Mike Rogers

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I would say that the Navy provides 30-year cost estimates because Congress made them, and the Navy doesn't want to do it, and they don't think they are reliable. I urge a ``no'' vote on this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition to this amendment.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I reluctantly oppose this amendment from my friend and colleague from California. He is a very serious, thoughtful, and clearly articulate Member, but it is for the same reasons that I just outlined with Mr. Aguilar's amendment. I will keep this brief because we just talked about this. But going down this path for a 25- or 30-year cost estimate for nuclear weapons is a bad idea and would result in bad data. The Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense in the Obama administration who is still in the Trump administration doesn't think it is a good idea either. The HASC and the House have considered this 30-year cost estimate for the last 5 years in a row, and each time it has been rejected. This amendment would not result in good, effective oversight and transparency. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to consider voting for my reasonable, commonsense amendment when we get to it, amendment No. 88. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment and ``yes'' on Rogers 88. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I was quoting Rose Gottemoeller from the Obama administration, saying that it was not going to perpetuate this cycle. Mr. Chair, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Wyoming (Ms. Cheney), my friend and an outstanding member of the Armed Services Committee.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention to recognize the life of Mr. Horace Sellers Merrill of Heflin, Alabama. Mr. Merrill passed away on February 17, 2017 at the age of 80. Horace was born on October 15, 1936 in Micaville to Emory Joseph and Grace Allen Merrill. He graduated from Cleburne County High School in 1954 lettering in baseball and football. He attended Southern Union Junior College in Wadley, Alabama on an athletic scholarship until an automobile accident ended his athletic career in 1957. Horace started work at Dixie Mines Mica Mining Company and married Mary Inez Thompson of Anniston, Alabama on June 1, 1963. Mr. Merrill always held a strong interest in politics. In 1964, he was elected Circuit Clerk of Cleburne County and served for 12 years. During this time, he participated in the Lions Club, Jaycees and Athletic Boosters Club and was president of each. He also assisted in the organization of the first youth baseball program in Heflin, where he officiated and coached in the 1960s and 1970s and was the public address announcer for Little League Football and junior high football games. After completing two terms as Circuit Clerk, he was elected Probate Judge and Chairman of the Cleburne County Commission in 1976, a position he held for one six-year term. While serving as Probate Judge, he led the effort to purchase land and develop plans for the construction of the State of Alabama Welcome Center and Rest Area on I- 20. He had a vision for a county-wide water system to service all citizens of Cleburne County through the Dyne Creek Watershed project that was supported by Congressman Bill Nichols and Senator Howell Heflin that he was not able to complete before the end of this term. Mr. Merrill was an active participant in the Cleburne Baptist Association, and served as an officer and pastor of several churches. His pastorates included Happy Hill, Cedar Creek, Pinetucky (Interim), Chulafinnee and Edwardsville Baptist Churches. As a member of Heflin Baptist for over 50 years, Mr. Merrill served as a Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Teacher, Church Training Director and Sanctuary Choir member. Horace and Mary enjoyed 53 years of marriage and were blessed with two children and four grandchildren: Alabama Secretary of State John Harold Merrill (Cindy) and Audrey Merrill Gillis (Stephen), Pelham Brooks Merrill, Alexandra Grace Merrill, Mary Kathryn Gillis and Sarah Sellers Gillis. Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the life of Horace Merrill. He will be greatly missed.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention to recognize the 48th anniversary of Pastor Erastus Godfrey and his wife, Elect Lady Annie Pearl Godfrey, serving in the ministry. Before his birth, Pastor Godfrey's mother received a prophetic work to name him Erastus, because she knew he would grow up to preach the gospel. Pastor Godfrey was called into the ministry in 1969 at the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. After four years, he was called to be pastor at the Shiloh Baptist Church in Silverun, Alabama, for six years. He then became pastor of Union Baptist Church in Stewartville, Alabama, for 23 years. On March 14, 2004, Pastor Godfrey founded the New Beginning Ministries in Sylacauga, Alabama, and still serves there today. He received his biblical education at Shocco Springs in Talladega, Alabama and at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. Pastor Godfrey has been married to Elect Lady Annie Pearl Godfrey for over 50 years and is a second-generation minister. He has three sons, one daughter and a daughter-in-law who have also been called into the ministry. His wife is an inspiration to the church family at New Beginning Ministries. Their children include: Kenneth Collins, Erastus Herbert Godfrey, Terry Fuller, Etta Taylor, Jeannette Godfrey, DeForest Godfrey and Mary Thompson. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Pastor Erastus and Elect Lady Annie Pearl Godfrey for their 48 years of service in the ministry.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life of Dr. Doris Mitchell Oliveira who passed away on May 10, 2017. Dr. Oliveira was born February 9, 1934 to the late Dr. Joseph Mitchell, Sr., M.D, and Mrs. Vivian J. Mitchell. Her father was an obstetrician-gynecologist physician in Macon County, Alabama, and her mother was known for her work with the American Red Cross. Dr. Oliveira graduated from Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine and was still working at the age of 83 when her health began to decline. She was a member of the Alabama New South Coalition, Tuskegee Chapter of Links, Inc., the Republican Party of Macon County and a past member of the Board of Trustees at the University of West Alabama. She is survived by her son Manuel Joseph Oliveira and brother, Dr. Joseph Mitchell, Jr. Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the life of Dr. Oliveira. She will be greatly missed.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention to recognize the National Nursing Home Week, May 14th to 20th, and recognize our Veterans at the Community Living Center (CLC) at the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS). The American Health Care Association established the National Nursing Home Week in 1967 and this year's theme is ``The Spirit of America.'' Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing this special week and thanking all of our Veterans in Alabama.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention to recognize the retirement of Auburn University's 18th President, Dr. Jay Gogue. Jay was raised in Waycross, Georgia, and earned bachelor's and master's degrees in horticulture from Auburn University before earning a doctorate in that field from Michigan State University. In July 2007, Dr. Gogue returned to Auburn University to serve as the 18th president and has worked tirelessly to improve the academic strength of Auburn's student body. Under his leadership, Auburn is implementing a strategic plan focused on enhancing student success, supporting faculty excellence, strengthening public engagement and promoting research, scholarship and creative work. During his time as president, he has stayed connected with the students in the classroom and even teaches a graduate course in higher education administration where students learn university governance, leadership, budgeting and more. He enthusiastically worked in partnership with local and state officials to recruit new industry to the state of Alabama, creating jobs and economic opportunity. In 2013, Dr. Gogue was selected for the Michigan State University Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2012, he was inducted into the Alabama Academy of Honor, a group of 100 Alabamians ``chosen for accomplishment or service greatly benefiting or reflecting great credit on the State.'' He also held a 2012 appointment to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's academic advisory council. Other memberships include Phi Kappa Phi and Golden Key honor societies, Sigma Xi scientific research society and the National Society of Scabbard and Blade, the honorary military society for all branches of service. Dr. Gogue began his career at the U.S. Department of the Interior, where he worked for 12 years. Prior to returning to Auburn, he held a number of academic and administrative positions, starting at Texas A&M University as an assistant professor teaching and conducting research in plant science. Dr. Gogue later served as vice president for research and vice president/vice provost for agriculture and natural resources at Clemson University and as provost at Utah State University. He was selected as president of New Mexico State University in 2000. In 2003, he was named president of the University of Houston and chancellor of the University of Houston System. Jay and his wife, Susie, met in the 8th grade and married while they were both undergraduates at Auburn. They have three children, one grandchild and two dogs. They are remaining in the Auburn community and he will continue teaching a course in higher education leadership. Mr. Speaker, please join me in wishing my friends, Jay and Susie, best wishes on retirement. I thank him for his hard work and commitment to Auburn University.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Day Fly In. The first black combat aviation unit comprised of pilots and supporter personnel trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field. The Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Day Fly In honors the Tuskegee Airmen, the widowers and family members of the Tuskegee Airmen and talented and enthusiastic individuals all focused on the goal of honoring the heroic Tuskegee Airmen. In 1940, the military selected Tuskegee Institute to train pilots because of its commitment to aeronautical training, its facilities, engineering and technical instructors and its suitable climate for year-round flying. In May of 1940, the first Civilian Pilot Training Program students completed their training. ``The Tuskegee Experience'' later grew to become a center for African-American aviation during World War II. These brave airmen overcame segregation and prejudice to become one of the most respected fighter groups of WWII paving the way for full integration of the U.S. military. The Tuskegee Airmen exemplify the State of Alabama's priority of Public Service Excellence. This commemoration of their legacy comes directly from the efforts and determination of over 16,000 courageous men and women and recognizes the fortitude of these individuals to stand strong in the face of adversity. Their accomplishments gave way to the continuation on a grand scale through the introduction of American youth to the world of aviation, technology, engineering and math through local and national programs and activities. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing today, May 19-20, 2017, as Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Day Fly In 50th Anniversary.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention to recognize the 50th wedding anniversary of Dean and Angie Wysner on May 5th. Dean and Angie met at Woodland High School and dated only a short time before he enlisted in the Army. Dean was assigned and stationed in California and they were married after he had been gone for a year. Dean and Angie have been blessed with three children: Deena, Chad and Lori. Additional blessings include their four grandchildren: Tanner, Abby, Brittany and Mason and great-grandchildren: Rayleigh, Kayleigh and AnaLeigh. Dean is the son of Moulton and Josie Wysner of Graham, Alabama and graduated from Woodland High School in 1964. He worked in manufacturing after high school and then served as a Military Police in the Army. After his service, he went back to manufacturing for a few short years until he became a self-employed farmer and has continued for 45 years. He has served with the Farmer's Federation for 18 years advocating for the family farm and also served as a Randolph County Commissioner. Angie is the daughter of Marvin and Earla Spradlin of Woodland, Alabama and graduated from Woodland High School in 1965. She worked in manufacturing after high school until having children and then working full-time on the family farm. Once the children had all graduated from high school, she began a career with the U.S. Postal Service as a Rural Letter Carrier which she continues today. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the 50th wedding anniversary of my friends, Dean and Angie Wysner.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th Anniversary of Woodland High School. Woodland School was organized in 1917. It was the first consolidated school in Randolph County. It formed when Lamar, Cross Line, and New Site consolidated to form the school. The original school building consisted of a hall and five classrooms. Ten grades were taught there until 1928. The school will be celebrating the centennial with a ceremony on April 27, 2017. During the celebration, a time capsule will be sealed to be opened in 2042. Each grade will participate by contributing something for the time capsule. Woodland High School is beloved by its community, and many of its teachers are alumni who have returned to give back to the community that built them up. Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating Woodland's 100th Anniversary and in wishing them many more.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the change of command of Colonel Martine S. Kidd, the 34th Commander of the Anniston Army Depot. Colonel Kidd enlisted in the Army Reserve as a Supply Specialist in 1989. She was commissioned as a Quartermaster Officer in 1994. Her first assignment was to the 7th Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment, Illesheim, Germany, where she worked as a Supply Platoon Leader and Battalion S1, and later deployed to Operation Joint Endeavor. Next, she was assigned to the 10th Mountain Division, holding several positions including Main Support Battalion S3, Company Commander, and Division Support Command S4. Later, she served as the Aide-de-Camp for the Commanding General of the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, also deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in Kuwait and Iraq. In April 2007, she deployed as the Logistics Planner for the 3rd Infantry Division during the OIF Surge in Iraq. Afterwards, she was a Logistics Instructor at the Command and General Staff College, and was the Executive Officer to the Deputy Commandant/ Deputy Commanding General for the Combined Arms Center. In July 2010, she deployed again, serving as the Executive Officer to the Deputy Commanding General for Support, United States Forces-Iraq. In June 2011, she assumed Command of the America's East Battalion for the Defense Logistics Agency-Energy, in Houston, Texas. Later, she transitioned to Fort Belvoir, Va. working as the Executive Officer to the Commanding General of U.S. Army Cyber Command. In July of 2015, Col. Kidd became the 34th Commander of the Anniston Army Depot in Anniston, Alabama. Among her awards and decorations are the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Star Medals, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, three Army Commendation Medals, and the NATO Medal. In April of 2015, she was selected as a Distinguished Member of the Quartermaster Regiment. Colonel Kidd is married to Justin E. Kidd who is an Assistant Professor at the Army's CGSC, a former U.S. Marine and a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Colonel Kidd on her change of command and wishing her the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to recognize the birthday of Bee Swader Malone. She will turn 100 on March 30th. Jessie Beatrice Swader Malone was born on March 30, 1917 in the Pine Grove community on Sand Mountain in DeKalb County, Alabama. Born to Robert and Addie Swader, she grew up on her parents' farm and attended school in nearby High Point and Valley Head, graduating from Valley Head High School in 1937. Bee was working at J.C. Penney when she first met Marvin E. Malone, Jr., who worked in the shoe department there. They married and settled in Fort Payne, Alabama where Marvin worked for Southland Sox, Inc. They had three daughters: Kay, Ann, and Susan; and three grandchildren: Shannon, Oliver, and Halle; and now Bee is the great-grandmother of two girls: LizaBanks and Bea. Bee and Marvin ran Malone Mills, a hosiery finishing mill in Fort Payne, for many years. First Presbyterian Church in Fort Payne honored her with a life membership for her active role there over many decades. Bee is still known in the church and far beyond for her excellent cooking, gardening, sewing, and handwork. She has voted in every single presidential election since she turned the legal voting age, which was then 21, and she was profiled in the Times-Journal last November for being one of the oldest registered voters in DeKalb County. Bee still lives on her own today, in her house of almost 57 years on a hill overlooking Fort Payne. This month Bee will be celebrating her 100th birthday with a gathering of family and friends. Please join me in wishing this centenarian a very happy birthday.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to recognize the life of Colonel Albert W. ``Bill'' Jenrette who passed away on February 27th. Colonel Jenrette was born on November 6, 1937 in Conway, SC. He attended the Citadel, and upon graduation, he became a career Army officer. While he was stationed in Germany for the first time, Colonel Jenrette married Ursula Klauer. Together they had two children, Jennifer and Kevin. Tragically, Kevin was killed in combat in Afghanistan in 2009. Colonel Jenrette served two tours in Vietnam. After his second tour, he became the JROTC Senior Army Instructor at Lyman ward Military Academy in Camp Hill, Alabama. Colonel Jenrette received the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star. After retiring from the Army, Colonel Jenrette returned to Lyman Ward Academy as Commandant of Cadets. In 2007, after a brief stint in the private sector, he returned to Lyman Ward as President. Upon his retirement as President, Colonel Jenrette became Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Chancellor of the Academy at Lyman Ward. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the life and achievements of Colonel Bill Jenrette.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise to share my disgust and contempt for the former President's decision to commute the sentence of inmate Manning, formerly known as Bradley Manning. Manning's commutation was even opposed by President Obama's Secretary of Defense, Ash Carter. According to press reports, after Manning released over 450,000 Army field reports and intelligence reports, plus over 200,000 diplomatic cables, the Taliban went on a killing spree--taking out everyone who seemed to fit the description of individuals working with the U.S. It was indiscriminate killing. Madam Speaker, we are hearing the usual handwringing this morning from President Trump's critics about the impacts of his executive order on those who helped us in Iraq and Afghanistan. These individual voices would be much more credible if they had criticized President Obama for his irresponsible commutation of inmate Manning. President Obama may be gone, thankfully, but we are still suffering from his irresponsible decisions. Change has finally come to America, Madam Speaker. Manning and other enemies of our Nation should be on notice.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to recognize the birthday of Jack McConnell. He will turn 80 on February 7th. Jack was born on February 7, 1937, to John Richard and Mary Heath McConnell in Lee County, Alabama. Jack graduated from Beauregard High School in 1956. He later attended Columbus Technical College in Columbus, Georgia. He used his technical skills as a mechanic and machinist at Perfect Plastics, Ampex Corporation and Uniroyal-Goodrich. He retired from Uniroyal-Goodrich in 1992 after twenty one years of service. After retirement he pursued his life-long dream of becoming a cattle farmer. He is a lifelong member of Hopewell United Methodist Church and currently serves as chairman of the Board of Trustees, a position he has held for many years. He was elected and served on the Lee County School Board for 6 years. He is currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Lee County Cattlemen's Association and the ALFA Farmer's Federation Board of Directors. Jack and his wife Carolyn reside in the Beauregard Community. They have six children, Jason McConnell, Judi McConnell, Jennifer Sanavitis, Norman Rudd, Rob Rudd and Angie Rudd and they have eleven grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the life and achievements of Jack McConnell and wishing him a happy 80th birthday.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the rule and passage of H.R. 393, to allow retired General James Mattis to become our Nation's 26th Secretary of Defense. First of all, I would like to say that I believe civilian control over our military is one of the pivotal principles of our Republic. This body must ensure that our military leaders remain accountable to civilian authorities lest we put our hard-won liberties at risk. That is why, before I decided to vote for this waiver, I had to answer two very important questions. First, does the appointment of James Mattis present any threat at all to the concept of civilian control of our military? The answer is clearly no. James Mattis has demonstrated his openness as a straight shooter throughout his long career. I am confident he will continue to candidly face the problems in the Department of Defense and be a positive force for change. It is James Mattis' record of reform-minded openness, his scholarly understanding of history and military matters, and his almost 4-year separation from defense interests, that assures me that this waiver, as a unique measure, poses no risk to civilian control of the military. The second question, then: Is the appointment of James Mattis worth waiving the 7-year requirement? The answer is clearly yes. The United States Armed Forces are at a pivotal moment in their history. After 8 years of neglect under this administration, our military has been brought to its lowest point in the past 4 decades. James Mattis has the experience, knowledge, and leadership skills to rally the services while they rebuild for the next 4 decades. He will start on day one with a strong grasp of the challenges facing our military and with the ideas to meet those challenges. That is why I support this one-time waiver, which will allow James Mattis to serve as our Nation's 26th Secretary of Defense.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to recognize Beauregard High School for winning their first ever Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Class 5A football state title. The Hornets sealed their victory by beating Wenonah 33-13 on December 1st at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn. Not only was this Beauregard's first state title, but also Lee County's first ever state champion! Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the students and faculty of Beauregard High School, Coach Braun, the players and all the Hornets fans on this exciting achievement. Go Hornets!

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to recognize the Original Gospel Singers of Seale, Alabama. For over 40 years, this family has been spreading the gospel through their musical talents. What started as a duet in 1965, grew to be on television for their first debut on the ``Home with Rozell Show'' on WRBL in 1969. The group has traveled to several states and participated in many benefit programs to give back to their community. In 2014, the Russell County Commission dedicated a portion of roadway from Highway 169 South to Uchee Road as the ``Original Caldwell Gospel Singers'' Road. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing four decades of music by this special group.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to recognize Piedmont High School for winning the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Class 3A football state title for the second year in a row. The Bulldogs sealed their victory by beating Mobile Christian 22-12 on December 1st at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the students and faculty of Piedmont High School, Coach Steve Smith, the players and all the Bulldogs fans on this exciting achievement for the second year in a row. Go Bulldogs!

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I commend the chairman for his leadership in bringing the 55th consecutive NDAA across the finish line. This legislation includes vital provisions, such as a pay raise for our troops, a fix to the end strength, and it begins to address the readiness crisis that is literally claiming the lives of our men and women in uniform. A special thank-you goes to my friend, the subcommittee ranking member, Mr. Cooper. He is a pleasure to work with--Roll Tide. The conference report includes critical provisions resulting from oversight of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces. For example, regarding the national security space, it enables a rational transition to the end of our reliance on the Russian RD-180 engine. The agreement prioritizes funding for U.S. replacement of the RD-180 engine. It rejects the Air Force strategy to pay for three new launch systems to commercial providers. In fact, the Air Force should only hold its industry day and take no further action until the new administration has a chance to conduct a full cost policy and legal analysis. It gives the Air Force one final opportunity to meet warfighter requirements and bring order to the Department's space-based weather collection program. Concerning our nuclear forces and nuclear enterprise, the conference report prohibits funding for the administration's misguided proposal to accelerate dismantlement of retired nuclear weapons, authorizes an additional $100 million in funding to help pay for and address the massive infrastructure problems and deferred maintenance backlogs in the NSA, and gives the Air Force one final chance to appropriately prioritize the strategic missile warning system. Concerning missile defense, the conference report restricts funding for the Army's Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense radar modernization program. The chief wanted more acquisition authority. The bill gives it to him, and I expect him to use it. I am also proud to see the conference report includes language to repeal the cold war-minded National Missile Defense Act, which sought to limit U.S. missile defense deployments. It provides full funding of the request of our allies in Israel for $600 million for co-development and coproduction of Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow 3.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to recognize the 75th anniversary of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce in Opelika, Alabama. The Opelika Chamber was organized on January 13, 1941, and incorporated on August 26th by Homer Carter, Yetta G. Samford, R.W. Williams, Edward M. Roberts, Jr., Winston Smith T, A.L. Screws, A.C. Tatum, D.W. Ward, John L. Whatley and John D. McKibben. As recorded in the original Petition for Incorporation, the Chamber is to ``promote the commercial, industrial, agricultural and civic interest of the City of Opelika and the surrounding territory; to promote integrity and good faith, just and equitable principles in business. . .'' These words still ring true today. The Opelika Chamber has been instrumental in the growth and prosperity of the City of Opelika. Each year, the Chamber hosts over 200 events, program and advertising opportunities for its members. Today, the Opelika Chamber is housed in the Whitfield-Duke-Searcy Home, built in 1895, at 601 Avenue A. On December 15, 2016, there will be a celebration of the past 75 years held at The Aeerie. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Opelika Chamber of Commerce on their 75th anniversary and wish them many, many more.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to recognize Elizabeth Hill Morrow for her participation in the 2015 United States Police and Fire Games in San Diego, California and the 2015 World Police and Fire Games in Fairfax, Virginia. Morrow, a Jacksonville State University Police Officer, participated in these two events by competing in a total of five individual events and received a total of five Gold Medals. Elizabeth is a native of Randolph County, Alabama. She is a graduate of Handley High School in Roanoke, Alabama and a graduate of Troy University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Jacksonville State University with a Master's in Emergency Management. Elizabeth joined the Jacksonville State University Police Department in 2006. She and her husband Fred currently reside in the Jacksonville area. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Elizabeth on her accomplishments in the 2015 United States Police and Fire Games and the 2015 World Police and Fire Games.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to recognize the 60th Anniversary of Alabama Farm-City Week. Over the past 60 years during the week of Thanksgiving; Farm-City week is observed to express gratitude for the bounty with which God has blessed our land while recognizing our farmers and communities who help make the Agriculture industry so successful. In our great state, Agriculture and related industries provide over half a million good-paying jobs. During Farm-City week, I hope everyone in East Alabama will recognize our farmers and be appreciative of all they do. In Alabama, the 2016 Farm-City theme is ``Agriculture: Stewards of a Healthy Planet.'' Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the 60th Anniversary of Farm-City week.