Mike Rogers

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess.)

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Butterfield) for purposes of control.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Butterfield) for purposes of control.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, how much time is remaining?

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Terry), my friend and colleague. (Mr. TERRY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the my friend, the distinguished gentleman from the First District of Alabama (Mr. Bonner).

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, in March of 1942, five young men at a rural Army airbase in Tuskegee, Alabama, graduated from aviation cadet class in the Army Air Corps. These men, like other World War II fighter pilots, accepted extraordinary risks to carry out their missions. They were brave and patriotic. Hailing from towns and cities across America, these young soldiers came to Tuskegee, Alabama, with the dream of serving our Nation in the air. They would graduate with honors as captains and lieutenants. From 1942 to 1946, 992 fighter pilots would graduate from this rural Army airbase in central Alabama. Their missions would be over enemy territory in Italy and North Africa, some of the most challenging assignments of the war, and some of them would not return. Yet many did. Those who did survive those battles lived to claim unprecedented records of success and high honors for their bravery. But we all know World War II was not their only battle. These proud soldiers, the Tuskegee Airmen, were the first African Americans ever to serve our Nation as Army fighter pilots. They were true leaders, men who battled our enemies oversees while fighting bigotry and racism at home. Madam Speaker, as we debate today's resolution honoring the Tuskegee Airmen, we will hear of their struggles. We will hear their stories of being turned away at the officers' clubs because of their race, and we will hear of the prejudices they faced overseas. Yet they did not give up. They persevered, and along with others from our greatest generation, joined with our allies across the globe and helped defeat the forces of tyranny. The Tuskegee Airmen are symbols of America, Madam Speaker, strong through difficult times and courageous in the face of adversity. In the month when our Nation celebrates the contributions of African Americans to our Nation's history, it is important we take this time to honor their bravery. Their courage and persistence are examples for all of us to follow. We have much to learn from their service and much to honor for their contributions to our civil rights legacy. As our military continues to fight the war on terror overseas, we should pause to remember the battles fought long ago by these proud Americans. Not only is our world freer because of their courage, but our Nation is stronger because of their sacrifices. I want to thank my colleagues for being here today to honor the Tuskegee Airmen, and I look forward to doing what I can to keep their legacy strong so future generations may also share in their accomplishments. I would also like to add, Madam Speaker, that as part of my efforts to honor the Tuskegee Airmen, I have been leading an initiative to help build a National Park Service museum in Tuskegee, Alabama, to memorialize these brave Americans. Obviously, on this important occasion I would welcome any and all support from Members that would join me in this initiative, and would answer any questions later. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Con. Res. 26.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 26) honoring the Tuskegee Airmen for their bravery in fighting for our freedom in World War II, and for their contribution in creating an integrated United States Air Force.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the employees at the Anniston Army Depot who have reached an important milestone on behalf of our Nation's military. On January 12, 2005, the 1000th Stryker was assembled at the Anniston Army Depot. This was a proud day for the citizens of northeast Alabama, Mr. Speaker, and was the direct result of the hard work and dedication of thousands of workers from across our community. Assembled right here in Calhoun County, the Stryker is a transformational vehicle that will help protect our forces far into the 21st century. The troop carrier is part of a new generation of wheeled vehicles for our military, and will allow the Army to more safely and efficiently transport soldiers on the field of battle. Not only has the Stryker proven its tactical value in Iraq, Mr. Speaker, but it has also helped better protect the lives of countless soldiers. Knowing Alabama workers helped make this advancement possible is a great honor for our community. I salute the employees of the Anniston Army Depot for their ongoing dedication to the Stryker project, and thank them for their service to our Nation and to our men and women serving on the front lines overseas.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 36. This resolution expresses the continued support of Congress for the so-called Solomon Law, a critical piece of legislation originally passed in 1994 which has helped ensure that military recruiters have equal access on our Nation's campuses. We are debating this resolution today only because of a recent court decision that wrongfully struck down the Solomon Law. In November of last year, a closely divided U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Solomon Law violates first amendment rights to free speech and association. The court sided with the plaintiff arguing that ``the Solomon Amendment requires law schools to express a message that is incompatible with their educational objectives, and no compelling governmental interest has been shown to deny this freedom.'' Mr. Speaker, I cannot disagree more with this assessment. In our post-9/11 world, our Nation's military deserves, at least the same access to institutions of higher education that any other major employer might enjoy. This is certainly a modest and I believe a reasonable request, especially if the college or university accepts Federal funds. This is not about infringing free speech; it is about ensuring our military has access to our Nation's best and brightest at a time when we face enormous challenges abroad. This resolution expresses the continued support of Congress for the Solomon Law and would help ensure that military recruiters continue to have access to college campuses and students that is at least equal in quality and scope as that provided to any other employer. This resolution would reaffirm the commitment of Congress to explore all options, including the use of its constitutional power to appropriate funds to achieve that equal access. In adopting this resolution, we would also be urging the executive branch to aggressively challenge any decision impeding or prohibiting the operation of the Solomon Law. Also, we would be encouraging the executive branch to follow a doctrine of nonacquiescence by not finding a judicial decision affecting one jurisdiction to be binding on any other jurisdiction. Mr. Speaker, as we debate this resolution, it is important for us to remember that the Solomon Law and its legislative updates were not designed as one-size-fits-all mandates from Washington. In fact, the law is very flexible, and it fits the needs of nearly every public- funded institution in the country. For example, the Solomon Law does not apply to colleges or universities that have a long-standing policy of pacifism based on historical religious grounds, nor does it affect any Federal student aid or financial assistance. Of course, as those of us who are here debating this issue are aware, this is not the first challenge to this law. Prior to the November circuit court decision, on repeated occasions lower courts have consistently upheld the constitutionality of the Solomon Law, arguing that it does not infringe on any institution's right to free speech or association. While this recent court decision is unfortunate, it is not the end to the Solomon Law. A bipartisan vote here today in support of this legislation will help send a clear message to our courts that our military recruiters deserve equal access on all of our campuses. I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter) for his ongoing efforts on this issue, and I thank the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kline) for managing this legislation.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mrs. Mary Coleman Gilmer on the celebration of her 100th birthday. Mrs. Gilmer was born January 24, 1905 in Monroe County, Alabama, and is the oldest of eleven siblings. In 1926 she married Gaddie Gilmer, and moved to Montgomery where the couple first lived. Mrs. Gilmer graduated from Alabama State Teacher's College in the 1940s. Mary Gilmer has been a servant of the Lord all her life, Mr. Speaker, having shared her love with family, friends and associates. She is known as a generous person, having given money and shelter to those in need over the years, all without want of recognition or thanks for her deeds. Mary Gilmer is an active Christian, and has served as Minister of Music for the Shiloh Baptist Church Choir, the Branch Grove Missionary Baptist Church Choir, the St. James Missionary Baptist Church Choir in Deatsville, and the Revelation Missionary Baptist Church Choir. She is also a former member of the Old Ship of the Eastern Star Lodge #343. To this day, Mrs. Gilmer still walks to St. James Baptist Church and frequently appears on many community programs such as the Nat King Cole Society program and the Montgomery Tuskegee Times Black History Awards Banquet. She also loves playing the piano. Let us all pause to honor Mrs. Mary Coleman Gilmer today, Mr. Speaker, and join in the celebration of this blessed milestone in her long and fruitful life.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a group of students and faculty at Auburn University who are waging an important campaign to fight world hunger. Known as the War on Hunger campaign, this groundbreaking initiative partners Auburn University with the United Nations World Food Programme, a first for any university worldwide. Over the next several years this campaign will continue to develop a framework for addressing the problem of world hunger. Plans include developing an agenda that increases hunger awareness, and creating new academic initiatives at the university. Local organizers also hope to use their efforts to influence policymakers at all levels of government with regard to hunger initiatives. Auburn University students will continue to work together, Mr. Speaker, and participate in several planned activities to help carry out their campaign, including holding benefit concerts and hosting a symposium on world hunger. Students will work to enlist the support of the Auburn community, and also sponsor a film series on world hunger and sustainability. In the true spirit of the Auburn Creed, this initiative aspires to feed Auburn students' minds and hearts with a sense of social responsibility and human well-being. Ultimately, Auburn's goal is to develop and implement a War on Hunger model that can be replicated by other universities across the nation and around the world. On this important day, I salute the students and faculty of Auburn University for addressing this challenge, and applaud their efforts in helping end hunger around the globe.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, on October 30, 2004, Bill and Gladys Jennings, of Calhoun County, Alabama, will celebrate their 50th anniversary. Members of Saks Baptist Church in Saks, Alabama, for over 25 years, Mr. and Mrs. Jennings met through mutual friends and have always resided in the Calhoun community. They have one son, Jeff. The Jennings love gardening and landscaping, and after long careers in the community have retired to enjoy their outdoor activities and spend time with their family and friends. Mr. Jennings is also an avid golfer. Mr. Speaker, it's not often we have the opportunity to honor a distinguished couple like the Jennings. Thank you for the House's attention on this proud occasion.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, SGT Charles Joseph Webb, 22, of Hamilton, Ohio, died on November 3, 2004 in Iraq. Sergeant Webb was an engineer with the A Company, 82nd Engineer Battalion, 1st Infantry Division of Bamberg, Germany, and was killed when the armored personnel carrier he was riding in was struck by an explosive device. He is survived by his wife Stephanie, as well as his parents Joe and Barbara Webb of Alexandria, Alabama. Sergeant Webb was eager to serve his country, Mr. Speaker, and dreamed of one day becoming an elementary school teacher. He attended school in the Saks area as a young boy and married his high school sweetheart after moving to Ohio. Like every other soldier, he dutifully left behind his family and loved ones to serve our country overseas. Words cannot express the sense of sadness we have for his family, and for the gratitude our country feels for his service. Sergeant Webb died serving not just the United States, but the entire cause of liberty, on a mission to help spread the cause of freedom in Iraq and liberate an oppressed people from tyrannical rule. 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. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the House's remembrance on this mournful day.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dora Belle Thomas Stone of Lee County, Alabama, in anticipation of her 100th birthday on November 8, 2004. Born in Chilton County, Alabama, on November 8, 1904, Mrs. Stone is the daughter of the late George W. and Phairby Adeline Headly Thomas. In 1918, Mrs. Stone moved to Phenix City, Alabama, where she married William Henry Stone on October 21, 1921. She is the mother of four children: William Earl Stone, Thomas Milton Stone, George Lamar Stone, and Barbara Anne Stone Ennis. She has eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. Mrs. Stone is a retired music teacher who taught Sunday school for more than 60 years, and is a member of Smiths Station Baptist Church. She says she cherishes most her family, her church, and God's Word, and studies her Bible every day. It's not often we have the opportunity to recognize the life and accomplishments of a citizen like Mrs. Stone, and I appreciate the House's attention on this important occasion.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the MonCre Telephone Cooperative in Ramer, Al. MonCre began operations in 1954 to bring phone service to the unserved rural areas of Montgomery, Crenshaw and eventually Bulloch and Pike counties, and was the vision of the late founder and Montgomery Advertiser columnist Mildred Smith of Ramer. Today, MonCre employs 24 highly trained technicians and staff, and serves approximately 3,500 households. Services offered 50 years later are far different from those of 1954 and now include a wide range of telephone, internet and DSL services. It's not often we have the opportunity to recognize the achievements and contributions of a community institution like MonCre, and I appreciate the House's attention to the matter at this important occasion.