Mike McIntyre

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, what a blessing it has been to serve in the United States Congress! Indeed, it has been a dream come true--an opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of the people back home and the communities in which we live, work, worship, retire, and play. Over the course of 18 years in Congress, we have been blessed to have accomplished a great deal together with the citizens of the Seventh Congressional District. This job could not have been done without the people, purpose, and partnerships that have been integral to our work. Indeed, none of this would have been possible without the strong support of my family--my wonderfully amazing, astute and astounding wife Dee, without whose wisdom, counsel, inspiration, analysis, steadfast partnership, and love I would have never been able to run-- much less survived--in public service; and my two sons, Joshua and Stephen, whose imagination, intelligence, and insight, as well as their proclivity for the pragmatic, practical, and positive aspects of politics and public service (not to mention patience with having to eat a lot of barbecue and chicken bog!) always kept our serious perspective for the future balanced with laughter and common sense. And I would like to extend a personal token of my appreciation to my wonderful staff throughout these years. These individuals have graciously given their very best in the service of their country and our district, and I am grateful for their work and their friendship. Indeed, through teamwork and loyalty, they have demonstrated what it truly means to answer the high calling of public service. I owe a special thanks to my colleagues here in Congress who have worked diligently with us, reaching across the aisle to find real solutions to our nation's greatest challenges and to help our great state to prosper. It has been a blessing to serve alongside these men and women who have devoted their lives to public service. Thank you especially to my friends in the Congressional Prayer Caucus and in the Congressional Prayer Breakfast for the friendships that have transcended party labels and focused on answering the call that the good Lord has laid upon our hearts to help the people back home and across the nation. Second, it has been the purpose which has guided our actions: My favorite Old Testament verse is from the Book of Proverbs (29:18 a): ``Where there is no vision, the people perish.'' During my 18 years here, we have sought to pursue a vision that offers hope to others and a bright future for our next generation. It was in June of 1973, as rising high school senior, that I attended a student leadership seminar, the Washington Workshops Congressional Seminar. I had just visited my then-freshman Congressman, Charlie Rose, and I meandered over to the Senate side to find the senior Senator for North Carolina, a white-haired gentleman who quoted Scripture as an old country lawyer, Sam Ervin, Jr. He was conducting something called the ``Watergate hearings.'' All three national TV networks were there. I waited in line and stood in the back of the hearing room on the day that John Dean began his testimony, which was the beginning of the end of the Nixon White House--a day I'll never forget. I went home for my senior year of high school and came back to DC the next summer, 1974, as an intern for my Congressman. That was the summer that Nixon resigned. I decided to major in political science as I headed off to the University of North Carolina that August, thinking that, ``maybe someday I'll get to come back to this place.'' And 22 years later, that dream came true. ``How could you be interested in politics?'' everyone asked. ``It's so dirty, so corrupt,'' they said. I gave them the same answer then that I gave people when I first ran 18 years ago, that I still give today: ``If all the people with the right motives stay out of politics, then who's left to run our government?'' ``If we who are serious about our faith and our vision don't become involved, then by definition, there is going to be a void.'' We should remember that so many times the world says, ``you must be successful,'' but the key to success is first being faithful. We must be faithful to our calling--answering the call that God has laid upon our hearts. ``He who is faithful in little will be faithful in much.'' If we are faithful in the opportunities we have, then God will grant success in His timing; after all, isn't that what really counts--how we are using our time during the time we have on this earth? Third, it has been the partnerships: In eastern North Carolina, we have demonstrated that public service is a partnership between constituents and the representative they entrust to speak on their behalf. For us, this steadfast partnership has been forged by putting policy over politics, issues over ideology, dialogue over dollars, and cooperation over campaigning. This partnership has transcended politics and allowed us to accomplish monumental tasks, such as quadrupling the number of veterans' clinics in our area, passing the tobacco buyout, expanding our military bases, establishing an economic commission to promote jobs and fight poverty--and ensuring that the North Carolina coast will continue to be an economic engine and environmental treasure. We also have built new fire and police stations, town halls, and workforce development centers; opened new farmers' markets and senior centers; improved airports and the Wilmington Port; and expanded educational and recreational opportunities for our children and youth. We have helped thousands of constituents from all walks of life in ways that have significantly impacted their lives. None of this could have been accomplished without the strong commitment of my family, the hard work of my staff, and--especially--the willingness of people throughout our region to put partisanship aside and work together to get things done for the betterment of eastern North Carolina. Indeed, I am grateful to all of the Democrats, Republicans, and Independents with whom we have successfully worked through nine general elections over 18 years. People, purpose, partnerships: if we all remember these three ingredients and remain faithful to our calling, then we will have the recipe for success. I close with the words of Adlai Stevenson, former UN Ambassador and Presidential candidate whom I quoted on the night of my first election in 1996, and which are a reminder of what has been a solemn and exciting duty: ``Trust the people, trust their good sense, their decency . . . their faith. Trust them with the facts. Trust them with the great decisions. And fix as our guiding star the passion to create a society . . . where no American is held down by race or color, by worldly condition or social status, from gaining what his character earns him as an American citizen, as a human being and as a child of God.'' May God grant us the wisdom and the will to find the way to be moving always to an even better and brighter day. And by His grace, we will!

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Marie E. Thompson, Audrey B. Lesesne, and William J. ``Billy'' Barker, my most senior staff, for their steadfast service, longevity of commitment and passionate performance in serving the constituents of the Seventh Congressional District of North Carolina. These individuals have served faithfully with me throughout my entire Congressional career, and their exemplary service has truly made a difference in the many lives which they have impacted by their professional, prompt, and persistent service. Marie Thompson's work on constituent services is unparalleled and has inspired other Congressional Offices to emulate her distinguished service. Audrey Lesense's mastery of multiple responsibilities, sharp insight, and valuable institutional knowledge have been greatly admired. Billy Barker's practical working knowledge and unfailing work ethic have been integral to the respect he has earned throughout our district by citizens everywhere. These three individuals have proudly and graciously given their very best in the service of their country and our district, and I am grateful for their work and their friendship. Indeed, they--along with the many others who have served in our Congressional office over these past 18 years--have proven that teamwork and loyalty demonstrate the true dedication and determination they possess and the devotion to the people that they have given. May God bless them and all of our staff, both past and present, for their strong, distinguished service to the people with purpose and passion--and for which our country, the people of our district, and I will forever be grateful.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Major Kevin Tann, United States Army, for his extraordinary dedication to duty and service to the United States of America. Major Tann will be moving on from his current assignment as an Army Congressional Liaison for the House of Representatives to Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Army Congressional Liaisons provide an invaluable service to both the Military and Congress. They assist Members and staff in understanding the Army's policies, actions, operations, and requirements. Their first hand knowledge of military needs, culture, and tradition is a tremendous benefit to Congressional Staff. A native of North Carolina, Major Tann graduated from Florida International University in 1999 and was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the Army's Aviation Branch. He has served in a variety of assignments including service in Alabama, Texas, South Carolina, and the Pentagon. Major Tann was selected for the highly competitive Congressional Fellowship Program and has participated in multiple combat tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Major Tann's military awards include the Army Aviator and Parachutist Badges and Bronze Star Medal, as well as the Iraq Campaign Medal. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Florida International University; a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Florida International University; and, a Master of Political Science from George Washington University. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the selfless service of Major Tann as he proceeds to the next chapter in his remarkable career and continues to serve our great Nation. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I join my colleagues in recognizing and commending Major Tann for his dedicated service to our Country. For all he and his family have given and continue to give to our Country, we are in their debt. We wish him, his wife Joi, and his son Kevin, all the best as they continue their journey in the United States Army.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Horace E. Stacy, Jr., of Lumberton, North Carolina, for his commitment and service to his community, state, and nation. Mr. Stacy is a veteran, public servant, community leader, honorable attorney, devoted family man, and he has been both a mentor to me and a dear friend to my family. I ask you to join me in recognizing his long and honorable career. As Helen Sharpe and Bob Horne note in their article in The Robesonian, Horace was born to Horace and Lillian Stacy in my hometown of Lumberton, North Carolina, on September 14, 1929. Horace attended Lumberton High School where he started at offensive and defensive left guard on the football team. After graduation from Lumberton High in 1946, Horace began college at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He graduated in 1950 with an English degree after being inducted into the Order of the Golden Fleece, UNC's most selective honor society. Horace went on to begin law school at UNC shortly after the Korean War started and after only one semester enlisted in the U.S. Air Force to serve his country. He attended the Air Force language school at Syracuse University for one year, where he learned to read, write, and speak Russian. While stationed in Germany during the Cold War he was a member of a security squadron monitoring Russian aircraft. Horace returned to law school at UNC in 1954 and graduated in 1956. He was on the staff of The North Carolina Law Review and President of Phi Alpha Delta, a law school service and social fraternity. During his final year of law school he met Miss Joan Purser, whom he would go on to marry in 1957. Horace joined McLean & Stacy law firm, where I would later practice early in my own legal career under his kind and knowledgeable mentorship. A brilliant jurist, Horace became a prominent attorney in general practice, both criminal and civil. He also became a distinguished civic leader. In 1964, the Mayor and Lumberton City Council appointed him to chair the first Tri-Racial Committee to help prepare for the pending enactment of the Civil Rights Act. Notably, Horace has been an effective advocate for our state and local libraries. He served as President of Friends of the Robeson County Public Library, has been a library trustee since 1998 and was honored as the Public Library Trustee of the Year in our state in 2010. In 2004, North Carolina Governor Mike Easley appointed Horace to be a member of the State Library Commission of North Carolina, which he would chair for two years. The State Library is the main depository for North Carolina state publications and provides state government agencies with information critical to the formation of public policy. Horace served as President of the Robeson County Bar Association in 1970. He was a member of the state Board of Law Examiners for 23 years and Chairman for five years. He served on numerous committees of the North Carolina Bar Association and in 2002 was inducted into the General Practice Hall of Fame. Ever a Tar Heel at heart, Horace also served as District Chairman of the Morehead Scholarship Selection Committee. Driven by love for his community and its people, Horace served as President of the Lumberton Jaycees in 1964 and 1965, and also chaired the Southeastern Regional Medical Center Foundation from 1998 to 2000. In 2005, he was instrumental in the founding of the Robeson County Community Foundation, which raises money and awards grants to nonprofit organizations. Horace's tireless service to his community through these and other leadership roles has resulted in his being revered as ``the Dean of Lumberton.'' Appropriately, he was selected to speak on behalf of Lumberton when the city won the All-America City Award in 1970. A true brother in Christ, Horace has held several offices in Trinity Episcopal Church and served as chancellor of the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina from 1970 to 1980. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the service, goodness, humility, and character that defines Horace E. Stacy, Jr. His life has created a legacy of civic service that will benefit the citizens of Robeson County and North Carolina for years to come. His personal mentorship and friendship has been a blessing to my family and me, but we are not alone. Horace Stacy gives of himself freely and inspires goodness in all who know him. May God bestow His richest blessings upon Horace and Joan Stacy, their three children, Robin, Jody and Mark, and their six grandsons.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by thanking my good friend from Virginia, Subcommittee Chairman Randy Forbes. He has not only been an exceptional partner on this subcommittee but, more importantly, has been a dear friend throughout my entire time in Congress, and he has been an exceptional leader also of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, with whom I have enjoyed serving as cochairman. I know that the gentleman from Virginia will continue the great tradition of bipartisanship on this subcommittee, and I wish him, as well as those with whom we have served on our great subcommittee, the best in the future as they continue to serve our men and women in uniform. This bill contains $15.65 billion for shipbuilding that will authorize two Virginia class submarines, two Arleigh Burke class destroyers, three Littoral Combat Ships, and provides an additional $800 million for a twelfth San Antonio class amphibious ship. This bill also reaffirms Congress' support of an 11-ship aircraft carrier fleet, with the addition of nearly $800 million for the refueling and overhaul of the USS George Washington, something that I know Chairman Forbes and I share a passion about. These ships are critical to the United States' ability to project power and presence anywhere in the world. This bill, Mr. Speaker, continues the long tradition of bipartisan support for our troops, for which this committee is known. I am very humbled and honored to have been able to serve on this important committee for our Nation's security, and I want to thank the colleagues that I have served with over these last 18 years. Mr. Speaker, I also thank Chairman McKeon and Ranking Member Adam Smith, my classmate, for their steady leadership throughout this process. Both of these gentlemen have been great partners, and without them, we would not be here now to vote on this bill. It has, indeed, been a privilege to serve with them, to serve with the committee members, and, most importantly, to serve our great men and women in uniform who serve all of us throughout this country and, indeed, around the world. I strongly urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill. May God's blessings be with those who serve our country and continue to stand night and day for our freedom. Let's show them our support. Let's support this bill and get it done today. God bless all of them, and God bless our Nation.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Thank you, Howard, for your spirit, service, and standard of statesmanship. Howard and I have had a spirit of friendship that has been something we have always enjoyed together here on the floor. He has often asked me about what the latest score was or when the next game is that our beloved Tar Heels were playing in any sport--not just football and basketball but baseball and many other sports the team engages in. But our spirit has gone even beyond that great school spirit and congressional spirit that we share to the spirit we have shared in our Lord and how God has touched our lives, and the fellowship together that we have had right across the hall in the Congressional Prayer Caucus and even on the steps of the Capitol here one evening several years ago. I am sure you remember that we shared that together, Howard. Second is his service. In addition to his spirit of friendship and friendliness to so many people and the spirit that we have shared in our Lord is his longevity of service that he has given. But it hasn't just been mundane or in-and-out service. It has been a service done with life, laughter, and with latitude. He has life in what he does. He always shares a smile and makes you laugh and not take things so seriously that you can't enjoy what you are doing. We all should be able to enjoy this great opportunity of service. He also takes the latitude to spend time with you and the latitude to literally work across the aisle, as symbolized by the comments you have already heard tonight and the friendships that he has across the aisle. Third, with that spirit and service is also his standard of statesmanship. Howard, I think about when we flew together with the Commandant of the Coast Guard. You being a Coastie yourself, we often talked about the importance of the Coast Guard and how we know it serves us well in North Carolina and nationwide. We flew down with the Commandant on his plane, and Howard came down to my district to honor Wilmington as the Nation's first Coast Guard city on the east coast. We shared that time together. He was that kind of person that would travel and spend time with you. And whether it was on the coast in Wilmington or whether it was on the pitching mound together, as he and I and Representatives Foxx and Price shared at our alma mater, UNC Chapel Hill, just this past spring, he knew always how to show that friendship and to show that standard of statesmanship in every situation. Thank you, Howard, for always bringing people together. With your disarming smile and your friendship you have shown what exemplary statesmanship is all about. You have shown that spirit of fellowship and friendship. You have given that longevity of service. Most of all, you have shown that standard of statesmanship to which we all should ascribe. God bless you, my friend, my Christian brother, and my fellow Tar Heel. Thank you so much.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, the Friends of Scotland Caucus was founded to honor the spirit of freedom and the bonds of friendship, prosperity, and culture which our two great nations cherish and respect. It is in that spirit that I have joined my fellow Co-Chairman of the Friends of Scotland Congressional Caucus, Rep. John J. Duncan, in introducing H. Res. 724. This resolution voices the support of the U.S. House of Representatives for the peaceful, inclusive, and democratic way in which the Independence Referendum is taking place. Indeed, the future of Scotland must be determined by the People of Scotland, and we should support that effort.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Chair, during rollcall vote No. 487 on September 9, 2014, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Chair, during rollcall vote No. 486 on September 9, 2014, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' Amendment No. 3 Offered by Mr. Bishop of New York

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 485 on September 9, 2014, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Chair, during rollcall vote No. 238, Blumenauer Amendment No. 24 to H.R. 4435, I mistakenly recorded my vote as ``no'' when I should have voted ``yes.''

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Chairman, the Seapower and Projection Forces portion of this bill continues this subcommittee's tradition of strong bipartisan support for our men and women in uniform. I would like to thank Subcommittee Chairman Forbes for working together in such an open and bipartisan manner. This is a good bill. This is an extremely challenging time, we know, for the Department of Defense, given the fiscal constraints that it is being required to operate under. With this bill, the Armed Services Committee has attempted to strike the difficult balance of providing for the current force while also looking forward to the requirements of the future force. I am pleased in particular this bill includes provisions that restore funding for the refueling and complex overhaul of the USS George Washington, which is the first step needed to ensure we maintain the requirement of 11 aircraft carriers. This bill also authorizes two Virginia class submarines, two Arleigh Burke destroyers, and an additional 96 Tomahawk missiles. This bill creates a national sea-based deterrence fund that is designed to provide the Navy with some flexibility when it begins construction of the Ohio class replacement submarine. With this being my last defense bill before retiring at the end of this term, I want to thank my good friend Randy Forbes for his leadership as chairman of the subcommittee and his friendship through the years. I also want to thank my friend and my classmate, Adam Smith, for his great leadership, and our gracious chairman, Buck McKeon, for the leadership that he has given our committee overall and for his friendship as well. I wish him well on his retirement. I am glad that all of these gentleman that I have named and those that I have served with on the subcommittee and the full committee have together shared that position for making sure we do right by our men and women in uniform. With that, Mr. Speaker, I support the passage of this defense bill. I urge other Members here in the Congress to do the same. I pray God's blessings be upon all of those who serve and will benefit from this bill.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as cochairman of the Congressional Prayer Caucus in recognition and celebration of the annual observance of the National Day of Prayer. Each year, we take this opportunity to pause from the hurried pace of our daily lives to reaffirm our Nation's rich spiritual heritage and our commitment to maintaining and strengthening our great country's religious freedom. Throughout more than 200 years of our Nation's history, faith, prayer, and trust in God have played a vital role in strengthening the fabric of our society. From the dawn of our country, when the first national call to prayer was issued, to that day on April 17, 1952, when President Harry Truman made the annual National Day of Prayer a permanent fixture, to this upcoming Thursday, when we will celebrate the 63rd annual National Day of Prayer in the Cannon Caucus Room right here on Capitol Hill, we have continued to turn to prayer as a guiding compass as we seek God's guidance and wisdom and healing balm for our land. It is from these historic underpinnings that our Nation has grown and thrived. We stand here today on the shoulders of those Americans who have boldly fought for our rights to be able to assemble, to be able to speak out, and to be able to worship freely. One of our great opportunities as Americans is to be able to come together and say we want to be able to ask God for his blessings and his help upon our Nation so we indeed can be one Nation under God, as we say in our Pledge of Allegiance, and also a Nation that honors our national motto, which is not ``e pluribus unum,'' as some have mistakenly thought, but which is, ``In God We Trust.'' In fact, for all Members of Congress that would like, we have plaques being made and distributed that say, ``In God We Trust,'' just to reaffirm our national motto. That is why I have joined with my friend and cochairman of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, Congressman Randy Forbes of Virginia, to introduce a bipartisan resolution, H. Res. 547. I hope all of our Members listening today will join us in supporting the National Day of Prayer and urging all Americans to come together to pray and reaffirm the importance that prayer has played in our national heritage. We hear so much today about partisanship and bickering and asking why don't people get along. The one thing that I share back home, Mr. Speaker, which usually surprises people, is there is one group on Capitol Hill where all those labels are put to the side, and that happens every Monday night or Tuesday night, depending on the night we go into session, right across the hall in room 219, where there is no agenda except to pray and ask God for wisdom, like Solomon of the Old Testament. So my hope is that as many Members and your staff--you will allow your staff to join us this Thursday morning to come together as we celebrate the National Day of Prayer. Indeed, Mr. Speaker, the true source of power is not found here in the Halls of Congress or in the Oval Office in the West Wing or in the chambers of the Supreme Court. The true source of power is found on our knees before the throne of grace, before almighty God. It is in that spirit that I rise today to reaffirm this celebration of prayer in our Nation's history for the past, the present, and, God willing, the future. Indeed, the power of prayer knows no bounds. May we be a Nation that does stand for our motto, ``In God We Trust.'' Indeed, we pray, may God bless America.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to rise today to pay tribute to North Carolina's Seventh Congressional District as home to recipients of the Purple Heart. So many of its residents have honorably served our nation in its times of need--all gave some and some gave all. As a reflection of Eastern North Carolina's pivotal role in war efforts past and present, and the deep personal sacrifice of so many of its residents, I stand to proclaim that North Carolina's Seventh Congressional District should be recognized as a ``Purple Heart District.'' As you know, The Purple Heart is one of the oldest and most recognized American military medals, awarded to service members who were killed or wounded by enemy action. In 1782, George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit to reward ``any singularly Meritorious action'' displayed by a soldier, non-commissioned officer, or officer in the Continental Army. This award was intended to encourage gallantry and fidelity among soldiers. General Douglas MacArthur (then Army Chief of Staff) revived the award on February 22, 1932, the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. Since its inception and through several wars and conflicts, the Purple Heart has been given to more than a million wounded or killed while serving our nation. North Carolina is home to the third largest military population in the United States. Because of its unique location between Fort Bragg, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, and Air Force Base Seymour Johnson, North Carolina's Seventh Congressional District is simply an exploding center for military life. It is estimated that there are over 50,000 Purple Heart recipients currently living in our great state, and a large percentage of these valiant men and women reside in the district I am honored to represent. Mr. Speaker, Eastern North Carolina has dispatched thousands of its sons and daughters to fight the enemy; many have sacrificed their health and many have sacrificed their lives. We will never forget these sacrifices and are grateful for the valiant men and women who have been harmed defending our country and our freedom. I ask that my colleagues to join me in recognition and appreciation of Eastern North Carolina's Purple Heart recipients past and present. Now, in the spirit of that appreciation, let it be known that North Carolina's Seventh Congressional District should be recognized as a ``Purple Heart District.''

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 131 I was unavoidably detained at the physician's office. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 115, 116, 117, I was unavoidably detained because of airplane mechanical issues on my return trip to Washington. Had I been present I would have voted ``yes'' on each of these suspension votes.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a truly outstanding North Carolinian, Mrs. Barbara Featherson, who has served the Social Security Agency in Whiteville, North Carolina, for forty years. Mrs. Featherson's service began in 1974, when she was hired for a part-time administrative position. Consistent hard work and dedication earned her the position of District Manager, and she has worked every day to provide peace of mind to North Carolinians as they prepare to retire. She has committed herself to bettering her community, and I ask you to Mrs. Featherson's enduring commitment to her community makes her an exemplary public servant, and her accomplishments will continue to benefit North Carolina for many years to come. As her time as District Manager comes to a close, let us honor Mrs. Barbara Featherson's long and honorable career and pray that she may receive God's richest blessings.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this farm bill. This is a strong, reform-minded bill with bipartisan support. It will grow our economy, create jobs, provide certainty, reduce our deficit, and save the American taxpayers $16 billion. The bill reforms the farm safety net, strengthening crop insurance and commodity programs. These risk management tools assure farmers that help is there when they need it. The bill also encourages conservation and develops export markets to help our farmers sell their products worldwide. Rural communities depend on the farm bill too. Through critical rural development programs, small towns can build hospitals, schools, fire departments, and police departments. This bill helps create jobs and economic development. Water and wastewater programs, the most basic of public services that allow industries to come to rural areas, give access to healthy drinking water, and sanitary sewers, are part of this as well. This bill has important tools for new farmers, and I can tell you, as one in the State of North Carolina, where one out of every five jobs are dependent upon agriculture or agri-related business, this bill is about jobs and our economy and ways that it helps States throughout America. There is still some work to do, like bringing Country of Origin Labeling rules into compliance with WTO and reducing the GIPSA rules. However, our farmers, their families, and small towns all across America have waited too long for a new farm bill. Our citizens in rural America are taxpayers just as much as those who live in urban and suburban areas. They deserve the respect of this Congress. They deserve a farm bill that works for our citizens who live in rural areas. They deserve the passage of this bill. We all as Americans enjoy our wonderful supply of food and fiber that the good Lord has blessed us with and that our farmers work so hard to supply. We ought to work with our farmers and with agriculture and have a strong farm bill that our citizens in all of America deserve to have passed.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Sergeant Chris Bohler of Willow Spring, North Carolina, who gave his life while defending our Nation on December 17, 2013, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Sergeant Bohler was one of six U.S. servicemembers killed when a helicopter crashed in Zabul Province, Afghanistan. He shall be remembered by all those whose lives he touched as the finest example of altruism, integrity, and patriotism. His life and his sacrifice merit our utmost respect and gratitude. Chris came from a long line of soldiers. His great-grandfather served in Europe during World War I. One of his grandfathers enlisted in the Army during World War II, and a great-uncle enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War. His father also served in the Army. Chris graduated from South Johnston High School in Four Oaks in 2003 and went on to attend Johnston Community College, where he was admired as a man with high aspirations and the tenacity to achieve his goals. Eager to protect his country, he joined the Army in 2007, and was assigned to B Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Infantry Division in Fort Riley, Kansas. Chris was a humble hero that lived his life the best way he knew how--by serving others. Chris was serving our country dutifully when his life was taken. He will be missed by his family and friends. He was the son of Deborah and Pete Bohler and the oldest of three children. Although he is now gone, his courage will continue to be an inspiration to us all. He shall be remembered as the finest example of bravery, honor, and public service. May God comfort his family, and may we always remember the life of Sergeant Chris Bohler.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my strong and heartfelt appreciation of Mr. Dean Maxwell Mitchell, who has served as my Chief of Staff and Press Secretary since I was first sworn in to Congress in 1997. As he prepares to retire from more than seventeen years of service to my staff and me to the State of North Carolina, and to our nation, it is only appropriate that he be honored today. A native of Quitman, Georgia, Dean graduated from the University of Georgia in 1986. He moved to Washington, D.C. and worked for U.S. Representative Charles Hatcher for eight years, during which time he rose from Staff Assistant to Legislative Assistant to Legislative Director, and ultimately served as his Chief of Staff. Before joining my office, he also worked as a Government Affairs Representative at King & Spalding Law Firm. Upon my election to Congress in 1996, I knew I wanted to select an ethical, effective, intelligent Chief of Staff and Press Secretary who would serve the people of Eastern North Carolina with honor and kindness. Not only did I find those qualities in Dean, but I also found a friend and brother in Christ whom I have not only depended upon, but also admired. For the past seventeen years, Dean has served as Chief of Staff and Press Secretary in my Washington office, which serves North Carolina's Seventh Congressional District. In his two critical roles, Dean has acted as my chief advisor on policy, communications, political matters, budget, and personnel; he has successfully managed the day-to-day operations of five congressional offices and twenty-one employees; he has instituted a number of effective outreach initiatives to assist constituents; he has supported our democracy by keeping the people of Eastern North Carolina informed about the work we do on their behalf. Not only this, but he has personally helped thousands of residents of the Seventh District with a wide range of requests, from the simple to the complex. On countless occasions, he has gone far beyond the obligations of duty for our constituents and staff. Over the course of seventeen years, Dean has held his position of leadership with integrity, grace, and a spirit of giving. He has demonstrated an enduring and enthusiastic dedication to public service that makes him worthy of this recognition. Mr. Speaker, as Dean Mitchell's service to the Seventh Congressional District comes to a close, I ask you to join me in applauding his hard work and unwavering leadership. May God's blessings always be upon him and his dear wife, Maggie, as well as his sons, Campbell, Henry, and Porter.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a truly outstanding doctor, loving father, and exceptional North Carolinian, Dr. David Lee Simel of Durham. Dr. Simel was raised in Greensboro before attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After graduation, he completed medical school and an internal medicine residency at Duke University. He is now a professor of medicine and vice chair for veterans affairs at Duke. And he has dedicated himself wholly to our veterans, serving them across our great State of North Carolina. The influential book of which he was coauthor, ``The Rational Clinical Exam,'' is a comprehensive guide for patient exams and has become a powerful reference tool for those in the field of medicine. Dr. Simel's enduring commitment to his family, his students, his patients, and to our veterans make him an exemplary citizen. His passion for medicine and improving the health of others will continue to benefit our veterans and North Carolinians for years to come. Indeed, we should honor those who serve our veterans and set an example, like Dr. Simel has done. And we also honor him for his intelligence, compassion, and selfless dedication. We pray that he and his family will receive God's richest blessings, and we are thankful for role models like Dr. Simel, who serves those who served our country.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a truly outstanding doctor, a loving father, and an exceptional North Carolinian, Dr. David Lee Simel, of Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Simel was raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, before attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After graduation, he completed medical school and an internal medicine residency at Duke University, and he has been an avid Blue Devils fan ever since. Dr. Simel is now a Professor of Medicine and also Vice-Chair for Veteran's Affairs at the prestigious Duke University School of Medicine. Dr. Simel has dedicated himself wholly to our veterans across North Carolina. I ask you to join me in recognizing his long and honorable career. Dr. Simel's hard work and leadership have been vital to the continued success of the Duke University School of Medicine. After being the Associate Chief of Staff of Ambulatory Care for the Department of Veterans Affairs, he was named the Vice-Chair for Veteran's Affairs in the Department of Medicine. Both of these honorable positions have given Dr. Simel the opportunity to serve those who have served us, and he does so with integrity and discipline. The influential book of which he was co-author, The Rational Clinical Exam, is a comprehensive guide for patient exams, and has become a powerful reference tool for those in the field of medicine. He has been the recipient of several honors throughout his career, including the Joseph Greenfield, Jr. Award for Research Mentorship from the Duke University Medicine Housestaff in 2011, accepted the Barnett Berris, MD Lectureship from the University of Toronto in 2006, and was inducted as a member of the medical society of high achievement, Alpha Omega Alpha, in 1985. Mr. Speaker, even as Dr. Simel has dedicated many years of his life to life-saving medical research and educating future physicians, he has managed to remain a devoted father and husband to his family. He and his wife, Dr. Joanne Piscitelli, have three accomplished children: Lauren, Michael, and Bryan. All of his children were active in soccer and basketball growing up, and Dr. Simel rarely missed a game. They maintain a strong tradition of an annual family trip to Hilton Head, South Carolina, during the summer during which the entire family participates in baseball games and sandcastle building competitions. Dr. Simel and his wife also share a passion for bike riding that has taken them around the world. Together they have visited Tuscany, the Canadian Rockies, Patagonia, Vermont, and Slovenia, with Argentina and Nova Scotia planned for later this year. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Simel's enduring commitment to his family, his students, his patients, and our veterans makes him an exemplary citizen, and someone that I am proud to know. His passion for medicine and improving the health of others will continue to benefit North Carolina for many years to come. Please join me in honoring Dr. David Simel for his intelligence, compassion, and selfless dedication. I pray that he and his family may receive God's richest blessings.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a truly outstanding North Carolinian, Will Crocker, who has served as the Clerk of Court for Johnston County, North Carolina, for almost thirty-five years. Mr. Crocker assumed his current post in 1978, but has been an outstanding public servant since 1959, when he first began working as a clerk for Selma Recorder Court. He has since dedicated himself wholly to bettering this great community, and I ask you to join me in recognizing his long and honorable career. Mr. Crocker's hard work and devotion have been vital to the continual development of Johnston County. Throughout Mr. Crocker's tenure, he has continuously held an open-door policy, and has committed himself to high ethical standards. Respected by all who know him, he has been the recipient of many awards and accolades recognizing his hard work and dedication to his job. After Hurricane Fran, the violent storm that devastated much of Eastern North Carolina in 1996, every government office in town was closed except one: the clerk's office. Mr. Speaker, Will Crocker has selflessly dedicated many years of his life to serving the citizens of Johnston County. His enduring commitment to his community makes him an exemplary public servant, and his accomplishments will continue to benefit Eastern North Carolina for many years to come. As his time as Clerk of Court comes to a close, let us honor Mr. Crocker and pray that both he and his family may receive God's richest blessings.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Hastings for this time. As the cochairman of the Congressional Waterways Caucus, I do support many of the provisions of this bill, but I am concerned that it has no language to reauthorize expiring coastal protection projects. Our beaches are the economic engines and environmental treasures that protect our coasts from storms and create jobs for our community. In fact, when you talk about return on tax dollars, the beaches can't be beat. For every $1 spent by the Federal Government on beach renourishment, $320 is returned in revenue. I know of no other Federal program that gives that kind of return. When we think about the inclusion of coastal renourishment projects, there are over 50 that will be expiring if this is not addressed. We have found at Carolina and Kure Beach in North Carolina, and as many of our colleagues all over the Nation have found, a few thousand dollars on the frontside saves millions of dollars on the backside after a vicious storm like Sandy, Katrina, Fran, or Hugo. The list goes on. It is imperative that the WRRDA language contain the reauthorization of these projects that are already in progress; otherwise, we lose these investments, and that is not a good use of taxpayer money. These are investments that ultimately create jobs and save money.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to speak on this most important subject of my hometown of Lumberton, North Carolina. Credit.com has used wrong figures and erroneously reported that Lumberton is the ``poorest city in America.'' I strongly urge that the facts be accurately presented and this report be corrected to reflect the current economic situation in Lumberton and Robeson County. Lumberton's economic, social, historical and cultural strides and values have been honored on the national and state levels. Twice Lumberton has been chosen as an All-America City because of its clear vision on promoting the positive attributes of diversity. Lumberton has been named a ``Main Street City'' on the state level, and its Downtown Historic District has been recognized on the national level. Its schools have produced leaders recognized on the national and state levels in areas such as business, banking, literature, athletics, government, law, military, education, religion, health care and the arts. With its strong sense of purpose, a community filled with people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and work, and its partnership of elected officials, community leaders, businesses, and economic development team, Lumberton will continue to march forward and meet the challenges of the day. However, Lumberton should not have one hand tied behind its back with this inaccurate report, and we urge an immediate correction in this economic indicator. Like many other small towns and communities, Lumberton has its challenges and obstacles to overcome, but the foundation on which this community was built is strong and solid. Indeed, Lumberton lives up to its motto of ``Progressus cum Concordia'' or ``Progress with Harmony''. Among the many positive economic, social, and geographic attributes Lumberton has includes: ideally situated on I-95 as the halfway point between New York and Miami; over 1600 rooms of hotels and suites; national and state historical attractions; numerous meeting and gathering facilities; a wide variety of restaurants and local entertainment establishments; a nationally-designated black water river voted as one of the top ten natural wonders in North Carolina; a multi- racial community and a workforce committed to helping others and building a better tomorrow; and a strong faith-based community with a broad range of places to worship and a diverse number of ministries, demonstrating positive values of service and commitment. Mr. Speaker, Lumberton and its elected officials, businesses, community leaders, economic development officials, and citizens are all dismayed at this recent inaccurate article and stand ready to showcase all the positives that Lumberton and Robeson County, North Carolina have to offer. We hope that everyone will come and visit and see first- hand the great people that live in Lumberton, the purpose in which they are committed to improving their city, and the partnerships they are willing to form to keep moving Lumberton forward. You will be glad you came.