Bob Ney

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, on October 28, 2005, I was unable to be present for rollcall vote No. 555, on agreeing to the Conference Report to H.R. 2744, Making Appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006, and rollcall vote No. 556, on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to H. Res. 523, Condemning Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's threats against Israel. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 555 and ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 556.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to reflect upon the service and life of a great American, Specialist Richard A. Hardy, who was killed in action while fulfilling his duty to the United States of America. Specialist Hardy was born in Timken, OH, and last resided in Newcomerstown, OH. He was assigned to A Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, out of Fort Benning, GA. Specialist Hardy gave the last full measure of devotion to his country in Ar Ramadi, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Madam Speaker, Specialist Hardy represents the best that America has to offer. I want to give my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Specialist Hardy. His sacrifice will not be forgotten. May God rest his soul.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the bill. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity, I have had a keen interest in the strength of the mortgage market. The mortgage market has single-handedly kept the economy afloat during these difficult economic times. Passage of this bill sends an important signal that we understand the importance of GSEs and the secondary-mortgage markets in maintaining a stable economy. More importantly, I want to comment on the issues of affordable housing and the effect of the affordable housing fund, which is a great fund to have, and we have worked with the minority on this issue and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Oxley) and his staff and our staff. I believe that we will have a profound impact on the country with the fund. As Members know, it is very difficult to achieve the delicate balance between meeting public policy goals and ensuring a free market business climate. The creation of the government-sponsored enterprises was one such feat that provides an invaluable public service of creating and maintaining a secondary market for the mortgage markets. As a result, our homeownership rates and our access to capital are the best in the world. On the other hand, I also understand that because these financial institutions are creatures of the Federal Government, we also have a responsibility to ensure they achieve a public-policy purpose. Homeownership rates among minority families are increasing, but we can obviously do much better than the current average of 50 percent for African Americans, Hispanic urban and rural communities, just to name a few. We have to ensure that these communities that have not been full participants in the pursuit of the American Dream can be reached. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac own or guarantee nearly half of this country's residential mortgage market. The legislation we are considering today would markedly improve GSE performance of their housing mission. The Committee on Financial Services approved major sections on new single-family and multi-family housing goals; the duty to serve lower income markets, and I stress duty to serve them; and a new affordable housing fund with contributions from the enterprises. Of course, there are other parts of this bill that are good, and I give credit to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Oxley) and the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Baker) in strengthening oversight. Today, I just wanted to speak freely on the actual housing fund. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, the Jackson High School Band, with nearly 200 members, has for many years been the pride of Jackson County when they perform; and Whereas, the Jackson High School Band represented Jackson in front of an international audience in Orlando, Florida and performed exceptionally; and Whereas, Band Director Dick Berry had for 36 years helped to shape boys and girls into young men and women for the betterment of Jackson High School and Jackson County. Therefore, I join with family, friends and the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in congratulating the Jackson High School Band for winning this prestigious award.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Sue Maxwell has been named as the 2005 Vinton County Southeastern Ohio Regional Council Person of the Year; and Whereas, Sue Maxwell has been acknowledged for her success in operating Ravenwood Castle; and Whereas, Sue Maxwell should be commended for her business savvy and her dedication to Hocking Hills and Vinton County. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in honoring and congratulating Sue Maxwell for her outstanding accomplishment.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, owners Ray Brewer, Rick Smith and Eric Massie in true entrepreneurial spirit recognized a market opening in southern Ohio and capitalized on it; and Whereas, Iron City Pipe and Supply has been able to adapt and grow and now serves the needs of businesses in a tri-state area; and Whereas, Iron City Pipe and Supply is looking forward to continued growth and diversification to further benefit the Jackson area. Therefore, I join with family, friends and the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in congratulating Iron City Pipe and Supply for winning this prestigious award.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Randy Evans, with effort and desire, started Randy Evans Construction and has made it a significant competitor in the Jackson area construction business; and Whereas, Randy Evans and Randy Evans Construction have helped shape the Jackson area community; and Whereas, Randy Evans' commitment to perfection, perseverance and fortitude are an inspiration to everyone in Jackson County and beyond. Therefore, I join with family, friends and the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in congratulating Randy Evans and Randy Evans Construction for winning this prestigious award.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Keith and Lynn Denny have built one of the premier gift shops in Jackson County; and Whereas, Bear Village has grown to be a impeccable illustration of what Jackson County has to offer and what great potential the community has; and Whereas, Keith and Lynn Denny's vision has added greatly to the beauty of Jackson County and is further enhancing the attractiveness of Water Street. Therefore, I join with family, friends and the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in congratulating Bear Village and Keith and Lynn Denny for winning this prestigious award.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Paul and Sharon Boczek have selflessly given to support Peg's House, the Tri-County Help Center's emergency domestic violence shelter; and Whereas, Paul and Sharon Boczek and their staff have conducted themselves with professionalism in maintaining the confidentiality of the shelter and managing the upkeep of Peg's House; and Whereas, Paul and Sharon Boczek pursue this noble labor without expectation of thanks or reward, but out of the pure kindness of their hearts. Therefore, I join with family, friends and the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in congratulating Paul and Sharon Boczek for winning this prestigious award.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Mary Graham founded the Belmont County Domestic Violence Taskforce while working for the Belmont County Sheriff's Office; and Whereas, Mary Graham was a significant asset in developing new protocols for local law enforcement when responding to domestic violence; and Whereas, Mary Graham has continued in her steadfast devotion to fighting domestic violence after her retirement by serving on the Board of Directors of the Tri-County Help Center and remaining with the Sheriff's Office on retainer. Therefore, I join with family, friends and the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in congratulating Mary Graham for winning this prestigious award.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Curt and Judy Wiggins have, without thought of reward, given of themselves to help the citizens of Jackson County on countless occasions; and Whereas, Curt and Judy Wiggins have worked tirelessly with the American Cancer Society--Jackson County Unit; and Whereas, Curt and Judy Wiggins have dedicated themselves to Jackson County through organizations too numerous to name here and through their work have uplifted all those whom they have come in contact. Therefore, I join with family, friends and the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in congratulating Curt and Judy Wiggins for winning this prestigious award.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Kyle Jones has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout; and Whereas, Kyle Jones shall be recognized as the first Eagle Scout in the Barnesville Boy Scout Troop 71; and Whereas, Kyle Jones should be commended for his dedication and perseverance. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in honoring and congratulating Kyle Jones for his outstanding accomplishment.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Martin Kendzora and the St. Clairsville Police Department continue to assist the Tri-County Help Center combat domestic violence; and Whereas, Martin Kendzora supports the Family Visitation Center and worked with the staff there to develop safety plans; and Whereas, Martin Kendzora has been the consummate professional in dealing with the staff and clients of the Tri-County Help Center. Therefore, I join with family, friends and the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in congratulating Chief Martin Kendzora for winning this prestigious award.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Nancy and Mitch Toto were united in marriage October 1, 1960, and are celebrating 45 years of marriage; and Whereas, Nancy and Mitch Toto were united in marriage at St. Casimirs in Adena, Ohio; and Whereas, Nancy and Mitch Toto are the loving parents of two children and five grandchildren. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in congratulating Nancy and Mitch Toto as they celebrate their 45th Wedding Anniversary.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas Cameron R. Agin honorably served his country during a time of conflict in WorId War II; and Whereas, Cameron R. Agin continued his life of service with the Zanesville Police Department, earning the rank of Captain; and Whereas, Cameron R. Agin led a life devoted to civic responsibility and true patriotism in the Jaycees, Charity Newsies, American Legion, Boy Scouts, Grotto, Shrine and the VFW. Therefore, I join with family, friends and the entire 18th Congressional district of Ohio in thanking Mr. Cameron R. Agin for his inspiring service both in war and at peace.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Dona Smith has provided outstanding service and contributions while serving at the Ross County Community Improvement Corporation from 1990 to 2005; and Whereas, Dona Smith served her community by helping existing businesses expand and bringing in additional business; and Whereas, Dona Smith has worked selflessly and with dignity as an integral part of the economic development of her community through 15 years of public service; and Whereas, Dona Smith has been a devoted and loving caregiver to her husband, children, and grandchildren. Therefore, I join with Dona Smith's family, friends, the residents of Ross County, and the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in commending Dona Smith for her exceptional work and years of service, and wish her the very best in her future endeavors.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Ms. Christina Triplett has overcome adversity and hardship from a young age to become an outstanding young woman; and Whereas, Ms. Christina Triplett was able to keep her siblings together as a family in a trying environment; and Whereas, Ms. Christina Triplett has committed herself to helping others in similar situations cope with the ordeal and to being a positive influence to all those around her. Therefore, I join with family, friends and associates, as well as the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in celebrating your receipt of the Rising Up & Moving On Award. You are an inspiration to us all.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, William ``Bill'' Balser was elected to the high office of Department Commander of Ohio on Sunday, July 10, 2005; and Whereas, William ``Bill'' Balser is a 30 year member of the American Legion Post 85, where he has held many offices including Post Commander and Finance Officer; and Whereas, William ``Bill'' Balser has exemplified the meaning of successful civic duty through his unselfish role to serve the greater good of the Ohio Valley; and Whereas, William ``Bill'' Balser recently celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary with his wife Trudy and is the loving father of 3 children and 3 grandchildren. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in recognizing William ``Bill'' Balser for his longtime dedication to the residents and children of Ohio's 18th district.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Matt Smith served in Iraq and is the recipient of numerous awards including the Meritorious Service Award, the Purple Heart, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal; and Whereas, Matt Smith is to be commended for the honor and bravery that he displayed while serving our Nation in this time of war; and Whereas, Matt Smith has demonstrated a commitment to meet challenges with enthusiasm, confidence, and outstanding service; Therefore, I join with the family, friends, and residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in thanking Matt Smith for his service to our country and wishing him the best of luck in all his future endeavors. Your service has made us proud.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the services of a great American, Matt Smith. Matt Smith was enlisted in the Special Forces out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky and served in Iraq in February of 2003. While there, Matt Smith was struck by six bullets which left the left side of his body paralyzed. Remarkably, he suffered no cognitive damage and is beginning the process of his physical recovery. Matt Smith has since been awarded a Purple Heart, a Meritorious Service Award, Global War on Terrorism Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, and an Army Achievement Medal, to name a few. Mr. Speaker, Matt Smith represents some of the best that Ohio and America have to offer. I want to honor him for his upstanding citizenship and for the love he has for his township and his home of Morgan County, Ohio.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Frank A. Fregiato is a dedicated citizen worthy of merit and recognition; and Whereas, Frank A. Fregiato was recently presented with the Law Enforcement Commendation Medal; and Whereas, Frank A. Fregiato should be commended for his excellence and devotion in the field of law enforcement and for establishing the Live Courts to Our High Schools program. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in honoring and congratulating Frank A. Fregiato for his outstanding accomplishment.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Greg Peterson is an exceptional individual worthy of merit and recognition; and Whereas, Greg Peterson served in the Franklin County Prosecuter's Office for twelve years; and Whereas, Greg Peterson served as the director of the gang unit at the Franklin County Prosecuter's Office for the past three years and won an extraordinary number of cases; and Whereas Greg Peterson will be sworn in as Judge at the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas on October 7, 2005, and should be commended for his excellence, for his leadership and integrity, and for his ongoing efforts to affect other people's lives in a positive and in a changing way. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in honoring and congratulating Greg Peterson for his outstanding accomplishments.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, the Jackson-Vinton Community Action has dutifully served the citizens of Jackson and Vinton counties for 40 years; and Whereas, the Jackson-Vinton Community Action gives hope and aid to the Southeastern Ohio Appalachian Region; and Whereas, the Jackson-Vinton Community Action has consistently provided health, housing, and economic assistance to the people of their community. Therefore, I join with entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in congratulating the Jackson-Vinton Community Action on their 40th anniversary.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, the Vinton Local School District is at the forefront for excellence in education in Ohio's 18th District; and Whereas, the Vinton Local School District is dedicated to ensuring all of its students reach their full potential as both students and young adults; and Whereas, the Vinton Local School District educators are committed to life long learning in order to provide the best possible experience for the students. Therefore, I join with the Vinton County Local School District and the 18th Congressional District of Ohio in congratulating the school district on the construction of its new middle school.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of his retirement in September 2005, we rise to thank Mr. John Mang for 30 years of outstanding service to the U.S. House of Representatives. John began his career at the House on September 15, 1975, working as a Programmer Analyst in House Information Systems for the Committee on House Administration. John was a key player in the development of the Financial Management System (FMS). In addition, John contributed to the Client Support System, the Parking Office Permits System, the Lobby Act Support System, the Office of Telecommunications Management Information System, the House Recording Studio system, the Legislative Information Management System, and others. As a Senior Software Engineer in the House Information Resources Information Management Directorate's Applications Support Branch, John made significant contributions as a team member in the implementation and enhancement of the Fixed Assets and Inventory Management System (FAIMS). FAIMS is a mission critical system used by the Chief Administrative Officer to collect, record and report official financial information on fixed assets, generate related payments, and report on Accounts Payable, Purchasing and General Ledger activities. John has been a valuable, loyal, hardworking and customer-oriented employee, who takes pride in consistently delivering quality products to customers. His great attention to detail and passion for his work have resulted in special recognition for his work on FAIMS and FMS. John has dedicated himself to ensuring that the needs of his customers in the Office of Finance, House Support Services, the Sergeant at Arms, the Congressional Budget Office, the Office of the Clerk, and the Committees are met. John's adaptability, his extensive knowledge of software engineering, and his excellent relationship with his customers were invaluable to deploying and enhancing FAIMS. On behalf of the entire House community, we extend congratulations to John for his many years of dedication and outstanding contributions to the House of Representatives. We wish John many wonderful years in fulfilling his retirement dreams.