June 24, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1197 are other instances in which Justice Thom- day to better our 10th District of Pennsylvania. authored, They Call Me Julia, based on the as’s travels correspond to flights taken by Over the past fifty years, the Village has seen life of another famous Alabamian, Julia S. Mr. Crow’s planes. many Presidents as well as members of their Tutwiler. On Jan. 4, 2010, when Justice Thomas was in Savannah for the dedication of a building Board of Directors, but through the guiding In 2003, Kathryn Tucker Windham was in- in his honor, Mr. Crow’s plane flew from presence of Mr. Lomma, the Village has ducted into the Academy of Honor at Washington to Savannah and returned to grown into a wonderful place for families and the recommendation of her friend, fellow Ala- Washington the next day. Justice Thomas visitors. bama author, Nelle . Today, Ala- reported in his financial disclosure that his It is an honor today to recognize Mr. Ralph bama Southern Community College in Thom- travel had been paid for by the Savannah Lomma. Please join me in acknowledging his asville houses the Kathryn Tucker Windham College of Art and Design, which owned the determination, selflessness, and commitment Museum. building. to the ideals of community and camaraderie Mr. Speaker, we mourn the loss of Kathryn In his 2009 financial disclosure, Justice Thomas reported that Southern Methodist that have led him and The Village of the Four Tucker Windham, and we will always be grate- University in Dallas—Trammell Crow’s alma Seasons to such success. ful for her devotion to telling the most beautiful mater—had provided his travel for a speech f and entertaining stories about Alabama and there on Sept. 30. Flight records show that the South. There was only one Kathryn Tucker Mr. Crow’s plane flew from Washington to REMEMBERING ALABAMA’S BE- Windham and we will surely miss her greatly. Dallas that day. LOVED STORYTELLER, KATHRYN The thoughts and prayers of our entire state Among the questions The Times submitted TUCKER WINDHAM are with her family at this difficult time. to Justice Thomas was whether he was on f any of those flights, and if so, whether the HON. JO BONNER colleges reimbursed him or Mr. Crow. The ELECTON SUPPORT CONSOLIDA- OF ALABAMA colleges declined to comment. TION AND EFFICIENCY ACT One item not required to be reported in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Justice Thomas’s financial disclosures is the Friday, June 24, 2011 SPEECH OF millions of dollars Mr. Crow is spending on the museum. That is because the money is Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I am saddened HON. LAURA RICHARDSON not being given to the justice as a gift. to inform the House that Alabama has lost one OF CALIFORNIA For Algernon and Sharon Varn, who said of its great writers and favorite citizens. Just a IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES they were thrilled to see a cherished piece of few days ago, our beloved Southern storyteller local history being restored, the museum is a and gifted author, Kathryn Tucker Windham, Tuesday, June 21, 2011 gift to the community. While it is about more than Justice Thomas, they said, he de- passed away after a year-long illness at the Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in serves credit for putting them together with age of 93. strong opposition of H.R. 672, the Election someone who had the money and the interest Life is a patchwork of trials, triumphs, joys, Support Consolidation and Efficiency Act, to make the project a reality. and sorrows, sown together through genera- which eliminates the Election Assistance Com- ‘‘He was instrumental in getting the proc- tions of experience. When it comes to color- mission, EAC. I oppose this legislation be- ess started, because he wanted it preserved fully interpreting the past, no one could artfully cause terminating the EAC risks reducing the to show that no matter where you came stitch the stories of our state and the Deep voting and civil rights of our citizens—rights for from, you can go where you want,’’ Mr. Varn South like Kathryn Tucker Windham. which many have given their lives. said. ‘‘He had a meager existence, and yet look where he is today. It’s a great American Born in Selma in 1918 and raised in Thom- The EAC is charged with developing stand- story.’’ asville, Kathryn Tucker Windham began her ards for voting systems, and this precedent- f writing career early in life, penning movie re- setting work has been recognized by nations views at the age of 12 for the Thomasville around the world. The EAC’s certification pro- HONORING RALPH LOMMA Times. A graduate of Huntington College, she gram uses its oversight role to coordinate with took her first full-time reporting job in 1940, manufacturers and local election officials to HON. TOM MARINO covering the police beat for the Alabama Jour- ensure that existing voting equipment meets OF PENNSYLVANIA nal in Montgomery—the first female reporter to durability and longevity standards. This re- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES earn that assignment for the paper. She soon lieves states and local governments of burden- gained a reputation in the Capital City as a some costs of acquiring new but unnecessary Friday, June 24, 2011 solid reporter. By 1944, she was hired at the voting equipment. Mr. MARINO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in state’s largest newspaper—The Birmingham Several countries are so impressed with our honor of one of my constituents, Mr. Ralph News—where she met her husband to be, system that they have signed agreements with Lomma, in recognition of his successful vision Amasa Benjamin Windham. the EAC for technical assistance as they de- for a prospering community in Susquehanna After the death of her husband in 1956, velop their own voting system standards and County, Pennsylvania. Kathryn Tucker Windham began writing col- certification procedures. This year represents the 50th anniversary of umns for the Selma Times Journal where she The EAC has also played a central role in the establishment of The Village of the Four also gained attention as a skilled photog- improving the accessibility of voting for the Seasons. Mr. Lomma, who founded the Vil- rapher. It wasn’t until 1969, when she wrote country’s more than 37 million voters with dis- lage near the base of Elk Mountain has 13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey, that she abilities. We still have a long way to go to worked tirelessly over the past five decades to began her more famous career as a prolific achieve the Help America Vote Act’s mandate create a place where an entire community author and storyteller. to make voting accessible and the EAC’s lead- could enjoy the beauty of every season, in an From 1967 to 2009, she authored over 30 ership is essential to continuing the effort to environment that is both beautiful and secure. books on subjects ranging from southern offer all Americans the right to vote ‘‘privately What began as a loosely connected area of cooking to legends of the supernatural. Her and independently.’’ vacation rentals, has transformed into a cohe- well-known ‘‘Jeffrey’’ series of true ghost sto- Mr. Speaker, it is worth recalling that the sive community, committed to the same prin- ries went on to include tales from Georgia, EAC, an independent bipartisan commission ciples on which Mr. Lomma founded the Vil- Mississippi, Tennessee and other Southern charged with improving the conduct of elec- lage. states. My personal favorite is her charming tions in America to ensure that every vote Since its inception, the community has been 1975 book, Alabama: One Big Front Porch. counts, was born out of the 2000 presidential an active and thriving addition to the sur- While her writing helped establish her bona election fiasco with its unforgettable contribu- rounding area. Every season, the Village of- fides as a storyteller, she did not stop with tions to the political lexicon: ‘‘hanging’’ chads, fers something wonderful to both its residents print. She established the Alabama Tale Tellin’ ‘‘pregnant’’ chads, ‘‘dimpled’’ chads; ‘‘butterfly and its neighbors; from tennis tournaments in Festival in Selma and was a sought-after ballots’’; and ‘‘voter intent.’’ the summer, to New Year’s Eve parties each speaker at festivals and gatherings In response to the 2000 debacle, the EAC winter. Ralph’s vision of a ‘‘playground for across the country. has performed valuable work to ensure the re- families’’ has truly been realized. Her Southern charm also captured the at- liability and trustworthiness of our nation’s In the coming days, the Village will gather tention of National Public Radio’s All Things election systems. It has played a central role yet again to honor its architect, Mr. Lomma. I Considered, which featured her as a regular in collecting accurate and comparable election am honored to represent such a determined Southern storyteller. She also took to the data. With our nation’s complex and diversified and passionate individual, who works every stage as the star of a one-woman play she election administration system, central data

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:44 Jun 25, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K24JN8.011 E24JNPT1 rfrederick on DSKD9S0YB1PROD with REMARKS E1198 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks June 24, 2011 collection is essential if we are going to im- duced mowing and replacing invasive plant Dan grew up in Sunnyvale, CA, and is a prove our citizens’ trust and confidence in species with native forbs and grasses. This graduate of Arizona State University. While he election results. EAC develops and fosters the kind of roadside vegetation management pro- is a Sun Devil by pedigree, it is difficult to training and organization of our nation’s more vides much-needed habitat for pollinators and think of a more devoted and true Oregon Duck than 8,000 election administrators. other small nesting animals. than Dan. He has spent untold hours pro- Terminating EAC is not only an invitation to The Association of American State Highway moting the University and the alumni associa- repeat the embarrassment of the 2000 presi- and Transportation Officials Vegetation Man- tion. He has also dedicated himself to the Uni- dential election, but it breaks faith with those agement Guidelines released in March ad- versity’s hometown community of Eugene, Or- who labored long and risked much to secure vances integrated vegetation management egon, where he has served on the Eugene the right to vote for all Americans, particularly principles and recommendations consistent Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the African Americans and other minority groups. with the objectives of this legislation. A num- Rotary Club, and in several capacities with the Mr. Speaker, if you believe every vote ber of states, including Minnesota, are already American Lung Association of Oregon. counts—and every vote should be counted— doing this and reporting maintenance cost Dan has served four University presidents, then we must preserve the EAC and oppose savings of 20 to 25 percent from reduced seven athletic directors, and acted as a men- this legislation. mowing alone. tor to hundreds of UO students teaching the It is also important to note that abolishing Mr. Speaker, there are around 17 million importance of leadership and volunteerism as the EAC would simply shift costs to the Fed- acres of land where significant reductions in part of campus life. He leaves a team of 12 eral Election Commission and local govern- mowing and maintenance can reduce costs for employees and a board of directors who will ments, not save taxpayer money. The FEC is cash-strapped states. The millions of acres of miss his devotion and dedication to the asso- not an agency that can make decisions in a agriculture and wildlife ecosystems adjacent to ciation and the university it serves. timely and responsive fashion due to its par- these roadways will benefit from the increased On the occasion of his last day at the Uni- tisan divisions. Consequently, transferring the pollinator habitat resulting from integrated versity of Oregon, I wish to personally thank functions performed by the EAC to the FEC is vegetation management practices. Mr. Rodriguez for his service. He will certainly inconsistent with the national interest in ensur- To understand how worried we should be be missed. Go Ducks! ing election integrity, improving voter access about declining pollinator populations, consider f that rising global food prices are the primary to the polls, and enhancing the quality of elec- AMERICA INVENTS ACT tion systems. topic of discussion at the G–20 meetings in Paris right now. This is the first time that agri- For these reasons, I strongly oppose H.R. SPEECH OF 672 and I would urge my colleagues to join culture has had the top spot at a meeting and me in defeating this misguided and reckless is indicative of how serious the issue is. Food HON. EARL BLUMENAUER legislation that puts the integrity of our election prices have already led to global riots over- OF OREGON systems—public confidence in election out- seas and a declining pollinator population will IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES comes—at risk. only make the situation worse. Seventy-five Wednesday, June 22, 2011 percent of all flowering plant species rely on f The House in Committee of the Whole creatures like birds, bats, bees and butterflies House on the State of the Union had under PERSONAL EXPLANATION for fertilization. One out of every three bites of consideration the bill (H.R. 1249) to amend food that we eat, as well as $20 billion of title 35, Code, to provide for HON. TOM COLE products in the United States alone, derive patent reform: OF OKLAHOMA from pollinators. Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Chair, I rise in If we don’t solve these problems soon, we IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES support of H.R. 1249, which will help America won’t have any bees. Without bees, we won’t maintain its distinction as the most innovative Friday, June 24, 2011 have any food. The benefit to cost balance in country in the world. For too long, independent Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably the case of this bill, Mr. Speaker, is an easy inventors, small businesses, and America’s detained and missed rollcall vote No. 478. choice. leading universities and technology companies Had I been present, I would have voted ‘‘aye.’’ f have been mired in a convoluted patent proc- f HONORING DANIEL RODRIGUEZ ess that has stifled innovation and job cre- ation. H.R. 1249 streamlines and clarifies the HIGHWAYS BETTERING THE ECON- patent process, giving inventors and investors OMY AND ENVIRONMENT ACT OF HON. PETER A. DeFAZIO the certainty they need to expand their busi- OF OREGON 2011 nesses and grow the economy. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES This legislation also gives the United States HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS Friday, June 24, 2011 Patent and Trademark Office the tools it OF FLORIDA Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to needs to process the hundreds of thousands IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES honor Mr. Daniel Rodriguez on the occasion of of applications it receives every year, increas- ing their ability to adjust its fees to reflect the Friday, June 24, 2011 his retirement after 26 years of service as ex- ecutive director for the University of Oregon actual costs of the services it provides, to fast- Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I Alumni Association. track patent applications, and to expand op- rise today to introduce the Highways Bettering The University of Oregon is a world class in- portunities for post-grant review of patents. I the Economy and Environment Act with my stitution renowned for its groundbreaking re- remain deeply concerned that, under the man- Co-Chairman of the Congressional Pollinator search, and is an important keystone that ager’s amendment, the Patent and Trademark Protection Caucus, Representative TIM JOHN- unites Oregonians both at home and through- Office will have fewer resources to pursue SON. This bi-partisan bill provides much-need- out the world. these objectives, a change which risks squan- ed aid for the birds, bats, bees and butterflies Since coming to the University of Oregon in dering the very opportunities created by the that pollinate our food. 1988, Dan Rodriguez has played a pivotal role remainder of the legislation. The Highways BEE Act seeks no new mon- in the rebirth of the alumni association. He Innovative stakeholders in my district have ies and involves a limited federal role. It has created the alumni membership program that voiced concerns that the legislation’s expan- received widespread endorsement from a di- has topped 20,000 members worldwide and sion of the defense of ‘‘prior user rights’’ will verse group of scientists, researchers and worked diligently to put the association on weaken their ability to protect their patentable members of the business and environmental sound financial footing. He also led the effort innovations and give rise to widespread trade communities including the National Audubon to increase the number of active alumni chap- secret litigation, particularly for those areas of Society, Lafarge Construction, National Farm- ters to 22 across the country. research the blend federal investment and pri- ers Union, the Isaac Walton League, American But perhaps Dan’s greatest accomplishment vate investment. I look forward to working with Farmland Trust, Waste Management, and De- is the construction of the new Ford Alumni my colleagues to ensure these concerns are fenders of Wildlife. Center. While Dan will be the first to say this addressed, so that America’s finest univer- This bill provides for existing authorities and Center came about due to the tireless effort of sities and research centers can continue their funding sources to incorporate integrated many committed individuals, there is no ques- role as global leaders of innovation. vegetation management practices along Amer- tion he has been a driving force for the project H.R. 1249 is a strong step toward protecting ica’s highways, which includes things like re- since its inception. the administration of our system of intellectual

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