Jerry Moran

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my admiration for the life of Mr. Lewis Dean ``L.D.'' Minor of Minneola, Kansas, who passed away on Monday, February 26, 2007. A member of this country's ``Greatest Generation,'' Mr. Minor was a man of integrity who lived his life in service to others. He worked hard and loved God, his family and his country. Like so many young Americans of his generation, L.D. put country before self and joined the United States Navy in 1943. He proudly fought for freedom during World War II in the South Pacific. During his service he earned the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. When I entered Congress in 1997, L.D. was one of the first constituents to contact me regarding veterans' issues. Throughout his life, L.D. displayed tireless dedication to improving health care access for veterans, especially those living in southwest Kansas. He constantly worked on opportunities to bring the Department of Veterans Affairs to the area for general health care while finding ways to transport veterans to a VA regional hospital for specialty care. L.D. was one of many veterans whose efforts were rewarded when a VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic was opened at Ft. Dodge, Kansas, in 1999. He provided me valuable counsel and never let me forget that our Nation's veterans deserve the best health care possible. I signed a picture taken of myself and L.D. during one of his trips to Washington, DC to represent the Veterans of Foreign Wars. I was proud and humbled to know the picture was displayed during his funeral. On that picture, I wrote the following words. ``I wish Congress would serve our veterans as well as you and all veterans have served our country.'' Veterans have brought honor to our country through their military service. It is only right that their government honor its commitment to them. In addition to his service to veterans, L.D. was devoted to his family. Over the course of their 63 year marriage, L.D. and his wife, Esther, were committed parents and grandparents. They raised twelve children and enjoyed 30 grandchildren. In the many important roles L.D. filled in his life, he served out of a sense of duty. He made his community better and his Nation safer. I join L.D.'s many friends and admirers in paying tribute to a great man. My thoughts and prayers go out to Esther and the Minor family during this time of loss.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, when the question is asked, other than a family member, name one person who has made a difference in your life, the most often answered response is that of a favorite teacher. This simple response speaks volumes about the influence that an educator has on the lives of a young person and the future of our Nation. The education profession has long been known for inadequate pay but a high job satisfaction. Teachers have been willing to forfeit material gain for the joy of seeing the eyes of their students light up when they discover a difficult concept or when they grasp a new idea. We have long understood that teachers truly shape the world by their work, and their greatest product is an educated child. Lately, though, the job satisfaction that brought so many teachers into the profession seems to have left the classroom. Unfortunately, much of this development can be attributed to No Child Left Behind. The joy of teaching has been replaced by the pressure-filled staff meetings where educators spend their time talking, not about how to help a child learn but, rather, their school's test scores. Morale in the education world has diminished, and more teachers are at wits end. Recently, Holly Lindsay, a teacher in Lindsborg, Kansas, told me of her frustration with her profession. She writes, ``I am a first-year teacher, and I am beginning to get very discouraged. I went into the teaching profession to help students learn and to encourage them to follow their dreams. However, I am finding that more and more of my time is spent preparing students for standardized tests. These tests do not prepare students for any career. They only teach students how to take a test. I am very disappointed with the education system right now. With all these tests, we don't have time to teach. It is also very frustrating when we have to prove our abilities with countless hours to show that we are highly qualified. In no other profession are there such lofty goals for their employees with such little benefit. I truly feel that the time and effort I put into teaching is not worth my while. No Child Left Behind is wonderful in theory, but impossible to carry out. Not every child is equal in ability, and no teacher should be expected to make it so.'' The number of teachers leaving the profession is exceeding the number of teachers entering the profession by 23 percent. With over 25 percent of our teaching force eligible to retire within the next 10 years, this young educator's thoughts should be a warning. Teachers that have been career educators are bailing out as soon as they can because they do not want to deal with the unnecessary red tape and the growing pressures that are being placed upon them. Another staggering fact is that one-third of new teachers quit the education profession within the first 3 years of teaching. In my rural Kansas district, if we have to shut the doors on rural schools it will not be because of lack of students, it will be because we cannot find the teachers to fill the teaching vacancies. Congress must be sensitive to the responsibility we hold in making educators want to walk out of the classroom and never look back. Congress needs to look closely at our role and the trends and make sure that we are not encouraging this situation by continuing to overregulate the classroom. We need to strive for improvements in our education system, but we must make sure that we are not legislating accountability simply for the sake of a sound bite. We must not take the joy and passion out of this noble profession by requiring things that are simply not possible. This year, Congress is set to examine No Child Left Behind and potentially reauthorize it. While I voted against this law, I voted against No Child Left Behind, I look forward to being involved in the upcoming discussions about how we reform and change the education system. My hope is that we will look closely at the unintended realities that so many of our teachers face and will be willing to make the changes necessary to provide the policies that will help them succeed as they go about the business of educating our greatest asset, our young people, and fulfilling the jobs they so love.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, despite my belief in the inadequacies of the President's new strategy, to vote for the resolution with the troops already deployed is a step I cannot take. I am unwilling to--after the fact--say to them, I oppose your mission. My vote should not be interpreted as approval of the administration's conduct of this war. I have had the opportunity to meet General David Petraeus, the new commander of the U.S. forces in Iraq. I believe he is one of the most capable military commanders America has available for this mission. General Petraeus has indicated there is a chance for success and that he will report to the American people in 6 months as to whether or not the President's plan is working. Let us give the new leaders and the new strategy this short period of time to see if stability can be achieved--an investment necessary to ensure the lives lost and families damaged thus far have not sacrificed in vain.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I was before the Rules Committee requesting permission to offer an amendment, and I appreciate the courtesy that was extended to me by the Rules Committee, but would like to highlight, once again, that this omnibus spending bill does not include something that is of high priority to me and a high priority to many of my colleagues on the Republican side, but clearly a priority to Democrats who, last fall, signed a discharge petition attempting to bring to the House floor the issue of disaster assistance for farmers across the country. And despite the fact that 196 Members of the House, Democrat Members of the House, signed a discharge petition, we are still not at the point in which we are able to vote upon providing disaster assistance to farmers across the Midwest and around the country due to weather-related losses. And I would encourage my colleagues, as we continue to work ourselves through the appropriation process, that we have other opportunities to pursue this. And I hope that the words that were expressed to me yesterday in the Rules Committee that that would be the case remains true.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to express my admiration of a Kansan's life--a life filled with honor and service to country, community and family. Mr. Robert ``Bob'' Layher of Hays, Kansas, a member of the Greatest Generation, lived life with integrity, passion and enthusiasm. Like so many young Americans of his generation, Bob put country before self and joined the U.S. military. Bob proudly fought for freedom during World War II, though he began serving prior to the start of the war. He was among those who resigned their U.S. military positions in order to volunteer for a covert operation with the Chinese Air Force before the U.S. entered the war. For his service in China as a member of The Flying Tigers, Bob was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Bob's dedication to those he served with and his preservation of their memories was unsurpassed. While the history and service of The Flying Tigers is well known in China, few in our country know about the courage and heroism of these men. Bob took a lead role in making certain that his community knew about The Flying Tiger's mission of protecting China's important Burma Road from Japanese attacks. He was also involved in national education of The Flying Tigers. Appearing in stories and presenting at schools, he shared the history of this brave group of volunteers. During trips back to the area where they were stationed, members of The Flying Tigers found the need for education about their group was much less necessary in China. The idea that Americans would volunteer to defend another country all for the sake of freedom made a great impression on the Chinese. While Bob was born and raised outside of Kansas, our state was lucky to have him settle here and begin farming after his military service. Bob was born in Dallas, Oregon, on September 3, 1916. He graduated from the University of Colorado where he also met his wife, Marian. In 1941, 4 days before he left for China, he and Marian were secretly married. This was also the same day as his birthday, so this way Bob would never forget their anniversary. A very involved member of his community, Bob participated in several civic groups. After he moved to Hays in 1952, Bob became a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Order of the Eastern Star. He was also a member of the ISIS Shrine and the Masonic Lodge in Salina. Most important to Bob was his family. Over the course of their 65 years of marriage, he and his wife were committed parents and grandparents. Bob's son, R.F. ``Bobby'' Layher Jr., followed in his father's footsteps and served as a pilot in Vietnam. Even though Bobby went on to be a civilian pilot, Bob and his son were still able to fulfill their dream of farming together. In the many important roles Bob filled in his life, he served out of a sense of duty and not out of selfish ambition. He helped make his community better and his nation safer. I join his many friends and admirers in paying tribute to a great man. My thoughts and prayers go out to Marian and her family during this time of loss.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, it is very unusual for me to watch C-SPAN on my television set in my office and decide this is something I want to come speak about it. It is rare for me to be on the House floor speaking about someone else's bills or speaking about an amendment. Usually when I am here, it is on a topic of interest and personal involvement from my committees and my involvement as a Member of Congress from a very rural community who is here to fight on behalf of rural America. Well, tonight as I watched the debate on this issue, as I heard it explained, it is one of those issues that caused me to walk across the street to come talk about something that is gnawing at me. We have talked about a double standard between the leadership staff, the committee staff, and our own personal staff. But to me the double standard is the way that Americans in the job market are not treated when they lose their job. What I see is that Americans, the taxpayers of this country, will see one more piece of evidence that Congress doesn't get it, that we are simply taking care of our own and forgetting the taxpayers, the Americans who go to work each and every day and those who may, through no fault of their own, lose their jobs. So what I see tonight, as we discuss this issue, it is about a double standard that treats the American people differently from those who happen to work for Members of Congress, particularly in leadership or in committee staff positions. They are important. They are important to the process. They are important to good government. But the reality is we are here on behalf of the American people, on behalf of the American taxpayer, and those are the people we ought to be thinking about tonight as we debate how to spend the taxpayers' dollars. It is easy to be generous with other people's money. Tonight we ought to remember it is the taxpayers' money that we are attempting to be generous with. Let us recognize that once again Congress should not create a special opportunity for people who happen to work here. Do not treat ourselves, do not treat our staffs differently from the American people.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Gerald W. Tomanek of Hays, Kansas, and honor his accomplishments and character. Jerry was many things to many people--an educator, a comrade, a scientific expert, a husband and a parent. To me, Jerry was foremost a trusted friend. Jerry and I met when I was a college student at Fort Hays State University. From the beginning, I was struck by his humble spirit and the genuine care he showed in his interaction with me. Not too many years after we first met, Jerry became President of Fort Hays State University. Years earlier, Jerry had attended the same institution when it was Fort Hays Kansas State College. As President, in 1977, he successfully led the effort to change the school's status to that of university. Today, thanks in large part to his vision, Fort Hays State University is one of the leading academic institutions in the Midwest. In addition to serving as university president, Jerry was extensively involved in research and instruction. Growing up on the Great Plains, he was familiar, as all Kansans are, with the prairie. First as a student and then as a professor, Jerry learned more and more about this ecosystem and became one of the most renowned experts in the world on prairies. His expertise was sought by foreign governments and leading U.S. news organizations. The intimate knowledge and love he had of the prairie helped others appreciate and understand this unique landscape. Since our first meeting, Jerry and I stayed in contact and developed a friendship. In our many conversations, I was always impressed with his knowledge, wisdom and kindness. I valued his advice. When my family and I decided I would run for the Kansas State Senate, I asked Jerry to be my campaign chairman. He kindly accepted and helped guide me to victory, despite a close race. Jerry was not only a friend to me, but to most everyone who met him. He was one of those rare individuals whose warm personality and authentic care for others left all who met him better off. He had a way of affirming the worth of others that inspired them to achieve their best. Despite all of his academic and professional achievements, when friends share stories of Jerry, their message is the same: he was a good man who put others before himself. It is this example of a life well lived that is his greatest contribution. I can think of nothing more honoring than to say that Jerry lived a life that called me and those who knew him to be better people.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a man who is a legend in Kansas journalism and his community, a man not afraid to challenge an issue even if it rocked the boat, man who let his readers know what they needed to know, a man who served his country and community with strong will and strong opinions, and a man who will be missed throughout Kansas. I am here today to honor a respected leader and friend--Bill Meyer. Bill may best be known as the editor and publisher of the Marion County Record. During his 55 years of service to this weekly paper, he brought a fire to the paper establishing it as a challenge to the status quo. After graduating from the University of Kansas in 1948 with a bachelor's degree in journalism, he began his five and a half decade career. Bill didn't stop at just reporting the news. His active role in civil issues, including the construction of Marion Reservoir and the local football stadium, helped create good news for the city of Marion. Bill's weekly column, ``Mostly Malarkey,'' gave voice to his strong opinions. These challenging positions often led to productive dialogues, but for others it led to violent reactions. On occasion his property and the newspaper office were vandalized. This past president of the Kansas Press Association has woken to slashed tires, egg-covered vehicles, and even a bullet hole in his office window. It takes a tough man to withstand the attacks he endured defending his fiery positions. Bill also endured attacks while serving our country in World War II. He earned the Purple Heart for permanent injuries suffered from freezing temperatures during the Battle of the Bulge and the liberation of concentration camps in Bavaria. Bill was decorated by several European countries and his own for his service during the war. He continued to be honored after the war for serving his comrades and their memory by editing Checkerboard, a World War II newspaper, and facilitating tours of European battlefields. It has been said that Bill was part of a dying breed in journalism-- journalists who didn't write for the good of their career, but for the good of their community. Bill enjoyed success in career and community. Among others, he received awards from Kansas State University, the Kansas House of Representatives, and the International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors. In 2004, he was inducted into the Kansas Newspaper Hall of Fame. In Marion, Bill gave back while serving as school board president, Kiwanis president, and president of the Marion County Hospital District. Bill became even more connected with his neighbors as an ambulance and bus driver. Despite his many activities, family came first. Bill was a devoted husband to his wife, Joan, and a proud father, grandfather and great- grandfather. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Meyer family. May the strength and courage demonstrated in his years of service help inspire us. We will not only remember Bill the way we saw him through our own eyes, but also by the way we saw the world through his eyes. The world is a better place because of him, and he will be greatly missed.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Hostettler and Ranking Member Jackson-Lee and the two chairmen and ranking members of the full committee, who are here today, for their leadership and effort. This has been a long time coming. The J-1 visa Conrad program has expired 6 months ago, and communities are waiting for the certainty of this legislation's passing, and I am grateful to the leadership of the committee as well as the House to see that this bill is on the floor today. I came to Congress as a Member who wanted to do something about preserving and improving the way of life in rural America, and one of the things I quickly discovered was if there is going to be a future for rural communities we are going to have to have access to affordable medical care. If you want your community to have that future, you have got to have hospital doors that remain open, physicians in communities, home health care, nursing home care, and other professional health care providers that can meet the needs. Otherwise, our senior citizens that make up such a large portion of our population will reluctantly move away and young families will decide we can't take the risk of living in a community that does not allow us the opportunity to have our children treated with adequate medical facilities. The J-1 visa program, though not solving all of the challenges we face in meeting the health care needs of Americans, is one step in that direction that needs to be there. It needs to be in place, and I am pleased that the committee has recognized its importance. The physician shortage that has been mentioned is real. In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that although a quarter of the population of our country lives in rural America, only 10 percent of the physicians serve that population. We have a tremendous gap. And the unique thing about this, as is with many what I would call rural health care issues, is it brings urban Members of Congress and rural Members of Congress together because our needs are so identical. We are so underserved that the core center of cities and the most unpopulated areas of the country face the same challenges: How do we meet the health care needs of Americans who choose to live where they live? Kansas has been able to recruit 66 physicians since 2002 when we developed our State program, and it has made a tremendous difference. Three communities, Rush County Memorial Hospital now has had three J-1 visa physicians, the only physicians in the county. The same thing with Greensburg, Kansas. For the last 10 years, no physician in the community but a J-1 visa, and those J-1 visa doctors have attracted three mid-level practitioners. And, finally, the most recent success in Kansas is a community health clinic, the United Methodist Mexican-American Ministries, where they just recruited a J-1 visa doctor from Peru who now can address the needs of many Hispanic members of that community in southwest Kansas. It is wonderful now to have a bilingual J-1 visa doctor. Again, there are issues that we would love to work on to address the distribution of J-1 visa physicians, and I look forward to trying to meet that challenge with my colleagues from across the country. But this program is important. It saves lives. It is often the only health care opportunity that many Americans will ever receive, and the J-1 visa program is about good health and saving lives. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be here today.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jerold L. Harris of Wichita, Kansas. Jerold has served rural America for 43 years in his role with the Farm Credit System. American agriculture will miss this good friend come January when he plans to retire. Jerold grew up on a farm near Denby, South Dakota, and later attended high school in Gordon, Nebraska. After receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Business from Colorado State University in 1963, he went to work for the Farm Credit System, where his positive leadership helped people work together. Jerold embodies a statement he often quotes ``There is no limit to progress when people work together.'' During Jerold's 43 years of service, one accomplishment truly stands out. The Western Farm Credit Bank in Sacramento, California entered into a joint management agreement with the Farm Credit Bank of Wichita in January 2002. The Board of Directors named Jerold as President and Chief Executive Officer. Under this agreement, Jerold combined the operations of these two banks while developing and implementing a strategy to merge the two banks and form a new bank, U.S. AgBank, FCB, which would be headquartered in Wichita, Kansas. The 1980s were a difficult decade for American agriculture. During part of this time Jerold was the Chief Executive Officer of the jointly managed Ninth District Federal Land Bank Association and the Ninth District Production Credit Association that served four states. Even in those difficult times, Jerold was able to bring people together, under a common objective, to produce results. During his long and distinguished career, Jerold held numerous leadership positions within the Farm Credit System. He has served as a loan officer, an appraiser, a supervisor and a manager, a follower and a leader, but always with the same dedication and achievement. Jerold has also provided distinguished service at the national level, serving 15 years as a member of the Farm Credit System Presidents Planning Committee, during three of which he served as Chairman. Jerold also served 11 years on the Board of Directors of the Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corporation, with three of those years as Chairman. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) and is a member of the NCFC Executive Council. Jerold is also a familiar face here in Washington, DC. He has represented the Farm Credit System by testifying before both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees on numerous occasions, and always demonstrated a deep understanding of the issues and provided excellent input on the decisions facing congressional committees. Jerold's honesty and integrity, keen intelligence, and an understanding of people has won him respect from his peers, workers, and the farmers and ranchers he has represented and served. His accomplishments speak volumes about his dedication to agriculture. He has worked tirelessly to improve agriculture and rural America, and his leadership will be truly missed. It is a great pleasure for me to share his impressive record of service with my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. MORAN

Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Rear Admiral William G. Timme on the occasion of his retirement from the United States Navy on November 30, 2006, a service he entered as a Midshipman at the Naval Academy in 1974. Over the past four years, Admiral Timme has performed superbly as the Naval Sea Systems Command's Deputy Commander for Undersea Warfare. His energy, drive, leadership, keen understanding of national goals, objectives, and priorities, and ability to develop innovative approaches has left an exceptionally positive impact across the Undersea Warfare enterprise. Admiral Timme's personal efforts have successfully steered the Undersea Warfare directorate through trying workforce downsizing initiatives, delivered significant cost savings, and improved submarine maintenance planning. Most importantly, he directly supported key Team Submarine strategic goals in maximizing operational days for submarines and deep submergence vehicles, improvement of modernization fits, optimization of submarine fleet engagements, and preparation of personnel to meet future technical and management challenges. Admiral Timme has worked closely with senior shipyard personnel to develop process changes that have resulted in reduced costs and increased efficiency at our nation's public and private shipyards. These include major initiatives in coordinating work across the Naval Shipyards and strengthening vital areas such as the innovative One Shipyard concept. After the USS San Francisco grounding incident in January 2005, Admiral Timme developed the repair and transit procedures that directly help save this high value, and operationally critical platform for the Navy. Additionally, in his role as submarine safety certifying official, he has presided over the certification process for sea trials and unrestricted operations of over 47 submarines and manned submersibles. The son of a career military officer, Admiral Timme attended Rutgers University for one year prior to entering the Naval Academy in 1974, graduating with distinction in 1978 with a degree in mechanical engineering. Following commissioning and completion of nuclear power school and basic submarine training, Admiral Timme reported to USS Archerfish. He served as Reactor Controls Assistant and Weapons Officer, completing three deployments. In March 1983, Admiral Timme was assigned to the Personnel Exchange Program with the Royal Navy in the United Kingdom. He served on the staff of Flag Officer Submarines at the Commander-in-Chief Fleet Headquarters in Northwood, England. Admiral Timme completed Submarine Officers Advanced Course in October 1985, earning the L. Y. Spear Award as class honorman. He then reported as new construction Engineer Officer on the PCU Tennessee, where the ship earned the Navy Unit Commendation during the shipyard construction period. Later, Admiral Timme served at the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Washington, D.C., as the submarine department head detailer. During this tour he earned a masters degree in Engineering Management from The Catholic University. He relieved as Executive Officer of USS Chicago in April 1991, earning the Battle Efficiency ``E'' award. Subsequently, he served as Flag Secretary and Senior Aide to Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. In March 1995, Admiral Timme relieved as Commanding Officer, USS Helena and conducted two western Pacific deployments, which included numerous exercises and operations, including supporting the USS Constellation Battle Group. Subsequently, USS Helena conducted an interfleet transfer and began a Depot Modernization Period at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. In May 1998, he reported to the New Attack Submarine Program as the Warfare Requirements and Fleet Liaison Officer. In June 2000, Admiral Timme relieved as the Program Manager for Undersea Weapons, responsible for all of the Navy's torpedo programs. Admiral Timme's awards include the Legion of Merit Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and several unit and service awards. The Department of the Navy, the Congress, and the American people have been well served by this dedicated naval officer. Admiral Timme's professionalism, superior technical and managerial expertise and determination to support the Fleet are unrivaled. He has been instrumental in ensuring that the U.S. Submarine force is, and will remain, the world's most preeminent in the 21st century. He leaves an enduring legacy. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today to express appreciation to Admiral Timme for his outstanding service to the nation. I also want to recognize and thank his wife Suzette and his daughters Savannah and Morgan for their loyalty and support. No one in our armed serves can do their job without the love and understanding of their loved ones. They have shared equally in all of Admiral Timme's success. On behalf of the citizens of Virginia's 8th district, I would like to thank Admiral Timme for his steadfast service to his country over his illustrious 28- year career and wish him and his family fair winds and following seas in his retirement.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, on Easter Sunday, 2004, Apache helicopter pilot Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Wesley Charles Fortenberry and his gunner answered a desperate call for help from a convoy of 29 reservists trapped in an ambush with an estimated 300 Muslim extremists--pinned down in a mile-long kill zone in Bagdad, down to their last rounds of ammunition. Pilot Chuck Fortenberry and his gunner fought to save the lives of 29 soldiers, repeatedly silencing enemy guns and drawing fire to themselves. As one reservist said ``everywhere the Apache flew, the fire stopped. When I heard the Apaches, all I could think of was `Thank God', I am going to live.'' To make sure that future generations understand the sacrifices that ensure their freedoms I am proud to announce I have introduced legislation to name the Woodville Post Office in honor of Chuck Fortenberry. This is a lasting tribute to an American hero. It is also a tribute to the people of Tyler County, whose sons and daughters have defended America's

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the month of October as national domestic violence awareness month. Though we have made great strides in bringing attention to the tragedy of domestic violence, more than 4 million Americans continue to find themselves victims of physical, psychological and sexual abuse. Domestic violence crosses every line of ethnicity, geography, and income. Abuse occurs in every single community in our country--every community--and it must be fought in every community. It wasn't very long ago that family violence was considered just that--a family matter. A battered woman was forced to suffer the cuts and bruises and the terror and tears in silence. In my parents' generation, many folks whispered and had suspicions about what was going on next door. Seeing bruised children or watching a wife cower when her husband spoke to her caused speculation on what was taking place in the home. Unfortunately, no one intervened because that was a family matter and none of their business. Domestic violence rarely made the headlines then and rarely makes the headlines now, primarily because most of the abuse occurs behind closed doors. In most instances, the victim knows the attacker. More than 50 percent of victims are battered by a boyfriend or girlfriend. More than 30 percent are assaulted by spouses, while 15 percent are attacked by ex-spouses. Many victims are reluctant to report these incidents to anyone because they fear this will only make things worse. Society tends to misplace the blame for continued abuse, focusing on the victim and criticizing him or her for not leaving the abuser. In many cases victims simply do not have the physical or financial resources to get out of the relationship. They often stay until things hit rock bottom. Every year, domestic violence results in approximately 100,000 days of hospitalization and more than 28,000 visits to emergency rooms. In these cases, major medical treatment is often required. Furthermore, the possibility of being murdered by an abuser increases to 75 percent if the woman attempts to leave on her own. Today, domestic violence is still causing terror and tears. But the story and its ending isn't quite the same. Thankfully, many of the calls for help are now answered. I would like to commend those who work every day to help victims of domestic violence, especially those who work in the nine service areas of my 69 county district--Dodge City, Emporia, Garden City, Great Bend, Hays, Hutchinson, Liberal, Salina, and Ulysses. They are the unsung heroes battling the culture of darkness that domestic violence victims are caught up in. Proximity to a safe facility can mean the difference between life and death. Though progress has been made in accessing services, many victims in central and western Kansas and other rural areas remain hundreds of miles away from the closest shelter. Ensuring safe havens for victims who leave abusive environments must continue to be a priority. Most domestic violence centers rely primarily on grants and local donations. Federal grants made under the Violence Against Women Act provided essential funds for shelter operations and support services. That program has been credited with substantially reducing the levels of violence committed against women and children. We must continue to ensure that our shelters and crisis centers receive adequate funding. As National Domestic Violence Awareness Month begins, we are reminded that domestic violence is an issue that must be addressed all year long. Only through funding, education and support can America hope to end this terrible crime.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Mexico. I also thank the gentleman from Wisconsin this evening for being here in support of H.R. 4750. As has been indicated, this is a very important issue for many in both the State of Nebraska and the State of Kansas. I particularly want to express my appreciation to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne) and really the cooperation that has existed on very difficult issues between the State of Nebraska and the State of Kansas. Water is a huge issue in the midwest. It always has been, probably always will be. But it is especially exacerbated by the fact of inadequate rainfall for now, four, five and six years in much of Kansas and much of Nebraska. An agreement was reached, compact litigation ensued. Ultimately a settlement of that litigation was reached. And that settlement provides for the State of Nebraska and the State of Kansas to come together, provide some money, share with the Federal Government. The Department of Interior would then conduct a study. The State of Kansas, and I believe the State of Nebraska has appropriated this money for the fiscal year. That is why this legislation is so important to be timely considered and timely approved. All that now remains is for the Federal Government to meet its obligation under the settlement agreement. The feasibility study is desperately needed to increase the water availability to find out how we do that, and to encourage its efficient use and conservation within our delivery system. Madam Speaker, the feasibility study authorized by 4750 is not only necessary to ensure the State remains in compliance with that agreement, but to make certain that the economic, agriculture and personal use of water is done in a very efficient and effective way. I urge Members of Congress to approve this legislation.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the citizens of Burns, Kansas for continuing efforts to sustain and revitalize their community. With a population of approximately 450, the citizens of Burns and the surrounding area demonstrate pride in their community through action. Over the course of many years, steps have been taken to ensure that the future of Burns is a bright one. In October of 2002, ground was broken on a new community center. With assistance from the Kansas Department of Commerce Kan-Step Program, the building was completed in March of 2003. During that five-month period, crews of volunteers worked on the center on a daily basis. Cabinets and More, a local business, volunteered more than 300 hours of labor to build and install cabinets. A donation of $18,000 was made by the Burns school alumni for window blinds and furniture. Twenty tables and 200 chairs were provided at cost--saving the community $7,000. The end result is a building that sports a wellness center, youth room, a place for seniors to quilt and a great kitchen. The center is constantly reserved for civic events and private gatherings. Carolyn Koehn, former city clerk and coordinator of the community center project, believes the facility demonstrates a collective willingness to enhance Burns' quality of life--today and for future generations. ``This project would have not succeeded without the culture of volunteerism and the acceptance of change and new ideas in the Burns community,'' Koehn said. More recently, residents banded together to transform the former post office into a new community library and city hall. Grant funding from USDA Rural Development covered $50,000 of the project expense. Impressively, more than $95,000 was raised by the Burns Public Library Board from private sources. Approximately half that amount came from local and area residents. The fundraising effort consisted of phone calls, an ice cream social by the Burns United Methodist Church and an 800 letter fundraising campaign. The new city hall and library was completed in May of 2006. Barb Stuhlsatz, library board president, is excited by the additional opportunities that the new facility affords area residents. ``We now have a state-of-the-art library that provides reading programs, GED assistance and computer access to residents of Burns and the surrounding area,'' Stuhlsatz said. The Burns PRIDE committee is always searching for ways to promote the community. Sandy Heyman, a committee member, came up with a unique way to achieve this goal. She initiated the sale of two-foot tall concrete roosters to local businesses and residents. Upon sale, the roosters were then creatively decorated. In May of 2004, Burns hosted its first ever Rooster Parade. In all, more than 60 roosters have been sold, decorated and are on display. In recognition of the project's success, the local Lions Club has purchased a four-foot rooster that serves as a welcome sign on the way into town. Sandy is proud of how the roosters have united her hometown. ``It is amazing how many people participated in the project,'' Heyman said. ``The roosters really brought people together.'' Additional art can be found in the Prairie Arts store, an arts and crafts mall that attracts visitors from across the country. A local group of artists and craftsmen organized the business, which displays intricate wheat weavings, beautiful quilts, handcrafted wood items and much more. The arts and crafts mall is one of more than 20 businesses that call the Burns area home. Local residents developed a new memorial park, which includes a pavilion, picnic tables, walking path, horseshoe pit, basketball goal and restroom. In addition, volunteers installed new city street signs, made improvements to the local ball field and constructed a new gazebo. Since 1954, families in Burns have hosted international students in their homes over the Thanksgiving holiday. The program was initiated by Betty Grimwood and Bonnie Lohrentz, who thought it would be great if foreign students could experience rural, American culture. In recognition of how thoroughly the community embraced the idea, Burns received a Distinguished Service Award from the Institute of International Education in 1959. The award was presented by then Vice President Richard Nixon. Over the last 52 years, more than 60 local families have served as student hosts. In excess of 500 people representing 110 countries have visited Burns. Today, local resident Tom Grimwood carries on his mother's international legacy. Tom and his wife Nedy teach Spanish and Italian at American companies. They also welcome foreign students into their home every Thanksgiving. Tom is proud of the reputation that the program has developed over the years. ``One of our students told us that Burns is the smallest town with the biggest diplomatic service in the world,'' Grimwood said. In her 21 years as a resident, Mayor Mary Glenn has witnessed first hand how her community pulls together in order to achieve a goal. ``All of our accomplishments are made possible because of a tremendous volunteer effort,'' Glenn said. Stuhlsatz knows that her hometown is special. ``The people of Burns are awesome,'' Stuhlsatz said. ``They are like a family and whether they still live here or not, they work together to keep Burns a place you want to come home to.'' For rural communities to survive and prosper into the future, citizens must be willing to create their own opportunities for success. Ongoing efforts to revitalize Burns are an example of how hard work, vision and community support can create such opportunities. Citizens throughout Kansas are working together to enhance the quality of life in their communities. Burns is a success story that demonstrates how teamwork and creative thinking can make a positive difference in rural America.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate from time to time that we reflect upon our country's past, study events of history, and remember what we have learned from those who came before us. The western Kansas town of Nicodemus, though small in size, has a rich history that can teach us much about who we are as Kansans, and who we are as Americans. Discrimination and slavery are an unfortunate part of our country's history. Black Americans suffered greatly, and many fought and died to obtain their freedom. The struggle between pro-slavery forces and abolitionists was fought across the country. And significant battles took place in my home State of Kansas during the 1850s. The outcome of Bleeding Kansas was a free State in the heart of an expanding nation that offered hope and opportunity to former slaves. While the end of the Civil War brought with it expectations that African Americans would finally enjoy the rights described in our founding documents, many rights obtained were largely stripped away by the end of the Reconstruction period. Many recognized the sacrifice that Kansas had made to become a free State. Ex slaves left the south and ventured out to the vast prairies of Kansas in search of freedom and opportunity. The destination for many of these individuals was Nicodemus. Founded in 1877 by six African American men, Nicodemus was formed as a community specifically for African Americans. At a time when prejudice and oppression were still common, Nicodemus offered African Americans a place to own their own land, to make a living farming, and to prosper in a jurisdiction allowing self government. The young community of Nicodemus grew and prospered during the 1880s as a result of the ingenuity of black entrepreneurs and the dedication and commitment of black farmers. Though many African Americans in the south were denied an education, Nicodemus established schools and educated the town's children. Since the bustling activity and growth of the 1880s, Nicodemus has had its ups and downs, yet it today remains a community of African Americans and a testament to the human desire for freedom. Nicodemus is the only remaining western town established by emancipated slaves during the reconstruction period, and it is critical that its history not be lost. On November 12, 1996, Congress recognized the historical significance of Nicodemus and established the Nicodemus National Historic Site to preserve, protect and interpret this unique community. Thanks to Congressional action, the National Park Service and especially the residents of Nicodemus, this community and its story are being preserved for future generations. Each year during the last weekend in July, Nicodemus is transformed again into a busy community, full of activity, for the emancipation celebration. At this event, former residents and their families return to Nicodemus to share stories and to enjoy one another's company. This year, the community will not only celebrate the first emancipation of slaves in the western hemisphere, but also Nicodemus's 10th anniversary as a National Historic Site. Nicodemus is a special community that reminds us both of the struggles and the accomplishments of African Americans. I am proud of this community. Nicodemus deserves to be honored for its contributions to American history. I commend and encourage the preservation efforts of the National Park Service and the residents of this amazing town.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my gratitude for an incredibly well hosted event in my district this past week. Through a collaboration of more than 2,500 volunteers, the renowned Prairie Dunes Country Club and the United States Golf Association, the 2006 U.S. Senior Open was contested in Hutchinson, KS. I was proud to be in the crowd of this well attended tournament. The state of Kansas and this community did a wonderful job of showcasing our welcoming spirit and beautiful landscape. The names of Watson, Player, Irwin, Crenshaw and Kite are easily recognizable to golf enthusiasts. After his repeat victory, Allen Doyle should also now join this list of distinguished champions as a household name. But there were more than just famous golfers who made this a successful event. I'm certain that Kansans will join with me in specifically thanking Mr. Allen Fee, Tournament General Chairman, and Mr. Greg Conrad, Championship Director, for their collective contributions in making this an outstanding week of golf. I also want to thank the legion of volunteers who gave of their time and talents. As testament to the event's success, volunteers from 27 states joined nearly 115,000 spectators in establishing the mark for the largest sporting event in Kansas history. The real star of this championship, however, was the golf course itself. Many golfers and spectators commented that Prairie Dunes was stunning, from tee to green, from fairway to ``gunsch'', and provided the level of difficulty required in a tournament of this high caliber. To the unfamiliar, what players and spectators alike found was a course ranked by many in the top 15 in the United States, and the top 25 in the world. From its origins dating back to 1937, Prairie Dunes continues to emphasize native prairie grasses and its famous ``Maxwell Rolls'' greens to provide a stern test for the discriminating player. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing the Hutchinson community for hosting the 27th U.S. Senior Open, and for their many contributions to the State of Kansas and game of golf.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of increased exploration, drilling and production of natural gas off our intercontinental shelf. This is an important issue for all of the country, but especially true among my farmers and ranchers in Kansas. I am one who supports renewable fuels, and ethanol and soy diesel provide a great opportunity for economic opportunity in Kansas, for Kansas farmers and for American agriculture and for our country. We must become much more independent from the energy sources abroad. But for our farmers and ranchers to remain in business, to survive into the future, they have got to have access to natural gas and at prices that are affordable. Natural gas is the primary feed stock, the ingredient for the production of many agricultural components, but especially for nitrogen fertilizer that is so important; and if we are going to produce ethanol in this country, if we are going to produce soy diesel, we are going to have to have the fertilizer at an affordable price that will allow our farmers to raise the corn and grain sorghum to produce the ethanol to raise the soy beans to produce the soy diesel. Our farmers are struggling across the country. Input costs are dramatically on the rise. Nearly 40 percent of the nitrogen capacity, fertilizer capacity has been shut down in this country since 1999. Six years ago, approximately 15 percent of our fertilizer needs were met in the United States from abroad. Today 50 percent is imported. Prices have increased dramatically: $250 a ton for nitrogen fertilizer in 2002; today, $416. One of my farmers who farms in southwest Kansas, 30 years ago when he started farming, natural gas was 19 cents. Today it is $9. We are seeing double, triple and even fourfold prices that Donny Young talks about in trying to stay in business with these increasing input costs, while the price of corn has stayed the same. We in the United States need to become independent if we are going to produce the ethanol. And it is important that we remember that natural gas is necessary to make that nitrogen fertilizer. I encourage the adoption of this proposal. A vote for H.R. 4761 is a vote for agriculture. Agriculture's ability to produce an affordable food supply will continue to face huge obstacles if our nation does not come to grips with its desire to have limitless resources, like natural gas, for production and not realize that these resources have to come from somewhere. Our natural gas crisis has two solutions--increase supply and reduce demand. H.R. 4761 addresses one aspect of this crisis as it will increase the supply of natural gas from the Outer Continental Shelf. This additional supply will do two things. It will send a strong signal to natural gas markets and could increase the elasticity in North American natural gas markets. It indicates to these futures markets that the United States is committed to lifting the moratoria in the Outer Continental Shelf to provide consumers with an additional supply of natural gas. This message should ease the volatility in natural gas prices that all of us have seen since 1999 and the additional supply should help ease the natural gas prices over time. Why does agriculture care so much about this natural gas crisis? Simply put, agriculture is a very large consumer of natural gas. Farmers use significant amounts of natural gas for food processing, irrigation, crop drying, heating farm buildings and homes and for the production of crop protection chemicals and nitrogen fertilizers. Natural gas is the primary feedstock in the production of virtually all commercial nitrogen fertilizers manufactured in the Untied States. Natural gas is not just an energy source it is the raw material for producing the fertilizer. Today, in the case of the nitrogen fertilizer anhydrous ammonia, natural gas accounts for over 90 percent of the total cash cost of production. Just like Kansas wheat and Wisconsin milk, fertilizer is a commodity bought and sold worldwide and subject to basic global supply and demand economic principles. As the U.S. domestic nitrogen fertilizer manufacturing sector declines due to high natural gas prices, Kansas farmers and other U.S. food producers will be subject to global supply/ demand forces on the fertilizer products they buy, even more so than today. The climb in natural gas prices since 2000 has forced U.S. fertilizer production costs to unprecedented levels. Over this period of high prices and intense volatility, the U.S. fertilizer industry began to shut down production. Nearly 40 percent of the industry's nitrogen capacity permanently shut down between 1999 and today. This has and will, continue to make U.S. farmers dependent on offshore production from the major suppliers such as Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and Russia. This rise in natural gas prices and the permanent closure of so much U.S. fertilizer production has dramatically impacted fertilizer prices throughout the marketing chain and, in particular, at the farm level. According to USDA, U.S. prices to farmers for ammonia climbed from $250 per ton in 2002 to $416 per ton in 2005. That is almost a doubling of the price of ammonia to farmers. This continued loss of production from the U.S. nitrogen fertilizer industry would force farmers to rely on a highly uncertain and highly volatile world market with no assurance that they will be able to obtain enough product to meet their full demand. This is particularly important when considering the importance of nitrogen to farmers. Thirty to 50 percent of corn yields are directly attributed to nitrogen fertilizer. Passing H.R. 4761 represents a direct, positive action to increase our nation's domestic natural gas supply to help relieve the high prices pressuring American farmers, fertilizer producers and homeowners. Allowing exploration and development of the Outer Continental Shelf is an essential commitment that our nation must make. These natural resources belong to all Americans and should be developed for the benefit of the entire nation. A vote for H.R. 4761 is a vote for agriculture. Please support passage of H.R. 4761.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the citizens of Barnes, KS, for continuing efforts to sustain and revitalize their community. Deb Kruse, local bank manager and active civic volunteer, wants to see her hometown raise another generation of Kansans. ``We are very fortunate and blessed to have a community that pulls together to support our businesses and projects that need volunteer or financial assistance,'' Kruse said. ``We have a lot to offer--not always a large salary--but caring friends and neighbors.'' Despite its small size--144 people--Barnes is bustling with activity. More than a year ago, the city council started a successful initiative to rehabilitate and demolish old houses. To date, eight homes have been rehabilitated and five old structures have been demolished. The volunteer fire department is made up of 20 dedicated members. With the assistance of local and Federal funding, the department has successfully upgraded its pumper truck, safety equipment, information system and continuing education requirements. More than 20 years ago, the Barnes Community Development Corporation was formed to help sponsor important community services and events. In 1995, the corporation purchased and still operates the Hometown Cafe. The corporation is also working to preserve the Barnes Gym which hosts Bingo every Thursday night and is utilized for wedding receptions, programs, plays and other community events. Through the years, the corporation has organized many community activities and celebrations: Barnes Old Home Days, Water Garden Tours, Washington County Junior Miss Scholarship Program and the Annual Barnes Lighted Horse Parade. Close to four years ago, residents came together to open a faith- based youth center called The Refuge. Thanks to generous personal donations of time and money, The Refuge is currently located in a renovated one room school house. Adult mentors, otherwise known as ``Servants of the Refuge,'' provide area youth opportunities to gather and grow through meaningful community service projects. Rehabilitation of the Barnes I.O.O.F. Park was initiated by Ms. Marilyn Laflin, a Master Gardener, who donated her time and expertise to the project. Community members have donated lamps, benches and various other items to the park in memory of loved ones. The local Lion's Club has been instrumental in maintaining the beauty of all community parks. In addition, the club provides assistance to the Hometown Cafe, makes improvements to the local ball field and band shell, and erected the town's welcome signs. Our Daily Bread Family Bake Shoppe and Bistro is a family owned business that started out of a two car garage in December of 2002. Since October of 2003, people have come from all over to dine on delicious homemade meals in a beautiful, historic 100-year-old downtown building. The success of Our Daily Bread is testament to what is possible, with creativity and hard work, in rural America. The newest community entity is the Barnes Trust for Historic Preservation. The trust is in the formation stage and is charged with preserving and restoring the historical identity of the community. The trust's first priority will be to help restore the Barnes State Bank. The city maintains an extensive Web site that includes a list of 26 entities on its business and organization directory. That list includes three antique shops, three churches, two bed and breakfasts, two automobile repair shops, two building contractors and a plumber. Gloria Moore, city treasurer, knows it is no accident that so much is taking place in such a small town. ``The individuals that have started businesses in Barnes have invested their money and talents to keep our community alive,'' Moore said. ``We could live anywhere in the world but choose to live in a small community, because we're sold on rural Kansas.'' For rural communities to survive and prosper into the future, citizens must be willing to create their own opportunities for success. Ongoing efforts to revitalize Barnes are an example of how hard work, vision and community support can create just such an opportunity. Citizens throughout Kansas are working together to enhance the quality of life in their communities. Barnes is a success story that demonstrates how teamwork and creative thinking can make a positive difference in rural America.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, a methamphetamine epidemic is plaguing America, as we know. It has become the leading drug problem in my home State of Kansas. The Byrne-JAG program is a critical tool for Kansas drug and law enforcement as they fight this methamphetamine abuse production and trafficking. It is especially true of rural communities who have fewer resources and live and die by these Federal grants. Today, I spoke to Cristi Cain, a meth prevention organization leader. Here is her quote: Reduced funding means reduced enforcement, which means increased addiction, increased trafficking, increased manufacturing, which means more injured and killed children, more fires and more explosions, more crime to support the addiction. In short, an endangered Kansan. I urge adoption of the Kennedy amendment.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of a distinguished Kansan, Edward Lawrence ``Larry'' Winn, Jr. Congressman Winn honorably represented the residents of the Third Congressional District of Kansas from 1967 until 1985. His career in Congress was marked by his care for the Kansans he represented and accentuated by noteworthy accomplishments. Kansans are people that know the value of a hard day's work-- Congressman Winn included. During his eighteen years of service in Congress, Congressman Winn always worked to ensure taxpayer's dollars were spent wisely. He knew the folks back home had worked hard and expected their taxes to not be wasted. The Treasury Department recognized Congressman Winn's efforts for fiscal responsibility by awarding him the Golden Bulldog Award each year he served. Congressman Winn also made sure that Kansans were well-informed about what was happening in Washington. As a former radio broadcaster, Congressman Winn taped a weekly radio program that was distributed to local broadcasters in Kansas. His popularity and reputation for excellence in constituent service was evident by frequently seeing ``I visited Congressman Larry Winn in Washington'' bumper stickers. During his service in the House, Congressman Winn was a strong supporter of our nation's space program. As a member of the House Committee on Space and Aeronautics, Congressman Winn's support for space exploration and scientific discovery, helped give NASA the resources it needed to achieve the great accomplishments it did. I am proud to be a sponsor of legislation to recognize this fine Kansan. For his dedication to the people of Kansas and our nation, it is appropriate that Congress honor Congressman Winn by designating the United States Post Office at 6029 Broadmoor Street in Mission, Kansas, as the ``Larry Winn, Jr. Post Office Building.''

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, on June 19, 2006, I was unavoidably detained because of travel delays and missed the following rollcall votes: 1. Rollcall vote No. 289: the Sergeant Jacob Dan Dones Post Office Designation Act; 2. Rollcall vote No. 290: the Larry Winn, Jr., Post Office Designation Act; and 3. Rollcall vote No. 291: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a National Youth Sports Week should be established. Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' to rollcall vote No. 289, ``yea'' to rollcall vote No. 290, and ``yea'' to rollcall vote No. 291.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Virginia, and I also thank the leader of the Armed Services Committee, the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter), as well as my chairman from the Veterans' Affairs Committee, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Buyer) for their support of this resolution, as well as my colleagues from Kansas. Many good things come from Kansas, including the Patriot Guard, but in response to something that is less than desirable, and that is a radical Topeka, Kansas-based church has been disrupting funerals of servicemembers now for several years, with picketers that appear at those funerals during and holding signs that read, ``Thank God for IEDs,'' and, ``Thank God for dead soldiers.'' No Kansan, no American can respond to that in any way but the way that it has been described by my colleagues today. But in 2005, the American Legion Riders of Post 136 in Mulvane, Kansas, responded by bringing their motorcycles and themselves to those funeral services where they provided a buffer between the protesters and the families of those deceased service men and women. They decided to take action and called themselves the Patriot Guard, and they organized their supporters from across the country to attend those funerals and shield our military families. They waved the American flag, sang patriotic songs, and took lawful and peaceful action to serve as a barrier between the families and protesters. Their actions preserved the dignity and honor of these funeral services and allowed the families a peaceful time of mourning on that day of service that they so much deserved. This movement has now spread across from Mulvane, Kansas, across the State and around the Nation. The Patriot Guard Riders now include thousands of members who volunteer their time to come to the aid of military families at funerals to show their respect and, when needed, to shield families from disruption. Members include veterans and nonveterans, riders and nonriders, and they have successfully performed hundreds of missions across the country not only supporting the fallen and their families, but also providing comfort to those who serve today, knowing that their families would be protected should they fall. The significance of these volunteer actions is realized when you read letters of appreciation written by family members and friends of the deceased. I would like to mention a letter that the Patriot Guard received from the family of Corporal Peter Wagler. I attended that funeral in Hutchinson, Kansas, at the Nazarene Church on February 10, 2006. Corporal Wagler was killed in Iraq at the age of 19, having served only a month in Iraq, and his family wrote the Patriot Guard Riders: Thank you so much for your amazing support at the funeral of our son Peter Wagler. Despite the cold north wind, you rode many miles to participate. I have never seen such a display of flags as we encountered when leaving the church. Many people have told me how meaningful the flags were to them; many shed tears as they drove through the tunnel. As for your protecting us from the demonstrators, when we arrived we looked for them, but we could not see them, and we never did. Peter loved motorcycles and planned to get one when he finished his term in Iraq. He will not get to do that, but he would have loved the tremendous display you put on. Our family feels inadequate in expressing our thanks, but please know that we deeply appreciate what you did for us. God bless you, David for the Wagler family. Mr. Speaker, I urge that we adopt this resolution and that we, as a House, commend the Patriot Guard Riders.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the current system of automatic pay increases for Members of Congress. This system does not allow for a clear up or down vote on the annual cost-of-living increase in Members' salaries. This increase is conducted in a manner that only serves to increase cynicism towards the political process and confirms the feeling of many voters that their representatives are out of touch. The American public deserves better. Kansans deserve to see whether or not I support a pay increase. So I would like to share that my vote would be against a salary increase. The need for a cost-of-living adjustment is not limited to Members of Congress, it also includes the public--veterans, teachers, farmers, the retired. These people, who we represent, deserve responsible government and Congress should not receive an automatic cost-of-living increase during these challenging economic times.