Ron Lewis

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Patrick McKiernan, a remarkable public servant and advocate from my home State of Kentucky. Dr. McKiernan presently serves as Outreach Coordinator to Homeless Veterans for the Kentucky Department of Veteran Affairs. Tragically, more than 1,000 veterans will be sleeping on the streets of Kentucky tonight. Dr. McKiernan recognizes that there is something fundamentally wrong when individuals who once wore the uniform of the United States are forced by circumstances to live on the streets. Under his compassionate leadership, the Kentucky Department of Veteran Affairs continues to work to establish special assistance programs to help get veterans off the streets and into housing or treatment facilities. Dr. McKiernan represents his agency on the Kentucky Council on Homeless Policy, advising the Governor and his staff on homelessness and housing issues across the state. He also represents Kentucky Department of Veteran Affairs at the annual conference of the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans in Washington, DC, and the Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky. In addition to his current work and responsibilities, Dr. McKiernan is developing plans to establish the Homeless Veterans Coordination Committee to provide additional guidance and support to help homeless veterans. Dr. McKiernan's colleagues, and countless veterans touched by his exemplary work, note his unique ability to navigate bureaucracy and successfully resolve casework with unusual expedience. Recently, Dr. McKiernan intervened in a case involving a veteran afflicted with esophageal cancer who nearly became homeless due to the financial challenges of his illness. Because of his efforts, an American hero is receiving the care and assistance that he deserves. This is but one example in a long career of helping others. It is my great honor to recognize Dr. Patrick McKiernan today before my assembled colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives. His leadership and service make him an outstanding American worthy of our collective honor and appreciation.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay public tribute to Lloyd C. Hillard, Jr., an exemplary community leader, businessman and citizen from my congressional district. Lloyd received this year's Hardin County Distinguished Citizen Award from the Boy Scouts of America during ceremonies earlier this month. A native of Kentucky, Lloyd grew up on a farm in Pine Grove and earned college degrees from the University of Kentucky and the University of Wisconsin. Lloyd has distinguished himself as a business leader, serving as President and CEO of First Citizens Bank, and a good neighbor, through his active involvement in many community and charitable organizations. Though never a scout himself, Lloyd's lifelong example of honesty and devotion to his family and community parallel ideals championed by the Boy Scouts. He first became involved with the Scouts as a young adult, running a school recruitment program. Lloyd has been an especially active member of our community, having served as past president and director of the Bluegrass Council Boy Scouts of America, past chairman of the North Central Kentucky Education Foundation, and former treasurer and director of the Cavalry Armor Foundation. Lloyd was also past chairman of the Hardin County Community Foundation, Helping Hand of the Heartland, and the Hardin County Fund for the Arts. He remains an active member of the local United Way and the Elizabethtown Rotary Club. It is my great privilege to recognize Lloyd C. Hillard, Jr. today, before the entire U.S. House of Representatives, for his example of leadership and service. His unique achievements make him an outstanding American worthy of our collective honor and respect.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay public tribute to Jesse Flynn, a public servant, businessman and citizen from my congressional district. Jesse is stepping down this month as President of the Bullitt County Chamber of Commerce after a year of exemplary service. Raised in Anderson County, Jesse earned a college degree in business administration from Bellarmine College in 1971. Following service in the U.S. Army Medical Corp, Jesse formed Flynn Brothers Paving in 1973. Two decades later, Flynn Brothers Contracting, Inc. employs 250 personnel in the Greater Louisville area, generating strong annual revenues. Jesse has distinguished himself as a business leader, serving as chairman at Flynn Brothers and as a board member of various organizations including the National and Kentucky Associated Builders & Contractors, de Paul School, First Citizens Bank in Elizabethtown and the Bullitt County Advisory Economic Advisory Board. His vast knowledge and strong work ethic led to his selection as Kentucky delegate to the White House Conference for Small Business during the early 1990's. In addition to his many contributions to the business community, Jesse Flynn has remained actively involved in numerous community and charitable organizations. For his consistent generosity, Jesse was recently awarded the March of Dimes REACH Award and was named ``Citizen of the Year'' by the Kentucky Nurses Association. He was also selected to be a member of the U.S. International Cultural Center. It is my great privilege to recognize Jesse Flynn today, before the entire U.S. House of Representatives, for his leadership and service. His unique achievements make him an outstanding American worthy of our collective honor and appreciation.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding Federal employee, Mr. Charles H. Horrell, Jr., on the occasion of his retirement from the Department of the Navy after 38\1/ 2\ years of dedicated service to our country. During his career, Mr. Horrell's contributions to the Navy have varied, ranging from naval gun ammunition to aircraft carriers. He has specialized in multiple career fields including engineering, logistics, and program management. From this diverse portfolio he has risen through the ranks from junior project engineer to senior leadership. Mr. Horrell began his career in 1968 as a project engineer for air launched weapons at the Naval Ordnance Station in Indian Head, MD. Relocating to the Naval Weapons Support Center in Crane, IN, in 1970 he served for 10 years in various design and in-service engineering positions, completing multiple overseas TDY tours in Southeast Asia and South America, and working independently with both deployed U.S. naval forces and foreign navies. In 1980, he was selected for a position in the Naval Sea Systems Command responsible for the program and life cycle management of conventional naval ammunition. In 1986, he was selected as director of program management in the Mine Warfare Ships Program Office where he oversaw program, logistics and business/financial management operations. In 1994, he was selected as the director of logistics in the Aircraft Carrier Program Office. He later served in various leadership positions in the Aircraft Carrier Program including deputy program manager and director for in-service carriers. Most recently he was elevated to the position of assistant PEO in the Aircraft Carrier Program Executive Office where he served as the director for strategic planning and alignment and director for human capital planning and management. Beyond undergraduate studies in physics, his academic pursuits include graduate work in public administration, program management, executive leadership, and business management. He has studied at American University, Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia, Darden, and Duke University, Fuqua School of Business. He is widely recognized for his expertise in program management; he has achieved membership in the DoD Acquisition Corps and is certified in multiple acquisition career fields. Throughout his career Mr. Horrell has distinguished himself and earned the respect of his subordinates, peers, and superiors. His contributions have been recognized through the award of both the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Medal, two awards, and the Navy Superior Civilian Service Medal, two awards. He has been a loyal and dedicated civil servant who has contributed unselfishly and with pride to the defense of our Nation. It is my pleasure to acknowledge his distinguished career.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize six remarkable students from the Spencer County School System for their participation and high achievement in the National History Day Competition held last month at the University of Maryland. National History Day is an innovative history education program for students in grades 6-12 who are interested in improving their historical knowledge in a fun and challenging environment. Each year, students choose a topic congruent with an annual theme, conduct research, then synthesize and analyze their findings into a paper, exhibit, documentary or performance. These projects are then evaluated at the local, state, and national levels. Finalists from each level advance to the next round of competition. This year's theme was ``Rights and Responsibilities in History.'' Ten Shelby County students, who placed first or second at the state contest held at the Kentucky History Center in Frankfort last April, traveled to Washington, DC. to compete in the national contest at the University of Maryland, June 15-19. Together, they demonstrated great academic prowess, teamwork and sportsmanship before a regional audience, representing competitive values that make Kentucky proud. I would like to commend Maureen McCoy, Paige Walls, Joel Fickel, Ashleigh Steever, Chase Thomas and Breisa Baker for their accomplishment. I would also like to recognize the effort and support of their coaches. I am very proud to represent these students, educators and their families. I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in congratulating these students for their achievement and wish them continued success in their promising future years.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I would like talk about the most important reason our constituents send us to Washington--to work to secure our Nation. Our forefathers never shirked from this responsibility and neither should we. Since the Supreme Court's Hamden decision this year it is critical that this Congress create a legal structure to bring terrorists to justice. Since September 11, 2001, our country has captured hundreds of members of the al-Qaeda network including masterminds of the 9/11 attacks and others who have made it their mission in life to kill innocent Americans. It is critical that we continue to stay on the offensive in the fight against terror. Our soldiers have pushed this objective forward with the apprehension of these terrorists, who, with the passage of the Military Commissions Act of 2006, will have their day of justice. This Act ensures that terrorists have basic legal rights, including the right to counsel, the right to obtain evidence and witnesses, and the right to appeal a guilty verdict. Suspected terrorists have the right to be present at all legal proceedings, and no evidence may be presented to the jury unless it is also provided to the accused terrorist. This measure also reinforces our commitments under Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions that prohibit the use of torture contrary to the outcries of some. I am glad to cast my vote in support of creating a legal system that will bring to justice those who seek to destroy our way of life. As President Bush said before a joint address before Congress, ``whether we bring our enemies to justice, or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done.''

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay public tribute to Jamie Dean Lucas, a friend and constituent from my congressional district who will be representing Kentucky in the upcoming NBC reality series ``The Biggest Loser.'' Jamie will compete against contestants, representing each of the 50 States, in a nationally broadcast weight loss and fitness challenge. Jamie is an especially generous and talented member of my community. By taking on this important challenge, Jamie is giving himself and his family a new lease on the future. In fact, Jamie is already well on his way toward his ultimate weight loss goal. I have no doubt that he will soon again enjoy some of his favorite activities like tennis and horseback riding. I am also sure that his commitment to health will give him many more happy years to enjoy with his children and future grandchildren. Weight loss is a very difficult endeavor. Jamie's steady spirit and unyielding determination represent the very best of what it means to be a Kentuckian. I am proud that Jamie will be representing my district before a national audience and prouder still to call him my friend. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Jamie Dean Lucas, before the entire U.S. House of Representatives, for all that he has accomplished in the past few months. His remarkable progress is a true inspiration to many of us in Kentucky and, very soon, for millions of television viewers across the Nation.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the ordering of the yeas and nays be vacated with respect to the motion to suspend the rules and adopt H. Res. 912 to the end that the Chair put the question de novo.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable individual from my congressional district. Erlene Himes, a longtime educator and librarian, recently announced her retirement as director of the Marion County Public Library. Mrs. Himes has distinguished herself as a selfless leader throughout her many years of service to the communities of Marion County and Taylor County, Kentucky. A native of North Carolina, Mrs. Himes came to Kentucky in the early 1960s to pursue a bachelors degree in elementary education at Campbellsville College. Upon completion of her studies, Mrs. Himes taught for 2 years at the Taylor County elementary school. This was followed by 2 years working in the Campbellsville College library. Soon thereafter, she earned a masters degree in library science from Western Kentucky University and began her 28-year career with the Marion County Board of Education. During these years Mrs. Himes worked at Calvary, Raywick, Bradfordsville, Glasscock Elementary and Marion County High School libraries, leaving a special mark at each school. While she was librarian at the Marion County High School, Mrs. Himes worked the concession stand at sports events in a successful effort to raise money to purchase the first computers for the library. She would later complete the ambitious task of cataloguing the entire high school circulation on computer. Erlene Himes retired from the Marion County Schools in 1996, refocusing her generous spirit on volunteer projects at the Campbellsville College Bookstore and the Taylor County Food Pantry. She was called back to duty in early 2001, becoming director of the Marion County Public Library. Under Mrs. Himes leadership, the library's patronage increased significantly, Friends of the Library were revived, and the library has been the recipient of three awards from the Kentucky Department of Libraries. On behalf of the countless men and women who have benefited from her generosity and vision, I would like to express my profound appreciation to Erlene for her years of service and wish her a very happy and healthy retirement. It is my great privilege to recognize Erlene Himes today, before the entire U.S. House of Representatives, for her exemplary citizenship and community engagement. Her efforts, past and present, make her an outstanding American, worthy of our collective respect and honor.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an exemplary public servant and citizen from my congressional district. Eddie Wells, a ranger at Mammoth Cave National Park, recently received the Harry Yount Award, naming him the best ranger in the Southeastern Region of the National Park Service. The peer-nominated award recognizes and honors outstanding rangers who exemplify the highest standards of performance. Mammoth Cave's Superintendent and fellow rangers cite Wells effective leadership skills, adaptability to change, and strong work ethic as requisites for his nomination. Ranger Wells' colleagues particularly emphasized his unique ability to communicate with a wide range of people, informing and educating park visitors and fellow employees on issues concerning emergency medical care, park regulations, and Mammoth Cave's history. In addition to his duties as ranger, Eddie Wells leads a field training program at Mammoth Cave for graduates of the federal law enforcement center. He commits himself each session to coordinate the program in a way that each ranger can receive maxim benefit from the training. He is also a valuable and well-respected student mentor at the Great Onyx Job Corps Center. Eddie Wells' service continues to significantly enhance park operations and community relations at Mammoth Cave. His vast knowledge, work ethic, and attention to detail exemplify true professionalism, a standard appreciated by his colleagues and members of the public. It is my great privilege to recognize Eddie Wells today, before the entire U.S. House of Representatives, for his leadership and service. His unique achievements and dedication to the National Park Service mission make him an outstanding American worthy of our collective honor and appreciation.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rachel Sutterley, a student at the Stuart Pepper Middle School in Brandenburg, Kentucky, for her recent participation and high achievement in the National You Be the Chemist Challenge (YBTCC). Rachel took second place in the completion, held last month at the Chemical Heritage Foundation headquarters in Philadelphia. The YBTCC competition partners chemical companies with local schools to sponsor competitions and provide instructional materials to supplement science and chemistry curriculum. The competition is open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students throughout the country. Rachel and six other competitors earned the right to represent their schools in Philadelphia after passing initial qualifying tests and winning local competitions. The YBTCC competition was divided into rounds where each student was asked a series of multiple choice questions. Rachel made it to the final round with a perfect score, answering difficult questions covering general chemistry, scientific history, biochemistry, nuclear chemistry, physics and math. Rachel demonstrated great academic prowess and sportsmanship before a national audience, representing competitive values that make Kentucky proud. I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Rachel Sutterley for her achievement and in wishing her continued success in her promising future years.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleagues to the attached essay, Wells vs. Willard, by Rachel Karrer. Miss Karrer was a finalist in the National History Day Competition in Kentucky and recently represented her state at the national competition. I had the privilege of meeting Miss Karrer and her family during their visit to Washington, DC. [National History Day Paper] Wells vs. Willard (By Rachel C. Karrer) Wells and Willard, who were they? The more important question is, `what did they do?' These two individuals were activists; both were outspoken, uncompromising, and passionate. And both of these activists just happened to be women. Ida B. Wells-Barnett and Frances E. Willard had nothing and everything in common. They came from different backgrounds, different families. They endured different heartaches and tragedies, overcame different odds. They had different educational structures and were even of separate races. No, they weren't anything alike. And yet, they each ended up leading in causes they believed in. Neither let discouragement or setbacks blind them to their goal. Not even when the discouragement and setbacks one woman experienced were caused by the hand of the other. Ida Wells and Frances Willard were influential women in their time, both standing alone to lead in their causes. However, when it came to standing together, one woman to support the other, neither woman was willing to cross the cultural barriers of the time and offer a helping hand, but turned against the other. Because of Wells and Willard's failure to work together, their animosity deeply hindered the progress of the anti- lynching movement. Ida B. Wells, born a slave, became a respected leader in the anti-lynching movement. Freed from slavery shortly after her birth, Wells' parents, James and Elizabeth Wells, made sure she received an education. (McBride) Wells's mother wanted to be able to read the Bible, so when the Shaw University was established, Elizabeth Wells attended with her children. (McBride) Her father, James Wells, was deeply absorbed in politics and felt especially strong about racial justice. It is likely that it was his interest in those dealings that later inspired his daughter. (McBride) In 1876, both her parents and one younger sibling died. (McBride) Unwilling to break her family apart, Wells became the caretaker and provider of her five younger siblings at the age of only fourteen. To provide for them, she applied for a teaching position. In 1884, Wells moved to Memphis to take a job as a teacher. (Lavender) During her summer vacations, she furthered her education by attending teachers' training courses at Fisk University. (Lavender) Afterwards, she earned a position as a first grade teacher in the Memphis city schools. (Lavender) On May 4, 1884, Ida B. Wells's life was altered once again. (McBride) While traveling to Memphis, Wells was told by the conductor to move from the parlor car to the smoking car, which was reserved for people of color. When she refused, he attempted to forcibly remove her. In retaliation, Wells brought a suit against the railroad company and won. (McBride) The taste of victory soured, however, when the Tennessee Supreme Court overruled the decision. (McBride) Even so, this incident sparked something in Wells that eventually spread throughout the American nation and abroad. (Lavender) At this point, Wells began to write. Her first piece was for The Living Way, an African-American church weekly. (McBride) Wells wrote a series of articles criticizing the education provided to African-American children. Ironically, because of her statements, Wells lost her teaching position in 1891. (Lavender) After this, she joined the Memphis Star newspaper. Through her articles, Wells fought for the rights of African-Americans, but in 1892, she began fighting for something even more important; she began fighting for their lives. In March of that year, three African-American men were lynched on false charges. These men were Wells's friends, and the rage inside her began to grow. (Lavender) She attacked lynching, and challenged the actions of whites by writing editorials and giving speeches about the injustices that were being done to the people of her race. She called Memphis, ``a town which . . . neither protect[s] our lives and property, nor give[s] us a fair trial in the courts, but takes us out and murders us in cold blood when accused by white persons.'' (McBride) Wells's outspoken opinions stirred up Memphis, but it was not until she wrote her views on the consensual sexual relationships between white women and African-American men that her newspaper was sacked and destroyed by an angry mob, followed by threats of lynching Wells herself. (McBride) After this, she moved to Chicago. Though forced to leave Memphis, fear did not stop her from continuing her fight in Chicago and even taking it to Europe. She wrote Lynch Law in Georgia (1899), Lynch Law in America (1900), and A Red Record (1895). These works studied lynchings in America, showing that the number of deaths was astonishing though the reasons were trivial. With these works, Wells was educating the American people by publicizing the cruelties inflicted on African-Americans in the South. Wells became Wells-Barnett in 1895. (McBride) Following her marriage, many Americans doubted that she would continue in her work, but through matrimony and motherhood, she continued in her cause, leading to protect the rights and the lives of people who had already endured so much. Like Wells, Frances E. Willard also had a lasting impact in America. Her work resulted in two amendments to the Constitution: one giving women the right to vote and another prohibiting the sale and use of alcohol. (Hedrick) The daughter of Josiah and Mary Hill, Willard was born in Churchville, New York. (Historical Association) Willard's mother, Mary Thompson Hill, was adamant that her daughter be educated as a lady. (Hedrick) At this time, a lady's education did not encompass in-depth lessons in math or science. (Hedrick) This type of education was made more readily available to young ladies in the 1850s, at which time Willard happily received it. (Hedrick) In 1857, she went to the Milwaukee Normal Institute. The next year, she went to Evanston College for Women in Illinois, now Northwestern University, where she finished out her education. (Hedrick) Between 1860 an 1874, Willard held many teaching positions in numerous schools. (Hedrick) Her last appointment was head of the women's division at Northwestern University. (Hedrick) In 1874, at the end of her teaching career, Willard became involved with the Women's Christian Temperance Union. (Historical Association) She participated in its founding convention and was elected corresponding secretary. (Historical Association) Willard became a successful speaker and social reformer, and was influential in the organization of the Prohibition Party. (Historical Association) In 1879, Willard was elected President of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and under her leadership it grew to be one of the largest women's organizations in the nineteenth century. (Historical Association) Both Wells and Willard were recognized and respected among the American people. But, the truth of the matter is that the Women's Christian Temperance Union was a well-known and influential organization. As president of that organization, Willard's voice and opinion carried a substantial amount of weight, she being a leading figure in deciding which causes the organization would back. Ida Wells was well aware of how the Women's Christian Temperance Union's support could benefit the anti-lynching movement. But, due to the views of race at that time, that support, was not so easily gained. And in seeking it, there was the bad result of a conflict that arose between Willard and Wells. Wells accused the Women's Christian Temperance Union of ignoring the racial problem of the South, having ``no word, either of pity or protest.'' (Wells 5) In return, Willard stated that Wells's ``zeal for her race . . . clouded her perception.'' (Wells 4) In addition to Willard's seeming indifference, Wells was angered by Willard's comments in reference to the colored race. While Wells' fought for the African-American's whose rights were being violated, Willard was sympathetic towards the white race and the trials they were forced to endure. In a New York newspaper, Willard stated, ``I pity the southerners. . . . . The problem on their hands is immeasurable. The colored race multiplies like the locusts of Egypt.'' (Willard 9) In the same article she referred to African-Americans as ``alien-illiterates,'' who could ``neither read nor write, whose ideas are bounded by the fence of his own field and the price of his own mule.'' (Willard 9) In Willard's interview she painted whites as victims and the African-Americans as villains. In reality, however, it was the other way around and Wells had years of collected data to prove it. While traveling abroad to gain sympathy and raise money, Wells was interviewed by the Westminster Gazette, a British newspaper. During this interview she related some of the facts she had gathered about the practice of lynching in the United States. For example, four-fifths of lynchings in the United States were practiced on African-Americans and in 1893 and 158 out of 200 lynching victims were African-Americans. (Westminster Gazette) She also stated that of the 158 African-Americans victims only thirty of them were charged with a crime against women or children. (Westminster Gazette) The people that had supposedly committed these crimes were, more often than not, innocent. (Westminster Gazette) But, when it came to lynching, ``innocent until proven guilty'' were empty words. Wells felt that Willard and the Women's Christian Temperance Union were indifferent about the issues in the lynching controversy. But, in Willard's 1894 Women's Christian Temperance Union presidential address she defended herself and the organization; ``Much apprehension has arisen in the last year concerning the attitude of our union toward the colored people, and an official explanation is in order.'' (Willard 8) In her explanation she referred to her 1890 interview, in which she stated that the African-American man's ``altitude reaches no higher than the personal liberty of the saloon and the power of appreciating the amount of liquor that dollar will buy.'' (Willard 9) In her address she defended herself saying that she had not intended to discriminate against African-American people. (Willard 8) Willard stated that it was ``inconceivable'' that the Women's Christian Temperance Union would ever excuse lynching no matter what the circumstances. She also made it a point to make a resolution in regard to the affair: ``Resolved, that we are opposed to lynching as a method of punishment, no matter what the crime, and irrespective of the race by which the crime is committed, believing that every human being is entitled to be tried by a jury of his peers.'' (Willard 8) In Willard's address she specifically mentioned Ida Wells and her efforts in the anti-lynching movement. Willard claimed that Wells's ardor for her race was keeping her from recognizing friends from foes. She also talked of Wells's observations concerning the consensual relationships between white women and African-American men. On this point, Wells and Willard's opinions contrasted greatly. It was Wells's belief that many of the ``rapes'' for which countless African-American men were lynched were actually consensual relationships. Nevertheless, she believed that it was for the white man's pride of race, not for justice or even for the white women's reputation, that sent many African-American males to their death: ``You see, the white man has never allowed his women to hold the sentiment 'black but comely' on which he has so freely acted himself.'' (Westminster Gazette) It was Willard's opinion that with these statements Wells ``had put an imputation upon half the white race in this country that [was] unjust, and saving the rarest exceptional instances, wholly without foundation'' and with these statements Wells was thwarting her cause. (Willard 6) By the end of the summer of 1894, Wells was thoroughly displeased with the actions of Willard and the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and she had no qualms about expressing her anger. In one of her numerous writings, Wells stated, ``the charge has been made that I have attacked Miss Willard and misrepresented the W.C.T.U. If to state the facts is misrepresentation, then I plead guilty to the charge.'' (Wells 5) In A Red Record, Wells spoke of the resolution made in Willard's Women's Christian Temperance Union presidential address: ``Miss Willard gave assurance that such a resolution [of protest against brutality towards colored people] would be adopted, and that assurance was relied on.'' (Wells 5) But, in the end, these assurances amounted to nothing because during the Women's Christian Temperance Union national meeting in the summer of 1894, no anti-lynching resolutions were passed. (Smith) With the statements made by Willard, so pointedly, on the behalf of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, why was it that when it came time to act, those promises were not honored? This outcome was the result of the presence of many southern delegates at the meeting and Frances Willard's effort to pacify them. (Smith) By attempting to keep the peace with one party that ``great Christian body . . . . wholly ignored the seven millions of colored people of this country whose plea was for a word of sympathy and support for the movement in their behalf,'' (Westminster Gazette) and Ida Wells ``greatly regretted'' the outcome of this meeting. (Smith) The very next year, in the Baltimore Herald, Willard wrote that they had done the best they could under the circumstances (Smith) but to many Americans it was Wells who gained their sympathy and Willard who was criticized. Willard must have realized this because in 1897, it was written in a Cleveland newspaper that Willard's conduct toward Wells at the national meeting seemed ``still to worry her, as it ought to.'' (Cleveland Gazette) Lynching went into a decline by the twentieth century. (Abrams) In 1935, only twenty lynchings were reported and by the 1960s, with the enforcement of civil rights laws and changes in racial attitudes, the performance of lynchings died away. (Abrams) Between 1882 and 1968 there were 4,730 lynchings in the United States. (Lynching) Of these, 3,440 were African-American men and women. (Lynching) However, with Willard's influence, and with her, the support of every member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, racial attitudes might have been altered years before. Prejudices and hate could have been softened, lives could have been saved. If only time wasted arguing could have been spent broadening the horizons of the American people, helping them to see the cruelties they placed on people whose only difference was their race. Perhaps Willard's voice along with Wells' reaching out to the American people would not have accomplished much. But it would have accomplished something. It would have given the anti-lynching movement the boost it needed, the boost it was asking for. True, at a time when ``Jim Crow'' laws were made specifically to keep the African-American people in a place of inferiority, crossing the lines of segregation and discrimination would have been extremely difficult. But, someone at some point did eventually cross those lines, otherwise we wouldn't be where we are today. Had Ida Wells and Frances Willard joined together, important civil rights movements could have been put into effect much sooner. There is no way to judge the years that were squandered or the lives that could have been saved. The wills and views of Frances E. Willard and those of Ida B. Wells-Barnett, continued to clash throughout the years, right up until Willard's death in 1898. (Historical Association) Neither woman ever conceded. Wells continued in her campaign for the rights of the African-American people until her death in 1931. (McBride) The women each accused the other of misrepresenting her. But maybe it wasn't misrepresentation. Perhaps it was merely a lack of understanding, or even the desire to understand. When asked why no one in the North protested the racial prejudices in the South and their deadly outcome, Wells' answer was ``they are sick and hopeless, and shut their eyes.'' (Westminster Gazette) Standing where we are today, we can easily judge these two women and say what they should have done. But what we fail to realize is that America then and America now are two very different places. African-Americans were not seen in the same light as they are today. In today's culture we are brought up viewing one another as equals. This is because the leaders of our past shed some light on the flaws of our beliefs in order to change our future. But to do this, they had to be willing to put themselves on the line, to cross the cultural barriers that tried to hold them back. Wells and Willard were leaders, they were respected and had they really tried, they too, could have crossed those barriers. If not for the antagonism between these two very different women, had they not failed to stand together and face America, many eyes could have, and would have, been opened.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I commend my Colleagues to the attached essay, The Blessed Broken School, by Breisa Baker. Miss Baker is a student at Spencer County Middle School Her essay placed 2nd in the National History Day Competition in Kentucky. I had the privilege of meeting Miss Baker and her family during a recent visit to Washington, DC. The Blessed Broken School (By Breisa Baker) Segregation and integration are two words that played a big part in southern schools. The story of Ruby Bridges gives us a vivid picture of both words. Ruby Bridges played an important role in history through integration by taking a stand when she went to a segregated school in Louisiana. Racial Segregation was challenged with a case in 1896 called Plessy v. Ferguson which took place in Louisiana. (Marilyn Miller, Words That Built A Nation) In this case, a black man found a vacant seat in the coach section on the train and decided to sit there. A white man came in demanding that the seat be his. This brought about a separation of blacks and whites. Because of this case, segregation carried over into the schools. Written into the 14th Amendment of this case are laws permitting, and even requiring blacks to be separated from white people. These laws do not necessarily imply the inferiority of either race to the other. The most common instance of this is connected with the establishment of separate schools for white and ``colored'' children. The words ``separate but equal'' originated from this case. It was the law in 17 southern and border states that African American children and white children attend separate public schools. All these states justified their policy by saying that black and white schools were ``separate but equal.'' Integration is the process of opening a group, community, place, or organization to all, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or social class. The court case Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka ruled that racial discrimination in public education was unconstitutional and all provisions of federal, state or local law requiring or permitting such discrimination must yield to this principle. In 1954, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) challenged the ``separate but equal'' doctrine at the elementary school level. The NAACP argued before the Supreme Court that children in all white schools received a better education than children in all black schools. In May of 1954, the courts agreed and outlawed racial segregation in public schools. Because of the Brown v. Board decision, black and white children, as well as children of all other races and ethnicities, today attend the same public schools. This is where the story of Ruby Bridges begins. Ruby Bridges was born on September 8, 1954 in Tylertown, Mississippi into a very poor family. Ruby was, and still is a hero to American citizens. Of course, neither the Bridges family, nor Ruby, had any clue that she was going to end the war of separation of blacks and whites. Ruby would become a part of American history by being brave and walking into an all white school. Ruby's parents worked hard to provide for her, but there were many nights that there was nothing to eat for dinner. At the age of 4, Ruby and her family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, where her parents were able to get better jobs. Ruby's family was poor financially because her dad worked as a janitor, and her mom scrubbed the floors in a bank at night. Americans did not treat African Americans as equals. Black children and white children attended different schools, which were segregated. The schools for black children were not as good as the schools for white children. A federal judge in New Orleans said the city had to obey the law, Brown vs. Board, and in 1960 the judge ordered six year old Ruby Bridges to attend first grade at William Franz Elementary School. No black child had ever stepped foot upon the ground of the entirely white school. She would be the only black child there. Ruby's family was scared once they had found out that Ruby was going to be sent to William Franz Elementary School. ``I took a test along with all the other kindergarteners at my school during the summer found out that I had been selected to start first grade at William Franz Elementary School.'' The whole family was praying for strength and courage to get through any 'trouble' as a result of the desegregation ruling. Both of her parents were proud that their little daughter had been chosen for such an important event in American history. Maybe there was another reason why Ruby was chosen to carry the burden of being made fun of by all those people. Little Ruby wasn't the only one that was carrying the burden on her shoulders. There were three other little children in New Orleans being sent to another school because of the desegregation law. Ruby stood out the most because she was by herself and the other children had each other. Ruby was terrified and didn't have any clue on what was going to happen while she attended the school. The court had federal marshals guarding her every where she went and watching everything she did in the school, and making sure no one harmed her. Charles Burks, a U.S. Marshal, who was one of the men who escorted Ms. Bridges said, ``We expected a lot of trouble, but, as it turned out, it wasn't nearly as bad as we thought, even though Miss Bridges probably thought it was. For a little girl six years old, going into a strange school with four strange deputy marshals, a place she had never been before, she showed a lot of courage. She never cried. She didn't whimper. She just marched along like a little soldier. And we're all very proud of her.'' (Jim Lehrer, 2006) The Federal marshals had to be ordered in by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to escort Ruby into the school building. The city police of New Orleans and the Louisiana State Police refused to help out. The marshals carried guns just in case people tried to hurt little Ruby. In fact, on many occasions they threatened to arrest people just to keep the crowds away from her. Ruby would always run through the crowds without saying a word. Ruby Bridges, who is now Ruby Bridges Hall said, ``I wish there were enough marshals to walk with every child as they faced the hatred and racism today, and to support, encourage them the way these federal marshals did for me. I know there aren't enough of you, but I do hope that I have inspired you to join me by dedicating yourselves to not just protecting but uplifting those you touch because that will enable us to rise together as a people, as a nation, and as a world.'' (Ruby Bridges, 2002) On November 14, 1960, the nations eyes were on her, as six year old Ruby Bridges walked into not only the school but `into history as well'. ``That first morning,'' said Bridges, ``I remember mom saying as I got dressed in my new outfit, `Now, I want you to behave yourself today, Ruby, and don't be afraid. There might be a lot of people outside this new school, but I'll be with you,' '' (Eileen McCluskey, 2002) Ruby's first day and all the other days that she attended school, there was a mob of angry white people trying to scare off Ruby. Some people even threatened to hurt Ruby. The crowd was yelling with one voice, ``Two, four, six, eight, we don't want to integrate.'' (Ruby Bridges, 1999) On her second day of school, Ruby remembers,'' My mother and I drove to school with the marshals. The crowd outside the building was ready. Racists spat at us and shouted things like `Go home, nigger,' and `No niggers allowed here.' One woman screamed at me, `I'm going to poison you. I'll find a way.' She made the same threat every morning.'' (Ruby Bridges, 2002) Yet every morning Ruby kept walking and praying, ignoring the noise that was going on all around her. ``Please God try to forgive these people because even if they said those bad things, they don't know what they're doing. So could you forgive them, just like you did those folks a long time ago when they said terrible things about you.'' (Bruce McCluggagge, ``A Prayer for White Folks'') Ruby called her prayer, ``The White Folks' Prayer.'' Ruby prayed every morning and afternoon about a block away from school, after she had been mocked and made fun of. She called it the ``white folks' prayer,'' because she prayed for all those white folks that were yelling bad things at her. This prayer showed Ruby's character, her faith and Christianity. Ruby's mother wanted her children to be close to the Lord at a very young age. Little Ruby came from a very religious background. Even though Ruby's family was poor, being Christians made them very rich. Because of her mother and father teaching her about God she knew what to do while being persecuted. Ruby entered the class room, and she saw that the teacher, Mrs. Henry, and she were the only ones in the class room. The parents of the white children would not let their children go into the school with Ruby. Her walk and her bravery inspired the 1964 Norman Rockwell painting, ``The Problem We All Live With.'' This shows a small black girl escorted by four federal marshals walking to school beside a wall bearing a scrawled racial epithet and the letters KKK, which stands for the Klu Klux Klan. The KKK are people who dress up in white robes and hoods, and they do not like black people at all. They try to do whatever they can to hurt black people. A Harvard professor by the name of Robert Coles witnessed Ruby's first day in New Orleans. He wrote a children's book about Ruby Bridges' experience called The Story of Ruby Bridqes. Coles reminds children of all ages about the heroism of Bridges' action by showing her facing an empty classroom because angry parents kept their children home and all but one teacher refused to teach a black child. A book about Ruby titled The Story of Ruby Bridqes was published in 1995. When the book came out, Ruby's first grade teacher, Mrs. Henry, saw it and contacted her. They were reunited on the ``Oprah Winfrey Show.'' I suppose that was one of the greatest joys of Ruby's life. She has also been in contact again with Dr. Coles, her old child psychiatrist. Also, there was footage of Ruby in the television series, ``Eyes on the Prize,'' about the Civil Rights Movement. Ruby Bridges played an important role in the Civil Rights Movement. She feels that there was a reason for what she went through. She played an important part in bringing blacks and whites together. She did not know why she had to go through it, but now believes that it was meant to be that way. She has finally reached a point in her life where she feels that her life had meaning. There are few who deny the heroism of Ruby Bridges: she has demonstrated the value of education to countless others. Ruby Bridges, who is now 51 years old, has devoted herself to the education of the young. She raised her own four sons, her brother's four daughters, and started the Ruby Bridges Foundation ``in the hopes of bringing parents back into the schools and taking a more active role in their children's' education.'' (Bridges Foundation) Ruby went through more than half of the school year in a room being the only student. The only other person, who was brave enough to be seen with Ruby was Ms. Henry, her teacher. Ms. Henry was a lady from the north who was telephoned by the superintendent to come teach the first grade class at William Franz Elementary School. At first, Ms. Henry, did not know that she would teach at a segregated school. The first day when Ruby walked into the classroom, she only saw the teacher, a white lady. Ruby said, ``A young white woman met us inside the building. She smiled at me. `Good morning, Ruby Nell' she said, just like Mama except with what I later learned was a Boston accent. `Welcome, I'm your new teacher, Ms. Henry. `She seemed nice, but I wasn't sure how to feel about her. I had never been taught by a white teacher before.'' (Ruby Bridges Hall, March 2000) Ruby was surprised that the school had not sent her a black teacher, but a white teacher. There were no other students, but yet Ms. Henry and Ruby both came to school faithfully the whole year. Ignoring the noise outside, she and Ruby used their time getting to know one another and learning the whole year. Despite not being able to go outside, Ms. Henry always found a way to cheer Ruby and create games for the both of them. Ms. Henry remembers that ``Ruby was an extraordinary little girl. She was a child who exuded, I think courage. To think that every day she would come to class knowing, that she would not have any children to play with, to be with, to talk to, and yet continually she came to school happily and interested to learn whatever could be offered to her. I think she was a child with an incredible sense of self in that she was strong enough to counter all the obstacles that were put in her way. And each day she would enter class, after having gone through tumultuous entrance into the school where she was confronted by an incredible number of agitators and protestors. Yet she would come into school every day with,the most wonderful smile on her face. Then she would come over and greet me, her eyes dazzled with a sense of wonder.'' (Lucille Renwick, 2001) Ms. Henry has said, ``I have learned so much from Ruby. Children can teach us so much by showing their inner selves. Children are pure, honest and simple. Children constantly teach teachers lessons of character honesty, and integrity. Children learn what they see. They take a signal from the teacher on how to value the worth of an individual.'' (Lucille Renwick, 2001) Ms. Henry also said, ``Teachers have to present to the students the struggles that have gone on in the world before them to realize the opportunities that they have just to go to school, and the struggles some people have had simply to get an education. You have to be a person who offers a child an opportunity for enlarging his world, and seeing the world from different points of view, and in different settings.'' (Lucille Renwick, 2001) Eventually Ruby was joined by two boys, and was soon followed by the rest of the students. Ruby went on to finish out elementary school and then middle and also high school! Ruby became a major part of American history. Because of her bravery and her actions may the whites and the blacks or any other ethnicities never be separated like this again! Thanks to Ruby Bridges who stood up for what she believed in and for continuing to take a stand!

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for House Resolution 861. Answering questions at a September 27 Pentagon press conference, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Richard Myers, said, ``If we are not successful in the global war on terrorism, then our way of life is, indeed, at stake. My view is, if terrorism wins in Iraq, the next 9/11 is right around the corner. It's just that simple,'' he said. This is the sober reality we face. Our safety at home and the cause of freedom abroad is largely contingent upon our success in Iraq. Our enemies would like nothing better than to seize upon the unrest in Iraq, drive coalition forces away, and take refuge in another autocratic regime like the former Taliban and Baathist Parties, from which they could have greater wherewithal to kill Americans and our allies. We must fight and win the battle against terror overseas so we never have to fight it here at home. As we have moved to restore order and stability to the region, our temporary presence has drawn thousands of al Qaeda disciples to Iraq to capitalize on what began as a small and anticipated homegrown insurgency by Saddam Hussein's fiercest loyalists. Now Iraq is al Qaeda's center of gravity, and we must do all that we can to secure and stabilize Iraq and its promising new government, defeating agents of terror on fronts abroad so they never again strike us here at home. We must also remember that it is not a war of our choosing. al Qaeda declared war against the United States more than a decade ago and launched tactical strikes against Americans and our interests throughout the 1990s. Whether or not Iraq was directly involved in the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, our operations in that nation have become a war against terrorists who have already attacked this country. It is essential to the security of the American people and to the world's security that the United States together with its allies take the battle to the terrorists and to those who provide them assistance. Therefore, I do not believe it is in our national interest to arbitrarily set a date for withdrawal until our mission is complete. House Resolution 861 makes it clear that the American people are determined to prevail in Iraq and other fronts to protect our freedom and defeat terrorist enemies. To achieve this goal, we must remain engaged, patient, and persistent.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay public tribute to Colonel Russell D. Gold, an exemplary soldier and citizen from my congressional district. Colonel Gold recently announced his retirement as Chief of Staff at the U.S. Army Armor Center, Fort Knox, Kentucky. A native of West Palm Beach, Florida, Colonel Gold was first commissioned through ROTC as a Distinguished Military Student from The Citadel, beginning his military career as a Tank Platoon Leader, then Executive Officer with the 82d Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After completion of the Armor Officer Advance Course, he commanded Company B, 2d Battalion, 72d Armor, 2d Infantry Division, at Camp Casey, Korea. Upon completion of command, he served as a Small Group Instructor in the Armor Officer Advance Course, then, Executive Officer of the U.S. Army Armor School at Fort Knox, Kentucky. From 1993 through 1995, Colonel Gold was assigned to the First Armored Division in Germany, where he served as the Battalion S-3 and Battalion Executive Officer with the 2d Battalion, 67th Armor, then as the Brigade S-3 for the First Brigade, 1st Armor Division. From 1995- 1997, Colonel Gold was assigned to the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, DC, where he served in the J-8 as Chief, War-Game Exercise Branch. Colonel Gold then commanded the 1st Battalion, 67th Armor, 4th Infantry Division, at Fort Hood, Texas. Following battalion command, Colonel Gold served as the III Corps Secretary of the General Staff, then after graduating from the Army War College, became the Director of Combat Developments at Fort Knox. Colonel Gold commanded the 3d Brigade Combat Team (Iraq), 1st Armored Division, of Fort Riley, Kansas, from June 2002 to June 2004 before being assigned as Chief of Staff of the Armor Center on July 30, 2004. Colonel Gold's awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit award, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Valorous Unit Award, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge. Colonel Gold will also be awarded the Distinguished Service Medal during his retirement ceremony. It is my great privilege to recognize Colonel Gold 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. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay public tribute to a remarkable individual from my congressional district. Brad McDougal, supervisory park ranger at Mammoth Cave National Park, was recently awarded a Citation for Valor from the U.S. Department of Interior recognizing his actions to disarm a man threatening suicide. On April 19, 2004, park rangers at Mammoth Cave National Park received a report that a suicidal individual was in the park preparing to take his own life. Supervisory Park Ranger Brad McDougal responded solo from his residence and quickly located the subject, parked in his vehicle with a loaded gun in his lap. While other rangers were minutes away, Ranger McDougal decided to take immediate action, approaching the man with a calm and reassuring voice, gaining his confidence and disarming him without violence. When fellow officers arrived, Ranger McDougal had stabilized the scene, saving the individual's life, and perhaps others, by his quick, calm and decisive action. Handling this volatile situation in any other manner could have easily resulted in tragedy. I would like to publicly thank Brad McDougal for his professionalism and the strong example he sets for others in performing his job far beyond the call of duty. His actions, on duty and off, demonstrate a genuine concern and personal involvement in protecting safety and improving quality of life in his community. It is my great honor to recognize Brad McDougal today, before the entire U.S. House of Representatives, for his leadership and service. His unique achievements and dedication to public safety make him an outstanding American worthy of our collective honor and appreciation.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay public tribute to Col. Russell D. Gold, an exemplary soldier and citizen from my congressional district. Colonel Gold recently announced his retirement as Director of Combat Developments at Fort Knox, Kentucky. A native of West Palm Beach, Florida, Colonel Gold was first commissioned through ROTC as a Distinguished Military Student from The Citadel, beginning his military career as a Tank Platoon Leader, then Executive Officer with the 82d Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After completion of the Armor Officer Advance Course, he commanded Company B, 2d Battalion, 72d Armor, 2d Infantry Division, at Camp Casey, Korea. Upon completion of command, he served as a Small Group Instructor in the Armor Officer Advance Course, then, Executive Officer of the U.S. Army Armor School at Fort Knox, Kentucky. From 1993 through 1995, Colonel Gold was assigned to the First Armored Division in Germany, where he served as the Battalion S-3 and Battalion Executive Officer with the 2d Battalion, 67th Armor, then as the Brigade S-3 for the First Brigade, 1st Armor Division. From 1995- 1997, Colonel Gold was assigned to the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, DC, where he served in the J-8 as Chief, War-Game Exercise Branch. Colonel Gold then commanded the 1st Battalion, 67th Armor, 4th Infantry Division, at Fort Hood, Texas. Following battalion command, Colonel Gold served as the III Corps Secretary of the General Staff, then after graduating from the Army War College, became the Director of Combat Developments at Fort Knox. Colonel Gold commanded the 3d Brigade Combat Team, Iraq, 1st Armored Division, of Fort Riley, Kansas, from June 2002 to June 2004 before being assigned as Chief of Staff of the Armor Center on July 30, 2004. Colonel Gold's awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit award, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Valorous Unit Award, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge. It is my great privilege to recognize Colonel Gold today, before the entire 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. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay public tribute to Garrison Command Sergeant Major Gary Davis of Fort Knox, Kentucky, retiring June 2 after more than 33 years of military service. A native of Spokane, Washington, Garrison CSM Davis first enlisted in 1972, completing a 6 year tenure with the Washington State National Guard. After a brief assignment with the Montana State National Guard, he joined the Active Army in May 1980, attending unit training at the United States Army Armor Center at Fort Knox. Prior to his current assignment at Fort Knox, Garrison CSM Davis served as an instructor at the United States Sergeants Major Academy, Fort Bliss, TX; and completed numerous other assignments leading soldier divisions in Kentucky, Georgia, Arkansas, Hawaii, Louisiana and Germany. During his time at Fort Knox, Garrison CSM Davis's leadership inspired officers and civilians to be good neighbors, making Fort Knox and its surrounding communities a better place to live and work. In this capacity, he oversaw critical improvements to the Garrison, including the modernizing of residential facilities, enhancing the quality of life of Fort Knox soldiers and their families. Garrison CSM Davis was a tireless advocate of Fort Knox's military value and future viability in the months leading up to last year's Base Realignment and Closure consideration. Because of his efforts, Fort Knox remains open, adapting to a new mission as a vital multi- functional home to operational army forces and various administrative commands. Garrison CSM Davis's awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit Award, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, United Nations Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism and the Superior Unit Award. It is my great privilege to recognize Garrison Command Sergeant Major Gary Davis 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. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay public tribute to Chaplain (Colonel) Hugh Dukes, an exemplary minister, soldier, and citizen from my congressional district. Colonel Dukes and his wife Linda were honored earlier this month at a Court of Honor ceremony held at the United States Army Armor Center at Fort Knox, attended by the Commanding General and numerous other distinguished guests who gathered to celebrate Dukes' approaching retirement. A native of Carrollton, Georgia, Colonel Dukes is an ordained minister of the American Baptist Churches, USA. He received direct commission into the United States Army Chaplain Corps on July 4, 1976 following his completion of theological studies at Duke University School of Divinity. After completing his 3-year obligation, Dukes joined the 101st Airborne at Fort Campbell and went on to fulfill a wide variety of assignments at home and abroad throughout his 30 years of pastoral service to the U.S. Army. Prior to his assignment as Fort Knox Staff Chaplain, Colonel Dukes directed education and promotions for the Army's Chaplain Corps at the Pentagon. He was on hand as Acting Executive Officer for the Chief of Chaplains on September 11, 2001 when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the building. He served earlier pastoral missions at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC, and numerous other assignments with soldier divisions and brigades in Kentucky, Virginia, Hawaii, and South Korea. At Fort Knox, Colonel Dukes' supervises 23 unit chaplains with direct oversight of 17 different congregations. His leadership and spiritual guidance play an important role in the lives of thousands of soldiers, civilians, and their families, a fellowship that makes Fort Knox and its surrounding communities a great place to live and work. His spiritual advice has been especially important during a time of war as he's often called on by soldiers preparing for deployment or returning from combat contemplating serious questions about life and concern for loved ones. Chaplain Dukes' awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Parachutist Badge, and the Air Assault Badge. It is my great privilege to recognize Chaplain (Colonel) Hugh Dukes today, before the U.S. House of Representatives, for his lifelong example of leadership and service. His 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. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank Chairman Hunter for his leadership in bringing this legislation before us today. I am proud to support the bill which reflects the superior commitment to all of those defending the freedom of our Nation. I am certainly appreciative of being able to offer this amendment. It is a little known fact in the civilian world that when a soldier is accidentally overpaid as a result of a military pay system error, the sum can be recouped in the form of a zero sum paycheck also known as ``no pay due.'' This is a problem long acknowledged by America's military community and service organizations and has been documented by numerous news organizations including ABC News, Army Times, and service organization publications. Overpayments occur when the military's pay and personnel systems which are currently neither automated nor integrated with one another, do not accurately reflect a soldier's current status and are distressingly common when pay grade assignment or geographical changes are involved. Furthermore, while overcompensation can occur in small amounts over time, the full amount can be recouped by garnishing large portions of entire paychecks when over payment is detected. The immediate and often unexpected financial burden this places on military families is in many cases overwhelming. Perhaps most disturbing is the common occurrence of ``no pay due'' for wounded soldiers. System failure to recognize cessation of combat pay or other allowances often results in continued compensation which then results in garnishment when the system catches up, all at a time when a wounded soldier's family is most vulnerable. My amendment simply requires that no more than 20 percent of a soldier's paycheck can be garnished in one pay period to recover overpayment resulting from system error. It would also institute a 90- day grace period before recovery of overpayments can begin for wounded soldiers. This will ensure that families are not blind-sided by recovery of debt incurred as no fault of their own and often with no knowledge. I ask for my colleagues to support this amendment which carries no cost and which does not seek to absolve debt, but merely to ease its recovery for our military families already serving so selflessly in defense of this Nation. I hope you will join me in lifting the burden of no pay due. Thank you. Our soldiers and their families deserve better. Parliamentary Inquiry

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Community Alternatives Kentucky, an exceptional organization in my Congressional District that delivers community-based supportive services to persons with disabilities. The noble mission of Community Alternatives Kentucky is to enhance the lives of the individuals they serve by helping them become active members of their communities and realize their personal goals. They provide a wide range of day-to-day residential and employment services to assist disabled individuals with health needs, personal care, physical and speech therapy, transportation, housekeeping, recreation and other personal management services. Community Alternatives of Kentucky advocates self determination, civil rights, and community inclusion for people with special needs and developmental disabilities. They play an important role in local communities, promoting an inclusive quality of life that allows all people, regardless of personal challenges, to reach their potential as happy and productive members of society. I applaud Community Alternatives Kentucky, particularly their wonderful support staff, for all that they do to assist disabled individuals and their families. On behalf of so many in Kentucky's Second Congressional District, I would like to express my profound appreciation for their service and for the many contributions to our communities from the people they serve. Together, they are a true inspiration to us all. It is my great privilege to recognize Community Alternatives Kentucky today, before the entire U.S. House of Representatives, for their achievements as advocates for disabled citizens. Their unique compassion and dedication to the happiness and well-being of all people make them outstanding citizens worthy of our collective honor and respect.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give well- deserved recognition to Stephan Walters, an extraordinary soldier, teacher and citizen from my Congressional District. Stephan is currently serving on active duty with the U.S. Army Reserves at Fort Knox, Kentucky. As Captain, he is responsible for training and mentoring a full brigade. He also serves as an officer for community outreach, equal opportunity, safety and soldier retention. Prior to his current assignment, Captain Walters served for three years as a member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry, also known as the Presidential Honor Guard, performing a range of ceremonial duties at the White House, Pentagon, and Arlington National Cemetery. Captain Walters has also distinguished himself in civilian life, earning a bachelor degree in social studies and a masters degree in secondary education from the University of Kentucky, graduating from both programs with honors. Walters was a five-year member of the University of Kentucky's football team, earning numerous awards and honors for his academic and athletic achievements. Upon graduation, he accepted a position at Jeffersontown High School in Louisville, KY teaching history and coaching football and track. In 2004, he was nominated by his colleagues for the History Teacher of the Year Award, a special honor he later received from the Kentucky Historical Society. It is my great privilege to honor Stephan Walters today, before the entire U.S. House of Representatives, for his distinguished service to his country and his community. His unyielding sense of duty and sacrifice represent the very best of what it means to be an American soldier. His achievements as a civilian, especially his dedication to developing young minds in the classroom and on the athletic field, are further marks of personal greatness. He is a man of exemplary leadership and dedication worthy of our collective respect and appreciation.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give well deserved recognition to Stephan Walters, an extraordinary soldier, teacher and citizen from my Congressional District. Stephan is currently serving on active duty with the U.S. Army Reserves at Fort Knox, Kentucky. As Captain, he is responsible for training and mentoring a full brigade. He also serves as an officer for community outreach, equal opportunity, safety and soldier retention. Prior to his current assignment, Captain Walters served for three years as a member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry, also known as the Presidential Honor Guard, performing a range of ceremonial duties at the White House, Pentagon, and Arlington National Cemetery. Captain Walters has also distinguished himself in civilian life, earning a bachelor degree in social studies and a masters degree in secondary education from the University of Kentucky, graduating from both programs with honors. Walters was a five year member of the University of Kentucky's football team, earning numerous awards and honors for his academic and athletic achievements. Upon graduation, he accepted a position at Jeffersontown High School in Louisville, KY teaching history and coaching football and track. In 2004, he was nominated by his colleagues for the History Teacher of the Year Award, a special honor he later received from the Kentucky Historical Society. It is my great privilege to honor Stephan Walters today, before the entire U.S. House of Representatives, for his distinguished service to his country and his community. His unyielding sense of duty and sacrifice represent the very best of what it means to be an American soldier. His achievements as a civilian, especially his dedication to developing young minds in the classroom and on the athletic field, are further marks of personal greatness. He is a man of exemplary leadership and dedication worthy of our collective respect and appreciation.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Community Alternatives Kentucky, an exceptional organization in my Congressional District that delivers community-based supportive services to persons with disabilities. The noble mission of Community Alternatives Kentucky is to enhance the lives of the individuals they serve by helping them become active members of their communities and realize their personal goals. They provide a wide range of day-to-day residential and employment services to assist disabled individuals with health needs, personal care, physical and speech therapy, transportation, housekeeping, recreation and other personal management services. Community Alternatives of Kentucky advocates self determination, civil rights, and community inclusion for people with special needs and developmental disabilities. They play an important role in local communities, promoting an inclusive quality of life that allows all people, regardless of personal challenges, to reach their potential as happy and productive members of society. I applaud Community Alternatives Kentucky, particularly their wonderful support staff, for all that they do to assist disabled individuals and their families. On behalf of so many in Kentucky's Second Congressional District, I would like to express my profound appreciation for their service and for the many contributions to our communities from the people they serve. Together, they are a true inspiration to us all. It is my great privilege to recognize Community Alternatives Kentucky today, before the entire U.S. House of Representatives, for their achievements as advocates for disabled citizens. Their unique compassion and dedication to the happiness and well-being of all people make them outstanding citizens worthy of our collective honor and respect.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased that the House today took essential steps to make college tuition more affordable for middle and low-income students. Ensuring quality higher education is one of the most important things we can do for future generations. H.R. 609, the College Access and Opportunity Act, will expand access to higher education for millions of students by strengthening Pell Grants, improving access for non-traditional students, reducing red tape, and instituting transparency in tuition costs. As a cosponsor of this legislation, I am especially pleased that the legislation will strengthen college access programs such as TRIO and GEAR UP. These are important programs that have benefited students in my district, aiding in their ability to attend college. I would like to mention two provisions in the bill that were brought to my attention by small, independent colleges in my district. Their concerns centered around the affordability provision and the ability for States to become accreditors. There was great fear that the publishing of tuition rate increases and other financial information could lead to a price control or other Federal intervention in tuition increases. Also, there was apprehension that States could be granted the ability to intervene in the accreditation process of private institutions or offer incentives for institutions to choose State accreditation over other regional options. I appreciate the Committee on Education and the Workforce for their willingness to address the concerns of these institutions. Chairman McKeon's Managers' Amendment made great strides to ease the burdens that both of these provisions could have potentially placed on higher education institutions. The Manager's Amendment makes changes to the penalties for offending institutions and expressly forbids States to offer incentives to encourage schools to choose State accreditation. I originally filed an amendment with the Rules Committee to address the concern of State intervention in the accreditation process, but the changes by Chairman McKeon were sufficient to ease my concerns. The bill in its current form will prohibit potential overreaching by State accreditors. The College Access and Opportunity Act addresses the important need to make higher education more affordable and easier to access for low and middle-income students. I am proud to support this legislation and am hopeful that it will sufficiently boost the competitiveness of American students in the global economy.