Chip Pickering

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the Kennedy amendment and in support of the common-sense and consensus and bipartisan committee mark that wisely and reasonably and with common sense postpones the next round of BRAC for 2 years. This week, I went to Walter Reed Hospital, and I met with Mississippians who have been the victims of IEDs as they drove their Humvees, as they served their country, and I asked this question: Do we want to spend $5 billion more over the next 5 years to close bases or do we want to give the young men and women who are serving in Afghanistan and Iraq today the body armor and the Humvee armor that they need to protect themselves so that their legs and their ability to walk and to go through rehab will be avoided for other men and women? It is a clear choice of priorities. The world has changed since 9/11. BRAC was called for before 9/11. We are now at war; we need all resources for that effort. We need to wisely wait for the realignment internationally before we choose how to go forward with the transformation domestically. This is a wise course, a reasonable course for a 2-year delay.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, it has been four decades since Mississippi State University stood atop the Southeastern Conference as the undisputed solitary men's basketball champion. The Bulldogs, under the leadership of Coach Rick Stansbury--the Associated Press SEC Coach of the Year--did so this year with a 25-2 regular season record and a 14-2 record in the SEC that propelled them into the top five ranking in the national AP poll. It was the 1962-1963 season when MSU won a previous solitary SEC championship. Six head coaches and 41 years later, the Bulldogs did it again in a nail-biting come-from-behind victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Bulldogs were down in the second half by 18 points against the University of Alabama, one of two teams to defeat MSU during the regular season. During the last second, under intense defensive pressure, senior All-SEC guard Timmy Bowers made a 14-foot jump shot to tie the game, sending it into overtime. Then again, in the final second of overtime, Bowers made another jumper to earn a Bulldog victory of 82-81. MSU has had champion basketball teams in the past, some shared, all notable. Season, Record, SEC, Notable: 1958-59, 24-1, 13-1, opened SEC play with only loss to Auburn. 1960-61, 19-8, 11-3, lost three games only by a combined 12 points. 1961-62, 24-1, 13-1, shared title with Kentucky, only loss to Vanderbilt. 1962-63, 22-5, 12-2, lost to Loyola (Chicago) in NCAA Mideast regional. 1990-91, 20-9, 13-5, shared title with LSU; lost to Eastern Michigan in NCAA East regional. 2003-04, 25-2, 14-2, became fourth SEC team to win all eight road league games; lost to Xavier in NCAA second round. The future looks bold for the Maroon and White. Seniors Timmy Bowers and versatile Branden Vincent will be missed, and though the NBA is courting junior center Lawrence Roberts (the reigning SEC Player of the Year), MSU will field a solid team in 2005. Juniors Shane Power and Winsome Frazier, senior Marcus Campbell, and sophomore Gary Ervin all look to be explosive scorers next year on the court and across the conference. Added to these quality players are sophomore center Wesley Morgan and freshman guard Dietric Slater plus Ontario Harper, a medical red shirt, as well as three top signees: Charles Rhodes from Lanier High School in Jackson, Mississippi; Jerrell Houston from Memphis, Tennessee; and Jamall Edmondson from Meridian Community College. This year, Mississippi State earned the second seed position in the NCAA Basketball Tournament Atlanta Regional. While they were eliminated by Xavier during the second round of play, the Bulldogs have played a terrific season. An SEC title, a final record of 26-4 and 14-2 in the SEC, undefeated during regular season on the road; these have stirred a fire among MSU fans that will continue to burn into next year. The pride of the Bulldogs extends not just from Starkville, home of Mississippi State University, but across the state. I hope Congress will join me in congratulating this team and Coach Stansbury--wishing them all the best fortune in the future both personally, and as representatives of MSU.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, a dedicated member of my staff has moved on to another phase of his career here in Washington DC, but I would like to take a moment to honor his service to my office and to the people of my district in Mississippi. It was the Summer of 1998 when Jason Dedwylder first joined my team as an intern. Showing hard work, the will to learn and initiative, he came back to my staff in the Fall of 2000 to serve first as a Legislative Correspondent and then my Legislative Assistant. He worked on many issues in my office, but I am especially proud of the work he did in education and health care. He assisted schools and Head Start centers in my district secure greater funding. He helped shepherd teachers and principals through the No Child Left Behind reforms. When my constituents called and wrote with questions about our nation's education priorities and how our policies would impact Mississippi, Jason was always ready to discuss their concerns and answer their questions. Jason worked many hours with me on the Energy and Commerce Committee as we crafted the landmark Medicare Act of 2003 that provided a prescription drug benefit to America's seniors. He was there as we introduced our provisions early in the process that addressed the needs of Mississippi's rural health providers to treat seniors who could otherwise not seek medical care. He was there while we built a self- injectible pilot program to reduce the costs to the Medicare system by expanding choice for seniors with afflictions like arthritis. He was even there that night when we finally passed the Medicare Act. I walked out of the Capitol that morning with Jason as the sun rose on a new day for American seniors. Quitman--Jason's hometown in Clarke County, Mississippi--should be proud of him. He graduated from Quitman High School and then after earning a Bachelor of Science in Political Science at Mississippi State University, he came to Washington DC and made an impact not only on his family and friends back home, but on Americans across the nation. He learned the intricacies of policy and politics and added to his education a Masters in Public Policy from The George Washington University. As Jason moves into the private sector, our office will miss his experience, knowledge, and skills, but I know he will continue to work for smart, positive policy that will benefit our nation. Jason Dedwylder left a formative mark on the shape and operation of my office. We will not forget his good nature and considerate dedication to his work. I thank him for his service to this office and to Mississippi.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I would like to salute a student at Mississippi State University who has demonstrated athletic excellence this year and distinguished himself in the ranks of college basketball not only in my state, but across the country. Mississippi State's SEC Player of the Year, Lawrence Roberts, is the first Bulldog player since Rickey Brown (1979-80) to average a double- double for an entire season. Roberts completed the 2003-04 campaign as the SEC's No. 7 scorer (16.9 points per game) and second-leading rebounder (10.1 rebounds per game). Roberts also finished the year ranked fifth in the league in field-goal percentage (51.9%). With an SEC-leading 16 double-doubles on the season, the 6-foot-9, 235-pound Roberts ranks fourth nationally among active NCAA Division I players with 38 career double-doubles. The former University of Baylor transfer and Houston, Texas native has averaged 16.3 points (1,400 career points) and 9.5 rebounds (821 career rebounds) per contest during his three-year, 86-game collegiate career. This season, Roberts helped lead Associated Press SEC Coach of the Year Rick Stansbury's eighth-ranked Bulldogs to a 26-4 overall record and league-best 14-2 SEC mark en route to claiming the school's first outright SEC regular-season championship since 1962-63. This year's State squad also made school history by appearing in a fourth consecutive postseason tournament and earning a third straight NCAA Tournament berth. Roberts' teamwork benefited the entire Bulldogs squad. But his skill on the court distinguished him individually, and he has been recognized for his achievements. The accolades continue to roll in. In addition to being named the SEC Player of the Year, Roberts is the first Associated Press All-American First Team selection from a Mississippi Division I school since fellow Bulldog Bailey Howell in 1958-59. In addition to earning a slot on the gold standard of postseason teams, Roberts has also garnered first-team all-America recognition this season by both the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA). He adds first-team national honors by the Sports Illustrated.com and College Insider.com Web sites as well as by the Adolph F. Rupp Award committee. Roberts has also collected second-team all-America accolades by the Basketball Times publication and ESPN.com. Roberts has been named a top five finalist for the 28th Annual John R. Wooden Award along with Stanford's Josh Childress, Chris Duhon of Duke, Jameer Nelson of Saint Joseph's, and Connecticut's Emeka Okafor. Roberts becomes Mississippi State's first-ever Wooden Award All- American, which dates back to the 1976-77 hoops campaign. Bulldog fans will wait till mid-June to see whether Roberts will return for his senior year or enter the NBA draft. This young man has time to make that decision and consider his opportunities, but fans in Mississippi will be watching him either way, either on the collegiate court or in the professional arena.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, the United States Army reserves the Bronze Star for soldiers who distinguish themselves through heroic or meritorious achievement or service. The Army has awarded this, its fourth highest honor for military personnel, to three generations of the Mitchell Family. I rise today to honor their service to this nation. First Sergeant David Mitchell and his son Sergeant Brian Mitchell recently returned from active duty in Iraq. For their achievements and dedication to our nation's military, they have both been awarded the Bronze Star. They are the second and third generations of this family respectively to earn this medal, following in the steps of David's father R.L. Mitchell. David is a native of Calhoun City and Brian lives in Forest, in the heart of my district. The Mitchells are part of the thirty-two members of the Mississippi National Guard recently decorated with the Bronze Star for their service in Operation Iraqi Freedom; all but one from the 223rd Combat Engineer Battalion based in West Point, Mississippi. The other, Raymond resident Lt. Col. Ellis Riser is of the 168th Engineer Group in Vicksburg. While in Iraq under the constant threat of attack from Iraqi militants and foreign terrorists, the Mitchells conducted engineering projects, secured the operations of our military's computer operations and even helped Iraqi schools. David Mitchell received the award on his birthday and said, ``As a father, it makes me real proud to serve my country and have my son by my side.'' In addition to Brian, another of David's sons also serves in the Army. I am proud, as a Congressman, that we have patriotic and dedicated men in Mississippi serving our nation and that they instill these characteristics as part of a family tradition. Brian Mitchell told his hometown newspaper, the Scott County Times, ``I joined in part because of the G.I. Bill and the education benefits but there was also a family tradition. I also wanted to serve my country.'' Brian said family is important to him and his unit became a second family to him. His family back at home, his wife Stacy and his children Dusty, Katie, and Alex all missed him, and their grandfather David. Just as they are, I'm glad Brian and David are home after fulfilling their missions. These men, and many men with them, are heroes and I'm proud not only they are recognized for their achievements as American military men, but also that they have shown the tradition of Mississippi values to their fellow servicemen, and across the world to the people of Iraq. Honor is earned; not given. Mr. Speaker, the Mitchells have earned this honor.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the ``VoIP Regulatory Freedom Act of 2004,'' in conjunction with my colleague in the United States Senate, Mr. Sununu, who will be introducing the companion version of this bill in that Chamber today. This act will grant regulatory freedom to a new and exciting technology known as voiceover-Internet-protocol, or VoIP, by prohibiting the imposition of unnecessary federal, state and local regulation in order to allow this emerging technology to grow and develop. VoIP has flourished and prospered thus far because of the relatively hands-off approach taken by regulators and concomitantly the effectiveness and robust nature of the competitive marketplace. In order to ensure the continued success of this new technology, and the concurrent benefits which it delivers to the American consumer, we must prevent the wholesale or even piecemeal application of outdated regulations. VoIP is the technology that allows voice communications to be converted into ``packets'' and transported with data over an IP network, such as the public internet or a privately managed IP network, to the desired location using IP addressing. The end result is a more innovative and technologically-advanced service to the consumer, while also the most efficient and cost-effective method by which to communicate. Because VoIP is predominantly interstate in nature, the bill provides for a prohibition of state and local regulation and taxation of the application. This in no way implies that states and localities do not play a very important role in our federalist system as it relates to telecommunications policy. Rather, because of the unique attributes of this technology, including its mobility in some instances, a general inability to decipher the actual origination of calls in other instances, and the irrelevant treatment of area codes when assigning numbers, it would be deleterious to impose a patchwork of 50 different sets of regulatory regimes on such a nascent and far-reaching technology. Having said all that, I do recognize that there are specific types of VoIP applications that have the capability to send calls to or receive calls from the public switched telephone network (``PSTN''), which I refer to as ``connected VolP applications.'' By sending and receiving calls to the PSTN, providers of connected VoIP applications will have to assume some obligations, such as (1) some type of interprovider compensation; (2) contribution to the Universal Service Fund; (3) compliance with law enforcement access; and (4) industry consensus on social obligations such as 911 service, disability access, reliability and security. First, in light of the capability to send calls to or receive calls from the PSTN, the bill recognizes an obligation on the part of providers of connected VoIP applications to compensate others for the use of their facilities and equipment on the PSTN through some sore of interprovider compensation, which will be determined by the Federal Communications Commission. When making this determination, the FCC must take into account the differing geographic markets, especially the rural areas, which make up our country. The FCC will also be required to include a transition period, to allow the providers to adequately adjust to a new regime of compensation. Second, by sending and receiving calls to the PSTN, providers of connected VoIP applications will be required to contribute to the overarching national goal of universal access to and affordable telephony for all Americans. When deciding upon the best methodology by which to assess such providers, the FCC will consider a variety of contribution methodologies. However, the main goal in applying USF to connected VoIP application providers is ensuring that the Fund is sustainable over the long term, and the FCC must seek to maximize to the greatest extent possible contributions into the Fund. Under both scenarios, the bill will require the FCC to complete a rulemaking within 6 months to decide how such providers will meet their obligations. While this bill only addresses a small sliver of the overarching deficiencies associated with the universal service fund and the interprovider compensation regime, I intend to propose new legislation in the next few weeks that will tackle both issues head on and require a definitive conclusion to these perplexing problems. Third, because of all the potential capabilities of this technology, we would be hard-pressed not to allow access by law enforcement. Especially in the day and age in which we live, including this time of war, we must always be thinking of our overall national security. Therefore, the bill would require the FCC to examine the technologically feasibility of requiring law enforcement access to such technology. If and when the FCC determines that it is technologically feasible and reasonable to do so, providers of connected VoIP applications will then be required to comply with law enforcement. While this may be somewhat burdensome on the industry, the value of our security far outweighs any burden which may be imposed. Security of our citizens will always be our number one priority. In sum, the ``VoIP Regulatory Freedom Act of 2004'' bill will provide certainty in an area of the telecommunications industry that is significantly changing the way people communicate with one another. By establishing a new regime for this constantly-evolving technology, separate and apart from the outdated and archaic statutes and regulations applicable to traditional circuit-switched telephony, I believe we are laying the necessary groundwork for a new era of telecommunications. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with you and other members of the House, as well as our colleagues in the Senate, to achieve a bipartisan consensus on this most important initiative.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished 13-year coaching career of Jackie Sherrill at Mississippi State University, where he has served as head coach since 1991. With his retirement at the conclusion of the 2003 season, Coach Sherrill exits as a quarter-century coaching institution after serving at eight different universities. His trailblazing efforts as a coach and player have netted him two national championships as a player, countless accolades as a coach, and the satisfaction of driving three major programs to unparalleled heights on the college grid scene. At the time of his retirement he was the dean of Southeastern Conference football coaches and the face of Mississippi State University football. During his tenure as coach of the Bulldogs, Coach Sherrill: Recorded back to back winning seasons during his first 2 years at MSU. Prior to that time the Bulldogs had produced only one winning season in the previous nine before him. Directed the Bulldog program to six postseason berths, recurring prosperity unmatched in the school history. He is only the second head coach ever to take the institution to more than two bowl games and the first to lead the school to two consecutive postseason victories. Retired as the most winning football coach in MSU history. Over his 13-year span at the helm of the Bulldogs he won 74 games, lost 74 games, tied 2 games and had 7 winning seasons. For the span from 1997- 2000, Coach Sherrill's teams won 33 games, of which 20 were SEC games, lost 15 games, won the Western Division Championship, and participated in three consecutive bowl games. No school in the SEC West had a better five-year regular season mark during that time. Bulldog fans responded. Coach Sherrill rallied a fractured fan base, producing record amounts of giving and attendance. He gave Bulldog fans a winning attitude and elicited emotion and passion for the program like no one else. The number of fans grew, as did appreciation for Mississippi State football on the State, regional, and national level. Twenty-three of the top 25 crowds--including the top 14 ever to see the Bulldogs play at MSU's Scott Field, have come during Coach Sherrill's tenure. In addition to the sell out throngs, he has made the Bulldog football program attractive for national and regional television network audiences. MSU football has been televised 70 times during his 140 games as head of the program. All that success on the field, at the turnstiles, and in achieving national rankings and postseason bowl berths, has fueled success in the construction and improvement of football facilities. Coach Sherrill oversaw the refurbishing of State's entire football complex. New or renovated weight training facilities and sports medicine areas, modern equipment and locker rooms, full team meeting rooms and individualized teaching cubicles were just the beginning of a stronger program's modern infrastructure. In 1996, MSU completed the John H. Bryan Sr. Athletic Administration Building that holds all the football coaching offices. A $30 million enlargement of Scott Field's east side in 2001 added 50 luxury skyboxes, an additional 1,700 club level seats, and 7,600 seats in the upper deck. The stadium hosts completely remodeled dressing rooms for both home and visiting teams, and a new recruiting lounge for Bulldog football prospects. Coach Sherrill has been loyal to Mississippi State, even when at the height of his success larger universities called, he always reminded fans that he planned to retire at MSU. For Coach Sherrill, it isn't just about football. You will see his fevered enthusiasm at the Bulldog basketball games as well. Coach Sherrill is a fan, not just of Bulldog football or even basketball, but of Mississippi State University and all the students that make up the MSU family. His support is not surprising; after all, his arrival as State's 30th head coach was a homecoming of sorts for Coach Sherrill in Mississippi. Though born in Duncan, OK, Jackie Sherrill spent his youth in Biloxi where he starred on the football team at Biloxi High School. He played on two Shrimp Bowl teams and as a senior earned high school all-America distinction and most valuable player honors before graduating in 1962. From Biloxi, Jackie moved to Tuscaloosa to play for the legendary Paul ``Bear'' Bryant. Jackie played seven different positions for the Crimson Tide from 1962 until 1965. He lettered 3 years at Bama and played on Bryant's 1964 and 1965 national championship teams. Upon earning a bachelor of science degree with a major in general business and a minor in social science at Alabama in 1966, Jackie launched an assistant coaching career that included stints on not only Bryant's staff, but those of respected coaches Frank Broyles at Arkansas and Johnny Majors at Iowa State. He followed Majors to Pittsburgh where Jackie served as Assistant Head Coach until launching his own head coaching career at Washington State in 1976. He returned to Pittsburgh when Majors departed for the University of Tennessee, and Coach Sherrill continued his storied career at Texas A&M and finally at Mississippi State University. Coach Sherrill's record extends beyond MSU, and we are proud he concluded his career in his home state. Coach Sherrill is number No. 4 behind Joe Paterno, Bobby Bowden and Lou Holtz as the NCAA's Most Winning Active Coach by wins; and No. 22 by win percentage. Coach Sherrill is one of a select group of head coaches in NCAA history to take three different schools to postseason bowl competition. Jackie Sherrill joins Lou Holtz, Ken Hatfield, Dennis Franchione, John Makovic and Mack Brown as the only active head coaches with that distinction. Coach Sherrill is one of only two Division 1-A head coaches ever to lead three different schools to 10 wins or more in a season. Over 100 of Coach Sherrill's pupils have advanced to careers in professional football and over 80 percent of his student-athletes have graduated during his career. Currently, 20 Mississippi State players coached by Jackie Sherrill play in the National Football League. Away from reporters and public relations experts, Coach Sherrill would quietly visit hospitals dressed and painted as a clown to cheer up sick children. He would hear about a terminally ill State fan in the hospital and routinely and discretely visit the fan. He would take children with cerebral palsy, cancer, mental disorders or other afflictions to games with the team, or to eat meals with the players. Jackie Sherrill has become a leader in supporting the Leukemia Society of Pittsburg, the Boys Club, the Shriners Children's Hospital of Houston, the Boy Scouts, and the Palmer Home for Children in Columbus, Mississippi--where my wife Leisha serves on the Board. Jackie is a popular motivational speaker, missing few opportunities to address student and campus groups, alumni gatherings, and civic organizations. Coach Sherrill was always gracious in victory giving full credit to his team. In defeat he took the high road and accepted the blame. His relationship and commitment to the players began during recruiting and remained steadfast through graduation. He stood by his players when some fans or sports writers would criticize. He was supportive and loyal and faithful to his players. He loved them and they played their hearts out for him. Coach Sherrill's future is still undecided. He wants to spend more time with his wife Peggy and his children Elizabeth, Kellie, Bonnie, Justin, and Braxton. He has said he may coach his grandson's little league team or help out in junior high or high school. He says he looks forward to actually being able to play golf in season, but we expect to see him every football Saturday in the stands dressed in Maroon and White with a cowbell in his hands. Mississippi State University will miss Jackie Sherrill, but his legacy at MSU will never be forgotten.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Chairman, I commend you for your work, the whole House, the ranking member, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell) and the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Markey) for their good work, the bipartisan work in response to what we have seen across the country, and that is a rising up of outrage of families and individuals saying ``enough.'' Our Nation is better than this. We can do better than this. In our public airwaves and in the public square we can be decent. We do not have to glorify what is indecent. We do not have to be profane. We can entertain and enlighten without going to the worst among us or to the lowest common denominator. Today, we are passing legislation that reaffirms long-established constitutional standards of decency, and we are saying to the networks, and we are saying to the radio stations, you need to do better. There will be three strikes, three opportunities, and if you violate the decency standards three times, then you are in danger of losing your rights and privileges as a licensee. We are increasing the fines to say that there will be a cost, a significant cost of ignoring the common standards of decency. We hope that through this effort, we will see more corporate responsibility, as well as the common good and public responsibility to bring our standards back up; to affirm it, to establish standards over responsibility, and then have enforcement mechanisms of accountability. Mr. Chairman, this is good legislation and in the best spirit of the Nation. We are decent people and a good Nation; and we want to maintain, preserve and protect that, for the country and our culture, for our communities and our families. Mr. Chairman, I commend the gentleman from Michigan for the bipartisan spirit in which this is done, and look forward to having this legislation passed and signed into law.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, next month, Don Ray, a great servant in Mississippi will be leaving his home and work in my district to serve a higher calling. We will miss him in the South, but the Lord has called him to a church in Michigan, and we are proud and excited he will be responding to this, the highest of callings. Don and Jeannie Ray have reared a wonderful and loving family: son Craig; daughter Jene with her husband Michael Barranco and their children Mia Julia and Michael; daughter Jerri with her husband Ralph Ross and their children Jennings and Graeme; daughter Julie; and son Kyle with his wife Hilmari and their children Baylor and Carly Marie. Five children and six grandchildren are fitting legacy for anyone, but Don has made an impact in many other ways: the Church, higher education, and the world of finance. Don has served as Vice President for Development at Belhaven College since November of 1999. Under his leadership, Belhaven has brought in multi-million dollar deals significantly increasing the vitality and stability of the campus, including funding a new student center. Alumni have been rejuvenated and their positive excitement has led to more and greater financial commitments to the institution. His direction created a vibrant and engaging Homecoming event that has Belhaven alumni eagerly anticipating their annual visit to Jackson, Mississippi. Belhaven College and Mississippi will miss Don and Jeannie Ray, but the First Congregational Church of Otsego, Michigan will benefit from his years of experience as a pastor and administrator. Before serving in development in higher Christian education including service at Belhaven College, Millsaps College, and Wheaton College, Don served at various churches as a youth pastor and senior pastor. Don excelled in his previous career of financial planner. He began with Connecticut General Life Insurance in 1964 as an estate planner and business analyst. He moved up the corporate ranks through Northwestern Life Insurance and A.G. Edwards & Sons. He was selected by ``Money Magazine'' as one of the ``200 Best Financial Planners in America'' in 1987 and again in 1990. In 1991 he left Financial Review Services, where he served as president of the full services financial planning firm, to begin serving higher Christian education. For about 25 years, Don Ray has been a Certified Financial Planner and he has a total of 40 years in the financial and estate planning industry. He is a past president and chairman of the board of the Mississippi Chapter of the International Association of Financial Planning, has served as an adjunct faculty member of the College for Financial Planning, and has been a member of both the Registry for Practicing Financial Planners and the Institute for Certified Financial Planners. His training in finance has benefited the Kingdom through gifts to education, churches, and other organizations for many years. He has served on the boards of several Christian organizations including Pioneer Bible Translators, Wheaton Christian Academy High School, Windsor Park Manor Retirement Center, Marble Retreat for Clergy, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Board of Stewards at Galloway United Methodist Church. Don and Jeannie both have served long hours in ministries at Galloway in Jackson and that congregation will certainly miss their gifts and their spirit of servanthood. I know Belhaven College will be sad to see him go, though they, too, are excited about his new opportunity. I believe Belhaven President Dr. Roger Parrott described Don Ray's service best: ``Don was exactly what we needed for this season of Belhaven's growth. He has helped us broaden our base of support among our friends and alumni, crafted together major gifts that have catapulted us forward, and created a platform of professionalism among the team that will carry us forward. Please join us in praying for Don's ministry.'' The motto of Belhaven College is ``to serve, not to be served.'' That phrase is the executive summary of Don Ray's life so far, and I believe will continue for many years to come. I hope Congress will join me and Belhaven College, a great Christian liberal arts college in my district, in saluting the service of Don Ray and wishing him the best in his return to the ministry.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, this month James Huff retires--again. A mentor, a confidant, a family friend, and a counselor since before I ran for Congress, Jim represents the best Mississippi has to offer and will be irreplaceable on my staff. Jim and Marilyn Huff reared two children and proudly claim 5 grandchildren. For 32 years he worked at the Masonite Corporation in Laurel. As operations manager at Masonite, he was one of the leading businessmen in Jones County, where I grew up and first appreciated his wisdom, wit, and integrity. President George H. W. Bush put Jim's knowledge and expertise to work, appointing him Mississippi's state director of the Farmers Home Administration. Excelling as administrator and leader, Jim was next asked by President Bush to come to Washington DC and serve as the national administrator of the Rural Electrification Administration. Years later, Jim's political knowledge of Mississippi and Washington DC benefited my work both in my first campaign for Congress and then as I worked to serve the constituents of Mississippi's Third District. Few freshman Congressmen could boast of such unique experience on staff. His guidance was exceptional; his advice, outstanding. Jim continues to be a servant in his community. He is a leader at the Hebron Baptist Church where his abilities as a sunday school teacher and work as a deacon are well known and appreciated. Active in the Kiwanis Club, people in Jones County know they can come to Jim for advice and assistance during life's struggles. The pages of Mississippi record a lifetime of public service and private engagement from Jim Huff. He will never fully retire. He may have more time now to work his cattle farm and relax at his favorite fishing hole, and more time to spend with his loving family. When I think of Jim Huff, I think of honesty, service, humor, and experience. I thank him for his service to this office and to Mississippi. I join the rest of my staff in saying we will miss him, but I know I will see him often because he is more than a colleague and assistant. He is family and will remain near in my heart, constant in my thoughts, and always in my prayers.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, this month begins a new year in which Congress will face new challenges and opportunities. The same is true in Mississippi where Governor Haley Barbour presented his first State of the State Address last night, after his inauguration earlier this month. A new administration requires experienced and talented individuals to shape the policy and politic of the state. Governor Barbour has one of those rising Mississippi stars in John Rounsaville. Today I make these remarks to honor John's service to me, to recognize the challenges we faced together as he now embarks on this new opportunity. It was January 1999 when John Rounsaville first joined my team. After graduating from Calhoun City High School, he earned a degree in agribusiness and followed that with a Masters of Business Administration, both from Mississippi State University. He came to Washington, DC to work on my staff to address, among others, agricultural issues--a $4.6 billion industry in Mississippi. He demonstrated a keen insight on the legislative process and quickly grasped the intricacies of Capitol Hill politics. Quickly, he moved from Legislative Assistant to Legislative Director, and most recently as my Deputy Chief of Staff. Over the years I grew to trust his counsel and respect his instincts as we successfully moved legislation into law, brought appropriations to Mississippi, protected our state's military facilities, and represented the needs of my constituents here in the Nation's Capital. Now John has returned home to Mississippi and will serve as policy adviser to our new Republican governor. Our office will miss his experience, knowledge, and skills, but Mississippi will continue to benefit from his hard work to the service of our great state. Governor Barbour has hired a good man. John mastered the practices and methods of success in Washington, but never forgot those Mississippi values taught to him by his parents. John never lost his roots, never forgot his home, and never lost sight of our goal to serve Mississippi. John's heart has always been in Mississippi and now he returns there to continue to advance smart, conservative, positive public policy. John Rounsaville left a formative mark on the shape and operation of my office. We will miss his good nature, humor, and dedication to his work. But I thank him for his service to this office and to Mississippi.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, yesterday we celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Starkville, Mississippi and honored a native son and civil rights leader, Harry Nash Sykes. During his life he overcame adversity to excel as a public servant, educator, and athlete. Sykes was born on April 1, 1927 to Marie Hall Sykes and P.K. Sykes in Starkville, Mississippi. He spent his early childhood years there and when he was 16, his family, led by his father P.K. Sykes, a tenant farmer and part-time minister, moved to Chicago. While still in school, Sykes worked in a can factory for 72 cents an hour to help support his family. After World War II, he combined athletics with academics and became a four-sport star in high school, graduating in 1948 to attend Kentucky State University on a basketball and track scholarship. Sykes earned a bachelors degree in physical education from Kentucky State and later earned a master's degree in mathematics from the University of Minnesota. After graduating from Kentucky State University in 1952, Sykes joined the world famous Harlem Globetrotters through the 1954 season. From 1954 until 1962, he taught high school mathematics for the Lexington Public School System at Dunbar High School and coached the Junior High School's basketball team. Sykes built a diverse business career as an insurance salesman, the Business Development Officer for Second National Bank, a real estate broker, and the Contract Compliance Officer with Frankfort, Kentucky's Department of Finance. In 1963, Sykes was elected as the first African American councilman for the city of Lexington. He was reelected in 1965, 1967 and 1969. Between 1967 and 1969, Sykes also served as Mayor Pro-Temp. In 1971, he ran for Mayor of Lexington, but lost by a narrow margin. From 1972 to 1974, he served as Acting City Manager and, from 1974 until 1975, worked as the Acting Chief Administration Officer (CAO) for the Urban County Government. Sykes served his community on various boards and commissions including the Board of Management of the YMCA and the Historical Pleasant Green Baptist Church. In 1968, he founded the Lexington- Fayette County Urban League and served as president until 1972. Sykes has been honored with numerous awards, including the Outstanding Citizen's Award by the Council of Christians and Jews in 1969. Sykes is married to Geraldine Higgins Sykes and has five children: Harry, Melvin, Paula, Kevin and Kermit and members of their extended family still live in Starkville and Oktibbeha County, where Sykes is remembered and proudly called a son of Mississippi.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, as we wrap up this year's congressional work, I want to take this opportunity to salute and honor Mike Chappell, a native of McComb, Mississippi. He has been a trusted advisor, wise counselor, and valued assistant to me both during my work in service of Mississippi's Third District, and in my campaigns for that office. Over the past seven years I saw Mike hone his natural political instincts and quick grasp of policy into a strong ability to shape and influence the debate and outcome of our work. He knows the ``Four Ps'' of congressional work: process, politics, policy, and personalities. After my first election, he helped me open my congressional office and has served diligently each year since. But a few months ago he moved on to the private sector to work in the firm Fierce & Isakowitz, described by Fortune Magazine this year as ``the most skilled practitioners of persuasion in Washington.'' Mike has been a friend on whose advice I could always trust and whose instincts for policy and politics are the best in the business. He knows how the Hill game is played, he knows the players, and he has memorized the playbook. Fierce & Isakowitz has hired a great asset and while I certainly miss him, I am excited for his new opportunity. Mike Chappell is an example of the type of political leadership Mississippi has to offer our country. His work has been a tribute to his parents, his community, his alma mater--the Golden Eagles of the University of Southern Mississippi--and his state. I also appreciate the sacrifice of his wife Angie as Mike put in long, hard hours in my office over the past several years. I know while working in the private sector he will continue to advance and represent the values we share, those values he learned from his parents in McComb, those values he continues to exhibit in his advancement of positive policy here in our nation's capital. Mike Chappell left a formative mark on the shape and operation of my office. We will miss his humor, wit, and passion for his work. But I thank him for his service to this office and to Mississippi.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sylvester Croom, who was named head football coach of the MSU Bulldogs on December 1, and to salute Mississippi State University for its wise choice in athletic leadership. Mississippi State University chose Coach Croom based on his skill, his talent, his experience and his resume. While race was not a factor in the decision, I am mindful that Coach Groom becomes the first black head football coach in the NCAA Southeastern Conference. I am proud that it is a Mississippi institution that has broken that color barrier. Coach Croom was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Growing up in Mississippi's eastern neighbor, he played as starting center at the University of Alabama under legendary Coach Paul ``Bear'' Bryant. After securing a bachelor's in history, Croom played professionally with the New Orleans Saints. He returned to the Crimson Tide as a graduate assistant (obtaining a master's of educational administration) and as a linebackers coach. He has served on the coaching staff of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Indianapolis Colts, the San Diego Chargers (making it to the Super Bowl) and the Detroit Lions. Mississippi's gain is Wisconsin's loss. MSU gains Croom as head coach as he concludes a strong season as running backs coach for the Green Bay Packers where he has been on staff with Coach Mike Sherman since 2001. MSU is the flagship university in Mississippi's Third Congressional district. Located in Starkville, Scott Field is home to Bulldogs and cowbells. We are proud to welcome Sylvester Groom as MSU's 31st Head Football Coach. He will replace the most winning coach in Mississippi State's history, Jackie Sherrill, who retires this year with a distinguished and honorable legacy. I salute MSU President Charles Lee and Athletic Director Larry Templeton for their wisdom in this decision and once again congratulate Sylvester Croom and the Bulldogs. Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt in my mind that Coach Croom will make us proud in Mississippi. We are already thrilled and excited about the prospect of our future together.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to pay tribute to Specialist Jeremy DiGiovanni who was killed in action Saturday, November 15, in Iraq. Along with seventeen other American soldiers, including another Mississippian, PFC Damien Heidelberg, Jeremy was killed in the collision of two Black Hawk helicopters. Jeremy was a member of the A Company, 4th Battalion, 101st Airborne based in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and he served as crew chief on one of the Black Hawks. Jeremy hailed from Pike County, Mississippi, and he served his country proudly and with honor. Specialist DiGiovanni made the ultimate sacrifice defending our Nation and helped free millions of men, women, and children from the tyrannical grasp of an evil and brutal dictator. We Mississippians are so proud of the men and women we have serving in Iraq and appreciate their dedication to defending freedom and democracy. I ask my fellow Members of the U.S. House of Representatives to remember Jeremy and his family during this difficult time. To his family, our prayers are with you, and we are grateful for Jeremy's courage and service to the United States of America.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to pay tribute to Private First Class Damien Heidelberg who was killed in action Saturday, November 15, in Iraq. Along with seventeen other American soldiers, including another Mississippian, Specialist Jeremy DiGiovanni, Damien was killed in the collision of two Black Hawk helicopters. Damien was a member of the First Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne based in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The little town of Shubuta, Mississippi was home to Damien. He was the ninth Mississippian to die in Iraq since the war began, and he served his country proudly and with honor. PFC Heidelberg made the ultimate sacrifice defending our Nation and helped free millions of men, women, and children from the tyrannical grasp of an evil and brutal dictator. We Mississippians are so proud of the men and women we have serving in Iraq and appreciate their dedication to defending freedom and democracy. I ask my fellow Members of the U.S. House of Representatives to remember Damien and his family during this difficult time. To his family, our prayers are with you, and we are grateful for Damien's courage and service to the United States of America.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening before the House to pay tribute to Specialist James ``Jimmy'' Chance of Kokomo, Mississippi. Specialist Chance was a member of the Mississippi Army National Guard serving in C Company of the 890th Battalion attached to the Army's 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment in Iraq. Tragically, Specialist Chance was killed on Thursday, November 6, 2003, when his vehicle struck a landmine near the Syrian border. He was the first of our own Mississippi National Guardsmen to lose his life while bravely serving in the Iraq War. Specialist Chance is a true American hero who has paid the ultimate price to protect our country from terrorists and defend the liberties of the citizens of the United States of America. Furthermore, he has unselfishly given his life to win freedom for the people of Iraq who suffered under the unbearable rule of an evil dictator. These are people he did not know, but yet, he has helped give millions of Iraqi men, women, and children, the chance to live lives of freedom and independence like we know at home in the United States. Even though I know his family is enduring great suffering as a result of their loss, I hope they will find peace in knowing that Specialist Chance bravely served his country and his countrymen and defended the values and principles that Americans hold so dear. Specialist Chance was a defender of peace and a lion of liberty. Specialist James Anderson Chance, III, represents the best of Mississippi and our Nation. I ask my colleagues in Congress to join me in honoring his courageous service, and ask that you pray that his family will find peace during this trying time.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Gutknecht), the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Stenholm), and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte) and all of his staff who have worked in a bipartisan manner with the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Turner) and myself as we have brought this much-needed legislation through the committee and now to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. I want to thank those leaders at Mississippi State University who had the foresight and the ability to bring to our attention here on the committee and in my office the need that we have, the critical need, the desperate need that we have to be able to help our students, our veterinarian students who often end up their education with up to, on average, $70,000 in debt. When that occurs, it is so difficult for them to pay the debt and practice in rural or underserved markets and make the type of salary that is needed to be able to retire that debt and pay that debt and raise a family, start a family and start their dreams. And so we are doing just as we have done for medical doctors and dentists and nurses and teachers, and, that is, starting a program that will help them repay their debt, that will pick up those obligations, if in return, they will agree to serve in those areas where we have critical shortages in the rural and the large-animal practices and the underserved markets. Not only will they fill that critical need that is so important not only in animal health, but as it relates to the connections to human health, and in national security, and in homeland security, where we have new threats of bioterrorism, or we have the outbreaks of dreaded diseases that we have seen ravage not only Europe, the economy and the agricultural economy in Europe with mad cow disease, that in those times of crisis those that sign up and meet these requirements and then have their debts repaid, will agree to serve their country, in essence, a National Guard for veterinarians. So we see today a way to meet the critical shortage of veterinarians in rural and underserved markets. We see a way to encourage the service to our country in homeland security and to meet the threats of either bioterrorism or major animal disease outbreaks. This is much-needed legislation that will help us as we go forward. Again, I want to thank the committee, the staff, the chairman, and the ranking member for all their help and assistance in getting us to this point. We hope that this legislation can pass not only today in the House but move quickly through the Senate as we address this much- needed legislation and to address the critical shortages that we face in rural districts like mine and across the country.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Deacon Walter Gray, affectionately known as Walter, a constituent of mine from the Norris-High Hill community in Scott County, Mississippi, who died on September 13, 2003. Walter was 81 years of age, and a World War 11 veteran. Walter was born and raised in Scott County, and before adulthood was an active leader in his community. God, Family, and Friends, in that order, were his priorities. He instilled these priorities in his family and community. He was a trustee and the treasurer of the Green Grove United Methodist Church, and was thoroughly respected by church members and parishioners. He set a peerless example in the way he conducted his own life. Aside from his church, and being an employee of Forest County, Walter loved basketball and particularly enjoyed cheering his grandson, Greg Carter, playing for the Forest High School Bearcats and the Mississippi State Bulldogs. When either of these two teams were playing during Greg's time as a player, you could always count on Walter's presence. One of the highlights of his life was seeing Greg attain a basketball scholarship at Mississippi State University, graduating and being named to the All SEC Team. Because he loved to talk about his church, his grandchildren, basketball, and Mississippi State University, anyone could always generate a good conversation with Walter. In his funeral eulogy his pastor found it difficult to find enough adjectives to describe the high esteem the community held for Walter, and how sorely he was going to be missed by his family, friends, his county, and Mississippi. He stood, as a stout oak, as mentor and role model for his children Lenal, James, Bobbye Carter, Lois Briskey and eleven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, and countless other young people of his church family. What a legacy for Mississippi! Perhaps, the most soulful words of all voiced about Deacon Walter Gray were those written by Nancy, his wife and helpmate of 64 years: A golden heart stopped beating, Hard-working hands at rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best. Mr. Speaker, Deacon Walter Gray truly represents the best of Mississippi. I ask Congress join me in remembering him and recognizing his life now that he has gone on to be with his Heavenly Father.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 530 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today before this great body to honor a fellow Mississippian who lost his life while helping millions of people here in the Washington- Baltimore area recover from Hurricane Isabel. Mr. Aaron Presley was one of 100 Entergy Mississippi linemen who left family and friends and drove hundreds of miles from home to be a part of the force helping restore electrical service after the devastating storm. He loved his work and he especially loved to do his part to help storm victims get their daily lives back to normal. On Saturday, September 20, while working in Pikesville, just outside of Baltimore, Aaron was killed when he came into contact with an energized power line that had been downed in the storm. Aaron was a senior lineman based in Madison, Mississippi. A resident of Flora, where I now make my home, he was only 45 years old and had 25 years of service with Entergy. He leaves behind his wife, Kim, two children and two stepchildren, to whom we offer our sincere condolences. As the D.C. area continues to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Isabel, let us never forget the sacrifices of all the men and women working with utility crews to restore our electric service. We must appreciate how dangerous their work is and be grateful for the job they do. And let us never forget Aaron Presley, who sacrificed his life in the service of others.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express appreciation to my colleagues for passing H. Res. 315 on September 10, 2003. Most will recall this legislation as recognizing the outstanding feat of Rafael Palmeiro, an alumnus of Mississippi State University (MSU), who hit his 500th homerun as a major leaguer at Arlington Park, Texas, on May 11, 2003. Also, I want to extend a personal thanks to my good friend Representative Pete Sessions for introducing and sponsoring this legislation. As most of you know, MSU is the flagship university in Mississippi's Third Congressional District. Located in Starkville, it is known throughout the country for its great baseball tradition under legendary Coach Ron Polk, who began his 30th season in 2002 with an 1165-558-1 career record. He is ranked 8th among active NCAA Division I baseball coaches. It is with pride in the University, pride in Coach Polk, and pride in Rafael, better known to the MSU family as ``Raffy'' that I present these remarks to identify, and further amplify, the many achievements of this great athlete during his college career. In addition to the achievements specified in H. Res. 315, ``Raffy's'' college career highlights include: Three-year starter in left field for MSU. Set MSU & SEC career record for home runs (67), runs batted in (239) and total bases (530). Led SEC and ranked second nationally with 29 home runs in 1984. Led SEC and ranked third nationally with 94 RBI in 1984. In 1984 became the SEC's first Triple Crown winner, leading the league in batting average (415), home runs (29) and RBI (94). Named Baseball America's Freshmen of the Year in 1983. Became SEC's first three-time All American in Baseball. Helped lead MSU to its highest national finish in baseball (tied for 3rd in 1985). Named to 1983 SEC All-Tournament Team. Named to NCAA regional all-tournament teams in 1984 and 1985. First round draft pick (22nd overall) of the Chicago Cubs (June 1985). Named All-American in 1983, 1984, and 1985. Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt in my mind that one day in the near future Rafael Palmeiro will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame at Cooperstown, New York. He is a super star par excellence that we all can relate to. He has proved himself as a great athlete, a great and caring American, a great role model among Cuban-American, and an inspiration to all those seeking the American Dream. Because of his love for baseball, his MSU family, and his country, it gives me great pleasure to join with the full House in congratulating Rafael Palmeiro for hitting his 500th homerun and his outstanding baseball career.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Colonel James H. Rosenblatt who, after more than 30 years of service with the U.S. Army, will retire from active military duty in September and return to his home state to be Dean of the Mississippi College of Law. Hailing from the small town of Fort Adams, Mississippi, Colonel Rosenblatt entered active duty with the Army's Judge Advocate General's Corps in 1973 and, as a Captain, provided legal support in contract law, administrative law, and defense counsel work at the newly created U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, Fort Monroe, Virginia. His last assignment in a long and distinguished Army career poetically ends with a duty assignment as The Staff Judge Advocate, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, having served Army-wide between them. Colonel Rosenblatt attended The Judge Advocate General's School in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 1977 and remained at the School to teach contract law, fiscal law, communications, and legislative drafting. After a tour in the Pentagon, where he was responsible for new accessions into the Army and the Funded Legal Education Program, he served with the 25th Infantry Division in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and with the 32nd Army Air Defense Command in Darmstadt, Federal Republic of Germany. Other assignments and advanced training took him to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; Fort Meade, Maryland; and Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania. James and Lauren Rosenblatt and their four sons, Franklin, John, Andrew, and Paul, are truly an Army family, with two of their sons also serving in the U.S. Army: Franklin is a Lieutenant stationed at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, and John is a Sergeant stationed at Fort Meade. Son Andrew is attending Virginia Commonwealth University and Paul is a High School student at Tabb High School in Tabb, Virginia. I, as I know my colleagues do, commend Colonel Rosenblatt on more than 30 years of dedicated, honorable service to the Nation and the U. S. Army, and on behalf of the entire Mississippi Congressional Delegation, I welcome him back home.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 405 I inadvertently voted ``no.'' I intended to vote ``yea.'' Announcement by the Chairman

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, during the debate on the Labor and Health and Human Services Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2660) I erroneously voted against the Toomey Amendment. I was under the impression the bill restricted general funding for the National Institutes of Health which provides needed funds for medical research in my district. I would have voted for the amendment and fully support the efforts to stop the NIH from funding the highly inappropriate programs itemized in the amendment.