Heath Shuler

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to support H. Res. 1061, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and encouraging people of the United States to pause and remember the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King dedicated his life to fighting for equality for all men and women, regardless of race, creed or class. He was a courageous activist who worked tirelessly to give a voice to Americans whose voices had been silenced. We live in a society that has undergone infinite change because of this courageous man and his relentless pursuit of a better America. Yet while we have made immense progress in some areas, we must not turn a blind eye to the fact that the work that Dr. King started is not yet complete. Today the responsibility rests on our shoulders to continue his efforts. We must keep working. The American Dream means something different to everyone. And while it may mean something different to you than it does to your parents or the person sitting next to you at church, I know this: The American Dream is about being able to afford health care, and not having to decide between prescriptions and groceries. It is about being able to earn a wage that is sufficient enough to provide for your family. It is about being able to send your kids to college so they have access to more opportunities than you do. We teach our children that Dr. King gave his life in Memphis, but we forget to tell them that he was there helping sanitation workers fight for a living wage. We honor Dr. King by name today, but I believe we honor him best by passing legislation that makes it easier for Americans to realize the dream that Dr. King fought for. Most recently, we voted to approve the College Opportunity and Affordability of 2008, which authorizes the Federal Government's major federal student aid programs, among many other things. Our successes in these areas are made in his name and will help serve as a catalyst for even greater movements. Dr. King's eloquence and determination forced this House to pass long overdue civil rights legislation. This House should never be forced to do the right thing again. Dr. King said: ``Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.'' This House should never be silent on the issues that mattered most to Dr. King, including protecting the rights of working Americans. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1424, the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act. The passage of this bill is an important step for those suffering from mental health problems in this country. I believe it should not be an uphill battle to get treatment for millions of Americans living with mental illness and addiction. Thanks to my colleagues Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Ramstad we are moving towards achieving parity between mental and physical conditions. While I support the underlying legislation, I oppose the closed rule under which it is being introduced, because it does not provide for an opportunity to address the revenue raisers included in the bill. I am particularly concerned with the offset used to pay for the legislation, specifically the Medicaid prescription drug rebate. Increasing these rebate rates could have a chilling effect on pharmaceutical research and development for the next generation of treatments, including those that aid patients with mental health conditions that we are attempting to help today. I urge the passage of this bill. However, as this bill advances to conference, I hope that the final product that returns to the House will not contain an increased Medicaid rebate or any other provision that will deter the innovation of new treatments for the diseases that affect American families.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Phil Drake, a constituent of North Carolina's 11th District and the owner of Drake Enterprises. Drake Enterprises was founded in Franklin, NC, in 1954 by Mr. Drake's father. At the time, the business focused on helping individuals prepare their taxes. When Phil took over the family business in the 1970s, he shifted the company's focus to the development of tax preparation computer software. Today, that small business started by one man employs more than 300 people in Western North Carolina and Drake software is used by over 20,000 tax professionals across the Nation. In 2006 alone, Drake software delivered over 6 million Federal returns and 5 million State returns. But, Phil Drake's success extends far beyond his business savvy and entrepreneurial spirit. Phil has implemented a set of core principles at Drake Enterprises that are an excellent model for all to follow. Those core principles include: a commitment to follow Biblical principles, motivating and helping employees achieve their maximum potential, and rewarding employees for excellence and loyalty. Phil has not limited those principles to his business; he has shared them with the community. Whether working to bring high-speed Internet access to the mountains through Balsam West Fiber Net, in his church, or being the drive behind Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, Phil Drake has been a leader in every sense of the word. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Phil Drake and thanking him for his service to his community and our country.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of a great friend and statesman, Congressman Tom Lantos. My prayers are with his family and friends during this time of mourning. Upon my arrival to Congress, Representative Lantos personally invited me to his office to welcome me to this body. I appreciated his kind words and encouragement as I started my work here. Since that time Congressman Lantos has been a wonderful friend of mine and will forever be a source of great inspiration in my professional and personal life. Congressman Lantos' early life experiences as a Holocaust survivor and as part of the resistance movement against the Nazis shaped his future work as a husband, father, academic, and public servant. At the young age of 16, Mr. Lantos and his family were forced into facist forced labor camps. After escaping twice, Mr. Lantos sought refuge in a Jewish safe house in Budapest run by humanitarian Raoul Wallenberg. After the war ended, he returned to the capital of Budapest in search of his family, only to discover that they had all perished at Auschwitz and other death camps. He reconnected with a childhood friend, Annette, to whom he was married for almost 58 years. Congressman Lantos has been a champion for human rights, social justice, and civil liberties during his 28 years in Congress. Congressman Lantos' dedication to serving his constituents and this Nation will not be forgotten. His life will be remembered as one of courage, selflessness, and tireless dedication to his principles. My thoughts and prayers go out Congressman Lantos' wife Annette, his two children, eighteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. I ask my colleagues to join me in solemn remembrance of this great public servant.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I want to thank my friend and my brother in Christ, Chad Eaton, for opening the House of Representatives in prayer today. Chad Eaton is the pastor of Sports Outreach at Biltmore Baptist Church in Asheville, North Carolina. Chad is married to Kim Eaton, and they have one son, Cole. Chad has been a great friend to my family and to me, and to the members of our church. I appreciate the dedication he has shown to reaching the youth in our community for Christ. I ask my colleagues to welcome Chad as he has led us in prayer this morning.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, we often study how students progress from the beginning of the school year to the end, but what happens after that? How well are high school students prepared for college? How well are college students prepared for the workforce? How long are graduates staying in high-needs fields like nursing? My amendment will help provide long- term data for our State systems' need to answer these questions. The Shuler amendment will create a grant program to help universities develop studies to measure students' achievement from preschool to college and beyond. This data will also allow State lawmakers to direct resources to programs that are producing top-quality graduates in critical areas. Participation is completely voluntary and complies with all aspects of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. My amendment has also been supported by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, the Alliance for Quality Teaching, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, and 10 other major organizations. I thank Chairman Miller and Ranking Member McKeon for their time and their dedication, and I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. SHULER. I will yield.

Mr. SHULER. I will yield.

Mr. SHULER. I thank Ranking Member McKeon for his dedication and hard work as well. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to present the following poem entitled All Along His Watchtower, which was written by Mr. Albert Carey Caswell in honor of Brent Hendricks, of the 172nd Striker Brigade from Forest City, North Carolina. Mr. Hendricks lost his leg when an IED blew up his humvee. Bump, bump bump bump bump . . . Bump, bump bump bump bump . . . bump, bump bump bump bump . . . Whether, upon football fields of green . . . or on so Heroic Battlefields of Honor Seen . . . All Along His Watchtower, ``They could get no relief'' . . . Striking Hard, Striking Fast! A bold heart, That is his motto, That is his path! Dying twice, when . . . The Dark Riders in the distance, they began to approach . . . When Brent, began to howl . . . ``I'm not ready now!'' The Nort Catolacki Kid, 6'9'' . . . built for power and speed . . . 9 sacks in one football game . . . a man who would not heed! Until, on battlefields of horror he would bleed . . . In The Real Game of Life, all for our Country 'Tis a Thee! Giving up his fine leg, as he did . . . Brent Hendrick, an Army Man . . . A Real American Hero, who before us now stands . . . Strength In Honor, who respects so commands . . . cheating death, as towards evil he ran . . . Into that dark valley of death, for our nation to so bless . . . Striking Hard, Striking fast . . . all in death's path! But, when you're 6'9'' . . . and have a 17\1/2\ shoe . . . You can kick some glutenous maximus too! Now isn't that true! As this patriot's heart comes into view! Could we, would we . . . ever such magnificence find so too? All ready, operations . . . he's had 65! But, this Heroes Heart . . . will not wilt, will not die! Like Arnold, he'll be back . . . Back . . . Back . . . Back in Iraq . . . with his brothers in arms . . . or he'll resign! And The Wind Cries Hero! Do Do Do Do . . . I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing our appreciation for this soldier's dedication to the United States Armed Forces and to this Nation. His service and sacrifice is a shining example of the quality of men and women who serve this great Nation at home and abroad.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA has been the leader in national research on oceans and the atmosphere, and their effect on the human environment. NOAA evolved from the Survey of the Coast, established in 1807, to an organization that provides daily forecasts, storm warnings, and climate monitoring to a variety of organizations that support marine commerce. NOAA has a presence in each of the 50 States and countries worldwide. NOAA takes part in the most advanced, cutting-edge research, using new and innovative technologies to ensure this country's economic future. I am very proud that Western North Carolina is home to the National Climate Data Center, the largest archive of weather and global climate related data, including that data collected by NOAA. The center holds data as old as 150 years old, and as recent as a few hours ago. NOAA, and NCDC, are integral to our Nation's success as a global economy. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the contributions of NOAA.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for H.R. 3845, the PROTECT (Providing Resources Officers and Technology to Eradicate Cyber Threats) Act. This legislation takes a strong stand against the exploitation of our children on the Internet. H.R. 3845 will authorize the largest increase ever in funding for state and local law enforcement agencies to investigate child exploitation, through the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force program. Expanding the ICAC program will build state and local capacity and also modernize the way U.S. law enforcement at every level investigate crimes against children. Current technologies have assisted local law enforcement to identify over 500,000 individuals trafficking child pornography. Without the necessary resources, however, local law enforcement officials have only been able to investigate 2 percent of these cases. The PROTECT Act would provide our law enforcement officials the tools and resources to investigate and prosecute these offenders. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the PROTECT Act to ensure the safety of our Nation's children.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 744, recognizing the contributions of Native American veterans. These veterans have served with courage, pride, and honor to protect this country and the freedoms we hold dear. As we approach Veterans Day, it is imperative that we all remember and honor those who have sacrificed their lives and families for the safety and security of this Nation. I am very pleased that Congress has passed my legislation that honors Private First Class Charles George, a Native American veteran that served in the Korean War. Pfc. George was a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and was raised in the Birdtown community of the Qualla Boundary. He attended Cherokee Schools before enlisting in the U.S. Army and being sent to fight in the Korean War. Pfc. George left his home to fight for our Nation, but the young man did not return to our mountains. On November 30th, 1952, while fighting in Korea, Private First Class George was killed in action. He died saving the lives of those around him. He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions during the Korean War. The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Asheville, North Carolina will be renamed the ``Charles George Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center'' at the end of this month to honor his actions and valor. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Native American veterans for their valiant service on behalf of our Nation.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Betsey Flack on her admission to the Georgia Bar. After years of hard work and dedication to her studies, Ms. Flack will now begin pursuing a career in the legal field. Ms. Flack attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as an undergraduate. During her time at UNC, Ms. Flack was active in campus activities and academic life. Upon graduation from UNC, Ms. Flack enrolled in classes at the Mercer University School of Law to pursue her Juris Doctor degree. She completed this program in the spring of this year, and successfully passed the bar exam soon after graduation. As a Member of Congress, I have seen first-hand how the law can be used as a force for good. I look forward to following the career of Ms. Flack, as she uses her knowledge and expertise in the law to serve others and to pursue legal and social justice. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ms. Betsey Flack.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 230, observing Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I offer my thoughts and prayers to those who have lost family members to breast cancer, and offer hope and encouragement to those who are currently battling the disease. Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women aged 45 to 54, and 1 out of 8 women will be diagnosed with the disease over the course of their lifetime. It is expected that over 180,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2007 alone. Fortunately, there is hope. When breast cancer is detected at early stages the survival rate for women is over 98 percent. Annual mammograms and monthly self-examinations are essential in detecting breast cancer at early stages. Research has significantly increased our understanding of breast cancer. While there is still no cure for breast cancer, researchers have identified key risk factors for the disease. I applaud the national and community organizations that promote awareness of breast cancer, offer support to those that are battling the disease, and provide information about early detection. It is imperative that these organizations continue their work to educate women about the disease and encourage monthly self-exams and annual mammograms. I ask my colleagues to join me in observing Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 2262, the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act, which will reform the General Mining Law of 1872 and provide a fair return to the American taxpayer of publicly owned minerals on Federal lands. By charging a royalty for publicly owned minerals, the American taxpayer will no longer have to bear the cost of reclaiming and restoring abandoned hardrock mines. H.R. 2262 will assure that future mines operate in a manner that conserves the environment and our valuable natural resources, including fish and wildlife habitats. H.R. 2262 addresses the financial needs of our Nation. By charging a royalty fee on existing and future mining operations, along with filing and maintenance fees, the Congressional Budget Office has determined this legislation would reduce our country's deficit, which has spiraled out of control under the current administration. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues today to update the 1872 Mining Law for the 21st century and vote for this important legislation.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, November 1, I was unable to vote on rollcall votes Nos. 1030, 1031, 1032, and 1033 due to a prior commitment in my district. Had I been present I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall votes Nos. 1030, 1031 and 1032, and ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 1033.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1483, Celebrating America's Act of 2007, to amend the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 to extend authorizations of certain natural heritage areas, including the Blue Ridge Natural Heritage Area, and for other purposes. The mission of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area is to protect, preserve, interpret, and develop the unique natural, historical, and cultural resources of western North Carolina for the benefit of present and future generations, and in so doing to stimulate improved economic opportunity in the region. This bill extends authorization of the existing Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, a landscape full of superlatives: the highest mountain, Mount Mitchell; deepest gorge, Linville Gorge; and highest waterfall, Whitewater Falls in the eastern United States; the oldest river in North America, the New River; and the two most visited National Park lands in the country, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The region is home to the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians who continue to preserve many facets of traditional Cherokee culture. I am especially pleased that this legislation extends and increases authorization of funds for the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area and others, and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this legislation and support enhancing our natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate everyone and thank everyone who took part in this year's Longest Yard Classic; although the game didn't quite go like we had expected it to go. It was 28-0. Zero is something I've come to know pretty well during my Washington days with the Redskins. We knew quite well about that zero. Quarterback rating did not go up during that game. I will say that we had some great wide receivers. Every one offensively who got in the game got a chance to catch the football, which was great. I do want to say and congratulate the Capitol Hill Police, not only for their great win over the Members of Congress, but for what they do when they sacrifice their lives every single day of their lives. We were able to see firsthand how actually across the aisle we can work together, Democrats and Republicans, 7 a.m. practices. No one showed up late, almost never. Ken Harvey and John Booty from the NFL came down and helped coach us, and we have special thanks to them and to all the participants, all the Members who played and to the Members who came out to watch us.

Mr. SHULER. I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania, my friend.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to House Resolution 746, providing for consideration of H.R. 3773, the RESTORE Act of 2007. While I support many of the provisions of the underlying bill, I remain concerned that this bill is silent on the issue of carrier liability. This rule provides no opportunity to amend the bill to address this important issue. In my view that is a mistake, and one which I hope will be dealt with before the legislation is sent to the President for his signature. The failure of this House to address the issue of carrier liability may have significant long term implications for our future ability to protect our citizens. I encourage my colleagues to consider the incentives the legislation creates and find a constructive way to deal with the carrier liability issue. Therefore, while I do intend to support the underlying legislation when faced with an up or down decision later today, I oppose this closed rule, and urge the leadership of both Houses of Congress to work together during the conference process to address this issue. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this closed rule.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 327, the Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act, which will expand suicide-prevention services to our nation's veterans. Joshua Omvig was an Army Reservist who committed suicide in 2005 after serving his Nation in Iraq. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of this fallen hero, who have responded to this tragedy by championing efforts to improve mental health care for returning war veterans. It is widely understood that suicide among veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious and pressing problem facing our veterans' community. Our Nation's men and women returning from service abroad deserve the highest quality care that this Nation can provide, including access to top quality mental health programs. H.R. 327 directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to take a comprehensive approach to combating the negative long-term effects of PTSD. Specifically, this Act requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop a program that includes screening for suicide risk factors for veterans receiving medical care at all Department facilities, referral services for at-risk veterans for counseling and treatment, designation of a suicide prevention counselor at each Department facility, a 24- hour veterans' mental health care availability, peer support counseling, and mental health counseling program for veterans who have experienced sexual trauma while in military service. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this measure to improve suicide-prevention programs through the Department of Veterans Affairs. I commend the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee for their hard work on this bill.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. I thank the distinguished gentleman. Madam Speaker, every night when we sit down, we talk to our children, we say our prayers, my wife and I, we thank God for the many blessings He has bestowed upon us, some of those blessings that we don't even recognize so much every single day, like having health care for our children. But there are children and parents every day for whom that is a constant reminder. And here we have questions about what is important, how many children will it be. My children, age three and six, they talk about and they pray that God will bless all children. We talk about, across the aisle, I am pro-life. My distinguished colleagues across the aisle talk about being pro-life. It is time they start being pro-life today and start by overriding this veto.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Patience Ann Davis on her admission to the North Carolina Bar. After years of hard work and dedication to her studies, Ms. Davis will now begin pursuing a career in the legal field. Ms. Davis attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as an undergraduate. During her time at UNC, Ms. Davis was active in campus activities and academic life. Upon graduation from UNC, Ms. Davis enrolled in classes at the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University to pursue her Juris Doctor degree. She completed this program in the spring of this year, and successfully passed the bar exam soon after graduation. As a Member of Congress, I have seen firsthand how the law can be used as a force for good. I look forward to following the career of Ms. Davis, as she uses her knowledge and expertise in the law to serve others and to pursue legal and social justice. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ms. Patience Ann Davis.