Mike McIntyre

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor and pleasure that I rise and ask you to join me in recognizing one of North Carolina's great historical figures, Captain John Newland Maffitt. Captain Maffitt, a longtime resident of Wilmington, North Carolina, stands out as a distinguished member of the United States Navy. First as a naval surveyor, charting much of the Atlantic coastline, and then as a blockade runner for the Confederate Navy, gallantly carrying out his duty to his homeland, Captain Maffitt deserves to be recognized among the ranks of this nation's outstanding military officers. Foreshadowing his great career, Captain Maffitt was born at sea on February 22, 1819. Adopted by his uncle, he grew up in and around Fayetteville, North Carolina, where he became known as a sharp-witted, cultivated young man. Under an appointment by President Jackson, Maffitt took the position of midshipman with the Navy in 1832, just three days after his thirteenth birthday, and immediately began his apprenticeship. After demonstrating courage and a devotion to his country and her Navy, Maffitt became an officer at the young age of nineteen. Sailing around many parts of the world, Captain Maffitt continued to gain valuable experience. In 1848, he took command of his first ship, the U.S.S. Gallatin, as a survey officer with the Coast Survey. For roughly a decade, Captain Maffitt, while commanding various ships, surveyed and charted many sections of the Atlantic coast, ranging from New England to the Southeast, resulting in honorable recognition from the Charleston Chamber of Commerce. The knowledge that he developed of these areas would later serve him well in his naval duties with the Confederacy. Captain Maffitt would eventually take command first of the U.S.S. Dolphin and then of the U.S.S. Crusader, leading his crew to intercept ships illegally participating in the Atlantic slave trade. Indeed, Maffitt was later recognized in the Wilmington Daily Journal on September 25th, 1863, which read, ``it is a curious fact, for those who maintain that the civil war in America is founded upon the slave question, that [Maffitt] should be the very man who has distinguished himself actively against the slave trade.'' When Southern states began to secede, Captain Maffitt continued his duties and protected Federal property along the Southern coast. However, as the Civil War continued, Captain Maffitt's superiors grew concerned about his Southern background, which lead Maffitt to resign his command in 1861. Wishing to put his services to use, he eventually took command of the C.S.S. Savannah of the Confederate Navy as a runner transporting rifles, cotton, and other goods around the Federal blockade. His knowledge of the local rivers and waterways from his surveying days helped him to elude the Federal Navy and survive a number Federal encounters. Taking command of the C.S.S. Florida in 1862 with a new assignment, Captain Maffitt and his crew succeeded in capturing a larger number of Federal commercial ships over the next year. During this period, Maffitt's ship covered the seas ranging from Mobile to New York and from Brazil to France. After recovering from brief health issues, Captain Maffitt found more success blockade running as commander of first the C.S.S. Albemarle and then of the private ship Owl. He successfully completed his final assignment for the Confederacy even after the war had ended, thus maintaining his integrity and his sense of duty. Captain John Maffitt returned to North Carolina in 1868 and passed his remaining days peacefully at Bradley Creek, near Wrightsville Beach. He passed away on May 15, 1886, and was buried in Wilmington's Oakdale Cemetery. In his honor, on August 4th, 1943, The Liberty Ship John Newland Maffitt was christened at the North Carolina Shipbuilding Company to run blockades successfully, as had her namesake. Today, Captain Maffitt is also honored by a historical marker on Market Street in Wilmington. A sure leader of his time, Captain John Newland Maffitt serves as an example across generations by acting as a man of courage, a man of duty, and a man who was devoted to serving his homeland. So, today, Madam Speaker, I wish to thank you for allowing me to honor one of North Carolina's most distinguished naval officers, and I ask my colleagues to stand with me in recognizing a man North Carolina and the United States should be proud to call their own.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 93 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 72 on H.R. 2701, I mistakenly recorded my vote as ``no'' when I should have voted ``yes.'' I ask unanimous consent that my statement appear in the Record immediately following rollcall vote No. 72.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, USASOC, which celebrates 20 years of service to the Army and Nation. Having been at war for over one-third of that time, the men and women of USASOC continue to make great contributions worldwide with an operations tempo that has never been greater.Operating with a strong roadmap for development, USASOC remains committed to maintaining the world's finest ground special operations force. USASOC's personnel take quiet professional pride in executing each mission with excellence, honor and valor. Since its inception on December 1, 1989, the pace of USASOC's operations has been extraordinary; operating around the world, often behind-the-lines, in some of the most remote and hostile regions on the planet. The command's operations and range of military contributions reads like a travel guide to America's foreign policy; Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Rwanda, Haiti, the Philippines, Somalia, Columbia, Afghanistan and Iraq--to name just a few. At more than 27,000 personnel, USASOC is only 5 percent of the U.S. Army. However, USASOC is the largest of the service components that make up U.S. Special Operations Command, USSOCOM, and provides approximately 70 percent of the special operations personnel in Central Command's theater and approximately 63 percent of America's total overseas military commitments. USASOC provides trained and ready Army special operations forces to support the Geographic Combatant Commanders, GCC, the Theater Special Operations Commands, TSOC, and Ambassadors throughout the world. Today the operations tempo for Army Special Operations has never been greater, and is unlikely to decrease in the near future. USASOC currently has soldiers deployed on 103 missions in 56 countries around the world, and is operating across the spectrum of lethality and influence. On any given day elements of 3 of the 5 active duty Special Forces groups, units from the 2 National Guard Special Forces Groups, 1 ranger battalion, some 36 special operations aircraft, and more than 35 civil affairs teams and 35 Psychological Operations Teams and Sustainment Brigade logistics units are deployed around the world. Currently 222 of the Army's 228 CONUS-based Special Forces operational detachments ``A'', ODA, are committed to supporting operations worldwide, either deployed or preparing for deployment. USASOC's ability to manage the high operations tempo is directly attributable to the caliber of its personnel, currently the best the Nation has ever seen and at the heart of Army Special Operations' extraordinary capabilities. That range of skills within USASOC is embraced by a spectrum of Army unconventional units, with legendary bloodlines running back to Roger's Rangers, the Devil's Brigade and the OSS, among others. The seven principle units that make up today's USASOC include the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, U.S. Army Special Forces Command, 75th Ranger Regiment, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, 4th Psychological Operations Group, 95th Civil Affairs Brigade, and the 528th Sustainment Brigade. President Barack Obama has stated in his agenda for defense, ``We must build up our special operations forces, civil affairs, information operations and other units and capabilities.'' The demand for special operations personnel, skills and training remain high. Faced with often desperate, unconventional enemies our approaches for defeating them involve unwavering commitment combined with unique unconventional skills. That range of USASOC's expertise ensures the Army's special operations forces can execute the most lethal, highly complex and sensitive special operations, wage unconventional warfare, conduct high risk helicopter operations, or prosecute civil military and influence operations. Few commands can match USASOC's contributions over the past two decades, its countless mission most often quietly executed and unheralded. For those in today's USASOC, the pace is fast, the challenges great, and morale and job satisfaction have seldom been greater. The command's motto, ``Without Equal'', captures the spirit of its personnel and their commitment to maintaining the world's finest ground special operations force. The command's missions, however, have not come without a sizable cost in lives lost. In the eight years since the start of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, 244 of USASOC's personnel have made the ultimate sacrifice. Their names are cast in bronze on a wall in USASOC's Memorial Plaza at Fort Bragg, NC. In summary, the performance and contributions of Army Special Operations Forces in the Central Command theater of operations and around the world have been nothing short of magnificent. Whether in the combat theaters, Iraq and Afghanistan, the Philippines, Trans-Sahara Africa or wherever friends and partners find themselves challenged by the forces of disintegration, oppression and extremism, Army Special Operators from across the Command's formations are unquestionably among America's most relevant answer to the threats our Nation faces. U.S. Army Special Operations Command is honored to play its role within the finest, most capable Army and Joint Special Operations Force ever to serve our great Country. May God bless them all.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Chair, during rollcall vote No. 966, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Veterans' Small Business Assistance and Servicemembers Protection Act of 2009, H.R. 3949, which includes provisions of a bill that I introduced on the very first day that this Congress was sworn in this year, the 111th Congress, which was H.R. 32, the Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2009. I want to thank Chairman Filner and Ranking Member Buyer for their support, as well as the many cosponsors from both sides of the aisle who have joined us in this effort to honor those who have put their lives on the line for our country, whom we will soon be honoring as a Nation on Veterans Day. This important legislation, which passed the U.S. House unanimously during the last session of Congress, the 110th Congress, by a vote of 421-0, would improve the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs outreach activities by allowing the Department to partner with State and local governments to reach out to veterans and their families regarding benefits for which they are eligible and to assist them in developing a benefits claim package. About a quarter of our Nation's population of veterans are potentially eligible for VA benefits and services. A quarter of our total Nation's population are potentially eligible for veterans benefits and services. This legislation will help reach out to those who are eligible and ensure the accuracy and completeness of their benefit claims. And under this legislation, the Secretary of the VA would be authorized to provide grants and assistance to State veterans agencies and to our county veterans service officers, those who are on the front lines every day working in counties throughout this entire Nation, to help that veteran when he or she walks through the door. These activities would allow veterans and their families to be able to get the assistance they need in the development and the submittal of their benefits claims. The Secretary would direct grants to States with large and growing populations of veterans in order to increase the outreach where it is most needed. Grants could be used for education and training of State and county officials to gain accreditation for continuing education. The Secretary would also be required to ensure that the coordination of outreach activities occurred within the Department of the VA. This bill would authorize $25 million annually, which is an average of $1 per veteran, for fiscal years 2011 through 2013 to improve outreach to veterans. That, I believe, is not too much to ask. That is something we can certainly afford to do, and it is the least we can do to reach out to those who put their very lives on the line for our great Nation. This legislation is supported by the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, which is officially recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for ``the purpose of preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims.'' This bill has also been endorsed by the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Military Officers Association of America, the Paralyzed Veterans Association of America, and the National Organization for Veterans Advocacy. As Veterans Day approaches in just a few days, it is important that we, as a Congress, demonstrate to our Nation's veterans our commitment to provide them with the benefits they deserve. May God bless those who have served our country.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. William Murphy III, of Wilmington, North Carolina, for his commitment to his community and as a dedicated man of public service. As a long- serving youth coach and a retired director at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, he was an irreplaceable mentor for many inner city youth in his community. He was also a devoted family man and dear friend. Murphy passed away on October 18, 2009, and he will be dearly missed. Driven by a strong love for his community and a deep investment in its youth, Mr. Murphy coached numerous sports during his lifetime, and most recently served as the head coach of the Wilmington Tigers minor league football team. In this capacity, Mr. Murphy was a valuable leader and role model, who pushed young athletes to achieve things they never thought possible and worked to shape their senses of integrity, character, discipline, and teamwork. As a co-founder and Co-Chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports, and as a former coach of over 130 young people in three different sports over 7 years, I have a deep, personal respect for Mr. Murphy's dedication to this cause. Over several decades, he has taught hundreds of youth and adults in the Wilmington area valuable lessons and skills that have made meaningful and lasting impact on their lives, and our community will always remain grateful. Madam Speaker, may we never forget the goodness, humility, and character that defined the life of William Murphy. May God continue to bless his wife, Audrie, his five children, Portia, Glenda, William, Torey, Russell, and all of 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 to honor the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association, Date which has been fighting on behalf of our great Atlantic marine highway for 10 years. The AIWA was formed in 1999 to address the declining condition of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, running along the eastern seaboard from Virginia to Florida. A persistent lack of maintenance funding has resulted in severe shoaling of the waterway through many sections, rendering the waterway impassable at times. The AIWA has been a strong advocate for the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and the Association has earned the title ``Voice of the Waterway''. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to work closely with members of the AIWA over the years to secure funding to maintain North Carolina's portion of the waterway. The resolution on the floor before us today officially recognizes the contribution made by the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association and I am pleased to rise in strong support of it. I look forward to continuing to work with the AIWA and my colleagues in Congress to support the AIWA and to secure funding to dredge the waterway to its full authorized depth.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a truly outstanding North Carolinian, W. Horace Carter, of Tabor City. As we grieve his loss, we also celebrate his life and commitment to bettering this world as a distinguished man of words, a warrior against injustice, and man of rare and outstanding character. As the editor and publisher of a small-town North Carolina newspaper, The Tabor City Tribune, Mr. Carter's staunch opposition against the local activities of the Ku Klux Klan helped quell the expansion of the Klan in the Carolinas. Over three years, his paper ran more than 100 Klan-related stories and editorials that he wrote. They reported and commented on rallies, shootings, beatings and a series of floggings that eventually brought the Federal Bureau of Investigation to the region and ended with federal and state prosecutions of more than 100 Klansmen. Mr. Carter successfully used written language as a powerful tool of social change, and for this he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Meritorious Public Service in 1953. In 2007, Mr. Carter was bestowed with North Carolina's highest civilian honor when he was inducted into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. He was the first in his family to graduate from high school, and he attended the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where he was editor of the student newspaper, The Tar Heel. He would go on to serve in the Navy, in both the North Atlantic and the Pacific, during World War II. Without a doubt, Mr. Carter's life was defined by his strong desire to give back to his community and country. Sadly, his life closed on September 16, 2009, but what a joyous life he lived. Mr. Carter is survived by his son, Russell Carter, who lives in Wilmington and now owns The Tribune, his third wife, Linda Duncan Carter, whom he married in 1995; a brother, Mitchell, of Albemarle, NC; two daughters, Linda Carter Metzger of Lumberton, NC, and Velda Carter Hughes of Greenville, SC, 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Madam Speaker, during his 88 remarkable years, Mr. Carter worked for equality and understanding, and his immeasurable contributions to the world in these capacities shall never fade. We will not forget the goodness, humility, and passionate giving that defined the life of W. Horace Carter. As we mourn his loss, may God continue to bless all of 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 a bill that I introduced on the very first day of this session of Congress, House Resolution 6, a resolution which recognizes this week, September 13 through 19, as National Coaches Appreciation Week. The narrative of the American coach is a powerful testament to the role that volunteerism has played in shaping our country. The passage of H. Res. 6 will build upon this and add another layer of support to those countless individuals and families who give of their time voluntarily to encourage, work with and support our Nation and its young people, as well as time to hold practices, organize games and rally interests within their communities. I started the Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports in 2006 in order to shift the focus of our youth sports culture. There had been a report card done on the attitudes of many toward youth sports and toward the umpires, the referees and the coaches, and the bad language and the ugly fights that were occurring and the way people were putting down those who took time to work with our young people. This is a chance for us to emphasize powerful values that we all want for our families and our communities; opportunities not only to emphasize things like sportsmanship, but also what goes along with sportsmanship, those concepts of teamwork, of civility, of respect, of discipline, of loyalty and of learning how to graciously accept the victories and the defeats that we all may face in life from time to time. As a result, I've also had the benefit of meeting with other youth sports organizations from all over this country that are doing wonderful work, trying not to start another government program but to work with the programs that are already working in our communities across this Nation. Every afternoon, including this afternoon, there will be young people after school, hurrying out to football fields, soccer fields, tennis courts and other venues to get ready, to practice for their games this weekend. There will be all kinds of recreational activities going on, and we need to be supporting those parents, those families and those volunteer coaches who are out there giving of their time to help support our young people. This isn't about reform or reinventing the wheel. It's about simply recognizing these contributions, honoring them, and then providing the tools and the resources to help them do well what they're already doing and for which we are grateful. I would also like to thank our caucus cochairman, Jim Jordan from Ohio, for his work on this, and a fellow Congressman from North Carolina, Heath Shuler, who chairs the Professional Sports Caucus, because they too have been supportive of this effort. I remember, as many of you probably do, having the influence of sports in my life. My father, Dr. Douglas McIntyre of Lumberton, North Carolina, coached me growing up, and I've had the same privilege to coach my sons Joshua and Stephen and, in fact, over 130 other young people in three different sports over 7 years who only knew me as Coach McIntyre. I had the opportunity to work with them, to encourage them, to build their self-esteem as well as the other practical benefits of sports not only in character but physical fitness and fighting obesity and a healthier lifestyle. And by working with three all-American, drug-free teams that I coached, they also learned the dangers of getting involved in activities that can only hurt and not help your self-image and your physical well-being. We all know of coaches who have helped a player make a tough decision, pushed a player to achieve things they never thought possible, and shaped their sense of integrity, character and discipline that now propels them to the successes that they can accomplish today and tomorrow. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 6 and honor National Coaches Appreciation Week; and in doing so, colleagues, you are supporting and recognizing a vital part of our country's culture and ensuring that our Nation's youth have access to role models who can put them on the path to achievement.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of National Youth Sports Week, which is held each year during the fourth week in July. As Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports, I was pleased to sponsor legislation in the 110th Congress that established this week in order to recognize the vast array of benefits that youth athletic programs offer our children-- benefits that improve their general physical, emotional, and intellectual well-being. In response to the first-ever Report Card on Youth Sports in 2006, I started the Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports with the intention to further develop our Nation's youth sports programs, and support the thousands of U.S.-based organizations that work with young athletes every day. The Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports specifically highlights programs that place character development at the forefront of their missions by promoting the values of sportsmanship, civility, respect, health, safety, fun, and fitness among players, coaches, parents, and officials. Also, I would like to encourage my colleagues in the U.S. House to join me in supporting H. Res. 6, a resolution I introduced at the beginning of this Congress that acknowledges the significant contribution of coaches across the country who volunteer their time and energy to promote sportsmanship, leadership skills, and self confidence to our Nation's youth. H. Res. 6 serves as a reminder of our commitment to the children of this Nation and recognizes the need to encourage adult involvement in youth sports programs across the country. It also establishes that the week of September 13-19 serve as National Coaches Appreciation Week. The parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends that volunteer their time to coach a team are invaluable leaders in our communities. In honor of National Youth Sports Week, it is important that the U.S. Congress recognizes their contributions and provides them with the resources they need to keep up the critical work they so selflessly do.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 433 on June 24, 2009, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise to discuss a technical but important matter. H.R. 1256 would permit the use of brand names and logos on roll-your-own paper, as well as cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. The U.S. Congress has correctly recognized the necessity of allowing RYO manufacturers to put their brand names on the paper that is used to assemble RYO cigarettes. However, I am concerned that language only naming one component and not the other necessary components could lead to a prohibition on branding for tubes, rollers, injectors and filters. These are items that are used by individuals in their homes for purposes of making their own cigarettes, and not seen by others. They have none of the attributes which have caused the restriction of the use of logos on other items such as t-shirts. For more than 100 years, these types of RYO making components have been marketed with company brand names and logos. This practice helps consumers easily identify which components and accessories to use and helps companies establish good-will with their customers. Yet, this practice will unnecessarily be forced to come to an end unless components other than RYO paper are included within the FDA's final rule on product branding. The intent of this legislation dictates that the branding prohibition does to not apply to entities that do not meet the definition of a manufacturer or importer of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco. Any final rule promulgated by FDA should recognize that RYO papers and all necessary components are permitted branding authority.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 428, a resolution that recognizes the immeasurable contributions of fathers in the healthy development of children, supports responsible fatherhood, and encourages greater involvement of fathers in the lives of their children, especially on Father's Day. Six days from now, our nation will celebrate the special place that fathers have in our country. From helping with homework to playing ball to reading a book to offering advice and support and to just listening, each and every day fathers of all ages contribute to the mental, moral, and spiritual development of children, teenagers, and adults. According to the National Fatherhood Initiative, children with involved, loving fathers are significantly more likely to do well in school, have a healthy self esteem, exhibit empathy and good behavior, and avoid high risk activity such as drug use and criminal activity. H. Res. 428 recognizes the commitment of fathers, and the wonderful work that both parents do on behalf of their kids, and I encourage my colleagues to join with us as we all re-commit ourselves to being the best father we can to children everywhere. And in conclusion, I would like to publicly thank my father for the great example he has been to me and for the dedication and support he has shown in my every endeavor. It is because of his support and love that I have been a devoted son to my father who taught me so much, as well as finding great joy in being a committed father of two.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express grave concerns about H.R. 1256, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. This bill will grant the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) wide authority to dictate to manufacturers and growers dramatic changes in product design and leaf cultivation, a concern that has been raised repeatedly by the tobacco growers in my district. The last thing we want is government bureaucrats coming on the farm! The tobacco industry contributes over $36 billion to the U.S. economy each year, employing over 19,000 individuals nationwide. In my home state of North Carolina, over 8,600 people are employed by the industry with a statewide economic impact of over $23.9 billion. The manufacturing provisions and ``FDA on the farm'' provisions of this bill will put many companies and growers out of business. In this time of economic uncertainty, we can't afford to lose more jobs! In addition, the FDA is already overburdened with its food safety and drug approval mission. Placing another large regulatory burden on an already overwhelmed agency will further divert attention away from the FDA's primary role of protecting our food supply and regulating prescription drugs.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a truly outstanding North Carolinian, Dr. John Hope Franklin. As we grieve his loss, we also celebrate his life and commitment to bettering his world as a distinguished scholar, historian, author, professor, and man of rare and outstanding character. Madam Speaker, during his 94 remarkable years, John Hope Franklin worked for equality and understanding, and his immeasurable contributions to the world in these capacities shall never fade. We will not forget the goodness, humility, and passionate giving that defined the life of John Hope Franklin. As we mourn his loss, may God continue to bless all of his loved ones, the work he did, and the greatness that he inspired within all who knew him.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to New Hanover County Sheriff Sid Causey. As Sheriff Causey prepares to retire on July 1, 2009, I ask that you join me in recognizing his long and honorable career of service. Sheriff Causey began his career in 1970 with the Carolina Beach Police Department, and then moved to the sheriff's office in 1973. In 1978, he moved to the county Alcoholic Beverage Control board, then returned to the sheriff's office in 1986. For seventeen years, he effectively commanded the office's vice narcotics unit and since being elected as the New Hanover County Sheriff in 2002, drug control has been his priority, and he has made major strides in reducing this underlying cause of crime within the community. I am inspired by his courage in the fight against drugs, and I salute him for his many contributions and sacrifices. Madam Speaker, Sheriff Sid Causey has served in New Hanover County law enforcement for over 39 years and done so with distinction. As he prepares to close the final chapter of his career, I wish Sheriff Causey and his family God's richest blessings. I ask that you join me today in recognition of his impressive career of enduring public service.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, the members of the Lumbee Tribe, many of whom are here from the tribal council today, and I appreciate Chairman Rahall's strong support of the Lumbee Tribe in the past and your willingness to cosponsor this bill for Federal recognition to bring long overdue justice to the recognition of this tribe. Madam Speaker, I place into the Record four letters from all of North Carolina's Governors, both Democratic and Republican, from the last 32 years in recognition and desire that this tribe be federally recognized. State of North Carolina, Office of the Governor, Raleigh. NC, May 1, 2009. Hon. Nick J. Rahall II, Chair, Natural Resources Committee, House of Representatives, Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC. Hon. Doc Hastings, Ranking Member, Natural Resources Committee, House of Representatives, Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman Rahall and Congressman Hastings: Thank you for the opportunity to submit written comments about pending legislation for federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina by the Congress of the United States of America. I am writing to express my support for the century-long effort of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina to attain a favorable decision on federal recognition. Both Republican and Democratic administrations have supported Lumbee efforts, and the State of North Carolina has recognized the Lumbees as a Tribe. The Lumbee people have waited too long on a decision on federal recognition, and the US Congress should give them this opportunity. As you know, the Lumbee Tribe has sought federal recognition since 1888. after being recognized by the State of North Carolina as the ``Croatan'' Tribe in 1885. In 1956, the Congress acknowledged that Lumbees were Indians. but at the request of the Department of the Interior, included language in this legislation that precluded access to federal funds. This left the Lumbees without a federal relationship as an Indian tribe. This provision also halted the efforts of the Lumbees to gain federal acknowledgement through the federal acknowledgement process at the Department of the Interior. I understand that Congress has enacted special legislation to address special circumstances such as these. I thank the House and the Natural Resources Committee for holding this hearing and for allowing me to offer written comments about the Lumbee Tribe recognition bill. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Beverly Perdue, Governor.

Mr. McINTYRE. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Let's just put this straightforward. This is yet another subterfuge. It's another attempt to push the Lumbees back yet again through political action. It's another attempt to send them back to the bureaucracy. And the last thing our American citizens deserve and that our Lumbee American citizens deserve is to be put back through a simple saying of, Go back to the bureaucracy. Let's once again let Congress skip its duty. Our United States Constitution itself says that the Congress--right there where it says, ``to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the several States and with the Indian tribes.'' It is a congressional duty and responsibility. Now, they've gone through this process, we already explained, 11 times. This is a 12th time being offered. That's what this is. And our Members should recognize this and also recognize that no other tribe that has received Federal recognition through an act of the United States Congress has had to go back through a verification process that is now proposed in this motion to recommit. Let's treat the Lumbees fairly. This would put them in a situation that would single them out to further treat them unfairly when they now have already been singled out, and we have been told by the Solicitor that we must resolve this problem.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I have the high honor today of introducing the gentleman that just spoke as our guest chaplain, the Reverend Dr. Michael Cummings of Pembroke, North Carolina. And what an honor it is to have him open Congress on this National Day of Prayer. Born and reared in rural Robeson County, which is also my home county, Dr. Cummings has spent a lifetime sharing the positive and powerful word of God with many. And through his ministry, Mike Cummings has made a difference in changing hearts and building a better community. He is a graduate of Campbell University, Southeastern Theological Seminary, and a recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Campbell. He has served multiple churches in southeastern North Carolina and is an instructor also at the Southern Baptist Seminary Extension Program, and now is director of missions at Burt Swamp Baptist. Madam Speaker, truly the Nation today has had the opportunity to hear eloquent words and the keen insight of not only one of Robeson County's most respected citizens, but also a gentleman who has led the State Baptist convention. Through his words, he has left his mark here in the U.S. House, just as he has left his mark on North Carolina and our beloved home and county. We are thrilled today also to have his family join us. We are thrilled today to have him lead us on this National Day of Prayer. I hope also that all Members of Congress will join us for the National Day of Prayer events that are occurring as we speak in the Cannon Caucus Room today until noon.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 348, a resolution congratulating my alma mater, University of North Carolina, men's basketball team for winning the 2009 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship. I can tell you as an undergraduate, who was in the class of Phil Ford, as many of our friends will remember, who had the famous four- corners offense under Coach Dean Smith and as one who also went to law school at University of North Carolina when Sam Perkins and several other fellows, James Worthy and Matt Doherty, were all involved in the program, we saw some great years of basketball and Final Fours. And throughout, I know my life and the lives of many of us who have gone to the University of North Carolina, folks from all over--not just the State--but the Nation indeed, we take great pride in the winning tradition that we all have personally witnessed throughout the years by the University of North Carolina basketball team. In fact, both of my sons, Stephen and Joshua McIntyre, are now in law school at Carolina and were undergraduates when Carolina won its first title under Roy Williams just a few years ago in St. Louis, when we were there to watch the March to the Arch. And I had the great pleasure to be in Detroit for the Final Four to witness Carolina win this championship by our great coach, Roy Williams, his wonderful assistants and, of course, the great players for the Carolina team. The precedent that has been set by Dean Smith, the great tradition that he had, the wonderful work that Coach Roy Williams clearly has done, sends a strong message that success can be found through dedication and hard work. In fact, I would say that they have shown that despite all difficulties this team faced when they were chosen as preseason number one, and everybody expected them to win the championship--but then they went through difficult times--but then they came back and proved that, indeed, they were the national champions. It showed that the three Ds in the real world, dreams, dedication and determination, lead to success such as this Tar Heel team found in winning the national championship. Having a dream, being dedicated to it as those players worked and worked, despite the difficulty, the coaching staff worked, the managers that supported the team, and then they came together through that dedication to that dream, they were determined to prove they, indeed, were the number one team in the Nation. That they did in Detroit. I cannot say enough about the great program that this is in terms of what it exemplifies in terms of the values of teamwork, commitment, loyalty, courage and being able to stand up against adversity. It sends a strong message of success that others can emulate in other programs around this country; and it speaks to young people everywhere. Five NCAA championships for the University of North Carolina, plus the championship, a national championship prior to when the NCAA was formed. So, really, six national championships have been won now by the men's basketball team. On behalf of the United States Congress, let me join my colleagues in saying, and as a proud fellow alumnus of the University of North Carolina and as one who has family members attending the University of North Carolina now, we are very proud of our Tar Heels. The citizens of North Carolina and the United States Congress are proud of the exemplary role that they have played in college sports and the example they have set for our Nation. God bless the Tar Heel boys.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, as co-chairman and co-founder of the Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports, I rise today to extend my most sincere congratulations to Robeson County Athletic Director Ronnie Chavis, who was honored by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) as 2009 National Athletic Director of the Year. Mr. Chavis, who has served the Public Schools of Robeson County for over 17 years as director of athletics, driver education, health, and physical education, was honored as Southern District Athletic Director of the Year on January 5, 2009. It was at the organization's national convention in Tampa, Florida, held during the first week of April, that Mr. Chavis was named NASPE's 34th Athletic Director of the Year. Mr. Chavis is a long-time resident of Robeson County, which is my home county. He graduated from Prospect High School in 1968 and attended the University of North Carolina at Pembroke where, as pitcher, he led his baseball team to the College World Series with a 9- 3 record. Mr. Chavis graduated from UNC--Pembroke with a degree in education in 1972, and began teaching and coaching at a local high school. Mr. Chavis later earned two master's of education degrees from Campbell University, one in physical education, and the other in administration and supervision. In 1989, he was named Athletic Director of the Public Schools of Robeson County. Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Chavis used funds from a physical education grant to build fitness centers, complete with new conditioning and physical education equipment, for each of the seven high schools within his district. Furthermore, Mr. Chavis ensured that all 35 elementary and middle schools were furnished with adequate physical education supplies, equipment, and software. Mr. Chavis also partnered with the Public Schools of Robeson County to provide funds for the lighting of all baseball and softball fields, and two football fields. Finally, Mr. Chavis established the Robeson County Coaches Golf Tournament, which has raised over $15,000 to assist coaches and athletes that have experienced hardships. Mr. Chavis is recognized by his colleagues as a highly dedicated professional who is able to motivate both students and coaches. His impact on the children of Robeson County and its youth sports community is evident. While a number of Robeson County athletes have gone on to play at the collegiate and/or professional level, many of Mr. Chavis' former students have emerged as doctors, lawyers, and coaches. Teaching discipline and perseverance, Mr. Chavis continues to inspire the lives of our children, molding individuals who will make many useful contributions to society. On behalf of the U.S. Congress, I extend congratulations to Mr. Chavis for his recognition as 2009 National Athletic Director of the Year.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Miss North Carolina USA Kristen Dalton for winning the title of Miss USA 2009 on April 19, 2009. An aspiring motivational speaker and entertainer from Wilmington, North Carolina, Miss Dalton competed against 49 other beauty queens to win the prestigious title of Miss USA 2009, in addition to receiving the highest scores for the swimsuit and evening gown competition. She will represent the United States of America in the Miss Universe 2009 pageant in August 2009. A 22-year-old graduate of East Carolina University with a degree in Psychology and Spanish, Miss Dalton's duties as Miss USA will enable her to continue working with the Miss Universe organization's charitable alliances including Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the USO, Special Olympics, the American Cancer Society and speaking to youth audiences targeting issues such as peer pressure and perseverance. She will be afforded a year's use of a New York apartment, a public relations team, a two-year scholarship at the New York Film Academy and a salary to carry out her duties and continue the Miss USA focus on charity. A singer and dancer who credits her strong religious faith and family for her success, Miss Dalton comes from a long line of pageant winners. Her mother, Jennie Dalton served as Miss North Carolina USA in 1982, and her sister, Julia Dalton, served as Miss North Carolina Teen USA in 2008 and as second runner-up in the Miss Teen USA pageant. Madam Speaker, dedicated service to others combined with dynamic leadership has been the embodiment of Miss Dalton's life and qualities that the Miss USA pageant upholds in selecting its winners. May we all wish Miss Dalton the very best in her quest for the Miss Universe title, in addition to using her selflessness, tenacity and integrity as a beacon of direction, and example of dedication, and a source of inspiration. Indeed, may God bless Miss Dalton and her time serving our country as Miss USA 2009.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening in support of the Youth Prevention and Harm Reduction Act, which is embodied in the substitute that Mr. Buyer is describing and offering and on which he and I have worked together, which is a bipartisan bill. I have worked with Mr. Buyer to craft a practical approach to government regulation of tobacco that protects health while preserving a vital economic engine for many communities, not only throughout my district in southeastern North Carolina and across the great Tar Heel State, but also across the country. The underlying bill will grant the Food and Drug Administration wide authority to dictate to manufacturers and growers dramatic changes in product design and leaf cultivation, a concern that has been raised repeatedly by the tobacco growers in my district and tobacco growers throughout the States that are affected. The last thing we want, of course, is to have any government bureaucrat coming on the farm or dictating to farmers about how they grow their crops. This is the part that we want to be abundantly clear about. The tobacco industry contributes over $36 billion to the U.S. economy each year employing over 19,000 individuals nationwide. In my home State of North Carolina, over 8,600 people are employed by the industry with a Statewide economic impact of nearly $24 billion. The manufacturing provisions and the concern about the FDA and its involvement on the farm in the underlying bill would put many companies and growers out of business. And in this time of economic uncertainty, the last thing that any of us can afford is to lose more jobs. Our substitute specifically protects growers by preventing any government agency from requiring changes to traditional farming practices, including standard cultivization practices, curing processes, seed composition, tobacco-type fertilization, soil, record keeping or any other requirement affecting farming practices. In addition, this bill is about public health and prevents minors from smoking. Our substitute considers cutting-edge scientific research, as Mr. Buyer has indicated a little while ago, which would promote a harm-reduction strategy to move smokers to less harmful tobacco products. So we're talking about here about protecting public health, definitely protecting minors, and making sure that our growers and farmers are not put out of business. According to applied economics, the use of these reduced tobacco products increases the average probability of smoking cessation by over 10 percent. The Buyer-McIntyre substitute specifically addresses youth tobacco by encouraging States to penalize minors for purchasing and possessing tobacco products. Under current law, retailers are prohibited from selling tobacco products to minors, but unlike with the purchase of alcohol, minors are not penalized for underage purchase and possession of tobacco products. This also calls upon the States to increase their percentage of the Master Settlement Agreement dollars to fund tobacco cessation and public health programs. In the past 10 years, States have spent just 3.2 percent of their total tobacco-generated revenue on tobacco prevention and cessation programs. We take this concern about our youth seriously. I had a son. Back when he was in high school he was part of the Tobacco Free Kids Program and we understand, appreciate, and respect that; and, in fact, our bill has even stronger provisions dealing with that. The Buyer-McIntyre substitute is a commonsense way to help protect public health and protect our vital tobacco economy and the jobs that we cannot afford to lose, especially in this time of economic crisis in our country. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the Buyer-McIntyre substitute, a bipartisan support, which provides a reasonable and pragmatic way to deal with tobacco regulation and help protect our minors from the harms of tobacco. I reserve my time.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. I would like to thank Mr. Buyer, who is the principal sponsor of this responsible tobacco regulation legislation. I was pleased to be the original cosponsor with him. In our legislation, we certainly want to make sure that this is an issue of fundamental fairness. This is not an anti-public health alternative. In fact, as Mr. Buyer was just saying and as we were just discussing in our interchange a few moments ago, in fact we have even stronger regulation to prevent youth smoking. I have a son. When he was in high school, and he was now in law school, but who actually served on the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids. So we understand that, and this is a strong statement, even stronger than Mr. Waxman's proposal against youth smoking. But it also recognizes that the FDA is understaffed and underfunded and overworked right now, and we are not in a situation where we need the FDA to come out on the farm and start regulating farmers. And, from that perspective, I wanted to principally speak in the next few moments as chairman of the Subcommittee on Rural Development, Biotechnology, Specialty Crops and Foreign Agriculture. The specialty crops over which our subcommittee has jurisdiction include tobacco. Now, we may soon see H.R. 1256, which is Representative Waxman's bill to implement FDA regulation of tobacco products and leaf scheduled for consideration under suspensions of the rules on the House floor. This process will allow for no amendments or alternatives to be presented on this incredibly important and complex issue of tobacco regulation. I urge my fellow Members to vote against the Waxman bill when it comes up on suspension so that we may consider an alternative bill, so that we may be able to consider the bill that Mr. Buyer and I are discussing tonight that does even more than Mr. Waxman's bill while preserving a vital economic engine for many communities throughout the United States, including my district in Southeastern North Carolina. H.R. 1261 is the Youth Prevention and Tobacco Harm Reduction Act that we have introduced together, and is actually a better approach to regulating tobacco and preventing minors from using tobacco products than the Waxman bill. The Waxman bill will grant the FDA, the Food and Drug Administration, wide authority to dictate to manufacturers and growers dramatic changes in product design and leaf cultivation. The tobacco industry contributes over $36 billion each year to the U.S. economy, employing over 19,000 individuals nationwide. This is not exactly the time to cause even thousands more of our fellow citizens to lose their jobs or to yet cause another problem with our Nation's economy. In my home State of North Carolina, over 8,600 people are employed by the industry, with a Statewide economic impact of nearly $24 billion. Mr. Waxman's manufacturing and FDA on the farm provisions will put many companies and growers out of business, and we absolutely cannot afford to lose any more jobs. Our bill, H.R. 1261, specifically protects growers by preventing any government agency from requiring changes to traditional farming practices, including standard cultivation practices, curing processes, seed composition, tobacco type, fertilization, soil, recordkeeping, and any other requirements that affect farming practices. The last thing that our farmers want to see is another government bureaucrat coming out on the farm walking around, snooping around about the soil and how he is growing his crops. In addition, our bill does more to protect public health and prevent minors from smoking even than the Waxman bill does. H.R. 1261 considers cutting-edge scientific research by promoting a harm reduction strategy to move smokers to less harmful tobacco products. According to applied economics, the use of these reduced harm tobacco products increases the average probability of smoke cessation by over 10 percent; and I am sure my colleague will be speaking more to that aspect of this bill. H.R. 1261 specifically addresses youth tobacco by encouraging States to penalize minors for purchasing and possessing tobacco products. Under current law, retailers are prohibited from selling products to minors. But unlike with the purchase of alcohol, minors are not penalized for underage purchase and possession of tobacco products. And our bill clears that up and also allows for penalties in that regard. The bill also calls upon States to increase their percentage of the Master Settlement Agreement dollars to fund tobacco cessation and public health programs. In the past 10 years, States have spent just 3.2 percent of their total tobacco-generated revenue on tobacco prevention and cessation programs. Our bill would allow that to be increased. H.R. 1261 is a commonsense approach to tobacco regulation that will both protect the public health and protect the jobs in our vital sector of the tobacco economy. I urge my colleagues to vote note ``no'' on Waxman and give yourself a chance to consider a more viable and reasonable economic alternative that does even more to protect our youth. In closing to my colleague, I will say for our colleagues who may be in their offices or their staff that may still be in their offices this evening, we do have a chart that compares both bills. If we want to talk about, all right, what are the reasonable alternatives, one by one we go through the different segments of the bill to explain so that a real comparative analysis can be done. And that is what this is about. It is fundamental fairness in how we pass legislation so it is not just rushed through under suspension but we get a chance to actually analyze and compare these two bills, and that we do it in a way that will best achieve the goal here of protecting the public health, particularly of our young people, and protect jobs and not cost our economy any more jobs than our country, unfortunately, has already lost. And with that, I yield back to my colleague. And thank you for your great work on this bill.