Mike McIntyre

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today and honor Wilfred Eugene Tickner of the United States Army Corps of Engineers. On January 3, 2004, Mr. Tickner retired after serving the people of this Great Nation for over 42 years. Eugene Tickner is a talented engineer, who spent his career improving our Nation's infrastructure and ensuring that projects vital to our coastal areas are completed. Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Tickner's contributions to our Nation have not gone unnoticed. He has been honored with the Engineer Regiment Bronze de Fleury Medal, two Commander's Awards for Civil Service, several Exceptional Performance Commendations, and the Division Commander's Award for EEO. As Deputy District Engineer for Programs and Project Management of the Wilmington District United States Army Corps of Engineers, Mr. Tickner served the people with his involvement in many of the civil works projects in southeastern North Carolina. His innovative and unifying approach to solving problems has resulted in the timely completion of many projects that, without his involvement, may not have been possible. It is because of the dedication, determination, and leadership of Mr. Tickner that the people, animals, and ecosystems of the areas covered by the Wilmington District continue to flourish. From the Wilmington Port to the Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender County beaches, his commitment has been unwavering and steadfast. We owe Wilfred Eugene Tickner our sincere appreciation for his 42 years of committed service to our Nation. His devotion to the people of the United States should serve as an example to us all. May God bless him and his family, and may God bless this great Nation.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, November 6, 2003, I was unavoidably absent for rollcall vote 612, final passage of H.R. 1829, the Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act. Had I been present I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall vote 612.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the 77,000 veterans in my district who have dedicated their lives to fighting for this great country. All Americans must understand that we have a responsibility to support the men and women in uniform who risk their lives on a daily basis to protect the freedoms we enjoy. We must never forget that hundreds of millions of people in the United States and around the world sleep in peace because hundreds of thousands of Americans rest in graves all across the world--fallen heroes in the name of freedom. The price of freedom is always high, but the price of war is even higher! And no one knows that better than our Nation's veterans. As guardians of freedom, righteousness, and justice, their actions have cemented the foundation of this great Nation and helped shape the destiny of our Nation and our world. It is their continued spirit, service and sacrifice that have helped our country maintain its posture in the world, and we cannot afford to ignore the promises we made to them when they first made their promise to protect our country. First, it's about our veterans' spirit--a spirit that has been unsurpassed. Over 48 million Americans have stepped forward to defend our land since our Nation's founding. And today, there are 25 million living veterans who have served in times of war and peace. Individuals who dared to make a difference, and people who were willing to take a stand--whether it was convenient or not! Let each of us continue to work and honor our veterans' spirit, who have proved their heroism and their love for our country--time and time again. We must also pay tribute to our veterans' dedicated service to this country. From Lexington and Concord to Normandy and Okinawa, from Korea and Vietnam to the Persian Gulf, and from the streets of Baghdad to the mountains of Afghanistan, our veterans, military retirees, servicemen and women have and are defending our great country at a great cost. No group of Americans deserve our admiration and respect more than those who have worn the uniform of the United States of America and fought to protect our homes, our way of life, our freedom, and our future. Mr. Speaker, let me be very clear where I stand--on the side of our veterans! That's why I am an original cosponsor of a comprehensive veterans package. Highlights of this package include: Under the current budget rules in Congress, veterans' benefits--the money for war service and war injuries are under mandatory spending-- that means whatever the need, there has to be the resources. The money for VA hospitals and clinics falls under discretionary spending--that is a certain amount that is set aside, and if the need grows for more, then it may or may not be increased. I say that's wrong, and I am co- sponsoring legislation, the Veterans Health Care Funding Guaranteed Act, that would give veterans what they have been promised--lifelong benefits and health care. This would reduce the national disgrace that leaves 200,000 veterans waiting up to 6 months for an appointment at a Veterans Hospital. We can and must do better and my plan would reduce waiting times for first time doctor appointments to 30 days. I support an interim disability payment of $500 per month when claims are not expedited after remand. I support a full repeal of the concurrent receipt issue. This inequity that prevents disabled military retirees from receiving both their pensions and disability pay is wrong. While we were able to make progress on this issue last year with a partial appeal, more needs to be done to fully repeal this, and I am working on that by signing a discharge petition to bring this bill directly to the floor of the House of Representatives so we can pass it. I support legislation to phase out the reduction in benefits in the military Survivor Benefit Plan. The benefit to military spouses is not what enrollees were promised and the program is not providing the level of protection military survivors need and deserve. I also support the Keep Our Promises to America's Military Act that would ensure full and adequate health coverage for all members of the uniformed services by allowing them to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program. I support the Military Pay Equity Act that would increase the rates of military basic pay for members of the uniformed services. I support efforts to improve the Montgomery GI Bill to ensure that higher education and training benefits are adequate. I support legislation to allow Federal civilian and military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pretax basis and to allow a deduction for TRICARE supplemental premiums. I support the Truth in Recruiting Act that would mandate that members of the Armed Forces shall be entitled to all benefits they were promised when they originally entered the service. Under this bill, each member of the Armed Forces would be given a written statement describing the benefits that will be provided to that person if he or she attains retirement status. I support the Veteran's Right to Know Act that would require the VA to inform veterans about eligibility for benefits and health-care services whenever a veteran first applies for any benefit with the VA. It would also help widows and survivors of veterans by informing them at the time of a burial request or application for life insurance proceeds about the full array of benefits available to them. And recently, I submitted testimony to the VA Cares Commission urging them to expand the Fayetteville VA Medical Center, which currently operates in antiquated facilities. The proposed plan calls for an expansion of the outpatient facility and an additional 110,000 square feet. Because the Fayetteville clinic is such an important facility to veterans in North Carolina, it is important that it remains in the proposed national plan. I have also supported additional VA clinics in my district in Lumberton and Supply, as well as an expansion of the Wilmington VA clinic. Finally, it is our veterans' sacrifice that has brought true freedoms to this nation! It is a sacrifice I have seen in the hearts and eyes of men and women in uniform around the globe with whom I have visited. It is a sacrifice that does not complain. It is a sacrifice that is respectful. It is a sacrifice that is genuine. And it is a sacrifice that we all must respect. This is not a partisan issue. It is an American issue. And we must stand shoulder-to-shoulder and respect the spirit, service, and sacrifice of our nation's veterans. Nothing less is acceptable.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the 184,000 families in North Carolina who are unfairly excluded from the child tax credit package. These hardworking families struggle daily to afford food, clothing, school supplies, even sports uniforms for their children. During these tough economic times, it is unfortunate that the families and children who need assistance the most are being left behind. I urge my colleagues to come together out of compassion and cooperation and commitment for extending relief to the 6.5 million low- income families that are struggling to support their children. First, we must demonstrate compassion for those who are less fortunate. During tough economic times, we have a lot of families working hard to provide for their children; and we should leave no stone unturned in doing everything we can to help them. Second, we must also demonstrate a sense of cooperation to ensure that all working families benefit under the child tax credit. Last May, we voted to accelerate the child tax credit and send many families a check for $400. Now is the time for this body to reach yet another agreement and not deny the same $400 check to our low-income families. Where I come from, $400 goes a long way to help families with school supplies, clothes, rent and other very personal family needs. Finally, we must uphold our commitment to restructuring economic growth for the entire population, including many of our military families. Last year alone, 1.7 million individuals fell into poverty. We must not delay in helping them any longer. We must show that we do have the compassion, the cooperation and the commitment that this body can work together and help these families. For 4 months now, we have debated the child tax credit. Today is the time for compassion, cooperation and commitment to passing the child tax credit and helping our families, our children, and our future.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today and honor Major General Zannie O. Smith of the United States Army. On October 16, 2003, Major General Smith retired after serving the people of this great nation for over forty years. Zannie Smith was a decorated officer, who spent his career ensuring that the freedoms the United States holds dear are protected. Throughout his illustrious career, Major General Smith was honored with the Defense Superior Meritorious Service Award, the Legion of Merit with five Oak Leaf Clusters, the Bronze Star Medal with ``V'' device with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, four awards of the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He is a Master Parachutist and has been awarded the Ranger Tab, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, and the Air Assault Badge. After holding a variety of command positions, Major General Smith was assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as Deputy Commanding General of the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg in 2001. Our United States Army would not be as illustrious and formidable without the dedication and determination of Major General Smith. We owe Major General Zannie O. Smith our sincere appreciation for his over forty years of committed service to our nation. His devotion to the people of the United States should serve as an example to us all. May God bless him and his family, and may God bless this great nation.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today and honor Lieutenant Colonel Howard Pierce Maree of the United States Air Force (Retired). On August 15, 2003, Lieutenant Colonel Maree passed away after serving the people of this great nation for nearly twenty-seven years. Howard Maree was a decorated officer, who spent his career ensuring that the freedoms the United States holds dear are protected and preserved. Throughout his illustrious career, Lieutenant Colonel Maree was honored with the Distinguished Flying Cross with one Cluster, two Silver Star Medals, the Air Medal with five Clusters, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Medal, European and American Theater of Operations Medals, Korean Service Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal. As a fighter pilot in three major conflicts, Lieutenant Colonel Maree served his country with dignity and integrity and contributed to many victorious campaigns throughout his career. As an Air Force reservist for over ten years, Lieutenant Colonel Maree continued to serve the people of the United States unselfishly. We owe Lieutenant Colonel Howard Pierce Maree III our sincere appreciation for his twenty-seven years of committed service to our nation. His devotion to the people of the United States should serve as an example to us all. May God bless his family, and may God bless this great nation.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today and honor Corporal Mark Anthony Bibby of the United States Army. On July 21, 2003, Corporal Bibby was killed in the line of duty while serving the people of this great Nation in Iraq. Mark Bibby was a soldier, who, after serving 4 years in the U.S. Army, joined the Reserves so that he could continue his devoted service to our Nation while earning his degree. His educational aspirations were put on hold as he was once again called to serve his country, ensuring that the freedoms the United States holds dear are protected. Corporal Bibby's love for his fellow man and for the values this Nation holds dear, and his life's commitment to defending those values can best be described by three simple, but profound words: spirit, service, sacrifice. It was Corporal Bibby's spirit that made him the man that he was--a spirit that recognized and honored values beyond the material, temporal, and physical things of this world. Corporal Bibby's unselfish and unabated service was reflected in his strong work ethic, his strong sense of patriotism, and his strong love for God, his family, and his country. With a strong spirit and unwavering service, Corporal Bibby made the ultimate sacrifice. He risked his life to ensure the safety of others. His valiant actions demonstrated that he knew that freedom is not free. His sacrifice was rich in integrity and reminds us of the gratitude we, as citizens of this great Nation, should have toward him and toward all of our servicemen and women. We owe Corporal Bibby our sincere appreciation for his years of committed service to our Nation. His devotion to the people of the United States should serve as an example to us all. May God bless his family, and may God bless this great Nation.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 402, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Gephardt) removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 898.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Fayetteville's Festival of Flight, it is with great honor that I rise today to salute the courageous men and women who have lost their lives in aviation and space. So many explorers ventured into the great frontier of the skies, and their deeds of vision and valor should never be forgotten. These pioneers of flight achieved remarkable victories and inspired a new generation of pilots to brave the endless skies. Today I also pay tribute to Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Driven by pure ambition, Earhart explored new distances and re-defined the boundaries of flight. Earhart's determination to be the first pilot to fly around the world uncovered new possibilities for aviation. Although her plane disappeared short of her final destination, Earhart proved to the world that air travel would soon be possible. I also pay tribute to the brave aviators who accomplished their feats during a time when society discouraged women and minorities from flying. In 1912, Harriet Quimby became the first American woman to receive a pilot's license and fly solo across the English Channel. Although many thought she would fail, Quimby's determination to succeed landed her safely on the coast of France. Quimby died just three months later when her plane crashed at an airshow in Boston. A decade later, Bessie Coleman became the world's first licensed African-American pilot. When no one in America would teach her to fly, Coleman learned to speak French and went to France for flight school. After receiving her license, she traveled America as a stunt pilot until her plane crashed in 1926. Upon her death, a flying school for African-Americans was founded in her honor. As aviation grew into space exploration, our nation lost test pilots and others who prepared the way, as well as the great crews aboard the Apollo I and the Space Shuttles Challenger & Columbia. I salute these daring astronauts for their determination to uncover new territory. In their search for knowledge of the unknown, these astronauts helped to expand America's understanding of the universe. Despite the tragic conclusion to these explorations, the crews of the Apollo I and the Space Shuttles Challenger & Columbia sacrificed their lives for the advancement of exploration and scientific achievement. Although the lives of many daring aviators and astronauts were cut short, their determination enabled them to accomplish more than a lifetime of success. I encourage all to acknowledge these great pioneers and honor their contributions to the world of flight.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, April 3, 2003, I was unavoidably absent for rollcall vote 104, on Sustaining the Ruling of the Chair, as I was visiting the Marines and their families at Camp LeJeune with the President. Had I been present I would have voted ``no''.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Thomas and Mary Greyard who celebrate the 50th anniversary of their wedding on May 25, 2003. Natives of southeastern North Carolina, they have spent their 50 years of matrimony in McDonald, in my home county of Robeson. The French author, Andre Maurois, once said, ``A successful marriage is an edifice that must be rebuilt every day.'' With dedication, determination, and devotion, Thomas and Mary have followed their hearts and built their lives together for half a century. Thomas and Mary are people of dedication. Dedication not only to each other, but to their two sons, their family, their church, and their community. Having both served as Mayor of the Town of McDonald, as elders and teachers at Iona Presbyterian Church, and as members of various local volunteer organizations, the Greyards have provided a positive example for all to follow. The devotion that the Greyards have shown is a testament to their love and respect for each other. It is this same devotion to those things we hold most dear in our lives that has served as an example to those around them. Thomas and Mary, thank you for your dedication and your devotion. We wish you continued success, and may God's strength, peace and joy be with you always!

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to salute the Robeson County Celebration of Flight celebration from May 14-May 18, 2003. The Lumberton Municipal Airport will host this special event that acknowledges and honors the 100-year celebration of the feat of Wilbur and Orville Wright. Charles F. Kettering once said, ``The Wright Brothers flew right through the smoke screen of impossibility.'' On December 17, 1903, at Kill Devil Hills near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the Wright Brothers manned the first-ever controlled, powered flight, and their optimism of achieving the impossible became our reality. And this reality has truly opened the world for all to see. In honor of this historical event, The Robeson Aeronautical Foundation, Inc. and the Lumberton Municipal Airport have organized special events to celebrate this monumental feat. For three days, the Lumberton Municipal Airport will host school children from throughout the region. These children will be able to view a variety of exhibits highlighting the importance of sport aviation, the role of aviation in the military, and the history of aviation in the region. The, celebration will culminate with a two-day air show featuring some of the best displays of aeronautical skill in the world. My fellow colleagues please join me in saluting the Robeson County Celebration of Flight organizers for their time, energy, and resources in planning for this event. May God's blessings shine upon them and all that they have done, and may God bless this special celebration.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues today from North Carolina here on the floor for the consideration of H. Con. Res. 58. I appreciate the leadership of the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Etheridge) in introducing this resolution, all of my fellow delegates from North Carolina, and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette), the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman) in their support of this. Mr. Speaker, Charles Kettering once said, ``The Wright brothers flew right through the smoke screen of impossibility.'' On December 17, 1903, at Kill Devils Hill near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the Wright brothers manned the first-ever controlled, powered flight; and their optimism of achieving the impossible became our reality and the reality that has truly opened the world for all to see and enjoy. As North Carolinians, we are immensely grateful for this historic feat and look forward to the 100-year celebration of this great event. The Wright brothers were men of vision and vigor whose dream of flight resulted in victory, not only for them but for all people, for all time, in all places. The largest of the celebrations that has been sanctioned for this event is the Festival of Flight to be held in the Fayetteville/Fort Bragg/Pope Air Force Base region of North Carolina from May 16 through 26. Among the many activities planned are air shows, of course, emphasizing both civilian and military aviation technology, cultural events including the region's schools adapting and implementing a curriculum of aviation history and technology for the fourth, eighth, and 11th grades. In addition, there will be a huge parade on Memorial Day itself on May 26 honoring those who have given their very lives in the quest of flight. Mr. Speaker, this is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and we are here today to honor and to celebrate the all-American city of Fayetteville and its many partners for this fabulous Festival of Flight celebration. So many people in organizations have contributed time, energy and resources to plan for this special 11-day event. We hope that each of the Members and all Americans can join to look back and honor the work of the Wright brothers and also look forward to another 100 years of progress in flight. I urge the passage of this matter.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Jim Thorpe Day at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Jim Thorpe was one of the greatest athletes in the world, a man of courage, patriotism and fair play. Jim Thorpe, the only American athlete to excel in three major sports as an amateur and as a professional, accomplished more than any other athlete of his time. The Sac and Fox Indian played professional baseball, football and won Olympic gold medals in both the pentathlon and the decathlon. His Olympic performance earned him the title of the ``greatest athlete in the world'' from Sweden's King Gustav V. His feats on the football field led him to the 1911 and 1912 All-American football teams and ultimately as the first president of the American Professional Football Association. In 1950, the Associated Press named Thorpe the greatest All-Around Male Athlete and America's Greatest Football Player of the half-century. Born in 1887 into the Sac and Fox Indian Tribe, Jim Thorpe grew up on a reservation in Oklahoma. As a teenager, Thorpe enrolled at the Indian Industrial School in Carlisle, PA where he became a football All- American and led his team to numerous victories. In between seasons, Thorpe gained international fame at the Stockholm Olympics, returning to the United States with two gold medals in track and field. Thorpe played six major league baseball seasons with the New York Giants, Cincinnati Reds and the Boston Braves and ultimately returned to football to play for the Canton Bulldogs. With Thorpe's leadership, the Bulldogs were recognized as the ``world champion'' for 1916, 1917 and 1919. Mr. Speaker, almost a century has passed since Jim Thorpe amazed the world with his athletic talent, and he is still known as the greatest athlete in the world. Jim Thorpe Day in North Carolina is an appropriate tribute to this heroic athlete, and I encourage all to acknowledge his admirable accomplishments.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, March 13, 2003, I was unavoidably absent for rollcall vote 62, on agreeing to House Joint Resolution 139. Had I been present I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote 62.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, February 27, 2003, my father underwent surgery and thus I was unavoidably absent for rollcall vote 39. Had I been present I would have voted `yea' on rollcall vote 39.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution but in even stronger support of our brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to the common defense of the United States and who stand firm with America, as we well should, in this critical hour of our history. If Saddam Hussein continues to threaten the security of our Nation by harboring terrorists, producing chemical and biological weapons, and developing nuclear weapons, then the use of military force becomes not a question of if but when. In adopting this resolution, we must do everything in our power to ensure that our forces have the means, the necessary tools, and the unequivocal support of every American to accomplish the daunting task before us. With U.S. forces stationed both here at home and abroad, from America to Afghanistan, from Kosovo to Korea and regions between and beyond, our military must be provided with the necessary support to achieve its objective. This means financial support, the best equipment possible, a clear objective, and continued diplomatic efforts, always hoping and praying that peace can be achieved. We must put American troops in the best possible position to do the job they are called to do. We must commit ourselves to ensuring that the United States will continue to remain the backbone of freedom and the beacon of democracy throughout the world. Putting our brave men and women in harm's way is a difficult decision but one for which they are prepared and we should be prepared. We owe them our unwavering commitment to provide all the means necessary to carry out the mission before them. Madam Speaker, I support this resolution before us because it contains three important components: First, it ensures that we have first exhausted all diplomatic efforts. Second, it authorizes the use of force once those efforts have been exhausted. And, third, it requires the administration to work with the Congress so that we can make sure that our troops are in the best position possible to do the job they are called to do. Our military is the most highly trained and well-equipped fighting force in world, and we owe each and every American serviceman and woman the thanks and prayers of a grateful Nation. May God bless our Armed Forces and all those who seek to protect the precious freedoms that so many have fought for throughout the history of this Nation, and may God grant us the wisdom and the will to stand firm for the blessings of freedom wherever duty may call.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to acknowledge the Women's United Soccer Association's (WUSA) Carolina Courage. On August 24, 2002, the Carolina Courage defeated the Washington Freedom to claim their first WUSA Championship and the Founders Cup. From their modest beginnings only two short years ago, the WUSA has become one of the catalysts in increasing both interest and participation in soccer for young girls. While soccer remains the most popular sport worldwide, the teams comprising the WUSA have provided young girls with a group of positive, female role models. In these two short years, the Carolina Courage has cultivated a fan base throughout the State of North Carolina. The women who make up this remarkable team hail from all over the world, and they have united together to form one of the most explosive and entertaining professional teams in the United States. These women work tirelessly to improve their soccer skills and to improve their communities. My fellow colleagues, please join me in saluting the 2002 Carolina Courage for their efforts. May God's blessings be not only upon this great team, but also upon all of those teams within the WUSA which are setting positive examples for our young people across America.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today and honor Dr. James R. Leutze, Chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. In June of 2003, Chancellor Leutze will retire after serving the University for twelve years. James Leutze brought growth and prosperity to the Wilmington campus. He made a good university great. During Chancellor Leutze's tenure, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington has seen increases in admissions standards, the overall student body, and the average grade point average. His focus on educational growth has led to the University achieving several high national rankings. These include the U.S. News and World Report's top ten regional undergraduate public universities in the South for two years in a row and recognition by The Gourman Report as having one of the top five marine biology programs in the nation. Furthermore, from his distinguished position, Chancellor Leutze has successfully raised awareness about environmental and growth concerns in the Southeast. Chancellor Leutze championed the UNCW Marine Biology program, which now ranks among the nation's best programs. Moreover, Chancellor Leutze was instrumental in ensuring the construction of Aquarius, an underwater laboratory in Key Largo, Florida where students and faculty conduct extensive research regarding our oceans. In addition to his hard work on the undergraduate level, Chancellor Leutze is responsible for obtaining the approval to offer a doctorate program in marine biology, which remains the University's only Ph.D. program. Chancellor Leutze was also dedicated to ensuring that all communities had access to the latest technological advances, especially the Internet. Chancellor Leutze helped pave the way for the Information Superhighway through southeastern North Carolina via his work in the development of two regional technology initiatives, as well as UNCW's Global Virtual University. His dedication to technology was acknowledged, as Chancellor Leutze was appointed Chairman of the Rural Internet Access Authority by the Governor of North Carolina. In addition to this esteemed honor, Chancellor Leutze also served on the North Carolina Progress Board, the Government Performance Audit Committee, and the Commission for a Competitive North Carolina. Chancellor Leutze has earned the respect of the administration, the faculty, and the students for his dedication to ensuring that the University of North Carolina at Wilmington will continue to grow and thrive for years to come. We owe Chancellor James R. Leutze our sincere appreciation for his lifelong commitment to education as evidenced by his work as a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, president at Hampton Sydney College, and chancellor at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. And I thank Dr. Leutze for his inspiration to me when he was my American History professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill when I was an undergraduate there. May God bless him and his family, and may God bless the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Rebekah Revels who was recently crowned Miss North Carolina 2002. A native of St. Pauls in my home county of Robeson and a teacher at my alma mater, Lumberton Senior High School, Rebekah's recent accomplishment is a source of immense pride throughout our county and all of southeastern North Carolina. The American historian, James Truslow Adams, once said, ``Seek out that particular mental attribute which makes you feel most deeply and vitally alive, along with which comes the inner voice which says, `This is the real me,' and when you have found that attitude, follow it.'' With dedication and determination, Rebekah has followed her heart and mind and become Miss North Carolina 2002. Rebakah is a woman of dedication who does not rest on her laurels. Having held the past titles of Junior Miss Lumbee, Miss Lumbee, Miss University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Miss St. Pauls and Miss Fayetteville, Rebekah has kept the fire and energy alive to reach her dream of Miss North Carolina. She is a woman of dedication who provides a positive example for all to follow. Rebekah is a very determined young woman. She set the goal of becoming Miss North Carolina and worked tirelessly to achieve this high distinction. She now will use this same drive and determination to inform people all across North Carolina of the devastating effects of Alzheimer's disease. Rebekah, thank you for your dedication and your determination. We wish you continued success, and may God's strength, peace and joy be with you as you begin your reign as Miss North Carolina 2002 and as you compete for the title of Miss America.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today and honor Colonel James W. DeLony of the United States Army Corps of Engineers. On June 13, 2002, Colonel DeLony retired after serving the people of this great nation for over twenty-eight years. James DeLony was a decorated officer, who spent his career ensuring that the freedoms the United States holds dear are protected. Throughout his illustrious career, Colonel DeLony was honored with the Legion of Merit Award, Bronze Star Medal, five Meritorious Service Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Saudi Arabia/Kuwait Liberation Medal, two Humanitarian Service Awards, Senior Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and the Ranger Tab. As Commander of the Wilmington District United States Army Corps of Engineers, Colonel DeLony continued to serve the people by managing many civil works projects in southeastern North Carolina. Without the dedication and determination of Colonel DeLony, many of these projects would not have been possible. From the Wilmington Port to the Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender County beaches, his commitment has been unwavering and steadfast. We owe Colonel James W. DeLony our sincere appreciation for his twenty-eight years of committed service to our nation. His devotion to the people of the United States should serve as an example to us all. May God bless him and his family, and may God bless this great nation.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, May 22, 2002, 1 was unavoidably absent for rollcall votes 195 and 196. Had I been present I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote 195 and ``no'' on rollcall vote 196. Additionally, on Thursday, May 24 and Friday, May 25, 2002, 1 was unavoidable absent for rollcall votes 199 through 206, in order to attend my son's high school graduation ceremony. Had I been present I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall 199, ``yea'' on rollcall 200, ``yea'' on rollcall 201, ``yea'' on rollcall 202, ``no'' on rollcall 203, ``no'' on rollcall 204, ``yea'' on rollcall 205, and ``yea'' on rollcall 206.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, May 14, 2002, I was unavoidably absent for rollcall votes 159 through 161 due to an academic awards ceremony involving my son. Had I been present I would have voted `yea' on rollcall vote 159, `yea' on rollcall vote 160, and `yea' rollcall vote 161.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and pay tribute to the man who just delivered our invocation, Samuel P. Warner, my pastor and my friend, from Lumberton, North Carolina. Sam Warner is a man of character, courage and commitment. His character is that of unblemished integrity, always holding fast to those truths of love, loyalty, self-sacrifice and service in both his personal and professional life. His courage is shown by his willingness to change traditions when they become too routine and to challenge us all to become and to do not that which is merely convenient or comfortable, but rather what God calls us to become. His taking stands for righteousness and truth in a world of corrupting influences and compromising attitudes is his hallmark of courageous leadership. His commitment is unfailing and unselfish. With compassion, patience, empathy and understanding, Sam Warner has helped innumerable individuals rebuild their lives, restore their confidence and renew their hope. He works constantly for the betterment not only of himself and his church, but also for his community and his society as well. A graduate of both Duke University and Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, Sam Warner is also a devoted husband, and today we have with us his wife, Mary. He is also a devoted father, and we have his children, Grace and Jay, all of whom are with us in the gallery with my wife, Dee. It is with great honor that I recognize this man of God, Pastor Samuel P. Warner of the First Presbyterian Church of Lumberton, North Carolina, and his exemplary life, that you have seen a part of today, his character, his courage and his commitment.