Mike McIntyre

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I would ask that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume. I rise today in support of H. Res. 991 which recognizes the exceptional service of the 69th Infantry Regiment known as the Fighting 69th in support of the conflicts that they have been involved in around the world. The 69th Infantry Regiment has a proud and strong history dating back to 1851 when it was created as the 69th New York Militia. The regiment has an Irish heritage because at its inception it was made up entirely of Irish Americans. Not only is it to honor for their current contributions to this country, but also it is only fitting that with the approach of St. Patrick's Day this coming Monday, when we honor our country's Irish heritage, it is also equally important to recognize that based upon this unit's history and its Irish heritage that we recognize this unit at this time. This unit, while deployed to Iraq as Task Force Wolfhound, secured the infamous Route Irish, which was one of the most dangerous roads in Baghdad. With that said, the Fighting 69th has now served our Nation in five wars and in over 20 campaigns. They are made up of New Yorkers from Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island and Long Island. These servicemembers are a tremendous credit to themselves, to their country and their unit. Those individuals who have previously served in the Fighting 69th would be proud of those that are currently serving and who are now carrying the mantle and battle colors of one of the greatest regiments in American history. The actions of the Fighting 69th, both after 9/11, to include their assistance and recovery efforts of the World Trade Center in New York, and their deployment now to Iraq, show the tremendous service and sacrifices this regiment has made, and that these servicemembers have individually, and, of course, collectively given their country. When the call to serve and fight has come, the Fighting 69th continues to answer that call. I would like to thank my colleague and my friend and fellow member of the Blue Dog Coalition, Congressman Steve Israel of New York, who is a former member of the House Armed Services Committee and who now currently serves on the House Appropriations Committee and who was also a cochairman of both the Center Aisle Caucus and the Democrat Study Group on national security, for bringing this resolution to the floor at this time. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to my friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Israel).

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 953) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that all Americans should participate in a moment of silence to reflect upon the service and sacrifice of members of the United States Armed Forces both at home and abroad, and their families, as amended.

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight in support of H. Res. 953 honoring the service and sacrifice of the members of the United States Armed Forces, both at home and abroad, as well as their families. Every day we have servicemembers who volunteer to serve in harm's way. They have volunteered to serve our great country and protect its citizens from threats to liberty and our way of life. Indeed, by God's grace, our Nation now celebrates 232 years of freedom this year, and it is due to the service and sacrifices that have been made throughout our history by the men and women of this country who have served in its military. This evening, it is no different. Just like in the past when young men and women stepped forward to serve, they continue to do so. However, the difference now of course is our Nation is at war. And today, these men and women are joining the military knowing they will be headed overseas, knowing they will be put in harm's way, knowing that they will be sent away from their families and their loved ones and their communities. It takes tremendous courage, Mr. Speaker, and intestinal fortitude to come forward and wear the uniform, especially in today's environment where we are fighting conflicts literally all around the world. I have spent time with many of our men and women in uniform, both at home and abroad, in many different countries and on different continents, and I have seen it in their eyes and heard it from the deepest part of their hearts as they have expressed their commitment, as I have seen their courage, and I have understood their conviction to serve our country and to honor it, putting their very lives on the line. Their unselfish service and their sacrifice is quite evident. Whether it is our active duty personnel who have heard the call to duty or our Reserve component members who are our citizen soldiers who stand up to be counted to go out and serve and defend our values and freedom whenever called upon, we all are so appreciative of the service that our men and women in uniform give. And we realize it is not just the servicemembers themselves, but also their families who are making sacrifices. The parents, the spouses, the children who go many months, a year, and sometimes even longer without seeing their loved ones. It is they who are constantly concerned, and have to go about life here without their son or daughter or husband or wife or mother or father or brother or sister. It is they who also sacrifice for this great country by yielding up a family member to go and serve on behalf of all of us. Whether it is missing the birth of a child or the first steps of a newborn, whether it is watching their child in a baseball game, as we approach the spring of the year, or missing a birthday or an anniversary, these are times that we know our families always cherish and that families are sacrificing, to give up, in order to allow their loved ones to go and serve our country and protect all of our citizens so that all of us, from whatever background, whatever calling we may be answering in life, have the freedom to go about our daily lives and the businesses and other events in which we are involved. Our servicemembers are defending freedom and democracy around the world, and they are playing a vital role in protecting the safety and security of all Americans. This moment of silence this resolution puts forth will take place on March 26, 2008, to celebrate the National Support Our Troops Day. It is just a small way that we as Americans can all show our pride and thanks for the many sacrifices made by our servicemembers and their families both at home and abroad. Although words are not enough to show how truly grateful we are to these families and to those in harm's way, it is one way that we can say thank you. It is one way we can say Godspeed. It is one way that we can show that we are praying for their safety and for their guidance and their wisdom. I can tell you, as a member of the Armed Services Committee and as one who serves on the Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces and also on the Subcommittee on Terrorism, how indeed we truly do respect and are grateful for our troops and what they are doing. As one who also represents a district that is sandwiched between Fort Bragg and Camp Lejeune, which is the home of many Reservists as well as National Guardsmen, we are very, very grateful for the service of all of those who are going forth on behalf of our country. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, my thanks to Mr. Knollenberg for his gracious comments.

Mr. McINTYRE. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to join the 110th Congress in celebrating National Peace Corps Week from February 25 to March 3, 2008, as well as the upcoming 47th anniversary of the Peace Corps. As of September 30, 2007, over 8,000 Peace Corps volunteers are currently at 68 posts serving 74 countries, representing the largest number of Americans serving in the Peace Corps since 1970. Eleven Peace Corps volunteers from my district in southeastern North Carolina are currently serving in 11 nations. These North Carolinians continue to help countless individuals who want to build a better life for themselves, their children, and their communities through their work as Peace Corps volunteers. I am impressed with their passion and dedication as promoters of humanitarianism throughout the world. These individuals truly represent the kind and compassionate spirit of my district. Each Peace Corps volunteer sent out into the field represents an opportunity not only to make a significant and lasting difference but to foster a better understanding of Americans throughout the world. Madam Speaker, I stand today to honor the lasting legacy of all former and current Peace Corps volunteers and the important work that they do, especially as we celebrate National Peace Corps Week. I hope that each of the Members and all Americans can join to look back on the Peace Corps's honorable 46-year legacy of service at home and abroad as we also look forward to the continued success of this invaluable and effective American organization.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Roney Cheers of Shallotte, North Carolina, who recently passed away. The life of Mr. Cheers was diverse in experience and rich in success. The interests and endeavors of Mr. Cheers varied extensively. However, the common thread that wove all of his passions together was his devotion to and pride for his hometown of Shallotte. Mr. Cheers was elected mayor of Shallotte at the age of 26, the youngest in the State of North Carolina at the time, and would return to the office again years later for nearly a decade. He also served as alderman for the town of Shallotte, first in 1947 and again from 1991 to 1999. Mr. Cheers would go on to serve his State as a justice of the peace as well as magistrate. A man with an expansive vision for the future, he was instrumental in helping establish the weekly publication that currently serves many of the coastal communities in North Carolina, The Brunswick Beacon. Throughout his life, Mr. Cheers was also active in the non-political aspects of his community, for example, serving as chairman of the Shallotte Centennial Committee in 1998 and spearheading efforts to mark the town's 100th anniversary and celebrate its rich history. As Co- Chairman and Co-Founder of the Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports, I appreciate his dedication to the young athletes of his community. Through his work as a volunteer referee and umpire, Mr. Cheers clearly recognized the importance of serving as a positive role model and mentor for the next generation. Individuals like Mr. Cheers serve as powerful inspirations for what can be accomplished with limitless energy and persistent drive. As a lifelong servant to the town of Shallotte as well as one of its most devoted visionaries, Mr. Cheers never forgot the traditions of the small town he grew up in while working simultaneously towards its growth and progress. May we never forget and always be grateful for the contributions and service of Mr. Cheers.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Robeson County Commissioner Luther W. Herndon of St. Pauls, NC, who recently passed away. Affectionately referred to as ``Bill'' by those who knew him and those he served, Commissioner Herndon added new depth to the word, dedication. As a native Southeastern North Carolina and as a public servant, he offered an unwavering service to everything he did and to everyone who knew him, and unwavering commitment to his responsibilities as an elected official. Born and reared in Robeson County, Commissioner Herndon understood the people he represented and cared deeply about making a positive difference in their lives. Over his lifetime, he experienced firsthand the dramatic changes that have taken place within our Nation's rural communities. Through his visionary leadership, he worked to ensure that the citizens of Robeson County were given the benefits that come with that progress. Because of his strong passion for his hometown, Commissioner Herndon never forgot the traditions and beliefs that make Robeson County unique. Through his dynamic leadership abilities, he was able to strike the crucial balance required by a community that values stability as well as change. Commissioner Herndon spent more than one-third of his life in public office, sitting for 27 years on the Board of County Commissioners. His list of accomplishments as a public servant is extensive. Throughout his time in office, he worked on projects that improved the county's water services and water quality. Commissioner Herndon was instrumental in the construction of a landfill in his district that remains an example of waste management that is among the best in the State of North Carolina. He also was a strong supporter of county-led efforts to improve Social Security services among the underserved segments of the area. Commissioner Herndon's dedication to Robeson County both as a native and as an elected official is an inspiration to us all. His record of service is a strong representation of what can be accomplished through devotion to a community and its people. As a retired member of the United States Army, it is not surprising that this dedication encompassed service offered to our Nation as well. The scope and depth of his vision for southeastern North Carolina will be felt for generations to follow. May God bless his family, and may we always remember the leadership and life of Commissioner Bill Herndon.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. I thank the gentleman. I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 787, which my friend and colleague Representative Jim Clyburn of South Carolina has filed and which expresses the support and sympathy of the House of Representatives and the people of the United States for the victims of the tragic fire that occurred in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, about 10 days ago on October 28. As you may know, I represent the town of Ocean Isle Beach; and like all of my constituents, I was saddened by the events that took place just a few days ago. Ocean Isle Beach is a family community, a place many do love to come and spend time with friends, and the loss of seven college students and injuries by six more indeed was a tragic turn of events that brought this small beach town, the State of North Carolina, and our neighbor, the State of South Carolina where the students were in school, and this Nation to its knees. I'm honored to support this essential and timely measure which also expresses gratitude for the efforts of all the emergency personnel, law enforcement, fire and rescue that were involved in this horrific situation, and our gratitude to Mayor Debbie Smith and the other local officials in that community, as well as to the Brunswick County officials and other community members and private citizens that responded to the fire and that reached out to help those in need and the families that were affected by this tragic situation. As we gather today to express our condolences to the families and friends of the students that perished and as we offer our hope for the full recovery of the students that were injured, I urge all of us to reflect on the importance of these individuals' lives and express our sympathies to those families who will carry this loss with them. Mr. Speaker, we're a strong Nation. Ocean Isle Beach is a strong community. And I know that events like the fire on October 28 will demonstrate even more our strength and our unity in times of tragedy. May we all stand here in this body today, indeed may we all stand as a Nation together, in remembrance of these students and pledge our commitment to their families and friends. We pray for God's comfort, His peace and His strength to be with them always.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, what a privilege it is to speak on National Bible Week as we celebrate the written Word of God, as we anticipate the upcoming celebration, the week of November 18-25. In fact, this book, the number one best seller of all time, the book is known as a book of encouragement, a book of enlightenment, and a book of edification. Encouragement. When I think about what the Bible has meant to me, I remember some of the great verses from the Old Testament, such as Joshua 1:9, ``Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified. Do not be discouraged. For the Lord God will be with you wherever you go.'' And Psalm 118:13-15 says, ``I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord has helped me. The Lord is my strength and my song, He has become my salvation.'' And then Psalm 138:8, which precedes my favorite Psalm, 139, it says, ``The Lord will accomplish that which concerns me. Your love, O Lord, endures forever.'' When we think of this day, when so many people are discouraged, I know, as we celebrate National Bible Week, that the Bible has been a Word of encouragement that I've experienced and I know many others have. In addition to encouragement, it's a Word of enlightenment. Psalm 19 says, ``Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. The unfolding of Your Word gives light and gives understanding to the simple.'' And as many of my friends back home in North Carolina know, my favorite Old Testament verse is from Proverbs, 29:18, that says, ``Where there is no vision, the people perish.'' And I think that's a great challenge to us, as leaders in this country, to have vision for where we want to take our country and what we want to do and how we want to solve the problems. In fact, this verse, ``Where there is no vision, the people perish,'' is inscribed in our own Science Committee room in the Rayburn House Office Building. In addition to encouragement and enlightenment, the Bible is a book of edification. Paul writes in the Book of Romans 10:17 that faith comes from hearing and hearing by the Word. And then James 1:22 reminds that we should be doers of the Word and not hearers only. The Bible allows us to see ourselves through its many stories and parables and prophesies and teachings. It also shows the flaws and frailties that we all share in common in humanity. It also shows the fellowship, both human and divine, that calls forth those values that so often we look for in our society today, values of forgiveness, of faithfulness and of fulfillment in becoming all that we know that we can become. I'm grateful that we take time in this country to celebrate the national week of the Bible coming up the week of November 18-25, and that we would take time tonight to celebrate not only the historical importance, but the personal importance that this great book, the best seller of all time, has for people literally the world over.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I oppose the Republican amendment which guts the trade adjustment assistance program's very purpose, which is to be able to help workers affected by trade and globalization get the help they need to get back on their feet and obtain new, good-paying jobs, and I support the underlying bill. Earlier this year, I joined other members of the North Carolina delegation and introduced a similar bill, H.R. 1729, the Trade Adjustment Assistance Reform Act, whose essential language is mirrored in this bill. The provisions in our original bill were based on the recommendations made by the North Carolina Dislocated Worker Advisory Committee, a group convened by the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center that included, among others, leaders from the community college system, the Employment Security Commission and the Workforce Development Division of the North Carolina Department of Commerce. Mr. Speaker, North Carolina's involvement in the TAA debate is important. Why? Because our State has had the most workers covered by TAA certifications, the most workers benefiting from the health coverage tax credit, and one of the highest number of workers enrolled in TAA-sponsored worker training. In fact, as of August 10 of this year, there were 12,693 TAA participants in North Carolina, including over 9,800 enrolled in training. That is why I am very pleased to support the underlying bill and oppose this Republican amendment. This bill also expands TAA eligibility to include dislocated workers affected by a shift in production in which the workers' jobs are moved to nations with no preferential trade agreements, such as China. It also gives our States the flexibility and increased funding to meet the increasing demand for services and increases the health coverage tax credit to 85 percent of the dislocated workers' health care premiums. It makes changes to simplify the application process for dislocated workers so that they can get help in a timely manner. In the last 5 years, Mr. Speaker, North Carolina has been hurt by manufacturing layoffs more than any other State. We have had the most demand for trade adjustment assistance. Therefore, I urge the Congress to oppose this substitute amendment. Let's get on to the business at hand, approve this underlying legislation and have the President sign it into law.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Thank you, Congressman Ross, for yielding and thank you for leading this discussion, a very important one, to show the Blue Dogs' commitment to common sense with regard to the American taxpayers' dollar. And I want to focus, in the few moments we have left, on our commitment to helping business, American businesses, that provide jobs. We know that the Blue Dog Coalition has tried to do everything it could to help our businesses, especially small business, as many of our districts we know look to small business to help that economic engine churn. Indeed, 99 percent of all business is small business. And when we talk about that, it means that we have an opportunity to work with businesses who help to provide better health care for their employees, who also help people to pursue their dreams and provide college education for their children, who help their family members with their personal needs and through our small businesses who help not only with charitable contributions in their communities but community leadership, civic engagement, and a myriad of other positive activities that affect the American family and, indeed, our American communities. I want to talk about for a moment how we are doing that in very specific ways when we look at prosperity and the protection and the progress we have made in trying to help small business. And what it means is that we use a commonsense approach when it comes to our checkbook, that we don't spend more money than we have, than any of us would do in our own checkbook. And there are three specific ways that I want to remind us this year that the Blue Dogs have sought to do this. And that is through a package that we introduced a few months ago and are continuing to work on that has different ways that we can put together legislation to restore fiscal discipline to the Federal Government after years of budgetary mismanagement and irresponsible deficit spending. The first part of this legislation is the Blue Dog fiscal accountability package. It is the opportunity for us to be able to strengthen fiscal responsibility and accountability by making sure we do follow the statutory PAYGO rules, or pay-as-you-go, a commonsense term that our leadership has adopted to make sure that we are implementing multiyear discretionary spending caps. This would make sure that we are not spending any more of the taxpayer dollars than we have in our budget, that we get out of the habit of running up the national debt. And as you pointed out earlier tonight, right now the national debt stands at a figure that means about $29,888 for every man, woman, and child in America. And that is totally unacceptable. The second part of our legislative package, in addition to making sure we have accountability and honesty in our budgeting, is the Balanced Budget amendment, which so many of us have supported, to provide a constitutional amendment requiring Congress to balance the Federal budget every year. This legislation allows for flexibility during times of war, natural disaster, or economic downturn by giving Congress the ability to waive the balanced budget requirement with a three-fifths vote in the House and Senate. And it also prohibits cuts in Social Security benefits from ever being used in order to balance the budget. So it protects our senior citizens as well. We have got to make sure that we are paying down this national debt. It's not fair to mortgage our children's future. It's not fair to mortgage our grandchildren's future. It's not fair to put a price tag on every baby born in every hospital in America of $29,000 in debt from the second they take their first breath. And that bill is being put not only on children but on family members of all ages, even our senior citizens. That has to stop. The third piece of legislation we have also deals with strengthening the budget process, to make sure the Members of Congress have a sufficient amount of time to properly examine legislation and its actual cost implications, to make sure there is transparency in the process and requiring the Congressional Budget Office to have a cost estimate accompany any bill or conference report that comes to the House floor. And, Mr. Speaker, these are only practical ways that the Blue Dogs are seeking to make sure we have honesty, transparency, and common sense in our budgetary process. The central guiding battle cry that we as Blue Dogs have is make sure that we are accountable and make sure that the taxpayers' dollar is only being used in the most fiscally responsible way, as any of us would want done with our own money. After all, it is the taxpayers' dollars, and that is to whom we are accountable and want to honor. Thank you for this opportunity to address this to my colleague, and, Mr. Speaker, it is about prosperity for the American Dream. It is about protecting the American taxpayers' dollars and about making sure that we are working together for progress in our society.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Thank you, Mr. Etheridge. And I want to thank my colleague, Bob Etheridge, for requesting this time tonight. Indeed, we all stand together, knowing that the severe drought which is gripping the southeastern United States has already destroyed millions of acres of valuable crops, Mr. Speaker, not only in our home State of North Carolina, but throughout the southeastern U.S. And, unfortunately, the situation is only going to get worse. Today, North Carolina experienced yet another day of dry weather. Months upon months of hot temperatures, scorching sun back since early this summer, and little to no rain since then have brought about dead and dying crops, soybeans, corn, hay, cotton and nursery crops, in particular. During my travels around southeastern North Carolina, both the summer and this fall, I met with many farmers about this issue. Back in August, during our recess, I met with farmers then who feared the worse, and now here we are months later and unfortunately their nightmares are coming true. If we had not experienced significant rainfall by the Labor Day weekend, we were going to have even worse problems and, indeed, we have. Where lush green fields of corn once stood, ragged brown stalks, beat down by the sun, now dot our rural landscape; constant reminders of how devastating this drought is proving to be. During August, I met with and talked with farmers from several counties. I asked North Carolina Governor Mike Easley, on behalf of our area's farmers, to request a disaster declaration as severe drought conditions existed in most areas, and I know my colleagues have done the same. I also wrote then-Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns and the President to request their assistance. And subsequently, upon the return to Washington after the August recess, I then also asked the leadership of both parties here in the House to help us to help those in need because, indeed, this is not an issue about political parties. This is an issue of economic survival, and ultimately, it's going to affect everybody. You know, Mr. Speaker, and to my friend, Congressman Etheridge, and those others who are joining us here tonight that you will hear from shortly, this is something that affects everybody's pocketbook. We all depend on food and fiber for our very survival. And this is an issue that is now going to affect all of us here in our neighborhoods back home, in our communities, indeed, across our State of North Carolina and throughout the Southeast, and ultimately across this Nation. According to USDA loss estimates, 85 of our State's 100 counties have reported excessive agriculture losses due to drought for at least one significant crop. And major losses have been reported already on corn, cotton, tobacco, soybeans, pastures, hay and peanuts. And those numbers continue to rise, Mr. Speaker, as farmers harvest what's left of their crops. I also joined my friend, Congressman Etheridge, in signing a letter to the President as well when we returned from our recess. Now, for many families in our district, farming is their sole source of income, and any significant loss of yields is financially devastating. As we all have been hearing from our farmers, they may not even be able to make it until next year, and many may be forced to sell the land they have just to pay their bills. And even if North Carolina were to see some significant rainfall, most crops are already too far gone for it to make a difference at this point. What these folks need now is disaster assistance to help them pay their bills, to make sure that they can remain on their farms and get ready to plant again in the spring. It is also important for all of us, as communities and as citizens, to realize that this is going to affect all of us beyond the farms into our very homes. And now people are realizing that with preventative measures they're having to do to avoid wasting water. It's imperative that we support our farmers during this dire time so that we may ensure a safe and abundant food supply for which we, in America, are known and which is important to all American citizens. We need help, and we need it now. And let me just say that this drought reaches, indeed, beyond the farm to citizens throughout regions now across the country. Restrictions on watering lawns and washing cars have now turned into calls to even reduce shower times. And public schools and some places now have started to switch to paper plates to conserve water. Our Governor now has called on even greater restrictions in North Carolina. And there are great concerns that we not only need rain to help the farmers, but this drought has affected every citizen, and our supply of water for all needs, in industry, in home, in schools, and throughout all sectors of society. We must all begin to think about long-term strategies to conserve water and protect the vital water supplies of countless communities through, not only North Carolina, but, indeed, the rest of the southeastern U.S. With meteorologists now calling for continued warm, dry weather, the urgency of addressing this worsening drought continues to rise, and the need for financial assistance is greater than ever. The time is now to act. I thank my colleague for helping us bring attention to this tonight in this time we have. And I know several colleagues from not only throughout North Carolina, but across the South, are going to be speaking tonight on the floor. We must act. We must stand in one voice. We must stand across party lines. And we must give the assistance that is needed now.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to LT Ronald Phillip Allen, Jr. of Tar Heel, North Carolina, for serving his community as a dedicated volunteer with the Tar Heel Fire Department. On the morning of September 22, 2006, Lieutenant Allen was tragically killed in an accident with an oncoming car while marking hydrant locations along North Carolina Highway 87. The American scholar, William Arthur Ward, once said, ``Greatness is not found in possessions, power, position, or prestige. It is discovered in goodness, humility, service, and character.'' Lieutenant Allen led such a life. As a Bible school teacher, Lieutenant Allen shared his faith and the goodness it instilled within him with the members of his church community. As a firefighter, Lieutenant Allen showed humility through his willingness to sacrifice his safety and well-being for the protection of others. As a correctional officer, he served as a source of character inspiration and guidance for the inmates in his charge. And as the son of a former mayor of Tar Heel, Lieutenant Allen was born into a tradition of public service, a tradition that he would uphold and implement every day of his life. The life of this remarkable hero was truly one dedicated to helping others and making his community a better place to live. Lieutenant Allen and 82 additional heroes who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty were honored by 5,000 people, including President George Bush and Members of Congress, during the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on October 7, 2007. Madam Speaker, may we never forget the goodness, humility, service, and character that defined the life of Lieutenant Allen. May God continue to bless his loved ones, the work he did, and the greatness that he inspired within all who knew him.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act which provides a comprehensive regional approach to economic and infrastructure development in the most severely economically distressed part of our Nation. This bill includes legislation that I have introduced in every Congress since the 107th Congress that will establish the Southeast Crescent Authority for Economic Development. This authority would cover the southeastern portion of the United States, including the States of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida, which have all seen poverty rates well above the national average coupled with record unemployment. I would like to thank Chairman Oberstar and the ranking member, Mr. Mica, as well as the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Economic Development Chairwoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and the ranking member, Mr. Graves, Mr. Michaud and Mr. Hayes and my other colleagues who together have worked with us in trying to help the most economically disadvantaged areas of our country. It is their compassion, cooperation and commitment that has brought us here today. I applaud all those who have worked together to help our areas of the country that have suffered so much. The southeastern U.S. has suffered a double whammy, the highest levels of poverty coupled with the highest levels of unemployment over the last several years. As a Member that represents a district from one of the southern States that has experienced stagnation in job growth, I have seen firsthand the restructuring of the South's economy. Jobs in textile and furniture-making have decreased substantially. Although a more high- tech and globally competitive economy has created new opportunities for employment in the South, it also has meant that we have lost many jobs held by employees who have few prospects for shifting to other jobs with comparable pay. In addition, the seven States of the Southeast Crescent Authority region also have experienced natural disasters at a rate of two to three times greater than any other region in the United States, and this vulnerability to natural disasters further exacerbates the ability to recover from economic distress. Modeled primarily after the successful Appalachian Regional Commission, the Southeast Crescent Authority would enjoin a local, State and Federal partnership to lift our citizens out of poverty and give them job opportunity. The Southeast Crescent Authority would help communities by doing several things: improving infrastructure, giving the opportunity for education and job training, better health care, business entrepreneurship and leadership development. What is great about this opportunity, Mr. Speaker, is that those areas in the greatest need will be targeted. Those with the greatest need of economic distress will be helped. It is time indeed to change the pattern of poverty and unemployment in the southeastern United States, the only major region of the country that has never had this type of Federal focus on economic development. We are excited that we are now able to help the least of these, our brothers and sisters, who have suffered enough and suffered so much. Now we can help bolster a better opportunity for economic progress and possibility. May God bless our efforts to help those who have suffered so much and now can see a life-changing difference in economic opportunity.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the community and citizens of Clinton, North Carolina, for being named an All-America City by the National Civic League. Clinton has earned a place among the ranks of more than 500 other communities across the country that have achieved this distinction. In honor of this accomplishment, I am entering into the Congressional Record this special tribute which details the extraordinary efforts made by the people of Clinton and the strong example they have set for other cities in North Carolina and our Nation to follow. Fully incorporated in the year 1822, Clinton has become a community dedicated to progress, development, and civic engagement. It has become a community committed to a strong system of values and faith. And it is this powerful combination that has helped earn the City of Clinton its All-America designation. Three community projects in particular set Clinton apart from the other cities in the competition. First, through the Technology Project at the Butler Avenue School, both students and adults have been given greater access to computers and the World Wide Web. After-school programs and ``how-to'' classes can now give underserved segments of the community access to modern-day technologies and the advantages that come with them. Second, the March to a Million campaign raised over $2 million in donations in just 3 months from professionals, corporations, churches, civic clubs, teachers, alumni associations, and other citizens to help pay for the construction of a new Clinton High School. Students even sold Valentines to help pay for the auxiliary gym, auditorium, and academic programs that could not have otherwise been built and implemented. Third, the city of Clinton has tackled the obesity crisis head-on by implementing the Fitness Renaissance program in school physical education classes, as well as building a Center for Health and Wellness. These two efforts have given the citizens of Clinton the proper tools to begin and maintain a healthy way of life. The city of Clinton will be recognized and congratulated for their designation as an All-America City on October 24, 2007, here in Washington, DC. Its citizens are to be commended for this accomplishment. May God bless the people of this great community for the very positive example they have set for the cities around our great Nation.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay tribute to a special company in Robeson County, North Carolina. Next week, the Campbell Soup Company celebrates the 25th anniversary of its soup manufacturing facility located in the town of Maxton. Maxton is a small community of about 2,500 residents. But the combination of abundant resources, a strong transportation network and a terrific work force all helped bring Campbell to Robeson County. The economic future of Maxton and Robeson County is tied to the progress of Campbell's facility. Only 25 years ago, the first cans of soup came off one of two manufacturing lines. Today, nearly 10 manufacturing lines fill more than 5 million cans or microwavable bowls of soup, canned pasta, beans and Swanson broth every day--more than 1,000 cans every minute. But the economic impact of Campbell's facility here is much more than its 800 full time and hourly employees, and the 220 different products that they make. Campbell also uses some 300 different ingredients, including more than 40 million pounds of potatoes, 28 million pounds of carrots, and 25 million pounds of beef, chicken and seafood, much of it from our fertile region. With almost 25 acres under roof, including nearly 1 million square feet to manufacture, warehouse and distribute Campbell's trademark soups, the Maxton facility remains among Campbell's and the food processing industry's most modern and sophisticated facilities. In almost every year since 1982, Campbell's has invested in new technology at Maxton that has helped to reach the heights of efficient, quality production that it is legendary for today. Most recently, microwavable soup bowls began being processed in Maxton that are designed to meet the needs of busy, time-pressed consumers. Furthermore, the real success of Maxton's Campbell Soup Facility comes not only from its products, but also from its people. I have walked this plant, greeted employees working the lines and sampled a day's production. I can tell you that what makes the Campbell Soup plant in Maxton special is the dedication of its employees. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to the employees and the legacy of Campbell's Maxton facility. Campbell's Maxton facility has a wonderful history of contributions made by thousands of North Carolinians who have made their careers there. We're proud to have such a terrific company like Campbell's in North Carolina and look forward to many more years of success.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak about climate change and concerns that I share with many Americans about its effects on our planet. The Industrial Revolution ushered in a new world of economic opportunity and prosperity in this country, but with that also came major changes to the composition of the Earth's atmosphere. For the past 200 years, the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, and deforestation have caused the concentrations of heat-trapping greenhouse gases to increase significantly in our atmosphere. As the concentrations of these gases continue to increase, the Earth's temperature is rising to record levels. According to NOAA and NASA data, the Earth's average surface temperature has increased by about 1.2 to 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit since 1900. The warmest global average temperatures on record have all occurred during the last 15 years, with 1998 and 2005 being the hottest. And we all know how extremely hot this past August was--one of the hottest months on record in many parts of the country. If greenhouse gases continue to increase, climate models predict that the average temperature of the Earth's surface could increase from 2.5 to 10.4 degrees Fahrenheit above 1990 levels by the end of this century. This phenomenon of climate change may be a reason for many environmental issues facing our world today. Whether it's melting polar ice caps, devastating floods, shriveling droughts, or sea level rise, every area of the globe has the potential to be affected by the impacts of global warming. The contributing factors to global warming are many and are not concentrated from one source. Emissions come from power plants, vehicles, industrial processes, agriculture, forestry, and other land use, and waste management. If we are to be successful in curbing our greenhouse gas emissions, we must institute an economy-wide application to protect our environment while not dislocating any vital economic sectors. Working to reduce the contributing factors of climate change also has the strong potential of helping the U.S. reduce its dependence on foreign oil. New technologies are constantly being developed for alternative fuels and other petroleum-based products. It is important that we move forward with a balanced approach to both energy independence and emissions reduction that takes into account impacts to both the environment and the economy.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act of 2007, which provides a comprehensive regional approach to economic and infrastructure development in the most severely economically distressed regions in the Nation. This bill includes legislation that I have introduced in every Congress since the 107th Congress that will establish a SouthEast Crescent Authority for economic development. The authority would cover the southeastern portion of the United States, encompassing the States of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida, which have all seen poverty rates well above the national average coupled with record unemployment--the double whammy--poverty and unemployment. I would like to personally thank the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Oberstar and his Ranking Member, Mr. Mica, and the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Economic Development Chairwoman Holmes Norton and the Ranking Member, Mr. Graves, for their hard work and dedication to our Nation's most economically disadvantagd regions. It is their compassion, cooperation, and commitment that brought us here today, and I applaud them for their efforts to continue this cause, and I thank them for their friendship and support. As a Member that represents a district from one of the Southern States that has experienced job growth stagnation, I have seen first- hand the restructuring of the South's economy. Jobs in textiles and furniture-making have decreased substantially while jobs in retail, services, and the professions have rushed in. Although a more high-tech and globally competitive economy has enabled new opportunities for employment in the South, it has also dismantled jobs long held by employees who have few prospects for shifting to other jobs with comparable pay. In addition, the seven States of the SECA region also experience natural disasters at a rate of two to three times greater than any other region of the United States, and this vulnerability to natural disasters further exacerbates the ability to recover from economic distress. Modeled primarily after the successful Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), the SouthEast Crescent Authority hopes to enjoin a local-State-Federal partnership to lift our citizens out of poverty and create jobs. With the Federal allocation of funding, SECA seeks to target monies to programs which address one or more of the following criteria for community betterment: (1) infrastructure, (2) education and job training, (3) health care, (4) entrepreneurship, and (5) leadership development. Those communities with the greatest need will be targeted, and grants will be made according to the degree of distress. Mr. Speaker, the time is now to work to change this pattern and ensure that those individuals--like those in my district who work in textiles or manufacturing--and those communities--like the many rural communities that have been affected--are not left behind. And I am confident that the Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act of 2007 that is before us today will be able to do just that. It's the least we can do to act now and help ``the least of these'' who have suffered enough and to help bolster economic progress and possibility. Thank you, and may God bless our efforts to help expand economic opportunities for all of our citizens and their families.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of Fayetteville, NC, I rise today to pay tribute to their upcoming celebration on September 6-8 in honor of Marquis de Lafayette. Fayetteville, the first City in the United States named for Lafayette, will rightly celebrate Lafayette's 250th birthday with great celebration and splendor. In honor of this special time, I am entering into the Congressional Record this special tribute which details the relationship between Fayetteville and Lafayette. Happy Birthday to Lafayette and congratulations to the City of Fayetteville, NC! Marquis de Lafayette, born on September 6, 1757, is considered a national hero in both France and the United States for his participation in the American and French Revolutions, and is one of only six Honorary Citizens of the United States, and whose portrait, along with that of our first President George Washington, hangs in this very chamber. Lafayette served heroically and with distinction during the American Revolution both as a general and as a diplomat, offering his services as an unpaid volunteer. Lafayette's first battle in the American Revolution was at Brandywine, where he fought courageously and was wounded; he also served with distinction in various other engagements including the surrender of the British army at Yorktown. In 1783 the two colonial villages of Cross Creek and Campbellton were merged by the and named Fayetteville, North Carolina--the first city in the United States named for Lafayette--and the only one named for him that he actually visited. In 1789, the General Assembly and Constitutional Convention met in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where delegates ratified the United States Constitution, chartered the University of North Carolina, and ceded the state's western lands to form the state of Tennessee. During Lafayette's tour of the United States as ``The Guest of the Nation,'' he was entertained in Fayetteville on the 4th and 5th of March, 1825, by the leading citizens of the state and community, including Governor Hutchins G. Burton. Upon the death of Lafayette in 1834, the City of Fayetteville held a large memorial service and eloquent eulogium on his character and services. Upon the bi-centennial of the naming of Fayetteville in 1983, the Lafayette Society and General Lafayette's great- great grandson, The Count Rene de Chambrun, unveiled a statue of General Lafayette in the Downtown Historic District. The city of Fayetteville, North Carolina, will have three days of celebration, September 6-8, 2007, to the 250th birthday of its namesake Marquis de Lafayette. The great City of Fayetteville is to be commended for honoring this great national hero and is ``Where North Carolina Celebrates Lafayette's Birthday.''

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Thank you, Chairman Peterson, for your leadership throughout the development of this farm bill and working diligently to craft a bill that protects our Nation's farmers, our environment, and our families of rural America. The legislation under consideration by this House is critically important to rural America. I'm pleased that our subcommittee has worked on this to make sure that the value of agriculture is clearly understood. The peanut industry contributes $800 million in value to our rural areas. The sugar industry creates some 372,000 direct and indirect jobs in 42 States, and our rural development programs fill a critical gap in providing infrastructure for our rural areas, ensuring that folks in rural America have adequate EMS units, fire trucks, libraries, and water and sewer systems. Particularly with regard to rural development, this bill will further enhance these rural programs that will allow rural America to have better access to technology and better help for rural entrepreneurs. In fact, the new Rural Entrepreneur and Microenterprise Assistance program will reach some of our most important businesses, those companies employing 10 or less people, which now are the biggest drivers of economic development in rural America. And the Rural Broadband Loan program and the Community Connect Grant program are two extremely important pieces that will help the citizens of rural America, making sure they have access to high-speed Internet that can often make the difference in the success of rural business and rural opportunities, and help our businesses, schools, health, and make sure that family life is better. Just below this Chamber, downstairs on the first floor of this historic building, you can look up at the ceiling and see inscribed there the words of Daniel Webster who said that ``farmers are the founders of civilization.'' I hope that, indeed, all of us will remember this; that our very existence depends on the success of our farmers and on agriculture in making sure that rural America is respected and able to succeed as it will under this bill. Madam Chairman, I urge all of our colleagues to support this bill so that, indeed, it will be the strong success we need throughout rural America.