Ted Poe

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to honor Port Arthur elementary school Principal Dwight Wagner, recent recipient of Port Arthur News' Citizen of the Year Award. The award was given to a man that has spent his entire life displaying excellence and commitment to community. For over 30 years, Mr. Wagner has been employed with the Port Arthur Independent School District, serving as a teacher and an administrator. Principal Wagner is a Port Arthur native who has spent a lifetime giving back to his community. After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School, he received his bachelor's and master's degrees right down the street at Lamar University. His honors are numerous, including Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year Award, NAACP Amos Evans Service Award, and the Sertoma Organization's Service to Mankind Award. Known throughout his community for his musical ability, Principal Wagner composed the official city song of Port Arthur, ``City by the Sea.'' His vocal talents provide entertainment at numerous community events and various local stage performances. On behalf of the entire Second Congressional District of Texas, I would like to congratulate Principal Wagner on his latest award and thank him for his many years of service to the Port Arthur Community. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, on November 3, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf suspended the national constitution, fired appellate judges, detained 8 members of the Supreme Court, and arrested hundreds of lawyers. In the weeks that followed, nearly 3,000 lawyers were arrested. Musharraf's explanation was that martial law was necessary because of terrorism threats. This is a poor excuse. Musharraf fired or arrested members of the legal community for protesting Musharraf's abuse of power and for defending the rule of law. These men and women are courageous. They've faced beatings, threats, tear gas, and arrests for promoting democracy. A nation cannot succeed without impartial application of law. A nation cannot succeed when a President suspends a cornerstone of government for his own political convenience. Although Musharraf eventually released many, he also cracked down on the Pakistani press. On November 20, approximately 100 journalists were arrested at a protest. A nation without courts promotes tyranny. A nation without a free press promotes uninformed citizens and unaccountable politicians. The rule of law and democracy are indebted to lawyers and judges, who ensure that rights are protected and laws are obeyed. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, Theodore Roosevelt said: ``No man is worth his salt who is not ready at all times to risk his well-being, to risk his body, to risk his life, in a great cause.'' The Patriot Guard Riders are a group of motorcyclists who pay tribute to those who have died serving our country. Their mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen soldiers upholding President Roosevelt's belief that brave soldiers who gave the utmost sacrifice for their country deserve respect and reverence during their final tribute. Each mission has two objectives, to show sincere respect for America's fallen heroes, their families, and their communities; and to shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors. In 2 short years, the Patriot Guard Riders has become a 501(c)(3) charity, comprised of more than 140,000 volunteers across the country that take off from work and use their own funds for gas and whatever else is needed to attend missions. The Guard is activated each time the military reports the death of a soldier in Iraq. This nationwide organization of volunteers is very efficient. State Captains send out e-mails to members in the city where the soldier will be buried, and everyone jumps into action. They ensure that streets along the funeral procession are lined with American flags. Each mission is accomplished through legal and non-violent means. If protestors are present and become loud, the Patriot Guard Riders form a flag line, turn their backs on protesters, and will even drown the sound of the protestors by singing and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. One involved Patriot biker, Rich ``Boomer'' Ford, a former Navy SEAL who served in Vietnam is the State Captain for the Texas Patriot Guard Riders. He is the man in charge of the ``missions''. If you ask Boomer why he rides, he will tell you that he remembers the lack of respect received when returning home from Vietnam. He wants to make sure that doesn't happen to these brave men and women. Boomer feels that each ``mission'' recognizes and honors the hard work our soldiers are doing for us overseas. These men and women like Boomer, who volunteer their time to help guard our nation's heroes should be forever remembered for their honor and dignity. I commend the Patriot Guard Riders for riding for our soldiers whose lives were given in pursuit of a great cause, American freedom. I am proud to recognize these angels on bikes with hearts bigger than Texas. They show their respect for our troops, their families, and our community in an honorable way, one funeral at a time. They make a difference and represent all that is right and good in America. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, the first amendment is first in our Bill of Rights because the provisions in it are the most important. Without those provisions the rest of the Bill of Rights are meaningless. The first amendment states in part that ``Congress,'' that's us, ``shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.'' This amendment, like many others, was a reaction to colonial life under King George III. The Church of England was the official Church of England and some of the colonies. The Framers hoped to protect the exercise of any religion by prohibiting the establishment of a national religion. A national religion like the Church of England was supported by taxation. Attendance at services was even mandatory. No marriage or baptism outside of the Church was sanctioned. There were civil and even criminal penalties for members of religious minorities. So the U.S. Constitution's framework made it possible for all religious groups to gain legal protection. The freedom to practice one's own religion is the reason why the colonists settled and founded this great country. That is the primary reason why people left England, to seek religious freedom. The Founding Fathers did not believe that government and religion had to be entirely separate, however. The first President, George Washington, said in his first inaugural address, declared as his ``first official act'' his ``fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe'' and that this Almighty Being ``might bless this new government.'' President Washington also echoed this religious attitude in his farewell address in 1796 when he said, ``Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.'' When our Constitution was drafted, the elderly statesman Benjamin Franklin said that if the Good Lord is concerned about a sparrow that falls from the trees, He certainly would be concerned about a new Nation at its birth, and he encouraged Congress to go in prayer. And Congress did so that morning and prayed, and ever since then our Congress starts each morning with a prayer. The first Congress recognized the importance of religion in government when it enacted the Northwest Ordinance in 1787, and it begins: ``Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged.'' The first amendment includes the free exercise clause. Like the establishment clause, the framers included the free exercise clause to protect religious minorities from persecution. The establishment clause prohibits government creation of, support, or endorsement of a national religion. And the free exercise clause protects individual religious beliefs and practices from government interference. The significance of the free exercise of religion clause is that it affirms the value of religion in American culture and even promotes public display of religion. Many Americans believe that the first amendment created a separation between church and state, but those words do not exist anywhere in the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, nor the Declaration of Independence. These words came from a letter written by Thomas Jefferson in 1801 to the Danbury Baptist Association, who was concerned about the Congregationalist Church becoming the national religion, and that is why Jefferson made the comment to the Danbury Baptist Association that there is a separation between church and state. These words do not promote a prohibition by government against religion in the public sector. Billy Graham once said that ``The Framers of our Constitution meant we were to have freedom of religion, not freedom from religion.'' But antireligious radicals are on the offensive, trying to make the United States free from religion. These radicals want the United States to be a secular government like France. But that's not what our Founding Fathers intended when they created our country. When Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, he proclaimed that God gives us all of our rights. He wrote that ``all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.'' Jefferson's reference to God is echoed throughout this Nation. Our currency mentions God. Our government buildings have religious scenes and words etched into them. We pledge allegiance to the Nation under God. We even have the great lawgiver Moses on the far wall looking directly down on the Speaker's chair. So, Mr. Speaker, the mention of God in our culture is not an establishment of religion. It's a fact that this Nation was founded on religious beliefs and religious values. That is an historical fact. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to honor KBTV Channel 4 in Beaumont, TX on their 50th year of service to the Southeast Texas Community. Community involvement is a tradition at KBTV 4. Whether it is emceeing a local fundraiser or volunteering on boards and committees, KBTV employees are an active part in the community in which they live and serve. They also host the Golden Apple Awards, which honors local teachers for their role in educating and developing the minds of Southeast Texas children. The importance of passionately and accurately reporting on issues that affect our community cannot be overstated. Over the past 50 years NBC's KBTV has earned the reputation of a hard-working diligent news team. A reputation such as this only arises through hard work and commitment to the community that you serve. Hurricanes and floods have not been able to stop KBTV 4 from informing the public when it matters most. The Second Congressional District of Texas is extremely fortunate to have a first-class news station such as KBTV 4. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to honor the students and faculty of the Lamar University Department of Communication for their work on Texas Wetlands, a documentary film underlining the importance of Texas Wetlands to our nation's ecosystem. This film was recently awarded first place in the student/amateur category at the North American Association for Environmental Education/Pierce Foundation Environmental Education Film and Video Festival. This prestigious award granted the documentary the opportunity to be premiered last week at the NAAEE's Annual Conference. Wetlands can be found up and down the 360 miles of Texas' sprawling Gulf Coast. Many of these wildlife sanctuaries are located in or just outside the Second Congressional District. Lamar students and professors along with 42 middle and high school students traveled to wetland areas in the Big Thicket, Shangri La, and the JD Murphee Wild Life Management Area to capture footage for their award winning documentary. Students, with the guidance of their professors in the Communications Department, wrote, edited, did the videography and appeared as reporters in the film. Lamar University and its students, who I am proud to represent, continue to achieve in all areas of higher learning. Recognizing the importance of Texas' natural resources, Lamar University has taken a proactive approach in preserving these wetlands. Soon our country will need to look to a new generation of leaders to help her face adversity, both foreign and domestic. I am confident that these leaders will emerge from the halls of Lamar University. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, in Saudi Arabia, seven men abducted a 19-year- old woman and her male companion. The seven men then raped the woman. And how does Saudi Arabia treat this rape victim? By ordering lashes and imprisonment for her because they blamed her for being alone with this male companion because he wasn't her spouse. A Saudi Arabian court originally, listen to this, sentenced her to 90 lashes because she was alone with this individual. As if further victimization wasn't enough, the court just increased the victim's sentence to 200 lashes and 6 months in prison. The Saudi Arabian Government now seeks to quell international outrage over this sentence by saying the woman was married at the time of the rape but she was with a nonrelative male companion who wasn't her spouse. No explanation or excuse can justify this punishment for the victim. This woman was victimized by her own nation. The Saudi Arabian court also removed the lawyer from the case and revoked his license because he spoke to the media. The lawyer now faces permanent disbarment. So much for freedom of speech. Human rights seem to be absent in Saudi Arabia, because rape victims should not be sent to jail, and even lawyers should have the right of freedom of speech. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, It has been said that ``child abuse casts a shadow the length of a lifetime.'' Nancy Chandler has dedicated her life to changing this. For over 25 years, Nancy has advocated for children and improved their futures. After receiving her Masters in Social Work from the University of Georgia, Nancy was the founding Executive Director of the Memphis Child Advocacy Center. This Center helps ``victims become children again.'' Since April 1994, Nancy Chandler has served as the Executive Director of the National Children's Alliance (NCA), a not-for-profit membership organization that represents more than 700 Children's Advocacy Centers. For 13 years, Nancy has led and managed NCA's finances, and developed resources, training, programs, communications, and membership services. Nancy also led and inspired a staff of dedicated advocates. As Executive Director of NCA, Nancy educated and motivated advocates at over 400 conferences and workshops across the United States. Throughout her remarkable career in children's advocacy, Nancy was a member of Leadership Memphis and a founding board member of the National Network of Children's Advocacy Centers. She also served on the National Advisory Committee for Darkness to Light, a primary prevention program aimed at reducing the incidence and consequence of child sexual abuse, and as Senior Warden of The Church of the Epiphany in Washington, DC. Nancy has proven herself as an experienced leader and a compassionate advocate for children. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, the Supreme Court is considering Washington, DC's total handgun ban. It is illegal to buy, sell or own a handgun in this Nation's Capital of ours. Of course, DC has one of the highest homicide rates in the entire country. The center of this debate is a question that has never really been clearly answered. What exactly does the second amendment to our Constitution mean? Did the Framers intend to protect an individual right or provide for State militias? The second amendment states, ``A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.'' Our Founding Fathers risked their lives in the American revolution to create our Nation. They distrusted government, especially a government that wouldn't trust its own citizens. Our Founding Fathers knew the importance of an armed citizenry from their experiences in the American War of Independence. They trusted an armed citizenry and a citizen militia as the best safeguard against the tyranny of government. To truly understand the meaning and purpose of the second amendment, we need to understand the men that wrote the Constitution and what they said when it was ratified. The Founding Fathers were very concerned that a strong Federal Government would trample on individual freedom and individual rights because that's what happened to the colonists, and that's what governments historically do to their people, trample on individual rights. So after the ratification of the Constitution, the Framers knew that a declaration of rights had to be added to protect basic individual rights, rights that are inalienable, created by our creator and not created by government. So the Founders looked at the English common law, at the English declaration of rights of 1689, which specified the guaranteed right of the people to bear arms. Those who claim there is no individual in the second amendment ignore the most basic feature of American rights: Rights in this nation belong to individuals. The second amendment was included in the Bill of Rights to prevent the Federal Government from disarming the public like the British Army did to American citizens. The right of the free people to defend freedom and protect themselves was so important that it was placed second in the Bill of Rights. Thomas Jefferson knew the importance of an armed citizenry. He said, ``No free man shall ever be debarred from the use of arms.'' Samuel Adams wrote that ``The Constitution shall never be construed to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their arms.'' And of course James Madison, who helped write the Bill of Rights, once wrote that the Americans had ``the advantage of being armed,'' and that other nations governments were ``afraid to trust the people with such arms.'' So, Mr. Speaker, the second amendment is a personal right for individuals in this country, and the DC ban is a violation of the United States Constitution, specifically, the second amendment to that Constitution. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, a strong sense of patriotism is sweeping through the second district of Texas between to local football teams and spreading on to the gridiron. It is a short story, but it says volumes about the generosity and spirit of the people of Texas. The varsity cheerleaders at Klein Forest High School and Westfield High School challenged each other to see who could raise the most money for troops returning home from Iraq. The challenge would last two weeks and the money would be presented to members of the Family Readiness Group of Company B, 15th Brigade Troops Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade during a homecoming football game. The cheerleaders collected donations during and after school for the next two weeks. They asked local businesses to help support the troops returning home to Texas. During the homecoming football game, they passed around buckets throughout the stadium for additional donations from the fans. The two cheerleading squads raised close to $4,000.00 for the Family Readiness Group to use in welcoming home the troops this holiday season. I commend both squads for being generous and patriotic Americans. Thanks for showing the troops that we support and appreciate the sacrifices they are making for us, our families, and our future. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, College Station, Texas is the home of Texas A & M University, also known as Aggieland. Texas A & M was founded in 1876, and was the first public institution of higher learning in the state of Texas. Although the education received at Texas A & M is of the highest caliber, it is not the only element that attracts prospective students to College Station for their college careers. It is the sense of belonging that is created at Texas A & M--the Spirit of Aggieland, that unique school spirit that sets Texas A & M apart from the rest. The spirit of Aggieland, besides being the alma mater of Texas A & M University, refers to the ``spirit that can ne'er be told.'' Many people have described Texas A & M as having a unique school spirit that ``From the outside looking in, you can't understand it. And from the inside looking out you can't explain it.'' What has helped develop this sentiment is the time honored traditions that Aggies everywhere hold dear. Such traditions include Midnight Yell Practice, 12th Man, Yell Leaders, Reveille, Muster, Silver Taps, and Gig'Em. And one of the most notable traditions is Aggie Bonfire. Bonfire is built every year and lit before the big football game against the University of Texas Longhorns, or ``t.u.'' as the Aggies call them. Bonfire is meant to symbolize the burning desire to beat the University of Texas in the annual football game. The first Bonfire built in 1909 was a heap of trash and debris. By 1969 the stack of logs set a record for the height of a bonfire at 109 feet, 10 inches. There have only been 2 years when bonfire did not burn as scheduled. The first was 1963, the year President Kennedy was assassinated. As a sign of respect, the students dismantled the stack. Head Yell Leader, Mike Marlow explained, ``It is the most we have and the least we can give.'' The other year was 1999, when at 2:42 am on November 18th the 40 ft high stack consisting of 5,000 logs collapsed killing 12 people and injuring 27 others. It was in dealing with this tragedy that the true strength of Texas A & M emerged. Rescue workers were on the scene within minutes of the collapse. The entire Texas A & M football team and many members of the Corps of Cadets rushed to the site to assist in manually removing the logs. An official memorial service was held in Reed Arena less than 17 hours after the collapse. Over 16,000 mourners gathered to pay tribute to those who had died and those who spent all day trying to rescue the injured. At the end of the ceremony, the crowd spontaneously stood, linked arms, and started singing Amazing Grace. Eric Opiela, Vice President of the Student Government of The University of Texas at Austin, attended the memorial service, and described the scene saying, ``Aggieland is a very special place, with special people. It is infinitely better equipped than us at dealing with a tragedy such as this for one simple reason. It is a family. It is a family that cares for its own, a family that reaches out, a family that is unified in the face of adversity; a family that moved this Longhorn to tears.'' It is this same sense of unity and family that has compelled current Aggies to continue their tradition of Bonfire. Though the event is now held off campus and not sponsored by the University the passion lives on. And so, on this 8th anniversary of the Texas A & M Bonfire collapse, we pay tribute to the Spirit of Aggieland. May it continue to mystify us, dazzle us, and thrive forever. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, the staff and students at Brill Elementary School, in Klein Independent School District, set a goal for their physical fitness program and worked hard to achieve it. As a result of their perseverance and determination, Brill has been awarded the title of Physical Activity and Fitness Honor Roll School by President George Bush's Challenge Program. Brill received this honor by serving as a national demonstration school in physical fitness and sports for the past three years. During this time, other schools looked to Brill as having the model physical fitness program. I commend the students, faculty and staff of Brill Elementary for their dedication to physical fitness. I would especially like to recognize the efforts of physical education teachers Darlene Sentesi, Jack Hall and April Holbrook. This elementary school is the only one in Texas to be considered a national demonstration school and to be awarded the honor roll distinction. I am proud of the faculty at Brill Elementary for their commitment to the well-being and health of its students. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, A Tree, A Tree, but don't call it a Christmas Tree. Let me explain. Since forever, Christmas trees have been called Christmas trees. Everyone in the world knows what a Christmas tree is and the traditions that accompany them. It is almost that time of year for most homes throughout the fruited plain to have some type of tree in them. Even Charlie Brown has a Christmas tree. But Lowe's Home Improvement stores that sell trees won't call them Christmas trees, but now they call them ``family trees'' so as not, I suspect, to offend non-Christians. Of course, it is okay in our culture to offend Christians because they are just supposed to turn the other cheek. However, calling them family trees may offend single individuals who don't have families. So should the trees be called family-individual trees? Where is this nonsense of political correctness going to end? Lowe's should change its policy. This is the same silliness that caused some retailers last year to refuse to put up signs saying ``Merry Christmas,'' but instead said ``Happy Holidays.'' It is tradition at the Poe house on Thanksgiving that we buy and decorate a Christmas tree. But we won't buy one at Lowe's because, you see, they don't sell Christmas trees. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, thirteen years ago in Humble, Texas, 33-year- old Farah Fratta was murdered by a hit man, allegedly hired by her own husband, Robert Fratta. In 1994 Robert Fratta was sentenced to death row for his part in this murder-for-hire plan. Since their daughter's murder, Farah's parents, Lex and Betty Baquer have raised Farah's children. The Baquers recently learned that Robert Fratta was granted a new trial. This second chance frustrates and shocks the Baquers. In the second district of Texas, the community of Humble is troubled to learn that the Baquers and their grandchildren will have to relive another trial. The murder of a loved one is an exceptionally difficult experience yet too often, the victim's families are left alone to fight the criminal justice system. The Baquers have found support and strength through God and in their grandchildren. I want the Baquers to know they are not alone in their fight, we will continue to remember the legacy that Farah left behind. So, I stand here today to pay tribute to Betty and Lex Baquer. As a parent of 4 children and 5 grandchildren, I can think of nothing worse than to lose a child. I commend the Baquers for their determination and commitment to justice. As a former judge and prosecutor, I have witnessed how victims as well as their families are treated in the justice system. It's shameful! The first duty of government must be to make sure criminals who commit crimes pay for their acts of violence. Justice must be served. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing, once stated that ``Unless we are making progress in our nursing every year, every month, every week, take my word for it we are going back.'' Lamar University's JoAnne Gay Dishman Department of Nursing has taken this philosophy and ran with it. Their continued excellence has turned the nursing program into one of the most successful in the country. Nursing education began at Lamar University in 1974. Since then, it has become the second most popular in the university, trailing only General Studies. From 2001 through 2005, the program saw a 30 percent increase in the number of students admitted to the program. Over the same period, the number of pre-nursing majors increased by 195 percent. The popularity stems from the success of both the program and the students. The faculty is staffed by a number of experts with many years of experience. Recently Department Chair Eileen Curl was elected president of the Texas Association of Deans and Directors of Professional Nursing Programs. May 2007 graduates of the Department's associate of applied science program achieved a 100 percent passing rate on the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses. The national passing rate is 87 percent. Success in the classroom has lead to success after graduation. The University states that 98 percent of senior nursing students have job offers before graduation, and a full 100 percent are employed within six months after graduation. The knowledge learned in the classroom benefits all Southeast Texans, as the University estimates that between 60 to 80 percent of Lamar's graduating classes are employed in local health care agencies. Southeast Texans can feel safe, knowing that they have qualified, competent, and professional nurses to assist them. Lamar University's Dishman Department of Nursing had humble beginnings but quickly grew to become one of the most popular and distinguished majors. The faculty provides quality education relevant to today's ever-changing world. The students strive to be the best and showcase their values, work ethic and integrity. With an enrollment that grows by the year, the Dishman Department of Nursing will be turning out prominent medical professionals for years to come. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 1100, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, it is illegal to drive a vehicle without a legal driver's license. Illegals, who aren't even supposed to be here, broke the law to get here, and they break it every day by staying here. Some States pander to illegals and encourage them to stay. Seven States: Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Oregon, New Mexico, Utah and Washington, issue legal driver's licenses to illegals. These illegals then can use the driver's license to travel to other States, set up credit, obtain free social services, and in some States that don't verify citizenship, use these licenses to vote. Thus, these States encourage illegals to stay here. This is an absurd policy that gives the same recognition status to illegals that should be reserved only to citizens and legal immigrants. We need stricter requirements for driver's licenses, not more lax enforcement. The 9/11 terrorists used fake driver's licenses to ``move about the country freely.'' So States that promote violation of Federal immigration policy by issuing these driver's licenses to illegals should lose Federal transportation highway funds. Millions for border security, not one cent to highways for illegals. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, Steven Shulz joined the United States Marine Corps after 9/11 and wanted, as he said, ``to strengthen the United States military.'' He did two tours of duty in Iraq, and in 2005 he was wounded by an IED in Fallujah. He had traumatic brain injury and was given up for dead. Mr. Speaker, last rites were actually given for him. But Corporal Shulz refused to die, even though he has permanent brain injury, a weak left side, and is blind in one eye. No one ever expected Steven to even walk; but he continues to go through rehab, and his recovery is remarkable due to awesome medical personnel. At a ceremony at the Baylor College of Medicine on Veterans Day, Corporal Shulz was presented with keys to a new home, especially designed and built for him, thanks to Houston area Rotary Clubs and benefactors in the Houston area. It was a thrill for me and other Members of Congress to be present to see this young American hero. I was so impressed by his positive attitude and his love for America. He told me he would go back to Iraq and do it all over again if necessary. Amazing men, these young guns of the United States Marine Corps. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, in September of this year, corrections officer Susan Canfield was murdered just outside of Huntsville, Texas by two inmates who had escaped a Huntsville prison facility. In what some might call ironic timing, a report by the Dallas Morning News came out the following month that said assaults on prison guards have doubled over the last five years. Over 36 staff member were assaulted this year, up from 18 in 2003. To further compound this problem, turnover of staff is at a record high with one in four leaving the department last year alone. Officials believe these problems have been caused by low wages, staff shortages, and a tougher breed of criminals entering the prison system. Salaries for prison guards in Texas begin at $23,040 and top out at $33,948. This is one of the lowest pay scales nationally for prison guards. As a result, people are leaving the field or not entering it at all. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice workforce was down almost 4,000 employees in August. This means facilities are more vulnerable and employees are at increased danger for attacks. This is unacceptable. We need to make sure our prison system is secure so that our prison guards and staff can go to work without fear of being assaulted and we need to make working conditions better for these people who have some of the toughest jobs in society, to protect our communities from dangerous criminals. The toughest beat in America is the one assigned to our prison guards who watch those who have committed crimes against our people. We owe these guards our greatest appreciation. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, today I am proud to recognize NBA great Elvin Hayes. The basketball star known as the ``Big E'', from Rayville, Louisiana, was one of the most talented power forwards to play the game. His notorious turnaround jump shot, aggressive defense, and outspoken demeanor were legendary and earned him a place in the NBA record books. He first picked up a basketball in the eighth grade when a teacher put him on the school basketball team. Although he initially showed no proclivity for sports, he was determined to improve. He spent his summers practicing and developing his skills. By the time he attended Eula Britton High School in Rayville; he averaged 35 points per game and led his team to 54 straight wins. Basketball became an opportunity for a better life for Hayes. He was recruited by more than 100 colleges, and chose the University of Houston, where he became one of the first African-American athletes. In college, he debuted on the national basketball scene and was able to hone his game, and establish a style that would eventually make him a feared NBA player. Hayes became a three-time All-American, leading the Houston Cougars to an 81-12 record and two Final Four appearances. Basketball fans across the country watched this nationally televised college game as he and his University of Houston teammates defeated UCLA and Lew Alcindor, later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, in ``the game of the century'' at the Astrodome. I was one of the 50,00 plus fans at the Astrodome watching the University of Houston defeat the #1 ranked and undefeated UCLA Bruins. In his college career, Hayes scored 2,884 points, 31 points per game, 1,602 rebounds, with 17 rebounds per game, and was named the 1968 college player of the year. Before retiring in 1984, he returned to the Houston Rockets for three seasons. Hayes' NBA accomplishments include leading the league in scoring in '69; All-NBA first team in '75, '77 & '79; All-NBA Defensive Team in '74 & '75; and twelve-time NBA All-Star from '69-80. He scored 27,313 points, averaging 21 points per game in 1,303 professional games; he grabbed 16,279 rebounds; played more minutes than any player in history; and ranked third all-time in games played and blocked shots. In 1990, he was inducted to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and in 1996, he was named to the NBA 50th Anniversary All-Time Team, and was chosen as one of professional basketball's top five players during the NBA'S 50th anniversary celebration. When I served on the bench as a Judge in Texas, I recruited Elvin Hayes to coach a team of probationers in a basketball match against a team from the Houston police department. He agreed to coach this goodwill game although the police department team won. Life has definitely gone on after basketball for the ``BIG E.'' After his all-star college and NBA career, Hayes returned to the University of Houston to complete his college education, and became a successful businessman. Today, at age 60, he has set his sights on yet another challenge, one that fulfills a childhood dream. On October 16, he completed a nine-month peace officer training program and joined the Liberty County Texas Sheriff's Department as a reserve deputy sheriff. He admits that years ago, when he sat on one of my grand juries, the law enforcement seed was watered. Legendary coach Al McGuire taught Hayes that a successful person is one who can do something great, go on to something else, and be successful in the next field too. That philosophy was branded in the ``Big E's'' mind. All of his college, NBA, and business accomplishments shaped and changed his life. Basketball taught him discipline, teamwork, and hard work, making him one of the NBA's 50 greatest basketball players. He took the lessons learned on the court to the business world when he opened a car dealership. From the business world, he learned a very important formula; integrity, commitment and a caring heart. He now uses that formula in law enforcement, where he is once again part of a team, where each member compliments the abilities of fellow law enforcement officers. Hayes will be patrolling Liberty County as a reserve deputy sheriff, for 20 hours each month. Like everything else in his life, he is very committed to it. Accomplishing his childhood dream of becoming a police officer is one of the most gratifying and rewarding feelings he has ever had, even topping an NBA championship! The training process was more challenging than he expected. he had to learn countless codes, laws, and cases. You see, Texas has the highest standards of law enforcement than any other state, requiring 809 class work and physical training hours. In basketball, you have physical challenges, but training to be a peace officer was mentally and physically challenging. The ``Big E'' is a goal setter, and his goal now is to become one of the top law enforcement officers. His first few weeks as a reserve deputy sheriff have been very quiet so far, but Hayes would never call it routine, since ``routine'' traffic stops in law enforcement can be some of the most dangerous. His 6'9" frame usually helps deter people from making bad decisions, but he knows that some people will feel threatened by his height and want to prove themselves. Law enforcement officers prefer to use verbal means to communicate, instead of physical means, but Hayes has been trained and is prepared for whatever situations may unfold. Hayes will deal with those who invite him into his life by breaking the law, but he will also work with kids to help them set and achieve positive goals, so they can be productive citizens. He is a law enforcer, but is definitely willing to be a mentor to today's youth. He will visit schools and talk to kids to counter the messages they hear in today's rap music. He hopes to convey that those who desire a family unit can obtain one through positive means. Since there is a shortage of police officers, he encourages young people to consider a career in law enforcement, which allows individuals to focus on making their communities a positive place to live. There are more prisons being built in our country than schools; and Hayes would like to do his part to see that change, by keeping kids out of the criminal justice system. Hayes encourages young people to be themselves. ``Don't try to be like someone else, don't try to emulate what you hear in rap music; don't try to do what you see basketball players doing. Pick a goal and each and everyday, do something to try to accomplish that goal. Hard work, dedication, and sacrifice are the formula for success!'' The extremely popular basketball star, businessman, and reserve deputy sheriff believes that in life you should ``continuously look for challenges.'' The reserve deputy position is another way for him to set a positive example for young people. Not everyone can be a professional athlete, a rapper, or actor, but everyone can give back to the community. I am proud to recognize my friend, Elvin Hayes for his accomplishments on and off of the basketball court. He is a role model for us all, and a shining example of hard work, determination, and service to the community. That's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, the safety and security of American communities is a vital ingredient in the preservation of liberties we as a nation hold dear. Nonetheless, individuals occasionally attempt to upset our sense of wellbeing. Holding these criminals accountable for their actions is thus of the utmost importance. Since 1981, Houston Crime Stoppers has tirelessly worked towards keeping our neighborhoods protected through helping law enforcement solve numerous cases. Imported, from a similar program in Albuquerque, New Mexico, by members of the Exchange Club of Houston, the organization quickly grew into a world leader, assisting to solve felony offences. The success achieved by this group is made possible through the ease of reporting information to the Tip Line. As a result of assigning callers with code numbers, anonymity is easily maintained, while encouraging informants to continue to contact Crime Stoppers. If the information provided leads to an arrest, a financial reward is then given to the appropriate citizens. From 1981 to 2006 over 6.5 million dollars have been paid in cash rewards, a testament towards the large response to Crime Stoppers throughout the Houston community. Prevention is also a key aspect of Houston Crime Stoppers mission. Serving over 200 area middle and high schools, the Safe School Program works to educate students and administrators about how to recognize dangers. Their focus in particular concerns gang activity, terrorist threats, and possession of dangerous weapons. Students can report serious crimes to officers, through the anonymous tip line before they escalate into perilous situations. These informed campuses are better protected as a result, illustrated alone by the 52 gun related arrests in just the past decade. A similar initiative sponsored by Crime Stoppers is the Safe Apartment Program. Like preventative programs in area schools, the identifying crime is a major concentration. Complex managers and staff are taught how to recognize and report criminal activity. Residents also can inform officers of offenders in their community, through the Tip Line. This has proven to effectively reduce crime, making the affected neighborhoods increasingly safer. Operating in partnership with citizens, media, law enforcement, and the criminal justice system, Houston Crime Stoppers is now the number one community based organization dedicated to deciphering and preventing serious crime. Since their 1981 inception, 26,593 cases have been closed as a result of these dedicated citizens. Of these many servings of justice, they solved 817 homicides, 832 murders, and apprehended 8917 felony fugitives. Still, these statistics make up only a portion of the many other transgressions resolved as a result of Houston Crime Stoppers. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, Mr. Lief Erickson, of Houston, TX, was recently recognized by the NAACP when he was given the ALEX award or Award for Legal Excellence. The award was named after Congressman Alexander Green who was president of the Houston branch of the NAACP for 10 years. The award is presented to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the NAACP's Houston legal programs, people who have demonstrated a commitment to pro bono legal services within the community or to people whose legal contributions significantly impacted persons in the community served by the NAACP. The path to being recognized with this prestigious award began a long time ago when Erickson was living in Houston in 1977 and working as a carpet layer. He met a young up-and-coming lawyer who recognized his potential and encouraged him to become a lawyer to make a difference in the community. With only a 10th grade education and rugged determination, Erickson decided to become an attorney. After obtaining his high school equivalency diploma, he enrolled in the University of St. Thomas and earned a Bachelors Degree in psychology. He later entered and graduated from Texas Southern University's Thurgood Marshall Law School. I had the pleasure of swearing him in as an attorney marking this great accomplishment. It was a long journey in Erickson's life to go from high school dropout to attorney. After completing law school, he worked for a private law firm for 2 years and then became a prosecutor for the Drug Task Force in Waller County, Texas. Two years later, Erickson realized that his heart and conscience were better suited for criminal defense to assist the downtrodden and disenfranchised. Since 2000, Erickson has defended more than 3,000 clients. He has also devoted his weekends over 13 months to give back to the community as a volunteer to help the NAACP with criminal defense cases in their pro bono legal redress clinic. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays he volunteers to assist walk-in clients with consultation and legal advice. By donating his weekends to serve others, he is a shining example of service above self. It is for his generous volunteer efforts that the NAACP recognized Mr. Erickson with the ALEX Award. I salute Lief Erickson for his spirit of service and volunteerism. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, today I am proud to recognize the Most Reverend Curtis John Guillory, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Beaumont. Bishop Guillory was born in Mallet, Louisiana to a family of cotton sharecroppers as the oldest of sixteen children. He graduated from St. Augustine Seminary in 1964 and was ordained to priesthood in 1972. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree and two Master's Degrees, one in Divinity and one in Christian Spirituality. He was ordained as auxiliary Bishop in 1988, and installed as the fifth Bishop of Beaumont in July of 2000. He is the first African-American to be Bishop of Beaumont, and the first African-American ordinary (Bishop with full jurisdiction) of any Diocese in Texas. His first assignment was to St. Augustine Parish in New Orleans, Louisiana, which was the home parish of Mr. Plessy of Plessy vs. Ferguson--the case that decided, ``separate but equal'' was constitutional (later overturned by Brown vs. Board of Education). The Bishop's Episcopal motto is Romans 8:28, which says, ``For those who love God, all things work together for good.'' His hobbies include reading, exercising, and traveling; the latter two came in handy when he carried the Olympic torch in 1996, as it traveled across the country! As the Vicar of Christ in the Diocese of Beaumont, which includes St. Anthony Cathedral, one of only four Minor Basilicas in Texas, the Bishop carries out his threefold ministry as teacher of doctrine, a priest of sacred worship, and a minister of governance. Bishop Guillory is known for his frequent visits to parishes and schools. He gives his time freely throughout the community and across the country, and has served on a host of boards, including the USCCB African American Catholics in Washington, DC; Julie Rogers Gift of Life Program in Beaumont, TX; IEA--Inspire, Encourage, Achieve; NCCB Committee on World Missions, Washington, DC; Apostleship of the Sea USA in Washington, DC; Gulf Coast Epilepsy Association; Houston Area Urban League; Housing Opportunities, Inc.; Downtown Houston YMCA; Mental Health Association of Greater Houston; Child Advocates, Inc. He was also a 2006 recipient of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award for Catholic Education, from the National Catholic Educational Association for the successes of the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Beaumont. This honor is awarded to those whose personal or professional philanthropy of volunteer service has impacted Catholic education in the U.S., and our country's youth in general. I am proud to recognize the Most Reverend Bishop Curtis Guillory for his distinguished ministry and service. He has helped make our world a better place to live, and I applaud his unwavering compassion dedication to the community and all of humanity. That's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, when the ``War to end all Wars''--World War I-- concluded on the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, it was called Armistice Day. We now refer to it as Veterans Day to honor those that went to war and those of them that returned from war to the vast American landscape. When the American doughboys landed in Europe in World War I to a deadlocked bloody trench war where millions had already died, their relentless spirit not only stunned our enemy but it revived and surprised our allies, France and England. The American soldier landed 90 years ago this year, singing George M. Cohan's ``Over There,'' and, as the lyrics say, ``They didn't come back till it was over, over there.'' America has gone to war many times since World War I, and America's youth has always answered the call to duty, honor, country. This Sunday, on the 11th day of the 11th month, America should fly the flag, be proud of our glorious heritage and give praise to veterans who went to places they had never seen and fought for peoples they didn't know to spread the doctrine of liberty and freedom. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, it is the first duty of government, especially our government, to protect the people. That is why governments are formed throughout the world. That is why the United States was formed, to protect the people who live in this great country of ours. This weekend, we honor the veterans that have served in our military throughout all of its wars. It started on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, which was called Armistice Day, to end the war to end all wars, World War I. We now call it Veterans Day, where we honor those who went to war and came home. Now America is engaged in wars in lands far, far away. We are engaged in the war in Iraq, we are engaged in the war in Afghanistan, and Mr. Speaker, it is my opinion that the finest military that has ever existed in the history of the world is fighting for American values in Iraq and Afghanistan, the American warriors. You know, they are fighting in the deserts of Iraq, the mountains of Afghanistan. But we are also engaged in a war closer to home, that for some reason many have missed it, and it's the border war that we have on our southern border. You see, our people who live in the southern part of the United States, and I happen to be one of them, I'm from the State of Texas, they are concerned about a constant invasion into our homeland by people that come here without permission. These people are coming into this country and they are colonizing our Nation. I have been to the southern border of Texas and Mexico over a dozen times. I've been to the border in Arizona, the border in California with Mexico, and every time I go to the border, the situation is worse. It is, by any definition, a war zone. In the American town of Laredo, across the river, in Nuevo Laredo, it is a hostile and violent place. In the year 2005, there were 147 murders in Nuevo Laredo, many of them peace officers, and not one case has been solved. There have been 400 kidnappings; 41 of those have been American citizens kidnapped in Mexico, and not one case, not one has been solved by law enforcement. It is a violent place. We have the three drug cartels coming in from Mexico, bringing that cancer into our country, and they are violent because it's all about money. And now they're working with the human coyotes, and they smuggle drugs and people into our country, all because of the almighty dollar. We have reports of the Mexican military that have come across our border in arrogance and defiance, coming here to apparently help the drug smugglers bring in the drugs. But be that as it may, Homeland Security seems to be blissfully silent about the problem on the southern border with Mexico. And I ask the question, why? Is it because of political reasons? What do we owe the nation of Mexico? Our government, Homeland Security, owes the American public public defense. It is the first duty of government to protect the homeland, and that includes the invasion by people without permission from our southern border. Thousands of people a day come in here without our permission, and I'm here to say that it's our obligation as a Nation to protect the southern border. There has been legislation, bipartisan, that has been introduced this week to move that direction; 8,000 more border agents, using the military surveillance; also, requiring that American departments such as Social Security, Homeland Security and the IRS work together to prevent people from fraudulently trying to become American citizens, and of course, requiring more immigration judges. And I think we personally should use the National Guard and put them on the southern border as well. Whatever it takes, by lawful means, to secure the Nation's homeland, we owe that to the Nation, we owe that to the veterans who fought all over the world, and we owe it to the veterans who are on the southern border with Mexico to make sure that we protect our country, the dignity and sovereignty of this Nation. And that's just the way it is.