Sue Myrick

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, October 10 marks the 100th Anniversary of The Republic of China--or Taiwan. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing this important occasion. The partnership between the United States and Taiwan is vital within the international community. Both of our countries benefit from a robust trading relationship, and the support that Taiwan has shown the United States in times of need cannot be overlooked. In recognizing the centennial of Taiwan, we are also recognizing the numerous cultural and political accomplishments of this proud nation. Within Taiwan, we see a flourishing democracy--where free speech and political discourse are encouraged--and applaud the perseverance of those who have worked to protect the civil rights of the Taiwanese people. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the accomplishments Taiwan has made over the past 100 years, and that we will all continue to foster the important relationship that exists between the United States and one of our most important Asian allies.

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to participate in the following vote. If I had been present, I would have voted as follows: Rollcall vote 630, on agreeing to the resolution--H. Res. 363, providing for consideration of H.R. 2584, making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes--I would have voted ``yea.''

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Well, it's my honor to be here. And I thank you for yielding me the time. As you said, we have a lot of colleagues here, and most of us share the same ideas relative to what we're about. You mentioned and are talking there about the dinner table and women being financial planners. We do the budget. We're the ones that take care of our families, as you said. We're the health care providers, all of that. You mentioned your husband's in business, but I, also, am a former small business owner. And when I look at what's happening today, there are so many businesses--I think there are, like, 400 new businesses every day that are started by women in this country. And when I talk to business owners at home, they say to me: I am really concerned about the fact that I could expand my business, but I'm afraid to because of the uncertainty that's out there. I don't know what policies are coming down. I don't know what kind of health care costs I'm going to have. I don't know what tax policies and what, if I hire somebody, it's going to cost me to retain that employee. I don't want to go out and hire them and train them and then have to turn right around and, you know, maybe let them go because I can't afford to keep them. So the policies that we're working on--and all of the women in Congress on our side of the aisle that really care about these issues-- are to make sure that we put policies in place that help and promote those small businesses to exist because they hire most of the people in the country. Most of the jobs are provided by small business. And it's really important. I also, from another standpoint, used to be the mayor of Charlotte. Unfortunately, the first and only female mayor. I wish somebody else would run on the female side, but that's beside the point. What I wanted to say is that we had to operate with a balanced budget, very simple. And you can do it. We've been talking this week and actually passed a bill yesterday of cut, cap, and balance. I mean, what a novel idea. It's the way all of us live all the time. It's how we do our business. And there's no reason the Federal Government, like the 49 States that balance their budgets, can't be living under a balanced budget. Yes, it's tough. We have to make some hard decisions. But the bottom line in all of that is we can do it. And if we have the resolve and the American people want us to do it, there's no such thing as government money. It's all the taxpayers who send their money up here to Washington. That's what we're spending. And we've been spending too much of it. So I'm encouraged by the fact that we really did have a vote on that bill yesterday that says we're going to live within our means, we're going to do what you do every day, and that we, as women, can have a voice in that and we'll continue to have a voice in that. And I thank you so much for putting this together so that we have a chance to express that to the American people.

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, the possible default of the Federal Government presents a near-term problem which could have disastrous effects in the short-term on our economy. But the bigger problem is long term because Washington has just been spending too much money for too darn long--borrowing 40 cents just about of every dollar we spend, most of it from China, and sending the bills to our kids and our grandkids. This bill to cut spending, cap and then balance the budget is something that needs to be done. And we can't keep kicking the can down the road. You've heard that before, but it's true. The responsibility is on us to do the right thing for tomorrow for our families and everybody else. We balanced the budget almost, some years ago. It's not impossible. It can be done if we have the courage to do it; 49 out of 50 States do it. So we need to remember there's no such thing as government money. It is the taxpayers' money. It's our job to be responsible stewards of that. We need to step up and take that responsibility and pass this bill.

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished efforts of the National Counterterrorism Center Director, Michael E. Leiter. Following his exemplary service as the Assistant Director and Deputy General Counsel for the Commission on the Intelligence Capabilities of the U.S. regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction, Mr. Leiter continued his public service as the Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. He was very successful in organizing staffing and in establishing processes for this new but critical office. As such, he was elected to become the Principal Deputy Director at the National Counterterrorism Center. Because of his superlative efforts, in June 2008, he was confirmed as the Director of NCTC where he has focused on counterterrorism, community development and mission execution. His focus has prepared the CT analysts of tomorrow to meet the challenges ahead, and his management style has encouraged information sharing and the free flow of ideas. Director Leiter has always understood that results mattered and that a success rate of less than 100 percent meant lives lost. Some of the center's most noticeable accomplishments will remain largely secret; however, Director Leiter's strategic investments will pay dividends for many years to come. Under his leadership, the center vastly improved its processes for screening CT data and deployed a new database, better known as TIDE, that has yielded easier management, improved identity resolution and faster, more efficient processes. In the wake of the attempted downing of a passenger aircraft in December 2009, Director Leiter reallocated significant resources to develop the Pursuit Group, which is a team of highly skilled analysts that sifts through considerable amounts of data to identify desperate pieces of loose intelligence and to find linkages that identify terrorists, their networks and their plans before they can be executed. His leadership in the areas of radicalization, extremist messaging and in countering violent extremism is particularly noteworthy as well as his focus on cooperation and engagement with outside communities. This has laid a solid foundation for the continued success of these initiatives. Director Leiter leaves the Federal Government for some well-deserved time with his family and friends, and I wish him well. However, it is my sincere hope that he continues to use his expertise in counterterrorism to keep America and its citizens safe.

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to participate in the following vote. If I had been present, I would have voted as follows: Rollcall vote 463, On Question of Consideration of the Resolution--H. Res. 316, Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2021) to amend the Clean Air Act regarding air pollution from Outer Continental Shelf activities, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1249) to amend title 35, United States Code, to provide for patent reform--I would have voted ``aye.''

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following poem in honor of Lance Corporal Nicholas ``Nic'' O'Brien. Our Blessed Son In honor of Lance Corporal Nicholas ``Nic'' S. O'Brien, an American hero, who gave that last full measure. The United States Marines 1st Bat., 5th Marine Reg., 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. On June 9, 2011, in Afghanistan, Lance Corporal Nicholas ``Nic'' S. O'Brien of Gaston County gave that last full measure in devotion to his country. As we lay his fine body down to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, our prayers and thoughts go out to him and his loved ones. May God Bless them all. I ask that this poem penned in his honor by Albert Caswell be placed in the Record. our blessed son Nic, You . . . You, Our Blessed Son . . . Nic, America's bravest of all ones! Rest now, as thy will be done! As your fine soul, as up to heaven has so flown . . . As up to our Lord, as an Angel . . . as now where you so belong! All In The Army of Our Lord, who has now come home! To fight the darkness, as over our world you so watch . . . so roam . . . To watch over us, as thy will be done . . . And as we lay your most sacred body down to rest . . . You Nic, are but one of America's very best! Her Blessed Son! Your loving parents' and family's, divine one! As a brave heart who once stood! All in his most magnificent shades of green, turning evil into good! As a United States Marine, all in your most golden sheen with all you could! Of selfless sacrifice, you most brilliant . . . most brilliant of all lights! As an American Treasure, who but gave That Last Full Measure! All for what is true and what is right, all for that old Red, White, and Blue . . . As now our tears roll down our trembling cheeks, when thinking of you we so weep . . . Our Most Blessed Son, this most beautiful of all ones . . . as for you our heart's ache so deep! Hooo . . . rah! You United States Marine, as up in Heaven you are now so seen! All for your loss, all in our pain we now so weep . . . at but the cost to freedom to so keep! And at night, as you lay your head down to sleep . . . Across North Carolina, but comes a gentle rain so very deep . . . Are but our Lord's tears, from up in Heaven . . . for all of your souls to so keep . . . To ease your pain, now so carried within you so very deep . . . Until, up in Heaven once again you all shall meet . . . As our Lord weeps, knowing of your fine son's life . . . as for what he did so forsake! But, for the greater good . . . in all that he so could, take this with you as you wake! Moments, are all we have! To grab hearts! To turn the good into the bad! To make a difference with in all! As your fine Son had! To Heaven to seek! Rest my Son! You most beautiful Irish one, Lance Corporal O'Brien! As when we think of you, Irish eyes are smiling! For we will hear you on the wind . . . your footsteps up in Heaven time and again . . . And feel you next to us as we sleep . . . Until, one fine day . . . all up in Heaven, once again we shall all so meet! And we won't have to cry anymore . . . You, Our Most Blessed of All Son's! Your Family's, and America's Most Heroic of All Ones! As we lay your fine body down to rest! Lord, take America's son . . . her very Best . . . he's your's! Amen!

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the life of Lance Corporal Nicholas O'Brien--a Marine from Stanley, NC, who was killed in action while serving our country in Afghanistan. He had just turned 21 two weeks earlier. Nic--as he was known to family and friends--entered the United States Marine Corps knowing the risks, but also knowing that he had a calling to serve our country. From a young age, he knew he wanted to be a Marine, and even turned down scholarships to continue playing baseball--he was a star player at East Gaston High School, from which he graduated in 2008. Lance Corporal Nic O'Brien is what his father calls ``a true American hero in every sense of the word.'' He's right. There is no way that we can adequately thank our men and women in uniform all for their service and sacrifice to protect our freedoms. The thoughts and prayers of our entire Nation are with them--those who have bravely served, and the families of those whose ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing our deepest thanks and condolences to the O'Brien family and to everyone who knew Nic--a true American hero.

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, due to a family emergency, I was unable to participate in the following votes. If I had been present, I would have voted as follows: May 26, 2011 Rollcall vote 375, on passage--H.R. 1540, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2012 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 376, On Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to the House Amendment--S. 990, Small Business Additional Temporary Extension Act of 2011--I would have voted aye. May 31, 2011 Rollcall vote 377, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended--H.R. 1484, Veterans Appeal Improvement Act--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 378, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass--S. 1082, Small Business Additional Temporary Extension Act--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 379, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass--H.R. 1954, To Implement the President's request to increase the statutory limit on the public debt--I would have voted nay. June 1, 2011 Rollcall vote 380, On Consideration of the Resolution--H. Res. 287, Providing for consideration of H.R. 2017, making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 381, On Ordering the Previous Question--H. Res. 287, Providing for consideration of H.R. 2017, making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 382, On Agreeing to the Resolution--H. Res. 287, Providing for consideration of H.R. 2017, making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 383, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended--H.R. 802, To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a VetStar Award Program--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 384, On Agreeing to the LaTourette of Ohio Amendment-- H.R. 2017, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 385, On Agreeing to the Cicilline of Rhode Island Amendment--H.R. 2017, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012--I would have voted nay. Rollcall vote 386, On Agreeing to the Royce of California Amendment-- H.R. 2017, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 387, On Agreeing to the Poe of Texas Amendment No. 8-- H.R. 2017, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 388, On Agreeing to the Cuellar of Texas Amendment-- H.R. 2017, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012--I would have voted nay. June 2, 2011 Rollcall vote 389, On Agreeing to the Clarke of Michigan Amendment-- H.R. 2017, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 390, On Agreeing to the Sessions of Texas Amendment-- H.R. 2017, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 391, On Agreeing to the Lummis of Wyoming Amendment-- H.R. 2017, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 392, On Agreeing to the Carter of Texas Amendment No. 1--H.R. 2017, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 393, On Agreeing to the Price of North Carolina Amendment--H.R. 2017, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 394, On Agreeing to the Sherman of California Amendment--H.R. 2017, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 395, On Agreeing to the Gosar of Arizona Amendment-- H.R. 2017, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 396, On Agreeing to the Scalise of Louisiana Amendment--H.R. 2017, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 397, On Agreeing to the King of Iowa Amendment--H.R. 2017, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 398, On Agreeing to the Cravaack of Minnesota Amendment--H.R. 2017, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 399, On Agreeing to the Amash of Michigan Amendment No. 1--H.R. 2017, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 400, On Agreeing to the Amash of Michigan Amendment No. 2--H.R. 2017, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 401, On Agreeing to the Amash of Michigan Amendment No. 3--H.R. 2017, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 402, On Agreeing to the Rokita of Indiana Amendment No. 1--H.R. 2017, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 403, On Agreeing to the Rokita of Indiana Amendment No. 2--H.R. 2017, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 404, On Agreeing to the Cole of Oklahoma Amendment-- H.R. 2017, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 405, On Agreeing to the Gohmert of Texas Amendment-- H.R. 2017, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 406, On Agreeing to the Mica of Florida Amendment--H.R. 2017, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 407, On Agreeing to the Polis of Colorado Amendment-- H.R. 2017, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012--I would have voted nay. Rollcall vote 408, On Motion to Recommit with Instructions--H.R. 2017, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012--I would have voted nay. Rollcall vote 409, On Passage--H.R. 2017, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012--I would have voted aye. June 3, 2011 Rollcall vote 410, On Agreeing to the Resolution--H. Res. 294, Providing for consideration of H. Res. 292 declaring that the President shall not deploy, establish, or maintain the presence of U.S. Armed Forces in Libya, and for consideration of H. Con. Res. 51 directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove the U.S. Armed Forces from Libya--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 411, On Agreeing to the Resolution--H. Res. 292, Declaring that the President shall not deploy, establish, or maintain the presence of units and members of the United States Armed Forces on the ground in Libya, and for other purposes--I would have voted aye. Rollcall vote 412, On Agreeing to the Resolution--H. Con. Res. 51, Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove the United States Armed Forces from Libya--I would have voted nay.

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, on May 28, the Republic of Azerbaijan will celebrate its 93rd Republic Day, as well as the 20th anniversary of its freedom from the Soviet Union and the start of diplomatic relations with the United States. Located between Russia and Iran in the strategic region between Europe and Asia, Azerbaijan is a stable and secular country, and is one of the few places in that part of the world where Muslims, Jews and Christians live together in peace. Additionally, Azerbaijan has always been a great ally of the United States, offering assistance after the attacks on 9/11, and supporting action in the Middle East to protect the United States and the world from the threat of terrorism. My colleagues are encouraged to join me in honoring Azerbaijan on the occasion of its 93rd Republic Day and celebrating the continuation of the great United States-Azerbaijan relationship.

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the victims of a notorious concentration camp in Omarska, located in northwestern Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the summer of 1992, Omarska was the site of murder, torture and other mass violations of human rights. It is thanks to the courage of the British journalists Ed Vulliamy, Penny Marshall and Ian Williams and their brave reporting, that the world learned about the horrors of Omarska in the last decade of the 20th century. As we remember the victims of Omarska, let us reinforce the significance of remembrance and the right of the survivors and families of the victims to mark this tragic chapter in the history of Europe.

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. I'm delighted to be here today because this is a good moment for our intelligence community that we are going to pass an Intelligence bill. You've heard it said it has been 6 years since there has been an authorization for these people. They are out there every single day in every single agency doing what they do so we can be here to be able to discuss this on the floor and to live freely in this country and around the world. It's extremely important that they have the knowledge and security of knowing that what they do is approved of and authorized by this committee in the House. It has been good to have a bipartisan agreement in the sense that we worked very well together. Mr. Rogers and Mr. Ruppersberger worked extremely well. Myself and Mr. Thompson, who chair one of the committees, work very well together. The committee members do. And so it's encouraging that we're able to move forward in a way that's very positive for the people of this country relative to their national security. So I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a tragedy that occurred 19 years ago in Azerbaijan. Between February 25-26, 1992, hundreds of innocent civilians were killed in what's known as the Khojaly Tragedy. During this tragedy, ``. . . it is widely accepted that 200 Azeris were murdered, as many as 500-1,000 may have died,'' according to a report released by Human Rights Watch in 1993. Azerbaijan is a strong ally of the U.S., especially during this time of uncertainty in the Middle East. We grieve with its people as we remember the victims of the Khojaly Tragedy.

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to participate in the following vote. If I had been present, I would have voted as follows: Rollcall vote 142, on agreeing to the Carney of Delaware Amendment, No. 241--H.R. 1: Making appropriations for the Department of Defense and the other departments and agencies of the Government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes, I would have voted ``no.''

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, for almost a half a century, Betty Davis-- affectionately known as Miss Betty--has been serving the community at Queens University in Charlotte. Having been at Queens for nearly a third of the university's history, she's its longest serving employee, and everywhere you look, you can see Miss Betty's influence. She began working at Queens in 1962 as a housekeeper in one of the residence halls. She then became a housemother, saying recently in an interview that the girls in her houses respected her because she respected them. It's her respect for those around her that has made Miss Betty more than just a friendly face on the Queens University campus--she's someone that students, faculty and staff know they can turn to at any time. In 1978, university President Dr. Billy O. Wireman took notice, and asked Miss Betty to be his personal assistant. She says that she became like family with Dr. Wireman. He presented her with the Honorary Alumna Award in 1988; she sat with his family at his funeral in 2005. Close to starting her 50th year at Queens, Miss Betty has recently been named the doyenne of the Queens dining hall. When she's not caring for what she calls her ``Queens children'' during the school year, she's often spotted around Charlotte--whether shopping or walking around Freedom Park. She's a celebrity-type figure, and anywhere you go around town, you're sure to find someone who knows Miss Betty. In an article recently published by the Queens University Magazine, Miss Betty recalls a piece of advice her friend and mentor Dr. Wireman once told her: ``Gal, don't ever say no. Say you'll try your best.'' And that's exactly what Miss Betty has been doing for Queens University, her family and the Charlotte community for five decades. We appreciate her service to generations of Charlotteans, and look forward to many more years of her guiding influence.

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize a truly inspiring student in my district--Manasvi Koul of Waxhaw. This week, Manasvi was honored with the Prudential Spirit of Community Award, a nationwide program honoring young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism. Manasvi, a senior at Marvin Ridge High School, founded the LIVEbeyond Foundation, a nonprofit organization that educates people about becoming bone marrow donors. Through the LIVEbeyond Foundation, more than a hundred people have registered with the national Marrow Donors Program, and even more volunteers have signed up to help recruit and register potential donors. Her mission is a personal one--four years ago, Manasvi needed a bone marrow transplant to fight an aggressive form of cancer. Unable to find a match, she had to undergo a long and risky alternative treatment program, which ultimately proved successful. Today, she recruits and trains volunteers in chapters both in the United States and in Canada in the hope that others will not have to go through the struggle she did. Nobody chooses to get cancer, but with Manasvi's leadership, hundreds of people are choosing to be a part of the cure. Seeing such dedication and selflessness from our country's young people truly gives me hope for the future. Manasvi's commitment to helping those with cancer is nothing short of inspirational, and it is my honor to recognize her today.

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor both a colleague and friend--Mr. John Emerson--who is retiring from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration after 30 years of Federal service. John began his career in public service as a volunteer fireman on Long Island. He then worked as a Border Patrol Agent for the Immigration and Naturalization Service where he protected our borders from illegal immigration and drug smugglers. He joined the Drug Enforcement Administration in 1984. He worked in New York, Los Angeles, Bolivia, and Virginia before being named the Assistant Special Agent in Charge for North Carolina. In all of these posts, he was instrumental in successfully fighting drug trafficking. The work that John has done to combat illegal drugs in our state is immense. For example, under his leadership and tireless work with local law enforcement, over 70 clandestine methamphetamine laboratories were discovered in Western North Carolina. Since then, lab seizures in Western North Carolina have dropped by over fifty percent. He was also a vital proponent of having our area labeled as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). Under this designation, our local and state law enforcement agencies will have access to the resources they need in order to fight drug trafficking in our state. As a mayor of Charlotte, I've seen firsthand the negative effect that drug dealers and drug trafficking can have on a community. John has spent his life going after dangerous drug smugglers in order to keep communities across the globe safe. His work cannot be understated--his career is one that has truly made a difference. Mr. Speaker, I'm honored to recognize Mr. John Emerson's service to his country today, and I'm proud to say that our area is a safer one because of his work.

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, more than a week ago, a coalition led by the terrorist organization Hezbollah caused the crumbling of the Lebanese Government. Hezbollah is now seeking to form a new cabinet where the organization and its allies would control many crucial Lebanese ministries--including defense, interior, foreign affairs, and the finances of the country. This is an unprecedented power grab by a terrorist organization, which has a global reach in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and even on our southern border and perhaps inside the United States itself. Hezbollah is the proxy army of Iran, and Iran has made it into the most well-trained and well-funded terrorist group in the world. The situation in Lebanon, and the growing global power of Hezbollah, should be a great cause of concern to Americans. The people of Lebanon, particularly the Lebanese youth, have been demonstrating in the streets of Beirut, Tripoli and other areas, sending America a clear message about their rejection of Hezbollah. For some time now, Lebanon has been under the threat of Hezbollah's powerful militia, which has thousands of rockets and missiles, and whose members--according to media reports--are likely to be indicted in the 2005 terror assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri. Hezbollah is using this militia to threaten and bully Lebanon so that it can create a new government that would become a puppet of the Iranian regime, much like the Syrian regime. We must not let Iran gain further influence in the Middle East. I ask Congress and the President to declare its solidarity with the Lebanese people and to reject any recognition of a Hezbollah government. I also call on the President to ask the United Nations to implement UNSCR 1559, which calls for disarming of militias in Lebanon, which are a threat to all of its peace-loving people. I also ask my colleagues in Congress to issue strong statements of support for the Cedars Revolution and to the people of Lebanon as they face the takeover of their country by terrorist organization Hezbollah.

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, we oppose this health care law for many reasons. I'm especially concerned about the negative effect it may have on the ability of our doctors to care for their patients as they see fit. It creates well over 156 bureaucracies, programs, and regulatory systems which will further regulate and control the way medicine is practiced, paid for, and allocated. Doctors who practice medicine as small business owners are already forced to dedicate significant resources and manpower to keep up with the bureaucracy of reimbursement alone. This law does nothing to slow the growth of Medicare and Medicaid programs--we know those are two huge problems we have to deal with--but it will surely add to the regulatory burdens faced by doctors, patients, and, most importantly, the American people, who are going to have to foot the bill.

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. I thank the gentleman for yielding the time. I think like everyone else who is here, I'm here today in support of this resolution, not only because it recognizes what happened in that tragic situation that just shocked and saddened all of us on Saturday, but I think most people in America were really just in a state of shock and not actually knowing what to do at that time when we saw what was happening, not just to our friend, Gabby Giffords, who is a friend with everyone here, but also to all of the other families that were touched by this. It goes so deep in the Tucson community when you look at the six people who gave their lives and the people who are still in the hospital fighting for their lives and all the heroes of that day. We keep hearing story after story after story of the heroes that emerged, just ordinary, everyday Americans who do what we do in situations like that. We don't think about ourselves, but we come forward to help the other person. And there were so many people like that who literally saved lives, Gabby's staff members, who were so heroic at this time, and just the shock that all of them I know are still going through. But I know that they are really heartened by the fact that most people in America are just reaching out to them, and people are saying, what can I do, how can I help, where can I be of service to this situation? And that's what we do in America is we come together. We pull together. We say, okay, we need to be Americans and Americans first. And I think that's what we're seeing out of this. And I just hope that we, throughout this country, can continue to maintain that feeling of goodwill toward one another, of wanting to help one another, of wanting to reach out to one another and wanting to work together no matter where we are in the country, because that's what makes us great. So our prayers and our support are with Gabby and with the others, and they will continue to be. The reports appear to continue to be good, which is so gratifying and so heartening to all of us. And we all look forward to the day when she's back here standing on this floor with the rest of us.

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to participate in the following vote. If I had been present, I would have voted as follows: Rollcall vote 627, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass--H.R. 6412, Access to Criminal History Records for State Sentencing Commissions Act of 2010--I would have voted ``aye.''

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Madam Speaker, due to illness, I was unable to participate in the following votes. If I had been present, I would have voted as follows: November 29, 2010 Rollcall vote 581, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass--H.R. 5877, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 655 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, as the ``Lance Corporal Alexander Scott Arredondo, United States Marine Corps Post Office Building''--I would have voted ``aye.'' Rollcall vote 582, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree--H. Res. 771, Supporting the goals and ideals of a National Mesothelioma Awareness Day--I would have voted ``aye.'' November 30, 2010 Rollcall vote 583, On Agreeing to the Resolution--H. Res. 1736, Providing for consideration of the Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 4783) to accelerate the income tax benefits for charitable cash contributions for the relief of victims of the earthquake in Chile, and to extend the period from which such contributions for the relief of victims of the earthquake in Haiti may be accelerated--I would have voted ``nay.'' Rollcall vote 584, On Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendments--H.R. 4783, To accelerate the income tax benefits for charitable cash contributions for the relief of victims of the earthquake in Chile, and to extend the period from which such contributions for the relief of victims of the earthquake in Haiti may be accelerated--I would have voted ``nay.'' Rollcall vote 585, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, as Amended--H. Res. 1585, Honoring and recognizing the exemplary service and sacrifice of the 60th Air Mobility Wing, the 349th Air Mobility Wing, the 15th Expeditionary Mobility Task Force, and the 615th Contingency Response Wing civilians and families serving at Travis Air Force Base, California--I would have voted ``aye.'' Rollcall vote 586, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree--H. Res. 1740, Recognizing and honoring the National Guard on the occasion of its 374th anniversary--I would have voted ``aye.'' December 1, 2010 Rollcall vote 587, On Ordering the Previous Question--H. Res. 1742, Providing for consideration of S. 3307, the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act--I would have voted ``nay.'' Rollcall vote 588, On Agreeing to the Resolution--H. Res. 1742, Providing for consideration of S. 3307, the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act--I would have voted ``nay.'' Rollcall vote 589, On Agreeing to the Resolution--H. Res. 1741, Providing for consideration of H.J. Res. 101, Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes--I would have voted ``nay.'' Rollcall vote 590, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree--H. Con. Res. 323, Supporting the goal of ensuring that all Holocaust survivors in the United States are able to live with dignity, comfort, and security in their remaining years--I would have voted ``aye.'' Rollcall vote 591, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree--H. Res. 1735, Condemning North Korea in the strongest terms for its unprovoked military attack against South Korea on November 23, 2010--I would have voted ``aye.'' Rollcall vote 592, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, as Amended--H. Res. 1430, Honoring and saluting golf legend Juan Antonio ``Chi Chi'' Rodriguez for his commitment to Latino youth programs of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute--I would have voted ``aye.''

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate one of the most hard-working and inspirational people I've ever had the honor of knowing. Last month at the U.S. Powerlifting Championships, Boyd Huneycutt, after an 18-year break from competing, set the national and world record in his weight class. But what makes his story unique is that Boyd was born prematurely with numerous birth defects, and given 72 hours to live. 50 years later, Boyd is still touching lives and inspiring those around him. You see, Boyd only has two fingers on one hand. And one on the other. He has metal braces on his legs. In his lifetime, he's had 72 orthopedic surgeries. The obstacles he's faced in his life are many, and may have stopped others. But Boyd lives by the motto ``Never Compromise, Always Improvise''. And improvise he did. He set his first North Carolina state record in 1989. He won his first state championship in 1990. In 1992, he won gold in his weight class while representing the United States on the U.S. national team. And to top it off, he's undefeated. In more than two decades of competing, nobody has ever beaten him, and I doubt that anyone ever will. It's because of his work ethic, determination, and refusal to take ``no'' for an answer that Boyd Huneycutt has become a world class athlete and world champion. I'm honored to know him, and look forward to many more national and world records to come.

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate Gastonia, NC--one of the recipients of the 2010 All-America City Award from the National Civic League. Gastonia, for the third time, has achieved this honor, which highlights the innovation, inclusiveness, civic engagement, and cross sector collaboration of this unique town. This year, representatives to the competition highlighted two of Gastonia's most important civic programs. The first is The Shelter of Gaston County, a transitional home for battered women. The second is ``Run for the Money,'' an annual fundraiser that has raised more than $9 million for non-profits in our area. It was clear that Gastonia made quite an impression--they were one of only two in the entire competition to receive unanimous support from this year's judges. Not only was Gastonia recognized with this honor, but Gastonia team member Luis Rios, president of the Mayor's Youth Leadership Council, won the inaugural All-America City Teen of the Year Award. In addition to the hard work of the people of Gastonia, I would also like to extend special congratulations to Mayor Jennie Stultz. A native of Gastonia, Mayor Stultz provides the leadership necessary for the City of Gastonia and its citizens to live up to their fullest potential--with great gusto. It is truly a privilege to represent Gastonia in Congress. Gastonia is well-deserving of being named an All-America City, and I commend the city for the commitment it shows to its citizens and the dedication it has to the traditions and values that make Gastonia so special.

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Madam Speaker, due to a family medical situation, I was unable to participate in the following votes. If I had been present, I would have voted as follows: June 14, 2010 Rollcall vote 355, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree--H. Res. 1368, Supporting the goals of National Dairy Month--I would have voted ``aye.'' Rollcall vote 356, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree--H. Res. 1409, Expressing support for designation of June 20, 2010, as ``American Eagle Day'', and celebrating the recovery and restoration of the bald eagle, the national symbol of the United States--I would have voted ``aye.'' Rollcall vote 357, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass--H.R. 5502, To amend the effective date of the gift card provisions of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009--I would have voted ``aye.'' June 15, 2010 Rollcall vote 358, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree--H. Res. 1383, Honoring Dr. Larry Case on his retirement as National FFA Advisor--I would have voted ``aye.'' Rollcall vote 359, On Agreeing to the Resolution--H. Res. 1436, Providing for consideration of H.R. 5486, the Small Business Jobs Tax Relief Act; and providing for consideration of H.R. 5297, the Small Business Lending Fund Act--I would have voted ``no.'' Rollcall vote 360, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended--H.R. 4855, Work-Life Balance Award Act--I would have voted ``no.'' Rollcall vote 361, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree--H. Res. 1389, Recognizing the immeasurable contributions of fathers in the healthy development of children, supporting responsible fatherhood, and encouraging greater involvement of fathers in the lives of their children, especially on Father's Day--I would have voted ``aye.'' Rollcall vote 362, On Motion to Recommit with Instructions--H.R. 5486, Small Business Jobs Tax Relief Act of 2010--I would have voted ``aye.'' Rollcall vote 363, On Passage--H.R. 5486, Small Business Jobs Tax Relief Act of 2010--I would have voted ``no.'' Rollcall vote 364, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree--H. Res. 1322, Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program and recognizing the significant contributions of Albert Einstein Fellows--I would have voted ``aye.''