Mike Ross

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. We agree that it is critical for members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including members of the reserve components, to have adequate rest and recuperation periods between deployments. We agree that a safe and responsible redeployment of U.S. Armed Forces from Iraq, based on recommendations from our military and foreign policy leaders, is necessary to transition the combat mission over to the Iraqi forces. We agree that the continued military mission of U.S. combat forces must lead to a timely transition to conducting counterterrorism operations, protecting the U.S. Armed Forces, supporting and equipping Iraqi forces to take full responsibility for their own security, assisting refugees, and preventing genocide. We agree that U.S. diplomatic efforts should continue to be improved and that the U.S. State Department must engage in robust diplomacy with Iraq's neighbors in the Middle East to address the Iraq conflict. We had a military surge, and we now know that didn't work. That is what President Bush wanted, and that's what he got. What we are saying here, among these eight components, and don't get me wrong, it is only one of the eight components, one of the eight components is it's time for a diplomatic surge in the Middle East. Fourteen Democrats and fourteen Republicans have signed on to this, and I believe it is time for a new direction in Iraq. It is time for a bipartisan direction. It is time for us to all come together as Americans first. I yield to the gentleman from Tennessee.

Mr. ROSS. Again, these views on Iraq are not necessarily those of the Blue Dog Coalition. We require a two-thirds vote for an endorsed position. These are our views, those of us that believe we need a new direction and how we think we can get there in a bipartisan way. Another one of the bills being put forth by the Blue Dogs, and this one was written by Heath Shuler from North Carolina, Charlie Melancon from Louisiana, and Charlie Wilson from Ohio, and it's called a Resolution Strengthening the Budget Process. It strengthens and increases transparency of the budget process. It ensures that Members have a sufficient amount of time to properly examine legislation and determine its actual cost. No more of being forced to vote on these 300- and 400-page bills after seeing them for 15 minutes and knowing the cost of what we are voting on. PAYGO rules now require that. It requires that a full Congressional Budget Office, CBO, cost estimate accompany any bill or conference report that comes to the House floor and ensures that lawmakers have at least 3 days to review the final text of any bill before casting their votes. We can't make Members of Congress read the bills they are voting on; but if you give them 3 days from the final text to the day of the vote, it gives them the opportunity to read them. Right now, and many times under the Republican-led Congress in the past 6 years, there wasn't an opportunity to read the bills because they would let us see the bills 15 minutes or an hour before we were voting on them, sometimes 300- and 400-page bills. Commonsense ideas that we are putting into legislation. Another integral part of the Blue Dog fiscal accountability package is this, and I have done my best to go through it and explain to you what it is that we are trying to do there. It's a resolution aimed at strengthening and increasing the transparency of the budget process. All too often Members of Congress are forced to vote on legislation without knowing its true cost implications. This measure will ensure that Members have a sufficient amount of time to properly examine legislation and determine its actual cost. And then, finally, the balanced budget amendment. And I want to thank the Blue Dog leader Kirsten Gillibrand from New York for authoring the balanced budget amendment, which would provide for a constitutional amendment requiring Congress to balance the Federal budget every year. Forty-nine States do it. Most American families do it. And it is time that the United States Congress did it. It allows for flexibility during times of war, natural disaster, or an economic downturn, and it prohibits cuts in Social Security benefits from ever being used in order to balance the budget. Mr. Speaker, these are just three pieces of legislation that have been endorsed by the Blue Dog Coalition, authored by the members of the Blue Dog Coalition, that we believe can put us on a path toward restoring common sense, fiscal discipline, and accountability to our Nation's government.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, September 25, 2007, I was not present for votes as I was in Little Rock, Arkansas attending the 50th Anniversary commemorating the integration of Little Rock Central High School by the Little Rock Nine. Had I been present for rollcall No. 895, H.R. 1400, the Iran Counter- Proliferation Act of 2007, I would have voted ``Aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 896, H. Res. 584, Supporting the goals and ideals of National Life Insurance Awareness Month, I would have voted ``Aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 897, H. Con. Res. 210, Supporting the goals and ideals of Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month, I would have voted ``Aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 898, H. Res. 663, Supporting the goals and ideals of Veterans of Foreign Wars Day, I would have voted ``Aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 899, H. Res. 548, Expressing the ongoing concern of the House of Representatives for Lebanon's democratic institutions and unwavering support for the administration of justice upon those responsible for the assassination of Lebanese public figures opposing Syrian control of Lebanon, I would have voted ``Aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 900, H. Res. 642, Expressing sympathy and support for the people and governments of the countries of Central America, the Caribbean, and Mexico which have suffered from Hurricanes Felix, Dean, and Henriette and whose complete economic and fatality toll are still unknown, I would have voted ``Aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 901, H. Res. 557, Strongly condemning the United Nations Human Rights Council for ignoring severe human rights abuses in various countries, while choosing to unfairly target Israel by including it as the only country permanently placed on the Council's agenda, I would have voted ``Aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 902, H. Res. 675, Table Appeal of the Ruling of the Chair, I would have voted ``Aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 903, H. Res. 675, on the Previous Question on providing for consideration of the Senate amendments to H.R. 976, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax relief for small businesses, and for other purposes, I would have voted ``Aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 904, H. Res. 675, on agreeing to the resolution, Providing for consideration of the Senate amendments to H.R. 976, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax relief for small businesses, and for other purposes, I would have voted ``Aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 905, H. Res. 95, Campus Fire Safety Month, I would have voted ``Aye.''

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand here today with my colleague from Arkansas to honor and remember a fellow Arkansan who dedicated his life to serving the public and upholding justice across our great Nation. Texarkana native Judge Richard Arnold spent his lifetime in the court system, from the U.S. District Court to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, where he rose to be chief judge in 1992. Judge Arnold even ran for Congress for the seat which I now hold, Arkansas Fourth Congressional District, before he began his distinguished legal career in the Federal court system. I am proud that the new United States Federal Courthouse in Little Rock, Arkansas, which will be dedicated tomorrow, will be forever named the Richard Sheppard Arnold United States Courthouse. Judge Arnold was admired for his fairness and will be forever remembered as a dedicated public servant who cared deeply about his family, his work, his State, and his country. I am honored to deliver these remarks as a tribute to his life and career.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Chairman, I thank Mr. Berry for offering this amendment. It is a bipartisan amendment. It is what I would call a commonsense amendment. I don't have to tell you, Mr. Chairman, that the Federal Emergency Management Agency, they need help in trying to figure this program out. This is the same Federal agency that has 8,000 brand new, fully furnished mobile homes sitting in a cow pasture in Hope, Arkansas several years after Hurricane Katrina, mobile homes that never got to the victims. And when we had a tornado on the Mississippi River in Dumas, Arkansas, it took FEMA 3 weeks to figure out how to move 30 of them 2\1/2\ hours down the road, and now FEMA is trying to wreak havoc on our National Flood Insurance Program. The gentlewoman from Missouri is absolutely correct; it seems to me what FEMA is trying to do here is pay for their flood insurance program by forcing people to buy insurance who they know are never going to have a claim. This is a step in the right direction in trying to provide a commonsense fix to another mess that has been created by FEMA, and I am pleased to stand here with my colleagues from Arkansas and Missouri in support of it.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 668, a resolution honoring and recognizing the 50th anniversary of the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School by the Little Rock Nine. First, I would like to thank Chairman Conyers for his support and leadership in moving this resolution from the Judiciary Committee to the floor of the United States House of Representatives. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this resolution, which honors the anniversary of the nine students who gained national attention 50 years ago when Little Rock Central High School was integrated. Little Rock Central High School found itself in the spotlight of the entire Nation on September 25, 1957, when nine students escorted by the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army walked up the front steps and integrated the school. The names of these nine individuals are barely recognizable alone, but collectively as the Little Rock Nine they gained national attention for their strength and unified determination to make our public schools a place where everyone can learn regardless of race. This resolution honors their courage by commemorating the 50th anniversary of desegregation of Little Rock Central High School and encourages all Americans to recognize the historic contributions of the Little Rock Nine, who not only secured integration for Little Rock Central High School, but for hundreds of thousands of schools across our country. Tomorrow marks the 50th anniversary of this historic event, and I'm also proud to be taking part in the celebration of this civil rights achievement through the dedication of a permanent Little Rock Central High School Museum and Visitors Center. I'll be joined tomorrow by many of my colleagues, including the Arkansas congressional delegation, Congressmen John Boozman, Marion Berry and Vic Snyder. The Little Rock Nine have been acknowledged with numerous awards and recognitions, including the 2007 Little Rock Central High School desegregation 50th anniversary commemorative coin, one of only two such coins that are done annually. And I want to thank my good friend from Arkansas, Congressman Vic Snyder for leading the effort in securing this as one of the two coins for this year. They've also been recognized for the Congressional Gold Medal. That was back in 1999. This resolution adds one more recognition to this important group of individuals. As we memorialize their legacies of bravery so that future generations of Americans will forever know their struggle, we can never forget the sacrifices endured by these nine individuals for the sake of progress on behalf of millions. The Little Rock Nine are symbolic of the victorious dismantling of school segregation, and as such, I am proud to cosponsor this resolution honoring their contributions, and I urge my fellow colleagues to vote in favor of it today.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of my dear friend Melvin Schexnayder of Dumas, AR, who passed away September 12, 2007, at the age of 87. Melvin Schexnayder spent his lifetime dedicated to his family, his community and the newspaper business. After returning from World War II and completing a degree in chemical engineering, he went to work for Texas Pacific Railroad. However, the job forced him to travel frequently, which kept him away from his wife. For the sake of spending more time together, the two decided to try their hand in the newspaper business. His wife Charlotte, a journalism major, served as the editor and Melvin served as the advertising manager. What they thought would be a 1-year experiment working at the McGehee Semi-Weekly Times, uncovered a passion for reporting news that turned into a lifelong career path for both of them. After working at the Times, they bought their own newspaper, the Dumas Clarion, near Charlotte's hometown of Tillar. With the Schexnayders working as a team, the Dumas Clarion won over 500 State and national awards for its excellence in journalism. If owning and publishing a weekly newspaper was not a big enough task, Melvin devoted his life selflessly to serve others for the sake of making Dumas and Desha County a better place to live and raise a family. He was an active participant in the community where he served as president of the Dumas Chamber of Commerce and the Dumas Lion's Club, and just this year, he was awarded the esteemed Lion's Club Citizenship Award. He held the post of chairman of the Desha County Hospital Board and served as chairman of the Chicot-Desha Boy Scout District. He also worked in numerous roles with the Red Cross and March of Dimes over the years. In addition to his civic leadership, Schexnayder was also a man of devout faith. He was a member of Holy Child Catholic Church where he served as a lay reader and building committee member. I give my deepest condolences to his wife, Charlotte; his two sons, M. John Schexnayder, Jr. and Dr. Stephen Schexnayder; his daughter Sarah Steen; and to his numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Melvin Schexnayder will be greatly missed in Dumas, Desha County and throughout the State of Arkansas, and I am truly saddened by this loss.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant Michael Yarbrough of Glen Rose, Arkansas, who died on September 6, 2007, fighting for our country in Iraq while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was 24 years old when he selflessly gave his life for his country during combat operations. Sergeant Yarbrough's deep sense of unity and teamwork led him to honorably serve his country as a United States Marine. Having completed 2 tours of duty, Sergeant Yarbrough volunteered to return to Iraq in place of a soldier whose wife was pregnant. This gesture of selflessness encapsulated the spirit of this young man as he was always thinking of others before himself. Sergeant Yarbrough joined the Marines in January of 2002, and his proud service will continue to live on and serve as an inspiration to the many soldiers who knew him and fought alongside him in combat. He was a Marine in the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. His bravery and courage as a Marine was exemplified by his numerous awards and military decorations, including the Purple Heart Medal. Sergeant Michael Yarbrough gave his life to serve our country and he will forever be remembered as a hero, a husband, a son and a friend. My deepest condolences go out to his wife Mary Ann Yarbrough; his mother, Rhonda Kidder and his father Jerry Yarbrough; his 2 sisters Misty Hutcheson and Christy Smith; and to his numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He will be missed by his family, his community, his country and all those who knew him. On this 17th day of September, which would have been Sergeant Yarbrough's 25th birthday, I honor him for his service and will continue to keep his family in my deepest thoughts and prayers.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, September 6, 2007, I was not present for rollcall vote 857. Had I been present for rollcall 857, on agreeing to the King amendment to H.R. 2786, the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2007, I would have voted ``aye.'' On Wednesday, July 25, 2007, I was not present for rollcall vote 728. Had I been present for rollcall 728, on agreeing to the Etheridge amendment to the FY08 Commerce, Justice, Science appropriations bill, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Specialist Donovan D. Witham of Malvern, Arkansas, who died on August 20, 2007, fighting for our country in Iraq while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was 20 years old when he selflessly gave his life for his country during combat operations. Specialist Witham graduated from Glen Rose High School in 2005 where he was active in athletics and numerous extracurricular activities as a student. As a member of the student council, drama club and choir, as well as the football and track teams, he was a natural leader who demonstrated hard work and teamwork both in the classroom and on the field. Before joining the Army, he continued to give back to his community and state by working at the Ouachita River Correctional Unit. He was also an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing at every opportunity. Specialist Witham joined the Army in November 2005, and his proud service will continue to live on and serve as an inspiration to the many soldiers who knew him and fought alongside him in combat. He was a military police officer with the 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, in the 82nd Airborne Division. His bravery and courage as a military police officer and as a paratrooper were exemplified by his numerous awards and military decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart Medal. Specialist Donovan Witham gave his life to serve our country and he will forever be remembered as a leader, a hero, a son, a brother and a friend. My deepest condolences go out to his mother, Martha Launius, and his stepfather, Richard Launius of Malvern; and his three sisters, Amber Sharp of Magnolia, Jamie Witham of Benton and Virginia Bennett of Magnolia. He will be missed by his family, his community, his country and all those who knew him. I will continue to keep Specialist Donovan Witham's family in my deepest thoughts and prayers.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, this evening, as on most Tuesday evenings when Congress is in session, I rise on behalf of the fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition. We are a group of 47 conservative to moderate Democrats that simply want to come here, put an end to the partisan bickering, and restore common sense and fiscal discipline to our Nation's government. This evening, as we begin this hour-long conversation, we are going to focus on Iraq, and specifically we are going to focus on how your tax dollars are being spent in Iraq. You have heard a lot of talk this evening about Iraq. And I can assure you as long as we have our men and women in uniform in harm's way, we are going to support them. They are doing everything that has been asked of them and then some. My brother-in-law is in the U.S. Air Force. He has been in the region several times. My first cousin is in the U.S. Army, and he is in Iraq this evening. It has affected all of us in one way or another. We have all had family or friends serve there. This evening we are going to specifically focus on how your tax money is being spent in Iraq. For the last 5 years, the President has pretty much asked for a blank check, and if you ask him to be held accountable for how your tax money is spent in Iraq, he will tell you that you are unpatriotic. It is time that we stood up to this President and demanded the kind of accountability on how your tax money is being spent in Iraq just as we demand accountability from local and State governments when they receive a Federal grant. To put it another way, $16 million of your tax money is being spent in Iraq every hour; $16 million of your tax money is being spent in Iraq every hour. That is $16 million an hour that can't go to replace the bridge in Minnesota that fell. And, by the way, there are thousands more structurally deficient bridges in this country, and this should have been a wake-up call for all of us to get about the business of rebuilding this Nation's infrastructure and begin to invest in America again. Just in my congressional district during the month of August, some people think we go home and go on vacation for a month, but what we really do is we go home and see the people, which I think is an important part of this job. If you are going to represent folks, I think it is important you get out of Washington and you go home and you see them. And as I traveled my 29 counties and 150 towns in Arkansas's Fourth Congressional District, every town I went to I learned of a project, of a need. On the western side, they want to finish I-49, which can create jobs and economic opportunities. An interstate where construction started on it back when I was about 5 years old entering kindergarten. I am now 46 and have a daughter in college. When I go to the eastern side of my district, I hear a lot of talk about wanting to complete I-69, which was announced 5 years before I was born. In the central part of the district, I hear a lot of talk about four-laning U.S. 82, four-laning 167, how we need money to invest in getting off the Sparta aquifer and having more and more commercial and residential people getting their water from other alternative water sources. As I traveled and toured Millwood Lake, I learned about how this wonderful recreational lake, a lake that contributed to the economy, it is now becoming very difficult to fish in about a quarter of it and they are worried about the rest of it. Why? Because of the neglect. The neglect in our Nation's infrastructure, the neglect in our waterways, in our highways. And yet we continue to spend $16 million an hour of your tax money in Iraq. Mr. Speaker, I say it is time to start investing in America again, and we are going to talk more about that this evening. During the past 6 years, we have had a President that has given us the largest debt ever in our Nation's history, the largest deficit ever in our Nation's history, for the past 6 years, during the time that we had Republicans controlling the White House, the House and the Senate. We have passed a budget this year that will put us back in balance by 2012 and will begin to restore common sense and fiscal discipline to our Nation's government. But this is what the new Democratic majority inherited in January: a debt that is $8,993,600,200,089 and some change. That is a big number. What does it mean? If you break it out and divide it by every man, woman and child living in America, including those born today, each one of us, our share of the national debt: $29,704. It is what those of us in the Blue Dog Coalition refer to as the ``debt tax,'' d-e-b-t, which is one tax that cannot be repealed, that cannot be cut. And that is one of the reasons that we are not able to invest in America's priorities, investing in our homeland, investing in our veterans, investing in education, investing in rebuilding America's infrastructure. No. We are too busy paying interest on this debt. Our Nation is borrowing about a billion dollars a day, but before we borrow a billion dollars today, we are going to spend a half billion today paying interest on the debt we have already got. That is above and beyond the $16 million an hour that we are sending to Iraq, much of which goes unaccounted for. So we are going to spend this hour addressing that and other issues surrounding Iraq. And I am absolutely delighted to be joined by a number of my Blue Dog colleagues. I mentioned there are 47 members in the Blue Dog Coalition, and I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the four newest members: Christopher Carney from Pennsylvania's Tenth Congressional District, Gabrielle Giffords from Arizona's Eighth Congressional District, Bart Gordon from Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District, and Zach Space from Ohio's Eighteenth Congressional District. At this time I am pleased to yield to a fellow Blue Dog, someone who has become very involved in this conservative-moderate Democratic movement on Capitol Hill, someone who is not afraid to take a stand for what is right, and that is my friend Joe Donnelly from Indiana's Second Congressional District.

Mr. ROSS. I thank the gentleman. And he makes some very good points. And regardless of how you feel about what's going on in Iraq, and I personally have voted three times for a new direction in Iraq, but one of the things that I think we can all agree on is that we need more accountability for how our tax money is being spent in Iraq. And we need to ensure that money is going to provide our men and women in uniform with the very best equipment that's available to them today, not what was the best equipment 5 years ago, but what is the best equipment today to best protect them as they perform their duty and service to our country. And that's one thing that we can all agree on. At this time, I'm pleased to introduce another fellow Blue Dog, a new Member in his first term in the 110th session of Congress who is rapidly and quickly becoming very involved and immersed in the fiscal issues of the Blue Dog Coalition, and that's my friend, Mr. Mike Arcuri from New York's 24th Congressional District, who just returned from a trip to Iraq.

Mr. ROSS. I thank the gentleman from New York for his insight on his recent return from a trip to Iraq. I was last there August 11, 2004, when we had the 39th Brigade from Arkansas' National Guard there. Now they're ready to go back, and I hope to be able to go back while they're there because the least we can do is go there when our troops are there from our respective districts and let them know that we support them and make sure that some of this millions of dollars is being spent on providing them the very best equipment that technology and money can afford to buy. What we're talking about this evening is the cost of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The gentleman from New York is absolutely correct, we need a new direction in Iraq. Basically, we're there fighting their civil war for them. And as long as they're shooting at us instead of shooting at one another, there is no incentive for them to learn how to get along. No one fought our Civil War for us, and I'm absolutely convinced that the only people that can decide the fate of Iraq are the Iraqi people. We have had a lot of victories there. We went there because of weapons of mass destruction. We now know there are no weapons of mass destruction. It's debatable whether there ever was or not, but that's an issue that we can debate all night. But hindsight is 20/20. We stayed until Saddam was removed from power. We stayed until he was brought to justice and executed. Clearly, he was an evil dictator. We have evil dictators all over the world, many of whom remain in power today. We stayed until a new Iraqi Government was installed. We stayed and tried to train their police and military force. And yet this administration continues to move the goal post on our soldiers. And so how many victories are they going to have to accomplish before we allow them to come home and allow the Iraq people to decide the fate of their own country? The cost of Operation Iraqi Freedom, this is one statistic that is not debatable. You want to know how well it's going? In 2003, we spent $53 billion of your tax money in Iraq. In 2004, that increased to $75.9 billion. In 2005, that increased to $84.7 billion. In 2006, that increased to $101.7 billion. And in 2007, $135.2 billion so far. The administration is getting ready to come back here shortly for more. That's $11.3 billion a month, that's $370 million a day. You do the math. That's between 15 and $16 million an hour of your tax money going to Iraq and, as Congressman Donnelly mentioned, much of which is unaccounted for. At this time, I yield to my friend, fellow Blue Dog member from my neighboring State of Tennessee, and that's Lincoln Davis, an active member of the fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition that's never afraid to speak his mind. We're glad to have him here with us this evening. And sorry about Tennessee's loss this Saturday. We're looking forward to playing y'all in football.

Mr. ROSS. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. ROSS. You mentioned something that really piqued my interest, and that is making sure that we are providing our soldiers with the best technology in armored vests. And I want to thank you for raising that this evening. I've got a constituent in my district whose son is getting ready to go back for the second time, Arkansas National Guard, 39th Brigade, being asked to go back for a second time. And when you sign up for the National Guard, you're supposed to spend 1 year out of 5, and now they were there in 2003 and 2004, they're being asked to go back again by Christmas of this year or early next year. And he raises a very important issue. This is a constituent from Garland County in Pearcy, Arkansas, near Hot Springs, and that is, he wants to ensure that our men and women in uniform, his son, has the best armored body gear and protection available. There are a lot of tests going on right now; there is a lot of debate going on. There have been hearings on this in the Congress. But 5 years into this war you would think, if our government, if this administration is sending $16 million an hour of your tax money to Iraq, the very least they could do is ensure that our brave men and women, our soldiers that do everything that is asked of them, have the very best in body gear and protection.

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Tennessee. He raises an excellent point. All this started after 9/11, and we all know Osama bin Laden was responsible for 9/11. We now have some 25,000 troops in the Afghanistan region. Contrast that to be a quarter million troops in the Iraq region. Eighty-something percent of the people in Afghanistan want us there. Contrast that with Iraq. 71 percent of the Iraqi people don't want us there, and 60 percent of them think it is okay to kill a U.S. soldier. I believe it is time for a new direction in Iraq. Three times this year I have voted for a new direction in Iraq. Let me be perfectly clear: As long as we have got troops in harm's way, I am going to support them. As I indicated, my brother-in-law is in the Air Force. He has been in the region. My first cousin is in the U.S. Army and is back for the second time in Iraq right now. Back home in Arkansas, young people I have taught in Sunday school and duck hunted with will soon be going back for a second tour of duty in Iraq. I will be there every step of the way to support them. But I also want this administration and this Congress to give them a mission that is obtainable, one that will take them out of harm's way. I have had too many soldiers from my district die in Iraq. Just in the last few weeks, Specialist Donovan Witham from Malvern, Arkansas, gave his life in Iraq. Just a few days ago, I was able to spend some time with his family in their living room letting them know that his service to this country will not be forgotten. I will make sure of that. His family remains in my heart and in my prayers, as do all the family members of the nearly 4,000 troops that we have lost in Iraq.

Mr. ROSS. I appreciate the gentleman joining me and his commitment to our brave men and women in uniform. I thank the President for going to Iraq. He was there, I think it was his third trip, he was there for a few hours. I spent a day in Iraq. You have been several times. I think it is important that we go and we let our soldiers know we support them and make sure some of this money over there is being spent on them and providing them the best equipment that money can buy. They deserve nothing less. But the type of folks that I think the President needs to spend a lot more time listening to are the type of Members of Congress that have served in the military, like Patrick Murphy from Pennsylvania. Patrick, not too long ago, was known as Captain Murphy and spent not a few hours in Iraq, but a few months in Iraq, nearly a year. Patrick Murphy from Pennsylvania's Eighth Congressional District, a fellow Blue Dog member who helped write H.R. 97, which is a bill endorsed by the Blue Dog Coalition to provide for Operation Iraqi Freedom cost accountability to ensure that this $16 million an hour of your tax money, Mr. Speaker, which is going to Iraq, is being spent on our soldiers. With that, I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Congressman- Captain Patrick Murphy.

Mr. ROSS. I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for his insight as someone who has served in the war in Iraq as a captain in the Army, and we appreciate his service here in the Congress and his insight into helping us draft proposals like H.R. 97 to restore accountability and common sense on how your tax money is being spent in Iraq and ensuring that it is directed towards our brave men and woman in uniform and protecting them and keeping them safe. Mr. Speaker, it is time for a new direction in Iraq, and that is what this Blue Dog hour has been about this evening. I thank my colleagues who have joined me. If you have any comments or questions, you can e-mail us at BlueDog@mail.house.gov. That is BlueDog@mail.house.gov. We stand here on behalf of 47 fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog members that make up the Blue Dog Coalition.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Chairman, I strongly support the development of renewable resources. However, establishing a nationwide standard through a one-size-fits-all approach makes this goal unachievable for States like my home State of Arkansas. In fact, if this amendment passes, I will be forced to vote against an energy bill that I helped write. The energy bill went nine, 10 or 11 committees without this language, and here we are in the eleventh hour trying to put it on the bill in the House floor. My home State's wind capacity is minimal. And while we have great potential for biomass, the industry is years away. That means that in the meantime, this requirement would force consumers to have to bear the burden of making these technologies cost effective. Arkansans are among some of the lowest income in the United States, and this requirement will disproportionately affect them, resulting in their being forced to pay up to $15 more a month for electricity. That is why the Arkansas Public Service Commission, appointed by a Democratic Governor, has come out against this amendment. If this amendment is so great, why has its authors exempted municipal power systems, the TVA, electric co-ops and the State of Hawaii?

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of my dear friend Jane Graves of Nashville, Arkansas, who passed away July 30, 2007, at the age of 58. Jane Graves was a beacon of light and hope to all of those who knew her and were blessed to call her friend. As someone who was determined in her fight against cancer, Jane completed a victory lap less than two months ago at the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, marking her fourth year as a cancer survivor. As encouragement for countless others fighting cancer, Jane used her talents through her writing to tell of her experiences. Through a series of inspirational articles, she literally changed and impacted the lives of numerous cancer survivors she never even had the opportunity to meet. The victory lap during the Relay for Life was symbolic of more than Jane's bout with cancer, it was also representative of her selfless nature in life. She took great joy in helping others and worked tirelessly to create a strong sense of community in Nashville. As a co- founder and co-publisher of the Nashville Leader, she was a highly acclaimed and respected journalist who consistently kept the residents of Nashville informed with the latest news and community events. Her coverage earned her awards from the Arkansas Press Association, the National Newspaper Association and the National Federation of Press Women, among others. During her 35 years in Nashville, Jane was determined to leave her mark not just as a journalist, but also as an activist. She helped found the annual Howard County Children's benefit golf tournament, she was a recipient of the Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year Award, she was a board member of the Howard County Children's Center and she served as a past President of the Nashville Rotary Club. I send my deepest condolences to her husband, Louie Graves of Nashville; her daughter Julie Murphy of Little Rock; her mother Glenna Siddon and stepfather Rupert Mobbs of Greenbrier; her brother and sister-in-law Bill and Pam Siddon of Great Falls, Virginia; and several nieces and nephews. Jane Graves will be greatly missed in Nashville, Southwest Arkansas and throughout the state of Arkansas, and I will continue to keep her family in my thoughts and prayers.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 781. This legislation honors and recognizes the life and work of Colonel Charles D. Maynard by redesignating lock and dam No. 5 of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System as the Colonel Charles D. Maynard Lock and Dam. I would like to first thank Chairman Oberstar and subcommittee Chairman Johnson, along with Ranking Member Mica and subcommittee Ranking Member Baker and Mr. Westmoreland of Georgia for their support and assistance in moving this bill from the Transportation Committee to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in a bipartisan manner. I am also pleased that this legislation has received the support and cosponsorship of the entire Arkansas congressional delegation. I would like to personally thank Congressman John Boozman, a Republican; Congressmen Vic Snyder and Marion Berry, Democrats. The entire Arkansas delegation in a bipartisan manner have come together in this legislation. Colonel Charles D. Maynard served our Nation with distinction as an engineer officer in World War II. Following the war, Colonel Maynard oversaw the Arkansas River Project in the early 1960s, which at the time was the most substantial and largest civil works project ever undertaken, ever undertaken, by Corps of Engineers. At the same time Colonel Maynard also oversaw the construction of Greers Ferry and Beaver Dams on the White River in Arkansas. Colonel Maynard was also the Little Rock Corps District Engineer in charge of construction of all locks and dams in Arkansas from 1962 to 1965. During that time he directed planning, design, and construction of 13, 13, locks and dams of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation Project. In addition to his work with the Corps, Colonel Maynard actively promoted the development of waterborne transportation in Arkansas and was appointed by three Governors to a prestigious position on the Arkansas Waterways Commission, where he served for 21 years. He also served as Chairman and President of the Water Resources Association of America, President of the Arkansas Basin Association, and he was a member of the Arkansas Basin Coordinating Committee. As a member of the Arkansas River Hall of Fame, Colonel Maynard provided congressional testimony in support of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, the Fourche Creek Flood Control Project, and the Montgomery Point Lock and Dam on behalf of various Arkansas associations and committees. In addition to his numerous accomplishments in waterways, Colonel Maynard was also a dedicated citizen who served in a variety of community and civic roles in the State of Arkansas. These included his service as the United States Savings Bond Coordinator for Arkansas for 10 years, the Campaign Chairman for the United Way of Pulaski County, the Chairman of Central Arkansas Radiation Treatment Center, and President of the Little Rock, Arkansas Chamber of Commerce. Finally, Colonel Maynard's steadfast service on numerous boards and councils at the State and local level will never be forgotten. These include the Arkansas Arts Center, the Arkansas Symphony, and the Foundation Board of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. The life and work of Colonel Charles D. Maynard were immensely important to not only the State of Arkansas but to the entire Nation. This resolution will write into history Colonel Maynard's countless contributions. As such, I am proud to sponsor a resolution that commemorates his life's work and achievements by redesignating Lock and Dam No. 5 of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System as the Colonel Charles D. Maynard Lock and Dam. I urge my fellow colleagues to vote in favor of this worthwhile legislation today.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor dear friends of mine for their 50 years of dedicated service to the city of Texarkana and to the State of Arkansas through their ministries. Reverend C.K. Yarber, Sr., and his wife, Inez Yarber, are true leaders who have provided a model example and have built a solid foundation for future generations. This year, the Yarbers celebrate a milestone anniversary of ministering at Lonoke Baptist Church, Miller County and across southwest Arkansas for the past 50 years. The Yarbers first began their ministry at Lonoke Baptist Church when it had just a few dozen members, but now the congregation boasts over 600 worshipers each Sunday. Reverend Yarber is also currently serving as moderator of the Southwest District Association, a position he has held for the past 12 years. Reverend Yarber is a native of Ashdown, Arkansas, and a graduate of the United Theological Seminary School in Monroe, Louisiana. Soon after seminary, Reverend Yarber began his life's work of giving back to his community by nourishing and strengthening a church family that has literally changed and impacted countless lives for a half century. The Yarbers' service does not end at the church steps as they continue to contribute throughout the State of Arkansas to enhance the world for so many. Reverend Yarber was the first African American to serve on the Texarkana, Arkansas School Board. The couple is also active with the Arkansas Voter Registration Committee, the Miller County NAACP, the Civil Service Commission of the Arkansas State Police, and through their ministries in the Arkansas Prison System, among many others. I am deeply honored to recognize one family's tremendous faith and devotion towards making our world a better place to live. Reverend C.K. Yarber and Inez Yarber have spent their lifetime together reaching out and teaching youth, adults and seniors alike about the positive healing influence faith can have on a person's life. The vision and work of this couple is remarkable and I congratulate them for reaching this 50- year mark and for the countless contributions they have made to our society through their steadfast ministries and selfless outreach. I am proud of their service and I am honored to call them my friends.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2011, a bill to dedicate the Federal building and United States courthouse in Pine Bluff, Arkansas as the George Howard, Jr. Federal Building and United States Courthouse. First I would like to thank Chairman Oberstar and Chairwoman Norton, Congressman Boustany, and others for their support and assistance in moving this bill from the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in a bipartisan manner to the floor of the United States House of Representatives. I am also pleased that the entire Arkansas congressional delegation, Congressmen Marion Berry, Vic Snyder, and John Boozman, are supporting and cosponsoring this very important bill with me in a bipartisan way. Judge George Howard, Jr., was a great American who served his country in the State of Arkansas with great dignity. He was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where he practiced law and actively served in the community for over 40 years. He attended Lincoln University in Missouri and the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where he received his law degree in 1954, among the first African Americans to graduate from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville Law School. During World War II, he chose to serve his country by enlisting in the Navy. Judge Howard was known to be a pioneer throughout his career as he became the first African American in the State of Arkansas to serve on the State Claims Commission, State Supreme Court, the court of appeals, and eventually rising to become the first African American Federal judge for the U.S. District Court in Arkansas. Judge Howard was the first African American member of the State Supreme Court, appointed by then Governor David Pryor in 1977 before being appointed to the State court of appeals by then Governor Bill Clinton in 1979. As a judge, George Howard, Jr. was admired for his fairness and deep belief in the fundamental idea of justice for all. Judge Howard will forever be remembered as a dedicated public servant who cared deeply about his faith, his family, his work, his State, his country, and the judicial process. In respect to Judge Howard's life, career and public service, I felt that it was appropriate to introduce legislation in Congress to dedicate the Federal building and courthouse in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, as the ``George Howard, Jr. Federal Building and United States Courthouse.'' Mr. Speaker, I can think of no better way to recognize his legacy and his steadfast commitment to justice and equality than by officially renaming this Federal building and courthouse in the city he loved and called home, Pine Bluff, Arkansas. His life and service have paved the way for so many others who pursue careers in public service and law. His life and service opened many doors for African Americans throughout Pine Bluff in southeast Arkansas. Judge Howard passed away on April 21, 2007. He will forever be remembered and his contributions to the State of Arkansas and our Nation live on. It is my hope that each person who walks through the doors of the George Howard, Jr. Federal Building and Courthouse in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, will have an even greater appreciation for the countless contributions Judge Howard made in the lives of people across the State of Arkansas. May this courthouse that hopefully will soon bear his name serve as a reminder to all of us that while he is no longer with us, the example, the shining example, of community service, public service, and of being fair to all people can live on. This recognition will serve as a reminder to young people in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and to future generations that committing one's self to education, hard work, and pursuing a career in public service can be good and noble. I am proud to sponsor this bill in Congress, and I urge my fellow colleagues to vote in favor of it today.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Madam Speaker, on Monday, June 18, 2007, I was not present for votes due to mechanical problems on my flight to Washington, DC caused by Northwest Airlines. Had I been present for rollcall 499, H.R. 2563--To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 309 East Linn Street in Marshalltown, Iowa, as the ``Major Scott Nisely Post Office'', I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Harold Venable, of Grady, AR, who passed away June 4, 2007, at the age of 78. Mr. Venable had two passions--farming and public service. He served on the Lincoln County Quorum Court for 24 years and was a member of the Grady City Council. Mr. Venable was a retired farmer recognized as an accomplished agriculturist who won multiple awards at the Arkansas State Fair and was a past recipient of the Farm Family of the Year Award. Mr. Venable spent a lifetime giving back to his community and his dedication and numerous contributions to agriculture will never be forgotten. Anyone who ever knew him will always remember his smile and good-natured spirit as he always made time for anyone who wanted to talk. Perhaps most important was Mr. Venable's gracious nature which he bestowed upon his fellow man, something that was deep-seated in his strong faith. He was an active, lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Grady where he served as a Deacon. In addition, his humble influence and natural ability to lead was evident in all he did. He was a charter member and past President of the Grady Lion's Club, a member of the Long Lake Drainage Board, the Lincoln County Farm Bureau, and the Big Island Hunting Club. My deepest condolences go to his beloved wife of 59 years, Charlene Venable of Grady; his two daughters, Sondra Ashcroft of Pine Bluff and Billie Issacs of Grady; his three grandchildren Lee Drake of Star City, Christian Ashcraft of Pine Bluff and Britten Ashcraft of Pine Bluff; and to his three brothers Clyde Venable of Grady, Leonard Venable of Little Rock, and Robert Venable of Grady. Harold Venable will be greatly missed in Grady, Lincoln County, and throughout the state of Arkansas.