June 20, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1307 and commitment as a leader in his state. He More than just communication, Colonel workers in States like Michigan an additional is truly deserving of our respect and admira- Lauritzen continues to facilitate progress, even 13 weeks of benefits, which received very tion. when progress is difficult. He worked directly strong bipartisan support in the House just last f with Fairfax and Prince William Counties, the week, is not included in this supplemental ap- Virginia Department of Transportation, and the propriations bill. TRIBUTE TO COLONEL BRIAN W. Army Corps of Engineers to address some of The unemployment benefits provision in this LAURITZEN the many transportation challenges facing the supplemental provides just 13 additional region. Especially noteworthy is his personal weeks for every State. It does not provide any HON. TOM DAVIS involvement to secure an agreement to com- extra help for States that need it the most. OF VIRGINIA plete the extension of the Fairfax County Park- States like Michigan where the unemployed IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES way, a vital connection across the Fort’s Engi- are having great difficulty finding work be- Friday, June 20, 2008 neer Proving Ground, something that had fes- cause there are so few jobs to be had. Work- tered unresolved for more than 10 years. ers have little opportunity to move to other Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I Inside the perimeter of his base, Colonel areas to find work because they can’t sell their rise today to recognize COL Brian W. Lauritzen has steadfastly insisted that our Na- homes, and they are having difficulty driving Lauritzen, the Installation Commander at Fort tion’s Soldiers and their families deserve the far distances to try and find a new job be- Belvoir, Virginia. As a Member of Congress highest quality of life. Fort Belvoir has one of cause of the high cost of gas. Michigan, with who represents Fort Belvoir, I know firsthand the Army’s most successful Residential Com- the worst unemployment rate in the Nation, that Colonel Lauritzen has served with great munity Initiative programs that has revitalized needs extra help. This supplemental does not competence, tireless determination and con- the approach to military housing and neighbor- provide it. stant communication with the community dur- hood centers, creating first-class communities I will be supporting both sections of the sup- ing a time of great transition for his installa- for those who serve our Nation in uniform. plemental. It provides equipment and pay for tion. On a more personal note, Colonel Lauritzen our troops in harm’s way and educational ben- Colonel Lauritzen took command of Fort and his staff have eagerly addressed ques- efits for them when they return home. And the Belvoir, one of our Nation’s largest and most tions or constituent concerns that my office level of aid to the unemployed all across the diverse military installations, in July 2005 with has brought to their attention. Regardless of country is a good start. However, I am dis- major challenges awaiting him and even more how complicated or involved these requests appointed we have not provided the much on the horizon. Fort Belvoir was already en- may have been, I have always found his door needed extra assistance to those who need it gaged in master planning for redevelopment to to be open to discuss the issues and, more most. We must continue to work to help the expand the number of Department of Defense often than not, find compromise to difficult sit- chronically unemployed to get that additional tenants and stretch the functions of the al- uations. safety net that will help support countless fam- ready busy installation. Then, just a few Madam Speaker, at Fort Belvoir’s Change ilies in Michigan. months into his tenure, the 2005 Base Re- of Command Ceremony on Tuesday, July 2, f alignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission’s Colonel Lauritzen—West Point graduate, Sol- final recommendations doubled the size of dier, and extraordinary officer—will retire from RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE Fort Belvoir’s incoming workforce by 2011. the Army and enter a new chapter in his life. ANDREW L. JEFFERSON, JR. The BRAC changes at Fort Belvoir, among I have truly enjoyed working with him, and the most substantial of BRAC 2005’s man- wish him all the best as he pursues new en- HON. AL GREEN dates, will transform the installation into. the deavors. He has truly served Fort Belvoir, Vir- OF TEXAS major support center for the Nation’s most ginia, and our Nation with the highest stand- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES senior military leadership. Ensuring a success- ards of leadership expected from the very best Friday, June 20, 2008 ful transition has brought with it the great chal- of our military commanders. lenges of working with both the Department of f Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, Defense and the local community. These chal- it is my privilege to recognize a distinguished lenges include timely and transparent plan- SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS academic, activist, and advocate, my friend, ning, assessing the environmental and societal ACT, 2008 the Honorable Andrew L. Jefferson, Jr. The impacts of absorbing more than 19,000 new passage of H. Res. 31, which recognizes the employees, managing the transportation infra- SPEECH OF Honorable Andrew L. Jefferson on the occa- structure in an area already burdened by traf- HON. CANDICE S. MILLER sion of the establishment of The Andrew L. fic, and ensuring that all of Fort Belvoir’s de- OF MICHIGAN Jefferson Endowment for Trial Advocacy at fense tenants can still perform their vital na- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Mar- tional security missions. shall School of Law, is a fitting tribute to a Colonel Lauritzen has ably met these Thursday, June 19, 2008 man whose life exemplifies excellence and in- daunting challenges with the superb attitude Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, the tegrity. that, in order to be successful, Fort Belvoir Michigan Department of Labor and Economic The Honorable Andrew L. Jefferson, a na- must continue to be receptive and responsive Growth yesterday shocked Michigan when it tive of Dallas, Texas, graduated from the Uni- to the concerns of all of the surrounding com- released its unemployment figures. Michigan’s versity of Texas School of Law in 1959 after munities. His early promise to the community unemployment rate has risen from 6.9 percent earning his Bachelor’s degree from Texas that there would be ‘‘no daylight between us’’ in April to 8.5 percent in May. This is the high- Southern University, was president of Alpha has held true. Colonel Lauritzen established est rate in our State since October of 1992. Phi Alpha fraternity, and became a partner the BRAC Board of Advisors, a first-in-the-na- Regrettably, we are now one month away with the law firm of Washington and Jefferson tion group bringing together members of the from recording our eighth straight year of pay- in Houston, Texas. Army, incoming agencies, and the region’s roll job losses. He served as an assistant criminal district elected officials and local civic activists to It is in this context that my constituents are attorney for Bexar Country, a chief assistant identify development issues and keep open hearing the news that Congress is debating United States Attorney for the Western District the lines of communication. providing additional unemployment benefits of Texas, and a trial counsel and labor rela- I have always found Colonel Lauritzen to be which are desperately needed by too many tions counsel for Humble Oil and Refining the consummate consensus builder. He per- working families in my State. Last week this Company. In 1970, Judge Jefferson was ap- sonally has made more than 150 appearances House passed H.R. 5749, the Emergency Ex- pointed to preside over the Court of Domestic and presentations before community groups to tended Unemployment Compensation Act, Relations number 2 for Harris County. In keep them apprised of the BRAC expansion, with nearly 2⁄3 of the Members of the House 1974, he was elected to Judge of the 208th Fort Belvoir’s other missions, and their impact voting in favor. This bill would provide an addi- District Court. on the community. Similarly, he built strong tional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits to In 1975, he decided to re-enter the active communication coalitions with and between unemployed workers in every State. Unem- practice of law and was admitted to the United the major commands headquartered at Fort ployed workers in States with exceptionally States Court of Appeals for Fifth, Sixth and Belvoir in support of their people and their high unemployment rates, like Michigan, would Eleventh Circuits, and the Supreme Court of global missions through the Installation Senior receive an additional 13 weeks of benefits be- the United States of America. A long time ac- Leadership Council. yond that. Unfortunately, the provision granting tive committee member of the State bar,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:05 Jun 21, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A20JN8.034 E20JNPT1 erowe on PRODPC61 with REMARKS E1308 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks June 20, 2008 Judge Andrew L. Jefferson is a fellow of the HONORING THE WEST GENESEE want to know what Congress is doing to sup- Texas Bar Foundation, a member of American GIRLS LACROSSE TEAM port them during the current recession. Almost Bar Foundation, the Texas Trial Lawyer’s As- every month, unemployment is on the rise sociation, Texas Constitutional Revision Com- HON. JAMES T. WALSH while higher gas and food prices are making mission. OF NEW YORK it even harder for Americans to make ends A former chairman of the board of the Hous- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES meet. Our duty is simple—we must show the ton Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank and Friday, June 20, 2008 American people that we hear them, that we of the Texas Southern University Foundation, understand them, and that we will act. he is a life member of the Houston Area Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, We are a great nation, but we cannot con- Urban League and the National Association I rise today to congratulate the West Genesee tinue to be great unless we honor our commit- for the Advancement of Colored People. A High School Girls Lacrosse Team on their ment to everyone in need. In times like these, learned legal scholar and committed public Class A New York State Championship vic- we must use every tool at our disposal to help servant, Andrew L. Jefferson has devoted a tory. West Genesee defeated Farmingdale by those who want and need to work. Unem- life-time working to strengthen and uphold the a score of 13–12. ployed workers cannot wait. They rightfully ex- The Wildcats played an impressive game laws of this great country. pect Congress’s full support in their fight to returning from a 10–12 deficit to take home I commend my colleague Congresswoman become gainfully reemployed. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE for introducing this reso- another state title. This talented team has I urge my colleagues to support extending lution which honors an outstanding Texan and claimed victory in their last 48 straight games unemployment benefits now. It’s the right thing American. and was the only lacrosse team in all of New to do for Americans, and it’s the right thing to York State to post a perfect undefeated sea- f do for our economy. son. MEMORIAL TRIBUTE FOR MAJOR On behalf of the people of New York’s 25th f MEGAN MCCLUNG, USMC Congressional District, I congratulate these HONORING HABORVIEW MEDICAL young ladies on their outstanding athletic CENTER HON. KAY GRANGER achievement and praise Athletic Director An- OF TEXAS thony Pascale, Head Coach Bob Elmer and HON. DAVID G. REICHERT IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Assistant Coach Dan Hallinan on their team’s OF WASHINGTON Friday, June 20, 2008 success. I look forward to another exciting season of lacrosse and congratulate the Lady IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise Wildcats: Davey Gallagher, Laura Lucchesi, Friday, June 20, 2008 today to honor Marine MAJ Megan McClung Jeri Burke, Kellyn Savage, Lauren Corso, who was killed in Ramadi, Iraq on December Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I am Kiersten Tupper, Maddie Farchione, Lindsay 6, 2006. proud to recognize Harborview Medical Cen- Vona, Amanda Cizenski, Bre Hudgins, Nicole Major Megan Malia McClung graduated ter, a premiere hospital in the Pacific North- Perkins, Amanda Corso, Maria DiFato, Emily from the United States Naval Academy and west, for receiving the 2007 Foster G. McGaw Rozwood, Steph Dattellas, Ariel Kramer, was commissioned a second lieutenant in May Prize for Excellence in Community Service Carley Motondo, Lauren Welch, Lauren 1995. She later completed her masters in from the American Hospital Association (AHA). Bianchi, Morgan Corso, Sarah Brown, Karlyn Criminal Justice through Boston University. Every year, the AHA presents this prestigious Tupper, Carly Graham, Nikki Greco, Jenny Throughout her career, she was stationed at award to a U.S. health care organization that Perkins, and Kelly Fucillo. various posts. While at Camp Pendleton, she displays a strong commitment to the health served as the Public Affairs and Media Officer. f and well-being of its community. She later served at Marine Corps Recruit EMERGENCY EXTENDED UNEM- Harborview was chosen as the recipient of Depot Parris Island as the Academics and PLOYMENT COMPENSATION ACT this year’s award because of its outstanding Scheduling Officer, Marine Corps Air Station OF 2008 record of providing services to the surrounding Cherry Point as the Public Affairs Officer, and community. The medical center has made finally at Camp Lejeune, where she served as SPEECH OF great strides in handling major public health the East Coast Regional Representative for concerns including mental illness, homeless- HON. JOHN LEWIS ness, cultural and linguistic barriers to health the Marine For Life program. OF GEORGIA Always dedicated to the mission in Iraq, care, childhood safety, and chronic illness. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Major McClung took a civilian position in pub- Harborview is our region’s Level I trauma cen- lic relations in Baghdad, Iraq in 2004. While Thursday, June 12, 2008 ter, and continues to provide exceptional there, she handled public relations preparation Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I emergency care for people across the North- for Congressional hearings and escorted rise in strong support of including the exten- west. media throughout the theater. In 2006, she de- sion of unemployment benefits in the emer- Harborview is a deserving recipient of rec- ployed with I Marine Expeditionary Force for gency supplemental bill that the House is con- ognition for its outstanding commitment to one year in Al Anbar Province. While there, sidering today. public health and quality care. I offer my sin- she worked as the Public Affairs Plans Officer First, I would like to express my deep grati- cere congratulations to Harborview Medical at Camp Fallujah and later volunteered for tude to Chairman MCDERMOTT, Ranking Mem- Center for receiving this honor and their con- duty with the Army’s 1st Brigade, 1st Armored ber WELLER, and the Income Security and tinued dedication to Washington State. Division, operating in Ramadi. Family Support Subcommittee for all their hard f Major McClung, the first female Marine offi- work on this important piece of legislation. I cer killed in the war, was a polished profes- am proud to be a Member of the Sub- HONORING ELIZABETH A. ZEPF sional who received numerous accolades for committee and to have cosponsored the legis- her ability to communicate complex thoughts lation that provided the framework for this HON. MARCY KAPTUR and issues to various and diverse audiences compromise. I also thank Chairman RANGEL OF OHIO across the globe. She volunteered to serve and Ranking Member MCCRERY for their lead- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ership and support in negotiating a com- and sought to be where she could make a dif- Friday, June 20, 2008 ference. Of her service in Iraq, she told her promise. friends, ‘‘Before we leave here we will make Al It is essential that congressional leaders Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, Elizabeth A. Anbar a safer place.’’ She accomplished her were finally able to come together and find a Zepf, a Toledo treasure to her family, friends mission. way to help hard-working Americans. The and community, departed this life on Friday In her passing, Major McClung has done need for this legislation is critical. It is a first June 6, 2008. Elizabeth was born July 6, what she did in life—bring people together to step of hopefully many to jumpstart our econ- 1903, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Matthew and Eliz- create a better understanding. omy. Today there are 200,000 more long- abeth McCarty. Elizabeth, a consummate and I wish to extend my condolences to Major term, jobless Americans than the last emer- indefatigable social activist throughout her life, Megan McClung’s family and hope that they gency unemployment assistance extension in was engaged in community and religious af- continue to find solace in Major McClung’s 2002. fairs. Her broad range of interests spanned lasting impact on both her country and her My constituents call and email and write the the horizon—higher education, leadership de- Corps. same question over and over again. They velopment, the advancement of women, the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:05 Jun 21, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A20JN8.037 E20JNPT1 erowe on PRODPC61 with REMARKS