S888 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 11, 2014 meeting with the Cuban government on bi- that we have much to gain by jettisoning hospital. Expecting our veterans to lateral issues like fighting drugs and smug- this Cold War relic. commute this far after these coura- gling—the margin is more than 61 percent. f geous men and women have already Challenging conventional wisdom that Flo- risked their lives in the defense of this ridians—and especially the state’s large ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS Cuban-American population—are in lockstep country is simply unacceptable. with the embargo, the poll finds stronger I have always said that West Virginia support for normalization in (63 per- LITTLE COUNTRY THEATRE is one of the most patriotic states in cent) than in the country overall (56 per- this great Nation, and we are so proud ∑ Ms. HEITKAMP. Madam President, I cent). A full 67 percent of Floridians support of the number of veterans and Active- am pleased to honor and recognize the removing all restrictions for Americans to Duty members who have served with Little Country Theatre at North Da- travel to , and 82 percent favor meetings honor and distinction. Upon returning with the Cuban government on issues of mu- kota State University as it celebrates home, they truly deserve the absolute tual concern. its 100th anniversary. best care and treatment that is avail- Simply put: The state that reportedly once Founded in 1914 by a small group of had the greatest reluctance to re-engage has able. That is why we have made it our drama students, the Little Country reversed its position. top priority to bring this clinic to Theatre has inspired, challenged, and Having jailed political opponents, Cuba has serve the veterans in Mercer County educated countless students, faculty, a political climate that is far from free. The and the surrounding communities with Cuban government continues to hold former and community members across North quality care. USAID subcontractor Alan Gross in prison. Dakota. Today, the Little Country The Cuban government has inched toward Theatre is well recognized and re- The mobile health clinic will be an loosening its grip on the island’s economy. spected for its diverse programming extension of the Beckley VA Medical Despite that, however, the Cuban people con- and for bringing the gift of theater to Center, and it will be initially sta- tinue to live under a repressive regime. tioned in Bluefield, WV. As long it is However, it would appear that a standard the public. Over the last 100 years, the Little utilized by area veterans, we can count of 100 percent political alignment with the on this facility to stay in southern United States before allowing freedom of Country Theatre has presented hun- travel or economic activity with another dreds of plays throughout North Da- West Virginia for years to come. country is only applied to Cuba. For in- kota. It is celebrating its 100th season I especially want to emphasize the ef- stance, U.S.-China trade topped $500 billion with several special events, including forts of one very special West Virginian in 2011, and we granted permanent normal- the screening of a documentary on the who has dedicated the past 18 years to ized trade relations to Russia in 2012. Amer- helping the veterans of southern West ican tourists visit both countries without re- rich history of the theater, its faculty, its leaders and its impact on the com- Virginia—Al Hancock. His leadership striction. It is easy to see why most Ameri- and commitment to the betterment of cans now oppose our frozen-in-time policies munity. In addition, the group will be toward Cuba. performing classic stories such as the veteran community is truly why Trade with Latin America is the fastest Oklahoma and Shakespeare’s Love’s this mobile clinic will open its doors growing part of our international commerce. Labour’s Lost and hosting many today. In 2014, economic growth in Latin America is thought-provoking discussions. Throughout his life and still today, expected to continue to outpace U.S. growth. The Little Country Theatre is a fix- Al has answered the call of service— Rather than isolate Cuba with outdated poli- ture on the North Dakota State Uni- whether it was serving our great Na- cies, we have isolated ourselves. tion or helping the people of West Vir- For example, the presidents of our Latin versity campus and serves as an impor- American partners, including close allies tant hub for current students by help- ginia. He is a retired teacher and a re- such as Colombia and , recently trav- ing them understand the great value of tired Air Force veteran who served two eled to Cuba alongside the U.N. secretary theater and performance art. But its tours in . general. In January, Brazil joined Cuba in in- impact can be felt well beyond the A proud and passionate leader, he augurating a huge new shipping terminal on stage and campus. It has spread the joy was the chairman of the retired mili- the island. And our European and Canadian of the theater to rural communities tary support group and he led discus- friends engage with Cuba. Meanwhile, U.S. sions among over 250 veterans about companies are prohibited from any economic across the State, while inspiring the activity on the island. next generation of actors and ac- the issues concerning them most. He Just about the only beneficiary of our em- tresses. I am proud to acknowledge and talked with fellow veterans, their bargo has been Cuba’s current regime. The honor this significant milestone for the spouses, and their families regularly. embargo actually has helped the Castros Little Country Theatre. One issue that continued to arise was maintain their grip on power by providing a I ask the Senate to join me in con- the need for more accessible health reliable and convenient scapegoat for Cuba’s gratulating the Little Country Theatre care. After more than 150 letters sent failing economy. Change will come to Cuba. to the local newspaper and issuing a These counterproductive U.S. policies have on its first 100 years and in wishing delayed it. continued success in the future.∑ petition containing more than 3,000 President Obama has already relaxed some f resident signatures, he provided a voice facets of our Cuba policy, lifting restrictions to the veteran community. Despite the on Cuban-American travel and remittances, SOUTHERN WEST VIRGINIA many obstacles and hurdles, Al never which have had positive effects. Anecdotally, MOBILE HEALTH CLINIC gave up—he worked passionately and U.S. remittances have been crucial in allow- ∑ Mr. MANCHIN. Madam President, tirelessly to bring this issue to light. ing Cuban entrepreneurs to take full advan- And finally, that voice resonated loud tage of economic openings that the Castro today I wish to celebrate an exciting regime has been forced to allow. This not and significant victory for local vet- and clear. Because of Al’s perseverance only improves Cubans’ lives but will make erans in southern West Virginia and to and determined vision, I am proud to future economic contractions by the Cuban recognize the unwavering dedication of have worked closely with Al to help government difficult for the regime to at- the people who have worked tirelessly bring people together to make his vi- tempt. Current policy boxes U.S. entre- to bring the first-ever mobile veterans sion a reality. preneurs and companies out of taking part in health clinic to Mercer County. With the hard work and partnership any of this burgeoning Cuban private sector. of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Further, there is simply no legitimate jus- Today, the Beckley VA Medical Cen- tification for restricting any American trav- ter will debut the long-awaited mobile the Beckley VA, and the West Virginia el to Cuba. The travel ban, like the rest of health clinic in Bluefield, WV. This fa- delegation, we have been able to make the embargo, only bolsters the Cuban gov- cility will improve access to primary a difference for Al and for all of the ernment’s control over information and civil and mental health-care to the growing veterans who reside throughout south- society. Instead of willingly restricting the number of veterans in the region. ern West Virginia. liberty of our own citizens, we should be tak- This is wonderful news for our brave We owe our veterans more than a ing every opportunity to flood Cubans with heroes who have been without acces- debt of gratitude. Showing our appre- American interaction, with our ideas, with our young people. sible health care for far too long. Until ciation to the brave men and women Americans want a change in our Cuba pol- now, our veterans’ only option for re- who have served is something we icy. The president should heed the majority ceiving health care has been to drive should do each and every day. By deliv- of those across the country who recognize over an hour to the closest clinic or ering this mobile health clinic, we are

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:12 Feb 12, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G11FE6.054 S11FEPT1 tjames on DSK3TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 11, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S889 paying tribute to those who have an- ways a strong supporter of policies sity of Alabama, serving a 3-year-term swered America’s call of duty. that he believed served the long term as president pro tempore. He was, in I thank Al, the VA, the Beckley VA interests of the United States. addition, a founding trustee for the Center, and all those who have worked Smith Lanier was, in the end, what University of Mobile, a fine Baptist af- to bring this much needed health care he prepared to become in the begin- filiated liberal arts college. access to Mercer County. ning. An Eagle Scout, he credited the Mr. Samford was respected and loved This clinic will greatly benefit com- Boy Scout Oath and the twelve Boy throughout the Opelika area. He set a munities that have a need for health Scout laws as foundations for his per- high standard for a life well lived. I was care resources, and it will help ensure sonal and business life. honored to have his friendship. Profes- all of our veterans and their families Mr. Lanier leaves behind his wonder- sionally accomplished, a man of high have access to the care they need and ful wife, Elizabeth ‘‘Betty’’ Walker, character and generous with his time, truly deserve.∑ daughters Mary Ellen (Mrs. Anthony talents and resources, Yetta Samford’s f Lee Collins, Sr.) of Lanett, AL, Eliza- life reflected the highest qualities of beth Lanier Lester of West Point, GA, American citizenship. It is fitting that REMEMBERING J. SMITH LANIER and Edith Carroll (Mrs. Joseph Wiley this Senate take note of such a life. II Hodges, Jr.) of McDonough, GA, eight He took great joy in his exceptional ∑ Mr. SESSIIONS. Madam President. I grandchildren, as well many other fam- wife, Mary Austill Samford, and daugh- would like to take a moment to recog- ily members, friends and colleagues. ters Mary Austill Samford Lott and nize the passing of a great American They have been given a great legacy in- Katherine Park Samford Alford, five patriot, J. Smith Lanier II. Smith La- deed. grandchildren and seven great-grand- nier was an entrepreneur, business Smith Lanier was a great patriot re- children. They reflect these same leader, philanthropist, community flecting the highest and best values of qualities and can take solace in the leader, national leader, and friend. American citizenship, and I am hon- heritage that he has left them.∑ He was a native of Georgia, attended ored to be able to pay tribute to his f Auburn University then transferred to many contributions to business, edu- the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy cation, health, and his community.∑ MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE where he earned a degree in mechan- f At 12:22 p.m., a message from the ical engineering and a commission into House of Representatives, delivered by the U.S. Navy. REMEMBERING YETTA GLENN Mr. Novotny, one of its reading clerks, In 1950, he joined his aunt’s insurance SAMFORD, JR. announced that the House has passed agency, Lanier Insurance Agency, ∑ Mr. SESSIONS. Madam President, I the following bill, in which it requests based in West Point, GA. His career note the passing at age 90 of a truly the concurrence of the Senate: was interrupted by 2 years of active outstanding American citizen, Yetta duty aboard the USS Ault DD698 dur- Glenn Samford, Jr., a lifelong resident H.R. 2431. An act to reauthorize the Na- tional Integrated Drought Information Sys- ing the . When he returned of Opelika, AL. Opelika Mayor Gary tem. from that service, he purchased the Fuller rightly called him an icon. The agency under the name J. Smith La- product of a distinguished Alabama f nier & Co. He began with a single office family, he was successful in law and MEASURES PLACED ON THE and five employees and grew to have business, all the while giving of himself CALENDAR offices throughout Georgia, Alabama, for his Nation and community. Tennessee, Florida, and Kentucky. That such characteristics, such cast The following bill was read the first Today the company is one of the oldest of mind and heart, have provided the and second times by unanimous con- and largest insurance brokerage firms unique values that have made America sent, and placed on the calendar: in the United States. He served as its great is without doubt. The deeply held H.R. 2431. An act to reauthorize the Na- chairman and CEO until 1998 and was concept of neighbor helping neighbor tional Integrated Drought Information Sys- tem. chairman emeritus until his death. has been the glory of the Republic. A During his life, he helped launch member of the ‘‘greatest generation’’, f many other companies including Yetta Samford served his country and EXECUTIVE AND OTHER Async, Inc.; SouthernNet; Interface, was consistently successful in his un- COMMUNICATIONS Inc., NASDAQ; Valley Realty Com- dertakings. He flourished in law and pany, Inc.; ITC Holding Co., Inc.; business. But, he was focused on giving The following communications were Avdata, Inc.; National Vision Associ- back. He loved his country, State and laid before the Senate, together with ates, Inc.; Cookbook Brands, Inc., now community and was a strong believer accompanying papers, reports, and doc- Beverage House; Powertel, Inc., for- in education. During World War II, he uments, and were referred as indicated: merly Intercel, Inc. and now TMobile; piloted B–17 bombers being stationed in EC–4633. A communication from the Acting and ITC DeltaCom, NASDAQ. A re- England in 1944 and 1945—a calling that Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and markably successful entrepreneurial placed his very life at risk. Returning Readiness), transmitting a report on the ap- proved retirement of Lieutenant General career indeed. from the war, grateful for his survival, William N. Phillips, United States Army, He was a strong advocate for edu- he declared, ‘‘I thank the Lord for let- and his advancement to the grade of lieuten- cation at all levels, both public and pri- ting me come back.’’ Then he married ant general on the retired list; to the Com- vate, founding Springwood School in his wonderful lifetime partner, Mary mittee on Armed Services. Lanett, AL and serving on the boards Austill, got his degree at Auburn Uni- EC–4634. A communication from the Acting of trustees of several colleges and uni- versity and his law degree at the Uni- Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and versities. He was a strong advocate for versity of Alabama. Readiness), transmitting a report on the ap- fair treatment for hospitals in the From then on success followed him proved retirement of General Keith B. Alex- ander, United States Army, and his advance- area, an issue that I worked with him and he lived a life of generosity. How ment to the grade of general on the retired to address. many today will reach his level of serv- list; to the Committee on Armed Services. Mr. Lanier was very close to Auburn ice? Are we still producing such people? EC–4635. A communication from the Chair- University. He served on many boards Perhaps so, but in the same numbers? man and President of the Export-Import for the university and in 2010 was pre- Yetta Samford was supportive of a Bank, transmitting, pursuant to law, a re- sented the Auburn University Alumni host of positive activities. He was ac- port relative to transactions involving U.S. Association Lifetime Achievement tive in many local organizations, do- exports to Kenya; to the Committee on Award. nated the land for the Opelika Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Smith was also active in local, re- Sportsplex and Aquatics Center, and EC–4636. A communication from the Chair- man and President of the Export-Import gional and national politics serving the was a member of the board of deacons Bank, transmitting, pursuant to law, a re- Republican Party in many ways, in- for the First Baptist Church of Opelika port relative to transactions involving U.S. cluding being a delegate to two Repub- for 60 years. He served on the pres- exports to Canada; to the Committee on lican National Conventions. He was al- tigious board of trustees of the Univer- Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

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