C. Ruppersberger

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Linda R. Hall, in celebration of her 20th anniversary with the Baltimore City College High School Choir. Linda Hall, a native of Baltimore, MD, has taught music education in the Baltimore Public School System since 1976. She assumed the position of choral director at the Baltimore City College High School in Baltimore in 1987. She is the artistic director for the school's four choirs: the Mixed Chorus, the Concert Choir, the Singing/Swingin' Knights, and the Knights and Daze Show Choir. Under Ms. Hall's direction, the City College choirs have delighted audiences throughout Europe: in Verona, Italy at the International Choral Music Days Festival, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Milan, Italy, as well as other performances in Rome, Spain, and France. The choirs perform extensively along the eastern seaboard of the United States, competing and performing in numerous festivals. The choirs have consistently won superior ratings, awards and trophies for their performances. Early in 2007, the choirs were used in the promotional package and on the Web site for the Disney Honors Program. Among the many awards Ms. Hall has received are the Shenandoah University Alumnae of Excellence Award, the Excellence Merit Achievement Initiative for Maryland's Minority Students Award, the Baltimore City Council's Teacher of the Year Award, and the Outstanding Teacher Award from Baltimore City College. Her greatest reward she says, ``comes from working with students who have a passion for singing and a talent waiting to be developed.'' Linda Hall has served as minister of music and guest conductor for many churches and choirs including the Baltimore County Honors Choir, the Prince Georges County Honors Choir, and in the summer of 2005, the American Choral Directors Association Voices United Summer Conference Festival Chorus. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Ms. Linda R. Hall. She is an outstanding and dedicated member of the faculty at Baltimore City College High School She has shown a unique and committed work ethic in teaching young people in choral arts education for over 30 years. It is with great pride that I congratulate Linda Hall on her 20th Anniversary as Choral Director at Baltimore City College High School.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Cheryl A. Wuensch, in celebration of her ordination as a Methodist Minister in the Baltimore Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church on May 26, 2007. Nearly 20 years ago, she wrote on a scholarship application: ``the first time my heart heard the Gospel was in her classroom.'' To some degree, that statement was true. While she was very active in high school youth group, she did not begin the process of owning a mature faith in Christ until she attended an undergraduate university. Cheryl double majored in political science and religion, with a vague interest in attending law school and a burning desire to immerse herself in the life, teachings, and world of Jesus. Ultimately, she felt the Spirit's call to pursue a vocation of teaching, seeking advanced degrees in the New Testament at Yale and Princeton. Cheryl taught various courses in the New Testament and related areas at Princeton Theological Seminary and at Lancaster Theological Seminary for several years. Cheryl has spent the past 9 years at Timonium United Methodist Church, 2 years as program director and 7 years as Associate Pastor. Her primary areas of spiritual giftedness are in teaching and preaching, leading worship, shepherding, and outreach/evangelism. One of her fundamental philosophies is to equip others for ministry based upon their own giftedness. Cheryl fervently believes that the Gospel can be embodied in new and lifechanging ways through outreach oriented mission activities. She led several trips to Appalachia with approximately 40 youth and adult volunteers. She participated in a trip to Costa Rica with a group from the Baltimore North District. Timonium United Methodist Church continues to be active in two soup kitchens in Baltimore City and sponsored a Habitat House for 11 consecutive years. Over the years, Cheryl focused a great deal on pastoral care and visitation, including ministering to the sick and dying, working with young couples, performing many weddings and baptisms. She has the ability to adapt to a variety of worship settings, enjoying both a traditional liturgy as well as preaching and leading worship in a contemporary setting. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Ms. Cheryl A. Weunsch. She is an outstanding and dedicated member of the Baltimore Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church. Through her tireless efforts in over 9 years of service to the community of the Timonium Methodist Church, she has shown a unique and committed work ethic that few can emulate. It is with great pride that I congratulate her on her ordination as a Minister in the Methodist Church.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Jessica Long, in celebration other selection as 2006 U.S. Paralympian of the Year by the United States Olympic Committee. Jessica Long was born in Siberia and was adopted from a Russian orphanage at the age of 13 months along with her brother Joshua by Steven and Beth Long of Middle River, Maryland. Because of lower leg anomalies, her legs were amputated when she was 18 months old. She learned to walk with prostheses and has been unstoppable ever since. Long has been involved in many sports including gymnastics, cheerleading, ice skating, biking, trampoline, and, of course, she loves to swim. She began swimming in her grandparent's pool before joining her first competitive team in 2002. The next year, Jessica was selected as Maryland Swimming's 2003 Female Swimmer with a Disability of the Year. Jessica made the international swimming world take notice at the 2004 Paralympic Games, winning three gold medals. Only 12 years old at the time, Jessica was the youngest athlete on the U.S. Paralympic Team. Jessica had a phenomenal year in 2006 with a long list of impressive accomplishments. She set five world records and earned nine gold medals at the 2006 International Paralympic Committee Swimming World Championships in Durban, South Africa in December. Her gold medal performances were in free style relay (world record), 100-meter backstroke, 100-meter freestyle (world record), 100-meter fly (world record), IM relay, 100-meter breast stroke, 200-meter IM (world record), 400-meter freestyle (world record), and 50-meter freestyle. She also set three world records at the 2006 U.S. Paralympic National championships in August; two world records at the GTAC Open in Ypsilanti, Michigan, in May; two world records at the Belgian Open in Antwerp, Belgium in May; and four world records at the Spring Can-Am in London, Ontario, in April. She currently holds world records in 12 events, one as part of a relay. She is Swimming World's 2006 Disabled Swimmer of the Year and was named a finalist for the Women's Sports Foundation's Sportswoman of the Year. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Ms. Jessica Long. She is an outstanding and dedicated member of the United States Paralympic Team. In spite of her disability, she has shown a unique and committed work ethic in sports training and competition. Jessica has shown the world that no limitation can prevent an individual from achieving great success. It is with great pride that I congratulate her on her selection as the 2006 United States Paralympian of the Year.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 238, I voted ``no,'' put card in and I guess it did not register. I was present and voted ``no.'' Amendment No. 7 Offered by Mr. McHenry

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor John Heibel, who serves as a Storekeeper Second Class Petty Officer in the United States Coast Guard. Recently, Mr. Heibel was awarded Baltimore Area Coast Guard Enlisted Person of the Year. The Coast Guard requires the recipient of this award to demonstrate pride, professionalism, dedication, and to represent the Coast Guard's core values. Mr. Heibel has excelled in all of these categories, over- qualifying him for this prestigious award. Mr. Heibel possesses a solid set of leadership skills and he has utilized them in the noblest way possible: serving this country. Throughout his career, Mr. Heibel's leadership skills have propelled him forward. He began as a Seaman Recruit, then moved up to Storekeeper Third Class, and currently serves as Storekeeper Second Class. In all of these positions, Heibel demonstrated a commitment to customer service, setting a respectable example for his colleagues to follow. He continues to challenge himself as a leader by enrolling in Officer Candidate School. Mr. Heibel has also committed himself to community service, volunteering for several causes and organizations. He has volunteered for the Fort Meade Turkey Donation, helping to prepare turkey dinners for low-income families in the Baltimore area. Heibel also served as a unit Morale representative and organized a series of Morale events. He planned a picnic at a Baltimore Orioles game which featured the ELC color guard in the opening ceremony. Heibel coordinated a private viewing of the movie ``The Guardian,'' an event which produced a significant turn-out. He also helps to fundraise by selling raffle tickets and concessions at Coast Guard softball games. Mr. Heibel's accomplishments extend into the classroom as well. After earning a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Heibel has decided to continue his education by pursuing a master's degree. He has enrolled in and completed a series of challenging courses such as Business Calculus and Intermediate Accounting. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today in honoring John Heibel. This outstanding individual will never stop challenging himself and his record of success demonstrates that there is no limit to all he can achieve. Mr. Heibel's aspiration for knowledge, strides as a leader, and service to his country all prove that he is worthy of recognition. Let his outstanding accomplishments serve as an example to us all as we work to improve our communities and our country.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Mr. Daniel Hahn, in celebration of his over fifty years of federal service. Daniel Hahn, a Tool Room Mechanic at the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, Maryland, often tells people he feels like he's been at the Coast Guard Yard his whole life. Except for a few years while he served in the United States Marine Corps, he has spent his whole life at the Yard. In 1933, Daniel Hahn was born in a brown shingle house just outside the Coast Guard Yard's main entrance. His father, Louis, a 30- year Coast Guard Yard veteran, met his mother Elizabeth through a co- worker at the shipyard. Five of his uncles in the Hahn family also devoted their federal careers to the Coast Guard Yard. When Daniel was 3 years old, he and his family attended the Yard's Christmas Party, held in the on-base movie theater. That memorable afternoon, Daniel won a handmade wooden rocking horse--a now cherished possession that he keeps to this day. Not only did Daniel enjoy the rocking horse he won at the Coast Guard Yard, but his 3 children, 13 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren have also enjoyed many hours of play on the Coast Guard Yard holiday prize from 1936. While attending Glen Burnie High School, Daniel worked the summer of 1951 at the Coast Guard Yard. He graduated the following year and joined the United States Marine Corps. However, within 3 years he returned to the Coast Guard Yard at Curtis Bay and after a brief period of outside employment, has worked at the Coast Guard Yard ever since. Most of Daniel Hahn's federal career at the Curtis Bay shipyard was as an electrician in the Electric Shop. Since 1990, he has worked in the Yard's Central Tool Room as a Tool Room Mechanic. On April 5, 2007, the United States Coast Guard will extend honors to Mr. Hahn in recognition of his 50 years of dedicated service. He is 1 of only 4 current Coast Guard civilian employees who have attained their Golden Anniversary with the federal government. Mr. Hahn plans to continue his work at the Coast Guard Yard beyond his 50th anniversary. Four months after this unique career achievement, Daniel Hahn will celebrate another milestone in life. He and his wife, Thelma, will celebrate their 52nd wedding anniversary on August 30, 2007. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Mr. Daniel Hahn. He is an outstanding and dedicated employee at the Coast Guard's Curtis Bay Shipyard. Through his tireless efforts in over 50 years of public service, he has shown a unique and committed work ethic that few can emulate. He has gone above and beyond the call of duty in his devotion to the United States Coast Guard and the United States of America.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise before you today to honor the outstanding career of George A. Roche, one of Maryland's most successful business leaders and strongest community advocates. George Roche retired as Chairman and President of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. in December of 2006 after nearly 39 years with the firm. After earning his B.A. degree from Georgetown University in 1963 and his MBA from Harvard Business School in 1966, he joined T. Rowe Price Associates in 1968, serving as an analyst primarily covering natural resource industries. He performed much of his work for Mr. Thomas Rowe Price, who started the New Era Fund in 1969. The New Era Fund was designed to invest in inflation-resistant companies with a natural resource emphasis. Mr. Roche proceeded to serve as President and Portfolio Manager of the New Era Fund from 1979 to 1997. He also served as the Chief Financial Officer of T. Rowe Price Associates from 1984 to 1997 and Chairman and President of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. from 1997 to 2006. Mr. Roche currently serves on the Board of Directors of McCormick and Company, Inc. In the past, Mr. Roche served on the Boards of the Greater Baltimore Committee, the Baltimore Downtown Partnership, The Walters Art Museum, the Enoch Pratt Library and the Roland Park Country School. Mr. Roche also was Chairman of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society of the United Way of Central Maryland from 1999 to 2000. Mr. Roche demonstrated the ideals of corporate leadership, continuing the success of the company with a fervent commitment to ethics and integrity. Under Mr. Roche's leadership, Baltimore-based T. Rowe Price Group grew to a company-record $244 billion in managed assets in 2005. He was also named the recipient of the Loyola College of Maryland's Sellinger School of Business and Management Business Leader of the Year Award in 2005. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today in honoring George A. Roche, a man whose deep commitment to the business community, community groups and civic and philanthropic organizations has improved the quality of life for thousands of residents of the State of Maryland.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to rise before you today to salute a man who has spent many years working toward bettering the quality of life in the State of Maryland. Sadly, after almost a half-century serving the citizens of the great State of Maryland, J. Joseph Curran has retired from public office. 1. Joseph Curran, Jr., served as Attorney General of Maryland from 1987 to 2007. Mr. Curran was born in West Palm Beach, Florida, on July 7, 1931. He attended Baltimore parochial schools, Loyola High School, the University of Baltimore, and the University of Baltimore School of Law. Mr. Curran served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict, with duty in Japan and Korea. Attorney General Curran began his career in public service in 1958 when he was elected to the House of Delegates as a law student. In 1962, he was elected to the State Senate. During this time, despite angry demonstrators picketing his home, he advocated open housing laws for Maryland. In 1967, Mr. Curran became chair of the Judicial Proceedings Committee and held that position for sixteen years. In the General Assembly, Mr. Curran sponsored or fought for significant bills, including those creating the Court of Special Appeals and the District Court system. He consistently supported bills to improve the courts and the corrections system, toughen drunk-driving laws, guarantee equal rights, and require handgun permits. He also worked to modernize Maryland's divorce and alimony laws, reform adoption and guardianship, and protect victims of domestic violence. In 1986, Mr. Curran was elected Attorney General after serving four years as Lieutenant Governor with Governor Harry R. Hughes. In 1990, 1994, 1998, and 2002, he won re-election. Under Mr. Curran, the Attorney General's Office has been a national leader in consumer protection, criminal investigations, Medicaid fraud prosecution, securities regulation, and antitrust enforcement. During his tenure, Mr. Curran worked tirelessly on behalf of children and teens, parents, seniors, victims of domestic violence and sexual predators, and all Marylanders concerned about crime, gun violence, prescription drug abuse, and the potential impact of casino gambling. As Attorney General, Mr. Curran launched a variety of initiatives to help Maryland's children. To protect them against sexual predators, he championed a 2004 law making it a crime to solicit a minor by computer or other means to engage in unlawful sexual conduct. He also proposed lifetime parole supervision for sex offenders and better notification to communities when sex offenders are released from prison. To reduce teen tobacco use, he led Maryland's participation in the landmark $206 billion national settlement with the tobacco industry, which garnered $4.4 billion for Maryland, and industry concessions on advertising and marketing cigarettes to teens. He filed suits to stop unlawful Internet cigarette sales and the use of hip-hop themes to target youth, and reached agreements with national cigarette retailers to prevent sales to youth. He led a multi-state initiative to encourage the motion picture industry to decrease smoking in youth-rated movies. To reduce juvenile crime, Mr. Curran issued a report on the link between children's exposure to media violence and youth aggression and delinquency, and distributed 600,000 media violence diaries to help parents monitor their children's consumption of media violence. Mr. Curran promoted juvenile crime prevention programs to help at-risk youth, including a mentoring program within his own office, and he conducted a statewide youth listening tour to make recommendations in his report, In Their Own Words, about how adults can improve their response to teens' problems. Mr. Curran led efforts to empower people in taking control of difficult decisions they may face at the end of their lives. He began with a groundbreaking opinion early in his tenure that a competent, terminally-ill patient can refuse life-sustaining treatment, and continued with broad educational outreach and dissemination of advanced directives. In 2005, he expanded that outreach by making living wills available in Spanish. He has issued the Nation's first comprehensive guide to the role and responsibilities of a health care proxy, as well as a report on policy issues related to Alzheimer's disease. He also successfully promoted legislation that created a state advisory council on end-of-life care, as well as legislation providing additional protections for Marylanders who become subjects in medical research. To help Marylanders without insurance, Mr. Curran created a first-of- its-kind drug-pricing website, which allows consumers to compare retail prices charged by different pharmacies in Maryland for commonly used prescription drugs. He developed educational outreach materials to help seniors make good decisions about Medicare Part D, the complex federal prescription drug benefit. In a landmark 1990 case, Maryland v. Craig, Attorney General Curran successfully urged the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold Maryland's law permitting victims of child abuse to testify via one-way television. Also before the Supreme Court, the Attorney General successfully litigated Maryland v. Wilson (1997). The Attorney General argued that police officers, who routinely conduct traffic stops that sometime turn deadly, may order the passenger out of the car to allow the officer to safely process the traffic stop. Mr. Curran was a long-time champion of efforts to reduce the epidemic of gun violence. He has worked for better laws and resources to help law enforcement keep guns out of the hands of criminals, including calling for restrictions on the ownership of handguns and establishing a firearms trafficking unit dedicated to the prosecution of persons who unlawfully purchase or attempt to purchase firearms. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me in thanking J. Joseph Curran for his many years of dedicated and distinguished career in service to the citizens of Maryland. He will be remembered for raising the bar and setting the precedent for future Attorney Generals in the State of Maryland.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Neil Koski, who was awarded the 2006 Congressional Volunteer Recognition Award by the Second Congressional District of Maryland's Veterans Advisory Group. Mr. Koski is a dedicated volunteer at the Department of Veterans Affairs' Fort Howard Community Based Outpatient Clinic. He provides morning coffee to the out patients at the clinic five days a week. He helps complete the mission at Fort Howard by providing a supplemental service to the veterans which could not have otherwise be provided through normal operations at the clinic. Relying upon his experience as a veteran, he provides companionship and camaraderie that few can supply to the veterans attending the clinic. Mr. Koski is a Disabled American Veteran who, because of his experiences overcoming his physical disability, is able to provide unique encouragement and friendship to the veteran patients at the Fort Howard clinic. His ability to share stories and tales of his accomplishments is legendary. Mr. Koski is also a member of the National Honor Guard for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He serves as the VAVS Representative for the Veterans of Foreign Wars at the Department of Veteran Affairs Baltimore Rehabilitation and Extended Care Center. Mr. Koski ensures that members are volunteering to provide services to patients as well as making monetary and in-kind donations to support patient needs at the Center. The pride that Mr. Koski feels representing the Veterans of Foreign Wars is constantly evident in his work as a volunteer. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Mr. Neil Koski. He is a remarkable volunteer for Maryland's veterans. Through his tireless efforts in 34 years and 9,000 hours of volunteering, he has helped improve the lives of hundreds of veterans as they receive their medical care from the Department of Veterans Affairs. He has gone above and beyond the call of duty to aid those who have dedicated their lives to serve our great country.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. I rise today in support of H.R. 556. This bill will make national security an important factor in foreign business transactions. Last year's news that the Government of the United Arab Emirates was going to take control over a number of U.S. ports shocked many Americans and it alarmed us here in Congress as well, even though the United Arab Emirates is a close and respected ally. Congress came to understand that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, or CFIUS process is broken. This process by which the United States sells property and assets to a foreign entity is not fully disclosed, has no congressional oversight and merely glances at the national security implications before a decision is made. Today we are working on passing the National Security FIRST Act to fix this problem. As cochairman of the Port Security Caucus and the Member who represents the Port of Baltimore, we must commit to strong security while not adversely impacting commerce. After an initial review is conducted, CFIUS would immediately conduct a full-scale investigation on the effects the transaction has on national security. Understanding the national security implications is vital to these transactions, but it must be done in a reasonable time frame. We live and conduct business in a global environment and we must remain competitive. But we need to make sure that we keep our national security at the forefront of any decision. Announcement by the Chairman

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Tommie Hawkins, who was awarded the 200 Congressional Volunteer Recognition Award by the Second Congressional District of Maryland's Veterans Advisory Group. Mr. Hawkins coordinates scheduling, maintains vehicles and manages volunteer drivers who drive Disabled American Veterans vans, pick up veteran patients and transport them to the Glen Burnie Community Based Outpatient Clinic. He continually solicits new volunteer drivers, maintains driving records and files all reports required by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Hawkins, despite the challenges, effectively manages the maintenance and rotation of an aging transportation fleet for veterans. He ensures that volunteer drivers are available on a moment's notice for veterans' transportation requests. In addition to driving a regular shift himself, he never hesitates to cover unscheduled driving assignments. He has significantly improved the efficiency and effectiveness of the Disabled American Veterans' transportation operations by automating the driver management procedures. Upon receipt of a veteran's request for transportation assistance, he confirms the request with the Department of Veterans Affairs and provides the veteran with a reminder phone call with pick up confirmation. Mr. Hawkins truly has the ability to communicate with veteran patients in a very caring and compassionate way. It would be hard to find an individual that contributes more than Mr. Hawkins to guarantee the success of the Disabled American Veterans' transportation program. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Tommie Hawkins. He is a remarkable volunteer for Maryland's veterans. Through his tireless efforts, he has helped hundreds of veterans receive their medical care from the Department of Veterans Affairs. He has gone above and beyond the call of duty to aid those who have dedicated their lives to serve our great country.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Harold Lee Davis, who was awarded the 2006 Congressional Volunteer Recognition Award by the Second Congressional District of Maryland's Veterans Advisory Group. For over 18 years, Mr. Davis has provided a variety of activities and amenities for the veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs Baltimore Rehabilitation and Extended Care Center. From monthly entertainment shows to cookouts, crab feasts and puppet shows, Mr. Davis puts smiles on the faces of many veterans each month. During the long periods of a veteran's stay at the center, he often brings his grandson along to brighten their day. They work as a team to pass out snacks, provide some bedside entertainment and friendly smiles to the veterans they visit. Mr. Davis truly has the ability to communicate with veteran patients in a very caring and compassionate way. Mr. Davis began his volunteer work for veterans by pushing wheelchair-bound veterans from the Fort Howard Community Based Outpatient Clinic to the local area carnival. He quickly learned of the veterans' needs for a friendly smile and someone to talk to during their stay at a veteran's facility. He now spends days assisting veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs downtown Baltimore Medical Center, the Baltimore Rehabilitation and Extended Care Center and the Perry Point Medical Center. He often travels to the USO International Gateway Lounge at Baltimore-Washington International Airport, Dover Air Force Base, the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home and the Elsmere, Delaware VA Hospital. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Harold Lee Davis. He is a remarkable volunteer for Maryland's veterans. Through his tireless efforts, he has helped hundreds of veterans receive their medical care from the Department of Veterans Affairs. He has gone above and beyond the call of duty to aid those who have dedicated their lives to serve our great country.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Kenita Carter, M.D., who was awarded the 2006 Congressional Volunteer Recognition Award by the Second Congressional District of Maryland's Veterans Advisory Group. Dr. Carter is a compassionate and dedicated physician who provides patient care for over 1,000 veterans. She has been an innovator at the Department of Veterans Affairs Loch Raven Campus Community Based Outpatient Center and has worked untiringly to improve the lives of Maryland's veterans. Dr. Carter developed a MOVE program at the Loch Raven Campus on the grounds of the Baltimore Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Facility. MOVE is a national initiative of the Department of Veterans Affairs to address the problem of diabetes and obesity among the veteran population. Dr. Carter established and chaired a planning committee that developed the program that included exercise, nutritional planning and healthy lifestyle challenges in a group setting. In the voluntary program, the first 14 participants lost 187 pounds collectively while they developed healthier lifestyles. Dr. Carter constantly works with veterans on ways to improve the weight loss program to encourage maximum participation. Even though the MOVE program is a national initiative, Dr. Carter was the first and only physician to embrace the project throughout the entire Department of Veterans Affairs' Maryland Health Care System. She made the program fun for veterans on a shoestring budget by taking walks with the veterans, playing shuffleboard with the veterans and providing lectures on healthy lifestyle habits to keep the veterans motivated throughout the program. Dr. Carter managed this program in addition to her regular patient caseload. Her passion and excitement to see patients succeed is matched only by her compassion for her patients. The veterans who complete this program receive a framed certificate as recognition of their efforts to improve their own lives. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Dr. Kenita Carter. She is a remarkable volunteer for Maryland's veterans. Through her onoing efforts, she has helped hundreds of veterans receive their medical care from the Department of Veterans Affairs. She has gone above and beyond the call of duty to aid those who have dedicated their lives to serve our great country.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. I thank you, Chairman Reyes, of the Intelligence Committee. Madam Speaker, this resolution before the House today is very clear: Congress and the American people support our troops who serve bravely in Iraq, and Congress disapproves of President Bush's decision to send an additional 20,000 troops to Iraq. There is not a Member of this body who does not pray for our Nation's success in Iraq and in the global war on terror. Our brave servicemen and women have performed in Iraq with valor and honor. They have done everything that a grateful Nation has asked of them since the beginning of the war. Whether you are for or against the war, we must support our troops. This resolution does that. The only people sacrificing in this war are the troops and their families. Many military personnel have served two and three tours of duty. It has been difficult on their families here at home. More than 3,100 of our finest sons and daughters have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country. More than 25,000 troops have been wounded. I do not believe we need new troops in Iraq. I believe we need a new strategy in Iraq. The current strategy is clearly not working. We have increased the number of American troops in the past, and it has not done anything to calm the violence. In fact, in certain circumstances the violence has increased. Even General Abizaid, commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East has stated, ``More American forces prevent the Iraqis from doing more, from taking more responsibility for their own future.'' I completely agree with him. I serve on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; I have been to Iraq four times and have met with America's top generals, U.S. and Iraqi troops, and Iraqi elected officials. We must give the Iraqis more responsibility to take control of their own country. We must cut the apron strings and let the Iraqis patrol their own streets. American troops will guard the perimeter areas and back up the Iraqis in an emergency. I call this the Perimeter Plan. Redeploying troops to perimeter areas, the Green Zone, and lowering the profile of American forces will break the dependency the Iraqi military has on U.S. forces. The Iraqis will gain more confidence in their own ability to secure their own country, and we will begin bringing our men and women home. It has been said by my friends on the other side of the aisle that the Democrats don't have a plan. That is not true. Other Members of our party have a plan and I have a plan. In fact, I shared the Perimeter Plan with the President and members of his Cabinet on two occasions at the White House. I also gave a copy of the Perimeter Plan to the Iraqi Study Group that reviewed it before issuing its recommendations that have been largely ignored by the President. This is not cut and run like some on the other side of the aisle would like you to believe. It is a way to force the Iraqis to take more control of their country, while also allowing the U.S. military to do what it does best. We have some of the best operations forces, Marines and Rangers, and the best technology in the world. These forces can focus on backing up the Iraqi military. As Thomas Payne insisted during the American Revolution: ``We need to let those who want independence test their will and try their soul.'' More American troops hinder the Iraqi democracy from testing its soul, and hurt the world in the global war on terror. More than $400 billion has been spent on this war by American taxpayers with little or no oversight by Congress. From the invasion of Iraq and the start of the war, a Republican House and Republican Senate have given the President almost whatever he wanted both in money and strategic resources. The days of the blank check are over. The stakes are too high to allow this money and resources to be spent unchecked. In the first 6 weeks of this new Congress, the Democrats have held 52 House and Senate hearings on Iraq. We are conducting oversight and holding the administration accountable. Iraq was not a hotbed for terrorists before the war, but it is now. The country has become a magnet for those who want to harm Americans and Iraqis and disrupt a new democracy. Terrorists have used Iraq against us to recruit and spread their twisted ideology worldwide. But the global war on terror is much more than Iraq. While we are spending much of our precious resources in Iraq, we are not focused on fighting terrorism worldwide. We are taking our eye off the ball. We must refocus our efforts on other parts of the Middle East, Asia, South America, Africa, and other parts of the world. Good intelligence is the best defense against terrorism. This takes resources. We must prioritize where we put our money. It is not about Republicans or Democrats. It is about all Americans and keeping this country safe for our children and our grandchildren. Madam Speaker, this is a critical moment in the war in Iraq. More troops will not help Iraq. A new strategy will. Democracy is rooted in independence and self-sustainment. By implementing the Perimeter Plan, we encourage the Iraqis to take control of their own country. This strategy will allow us to be successful in Iraq and win the war on terror. This is why we must vote for this resolution. I urge Members to support it

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to acknowledge the outstanding lifelong accomplishments of Reverend Doctor Herman M. Williamson. A resident of Havre de Grace, Maryland, Reverend Dr. Williamson is a native of Evergeen, North Carolina, where he attended public schools and graduated with honors. After moving to Baltimore, Maryland, he completed studies at the Cortez Peters Business College. Reverend Dr. Williamson continued his education in engineering and administrative procedures in the Officers School while serving for five years in the United States Army. After his military service, Reverend Dr. Williamson attended Morgan State College. After moving to Havre de Grace, Maryland, he joined and attended St. James A.M.E. Church before being called to the ministry. Reverend Dr. Williamson decided to return to his roots in the Baptist Church and joined Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. He was licensed to preach and served as Assistant Pastor to the late Reverend Milton C. Phillips. During this time, he completed his course of study at the Maryland Bible Institute. He was called to the pastorate of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church on October 25, 1974 and two days later accepted the pulpit of the Havre de Grace church. Over the years, Reverend Dr. Williamson has been an advocate of faithful service and positive change to assist the members of his church and the residents of Harford County. His outreach to the communities in and surrounding Havre de Grace has been unsurpassed. He supported and was instrumental in the establishment of the Harford County Fuel Fund, the Harford County Food and Nutrition Program and the St. James Cemetery Preservation Council. He is President Emeritus of the Deacon and Deaconess Union of Baltimore, Harford and Cecil Counties and President Emeritus of the Ministerial Alliance of Baltimore, Harford and Cecil Counties. He has also served as auditor of the United Baptist Missionary Convention and Auxiliaries for the State of Maryland, Inc. Reverend Dr. Williamson was the first black chaplain appointed to serve the Harford County Detention Center. He s served on the Executive Board of the Harford Interfaith Community Service, Inc., the Neighbor to Neighbor Summit Advisory Committee for Harford County and the Hicks Advisory Board of Harford County. He was granted an Honorary Doctoral Degree from the Bread of Life Ministries in Whiteville, North Carolina, in February 2002. In early 2007, Reverend Dr. Williamson was the recipient of the Joseph Bond Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award from Harford County. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today in congratulating Reverend Dr. Herman Williamson for his lifelong and caring devotion to the people of Havre de Grace, Harford County, and the State of Maryland.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize a man who led by example not only on the field but continues to lead off the field as well. Cal Ripken Jr., a son of Maryland who is known to many as Baseball's ``Iron Man'', was inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame on January 9, 2007. He garnered 98.53% of the votes--the third highest total in Major League Baseball history. Calvin Edwin Ripken, Jr. was born in Havre de Grace, Maryland on August 24, 1960. He has dedicated his entire baseball career playing for the Baltimore Orioles organization and contributing to life in Maryland. Cal made his debut for the Orioles in August of 1981. He quickly impressed baseball fans and professionals alike with his play at the shortstop position, and was honored for his play by being named the American League's Rookie of the Year in 1982. His continuing excellence on the field led to many additional awards throughout his career. Cal was named the American League's Most Valuable Player in 1983 and 1991. He was a 19-time American League All-Star, winning Most Valuable Player awards in the 1991 and 2001 All-Star games. However, none of his career accomplishments matches his consecutive games played record, previously held by Lou Gehrig at 2,130 games. Cal broke the longstanding record on September 6, 1995, eventually playing 2,632 consecutive games, a record for which he was nicknamed ``Baseball's Iron Man''. Cal Ripken, Jr. retired from professional baseball on October 6, 2001, but that was not the end of the Iron Man's service to baseball or Maryland. He has been an active member of the local community throughout his career and beyond. In 2001, Cal and other members of the Ripken family began the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, which is dedicated to providing access to baseball and softball camps for underprivileged youth. He continued to support baseball in the community when he built a stadium in Aberdeen, MD, for the Aberdeen IronBirds, the Single-A affiliate of the Orioles, of which he is a part owner. He is known as the ``Iron Man'' because of his dedication to the Baltimore Orioles and to baseball due to his consecutive games streak record. However, his efforts on and off the field for the Baltimore area, the state of Maryland, and fans of baseball everywhere are what really make him the ``Iron Man'' to all. Just as he could be counted on to show up every day on the field to play for the Orioles, he is counted on by the people of the Baltimore area and Maryland to show up off the field, and I am proud to say that the ``Iron Man'' has always come through.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Robert L. Curbeam, Captain, United States Navy and National Aeronautics and Space Administration Astronaut. Over the years, Captain Curbeam has served his country to the best of his ability and deserves recognition for his leadership and accomplishments. Captain Curbeam was raised in Turner's Station, and graduated from Woodlawn High School in Baltimore County, Maryland, in 1980. He received his bachelor of science degree in aerospace engineering from the United States Naval Academy in 1984. He received his master of science degree in aeronautical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1990 and a degree of aeronautical and astronautical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1991. He is currently a member of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and the Association of Old Crows. Captain Curbeam's numerous awards include Fighter Wing One Radar Intercept Officer of the Year for 1989 and the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School Best Developmental Thesis Award. Upon graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy, Captain Curbeam commenced Naval Flight Officer training in 1984. In 1986 he reported to Fighter Squadron 11 and made overseas deployments to the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas, and the Arctic and Indian Oceans on board the USS Forrestal. During his tour with Fighter Squadron 11, he also attended Navy Fighter Weapons School. Upon completion of Test Pilot School in December 1991, he reported to the Strike Aircraft Test Directorate where he was the project officer for the F-14A/B Air-to-Ground Weapons Separation Program. In August 1994, he returned to the U.S. Naval Academy as an instructor in the Weapons and Systems Engineering Department. Selected to be an astronaut by NASA in December 1994, Curbeam reported to the Johnson Space Center in March 1995. After completing a year of training and evaluation, he was assigned to the Computer Support Branch in the Astronaut Office. A veteran of two space flights, STS-85 in 1997 and STS-98 in 2001, Curbeam logged over 593 hours in space, including over 19 EVA hours during three spacewalks. Curbeam served as a spacecraft communicator (CAPCOM) responsible for relaying all voice communication between Mission Control and crews aboard the Space Shuttle and International Space Station. During the spring of 2002, he served as Deputy Associate Administrator for Safety and Mission Assurance, at NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC. Currently, Curbeam serves as the Safety Branch Chief for the Astronaut Office. Captain Curbeam was named to NASA's most recent mission STS-116 in 2003. The mission launched on December 9, 2006. During Space Shuttle Discovery's 13-day mission to the International Space Station, the STS- 116 crew continued construction of the station during the first of four spacewalks. The next two spacewalks rewired the station's power system, preparing it to support the station's final configuration and the arrival of additional science modules. A fourth spacewalk was added to allow the crew to retract solar arrays that had folded improperly. As the only STS-116 crew member to participate in all four spacewalks, Captain Curbeam set a Space Shuttle Program record for the most spacewalks performed by one astronaut during a single mission. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor CAPT Robert L. Curbeam. He is a remarkable leader and has served the citizens of Maryland and the United States exceptionally throughout his career.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2, the Fair Minimum Wage Act. This much needed increase in the minimum wage is long overdue. During the last 9 years since the minimum wage was last increased, 28 states and the District of Columbia have come to the aid of their citizens and passed laws implementing a higher minimum wage rate than the federal standard. Increasing the federal minimum wage is not about giving high school students who work part-time a raise. It is about helping individuals and families meet their daily basic needs. Almost one-third of hourly workers earning less than $7.25 lived in families with incomes of $20,000 or less. As prices for energy, health care, and daily living expenses including child care and college tuition continue to increase, the minimum wage has remained the same. This increase in the minimum wage is necessary to help families pay for the rising cost of these goods and services. To understand what minimum wage earners are dealing with, imagine how much income you earned in 1997 and the cost of your daily expenses. For example, in Baltimore in January 1997, a gallon of whole milk was $2.87. In January 2006 a gallon of whole milk was $3.39, an increase of 18 percent. Imagine now earning what you earned in 1997, but forced to pay at least 18 percent more for your daily living expenses. For many people, an increase of 18 percent over 9 years would not be noticed because typically job salaries would also increase. But for people earning minimum wage, any increase in the price of goods and services is noticed. For a more dramatic example, consider the cost of a gallon of gasoline. In January 1997 a gallon of gas cost $1.22 and in January 2006, the same gallon cost $2.27, an increase of 94 percent. Increases of this magnitude impact the entire population but those who make the least will be hit the hardest. How can we expect people earning the current minimum wage to keep up with the increasing costs of everything? An increase in the minimum wage is essential to helping all Americans achieve economic security and for working adults to be able to meet the basic needs of their families. For this reason, I support H.R. 2 and raising the federal minimum wage.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 35. The 9/11 Commission recommended that we change the way Congress oversees the intelligence activities. I am very familiar with those activities as a member of the Committee on Intelligence and also representing constituents who work for the National Security Agency. NSA is in my district. At a time when we have reformed our intelligence agencies and required them to communicate and cooperate and unified their management through the new Director of National Intelligence, it is only right that we unify our oversight of the intelligence community. H. Res. 35 does just that. It will allow us to make more informed and more effective funding decisions. It will enhance the ongoing work of the Intelligence and Appropriations Committees. Our job on national security should be to do what is best to put the safety and the security of our Nation first, above all. We can't get bogged down with our own individual complaints about jurisdiction and power. We have to do what is best for America. I will be proud to vote for H. Res. 35.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this motion to instruct conferees. As co-chair of the Congressional Port Security Caucus and a member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I cannot stress enough the importance of adequately securing our ports. The proposed sale of shipping operations to Dubai Ports World earlier this year was a wake-up call for this country, not because it would have jeopardized shipping operations here on the ground. Our longshoremen, terminal operators, Coast Guard, Customs and Border Patrol will do a great job no matter what company manages shipping operations. The Dubai deal was an eye opener because it did just that, it put the spotlight on our ports and showed the vulnerabilities that America could no longer ignore. The UAE spends a huge amount of money on securing its Dubai ports, and their ports are the safest in the world. The Dubai ports are safe because of the money invested in their ports and because they make their ports a priority. We have not paid sufficient attention to our ports. We have not made our ports a priority. There are 539 ports in this country, making them an economic engine for America. The Port of Baltimore, which I represent, alone handles about 400,000 containers each year. A major event at a port would result in economic damages ranging from $58 billion to $1 trillion. With so much at stake for our safety and economy, it is essential that we know what is coming in through our ports, where it came from, and who is sending it. Ironically, Dubai Ports World's failed attempt to take over shipping operations here in America was what finally got our country to focus on securing our ports. The SAFE Port/GreenLanes bill is a critical piece of legislation and a bipartisan effort. It is a comprehensive first step to make our ports safer. We must make port security a high priority. I strongly support moving this bill through Congress.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize a very significant occasion. I am proud to represent two people who have lived a full life of love and happiness. Donald and Margaret Mergler celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary on September 4, 2006. The Merglers are believed to be the oldest living married couple in the United States. In the world we live in today, marriages sometimes don't last more than a year let alone 80. This couple is truly worthy of recognition for such a joyous occasion. The 98-year-olds have known each other since grade school. They were both born and raised in Havre de Grace, Maryland. As children in grade school the couple knew each other, but it wasn't until Donald offered Margaret a ride home from their church's Christmas pageant, the two became a couple. After the Merglers were married, Mr. Mergler's career took them on a tour of Maryland's neighboring states. Mr. Mergler was a jockey at the race tracks for many years. After he hung up his reins, Mr. Mergler relocated the family back to the Havre de Grace area where he worked as an assemblyman for the company now referred to as Lockheed Martin. The couple remained here for the rest of their working years. While Mr. Mergler put together helicopters for Boeing, Mrs. Mergler chauffeured military persons and supervised mail distribution at Aberdeen Proving Ground. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join with me to commemorate the union of Donald and Margaret Mergler. Much can be learned from the 98-year-old couple about love, life, and happiness. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to them for reaching their 80th wedding anniversary.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to rise before you today to salute a woman who has spent many years working towards bettering the quality of life in the State of Maryland. Sadly, after 32 years of service the eight time elected Maryland State Attorney, Sandra O'Connor, will give up her post. She is the longest serving prosecutor in the State of Maryland. As a former prosecutor, I had the privilege of working under Sandy during her tenure. I have great respect and admiration for the work she has done over the last 32 years. She continuously worked to support victims and witnesses. In fact, she is responsible for creating the first unit in Maryland to assist victims and witnesses. Mrs. O'Connor cracked down on criminals by establishing tough standards for people who use handguns as well as commit violent crimes in Baltimore County. As a direct result of her leadership, Baltimore County has the most offenders serving no-parole sentences in Maryland. She has also established a Child Abuse and Sexual Offense Unit, and a Repeat Offender Unit. In addition, she has established programs for Rape Awareness and ``Better Safe Than Sorry''. Without a doubt, this is a woman of great caliber. Her grace, dignity, and unparalleled determination set her apart from so many in her field. She worked tirelessly through the years to remain free from partisan views and instead focused on how to better assist Maryland citizens. Mrs. O'Connor not only devoted her time to the State's Attorney for Baltimore County office, but also to a number of other organizations. She is the Vice-President and Director of the National District Attorney's Association; a past president of the Maryland State Attorney's Association; and she was appointed to serve on the Board of Directors for the State Justice Institute and the Advisory Board for the National Information Center. Mrs. O'Connor has also been honored by a number of organizations for her outstanding service. In addition to serving on these boards, Sandy also lectures at the National College of District Attorneys and in 1991 she was a recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Award. As a graduate of Catonsville Senior High, Indiana University, and Indiana University School of Law she has made her alma maters proud. Mrs. O'Connor has set the standard extremely high and leaves big shoes to fill. Confidently, I can say that she is the best in this field and Baltimore County was lucky to have her for so long. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to salute State's Attorney for Baltimore County, Sandra O'Connor, for a remarkable job. She will always be remembered for raising the bar and setting the precedent for future Baltimore County State's Attorneys.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Just in response to the comments made by my friend from Florida, also, I agree with most of what you are saying. We need to protect our country. We need to be able to have the tools to go on the computer or to go on the cell phone or whatever we need. But we are a country of laws, and our forefathers created an excellent, excellent country and a Constitution, and that Constitution created checks and balances. That is about what we are talking about here today. Now, I have an amendment that was before the Rules Committee today that was rejected. One of the administration's biggest arguments is that they need more time and flexibility to track down terrorists without going to a FISA judge. My amendment that was just rejected by the Rules Committee does that. My amendment extends the duration of emergency authorizations from 7 to 14 days. That means the people who work at NSA have 14 days before they have to go to a FISA judge, but they do have to go to a FISA judge. So if it is the opinion of the administration that there is an emergency situation to protect our country, they can go on that phone to find that terrorist, but they would be able to have 14 days before they go to a FISA judge. But the issue is they have to go to a FISA judge, and that is the check and balance we do have in this country. If we get information on an important target, we can conduct warrantless surveillance for 14 days before going to a FISA judge. That is giving the tools that we need. That amendment was rejected. The purpose of my amendment was to make sure that in an emergency there was absolutely no chance that the men and women of the NSA would have to turn off their equipment just because they didn't have enough time to get a warrant. As the Member who represents NSA, which is in my district, who sits on the Intelligence Committee and is one of the handful of Members briefed into the President's program, I would have hoped that my amendment would have been in order. My amendment was an attempt to do the right thing for the country and NSA. We should remember that what makes our country great is our system of checks and balances. My amendment would have done that. We should not have a closed rule on this bill. We should be willing to take whatever amendments are necessary to make the underlying bill the best one we can for the security of our country. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the rule.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to honor the life of a Maryland soldier who died honorably serving his country in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Private Eric M. Kavanagh from Glen Burnie, Maryland was a dedicated and loyal serviceman. His courage enabled him to be a leader among his peers. The 20-year-old private was trained as a Bradley tank driver. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany. After his training, he was stationed in Iraq for 5 weeks. I commend Private Kavanagh for his courage to serve our country and to fight for freedom in an unsettled world. Without doubt, his bravery gives his parents, Mr. Kelvin T. Kavanagh and Ms. Rhonda Kavanagh great pride. Private Kavanagh was the oldest of three children. He is remembered for being not only a magnanimous and compassionate soldier but also an incredible brother and son. Prior to joining the Army, Private Kavanagh worked for a weekly shopping publication, the Pennysaver. Co-workers said he was always happy and smiling. He attended Folger McKinsey Elementary School, Severna Park Middle School, and Chesapeake High School. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor the patriotism of Private Eric M. Kavanagh. His love of country and willingness to serve his country will forever last in our hearts and minds. He made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States of America and he will always be remembered as a hero from Maryland.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, this Friday, September 22, the average American senior will lose his or her prescription drug coverage that was promised by the majority. This is the same confusing and complicated drug plan the majority created through the private sector rather than through the Federal Government's Medicare program. Millions of seniors have already lost their coverage, but in the coming days, those numbers will climb as more seniors are expected to be denied their coverage when they hit the $2,250 mark. How can this be? How can the majority create a plan where seniors are still forced to pay monthly premiums but are denied coverage? How can a majority create a law that is supposed to help seniors and then not allow the government to negotiate to bring down drug prices? We must give the Federal Government the ability to negotiate on behalf of seniors so that we can bring down drug prices and eliminate the doughnut hole so no senior loses their drug coverage. It is time we take our country in a new direction.