May 12, 2005 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E949 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

HONORING GEORGE LAW Speaker, so many in Sulphur Springs have tors are already armed with the Continuing benefited from George’s leadership and in- Criminal enterprise, CCE, and Racketeer Influ- HON. RALPH M. HALL volvement in his community. Today in the enced and Corrupt Organizations Act, RICO, OF TEXAS House of Representatives, let us join his fam- statutes. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ily and many friends in paying tribute to this So, is there an urgent need to pass new outstanding citizen and great American— legislation that ‘‘federalizes’’ criminal gang ac- Thursday, May 12, 2005 George Law. tivity and pushes the Federal Government fur- Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to f ther into law enforcement that is now being pay tribute to George Law of Sulphur Springs, handled by the states? I doubt it, and think a TX, who has been selected as the Sulphur RECOGNIZING THE REVEREND better approach would be to support state and Springs Kiwanis Layperson of the Year by MICHAEL H. HARRISON, SR. local law enforcement directly. Golden K and Sulphur Springs Kiwanis Clubs. I am also not convinced that it makes sense These Clubs will recognize George at a HON. TIM RYAN to further expand the definition of criminal special dinner on May 19, 2005. Hopkins OF OHIO street gang and to reclassify some mis- County Judge Cletis Millsap and the Commis- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES demeanors as crimes of violence, as this bill sioners Court will proclaim May 20 as George would do, and I am particularly concerned Law day. Sulphur Springs Mayor Chris Brown Thursday, May 12, 2005 about the provisions to establish new manda- and members of the City Council will issue a Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today tory minimum sentences. proclamation in his honor. State Representa- in recognition of The Reverend Michael H. Violent and dangerous people, whether tive Mark Homer will send special recognition Harrison, Sr., for his decade of inimitable serv- members of gangs or not, need to be securely from the Texas Legislature, and I appreciate ice to the Youngstown community. confined. But our experience with mandatory the opportunity to recognize this outstanding After serving the United Baptist Church in minimum sentences shows they are ineffective citizen of Sulphur Springs in the CONGRES- Akron for 10 years, Pastor Harrison was called in preventing crime, they distort the sentencing SIONAL RECORD. to lead the 125-member congregation of the process, and result mainly in a considerable George is a retired educator, having served Union Baptist Church in Youngstown, Ohio, in waste of taxpayers’ money. more than 20 years as both a teacher and 1995. In just four years, the Pastor built the I think instead of adding new Federal laws, principal. George was vocational agriculture congregation to more than 650 people from Congress would achieve better results by pro- teacher in McCauley, science teacher and our community. Today, thanks to his work, a viding greater assistance to state and local Kiwanis Key Club advisor in Sulphur Springs, new sanctuary of the Union Baptist Church law enforcement agencies and to prevention and principal in the Como-Pickton Consoli- can seat over 800 worshippers. programs which can reduce the impetus for dated Independent School District. Throughout In addition to his tireless commitment to his young people to join gangs. his years as an educator, George exceeded church and congregation, Pastor Harrison has The bill does include some provisions that I what might be expected to challenge and en- shared his leadership with countless other support, including those that will make it easi- courage young people. He provided emotional civic and religious organizations. He is Chair er for law enforcement agencies to have ac- support and, in some cases, financial assist- of the African-American Leadership Commis- cess to information about people who are in ance to some of his students in critical need. sion and is also the 1st Vice President of the the country illegally and are subject to depor- Untold numbers of former students who have Ohio Baptist State Convention. The Pastor tation. However, I think that they are out- gone on to complete their college education previously served as President of the Baptist weighed by the bill’s defects and so I will vote give George the credit for challenging and Pastor’s Council of Youngstown and vicinity. against this measure. supporting them. In 2004, he was honored as ‘‘One of the f In addition to his work in education, George World’s Most Beloved Pastors’’ by Gospel has devoted countless hours to his commu- Today Magazine. PISKARYOVSKOYE MEMORIAL nity. For more than 35 years he has been a I commend The Reverend Michael H. Har- CEMETERY AT ST. PETERSBURG, strong supporter of Boy Scouts and continues rison, Sr., for his selfless dedication to our RUSSIA to support scouting both financially and community. through his personal efforts. He has been a f HON. JOE WILSON driver for the Road to Recovery Program, driv- OF SOUTH CAROLINA PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION ing residents to other cities for medical ap- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES pointments and treatment. OF H.R. 1279, GANG DETERRENCE George also is an active member and trust- AND COMMUNITY PROTECTION Thursday, May 12, 2005 ee of First United Methodist Church of Sulphur ACT OF 2005 Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speak- Springs. As a member of the church building er, the eyes of the world have been on Mos- committee, he served as contractor for the SPEECH OF cow this week as Allies celebrated the 60th renovation of the church administration build- HON. MARK UDALL anniversary of victory over Nazism. ing free of charge. George has been president When Russians historically held off the 900– OF COLORADO of the Messengers’ Class, Methodist Men, day siege of Leningrad, St. Petersburg served IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES serves as an usher and helps in the church as an extraordinary front in Russia. The kitchen. Everywhere he goes George is a gen- Wednesday, May 11, 2005 Piskaryovskoye Memorial Cemetery at St. Pe- eral advocate for his church. The House in Committee of the Whole tersburg is a vivid reminder of this sacrifice, George and his wife, Barbara, have instilled House on the State of the Union had under containing over 600,000 deceased in the larg- good work ethics in their children and grand- consideration the bill (H.R. 6) to ensure jobs est mass grave in history. children. When he left the teaching profession for our future with secure, affordable, and re- On Sunday, I joined Congresswoman MAD- he would never say he retired. He would say, liable energy: ELEINE BORDALLO in representing the United ‘‘I just quit,’’ and continued to work tirelessly Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Chairman, I do States at a wreath laying ceremony attended for his family, his church, the Sulphur Springs not support this bill in its current form, and by representatives from 30 other nations. The Golden K Kiwanis, and his community. must vote against it. program was inspiring and recognized the re- According to Kerry Craig, assistant editor of Gang violence is real and serious. And stored friendship of the people of Russia and the Sulphur Springs News Telegram, on any there are already a wide range of Federal America. project George undertakes, his approach is to laws on the books that can be and are used St. Petersburg Governor Valentina ‘‘Lead, follow, or get out of the way.’’ Mr. to combat it. For example, Federal prosecu- Matviyenko, Vice Governor Aleksandr

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

VerDate Aug 04 2004 07:13 May 13, 2005 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A12MY8.001 E12PT1 E950 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 12, 2005 Prokhorenko, and the courageous Siege vet- Notwithstanding her significant professional Leo’s many accomplishments could fill vol- eran essayist Daniil Granin served as the gra- accomplishments, Mrs. Thomas was also rec- umes, and his influence in Greenville and cious hosts of our visit. Each host sincerely ognized on numerous occasions for her im- Hunt County will be felt for years to come. In conveyed warm Russian hospitality in one of pact on her community and on the African- recognition of his significant contributions, the the world’s most beautiful cities. American population in Alabama and across Greenville Herald Banner named Leo Out- Additionally, the professional staff of the the country. She was honored by the Alabama standing Young Man in 1958, and he received U.S. Consulate at St. Petersburg including the Press Association for lifetime achievement, the Greenville Worthy Citizen of the Year U.S. Marine contingent was very helpful. Act- and in 1974 was honored by the National award in 1975. The street leading up to the ing Consul General Karen Malzahn with her Council of Negro Women for her professional Sports Complex was named Leo Hackney staff have a proven record of enthusiasm and accomplishments. Additionally, the NAACP Boulevard in his honor. continues to represent America at its best. recognized her efforts nationally in 1998, and Leo also served his Nation with distinction f she is the first African-American to be in- during World War II. He graduated in the top ducted into Auburn University’s Hall of Honor. HONORING THE MEMORY OF MRS. three percent of Naval Midshipman School She has also been recognized by the City of LANCIE M. THOMAS and served as Captain of the ship that es- Mobile, the Mobile County Commission, and corted General Douglas McArthur in the Phil- such organizations as the Drug Education ippines. He retired as Captain from the U.S. HON. JO BONNER Council, the American Red Cross, the Salva- Navy after 27 years of service. OF ALABAMA tion Army, the Alabama Department of Indus- For 20 years Leo served on the committee IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES trial Relations, and the National Newspaper to nominate youth to military academies for Thursday, May 12, 2005 Publishers Association. my predecessor, Congressman RAY ROBERTS, Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, Mobile County Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me and continued to serve for another 20 years and indeed the entire State of Alabama re- in remembering a dedicated community leader on my committee to recommend academy ap- cently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to and friend to many throughout south Alabama. pointments. He served with distinction and honor her and pay tribute to her memory. Mrs. Throughout her life, Lancie Thomas set a was my trusted adviser and good friend. Lancie B. Thomas was a devoted family standard of excellence in the newspaper busi- Leo also was devoted to his family—his woman and a pioneer in the Alabama pub- ness second to none. More importantly, how- wife, Dava, daughters and sons-in-law Susan lishing community. ever, she set a standard of excellence in her and Jim Rath of Houston and Sharon and Joe A native of Beatrice, Alabama, Mrs. Thomas achievements specifically on behalf of the Leonard of Greenville, brother Bill Hackney of attended the Monroe County Training School, American-American community, but also for Cibolo and six grandchildren. He was a won- Tuskegee University, and Alabama State Uni- the entire City of Mobile, her State, and her derful husband, father, and grandfather who versity, and following her education she Nation. She will be deeply missed by her fam- supported and encouraged his family, and he worked for many years as a home economics ily—her daughter, Cleretta Thomas Blackmon, leaves behind a legacy of kindness and ac- teacher in the Tuscaloosa County school sys- her stepdaughter, Audrey Thomas, her sib- complishments that will endure for genera- tem. Upon leaving the teaching profession, lings, Alberta B. Ford, Robert Black, Ruth B. tions. she began to assist her husband, the late Jefferson, Jency B. Mitchell, Alexander Black, Leo excelled in all that he did at every stage Frank Thomas, with the building of several Bennye B. Reasor, and Rufus Black, and her of his life. He was never satisfied to be only newspapers throughout the state of Alabama. grandchildren—as well as the countless a member or supporter. He was a leader, and These included the Selma (Alabama) Citizen, friends she leaves behind. Our thoughts and when he wasn’t leading, he made others bet- the Alabama Citizen in Tuscaloosa, and the prayers are with them all at this difficult time. ter leaders through his example and encour- Mobile Weekly Review. The Weekly Review, f agement. Leo was never simply a friend—he started in 1943, had its named changed to the IN MEMORY OF LEO HACKNEY was a best friend to so many. The City of Beacon in 1954 and has continued operations Greenville and our Nation are enriched by the to the present day. During her long newspaper life of this esteemed citizen. Mr. Speaker, as career, Mrs. Thomas worked in a variety of HON. RALPH M. HALL OF TEXAS we adjourn today, let us do so in honor and positions in the family’s newspaper business, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES memory of this wonderful man, great Amer- including those of vice president, secretary, ican and my good friend—Leo Hackney. Thursday, May 12, 2005 and treasurer. She eventually became the edi- f tor and publisher of the Beacon and continued Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to in that position until her retirement as pub- celebrate the life of a great East Texan and THE INTRODUCTION OF ‘‘TIM lisher emeritus in 1997. my good friend, Leo Hackney, who passed FAGAN’S LAW’’ Even with her numerous professional obliga- away on February 22 at the age of 85. Leo tions, Mrs. Thomas also found time to involve was one of the giants in Greenville, Texas, HON. STEVE ISRAEL herself in several Mobile community organiza- where he devoted his life to serving the citi- OF NEW YORK tions and other causes which had an impact zens of his beloved community. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES on the local, state, and federal levels. Begin- Leo served as Mayor of Greenville three ning in the 1940s, she was involved in voter times and as Mayor Pro-Tem and Council Thursday, May 12, 2005 registration efforts throughout Alabama and Member. He was chairman of the Greenville Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce became involved in numerous political, social, Board of Development and president of the legislation that will make our Nation’s prescrip- and religious organizations throughout the Chamber of Commerce. He served as tri-cap- tion drugs safer by making it harder for coun- United States. She was instrumental in the for- tain for Greenville’s Sesquicentennial Celebra- terfeit drugs to enter the distribution system mation of Mobile’s Hillsdale Presbyterian tion that established the Audie Murphy Statue and increasing penalties for those who try. Church and served as one of that parish’s for the city. He served as a member of the In 2002, a teenage constituent of mine, founding elders, as well as devoting significant Greenville Independent School District, Green- named Tim Fagan, learned first hand about time to attending to the needs of the con- ville Hospital, YMCA, U.S. Savings Bond the problem of counterfeit drugs in this coun- gregation, both young and old alike. Mrs. Board, Citizens for Growing Greenville, Green- try. He was recovering from a liver transplant, Thomas served as the vice president of the ville Majors Baseball Team Club and Junior and was taking the drug Epogen, in order to Presbyterian Woman of South Alabama and Chamber of Commerce. He headed the March fight his related anemia. His parents bought was in 1988 selected to represent south Ala- of Dimes Drive and United Way Fund, the the Epogen from the local branch of reputable, bama at the Bicentennial Celebration of the drive to build a Sports Complex for the City, nationwide pharmacy. In order to help her son, Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. and served as president of the Hunt County his mother dutifully injected the Epogen into She was also a member of the Alabama Development Council. He was one of the or- his arm. After waking up in pain many nights Press Association, the National Newspaper ganizers of Colonial Bank and operated it for in a row and not knowing why, the family re- Publishers Association, the Greater Mobile several years. Earlier in his career, he joined ceived a telephone call. The Epogen that his Area Chamber of Commerce, the Advertising KGVL radio station, beginning in sales and re- mother had been injecting to help her son re- Federation of Greater Mobile, the South Ala- porting and working up to general manager cover from a liver transplant was counterfeit. bama Region Planning Committee, the Mobile and eventually president. He later became It is imperative that Congress does every- Mental Health Center, the Drug and Alcohol president of sister FM station KIKT and built thing they can to ensure this never happens Council, and the Better Business Bureau. the first cable television system in Greenville. again. The Epogen that Tim had taken was

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