Mike Rogers

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to Ms. Lisha H. Adams, Executive Deputy to the Commanding General of Army Materiel Command. Ms. Adams has 39 years of government service experience supporting Army and Joint Force programs, with 35 of those years served at Army Materiel Command. A graduate of the Army Materiel Command Materiel Maintenance Management Intern Program, she has held various leadership positions in acquisition and sustainment, including Logistics Division Chief, Unmanned Vehicle Systems Project Office; Director of Logistics, PEO for Tactical Missiles; and Principal Deputy, G-3, U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command. Selected for the Senior Executive Service in January 2011, Ms. Adams also served as the Executive Director, Integrated Materiel Management Center, U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command. In June 2011, Ms. Adams was assigned as the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/4 for Logistics Integration, responsible for sustaining the Joint Warfighter through command and control of supply chain management, depot and National Maintenance Program operations, asset management and distribution, reset, and ammunition/chemical stockpile management. Prior to her appointment to Executive Deputy to the Commanding General, she served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Materiel Readiness, where she was the principal advisor to the Office of the Secretary of Defense leadership on policies, procedures and actions related to the materiel readiness of Department of Defense weapons and other materiel systems. In her current capacity as Executive Deputy to the Commanding General, Ms. Adams is responsible for materiel life cycle management, acquisition support, personnel and resource management, industrial base operations and enterprise integration for a globally reaching command with over 175,000 military, civilian and contractor employees, impacting all 50 states and more than 150 countries. Ms. Adams earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Birmingham-Southern College and received her Master of Business Administration degree from the Florida Institute of Technology. Ms. Adams is Defense Acquisition Level III certified in Program Management and Lifecycle Logistics. Her awards include the Department of the Army Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service; DA Meritorious Civilian Service Award; DA Superior Civilian Service Award; DA Civilian of the Year; Redstone Chapter AUSA, 2010; DA Integrated Logistics Support Achievement of the Year Award for ILS Management; and the Commander's Award for Civilian Service. I congratulate Ms. Adams on her retirement and thank her for her service to America.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Bill Hagler. Bill Hagler passed away on April 29, 2022, at the age of 94 after living a full life in Anniston, Alabama. Bill is best known for his time on the former Anniston WHMA Channel 40 television station as a meteorologist, host of the show ``By The Way'' and host of ``Dialing for Dollars.'' Prior to his time on air, he served as General Manager for WAVU/WZSB in Albertville from 1953 to 1969. He served in the United States Air Force in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Bill was a very active part of his community and church. He was a member of the Lions Club of Albertville, the Anniston Kiwanis Club and was elected as Governor for Kiwanis in Alabama. He was a long-time member of Anniston First United Methodist Church. Bill was married to Ellie and blessed with three sons, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Bill's life of service and dedication to my hometown. He will be greatly missed.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Student Council of Ragland High School. In October, the Council, led by President Jaxon Phillips, called for U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to fund the Ragland Safety, Transportation, Education, and Mobility Project, known as ``STEM.'' Trains often block Ragland's only grade crossing, cutting the town in half for hours. This blocks first responders and school buses and causes disruptions for student attendance and learning. The STEM Project would eliminate these disruptions. At the Student Council's urging, I have engaged with U.S. DOT to support this project. I had hoped funding for this project would be announced by Secretary Buttigieg before the school year ended. While the final decision is still pending, I want these young leaders to know their voices have been heard in Washington. I will continue to support the STEM Project. Madam Speaker, I call upon Secretary Buttigieg to fund this worthy project. I include in the Record the text of the Council's resolution of October 25, 2021. Student Council, Ragland High School Resolution October 25, 2021 Whereas, The Town of Ragland has been home to the National Cement Company, Inc. since July of 1910; and Whereas, The National Cement Company requires a large percentage of products to be transported via the railroad, owned and operated by OrnniTRAX and ATN, which intersects Alabama State Highway 144; and Whereas, The railroad is prone to cause major delays of traffic that might include means of transportation for school, such as school buses, student drivers, and teachers. as well as emergency vehicles. hindering the response of local first responders in the event of an emergency; and Whereas, In December of 2019, the National Cement Company made an investment of $250,000,000 in a kiln expansion project that is set to be completed by December 2021, drawing in 132 new jobs, as well as pouring a foundation for the National Cement Plant to remain in operation for another 50 years: and Whereas, Such an expansion is projected to increase cement production abundantly resulting in the necessity for transportation of products via the railroad and Alabama State Highway 144; additionally furthering the traffic delays along with impeding first responder's ability to respond; Be it Therefore Resolved, That the Ragland High School Student Council, in meeting assembled, calls on the Federal Railroad Administration Acting Administrator Amit Bose, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Congressman, Mike Rogers, U.S. Senator Richard Shelby, and U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, to promote the ``Ragland Safety, Transportation, Education, and Mobility Project''; and Be it Further Resolved, That the Ragland High School tudent Council, in meeting assembled, formally endorses and acknowledges the urgency for supporting the ``Ragland Safety, Transportation, Education, and Mobility Project''.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th Anniversary of the Sunny King Automotive Group. In 1922, E. D. King acquired the Ford Motor Company franchise currently operated by King Motor Co., Inc. As a Ford franchise continuously operated by the same family in the United States, it's the second oldest in the State of Alabama and 18th oldest in the United States. Through a 1922 merger involving principals E. D. King, J. F. King and J. C. Wheeler, as well as Wheeler Motor Company and Oxford Motor Company, King-Wheeler Motor Co. was formed. An advertisement appearing in the April 7, 1922, edition of The Anniston Star stated King and Wheeler had been ``in the Ford business for a number of years'' and claimed the new combination assured ``the trade of the best and finest service available''. King Wheeler Motor Co. was conveniently located at 110 East 11th Street in downtown Anniston and the business retailed both cars and tractors. The company operated under the core principle: ``every transaction must be satisfactory . . . to every customer.'' J. F. King left King Wheeler Motor Co. to pursue and operate a Lincoln franchise while E. D. King retained King Wheeler Motor Co. The name of the company was later changed to King Motor Company which was initially incorporated as King Motor Co., Inc. on December 15, 1947. In the early 1950s the leadership of King Motor Company transitioned from E. D. King, Sr., the meticulous, organized businessman to E. D. ``Sunny'' King, Jr., the flamboyant, energetic promotor with the magnetic personality. E. D. King, Sr. became President and major shareholder in Anniston National Bank, that is now Regions Bank. Under the leadership of Sunny King, Jr., Sunny King Ford became a local household name through advertising and promotion. NASCAR stock car racing was a constant through sponsorship of great drivers like Bill Elliot, Donnie Allison and Ken Schrader. In 1971, the expansion of Sunny King Ford required relocation to a newly constructed facility located at 1507 South Quintard Avenue. This expansion continued until 1989 with the addition of Honda, Chrysler Plymouth, AMC-Jeep-Renault, Isuzu, Subaru, Yugo, Daihatsu, Hyundai, Volvo, Sterling, Pontiac-Cadillac-GMC and Toyota franchises. Additional Honda franchises were opened in Auburn and Sylacauga and Acura franchises were located in Hoover and Huntsville. E. D. King, III and Henry L. King continue to operate the Auburn Honda franchise and the Hoover Acura franchise, respectively, to this day. Sunny King became a well-known, accomplished community leader throughout his career. His many accomplishments included Time Dealer of the Year for Alabama (1988), Anniston Star Citizen of the Year in 1988 and an invitation to join the national Honda Dealer Council. King was a huge contributor and supporter of his community. Organizations such as Knox Concert Series, Northeast Alabama Boys and Girls Club, J. S. U. Foundation, Rainbow Omega, Salvation Army, United Way, Cerebral Palsy Center, CAST, Alabama Baptist Children's Home and numerous schools, churches and local charities have benefitted from this long-term generosity. Notable annual events such as the Sunny King Charity Classic, the Woodstock 5K and the Sunny King Criterium, continue to receive support from the Sunny King Automotive Group organization. On September 11, 1990, King, Jr. passed away following a brief battle with cancer. Patricia M. King became the third successive King to assume the leadership role of the organization, taking control during a difficult business and legal environment. In 2015, John T. Bryan, Jr. became the fourth President of King Motor Co., Inc. and the first not named King to assume that position. Through the leadership of Patricia M. King and John T. Bryan, Jr. the Sunny King Automotive Group organization was able to survive and grow. The company focused its financial resources on the Ford, Honda and Toyota franchises. New facilities were constructed for Sunny King Honda (2002) and Sunny King Toyota (2006) in Oxford. A major renovation to the 1507 South Quintard facility of Sunny King Ford was completed in 2013. The Sunny King organization will celebrate this milestone on April 22 at the Anniston Country Club. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Sunny King Automotive Group on their 100th Anniversary.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Jacksonville High School boys' basketball team for winning the AHSAA Class 4A state title. On March 4, 2022, The Jacksonville Golden Eagles played fast and left no doubt as to who deserves to be state champion, beating Escambia County 85 to 49 to secure their title win. The game was played at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. Cade Phillips was named tournament MVP. This was head coach Shane Morrow's first year and the Golden Eagles' first basketball state title. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Coach Morrow, the basketball team, students, faculty and all the fans. Go Golden Eagles.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Weaver High School wrestling team for winning the AHSAA Class 1A/4A state title in dramatic fashion. On February 19, 2022, The Weaver Bearcats beat Ohatchee High School 82 to 81 thanks to pins by Devin Anderson and Joshua Johannson in the final two matches to secure their title win. The event was held at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Devin Anderson earned 1A-4A most valuable wrestler. This was head coach Andy Fulmer's first state title and the Bearcats' 10th state title. Their last state title was in 2004. Madam, Speaker, please join me in congratulating Coach Fulmer, the wrestling team, students, faculty and all the fans. Go Bearcats.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Kenneth Bice. Kenneth was born in Anniston, Alabama, on November 28, 1944. He now resides in Ohatchee, Alabama, with Fran, his wife of 40 years. He has been blessed with five children, 12 grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren. After working with South Central Bell for 15 years, Kenneth saw an opportunity to start a ground-breaking telecommunication company in Anniston, Alabama. As the telecommunication industry began rapidly changing with new FCC rulings allowing companies and individuals to buy their own telephone equipment instead of renting, he seized this opportunity and founded Telephone Communications, Inc (TCI) in 1979. TCI now serves thousands of customers with their managed services in the telecom, security and IT services industries. This successful company is the first of many companies Kenneth would begin. Other companies he founded include: TelNet Corporation, Bice Enterprises, The Homestead & Liberty Square, Blue Signs, Yello Wireless, Smart Ink, BCR Corporation, PHR, Inc., KB's Restaurant and Action Auto. He has served his community over the years and been involved as a Graduate of Leadership Calhoun County, a member of the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce, the Salvation Army Advisory Board, Anniston Main Street Board of Directors, Founder of Citizens for Safer Alabama, Calhoun County Economic Development Council, Colonial Bank Advisory Board, Board of Directors for the Berman Foundation Museum, Board member of Anniston Retail Commercial Development Authority, Founder of Alabama Long Distance Association, Volunteer fireman at Ohatchee Fire Department and active member of Oak Bowery Church where he currently serves as Sunday School Teacher and Chairman of Properties Committee. He Received Small Business Leader of the Year for Calhoun County (1990, 1994) and Special Achievement Award from State of Alabama (1990). Kenneth retired February 14, 2022 and will be honored March 29th with family and friends in Saks. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating my friend on his retirement and his tireless service to our community.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to recognize the life of Frank Crow who passed away on February 23, 2022, doing what he loved to do--spending time outside on a snowmobile in Gallatin National Forest in Yellowstone National Park. Frank lived in Jacksonville, Alabama, and was born on June 11, 1956. Everyone knew when Frank Crow entered the room because he always ended up being the center of attention. Not surprisingly, he even exited this world as the center of attention. Frank was born in Ludwigshafen, Germany, as the first of two children. After traveling the world as a military brat, his family relocated to Oneonta, Alabama, where he graduated with the class of 1974 from Oneonta High School. He received his undergraduate from Jacksonville State University in 1977, where he was an active member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. Frank served in the U.S. Army for 12 years with training as an Airborne Ranger Infantryman ``Grunt''. His leadership talents were used with two company commands and two overseas tours (Germany and Korea). His attention to detail and vision groomed his soldiers to raise the bar and exceed in all areas. He exited the military with the rank of Major in 1989. He loved this country. After leaving the Military, Frank received two Masters' Degrees from Jacksonville State University. He also enjoyed substitute teaching and coaching football at Jacksonville High School. He lived a robust and full life. He was blessed with a loving family and wonderful friends. He loved being outside, hunting, fishing, skiing, motorcycling and snowmobile riding. His talent for helping Veterans was his passion. He loved receiving calls from the individuals he helped with positive news from the VA. Many of the veterans he helped appreciated his knowledge of the process that aided in the veterans increased benefits. ``After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.'' 1 Peter 5:10 Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Frank's life of service and dedication to our country and our Veterans. He will be greatly missed.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to recognize the life of Jenifer Jean Wright Johnson. Jean passed away on February 6th, 2022. Jean was born on January 25, 1938, in Roanoke, Alabama. She attended classes at Jacksonville Teachers College on the GI Bill and met her husband, Earl ``PeeWee'' Johnson at a school dance. The two were married on March 5th, 1957, at West Side Baptist Church. They were blessed with four children. After Jean graduated college, she worked as a substitute teacher. She took a job at Johnston Junior High in Anniston as the physical education teacher responsible also for the cheerleaders and girls' sports teams. A few years later, she was approached by church elders and city council members from Jacksonville to start a low-income day care program. She worked to help raise funding to update the former Eastwood High School as well as working with the State of Alabama help secure funding. On September 30, 1970, the Jacksonville Day Care Center opened and also created a summer program. Jean took over as Director of East Alabama Child Development Centers and was responsible for over 20 day care centers across 11 counties. Jean had a heart for children and a great love for accessories. She will be missed. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Jean's life of service.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 70th birthday of my good friend, Larry K. Deason. Larry was born on February 9, 1952. He graduated from Jacksonville State University and later from LSU School of Banking. As a longtime banker, Larry has served in many capacities, but most recently as President of F&M Bank until 2017 and now as President Emeritus. Larry recently completed his work as Chairman of the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce and was named Anniston Star's Citizen of the Year. Larry serves as Trustee Emeritus of Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center (RMC), Past Chairman of RMC Board, Chairman of the Economic Development Council of Calhoun County, Founding Member of Anniston Surgery Center, Founding Member of The Empty Stocking Gala, Elected Delegate for the Alabama Independent Community Bankers of America, Past Chairman of Alabama Banker's Association, Co-Chair of Core-4, Past Vice Chairman of The Anniston Museum of Natural History and Member of the Airport Authority for the East Alabama Metropolitan Airport. Larry is married to Betty and has one daughter, Maryann and two precious grandchildren. Friends and family will gather to celebrate his 70th birthday at the 19th Hole at the Anniston Country Club on February 9th. Larry is a devoted servant to Calhoun County and is known in the community for his hard work. Madam Speaker, please join me in wishing Larry a very happy birthday.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 170th Anniversary of the City of Oxford. A part of Alabama's Third Congressional District, Oxford, is located in Calhoun County. The Muscogee Creek Nation called Choccolocco Valley home for 12,000 years. In 1540, Hernando DeSoto crossed the region on behalf of Spain in search of riches. France claimed the lands in 1699 after successfully establishing settlements at Mobile, New Orleans and Biloxi. Even though France controlled the area that would later become Oxford, it was still inhabited by the Creek Nation. England gained possession after the signing of the Treaty of Paris at the end of the Seven Years War. In 1789, the entire northern portion of Alabama was owned by Georgia. The lands were given to the federal government in 1802 as part of the Mississippi Territory. Alabama was admitted to the Union on December 14, 1819. Benton County was incorporated on December 18, 1832, and included present-day Calhoun, Cleburne and portions of Cherokee and Talladega Counties. At the time of incorporation, the only incorporated towns in Benton County were Jacksonville and White Plains. In the early 1830s, the Snow and Simmons families were two of the first European descent families to settle among the Creek natives. Snow owned the land south of present- day Choccolocco Street, and Simmons owned the land north. An early legend recalls the area south was called ``Skace Grease'' and the area north ``Lick Skillet.'' Local folklore says a traveler was passing through and needed a place for rest and food. As he was visiting, he was directed to ``lick the skillet'' because they were ``skace of grease.'' Oxford was established on February 7, 1852, the bill proposed by Representative Matthew Allen of Benton County. The limits of the town included one square mile from the center at the male academy on Second Street. Elisha S. Simmons, Edmund P. Gains, John A. Turnipseed, Stephen C. Williams, and Woodson Seay were authorized to run on a ballot for the election of three council members and an intendant (mayor). It was decided that on the first Saturday of each March, annual municipal elections would be held for offices of council and mayor. On February 21, 1860, Oxford was chartered for the second time due to redrawing of boundary lines and the changing of the name of Benton County to Calhoun County. The limits of the town included a half-mile in each direction from the railroad culvert at Spring Street. Elections were to be held on the first Monday of each March annually. In this incorporation, the law called for the election of seven councilmembers and an intendant. The councilmembers and intendant were given the power to elect a marshal, clerk and treasurer. Those who have served as mayor of Oxford, respectively, include Elisha S. Simmons, Dr. Stephen C. Williams, Samuel C. Kelly, James S. Kelly, Edgar H. Hanna, Charles T. Hilton, William J. Borden, John B. McCain, Dr. Thomas C. Hill, Robert P. Thomason, William H. Griffin, John N. Gunnels, Thomas A. Howle, Maj. William A. Orr, George W. Eichelberger, William C. Gray, Dreadzil P. Haynes, Asa C. Allen, William R. Norton, Davis C. Cooper, Robert R. Pope, Dr. Thomas B. Howle, Carl D. Pace, Hemphill G. Whiteside, Alvis A. Hamric, Bester A. Adams, Earl R. Martin, Therman E. Whitmore, Leon Smith, and Alton Craft. The Oxford Police Department was established at the time of the first incorporation. However, the earliest police force only included one town marshal. The first recorded marshal for Oxford was Francis M. Gardner, who served in the early 1880s. The Oxford Fire Department was organized on May 18, 1884, as a volunteer department. Major William A. Orr served as the first chief. In 1904, the citizens of Oxford were convinced that the town needed a permanent city hall for the purposes of conducting municipal business. In September of that year, it was decided city hall would be located in a building on Main Street and the fire department would share the building. An armory was established adjacent to the building for the Calhoun Rifles. The calaboose was located several yards south on Spring Street. Madam Speaker, please join me in wishing Oxford a happy 170th anniversary.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th Anniversary of Southern Union State Community College. Southern Union State Community College is the second oldest two-year college in Alabama, and is currently under the leadership of President Todd Shackett. Southern Union has compiled a rich history throughout the years. Originally chartered by the Southern Christian Convention of Congregational Christian Churches, SUSCC was planned as a feeder school for Elon College in North Carolina. In 1922, 51 students stepped into a single building in Wadley, Alabama, that was then known as Bethlehem College; and the dream of a college in east Alabama was realized. Southern Union remained church related until 1964, operating as Piedmont Junior College, Southern Union College and The Southern Union College. On October 1, 1964, the college was the first to be deeded to the State of Alabama to become part of the newly-created system of two- year colleges. The name of the college became Southern Union State Junior College, and it achieved accreditation in 1970 from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. In response to requests from business and industry, Southern Union expanded its reach to an even wider area in the late 1960s and early 1970s, offering higher education opportunities in Lee and Chambers counties by holding classes at local high schools. The college continued its commitment to the citizens of the area with the construction of campuses in the cities of Opelika and Valley. In 1974, the Valley Campus was completed. And, in 1982, the college purchased land in Opelika and offered a full-range of course offerings at its Opelika Campus. On August 12, 1993, the college merged with the local technical college, thus expanding its technical education offerings. Upon merging, the college became Southern Union State Community College. Today, Southern Union has three campus locations in Wadley, Opelika and Valley and boasts an enrollment of approximately 5,000 students. SUSCC serves residents of an eight county area of East and Central Alabama as well as neighboring Georgia counties. A three-faceted educational emphasis is on academic programs for transferability, technical programs for specialized career competencies and health sciences programs for specialized training in the health field. Madam Speaker, please join me in wishing Southern Union a happy 100th anniversary.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of our local law enforcement. Across our country, police officers are under fire. They are being killed, attacked and targeted. These brave men and women who serve their local communities help keep us safe, but the liberals continue to push to defund the police. I am sick of it. President Biden and the left's anti-police policies have led to a crimewave across our nation. Last October; three Alabama police officers were shot in less than 24 hours. Last May, Alabama officers were injured in a shooting. And last week, an Opelika Police officer was hit by a fleeing suspect. We are a country of law and order and I implore my colleagues to stand up for those who protect us and back the blue.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 90th birthday of Mr. Eugene McAvoy Champion. Eugene was born on February 20, 1932, in Crenshaw County, Alabama. He was the youngest son born to Leon and Carol Newton Champion. He graduated from Crenshaw County High School and joined the United States Air Force. Eugene served during the Korean Conflict at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. Eugene married his high school sweetheart, Bobbie Royal, on June 15, 1952, and was blessed with five children. He graduated from the University of Alabama and worked in public accounting. He later worked in the Medicaid Division for the State of Alabama. After retiring from the state, he opened a CPA firm in Prattville and worked there until just a few years ago. After Bobbie passed away in 1976, Eugene and his children moved to Prattville, Alabama. He became an active member of First Baptist Church and married Margaret Wells Scott in 1979. Their marriage added three more children to the family. He is an active member and past president of the Lion's Club. He has also been an active member of the Gideons. Eugene is a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His birthday will be celebrated in Prattville with his family on Sunday, February 20th. Madam Speaker, please join me in wishing Eugene a very happy birthday.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 150th Anniversary of Alexander City, Alabama. A part of Alabama's Third Congressional District, Alexander City, is located in Tallapoosa County. In 1698, Captain Thomas Welch marked out the Okfuskee Trail through what became Tallapoosa County. Trading stations near Flint Hill, Young's Ferry, and Kowaliga were established by the English settlers. Andrew Jackson's victory at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend secured control of East Central Alabama. Resulting from the 1832 Treaty of Cusseta, on December 18, 1832, the Alabama Legislature created Tallapoosa County. In 1837, James Young acquired 320 acres, a large portion of present- day Alexander City. Griffin Young opened a post office in his store and eight men and women dubbed ``The Baptist brethren settlers of Youngsville'' organized Fellowship Primitive Baptist Church. For 35 years, Youngsville consisted of scattered farms, a store-post office and a church. One of Griffin Young's goals was to have a railroad constructed on his property, but the Civil War delayed that. In anticipation of a railroad, Youngsville was incorporated in 1872. In 1873, the town was renamed Alexander City in honor of Edward Porter Alexander. Alexander, originally from Washington, Georgia, finished third in his class at West Point, served in the U.S. Army and later became an accomplished Confederate General. After the war, Alexander became President of the Savannah and Memphis Railroad. His support for locating the railroad in Alexander City literally transformed a small, scattered farm town into an area primed for future growth. After the railroad was established, a school was built in 1879. Five years later, B.F.C. Russell moved to Alexander City. His youngest son was Ben Russell. In 1889, the Town Mayor B.L. Dean, led a movement to build a courthouse and the following year, J.C. Maxwell and Reuben Herzfeld persuaded ``builders of a cotton mill'' to locate in Alexander City. In 1902, Ben Russell began what became Russell Corporation as an underwear manufacturer. That year, a fire devastated the bulk of downtown Alexander City. In 1919, the B.B. Comer family purchased Alexander City Cotton Mills. Known as the Avondale Bevelle Plant, the company employed thousands of local textile workers over several decades. In 1926, Lake Martin, the world's largest man-made lake, was completed. The lake has benefited the local area for years. Other area improvements include Benjamin Russell High School and Central Alabama Community College. At Russell Corporation's peak, there were over 7,000 employees. NAFTA and other agreements contributed to the demise of textiles, including Russell, which was purchased by Fruit of the Loom. Although the community has struggled to recapture its footing, concerted efforts by the community to reinvent Alexander City have begun to pay dividends with more diverse employment opportunities, partnership with the lake, a bustling Highway 280, and the revitalization of downtown. Madam Speaker, please join me in wishing Alexander City a happy 150th anniversary.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize The Donoho School Lady Falcons for winning the AHSAA Class 1A state volleyball title. Donoho beat Bayshore Christian to secure their second title in the past three years. The game was played at Birmingham's Bill Harris Arena on October 28, 2021. Last year, Bayshore Christian beat Donoho in the state final, so this year's win was even sweeter. Lily Grace Draper was named tournament MVP with 42 kills for the tournament. This is The Donoho School's 12th Class 1A state volleyball title. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Coach Jamie Clendenin, the volleyball team, students, faculty and all the fans. Go Lady Falcons.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Piedmont High School football team for winning the AHSAA Super 7 Class 3A football championship. Piedmont High School beat Montgomery Academy 35-33 in Birmingham at Protective Stadium on December 2, 2021. The Bulldogs overcame a 23-point halftime deficit to win. What a comeback. This is Piedmont High School football team's fifth state championship since 2009. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Coach Steve Smith, the football team, assistant coaches, students, faculty and all the fans. Go Bulldogs.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 44th anniversary of the Kopper Kettle explosion in downtown Auburn, Alabama. Below is the 1978 sermon by Rev. Rod Sinclair at the Episcopal College Center after the explosion occurred: The explosion at the Kopper Kettle has consumed the time and attention of many of us this week, especially Sunday when it occurred Monday and Tuesday when we were fixing ourselves up and getting heat back into the building and into the Steven's House. There have been many expressions of gratefulness that no one in town was injured or killed and we have all told each other where we were when we hear of or felt the blast. We have even told each other about other explosions, other calamities and what our reaction was to them. And some of us have gone off into the world of metaphor and analogy and compared the explosion at the Kopper Kettle to what happens to a human being who gets poison in his or her system, poison from unacknowledged anger or poison from unexpressed resentment, and how the pressure can build up an explosion. There's another type of explosion occurred to me, as it should, being the preacher, which I like to look at this morning. It is the explosion of the spirit and it can be more devastating than what happened last Sunday at Magnolia and Gay. The explosion of the spirit is what happens when all the things we thought we believed in collapses, when the world of meaning collapses, when the truths that we always thought were true seem untrue, when doubt attacks every item of faith and prevails, and faith seems counterfeit, and trust wanders aimlessly hunting for a place to rest, and when other people's piety bring charges of hypocrisy to our lips. The explosion of the spirit can hit with the force of last Sunday's blast or it can strike in a slow-motion version. Decay is an explosion developing slowly. We can rebuild stores and replace smashed windows, but persons who are smashed by an earthquake under their house of faith have no certainty that they can pick up the pieces, nor may they want to, for their structure no longer has meaning. All that was dear and cherished is splintered and smoking. Their faith is gone, their dreams are smashed, and they have no basis for hope. What do you do if the explosion of the spirit strikes you? First, I believe you must go to your most trusted friend, not to talk, but to sit in silence--in the presence of the other--in the presence of another human being. And the truth of the presence may be the only truth that is verifiable. Next, you must allow your friend to care for you. This is more difficult than silence. Nor can it come too quickly. This requires that you give permission to the other to enter your shattered world. And with the entry may come judgment (but surely not!) and may come abject embarrassment (Yes, possibly that) or the painful admission that you are lost in the woods and do not know the way home. (Yes, that too!) Your trusted friend is there to listen, is not therapist, counselor or father confessor (at least not then) and listens to you talk, listens to the starkness of your confession that your religious house of cards proved to be just that, listens to the pain of your isolation--for you are in an empty, flat land by yourself with not so much as four pegs to pitch a tent for shelter. He listens to the description of your futureless future. And the echo of the question ``What is there now?'' continues to sound in your empty room. But your friend does not answer your questions; eventually you do. Yet no one can tell you when the eventuality will happen. First, there may be nothing more than the establishing of a routine; but even routine requires a degree of faith. Later, there may be divine word, certainly not acknowledged then as such. From deep within, from the center of your center, may come the word: ``Life shall go on.'' And you know the words are true and your house of meaning receives another plank. If and when the house is completed, that is, if and when there is a day when you can say: ``I believe that the following truths gives me meaning, and makes sense out of existence, and are the grounds on which I will stake my life,'' if there is a day when this can be said again, after an explosion of the spirit my hope is that your statement of what you believe would include the following: First, a trust in God, trust in God as personal and loving, God who loves you, who understands and who cares for you. Believing that God understands and loves us is the life force that prevents us from dying. Secondly, a realization that Jesus of Nazareth reveals God to us. We are not blocked or stumped in our search for the knowledge of God. Jesus' love and forgiveness is the indicator of God's love and forgiveness. Believing that Jesus reveals God to us is the life force that guards our spirits from collapsing. Thirdly, a trust that God is present with and in us, and that his spirit, his power, and his love are with us and in us, his people. We are not left derelict or abandoned, wondering if we shall ever be called for. Believing that God's presence is with us and in us is the life force that builds us up as a community of people seeking to be faithful and prevents us from despairing. To be able to base your life on those three assertions and know they are true is to return from the land of shadow and mist into the sunlight of a new day. The person who experiences the bankruptcy of spirit that we have spoken of and who later reclaims and rebuilds, who begins again and whose faith grows from infancy to maturity, has a lot to tell us. My guess is that such a person would share with us such thoughts as: No one else can say what's true for you. All truth is self- validating. Much truth, that is not yet perceived as truth, can remain on the shelf: it may be claimed later on. Having swallowed too much once before and exploded, it's best not to bite off more than you can chew. Courage to rebuild is an act of faith. The process of discovering meaning is an element of meaning itself. My further guess is that as we met such a person, who had believed again after being crushed by doubt, we could say such words to him or her as: When you speak, your words are genuine and true. We feel accepted and respected by you. Your faith is clearly shown in your behavior. You will be a threat to those whose houses of faith are held together by tape and wire and string and who pretend to believe and who make a great show, but who on the inside are full of emptiness and staleness, brittle-ness and dust. You will cause a light to shine on sham religion and there will be some who will be vindictive. The explosion at the corner last Sunday can cause us to look at the explosion that can come at our centers, the collapsing of our spirit, if we have carelessly claimed to believe, or mimicked the belief of others, and have no faith that is our own. The admission of our doubt, painful though it is, can be the first step to regaining a life of faith and can return us to authentic living in God's presence. God's love is real and His commandments are sure and the community of persons seeking to know what it is to be fruitful is a rich place to set yourself. May He shed his grace on each one of us as we seek truth and walk in faith. Amen.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wittman).

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Jackson), an outstanding freshman member of our committee.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Cammack).

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act. And I want to start off by saying Chairman Smith has been a real leader on this effort. He has had obstacle after obstacle thrown in his way for months and has continued to be a real advocate for the legislation, but also trying to make sure we get in a good place. And I couldn't ask for a better partner to lead this committee with. The bill before us has strong bipartisan, bicameral support. Over the last year, we have seen the best of our soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and guardians. They have performed in the toughest environments with the greatest level of skill and professionalism. Many gave their lives so others would have a chance at a better life. Without a doubt, our military is the greatest force for good the world has ever seen. Providing the authorities and resources our servicemembers need to defend our Nation and defeat adversaries is the greatest responsibility we have here in Congress. We accomplish that responsibility with the bill before us today. It provides an additional $25 billion over the President's request, reversing irresponsible cuts to procurement and readiness. This bill ensures our warfighters are the best equipped and trained in the world. It puts our servicemembers first, providing a 2.7 percent pay raise and expanding benefits to their families. It puts American workers first with historic investments in our industrial base. It also begins divesting in legacy systems that will not help us deter future threats. Instead, it invests in new technologies like artificial intelligence, hypersonics, and quantum computing that will help us stay ahead of our adversaries. That is important because Russia and China are rapidly modernizing their militaries. China is outpacing us with advancements in emerging technologies and weapons systems. In recent years, we have seen China use its military to push out its borders, threaten our allies, and gain footholds on new continents. This bill is laser focused on preparing our military to prevail in a conflict with China. It makes critical investments in new systems capable of surviving in contested environments. It includes provisions that will remove China from our defense supply chain. And it reaffirms our support to allies in the region, especially Taiwan. In Eastern Europe, Russia is on the march again. Putin is threatening NATO allies and amassing an invasion force on the Ukrainian border. This bill makes historic investments in the European Defense Initiative and provides $300 million for Ukraine, $75 million of which is lethal aid. Threats from near-peer rivals like China and Russia are not the only ones we face. Terrorists continue to plot to destroy our way of life, so we must continue to take the fight to them. With strong investments in new capabilities and readiness, this bill enables our warfighters to do just that. Finally, I think we were all horrified by the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. This bill includes important provisions to provide accountability and ensure that we honor the 2,500 Americans who gave their lives in Afghanistan to keep our Nation safe. Again, Madam Speaker, this is a carefully drafted bipartisan, bicameral agreement. I urge all Members to support our servicemembers and their families by voting in favor of this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Gallagher), the ranking member of the Military Personnel Subcommittee.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, I want to again thank Chairman Smith, Chairman Reed, Ranking Member Inhofe, and all the members of HASC and SASC for their tremendous work this year. I also want to thank our committee staff on both sides of the aisle, as well as staff from leadership, legislative counsel, and CBO, for their hard work and dedication. Enormous numbers of hours were put into this endeavor over the course of this year, and I can't overstate how much I appreciate the staff work. Finally, Madam Speaker, today is the day we honor the brave 3,500 American servicemembers killed or wounded in Pearl Harbor. On that day and again on September 11, our Nation came together and vowed to defend our homeland and protect our freedom from all enemies. Each year, Congress comes together in an effort to fulfill that vow by passing the National Defense Authorization Act. Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to do that again this year and pass the NDAA, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Garcia).