Lynn Westmoreland

Mr. WESTMORELAND

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. WESTMORELAND

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 488) congratulating the Detroit Shock for winning the 2006 Women's National Basketball Association Championship, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. WESTMORELAND

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. WESTMORELAND

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extensive public service of one of Columbus, Georgia's finest residents, Jack Rodgers. Jack is retiring from the Columbus Council this year after more than 20 years of service. Jack first came to Columbus in 1961, when it was a very different place. He has worked for Ford Motor Company, and also served as the chairman and CEO of his own mortgage company. But serving in the corporate world was not enough for Jack--he began his service in the realm of government as well, winning election to the Columbus Council and then being elected as Mayor Pro Tem in January of 1999. Through his service on the Columbus Council, Jack has served as Budget Committee chairman and Ethics Committee chairman. He has been a delegate to the National League of Cities, and has been heavily involved in the Georgia Municipal Association, including service as a Finance Committee Member. Jack has also served in a number of community organizations, including Rotary, and taught at Chattahoochee Valley Community College for 7 years. Jack loves his family, and has been married to his wife, Barbara, for 43 years. They have two children and four grandchildren. Although we hate to see Jack finish his service in the government arena, we are grateful that he will continue to be involved in the community as he moves into retirement. Mr. Speaker, Jack Rodgers provides a role model to us all of service to others, and we are extremely grateful for his dedication.

Mr. WESTMORELAND

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1086) supporting the goals and ideals of ``National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week,'' and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. WESTMORELAND

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a business in my district that is taking a positive step forward to assist families and our troops overseas. Mark Clemons operates the PakMail facility in my district in Newnan, and he has taken up a special project for our troops and their families overseas. Any time anyone wants to send a package to Iraq to a soldier, Mark makes sure that they do not have to pay for it. Mark has taken it as a special project to ensure our heroes overseas receive the care packages and support they so desperately need. Our men and women in combat need the touch of home, and Mark is doing something amazing to ensure that they are able to hear from all of us who support them here. Mark sets an example that everyone should follow--doing what they can to help and support our men and women. Everyone has a way they can help, and Mark has found that way and is implementing it. Mr. Speaker, we are grateful for all of our men and women, and those who ``hold the ropes'' for them back home, and we are grateful for Mark's service.

Mr. WESTMORELAND

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the sacrifices of our young men and women who are serving in the U.S. military around the world. A dear lady from my district, Mrs. Linda Smith, has two sons serving in the U.S. Marine Corps in Iraq. During Sunday school at Vineville Baptist Church a few weeks ago, she made a presentation to the class that I think summarizes the courage and bravery of our soldiers around the world. I wish to insert her comments into the Record, so that people across the country can be aware of the great work, not only of our men and women, but also of their families back home. When Mrs. Ann asked me to speak to the class today, I told her that I may cry. I hope I don't, but if I do, I hope you will understand. I want people to understand why our country is at war and why not only my sons, but others are willing to go and fight. When people hear that I have two Marine sons being deployed to the same place in Iraq, they often comment that they didn't think the government could do that. I tell them that my oldest son was a drill instructor at Parris Island. When his term was up, he re-enlisted for a second time and asked to be in the same unit with his little brother. I am not the only Marine mom who has more than one son going to war. There are many of us. Another comment that I often hear is that people don't think the government should deploy servicemen more than once. I say to them, ``This is their job.'' That is like saying to a fireman you have already put out one fire, . . . therefore you shouldn't have to go to another fire and put yourself in danger. My sons and all of the other servicemen and women want America to stand behind them in this war. None of them enjoy leaving their wives and children, their moms and dads, or friends. Believe me, it is very hard. But they know that they must go. Islamic extremists are dangerous, and they must be dealt with now. Militant Islam is just as much of a danger to our country and the world as other radical fascist governments in the past have been . . . such as Hitler's Germany, Russia's Stalin, or Lenin or Karl Marx. Militant Islam no more cares about their religion but only wants total control. Traditional Islam seeks to teach people to live according to God's will. Militant Islam aspires to create a new order, even if it means rewriting Islamic law to fit their desires. They have tortured and killed many of their own people to gain control. This is evil and evil can only be dealt with by force. So where does this leave us as Christians? I have thought a lot about that as I pray for my sons. I very seldom pray for my sons without opening my Bible and reading as I pray. It is very important that I not take my relationship with Jesus for granted. I am grateful that both of my sons have a relationship with him as well. I have learned to pray for our enemy. I pray that the Holy Spirit will open their eyes to the truth. Unfortunately, I fear that many of them are so far into their rebellion against God that they have allowed their hearts to be hardened and they may never come to repentance and salvation. This breaks my heart, because I know that it breaks God's heart. In Ezekiel, it says that God does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked. I pray for my nation. I love her and her people. I pray for a revival and that those of us who claim the name of Jesus would truly come back to our first love and burn with a desire to serve God. I pray for Israel, God's precious people. I pray not only for my sons but for all of the troops. My oldest son, Clayton, is a platoon Sgt. He called home one night a few weeks before they left for Iraq. Sensing something was wrong, I asked him what was wrong. My big, burly, tough son broke down and cried, ``I just want my men to come home. They are so young. I have trained them the best I can. I just want them to come home.'' My son is 26. My youngest son, Mark, is 20. He wants to marry his childhood friend that he grew up with at church. One night when he was home for a weekend, we heard him crying in his bedroom. My heart breaks and I cry out to God. I never forget to pray for our President. It angers me when people complain and slander him. He makes mistakes but supporting him with our prayers is what he needs, not murmuring against him. So if you ask me how you can help or support our troops, I would say first, to give thanks to God and praise him. Love him with all of your heart. Thank him for what you have. Thank him for the sweet young men and women he has called to defend our nation and fight for what is right. Ask God to reveal himself to our troops . . . that his glory would shine. That many would see his glory . . . our enemies as well as our troops. That they would worship him. It is then that we will have peace and our boys can come home. Mr. Speaker, there is nothing I can add. May God bless the brave men and women fighting around the world for our freedom, and their families at home. And may God continue to bless America.

Mr. WESTMORELAND

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTMORELAND

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, it is an enormous tragedy to lose the life of a child, and it is a sad statistic that each year approximately 1 million pregnancies in the United States end in miscarriage, stillbirth, or the death of a newborn baby. As this resolution states, even the shortest of lives are of great value, and the grief of the parents who lose their children cannot be underestimated. The Governors of all 50 States have joined together in designating October 15, 2006, as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day; and I hope all Members will join me in supporting the goals and ideal of this day as well. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 222) supporting the goals and ideals of National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, as amended.

Mr. WESTMORELAND

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in 2002 infant mortality rates increased in the United States for the first time in more than four decades. There are approximately seven deaths per every 1,000 live births, and this recent increase is absolutely a troubling development. The Secretary of Health and Human Services has designated 2010 as a year by which several health objectives should be met, including objectives to decrease infant mortality rates. Mr. Speaker, the Nation currently observes the month of October as Sudden Infant Death Awareness Month and November as Prematurity Awareness Month. It is fitting to observe September of 2006 as Infant Mortality Awareness Month, and I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 402, as amended, to do just that. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my distinguished colleague from Georgia, Dr. Gingrey.

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 402) supporting the goals and ideals of Infant Mortality Awareness Month, as amended.

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the adoption of House Resolution 402, as amended. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time

Mr. WESTMORELAND

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise to offer a tribute to a great Georgian and a great American. Larry Sanders has been a fixture of the Columbus community for more than 20 years. Larry moved to Columbus 22 years ago and began to work with the Columbus Regional Healthcare System and eventually moved to the CEO and board chairman positions. Throughout his service, Larry has been involved in a wide spectrum of community activities, including serving as chairman of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, and serving on the boards of the Boy Scouts, Columbus Rotary, and Leadership Columbus. He was recently recognized as a recipient of the Chattahoochee Council of the Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award. In receiving that award, he joins the ranks of such luminaries as former Senator Sam Nunn. The Chattahoochee Council gives the award to recognize an individual or group that undertakes outstanding service to our Nation, the state, or the local community. By presenting the award, the Chattahoochee Council calls attention to the honors, contributions, and good works of individuals. Mr. Speaker, Larry's service to our state and Nation definitely sets an example for young people across the country. As the Distinguished Citizen this year, I call the House to remember his accomplishments and service as we all continue serving our states and this country.

Mr. WESTMORELAND

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize one of the cities in my district, and its commitment to advancing the true ideals of the American Dream. Columbus, Georgia, was founded on the Chattahoochee River, and was the birthplace of the Coca-Cola formula. But it achieved another vital distinction earlier this year, when Columbus was recognized as Georgia's largest city to achieve the ``Entrepreneur Friendly Community'' designation by the Georgia Department of Economic Development's Entrepreneur and Small Business Office. Columbus and its Chamber of Commerce have worked closely to develop a Small Business Development Center and encourage the location of businesses in Columbus. So far, the Business One Stop Shop has helped more than 850 small businesses in the city. Achieving this designation and involved a lot of hard work and effort. But it also demonstrates the spirit of the people of Columbus-- working hard, helping their neighbors, and doing everything possible to ensure that the American Dream is encouraged. Mr. Speaker, Columbus is an example to our entire Nation of the possibilities that can be achieved. And their work will not stop now, but will continue as Columbus continues to grow.

Mr. WESTMORELAND

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring a momentous occasion in my district to the attention of the House. It is not every day that any corporation in the United States reaches the milestone of 100 years in business. And Mallory Realty Company in my district has reached that milestone this year while still being operated by the same family. LaGrange, Georgia was a very different place than it was when Arthur Eugene Mallory started his business in 1906 after graduating from business school in Atlanta. The Mallorys were not new to LaGrange. They had first come in 1827 and had been involved in the community for years. 1906 was boom time for LaGrange with the opening of new cotton mills and lots of construction of additional houses. It was the perfect time to open a realty business, and Arthur Mallory quickly became busy buying lots and managing rental properties. As the business grew, more of the family became involved, and its influence in the community also grew. The Mallorys have served in the military, served on boards of local banks, and helped bring economic development to LaGrange. Three generations of the Mallory family have served the community by working for Mallory Realty. Today, Mallory Realty is the oldest continuously family-owned business in LaGrange. Today they handle over 600 rental units for 52 property owners. Mr. Speaker, I hope the entire House will join me in congratulating Mallory Realty on its 100 years of service, and wishing them all the best as they move into their second century of service to my state and our Nation.

Mr. WESTMORELAND

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to my good friend and distinguished judge from the sovereign State of Texas (Mr. Poe).

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, a native Texan, Robert Martinez, known as Robbie, was a young Marine with the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. He was based at the Marine Corps Air Ground and Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California. Lance Corporal Martinez was a dedicated soldier who wanted nothing more than to serve his country and make a difference in the world. Upon commencement of his senior year of high school, he had already signed up for the Marines. Two days after his high school graduation, in 2003, he left for basic training. Before his second deployment, Lance Corporal Martinez was stationed for 7 months in Iraq on the border of Syria. It was late in his second deployment to Iraq in the city of Fallujah when he and nine fellow Marines were killed by an improvised explosive device. The date of this attack was December 1, 2005; and, tragically, he was only weeks from returning home to his family and friends. In honor of this soldier's great courage and patriotism, which will not be forgotten, I ask all Members to join me in supporting H.R. 5108. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. WESTMORELAND

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. WESTMORELAND

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the adoption of House Concurrent Resolution 473, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 473) supporting the goals and ideals of Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month.

Mr. WESTMORELAND

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. WESTMORELAND

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers. I want to urge all Members to support the adoption of H. Res. 991, and I yield back the balance of my time.