military service is part of the proud history of the Second Congressional District of Kentucky. The provisions included in this bill will significantly benefit many of those I am honored to represent. The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act of 2008 contains the largest ever increase in Veterans Health funding: including $29 billion for new and modified medical services. If passed, these funds will initiate the opening of two new Community Based Outpatient Clinics in my District, as designated by Secretary Nicholson. These facilities, and dozens of others across the country, will help to ensure that veterans have the highest quality local care possible. The Second Congressional District is also home to Fort Knox. As a result of the 2005 BRAC proceedings, Fort Knox is transforming over the next few years from an institutional training installation to a multi- functional installation that will include an active force infantry brigade and the site for the Human Resources Command for the Army. This bill includes $8.2 billion to support necessary infrastructure preparations at Fort Knox and other BRAC-affected installations working to accommodate new military operations. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support timely funding for our nation's veterans and military installations by voting to approve this bill.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of George Bucci. Mr. Bucci, a noted musician and public servant in Bardstown, Kentucky, passed away on May 9, 2007. Mr. Bucci retired from the St. Joseph's School, where he spent many years as a music instructor. He was well known throughout the community for his volunteer work at several area nursing homes and charity events. He also served 28 years as the Adjutant for the ``My Old Kentucky Home'' Post 121 of the American Legion. His service to his country and dedication to the Nelson County community will be remembered by all who knew him. It is my privilege to honor the memory of George Bucci today before the entire U.S. House of Representatives. May he rest in peace.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to James ``Avon'' Fogle, a constituent from my home district, who is retiring this month as a veterans service officer at the ``My Old Kentucky Home'' American Legion Post 121. A lifelong resident of Nelson County, Mr. Fogle graduated from Holy Cross High School in Holy Cross, KY and served his country as a United States Marine during World War II. He has been a member of the Bardstown American Legion Post 121 for the past 38 years, serving as a veterans service officer for the past 12 years. In this capacity he has spent many Friday mornings providing counseling and guidance to local veterans in need of assistance. Mr. Fogle's devotion to others in his community extends well beyond his work at the American Legion. He is also a regular volunteer at the local St. Vincent DePaul Society and continues to serve as an election official for the Nelson County government. It is my great privilege to honor James ``Avon'' Fogle today before the entire U.S. House of Representatives for his dedicated service to our Nation as well as to veterans and neighbors in the Bardstown community. He is an outstanding citizen worthy of our collective honor and respect.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Rev. Richard P. Oldham, an exemplary citizen and friend from my Congressional District. Rev. Oldham will celebrate his 50th anniversary this month as Pastor of Glendale Baptist Church in Bowling Green, Kentucky. A native of Louisville, KY, Rev. Oldham began his ministry at the First Baptist Church in Savannah, TN while attending nearby Union University. He later earned an advanced degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and served various churches in Kentucky, Michigan, and Arkansas. In 1957, he came back to Kentucky to become pastor of Glendale Baptist Church. During his five decades of spiritual leadership, over 250 young men and women have gone on to serve in the pastorate and in other mission assignments all over the world. He has also presided over an estimated 4,000 baptisms. Rev. Oldham has remained very active in the Glendale community throughout his tenure including over 30 years as director of the Annual Youth Bible Conference at Camp Joy; numerous speaking roles at the annual Kentucky Baptist Convention; and past service as President of the Kentucky Baptist Pastor's Conference. Rev. Oldham is also the founder of Anchored Christian School in Bowling Green. It is my great privilege to honor Rev. Richard P. Oldham today before the entire U.S. House of Representatives for his dedicated service to the spiritual needs of members of the Baptist faith and the Warren County community at large. He is an outstanding citizen worthy of our collective honor and appreciation.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Fred P. Carter, a resident of my congressional district who recently announced his plans to retire as Superintendent of the Glasgow Independent School District. For the past 34 years, Dr. Carter has made educating the children of the Commonwealth his top priority. The Glasgow School District has experienced remarkable growth during his tenure resulting in steady student grade improvement. Student performance on Kentucky's CATS test has improved each of the five years he was in charge, climbing into the state's top ten three years ago. Dr. Carter also oversaw the construction of the Highland Elementary School in Glasgow and the instillation of interactive classroom technology in every school across the district. In retirement, Dr. Carter plans to concentrate on other aspects of his life including his faith and his family. On behalf of countless friends and neighbors in the Glasgow area, I would like to thank Dr. Carter for his many selfless years of service to Kentucky school children. It is my great privilege to recognize Dr. Fred P. Carter today, before the entire House of Representatives, for his indelible contributions to the Barren County community. He is an outstanding American worthy of our collective honor and appreciation. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Dr. Carter a very happy and healthy retirement.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Edith Dupin, a constituent and good friend, retiring next month from the Elizabethtown Chamber of Commerce after twenty years of service. Ms. Dupin has overseen a vast expansion of the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce over the course of the last two decades. Upon her arrival, the Chamber had fewer than 200 members. She leaves the Chamber with more than 700 members. During her tenure she has helped develop several local events that have become staples to the Hardin County community including the Heartland Festival, Leadership Elizabethtown, and the holiday favorite, Christmas in the Park. Always a straight talker, she has found many friends in the community. Through her tenacity and straightforwardness, she has been able to accomplish many positive objectives for the Chamber and the Elizabethtown community. Her legacy is evident through, among many other things, the local farmers market, numerous job fairs, and laying the groundwork for a possible return of commuter flights to Addington Field. I would like to congratulate Edith for her service to the Elizabethtown community. I join countless neighbors from the Hardin County community in wishing her well in her future endeavors. It is my great privilege to recognize my friend, Ms. Edith Dupin today, before the entire House of Representatives, for her service to Hardin County. She is an outstanding American worthy of our collective honor and appreciation.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, on May 17, 2007 I left Washington to return to Kentucky to be with my family for a medical emergency. As a result, I missed the following votes: rollcall 375, ordering the Previous Question for the rule on S. Con. Res. 21, and had I been present I would have voted ``nay''; rollcall 376 on agreeing to the resolution for the debate of S. Con. Res. 21 and had I been present I would have voted ``nay''; rollcall 377 on passage of S. Con. Res. 21 and had I been present I would have voted ``nay.'' I oppose the Democrat Budget Conference Report because of the massive spending increases and higher tax burdens it places on Kentucky families. The budget outline includes $22 billion in new non-defense discretionary spending, three times more than the President's request. Worse still, this conference report sets the course for one of the largest tax increases in American history--at least $217 billion over the next five years. The budget also ignores repeated warnings about the unsustainable rate of growth in entitlement spending, failing again to address the fiscal crisis facing Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Our economy continues to enjoy one of the longest stretches of positive gain in recent memory. The out-of-control spending and massive tax increases outlined in this conference report threatens to bring our vibrant economy to a screeching halt. Also on May 17 during consideration of amendments to legislation concerning certain Government Sponsored Enterprises (H.R. 1427) I missed the following votes: rollcall 378, on agreeing to the Bachus amendment had I been present I would have voted, ``yea''; rollcall 379, on agreeing to the Hensarling amendment had I been present I would have voted, ``yea''; rollcall 380, on agreeing to the McHenry amendment had I been present I would have voted, ``yea''; rollcall 381, on agreeing to the Kanjorski amendment had I been present I would have voted, ``nay''; rollcall 382 on agreeing to the Roskam amendment had I been present I would have voted, ``yea''; rollcall 383, on agreeing to the Garrett (NJ) amendment had I been present I would have voted, ``yea''.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Charles Darland, an exemplary individual and friend from my congressional district, on the occasion of his 20-year anniversary as pastor of the Immanuel Baptist Church in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Raised in West Palm Beach, Florida, Dr. Darland first came to Kentucky in the mid 1970's to complete a Masters Degree of Divinity at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville. He later earned a Doctorate in Philosophy from the same institution. Dr. Darland's Christian mission first brought him to Grace Baptist Church in Independence, Kentucky. In 1987, he was called to the Immanuel Baptist Church in E1izabethtown. Dr. Darland's wife, Suzanne, continues to play an important role in his ministry, sharing his passion for the Lord and dedication to his congregation. The couple has also been blessed with three fine sons: Jesse, Daniel, and Joel. It is my great privilege to honor Dr. Charles Darland today before the entire U.S. House of Representatives for his dedicated service to the spiritual needs of members of the Baptist faith and the community at large. He is an outstanding citizen worthy of our collective honor and appreciation.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay public tribute to Gil Colyer, a resident of my district, who is retiring from the Hardin County Sheriffs Office this month after a remarkable 52-year career. Gil Colyer first joined law enforcement in 1953, serving as a military policeman during his service in the Army. In 1955, he was assigned to the Louisville Police Department, where he would spend the next 21 years. Upon retirement from the Louisville PD in 1976, Gil moved back to Elizabethtown, his home town, and took a job as an officer in the Elizabethtown Police Department, where he remained for an additional 20 years before taking his current position as bailiff for the Hardin County Sheriff's Department. Gil's dedication to the Hardin County community over the years has been a true inspiration to all who know him. Attorneys, police, and even prisoners maintain an abiding respect for Mr. Colyer. His vast knowledge, work ethic, and attention to detail exemplify true professionalism, a standard appreciated by his fellow officers and members of the public. I would also like to congratulate Gil and his wife, Alma, as they are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary next week. I join countless other neighbors in Hardin County in wishing them a very happy and healthy retirement. It is my great privilege to recognize Gil Colyer today, before the entire House of Representatives, for his lifetime of service to Hardin County. He is an outstanding American worthy of our collective honor and appreciation.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleague Congressman Neal in introducing legislation to extend New Markets Tax Credit program for an additional five years through 2013. Originally authorized in 2000 as part of the bi-partisan Community Renewal Tax Relief Act, the New Markets Tax Credit has been successful in meeting its principal goal--namely, mobilizing capital to economically distressed urban and rural communities. Reports from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, reveals that interest in the NMTC from the investor market continues to increase at a rapid pace. More than $7.7 billion in new private capital has already been raised from 560 distinct investors. A recent report released by GAO indicates that 88% of investors in New Markets Tax Credit projects would not have made the same investment without the Credit. In addition to stimulating private investment, the credit is creating jobs and financing business development in low-income communities across the United States. In my home state of Kentucky, the credit has been very active. Seven Kentucky-based community development entities (CDEs) have received credit allocations totaling $153.5 million since 2003. One of these CDEs, Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation, is using its $22 million allocation to invest in health-related businesses and health care facilities in rural Kentucky. Community Ventures Corporation, also secured $24 million in credits to invest in new and expanding businesses throughout the Commonwealth. These projects have the potential to create new jobs. To date, Community Ventures Corporation has used its credits to raise $24 million in investment that has been deployed in businesses throughout the state and it has a pipeline of qualified businesses seeking more that $121 million in NMTC financing that will have to wait until they can secure additional credits. I believe the NMTC is a successful program because it brings diverse groups together--public and private sectors, investment banks and community development corporations--to attract private capital and jobs into some of the nation's most impoverished areas. The NMTC has been successful because of the emphasis it places on community involvement. Private sector investment flows through entities like Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation and Community Ventures Corporation that are extremely knowledgeable about the communities they serve and are experienced in providing the types of patient, flexible capital which conventional lenders and investors are unable to provide directly in that market. The NMTC continues to be a catalyst for small business development. It has fostered start-ups, technology firms, manufacturers, neighborhood retail stores, and shopping centers in low-income communities. These investments in turn have created many jobs. In addition, the NMTC has been used to finance vital community facilities that are often lacking in poor communities--charter schools, community health centers, biotechnology campuses, employment training centers, day care facilities, as well as mixed-use commercial and housing developments. These facilities are essential to help qualified communities grow and thrive. I am a strong believer in the potential of the New Markets Tax Credit to bring capital to communities that have traditionally been left behind. I was pleased to be one of the leaders of the campaign to extend the Credit in 109th Congress and am proud of our accomplishments during that period of time. I continue to believe that Congress should extend the New Markets Tax Credit for several years, or provide a permanent authorization. Investors, CDE's and businesses need greater certainty in planning and implementing revitalization strategies in economically distressed urban and rural communities. For this reason, I believe this legislation takes the correct course by authorizing this program for 5 years. I urge my colleagues to join us in co-sponsoring the New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act of 2007.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Charles Darland, an exemplary individual and friend from my Congressional District, on the occasion of his 20 year anniversary as pastor of the Immanuel Baptist Church in Elizabethtown, KY. Raised in West Palm Beach, FL, Dr. Darland first came to Kentucky in the mid 1970s to complete a Masters Degree of Divinity at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville. He later earned a Doctorate in Philosophy from the same institution. Dr. Darland's Christian mission first brought him to Grace Baptist Church in Independence, KY. In 1987, he was called to the Immanuel Baptist Church in Elizabethtown. Dr. Darland's wife, Suzanne, continues to play an important role in his ministry, sharing his passion for the Lord and dedication to his congregation. The couple has also been blessed with three fine sons: Jesse, Daniel, and Joel. It is my great privilege to honor Dr. Charles Darland today before the entire House of Representatives for his dedicated service to the spiritual needs of members of the Baptist faith and the community at large. He is an outstanding citizen worthy of our collective honor and appreciation.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Benton Cowles, a remarkable public servant and friend from my home State of Kentucky. Mr. Cowles recently announced his intention to retire as the Edmonson County Property Valuation Administrator after 21 years of service. Benton Cowles has served the Edmonson County community for the past three decades; first as Deputy PVA and then as PVA, a position he has held for the past 21 years. Mr. Cowles' father had also held this important role in the local government. Benton Cowles and his wife Teresa raised their family in Brownsville and have remained deeply invested in the Edmonson County Community. Outside his role in the local government, Mr. Cowles has spent time as a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Brownsville Education Site based decision making council, and has volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America. He has also served as a damage coordinator for the Edmonson County Department of Emergency Management. On behalf of the countless men and women who have benefited from his skill and generosity, I would like to express my profound appreciation to Mr. Cowles for his years of service and wish him a happy and healthy retirement. It is my privilege to recognize Mr. Benton Cowles today, before the entire U.S. House of Representatives, for his exemplary citizenship and community leadership. His unique contributions to the Edmonson County community 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 congratulate Campbellsville University on the occasion of its Centennial Celebration. Founded in 1906 as the Russell Creek Academy, Campbellsville University's origins were concentrated on primary, secondary, teacher and pastor training. The following year, the academy added classes in music, art and a diploma program that included Greek, modern languages, algebra, and ancient history. Over the last 100 years, Campbellsville University has grown to over 2,200 students with 40 undergraduate programs and 9 graduate programs. Throughout its first century, Campbellsville University has firmly established itself as a leading institution of Higher Christian Education in Kentucky, across the country, and in far corners of the world. The long tenure and continued success of the university is due in large part to an impressive fidelity to its mission: academic excellence solidly grounded in the liberal arts, personal growth, integrity, and fellowship. I am honored to represent Campbellsville University in the United States Congress. The university exemplifies Christian Service through its consistent leadership in community affairs throughout the region. When new challenges arise in surrounding communities, Campbellsville University is always first to face the task and work toward solutions. It is my great privilege to recognize Campbellsville University today before the entire U.S. House of Representatives for 100 years of excellence, producing generations of talented, service-minded citizens who continue to make significant contributions to our world.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise to inform my colleagues of legislation I have introduced today to assist some of our Nation's most underserved communities in funding essential infrastructure. The legislation that I have proposed will permit interest on federally guaranteed water, wastewater, and other essential community facility loans to also qualify to be tax exempt. I introduced similar legislation in the 109th Congresses. Rural communities throughout America continue to face challenges in accessing basic needs. We can improve this situation by supporting the development of necessary infrastructure such as dependable water and wastewater systems, and essential community facilities like schools, hospitals, and police and fire stations. Unfortunately, many of these same communities struggle to acquire sufficient funding to support local development projects. Increased access to federally guaranteed tax exempt loans would provide significant assistance in these efforts. I believe the incentives offered in this bill will allow small and rural communities better opportunities to receive increased credit to finance community facility projects. I urge my colleagues to consider supporting this bill.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Rod Grusy, a remarkable public servant and friend from my home state of Kentucky. Dr. Grusy recently announced his intention to retire from his position as Extension Service Agent at the Hardin County Agricultural Extension Office at the end of this month. Dr. Grusy has distinguished himself as an ardent educator and trusted advisor to the communities of Hardin County, Kentucky throughout his 16 year tenure. He has been consistently praised for his unique hands on approach, routinely visiting local farms in person to offer his advice. Dr. Grusy is the only Extension agent in Kentucky at the county level specializing in crop production and farm management. His extensive education and keen intuition developed over many years spent in the fields have made him a valuable resource to countless farmers and students throughout the Commonwealth. One of Dr. Grusy's most important contributions to Kentucky agriculture is his work to organize the annual Central Kentucky Farm Expo. Each year, the popular event teaches farmers about new technology and innovations in their rapidly changing industry. The Expo also teaches schoolchildren about farming, inspiring future careers and building a deeper understanding between rural and non-rural residents. On behalf of the countless men and women who have benefited from his skill and generosity, I would like to express my profound appreciation to Dr. Grusy for his years of service and wish him a very happy and healthy retirement. It is my great privilege to recognize Dr. Rod Grusy today, before the entire U.S. House of Representatives, for his exemplary citizenship and community leadership. His unique contributions to farming and education make him an outstanding American, worthy of our collective honor and appreciation.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Warren County School District Superintendent Dale Brown for winning the Kentucky School Board Association's 2007 F.L. Dupree Outstanding Superintendent Award. Mr. Brown was named superintendent of the Warren County School System in 2000. The school district has flourished under his stewardship throughout the past 7 years. Among his many accomplishments, Brown is particularly noted for maintaining the school system's budget while overseeing an ambitious $4 million technology overhaul that has outfitted every classroom with an ACTIV board. Superintendent Brown has also won widespread praise for his efforts to increase energy conservation; creating an energy education program and overseeing the Commonwealth's first energy efficient school in Alvaton, KY. These initiatives have saved the school district over $2 million in energy costs over the last three years, demonstrating a remarkable local commitment to our nation's quest to promote energy independence. More than 23 different native languages are spoken by Warren County School District students. Mr. Brown has created a new comprehensive language program for limited English proficient students uniquely tailored to their individual needs. It is my great privilege to recognize Mr. Dale Brown today before the entire U.S. House of Representatives for his excellent work in public education. His dedication to the Warren County School District is felt by students, teachers, and administrators alike. He is an outstanding citizen worthy of our collective honor and appreciation.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay public tribute to the men and women who work in the Fort Knox Veteran Service Office. These dedicated individuals from my congressional district are deserving of our respect and admiration. Recent global events have rightfully renewed our focus on those brave men and women, past and present, who have answered our Nation's call to service. In times of war and in times of peace we must always show our gratitude for those who have worn the uniform of the United States military. Through their work at the Fort Knox Veteran Service Office, Paul Schlisser, Clint Meshew, Jaydean Maschak, and Mildred Meshew have made it their mission to assist fellow veterans and their survivors in obtaining benefits they have earned. Collectively, the group helped over 900 individuals in Kentucky's Second Congressional District in 2006. As the home of Fort Knox, my district has a high population of veterans. Our government has a special responsibility to support programs and initiatives that ensure premium health care and economic stability for those Americans who stood selflessly in harm's way to preserve our most fundamental freedoms. The Fort Knox Veteran Service Office continues to do exemplary work supporting this important endeavor. It is my great privilege to honor Paul Schlisser, Clint Meshew, Jaydean Maschak, and Mildred Meshew today before the entire House of Representatives for their continued service to our country helping fellow veterans and their survivors who need their support. They are a group of outstanding citizens worthy of our collective honor and appreciation.