Mike Rogers

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask the House's attention today to recognizing a highly distinguished educator in my Congressional district, Dr. Lilli Land. Dr. Land is the principal of the Auburn Early Education Center, and recently received a National Distinguished Principal award from the National Association of Elementary School Principals. Dr. Land is a graduate of Auburn University, and holds the following degrees in Early Childhood Education: Bachelor of Science, Master of Education, Specialist in Education, and a Doctorate in Philosophy. She has been a part of the Alabama Public School system since she first taught second grade in Tallapoosa County in 1981, and has more recently served as a kindergarten teacher and in various administrative capacities. In 2000, Dr. Land joined Auburn City Schools and now serves as AEEC's principal. During Dr. Land's tenure, AEEC has become a renowned example of excellence in early childhood education. Her educational philosophy promotes original, student-driven content and individual attention to help maximize every student's potential. AEEC has also received numerous awards for outstanding integration of new technologies into their curriculum. I congratulate Dr. Lilli Land for her years of service and outstanding leadership in helping educate Alabama's children.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, SSG Eric D. Cottrell, a native of Pittsview, Alabama, was killed during an IED attack on August 13th in Qayyarah, Iraq. Staff Sergeant Cottrell was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division stationed in Fort Bliss, Texas. Words cannot express the sense of sadness we have for his family, and the gratitude our country feels for his service. Eric, like other brave men and women who have served in uniform, died serving not just the United States, but the entire cause of liberty. Indeed, like those who have served before him, he was a true American. We will forever hold him closely in our hearts, and remember his sacrifice and that of his family as a remembrance of his bravery and willingness to serve our nation. Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the House's remembrance at this mournful occasion.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, 1Lt. Jonathan W. Edds of White Pigeon, MI, was killed during an lED attack in Baghdad, Iraq, on August 17, 2007. Jonathan was assigned to the Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division based in Fort Benning, GA. First Lieutenant Edds and his wife Laura resided in Phenix City, AL. Words cannot express the sense of sadness we have for his family and the gratitude our country feels for his service. First Lieutenant Edds, like other brave men and women who have served in uniform, died serving not just the United States, but the entire cause of liberty. Indeed, like those who have served before him, he was a true American. We will forever hold him closely in our hearts, and remember his sacrifice and that of his family as a remembrance of his bravery and willingness to serve our Nation. Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the House's remembrance at this mournful occasion.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to my friend and colleague from Illinois (Mr. Jackson). (Mr. JACKSON of Illinois asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

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

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I would like to close by saying to my friend from Arizona, I share his concerns over some of our fiscal behavior in this Congress in recent years, but clearly this kind of USDA research university partnership is exactly what we should be fostering, given our concerns in this country about our food supply and its safety. Mr. Jackson did make reference to the fact that, in 2003, half of our catfish production was being affected by two diseases that this partnership has now alleviated. We can continue to ensure that supply is safe with this kind of expenditure.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I would like to first start by yielding 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro).

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the gentleman from Arizona for bringing attention to this vitally important research being conducted at Auburn University, an outstanding university in my district. As my colleagues from Alabama know, and specifically my friend and colleague, Mr. Davis from the Seventh District, Auburn University is the home to USDA Aquatic Animal Health Research Laboratory. This laboratory conducts important research to help solve challenges in aquaculture that diminish productivity, lower the quality of catfish products, and hurt the long-term health of our domestic producers. As my colleagues on the Agriculture Committee know, catfish is the leading aquaculture industry in the United States. In 2005, according to USDA, domestic producers sold 650 million pounds of catfish valued at $460 million. That total is only expected to grow. Today, catfish production has become one of the most important agricultural activities in States such as Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana and, of course, my home State of Alabama. In recent years, the American catfish industry has been faced with intense competition from foreign producers, specifically countries like China and Vietnam. This not only poses serious challenges to our economy but, as we have seen in recent news reports about tainted Chinese food products, also to our health. In 2005, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi banned Vietnamese catfish after U.S. health officials detected a banned antibiotic in Vietnamese imports. That ban remains in effect. In May of this year, Alabama banned Chinese catfish over the same concern. As with many agricultural imports, we have no control over what drugs these foreign countries are giving to their catfish, nor do we know what diseases they are trying to prevent. But one thing we do know is that we do not want these products, these diseases and those threats to our food and our health in our country. That is why the funding included in this bill for the Catfish Pathogen Genomic Project is so important. It helps protect the safety and health of our food supply, it helps protect and strengthen important American products and an industry critical to the economics of several States, and it helps carry on the tradition of university based research supported by the Federal Government that benefits our economy and society. Mr. Chairman, I strongly oppose the gentleman's amendment and ask the support of my colleagues for this important research program. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, Private First Class James J. Harrelson, age 19, a native of Dadeville, Alabama, was killed on July 17, 2007, in Baghdad. PFC Harrelson was assigned to B Company, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division based in Fort Riley, Kansas. PFC Harrelson was a graduate of Dadeville High School, where he was a member of the student council and a talented athlete. He had been serving in Iraq since May of this year. Words cannot express the sense of sadness we have for his family, and for the gratitude our country feels for his service. Pvt. Harrelson, like other brave men and women who have served in uniform, died serving not just the United States, but the entire cause of liberty. Indeed, like those who have served before him, he was a true American. We will forever hold him closely in our hearts, and remember his sacrifice and that of his family as a remembrance of his bravery and willingness to serve our nation. Thank you, for the House's remembrance at this mournful occasion.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask the attention of the House today to pay recognition to an occasion very dear to me. On July 26, 2007, my mother and father will mark their 50th wedding anniversary. Linda Lou Perryman and Clyde Gilbert Rogers were wed by a Justice of the Peace on July 26, 1957, in Crown Point, Indiana. When they moved to Alabama my father worked as a firefighter at the Anniston Army Depot for 25 years and my mother took a job as an inspector at Classie Ribbon Company, where she worked for more than 30 years. I would like to wish my parents a happy anniversary and thank them for all that they have done for me.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask the attention of the House today to pay recognition to Mr. Frank Battle. Mr. Battle served the Federal Government for 35 years prior to his retirement on April 3, 2007. Frank's distinguished career began in 1973 as a Management Intern at the Department of Defense. His natural ability to navigate the complexities of government management and years of experience propelled him to senior management positions at the Department of Justice, the Voice of America, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Labor Relations Board. I would like to thank Mr. Battle for his decades of service to the United States, and wish him the best of luck in the future.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask the attention of the House today to pay recognition to the accomplishments of Ms. Jamie Langley, who was crowned Miss Alabama on June 10th, 2007. Miss Langley, 23, is a senior majoring in communications at Jacksonville State University and a graduate of Wadley High School. Her parents, Jeff and Mailey Langley, reside in the community of Forester's Chapel just outside of Wadley, AL. Jamie's efforts to promote heart health and the development of healthy habits are an excellent example to her peers and the young women of Alabama. I would like to congratulate Jamie on this memorable occasion and wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask the attention of the House today to pay recognition to the citizens of Cleburne County, Alabama, who will soon celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Cleburne County Courthouse. The cornerstone of this historic structure was laid on July 4, 1907, following a referendum to decide the final location of the courthouse. The location chosen was Heflin, Alabama. Over the past century, the Cleburne County Courthouse has housed numerous departments serving the people of Cleburne County, including the office of the judge of probate, veterans affairs office, the superintendent of education, and the county commission. On June 30, 2007, the citizens of Cleburne County will gather to commemorate this important milestone. At that time local leaders are expected to open the cornerstone, and local citizens will hear presentations by community leaders and enjoy a community-wide gathering. I would like to congratulate the people of Cleburne County for reaching this important milestone in their county's history, and join the community in wishing another prosperous 100 years for this important landmark.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, SSG Shannon Weaver was killed on May 21, 2007, in Baghdad, Iraq, when his vehicle was struck by an I.E.D. Staff Sergeant Weaver was assigned to the A Company, 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 25th Infantry Division stationed in Fort Richardson, Alaska. Staff Sergeant Weaver had previously completed two operational deployments and was on his second tour of duty in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Weaver will be dearly missed by family and the community of his youth, Piedmont, Alabama. Shannon was a graduate of Piedmont High School where he was a member of the football team. His former teammates recall a young man known for his strong will and determination. Words cannot express the sense of sadness we have for his family and for the gratitude our country feels for his service. Staff Sergeant Weaver, like other brave men and women who have served in uniform, died serving not just the United States but the entire cause of liberty. Indeed, like those who have served before him, he was a true American. We will forever hold him closely in our hearts, and remember his sacrifice and that of his family as a remembrance of his bravery and willingness to serve our Nation. Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the House's remembrance at this mournful occasion.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to support the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2008. I would like to thank Chairman Price and Ranking Member Rogers for including a solid increase for funding for detection canine teams used by DHS. The bill includes an increase of $17.3 million that will add more canine teams for air cargo inspections. The bill also includes funding for 1,506 canine teams for CBP, which represents an increase of 272 teams over last year's level. These increases reflect a provision I supported in the Rail and Public Transportation Safety Act of 2007 and H.R. 659, the Canine Detection Team Improvement Act, which I introduced earlier this year. However, I am deeply concerned about section 527 that would classify instructors at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center as inherently governmental. This provision would impose a dangerous ban on using non-Federal trainers after a national emergency and the resulting needed times of surge. I also remain concerned about the ability of DHS to recruit and train an additional 3,000 new Border Patrol agents funded by the bill. Given attrition rates, this means that Border Patrol will need to hire and train approximately 4,400 agents a year. While I support putting more boots on the ground as quickly as possible, I am convinced that the current approach DHS is using cannot meet this goal. I am also concerned that it continues to cost $187,000 to recruit, train and deploy just one Border Patrol agent. The Subcommittee on Management Investigations and Oversight plans to hold another hearing on Border Patrol agent training costs in its capacity next Tuesday. It is my hope that the findings from this hearing will be considered by the House and Senate conferees on this bill to improve the way DHS recruits and trains Border Patrol agents.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, Sergeant Brandon Hadaway, 25, of Valley, Alabama, died on May 30, 2007, in Afghanistan. Sergeant Hadaway was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 82nd General Support Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division stationed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Sergeant Hadaway was serving on his third tour when his helicopter took fire from enemy combatants, He was a proud graduate of Valley High School and will be dearly missed in his community. As a testament to his sacrifice, the City of Valley has already declared a flag day in his honor. Words cannot express the sense of sadness we have for his family, and for the gratitude our country feels for his service. Sgt. Hadaway, like other brave men and women who have served in uniform, died serving not just the United States, but the entire cause of liberty. Indeed, like those who have served before him, he was a true American. We will forever hold him closely in our hearts, and remember his sacrifice and that of his family as a remembrance of his bravery and willingness to serve our nation. Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the House's remembrance at this mournful occasion.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask for the House's attention today to recognize the outstanding work of a constituent of mine, Mrs. Barbara Romey, who was recently named an Outstanding History Educator by The History Channel for her commitment to history and her students. Mrs. Romey teaches Social Studies at Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama. She is known for teaching history in a way that helps students connect and engage with current national and local issues. Throughout her career, Mrs. Romey has helped shape her students into successful and contributing members of the Phenix City community. I congratulate Mrs. Romey for receiving this award, for her commitment to excellence in teaching, and for her dedication to helping better the lives of her students.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask the attention of the House today to pay recognition to The Hall Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church of Valley, Alabama, which is celebrating their 82nd Anniversary on May 27, 2007. In 1866, the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church allowed African Americans to have their own congregations. Many years later, in 1925, Hall Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church was founded. In 1941 Hall Memorial CME was rebuilt after a devastating fire, and in 1969, was remodeled. With dedicated pastors and a committed congregation, the church has grown and prospered over the years. The pastor there now is Rev. Pierre K. Primm. I am pleased to recognize the members of The Hall Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church of Valley, Alabama, today for reaching this important milestone in the history of Valley, and congratulate the church family on their 82nd Anniversary.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, Specialist Matthew Bolar, 24, of Montgomery, Alabama, died on May 3, 2007, in Baghdad, Iraq. Specialist Bolar was assigned to A Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, and was stationed at Fort Richardson, Alaska. Specialist Bolar graduated from Canterbury High School in 2002 at the top of his class and joined the Army in 2004. His friends and family remember him as a bright young man eager to serve his country. Words cannot express the sense of sadness we have for his family, and for the gratitude our country feels for his service. Specialist Bolar, like other brave men and women who have served in uniform, died serving not just the United States, but the entire cause of liberty. Indeed, like those who have served before him, he was a true American. We will forever hold him closely in our hearts, and remember his sacrifice and that of his family as a remembrance of his bravery and willingness to serve our Nation.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, as ranking member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Management, Investigations and Oversight, I have worked with my committee colleagues on this legislation for some time. I was also an original cosponsor of the bill, primarily because of its provisions to improve oversight, management and procurement at the Department of Homeland Security. On March 28, our committee produced a sound bipartisan bill that the committee passed by a vote of 26-0. Unfortunately, as the bill headed to the House floor, jurisdictional turf battles took over. At least 16 important security provisions were dropped, and many more were altered without input from our side of the aisle. Unfortunately, at least one of the dropped provisions addressed a key 9/11 Commission recommendation. This feature would centralize jurisdiction and oversight for homeland security in one committee, in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Last Congress, the Republican leadership in the House heeded this recommendation by creating a new standing Committee on Homeland Security. This new standing committee was wisely vested with substantial jurisdiction over DHS. While we recognize that last Congress was an ambitious first step, experience has shown that jurisdiction over this department still needs further consolidation, not erosion. Far too many committees and subcommittees in Congress still exercise control and oversight authority over DHS. 88 to be exact. Already this year, DHS officials have testified at over 100 congressional hearings. It's my hope that leaders on both sides of the aisle can come to an understanding to help consolidate authorization jurisdiction under this one committee. Had this been the case this year, the bipartisan, well- reasoned bill that was originally presented to the House would not have been carved up by jurisdictional turf battles. Until this issue is resolved, the House will not be able to exercise the needed oversight over DHS, just as it does with the other Departments in the Federal Government. Consequently, I must oppose this bare boned bill, and hope that we will address this critical issue of jurisdiction in the near future.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate today the dedicated men and women of the East Alabama Water, Fire, and Sewer Protection District Complex for the Open House and Ribbon Cutting of their new facility on May 3, 2007. The new resource protection complex in Chambers County will help provide greater fire protection and water supplies to the city of Valley and the rural areas of Chambers County. With the growing population in the area, the opening of the facility could not have come at a better time. The new facility has over 24,000 square feet and two buildings, which will help provide space for current operations and storage and add room to grow. Overseeing the operation and management of the new facility will be Mr. Tony Segrest, Ms. Beverly Story, Chief Byron Pigg, Mr. Neal Marberry, Mr. Pat Meacham, and Mr. David Martin. I salute the men and women of the East Alabama Water, Fire, and Sewer Protection District Complex for their service to the community, and congratulate them at the dedication of this important new facility.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize today the students and adult leaders of the Time Travelers History Club at Charles R. Drew Middle School in Lincoln, Alabama. Since 2005, the Time Travelers club has taken a significant role in enhancing learning opportunities for students, preserving local history, and serving the community. Their events, such as a Constitution Day celebration, have joined students with community figures and in turn allowed students to learn more about history through interacting with people who lived through some of the most influential events of the twentieth century. I applaud the students of Charles R. Drew Middle School who have participated in this program, as well as their advisor Mr. Keith George, for their commitment to learning and service. Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the House's attention to these accomplished individuals today.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. The interesting thing about TSA, I have been over to, the last couple of years, most of the breeding and training programs for canines in this country. And the interesting thing about TSA is they have the most stellar breeding program because they are genetically breeding a dog that is particularly useful in transportation settings at detecting explosives and being on its feet for long periods of time. The contractors you are talking about, you can buy dogs in this country. Not the breeds that we need. That is the problem. If we could, I would be on your side of this amendment. We can't. That is why currently we are obtaining over 80 percent of our dogs from European sources. And they are private sources, by the way.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I do want to go back to one question the gentleman from Arizona had, and that was the cost. Roughly, we are spending about $500,000 on this TSA breeding and training program. It trains about 50 dogs a year now. It can double that capacity with this. This breeding is very important, particularly at this facility because it is on the cutting edge. I would urge this Congress to recognize how significant it is that we are able to produce this kind of dog here, and I would tell you that I have also been a big advocate on the DOD side as well of our trying to create more breeding programs domestically. I would like to see them be private, frankly, but we don't have that capacity right now that can put the standard of quality of dogs out that we need so that we don't have to rely on foreign sources for these dogs. Because I can assure you we are not getting the first quality and the quantity that we need. So I would urge my colleagues to vote against this amendment. It is truly a matter of national security both in TSA and I think in DOD.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?