Heath Shuler

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I want to commend the chairwoman for her extraordinary leadership in the Small Business Committee, along with Ranking Member Graves, their hard work, their dedication and truly working in a bipartisan way. Far too often here in Washington, it's too much partisanship. But within this committee we're seeing the great leadership and the great work of Chairwoman Velazquez. Also I would like to congratulate the ranking member on the subcommittee, Mr. Luetkemeyer, for his outstanding work and all the members and staff and their hard work and their dedication on this very important legislation that can help us get out of the recession through the work of our small businesses. Mr. Chairman, as we observe Small Business Week, we have an opportunity to not only celebrate small businesses but to strengthen them. Entrepreneurs are the beating heart of the American industry. They don't just create jobs, more jobs than big businesses, they unlock more new markets and create more products. Entrepreneurs generate 60 to 80 percent of all new positions and are the most effective drivers of the economic growth. At a time when big companies are slashing their work force, we need to invest in businesses that are creating jobs, not cutting them. Entrepreneurial development programs or ED, do just that. And the benefits don't stop at small business community. Every dollar spent on these initiatives drives another $2.87 back into the economy. In 2008 alone, ED programs pumped $7.2 billion into communities across the country. They also laid the groundwork for 73,000 new jobs. Small businesses have a history of sparking recovery. The Job Creation Through Entrepreneurship Act will give them the tools they need to succeed. As the name suggests, the Job Creation through Entrepreneurship Act, or H.R. 2352, focuses on the job creators. It will give existing firms the tools necessary to succeed and allow new businesses to get off the ground. That's important because small firms can pull us out of this recession. After all, they did it in the mid-1990s. At that time small firms created 3.8 million jobs, ushering in an era of prosperity. Today, national unemployment is on the rise. By 2010, it is expected to reach 9.8 percent. In my home State of North Carolina, it's already 10.8 percent. That is why H.R. 2352 is so important. It incentivizes our job creators so they can put Americans back to work. Small Business Administration ED programs are critical resources. Small firms that use these services are twice as likely to succeed. This legislation takes important steps in strengthening ED. ED helps entrepreneurs do everything from draft business plans to access capital. It also encourages entrepreneurship within underrepresented groups and underserved communities. H.R. 2352 includes language to encourage veterans and Native American business ownership. It modernizes SCORE, makes improvements to the Women's Business Centers and establishes distance learning initiatives. As we celebrate Small Business Week, I can't imagine a better time to invest in entrepreneurs. They are all a very vital and very important part of our economic recovery, not only in this year but in decades to come. Small businesses have sparked recoveries in the past, and with the proper tools, will do it again in the future. I strongly urge and support H.R. 2352. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHULER. I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Nye).

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Mrs. Dahlkemper).

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Chairman, I would like to inquire how much time is left on both sides

Mr. SHULER. I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Altmire).

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Chairman, again, I would like to commend Mr. Luetkemeyer, the ranking member, for his hard work, for his dedication, and for his true leadership in a bipartisan way on the subcommittee. At this time, Mr. Chairman, we have no further speakers. I will reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor America's entrepreneurs, those distinguished individuals who support our communities, drive innovation, and keep our nation strong. Small businesses bring fresh ideas to the table, develop the resources to meet the demands of an ever-changing world, and make a meaningful impact on our neighborhoods. Entrepreneurs are responsible for providing 60 to 80 percent of all new jobs, giving them the potential to propel rapid economic growth and expand ever-developing fields. Some of the country's largest companies began as start-ups in small offices, homes and garages exploring these new fields. Limited only by their imagination, these firms performed cutting-edge work in emerging industries that have become the very foundation of our society. As our nation and the world face the most difficult economic conditions in decades, entrepreneurs have the potential to lead us back to prosperity. The resiliency and adaptability shown by small businesses in past recessions demonstrate their capability to meet the challenges standing in their way and emerge stronger than ever. America's small businesses will drive the economic recovery from this downturn and our economy will emerge stronger than ever. Times may be tough, but America's entrepreneurial spirit is tougher. To recognize the monumental achievements of our nation's small firms, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has declared May 17-23 as the 46th Annual National Small Business Week. The House Small Business Committee is celebrating all our country's hard-working entrepreneurs by saluting the Heroes of Small Business, those men and women who have shown the strength, leadership, and resourcefulness that keep our economy moving forward. I ask that you, Madam Speaker, and the entire U.S. House of Representatives join me in recognizing and thanking Mr. Sutton Bacon for his tremendous accomplishments on behalf of small businesses. Mr. Bacon is President and CEO of Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), the largest outdoor recreation company in the United States. He is responsible for overall business strategy and operational performance of the employee-owned company, which draws over half a million visitors every year. Located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NOC has been honored by several publications for its exemplary facilities and service excellence. Mr. Bacon is an active conservationist, serving on the boards of multiple outdoor recreation and natural preservation organizations. He is an advocate of increased youth involvement with nature, and established the NOC Foundation to provide better access to outdoor experiences, equipment, and education for youth and underserved communities. A classically trained musician, Mr. Bacon has performed with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus and has performed on GRAMMY Award-winning commercial records. Madam Speaker, Mr. Bacon has exemplified the remarkable accomplishments of which America's entrepreneurs are capable. This week, he will testify before the House Small Business Committee to share his story. I ask that you and the entire U.S. House of Representatives join with me in honoring him for the extraordinary work he has done for the small business economy. His efforts demonstrate that if given access to the right resources, America's small businesses can be the catalysts that lift our economy from the current downturn and put us on the road to recovery.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I had the privilege of co-chairing the 57th Annual National Prayer Breakfast with my colleague, Congressman Vern Ehlers of Michigan, on February 5, 2009. This annual gathering is held here in our Nation's Capital and is hosted by Members of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives weekly prayer breakfast groups. Every president since Dwight Eisenhower has spoken at the National Prayer Breakfast. This year, we were honored to have the participation of our President and the First Lady. President Obama continued the longstanding tradition of addressing the Breakfast. We were encouraged and inspired by his words as well as the remarks shared by the Right Honorable Tony Blair. This year we hosted a gathering of over 4,000 individuals from all 50 States and from 182 countries around the world. So that all may benefit from the prayerful message relayed at the National Prayer Breakfast, I would like to request that a copy of the transcript of the 2009 proceedings be printed in the Congressional Record at this time. 57th National Prayer Breakfast--Thursday, February 5, 2009, Hilton Washington Hotel, Washington, DC Co-Chairs: U.S. Representative Vern Ehlers and U.S. Representative Heath Shuler Congressman Vernon Ehlers: Good morning. Welcome to the National Prayer Breakfast. Congressman Heath Shuler: I am honored to introduce a great leader from North Carolina. Michell Hicks is the Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokees. He was elected to the position in 2003 and re-elected in 2007. He and his wife Marsha have five children. Chief Hicks is joined by Amanda Wolfe, who has won the honor of being Miss Cherokee. They will now offer our pre-breakfast prayer, the Lord's Prayer in English and Cherokee. Chief Hicks. Chief Michell Hicks: It is an honor to be here this morning. I want to thank the Congressmen for the invitation and, most importantly, to thank the Lord for blessing each one of us today. Miss Cherokee: ``Our Father which art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.'' Chief Hicks: (translates the Lord's Prayer in Cherokee) Congressman Shuler: I would like to introduce our special guests that we have here this morning. Most of the folks at the head table will be introduced in their place in the program, but we would like to introduce the others as well-- Mrs. Anita Skelton, daughter-in-law of the Congressman; Joanna Ehlers, the spouse of my co-chair; my wife, Nicole; and the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama. Congressman Ehlers: I have the pleasure of introducing several heads of state and heads of government who have traveled to Washington to participate in this important event. I would ask you to join me in welcoming: President Rene Garcia Preval of Haiti President Gloria Arroyo of the Philippines Prime Minister Sali Berisha of Albania Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski of Macedonia Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam of Mauritius We cannot recognize all of the foreign dignitaries without recognizing our own Vice President Biden. It is a pleasure to have all of you here. In addition to those I have introduced, we also have former heads of government, vice presidents, and first ladies from the nations of Bulgaria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Dominican Republic, the Fiji Islands, Indonesia, Kenya, Mozambique, Pakistan, Senegal, and Tanzania. You all are most welcome. We are honored by your presence. Thank you all for being here. Let me just say a bit about our weekly prayer breakfast-- just so you know where we are coming from. Every Thursday morning from eight to nine o'clock, a group of us get together for prayer and singing. As we are singing hymns, echoing through the corridors of the Capitol, and then engaging in prayer, it always strikes me: ``This is wonderful, right here in the capital of the United States, we are having this wonderful ceremony together, this event where we are recognizing God's place in our lives.'' Every week when we kick it off, the first words are ``welcome to the best hour of the week.'' That is the way we feel about it. We are glad to welcome you to the best hour of the year, right here in this room. Congressman Shuler: On Thursday mornings, it is very special that we have members of Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, who check their political parties at the door when they attend our breakfast. We are there to be united, to fellowship, to worship, to sing and to praise together. Many times we laugh together, we hear funny stories, and we cry together about the times that we miss our families and when we struggle. It is our members of Congress reaching out to one another and in prayer. We cherish those moments together. Each week we actually sing a hymn. The singing is not very good, I might add. It is very special that we have every state as well as 182 nations represented here today. We get to hear some wonderful singing and wonderful worship on this great day. I would like to introduce to you professional musicians to take the members of Congress's place. I think God really appreciates that. Our musical guests this morning are Casting Crowns, led by Mark Hall. Casting Crowns: [sing] ``Oh, what I would do to have the kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat; I'm in onto the crashing waves. Just step out of my comfort zone to the realm of being known where Jesus is and is holding out his hand, but the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me, reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed. The waves, they keep on telling me time and time again boy you'll never win, you'll never win but the voice of truth, it tells me a different story. The voice of truth says do not be afraid, and the voice of truth said this is for my glory out of all the voices calling out to me I would choose to listen and believe the voice of truth. And oh what I would do to have the kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant with just a sling and a stone. Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors shaking in their armor, wishing they'd of had the strength to stand, but the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me, reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed, the giant keeps on telling me time and time again boy, you'll never win (never win), you'll never win but the voice of truth tells me a different story, the voice of truth says ``do not be afraid'' and the voice of truth says ``this is for my glory.'' Out of all the voices calling out to me I would choose to listen and believe the voice of truth. The stone was just the right size to put the giant on the ground and the waves, they don't seem so high on top of them looking down and I soar with the wings of eagles if I'd stop and listen to the sound of Jesus singing over me and the voice of truth tells me a different story, the voice of truth says ``do not be afraid,'' and the voice of truth said ``this is for my glory,'' out of all the voices calling out to me I would choose to listen and believe, I would choose to listen and believe, voice of truth, and I, I will listen and believe because Jesus you are the voice of truth.'' Congressman Ehlers: Any Thursday morning that you are free, you are welcome to come to our weekly prayer breakfast. It is now my pleasure to introduce Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson of Missouri to present a reading from the Holy Scriptures. Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson: Many of you all know that in Genesis 33 we find the reunion of Jacob and Esau. As a young man, Jacob had swindled the inheritance away from his twin brother Esau by tricking their blind father Isaac. After that treachery, Jacob flees for fear of Esau's reprisal. Jacob toils away in a faraway land and builds up for himself great wealth. However, God leads Jacob back to the land of his birth to fulfill the covenant God had with Abraham. Jacob is so afraid of Esau that he divides his people so that some may survive the coming battle. I will read to you now from Genesis chapter 33, verses 1-12: And Jacob lifted up his eyes and looked and behold Esau was coming and four hundred men with him, so he divided the children among Leah and Rachel and the two female servants, and he put the servants with their children in front, then Leah with her children and Rachel and Joseph last of all. He himself went on before them bowing himself to the ground seven times until he came nearer to his brother. But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him and they wept. And when Esau lifted up his eyes and saw the women and children, he said ``who are these with you?'' Jacob said ``the children whom God has graciously given your servant.'' Then the servants drew near, they and their children, and bowed down. Leah likewise and her children drew near and bowed down, and last, Joseph and Rachel drew near and they bowed down. Esau said ``what do you mean by all this company that I met?'' Jacob answered, ``to find favor in the sight of my Lord.'' But Esau said, ``I have enough my brother, keep what you have for yourself.'' Jacob said, ``No, please, if I have found favor in your sight, then accept my present from my hand, for I have seen your face which is like seeing the face of God and you have accepted me. Please accept my blessing that is brought to you because God has dealt graciously with me and because I have enough.'' Thus he urged him and he took it, then Esau said ``let us journey on our way and I will go ahead of you.'' Congressman Ehlers: To present a prayer for national leaders I call to the platform one of the pillars of our House breakfast for many years, Congressman Ike Skelton. Congressman Ike Skelton: Whenever we pray, we should keep in mind the words of the British Poet Alfred Lord Tennyson who wrote: ``more things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.'' May we pray? God Almighty and the Father of us all--as is stated in the Constitution of this great country: ``we have common purpose as the people of the United States, that we are to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity.'' Throughout our history, Lord, you have granted us leaders in national government, in industry, commerce, science, education and religion to serve this common purpose--for this we thank you. In our own day, we pray for our President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill. We also pray for the members of the Congress, our leaders, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the other leaders in the Congress, the Supreme Court, our cabinet members, our military leaders, and all government leaders in the states and the local communities. Help them to fulfill their sacred pledge and perform their duties with wisdom and compassion. May they seek your guidance by prayer, the support of the citizenry by listening to genuine needs, and witness to your strong arm behind everything. May leaders in business and economics be blessed with personal integrity and professional collaboration. Lord, bless our nation's leaders in religion and education so that they provide a powerful vision for your people. Instill in them common hopes and greater understanding of themselves and others--together, creating imaginations will establish a common ground to plant seeds for the future. In our families, Lord, raise up new leadership for our nation, may parents prove to be good role models by their faithfulness, self discipline, and basic moral standards. Help them to encourage young people to have great expectations and to accomplish great deeds. Especially, we pray today for those families who are involved in military service. Protect them, sustain them until they return safely and together with them we live in peace. In you, oh Lord, we find the power to live our constitutional convictions and in you we place our trust, calling upon your Holy Name, now and forever. Amen. Senator Johnny Isakson: Good morning. I am Johnny Isakson from Georgia, and I am honored to Co-Chair the Senate prayer breakfast. Senator Amy Klobuchar: I am Amy Klobuchar from Minnesota, the other Co-Chair. On behalf of the United States Senate, we would like to welcome you today. When Johnny and I took over the Senate prayer breakfast this year, we inherited some changes. There was a new Senate food service manager and she tripled the price of the breakfast. More importantly, they took the grits off the menu which did not sit well with Johnny or any of the other Southerners. Picture this, here I am, the first woman to do this, a Northern Senator, and the grits disappear from the menu and the price triples. This is a true crisis in leadership. So we asked for some divine intervention. After some tough negotiations, the price came down and, as if by a miracle, the grits returned to the menu. Senator Isakson: Mr. President, if a Minnesota Yankee can save grits for a Southern Republican, there is hope for bipartisanship. We gather together every Wednesday, not as Republicans or as Democratic members of the Senate, but as Americans with a deep and abiding faith in God and the hope for the future of our country, and the hope for the future of our world. As we do so, we gather not seeking what we do not have in common, but relishing that which we do have in common--a deep and abiding faith in Our Lord, and a great appreciation for our great country, the United States of America. Senator Klobuchar: Our Senate prayer breakfast is truly a special occasion. It is a chance for us to share and to build friendships which might not otherwise be possible. This is especially important for all of us. The daily pressures of our work can way too often limit our horizons and narrow our circle of friends. These same pressures also make it all too easy for us to lose our way. Through prayer we can find our moral compass that will guide us back and lead us forward. And through prayer we are also humbled--that is important since modesty too often appears to be one of the first casualties of a life in Washington. As a new Senator, I found the prayer breakfast to be a respite from the day to day quarrels and strategic maneuvering of Washington. I have actually gotten to like grits and meet some new friends like Johnny. Senator Isakson: Our Founding Fathers created this nation as one nation under God and we know that we are also one world under God. As we gather and pray together, we pray for the strength of our country, knowing that just as the breakfast we have enjoyed sustains our bodies, the faith we share in common with our God sustains our soul. Congressman Shuler: As was mentioned earlier, the House and the Senate alternates chairing the National Prayer Breakfast, with his year's Prayer Breakfast being run by the House. We call on all of our colleagues and ask them to participate for various roles in the program. When we first put the program together, our next presenter was a member of the U.S. House. Since then, she has gotten herself into a new job in the Senate--but we still claim her as one of us. To present a reading from the Holy Scripture, I am happy to introduce my friend and the new Senator from New York, Kirsten Gillibrand. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand: It is an honor to be among so many faithful. I would like to offer a reading from Matthew, chapter 5, verses 14-16. ``You are the light of the world, a city on a hill cannot be hidden, neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.'' Heath asked me to reflect on what this scripture meant to me. I thought about this passage and the parable of the talents. I believe that as God has blessed me with certain skills and talents, as New York's newest Senator, I offer them up for public service, with much gratitude and humility in my heart. May each deed from my hands and each word from my lips reflect God's light and his love for the world. Congressman Shuler: It is now my pleasure to introduce Congressman Todd Akin of Missouri, who will present a prayer for world leaders.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Otis Herman Glenn, Jr., a Vietnam Veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart. As a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, Sgt. Glenn fought valiantly in the battles of Khe Sanh and Con Thien in Southern Vietnam. For his truly heroic and fearless service in Vietnam, Sgt. Glenn was awarded the Presidential Citation for Bravery. After being wounded in combat in 1968, Sgt. Glenn was awarded the Purple Heart. When his tour in Vietnam ended, Sgt. Glenn returned to North Carolina and married Mrs. Judith Glenn. While Sgt. Glenn left the jungles and rice patties of Vietnam in 1968, the damage done to his lungs when in combat proved fatal in 2007. After 27 years of marriage, Mrs. Glenn watched as the effects of Vietnam slowly ended her husband's life. Mrs. Glenn made a pledge to properly honor her husband's passing. In April of 2009, Mrs. Glenn was accompanied by family and friends as Sgt. Glenn's name was read in front of the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Wall. Because his death was not classified as killed in action, Sgt. Glenn's name is not eligible to be engraved in the Wall. However, his name will be added to the Vietnam War Honor Roll Book to serve as a lasting reminder of his service and sacrifice. I would like to recognize Judith Glenn for her tireless efforts to memorialize her husband, and I ask my colleagues to join me in fulfilling Judith's promise to pay tribute to her beloved husband. It is with great respect that I commend the service of this brave Marine who joined hands with countless other patriots to fight for our great nation. I hope that today's generation of young men and women will follow the shining example of patriotism and dedication to freedom modeled by Sergeant Otis Glenn and the other heroes of the Vietnam War.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Cliff Dodson on his impending retirement. For the past nine years, Mr. Dodson has served our community as the Superintendent of Buncombe County Schools. As Superintendent, Mr. Dodson has demonstrated his dedication to quality education and has ardently worked to improve educational opportunities for all children. Through his dedication and commitment to education, Mr. Dodson has helped shape the future of Western North Carolina. He began his service to education thirty-eight years ago as a science and physical education teacher. He has continued to work tirelessly on behalf of children in various roles as an educator, as an Assistant Principal, as a Principal, and for the past twenty-three years as a public school Superintendent. Mr. Dodson proven himself an accomplished public servant by successfully overseeing the educational direction of over 25,000 students and effectively administering a budget of almost a quarter of a million dollars. Due to his outstanding efforts he has been recognized by the North Carolina Association of Educators as Superintendent of the Year. I deeply appreciate that under his direction during these difficult economic times, Buncombe County has ensured that 12,000 students can receive free or reduced-price hot cafeteria meals. He has certainly set an admirable example for future public servants who follow in his path. Mr. Dodson has also served on the Board of Directors for numerous education-based organizations including the United Way, Children First, and the North Carolina School Administrators Association. In addition to his service in the field of education, as an honored veteran, Mr. Dodson earned the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry for his service as a United States Marine. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Mr. Cliff Dodson today and I want to thank him for his invaluable contributions to the Western North Carolina educational community and to wish him well in his retirement.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the invaluable contributions of a group of altruistic college students from Warren Wilson College in Asheville, NC. INSULATE! is an ongoing project at Warren Wilson College through which students assist low income home- owners in reducing their utility bills and their carbon footprints by means of weatherization. As part of the INSULATE! program, students weatherized 5 homes in five days during their Spring Break this year. The students were able to help one 84-year-old retiree who was spending over a third of her income on utilities alone. After the students' intervention, her utility costs have decreased over 20 percent. Their efforts will be filmed later this year in an attempt to educate and empower those with similar ambitions on how to help reduce their carbon footprint. The benefits of increased energy efficiency at a national level are immense. As the United States moves towards energy independence and a large-scale reduction of greenhouse gases, efficiency must play a major role. The ultimate goal of the INSULATE! program is ambitious, they seek to improve the lives of those less fortunate on an individualized basis. The potential on a national level is staggering--in Western North Carolina alone there are 44,000 eligible households. For each of these households helped by INSULATE! roughly two tons of carbon dioxide are prevented from escaping into the atmosphere each year. On behalf of myself, and my constituents, I would like to thank the INSULATE! program for their contribution to meeting America's energy goals and for their assistance to those less fortunate in our community.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable North Carolinian. On December 12, 2008, Captain Vanesa Gilbert became the first woman in Henderson County history to have completed FBI Academy training. According to Henderson County Sheriff Rick Davis, only six local law enforcement officers, including Gilbert, have completed the intensive 11-week course at the academy in Quantico, Virginia. ``Captain Gilbert is a superior leader by any measure,'' he said. ``The FBI National Academy is the highest academic achievement in law enforcement. It is very challenging academically as well as physically. It was clear our agency and the county would benefit greatly by sending her.'' While Captain Gilbert admitted that she was nervous when she arrived at the Marine base, she excelled during the course and ultimately completed a three-mile obstacle course called ``the yellow brick road.'' For finishing the course, Gilbert received a plaque with a yellow brick on it and the dates she attended the academy. Gilbert grew up in Hendersonville and graduated from Edneyville High School in 1992. In August of 1992, she moved to Greensboro to attain a two-year degree in law enforcement. In December of 1994, Gilbert completed her basic law enforcement training and moved back to Henderson County to work for the Sheriff's Office. At the Henderson County Sheriff's office, she worked as the Civil Process Secretary before being promoted to Corporal, and later to Lieutenant of the Civil Process division. Upon completion of the FBI Academy Training, Gilbert was promoted to Captain of the Detention Center, courthouse security and the ICE program. Sheriff Rick Davis says of Gilbert, ``She is recognized by the whole department as a highly qualified thoughtful leader with exceptionally high standards. Don't let her size and charm fool you; if anyone fails to meet her work ethics, they will have awaken a giant they can't handle.'' It is with great respect and gratitude that I commend Captain Vanesa Gilbert for her great accomplishment and for her ongoing service to Henderson County. She serves as a role model for all women and girls who aspire to careers in law enforcement. Her dedication and hard work are an inspiration to all.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the sterling career of Colonel Jim Ayers of McDowell County. Colonel Ayers is retiring on September 1, 2009 from the United States Air Force after 26 years of dedicated service. Colonel Ayers, a graduate of the University of North Carolina, was commissioned in 1983 through the ROTC program. He has served his country through a variety of assignments in acquisitions, mobility operations, and doctrine development. Colonel Ayers is a Command Pilot with more than 3,500 flight hours in the C-141, KC-10, and C-32. As an operational commander, he led the First Airlift Squadron at Andrews Air Force Base where his unit was responsible for the transportation of the Vice-President, First Lady, Members of Congress and senior cabinet officials. He also helped shape our military's doctrine and policy while serving as an analyst at the Headquarters Air Force Doctrine Center and as a research staff member at the Institute for Defense Analyses. Most recently, Colonel Ayers led the Washington Operations section of United States Joint Forces Command. Colonel Ayers has admirably served his country without question or reservation and, in doing so, has set standards of honor, respect, duty and country for his fellow soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines. On behalf of myself and my constituents, I extend to Colonel Jim Ayers my gratitude, deep appreciation and well wishes for a good retirement.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I want to thank my friend and brother in Christ, Pastor Bruce Frank, for opening the House of Representatives in prayer today. Bruce Frank is the senior pastor at my church, Biltmore Baptist Church in Arden, North Carolina, where he provides spiritual guidance and inspiration for over 6,000 members. Pastor Frank was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and grew up in Oklahoma and Texas. He and his wife, Lori, have two sons, Tyler and Conner. Before being called to our church, he served as pastor at Baptist churches both in Houston and Humble, Texas. Pastor Frank has brought a renewed sense of spirit and purpose to my church and its congregants since he joined us in 2008. I am grateful that he was able to grace us with the same spirit and purpose as he led us in prayer this morning. Pastor Frank, we love you.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Chairman, I want to commend you for your hard work, and although we may disagree on legislation, I want to commend you for your hard work in the prevention of smoking and trying to get children off smoking as well. So, Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the commonsense amendment proposed by the gentleman from Indiana. And I strongly oppose the underlying bill. Putting a dangerous, overworked FDA in charge of tobacco is a threat to public safety. Last year, the FDA commissioner testified that he had serious concerns that this bill could undermine the public health role of the FDA. And the FDA Science Board said the FDA's inability to keep up with scientific advancements means that Americans' lives will be at risk. What are these risks? Well, let me talk about three areas that just happened last year. Last summer, 1,400 people were sickened by peppers from Mexico, but we shut down the entire tomato industry. Just last month, more than 100 people become sick because of salmonella and alfalfa sprouts. And in January, more than 500 people became sick because of salmonella from Peanut Corporation of America. Amazingly enough, this plant had never been inspected even after Canada rejected a shipment of peanuts. That's right. The FDA is overworked. We have to rely on the Canadians to inspect our food now. Instead of putting our food and drug supply at greater risk, let's deal with the underage smoking head on. This amendment does that by putting more resources into prevention and harm-reduction programs that have helped reduce youth smoking by over 50 percent for the last 10 years. Let's pass this amendment so that we can keep our kids safe from cigarettes and keep our children safe with the food that they eat. I ask my colleagues to support the passage of the Buyer amendment.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Centennial of the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, or HCLT, and to recognize the contributions which the HCLT has made to the Western North Carolina community, and especially land conservation efforts, over the past 100 years. The HCLT works to preserve the natural areas, scenic beauty, and green spaces of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau for the enjoyment and benefit of the public. The HCLT has been in operation since 1883, though known then as the Highlands Improvement Association. The first land purchase was effectuated in 1909. This initial purchase was for 56 acres of land on the Summit of Satulah Mountain, overlooking the town of Highlands, for $100. The HCLT is the oldest land trust in North Carolina and one of the oldest in the United States. The trust protects over 1,700 acres in Western North Carolina. Included in the protected lands are two sites of particularly significant historical importance. The Hill property in Horse Cove is significant for its role during the Trail of Tears. The site was used as a holding area for Native Americans before they began the treacherous trip to Oklahoma, leaving their native homes and villages behind. The second site, the Warren Property, was an original land grant from the first pioneer to the area, Barak Norton. The unique property was featured in the October 2008 issue of ``Southern Living Magazine'' for the breath-taking vistas. Among the more recent endeavors of the HCLT are various educational and philanthropic projects. The HCLT raised more than $450,000 to purchase a property to be used as a park in the town of Highlands, North Carolina. They also preserve properties which protect rare and endangered species of plants and trees, included in this is the original Satulah Mountain land. Satulah Mountain is home to many species of endangered plants and wildflowers which are studied by university students from all over the world. In conjunction with these efforts the HCLT strives to remain active in the community through the Mountain Retreat, an 80 acre conservation easement used for many Elderhostel programs, focusing on Appalachian culture, music, and heritage. Madam Speaker, the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust has made an indelible contribution to land preservation in Western North Carolina and I commend them for their continuing dedication to both conservation and community.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Kay Yow, one of the highest-achieving college basketball coaches in the history of the sport. One of only six Division I head women's basketball coaches to achieve 700 career victories, Coach Yow led the women's basketball team at North Carolina State University from 1975 to 2009. She continued her winning coaching career even as she faced a 22- year battle with breast cancer. In 1975, Yow was hired as the head coach of the women's basketball program at NC State as well as the head coach of both the softball and volleyball teams and the coordinator of women's sports. A female leader amidst a mostly male coaching staff, Yow found immediate success as she took her first squad to the Women's National Invitation Tournament and completed the season with a 19-7 record. Since then, Yow has coached some of the nation's most well known players, including WNBA All-Stars like Andrea Stinson, Chasity Melvin (NC State's all-time leading scorer), Genia Beasley, and current Assistant Coach, Trena Trice-Hill. Yow is part of an elite group of eight Olympic coaches chosen to lead USA Basketball in the pursuit of an Olympic gold medal in women's basketball. Yow served as an Assistant Coach on the 1984 gold medal- winning coaching staff and three more gold medal-winning teams, including the 1979 World University Games, the 1983 Pan American Games, and the 1984 R. Williams Jones Cup. Yow also was part of the 1983 World Championship club that earned a silver medal. She served as Head Coach of the 1988 gold medal-winning Olympic team in Seoul, Korea as well as the gold medal winners at the 1981 World University Games, the 1986 Goodwill Games and the 1986 World Championship Games. She was the first coach to win two Olympic gold medals since women's basketball was first included in the Olympics in 1976. In April of 2008, Coach Yow received the Mildred ``Babe'' Zaharias Didrikson Courage Award from the United States Sports Academy, recognizing her achievements in the face of serious personal challenges. Yow missed 16 games during the 2007 season to receive treatment for the cancer that was first diagnosed in 1987. Upon her return to the team in 2007, she led the Wolfpack on an inspirational run to the ACC Championship game and to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament. Cancer took the life of Coach Kay Yow on January 24, 2009. Throughout her life, Coach Yow sacrificed to continuously be a mentor and friend to her players and make them the best players they could be. Madame Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing remorse at the passing of one of North Carolina's greatest coaches, a woman who was one of the most admired and respected coaches on the national and international scenes. Her perseverance and dedication in the face of a deadly battle with cancer is an inspiration to us all.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the memory of LCpl Jessie Adam Cassada of Hendersonville, NC. Cassada, only 19 years of age, was killed in combat during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan on the sixth of January, 2009. Lance Corporal Cassada gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country. He demonstrated patriotism and true courage beyond his years. Since childhood, Jessie Cassada wanted to follow the example set by his stepfather and stepbrother to become a Marine. He joined the United States Marine Corps after graduating from East Henderson High School in 2007. He was deployed to Afghanistan from Camp Lejune for a 6- to 7- month tour of duty in November 2008 with the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. Official accounts said he was supporting combat operations in the Helmand province prior to his death. Cassada's awards include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He leaves behind his mother, Patricia Cassada, and stepfather, Carroll London, as well as two sisters. I offer my sincere condolences to them and the rest of his family and friends. They are in my thoughts and prayers. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing remorse at to the passing of LCpl Jessie Cassada, as well as never-ending gratitude for the servicemen and women who sacrifice so much to protect our Nation and ensure our freedom. The short life of LCpl Jessie Cassada serves as an inspiration for us all of true patriotism, dedication and courage.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Robert H. Christy, Jr., on his impending retirement. He has faithfully and effectively served as the Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court for the past 18 years and will retire on December 31, 2008. Since his initial swearing in on September 1, 1990, Bob Christy has overseen the court system during a time of tremendous growth. During that time, his office has grown from 47 employees to 65. Criminal and civil court filings have more than doubled during his tenure. Previously practicing law in the community, Christy's experience as an assistant clerk of court to J. Ray Ellingburg for 7 years prepared him well for the clerkship. As Clerk of Court, Christy managed Buncombe County's District Court and Superior Court, an operation that entails approximately $25 million in annual revenue. Beyond monetary responsibilities, Christy supervised record-keeping in the local courts for all civil actions, special proceedings, court minutes, liens and other actions. Mr. Christy found opportunity in the clerkship to express his great compassion for the elderly, the bereaved, and the struggling of Buncombe County. Over the past 18 years, the Clerk of Court has handled such delicate matters as juvenile crime, adoption, domestic violence, and issues of wills and estates. Christy operated the clerk's office with an open door policy in which he counseled on legal matters but also strove to alleviate the emotional concerns of those in need. As a public servant, Christy had a great passion and respect for the office that he held. During his tenure, he served as president of the North Carolina Clerks Association, overseeing the executive committee in decisionmaking that in turn affected 10,000 clerks in the 100 counties across the state. He served on the Governor's Crime Commission and the boards of the North Carolina Courts Commission and the North Carolina Credit Union. He worked closely with the bar association in the county and is known for having strong relationships with area attorneys. In his private life as well, he is known for activism and involvement. The Democratic Party in Buncombe County has honored Christy with several awards. He is an active member of Central United Methodist Church. In retirement, Christy will be returning to private legal practice with his long-time friend, Asheville attorney Jack Stewart. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Mr. Robert Christy today, to thank him for his tremendous service to the community, and to wish him well in his retirement.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jeff Miller, a small business owner and son of a World War II veteran from Hendersonville, North Carolina. Mr. Miller is one of the founders of Honor Air, which enables hundreds of World War II veterans the chance to travel to Washington, DC to see the National World War II Memorial that was built to honor the 16 million Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen, and Merchant Mariners who served our Nation during World War II. With the strong belief that everything good in his life is because of these courageous veterans, Mr. Miller began a campaign to send every World War II veteran from Henderson County to Washington, DC to see the memorial, which opened in 2004. World War II veterans who had not already been to the memorial and had physical or financial limitations were offered the chance to take the trip. The community came together to raise the money to fund the project. Many community groups, businesses and individuals contributed to this project, allowing these brave veterans to travel to Washington to see the memorial that was built in their honor. Mr. Miller, the Honor Air volunteers and contributors have all given something back to those for whom the debt can never be repaid. By the time it makes its last flight, 625 veterans from Hendersonville, NC will have made the Honor Air trip. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in expressing my appreciation and admiration for Jeff Miller, who made it possible for so many of our veterans to have the opportunity to see the National World War II Memorial.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of SSG Wayne Carringer of Robbinsville, North Carolina, a courageous and highly decorated World War II veteran who was held for almost 3\1/ 2\ years as a prisoner of war. Staff Sergeant Carringer enlisted in the Army in September 1939. He survived what has become known as the Bataan Death March, the march from Mariveles to San Fernando where the soldiers, already malnourished and weak, were brutally tortured or killed by the Japanese. At the end of the march, the soldiers were transported to Camp O'Dell, which Staff Sergeant Carringer has described as a death factory. He was placed into the Zero Ward, the building where the Japanese put the soldiers that were expected to die. Eventually, he was moved to work in the Japanese coal mines, where he endured starvation, malnutrition, torture, beatings, solitary confinement, malaria, and slave labor. His weight plummeted to what he estimated was 80 to 85 pounds. After living as a prisoner of war for almost 3\1/2\ years, he emerged from captivity after the end of the war to find that the government had declared him dead in 1943. Staff Sergeant Carringer attributes his survival of the horrendous experience to his faith in God, and said that the experience increased his appreciation for his country and in his fellow man. Every day we enjoy freedoms made possible by this heroic man and the thousands of other members of our military who have risked or given their lives to protect us, to ensure that the United States remains the land of the free and the home of the brave. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the bravery and sacrifice of SSG Wayne Carringer, and to thank him for defending and preserving the freedoms that each of us enjoys today.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Staff Sergeant Wayne Carringer of Robbinsville, North Carolina, a courageous and highly decorated World War II veteran who was held for almost three and a half years as a prisoner of war. Staff Sgt. Carringer enlisted in the Army in September of 1939. He survived what has become known as the Bataan Death March, the march from Mariveles to San Fernando where the soldiers, already malnourished and weak, were brutally tortured or killed by the Japanese. At the end of the march, the soldiers were transported to Camp O'Dell, which Staff Sgt. Carringer has described as a death factory. He was placed into the Zero Ward, the building where the Japanese put the soldiers that were expected to die. Eventually, he was moved to work in the Japanese coal mines, where he endured starvation, malnutrition, torture, beatings, solitary confinement, malaria and slave labor. His weight plummeted to what he estimated was 80 to 85 pounds. After living as a prisoner of war for almost three and a half years, he emerged from captivity after the end of the war to find that the government had declared him dead in 1943. Staff Sgt. Carringer attributes his survival of the horrendous experience to his faith in God, and said that the experience increased his appreciation for his country and in his fellow man. Every day we enjoy freedoms made possible by this heroic man and the thousands of other members of our military who have risked or given their lives to protect us, to ensure that the United States remains the land of the free and the home of the brave. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the bravery and sacrifice of Staff Sgt. Wayne Carringer, and to thank him for defending and preserving the freedoms that each of us enjoys today.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H.R. 5335, the Trail of Tears Documentation Act. As a co-sponsor of this legislation, I feel that it is imperative that Congress make it a priority to protect and preserve these historic routes. H.R. 5335 amends the National Trails System Act to provide for the inclusion of new trail segments, land components, and campsites associated with the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. The Trail of Tears was a significant and shameful chapter in American history. In 1838-1839, the U.S. Government forcibly removed Cherokee Indians from their ancestral homelands in western North Carolina and other parts of the southeastern United States and resettled them in Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River. Over 15,000 Cherokees were systematically rounded up from their homes and forced to travel by foot, horseback, boat, and wagon across the southern U.S. to Indian Territory. More than 1,000 people died from exposure, illness, and exhaustion during the roundup and removal. I am proud to have grown up alongside the Qualla Boundary in western North Carolina, home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The EBCI are descended from the Cherokee who resisted removal by taking to their ancestral mountains, where they still live to this day and keep alive the traditions and values of their forefathers. The Trail of Tears Act designated two primary travel routes, the northern land route and the water routes. This amendment specifically adds other significant routes that were used by the Cherokee during the resettlement. These include: the Bell and Benge routes, the land components of the water routes, the routes from the roundup forts and camps in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, and the related campsites located along the routes and land components. I am a proud co-sponsor of this bill, and I commend Congressman Zach Wamp for introducing this legislation and fighting to ensure its passage in the 110th Congress. I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the memory of all of the Cherokee who suffered during the removal on the Trail of Tears.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 2,000 committed and dedicated volunteers who advise, educate and inspire over 4,000 Boy Scouts in Western North Carolina. The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated on February 8, 1910, chartered by Congress in 1916, and organized in Western North Carolina as the Daniel Boone Council since 1920. The Boy Scouts of America strives to develop good traits of character in young people and to instill in them values of good citizenship. The Boy Scouts program is available to all youth regardless of race, religion, or socioeconomic level. The Daniel Boone Council of Western North Carolina serves 4,088 youth in 14 counties through 173 Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, Venturing Crews, Sea Scout Ships, and Explorer Posts. The youth are supported by 2,000 dedicated volunteer leaders who recruit, raise funds, serve on the executive board and committees, and educate and inspire the youth of the program. The Scouting volunteers report that their involvement with the Boy Scouts has raised their environmental awareness, aided them in ethical and moral decision- making, and helped them become better parents and citizens. The benefits to the volunteers, however, are slight in comparison to the life altering experiences that their work provides to the Scouts. The Boy Scouts of America has designated 2008 as the ``Year of the Volunteer'' to honor the volunteers who serve across the Nation. In Western North Carolina, the Daniel Boone Council has set apart September 13 as their special day to honor their volunteers through a Volunteer Recognition Banquet. It is my hope, however, that we continue to honor the tremendous contributions of the Daniel Boone Council's 2000 volunteers throughout 2008 and for years and decades to come. It is with great respect and gratitude that I commend these dedicated and committed volunteers. I am honored to be able to stand with the Daniel Boone Council in recognizing their hard work and service.