December 16, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1873 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

TRIBUTE TO YOUNG STAFF MEM- I am grateful that such thoughtful committed derman for two terms in Madison, Mississippi, BERS AND INTERNS FOR THEIR young men and women can be found working where he created local community improve- CONTRIBUTIONS ON BEHALF OF in my office, those of my colleagues, and in ment and infrastructure projects. When a hor- THE PEOPLE OF THE 18TH CON- every community in America. Their good rific flood hit the town, he hopped right in his GRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF works will keep America great and good. truck with his chain saw to help homeowners TEXAS f clear away rubble and start rebuilding. That’s the active, selfless and relentless leadership HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE ANNOUNCING RECIPIENTS OF THE for which he will be remembered. 2013 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN Colonel Dan Prather, let me both thank and OF TEXAS COMMENDATION FOR THE THIRD IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES congratulate you on your exceptional service DISTRICT OF TEXAS to our country and our community both past Monday, December 16, 2013 and present. It is my pleasure to award you Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, one of HON. SAM JOHNSON the 2013 Congressional Veteran Commenda- the major reasons why I believe the future of OF TEXAS tion for the Third District of Texas. our country is bright and its best days lie IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f ahead is the extraordinary quality, talent, com- Monday, December 16, 2013 mitment, and energy of the young people who CELEBRATING THE 60TH ANNIVER- will in time assume the responsibility of leader- Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, SARY OF BOBBY AND LETA ship. it is my privilege to honor fourteen distin- AYERS Members of Congress know well, perhaps guished military veterans, community servants, better than most, how blessed our nation is to and American patriots who call the Third Dis- HON. RALPH M. HALL have in reserve such exceptional young men trict of Texas home. All faithfully answered the OF TEXAS and women who will go on to become leaders call of duty and to place service above self for IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES in their local communities, states, and the na- the sake of our great nation. Each one leaves tion in the areas of business, education, gov- a legacy to be remembered, for future genera- Monday, December 16, 2013 ernment, philanthropy, the arts and culture, tions to follow, a legacy of bravery, loyalty, Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to con- and the military. dedication, and sacrifice. For their selfless gratulate Bobby and Leta Ayers who cele- We know this because we see them and service, bold leadership, and undying commit- brated their 60th anniversary this year. Their benefit from their contributions every day. ment for their neighbor and nation, the fol- commitment to each other and their family is Many of them work for us in our offices as jun- lowing individual has been selected as a re- an inspiration and a wonderful reminder of the ior staff members, congressional fellows, or in- cipient of the third annual Congressional Vet- importance of family, particularly during the terns and they do amazing work for and on eran Commendation: holiday season. behalf of the constituents we are privileged to Colonel Dan Prather served in the United Bobby and Leta were wed on July 3, 1953, represent. States Army from 1963 to 1993. After partici- at First Christian Church, Caddo Mills, by Dr. I rise today to pay tribute to the wonderful pating in ROTC at West Texas State Univer- James S. Riley. Over the past six decades, young men and women who have done this sity, Mr. Prather was commissioned in the Mr. and Mrs. Ayers have been blessed with work in my office for my constituents. U.S. Army, beginning his military career at one son, Dean, and his wife Gerry Ayers and Mr. Speaker, I believe there is no higher Fort Hood. As a company commander and one daughter, Diane, and her husband David calling than the call to serve a cause larger aide de camp to Major General George Lindsey, as well as four grandchildren and than ourselves. That is why I ran for public of- Ruhlen, he earned his Ranger tab to improve four great-grandchildren. fice. I was inspired to serve by President Ken- on his infantry skills. During his two tours of The Ayers have lived their lives in Caddo nedy who said, ‘‘Ask not what your country Vietnam, he earned the Silver Star, Legion of Mills, Texas. Bobby worked for TXU Energy can do for you, ask what you can do for your Merit, Bronze Star with Combat Valor, and for 40 years and is now retired. Leta gave pri- country,’’ and by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, along with numer- vate piano lessons and was a church sec- King, Jr., who said: ous other medals. retary for 10 years at their church, First Bap- Everybody can be great because anybody As seen from his decorations, Mr. Prather tist, Caddo Mills. can serve.... You only need a heart full of demonstrated countless moments of valor, loy- Bobby and Leta Ayers are blessed to have grace. A soul generated by love. alty, and leadership. One exemplary moment had so many happy years together, and I wish By this measure, there are several other was his decision to change daytime patrols of them many more. Mr. Speaker, I ask my col- great young men and women who served as the Viet Cong to nighttime patrols. The ‘‘Rat leagues to join me in celebration of the Ayer’s volunteers this year in my offices. They may Patrol,’’ as he called it, was instantly success- 60th wedding anniversary. toil in obscurity but their contributions to the ful, capturing weapons, mines, and grenades f constituents we serve are deeply appreciated while neutralizing 34 enemy soldiers, all within and I wish to acknowledge them. They are: the first month of operation. In fact, Mr. HONORING LUISA DELAURO AS Carlos Fierros, Toulia Nwabunnia, Ziad Saqr, Prather’s tactical strategy proved so effective SHE CELEBRATES HER 100TH Michal Shinnar, Chike Achebe, Morgan that other U.S. Infantries adopted his nighttime BIRTHDAY Cassell, Deontae Wherry, Kern Kumar, Myron model to high levels of success. Perhaps even Latney, Mohammad Cifci, Hiromi Oka, Marcus more impressive than his tactical instincts is HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO Smith, Zahit Akinci, Alezeh Rauf, Elif Duran, under his command, he lost not one soldier’s OF CONNECTICUT Omorose Eguakun, Amy Akabue, Ariadna life through both of his tours in Vietnam. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mujica, Olivia Igbokwe, and Ayanna Costley. That’s remarkable leadership. Mr. Speaker, the energy, intelligence, and To quote a man who served in Prather’s Monday, December 16, 2013 idealism young people bring to their intern- battalion at Fort Polk, who later became a Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is always an ships in my office and those of my colleagues General, ‘‘What a great soldier, leader, and honor for me to have the opportunity to rise helps keep our democracy vibrant. The in- commander Dan Prather was. In my view, he and recognize the accomplishments of those I sights, skills, and knowledge of the govern- was the best of all . . . whenever I faced so proudly represent. Today, however, is par- mental process they gain from their experi- tough situations as a commander, I often ticularly special as I stand to pay tribute to my ences will last a lifetime and prove invaluable thought of how he would have handled it.’’ mother, Luisa DeLauro, who will celebrate her to them as they go about making their mark in After his military career, his dedication to 100th birthday this December 24. She is—by this world. service never waned. He served as a City Al- any definition—an extraordinary woman,

∑ 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 Mar 15 2010 03:29 Dec 23, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD13\RECFILES\DEC2013\E16DE3.REC E16DE3 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E1874 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 16, 2013 whose passion for family and civic service ANNOUNCING RECIPIENTS OF THE entific integrity, public accountability, and so- made all the difference in our lives and in our 2013 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN cial responsibility. The NIH also enriches community. COMMENDATION FOR THE THIRD many colleges and universities across the DISTRICT OF TEXAS country, because, though many Americans are Born December 24, 1913, at 111 Wooster not aware, a large portion of the budget is Street, my mother was one of six children. sent out to all fifty states in the form of extra- She grew up in the heart of New Haven’s HON. SAM JOHNSON OF TEXAS mural research grants. Through these grants, Italian American community and spent most of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES better education yields higher return on public her childhood in my grandmother’s pastry investment in medical research. shop, Canestri’s. It was in the Wooster Square Monday, December 16, 2013 Thanks in part to research performed by the neighborhood that my mother learned the im- Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, NIH, the life expectancy of a baby born in the portance of family, respect, and community. it is my privilege to honor fourteen distin- United States is now 79—which is three dec- She married my father, Ted, in 1938 and they guished military veterans, community servants, ades longer than one born in 1900. Not only successfully balanced a life of family and com- and American patriots who call the Third Dis- are we living longer, but our quality of life is trict of Texas home. All faithfully answered the improving. According to the NIH, the propor- munity service. I have vivid memories of my call of duty and placed service above self for tion of elderly with chronic disabilities has parents sitting with neighbors at our kitchen the sake of our great nation. Each one leaves dropped by almost one third over the last 25 table—particularly newly immigrated families— a legacy to be remembered, for future genera- years. and my mother and father doing all they could tions to follow, a legacy of bravery, loyalty, Research and development in the medical to help them overcome whatever obstacle they dedication, and sacrifice. For their selfless field is the key to curing not only cancer, but were facing. My mother was no stranger to service, bold leadership, and undying commit- also a host of other diseases that impact mil- hard work. When I was growing up, she ment for their neighbor and nation, the fol- lions of Americans. For citizens who suffer worked in a sweatshop, sewing shirt collars for lowing individual has been selected as a re- from pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest pennies Every day she would make me come cipient of the third annual Congressional Vet- major cancers, such funding is not just nec- by after school to see the horrible, cramped eran Commendation: essary, it’s urgent. It is critical that Congress conditions. It is something I will never forget. Kevin Haines served in the United States do whatever is possible to support pancreatic Army from 1989 to 1996. During his ten year cancer research at the NIH and the National The lesson was clear: work hard. Make some- military career, he served in the 89th Military Cancer Institute (NCI). In meetings with my thing of yourself. Get a good education. Police Brigade, which supported in wartime constituents who have shared their stories My mother was elected to the Board of Al- and humanitarian services to numerous U.S. about pancreatic cancer, it has been clear that derman in 1965—a position she held for 35 Army missions across the globe. For instance, we could do more to find a cure for this dis- years and which stands today as the record he deployed to Iraq when the United States ease. for the longest serving member of that Board. first invaded Kuwait in 1990 and approximately It is crucial that we, Members of the United In her time on the Board, she focused much one year later, deployed to Cuba to help Hai- States Congress, continue to support the NIH of her attention on her childhood community— tian refugees. He also deployed to Somalia, and its subsidiary, the NCI, by providing sus- and served at Fort Hood for several years. For tained and predictable funding. In these times seeing Wooster Square designated as the his dedication and years of service, Mr. of record debts and deficits and reduced City’s first Historic District, initiating the annual Haines was awarded the Army Commendation budgets, it remains important that Congress Cherry Blossom Festival, and recognizing dis- Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and Human- continue to prioritize what is most important. tinguished residents and organizations with itarian Awards: Southwest Asia Medal, Armed The NIH is truly a national treasure. It is a the honorary naming of streets and corners— Forces Expeditionary Medal, Kuwait Liberation light that we must not let fade. but she was also a fierce advocate, particu- Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and a f larly for senior citizens and children. Good Conduct Medal. FIVE CHINESE DAUGHTERS TO My mother knew the importance of helping After Mr. Haines’ military career honorably ended in 1996, he began his fire service ca- BEIJING: PLEASE LET OUR FA- people—she understood that politics was an reer with the City of Temple Fire Rescue. He THERS GO FREE avenue for change. She also understood that joined the Plano Fire Department in 1999 women had an obligation to participate in the where he serves as a Paramedic Trainer and HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH political process. When I first ran for Congress chairs the EMS Vision Committee. He re- OF NEW JERSEY in 1990, I found an article my mother wrote in ceived a Life-Saving Award in 2002 and was IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the 10th ward Democratic newsletter in 1933, also awarded the Paramedic of the Year in Monday, December 16, 2013 now 80 years ago. Serving as Secretary of the 2007. Both in his military and civilian career, organization at the time, amazingly, she wrote: Mr. Haines has consistently demonstrated the Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, highest level of service, putting his life on the When China bullies, incarcerates, tortures— It is not my intention to be critical, rather line to protect our community, our businesses, and even executes—a prisoner of conscience, my motive in writing this article is to en- and our homes. their entire family and friends suffer an excru- courage the female members of this organi- Kevin Haines, let me both thank and con- ciating sense of loss, bewilderment, emotional zation to take a more active part in its af- gratulate you on your exceptional service to pain and agony. fairs. We are not living in the middle ages our country and community both past and Often members of the family are themselves when a woman’s part in life was merely to present. It is my pleasure to award you the subjected to interrogation, mistreatment and serve her master in her home, but we have house arrest in order to amplify the hurt. gradually taken our place in every phase of 2013 Congressional Veteran Commendation for the Third District of Texas. In a very real sense, everyone close to a human endeavor, and even in the here-to-for prisoner of conscience goes to jail and lives a f stronghold of the male sex: politics. I have seemingly unending nightmare. Every day, noticed that the girls, unlike the men, are THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF family and friends are left to wonder what ter- timid in asserting themselves, and many a HEALTH rible abuse awaits dad or mom or a brother or good idea is lost, having been suppressed by sister or child. Every day, the tears flow. its creator. Come on girls, let’s make our- The people who rule China today with an selves heard. HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON OF IDAHO iron fist resort to these ugly methods of control And so, mom, I want to take this opportunity IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES in the mistaken assumption that the people— the masses—can’t be trusted to govern them- to say, ‘‘You made yourself heard.’’ You con- Monday, December 16, 2013 tinue to make us all proud. Thank you and selves, practice their faith as they see fit or congratulations on your centennial anniver- Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, the mission of create a family. China’s barbaric one child per the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is to couple population control policy in effect since sary. You are your daughter’s greatest inspira- seek and improve the quality of knowledge in 1979 continues unabated to make brothers tion. the medical sciences, and to apply that knowl- and sisters illegal and relies on ruinous fines edge in a meaningful way. The NIH fulfills this and penalties, forced abortion, and coercive mission by maintaining high standards of sci- sterilization—crimes against humanity—to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:29 Dec 23, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD13\RECFILES\DEC2013\E16DE3.REC E16DE3 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE December 16, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1875 achieve its ends. And all ‘‘news’’ content and ment for their neighbor and nation, the fol- Mr. Freeland was a Nevada native and Iowa commentary in cyberspace, TV, radio or in lowing individual has been selected as a re- transplant who later moved his family to Indi- print media continues to be strictly controlled cipient of the third annual Congressional Vet- ana to pursue the American Dream. He start- and manipulated by the communist party. eran Commendation: ed his career as an ironworker in Iowa who The Chinese government today is in the LeRoy Myrben served in the United States worked on Atlas rocket sites throughout the business of breaking minds, bodies and Navy from 1955 to 1977. During his 22 years Midwest. In 1967, Mr. Freeland started a part- hearts. The repression is systematic, perva- of service, he completed six tours aboard air- time job working for Pizza Hut for $1.25 an sive, unrelenting and unnecessary—the peo- craft carriers, three of those tours during the hour. He eventually worked his way up to ple of China love their nation and deserve bet- Vietnam War, and in total, served in ten dif- store manager, area manager, and part-owner ter treatment. Even heroic persons like Chen ferent naval commands. After his many years in an Iowa Pizza Hut franchise. Guangcheng, Wei Jingsheng, Rebiya Kadeer, of active duty, he worked for 27 years as a ci- Mr. Freeland moved his wife and young Bishop Su, Harry Wu, and countless others vilian employee, developing government and family to Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1972 and who have demonstrated by their extraordinary corporate programs, such as the design stage opened their first Pizza Hut franchise. Over perseverance an indomitable will to advance of the Blackhawk Helicopter, F–18 Hornet. In the next 40-plus years, the business grew to bedrock human rights principles regardless of 2003, he retired as the Director of National include 48 Pizza Hut locations in Indiana and cost carry the indelible scars of unspeakable Security Solutions and as the Director of the Ohio as well as four Kentucky Fried Chicken mistreatment. Coast Guard Program before moving to Fris- restaurants. His knowledge and business acu- The people who rule China today employ co, Texas. men was so well respected by the corporate these ugly methods of control to prop up their Since moving to Texas, he’s been an ex- office that he was asked to travel to Poland to own political power and increase their per- tremely active leader and servant to the city of advise the Pizza Hut team on improving their sonal wealth. China, a great nation, deserves Frisco, advocating relentlessly on behalf of operations. Soon after, he became a partner better. veterans and their families. Quickly after mov- in those Pizza Hut and Kentucky Fried Chick- Far too many of us who live in freedom ing, he joined the Frisco Veterans of Foreign en restaurants in Poland and the Czech Re- often fail to exert ourselves in a meaningful Wars (VFW) 8273 post and in one short year public. way to assist prisoners of conscience and became the Post Senior Commander and then Mr. Freeland sought to hire high-quality em- their loved ones—in China and elsewhere. later the Post Commander. During his time as ployees, train them well and empower them to Far too many of us fail to empathize with Commander, he chaired the Frisco Veterans’ make decisions for the benefit of themselves, their plight. Or to see what’s just below the Walk of Honor project to develop a memorial the customer and the business. In his free fac¸ade of the purported harmonious society. walkway that displays names of veterans on time, he was involved in local, state and na- How can it be that the 2010 Nobel Peace the Memorial in Frisco’s Commons Park. All tional politics and enjoyed hunting, fishing, Prize winner Liu Xiaobo remains in prison the while, he continues to be an active Frisco traveling, and breeding Arabian horses at while his wife Liu Xia is forced to endure the Committee Parade member and has served Freeland Farms. Mr. Freeland was a member extreme isolation of house arrest and is now as Frisco’s Memorial Day Master of Cere- of numerous corporate and charitable organi- reportedly experiencing severe depression? monies for the past three years. As an advisor zation boards and served as the regional fi- Perhaps we are uninformed or too busy or to Frisco’s Mayor, Maher Maso, he developed nance chairman of Bush/Quayle campaign in prefer to look askance. However, with so and now chairs the Mayor’s Frisco Veterans 1992. much preventable suffering being endured by Advisory Committee, which consists of individ- Mr. Freeland left his loving wife, Deanna, so many prisoners of conscience and their uals from all military branches selected to ad- two children, six grandchildren, and one great- families in China today, the time has surely vise the Mayor and City Council Members on grandchild. come for a more serious and sustained de- issues pertaining to the veterans. Mr. Myrben Mr. Freeland’s legacy demonstrates the fense of these heroic individuals and their not only put his life on the line overseas, he promise of hard work and the extraordinary noble causes. continues to sacrifice his time, energy, and ef- opportunities afforded to the individual by lib- All of us—including the Chinese govern- forts every single day at home to ensure that erty and American free enterprise. Dick’s story ment—have a duty to protect. his fellow veterans receive the care, attention, should serve as an example to millions of At a hearing that I held several weeks ago, and honor they rightfully deserve. young Americans. Through hard work and per- we heard the cries for release and freedom LeRoy Myrben, let me both thank and con- severance, the American Dream can be real- from five remarkable daughters on behalf of gratulate you on your exceptional service to ized. There are very few places in the world their wrongly imprisoned fathers and from a our country and community both past and today where a part time hourly worker, dad on behalf of his unjustly jailed son. We present. It is my pleasure to award you the through his own toil and dedication, can not also received expert testimony from a pre- 2013 Congressional Veteran Commendation only be promoted to management, but build viously incarcerated Christian pastor who for the Third District of Texas. an empire. And then use his success for the cares deeply for the vulnerable and at risk and f betterment of our nation and his fellow man. another human rights activist who was de- Mr. Freeland’s life and story are a testament PERSONAL EXPLANATION tained in China after an attempt to visit a dis- to the unlimited potential of every individual, sident. our great nation, and America’s bright future. f HON. TRENT FRANKS America is quite exceptional indeed. OF ARIZONA Rest in peace my friend, and thank you for ANNOUNCING RECIPIENTS OF THE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES your example and leadership. 2013 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN Monday, December 16, 2013 f COMMENDATION FOR THE THIRD DISTRICT OF TEXAS Mr. FRANKS of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, had IRAN’S PERSECUTION OF PASTOR I been present, I would have voted ‘‘yes’’ on ABEDINI WORSENS HON. SAM JOHNSON rollcall No. 641 on H. Res. 441. f OF TEXAS HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HONORING RICHARD ‘‘DICK’’ OF NEW JERSEY Monday, December 16, 2013 FREELAND IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, HON. TODD ROKITA Monday, December 16, 2013 it is my privilege to honor fourteen distin- Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, at OF INDIANA guished military veterans, community servants, our full committee hearing on Tuesday, De- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and American patriots who call the Third Dis- cember 10, I asked Secretary of State Kerry trict of Texas home. All faithfully answered the Monday, December 16, 2013 whether he had raised Pastor Saeed Abedini’s call of duty and placed service above self for Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to release during the Iranian nuclear talks. I read the sake of our great nation. Each one leaves recognize and salute a distinguished Hoosier, him the following advance excerpt of the testi- a legacy to be remembered, for future genera- Richard ‘‘Dick’’ Freeland, who passed away on mony that Naghmeh Abedini—wife of Pastor tions to follow, a legacy of bravery, loyalty, October 20, 2013. I wish to express my heart- Saeed Abedini who remains imprisoned and dedication, and sacrifice. For their selfless felt gratitude and appreciation for his leader- subject to torture in Iran—would offer on service, bold leadership, and undying commit- ship and service to the people of Indiana. Thursday, December 12. ‘‘While I am thankful

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:29 Dec 23, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD13\RECFILES\DEC2013\E16DE3.REC E16DE3 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E1876 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 16, 2013 for President Obama’s willingness to express ANNOUNCING RECIPIENTS OF THE pioned public private partnerships, led efforts concern about my husband and the other im- 2013 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN for gender equality, advocated for justice in prisoned Americans in Iran during his recent COMMENDATION FOR THE THIRD her community, and supported our youth. phone conversation with Iran’s new president, DISTRICT OF TEXAS Ms. Crayton’s esteemed career has Hassan Rouhani, I was devastated to learn spanned over four decades as an employee of that the Administration didn’t even ask for my HON. SAM JOHNSON Comcast, where she is currently the San Fran- husband’s release when directly seated across OF TEXAS cisco Regional Senior Director of Government the table from the leaders of the government IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Relations. Along the way, she has been a staunch advocate for the advancement of that holds him captive. My husband is suf- Monday, December 16, 2013 fering because he is a Christian. He is suf- women by leading efforts with Black Women fering because he is an American. Yet, his Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Organized for Political Action, California own government at least the Executive and it is my privilege to honor fourteen distin- Women Lead, EMERGE, Women In Cable guished military veterans, community servants, diplomatic representatives has abandoned and Telecommunications, and 100 Black and American patriots who call the Third Dis- him. Don’t we owe it to him as a nation to Women of the Bay Area, Inc. Ms. Crayton has trict of Texas home. All faithfully answered the stand up for his human rights, for his free- been recognized numerous times for her com- call of duty and placed service above self for dom?’’ mitment to gender equality. The San Fran- the sake of our great nation. Each one leaves cisco League of Women Voters accorded Ms. Secretary Kerry acknowledged that he had a legacy to be remembered, for future genera- Crayton ‘‘The Woman Who Could Be Presi- not done so—confirming the awful report that tions to follow, a legacy of bravery, loyalty, dent’’ award in 2001. In 2006, she was named Naghmeh had already heard. dedication, and sacrifice. For their selfless ‘‘Woman of the Year’’ for the 9th senatorial Pastor Abedini remains imprisoned in Iran, service, bold leadership, and undying commit- district by California State Senator and Presi- sharing a cell with violent criminals who have ment for their neighbor and nation, the fol- dent Pro-Tempore Don Perata, as well as more than once surrounded Pastor Abedini as lowing individual has been selected as a re- ‘‘Corporate Woman of the Year’’ by 100 Black he tried to sleep, wielding knives and threat- cipient of the third annual Congressional Vet- Women, Inc. In 2011, Ms. Crayton was recog- eran Commendation: ening his life. nized by the National Women’s History Month Colonel Richard H. Graham served in the with a History Makers Award. Saeed Abedini is an American citizen. He United States Air Force from 1964 to 1989. He Among her many contributions, Ms. Crayton went to Iran last year to build an orphanage entered pilot training at Craig Air Force Base has tirelessly served her community and for Iranian children. He had been arrested in in Alabama. Once he graduated he remained church as a civil rights leader. She has Iran before, but released and told he could at Craig AFB as a T–37 instructor pilot and worked with the NAACP, Urban League, and enter and exit the country for humanitarian aid flight examiner. In 1970, Mr. Graham was as- countless other community justice organiza- work if he agreed to cease pastoring house signed to the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron tions. She also supports the East Oakland churches. at Udom Air Force Base in Thailand. During Youth Development Center, Oakland Boys As Pastor Abedini’s wife, Naghmeh, testified this time he flew 145 combat missions over and Girls Club, and the Spanish Speaking Citi- last week, he accepted that proposal—but Iran North Vietnam and Laos in F–4C/D/E aircraft. zens Foundation. For her tremendous commit- He ended his military career honorably with did not uphold its end of the agreement. ment to the community, she has been recog- more than 4,600 flying hours. nized by the San Francisco African American Abedini was arrested in July 2012, impris- For his years of distinguished service, Mr. Chamber with a ‘‘Lifetime Achievement’’ award oned, and tried for sharing his religious beliefs Graham received numerous decorations in- and by the National Association for Multi-eth- and thereby supposedly undermining the se- cluding a Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying nicity in Communications (NAMIC) as a Black curity of Iran. Cross with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Meri- History Month—Living Legend. In 2007, the He was denied contact with his attorney torious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Clus- Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Committee and until just before the trial. The trial was not pub- ter, Air Medal with 18 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Bayview Hunters Point Family Resource lic, and he and his attorney were barred from an Air Force Outstanding Unity Award with Center further honored Ms. Crayton with a participating in key portions of the trial—fol- Valor. ‘‘Distinguished Community Service Award,’’ lowing which a judge sentenced him to 8 Mr. Graham has continued to serve since and a ‘‘Humanitarian Award,’’ respectively. years in prison. His appeals have been de- his retirement from the military. He is actively Moreover, Ms. Crayton boasts an impres- nied. involved in many charities and contributes his sive commitment to local government. In 1996, time and life experiences giving motivational San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown first ap- In prison, he has been repeatedly beaten, speeches around the country. His main chari- denied medical care, and held in solitary con- pointed her to the San Francisco Airports table work is through the four books he wrote Commission, a role that she has been ap- finement. While nuclear talks played out on on the SR–71. He donates the royalties from the world stage—Iran moved Pastor Abedini to pointed to by successive San Francisco may- these books to aviation museums including ors continuously till this day. She has worked a prison notorious for housing the worst crimi- the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in hard to ensure that San Francisco Inter- nals in Iran, Rajai Shahr. D.C. and the Frontiers of Flight Museum in national Airport is the best run, cleanest, and The very fact that Pastor Abedini was Dallas. most welcoming airport in the world. Colonel Richard Graham, let me both thank moved to a dangerous prison in the middle of Additionally, Ms. Crayton provided much and congratulate you on your exceptional negotiations confirms that the Iranians recog- needed support and leadership to the restruc- service to our country and community both nized him as a potential factor in the negotia- turing of the San Francisco Department of past and present. It is my pleasure to award tions. Since August of 2012, the United States Health in her capacity as President of the San you the 2013 Congressional Veteran Com- has reportedly released four Iranians, includ- Francisco District V Mental Health Board. For mendation for the Third District of Texas. ing most recently a high-ranking scientist, who these efforts she was recognized by the San were imprisoned in the U.S. for sanctions vio- f Francisco Board of Supervisors with the pres- lations. HONORING LINDA CRAYTON tigious Leadership Award. Speaking for myself, I question whether Throughout her prolific career, Ms. Crayton these releases are unrelated to the nuclear HON. BARBARA LEE has not only been a hardworking professional, talks. OF CALIFORNIA but also a compassionate and generous indi- vidual. She has been a mentor for countless IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Yet American citizen Saeed Abedini remains men and women throughout the years, taking in a hell-hole prison in Iran. Monday, December 16, 2013 them under her wing to help them grow pro- The U.S. government must not waste an- Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise fessionally and pursue job opportunities. other opportunity to secure the release of Pas- today to honor the extraordinary career of Therefore, on behalf of California’s 13th tor Abedini—his case needs to be front and Linda Crayton as we celebrate over 40 years Congressional District, Ms. Linda Crayton, I center in the next round of U.S.-Iranian nego- of her dedicated service to the community and salute you. Your many years of service have tiations. Time is running out. Naghmeh, Re- her wide reaching accomplishments. Ms. made an indelible mark in our community. becca, and Jacob need their husband and fa- Crayton is an outstanding individual, who Best wishes to you and your loved ones in the ther home. throughout her distinguished career has cham- years to come.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:29 Dec 23, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD13\RECFILES\DEC2013\E16DE3.REC E16DE3 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE December 16, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1877 HONORING THE MOTOR TRANS- and American patriots who call the Third Dis- cilitate the development and use of technology PORT ASSOCIATION OF CON- trict of Texas home. All faithfully answered the to make offshore drilling safer for workers and NECTICUT FOR THEIR EFFORTS call of duty and placed service above self for the environment. TO COMBAT HUMAN TRAF- the sake of our great Nation. Each one leaves A little more than three and a half years FICKING a legacy to be remembered, for future genera- ago, the Deepwater Horizon exploded and tions to follow, a legacy of bravery, loyalty, sank off the coast of Louisiana, killing eleven HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO dedication, and sacrifice. For their selfless workers, and allowing its unfinished well to OF CONNECTICUT service, bold leadership, and undying commit- pour millions of barrels of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico until it was finally capped sev- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ment for their neighbor and nation, the fol- lowing individual has been selected as a re- eral months later. This event—the greatest Monday, December 16, 2013 cipient of the third annual Congressional Vet- single environmental disaster in American his- Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great eran Commendation: tory—exposed as a myth the idea that such pride that I rise today to extend my deepest Sergeant Major Daniel Huff served in the tragic offshore events, such as the Montara thanks and appreciation to the Motor Trans- United States Marine Corps from 1981 to explosion in Australia, the Piper Alpha disaster port Association of Connecticut for their many 2010. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the North Sea, or the Ixtoc blowout in Mex- efforts to combat human trafficking, including in the Marine Corps, starting his career at ico, could not happen in the United States. their most recent action in honoring Kendis Boot Camp and Administrative Clerk School. There was no question that the industry had Paris and ‘‘Truckers Against Trafficking’’ with In 1983, then-Corporal Huff was transferred to gotten complacent. And the regulators had their highest honor, the ‘‘Good Buddy Award.’’ the United Nations Command in Seoul, South gotten complacent. And even Congress had As you know, each year hundreds of thou- Korea, where he earned his first Navy gotten complacent. The only debate before the sands of women and children are abducted Achievement Medal. He was then assigned to Deepwater Horizon tragedy was where drilling and forced into prostitution and enslaved the Inspector-Instructor Staff, 25th Marines, in should occur, not how safe it would be. Those under some of the most abusive of cir- Massachusetts and earned his promotion to of us whose states depend on clean beaches cumstances. The Federal Bureau of Investiga- Sergeant. and clear water to fuel a multi-billion dollar tion has identified truck stops and rest areas Later on in his career, Mr. Huff served as tourism industry were assured that technology as places where these abductions can occur. Senior Drill Instructor to mold young men into had reached the point that there was no risk The Motor Transportation Association of Con- exemplary character with traits of honorable whatsoever: that offshore drilling could coexist necticut (MTAC), an organization dedicated to service to God and country and then as Ad- with clean beaches, that vacationers and mer- promoting the interests of Connecticut’s truck- ministrative Chief to several Marine bases, the chants would never have to fear oil-soaked ing industry, has taken a leadership role in the last being in Quantico, Virginia. He served in seabirds dying on their shores, or tarballs national effort to combat this terrible epidemic. Operation Iraqi Freedom I and II, earning the staining the coasts for years to come. Truckers are the eyes and ears of our nation’s Meritorious Service Medal and Bronze Star Those assurances, we learned in April highways—indeed just this past July, in one with Combat V Medal for heroic actions in in- 2010, were completely false. The technology weekend, with the help of truckers and others, tense combat situations. For instance, on April the industry boasted of was about drilling more than 100 teenagers were rescued. The 14, 2004 in Karabilah, Iraq, a roadside bomb deeper and faster, not about being cleaner or leadership and members of MTAC have taken exploded and enemy fire unleashed on all safer. And while there is a requirement in the a special interest in this cause, making it a top sides of the Battalion Commander’s convoy. Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act for compa- priority. During this attack, Mr. Huff provided first-aid to nies to use the ‘‘best available and safest At their most recent annual meeting, MTAC a critically wounded Marine while simulta- technology,’’ in reality companies were al- demonstrated their commitment to this effort neously returning fire. He then ensured the lowed to simply meet regulatory minimums. by recognizing ‘‘Truckers Against Trafficking,’’ medical evacuation of 22 other wounded com- The Bureau of Safety and Environmental En- a national non-profit organization that exists to rades and led the Marines to secure the med- forcement, or BSEE, recently proposed to educate, equip, empower and mobilize mem- ical evacuation route. During the following five close that loophole and ensure that companies bers of the trucking and travel plaza industry days, the Battalion destroyed over 80 enemy really are using the best and safest tech- to combat domestic sex trafficking, and its co- insurgents, safeguarding the city from an at- nology; naturally that proposal was met with founder, Kendis Paris, with their 2013 Good tempted takeover by anti-Iraqi Forces. Mr. the predictable wails from industry. Buddy Award—a demonstration of the high Huffs extensive career and numerous decora- But despite those complaints, this is clearly level of esteem that MTAC holds for both the tions only scratch the surface of his exemplary an idea whose time has come. In October, the program and Kendis. I am proud to say that, leadership, dedication, and sacrifice. National Academy of Sciences released a re- in addition to these actions, MTAC has been Currently, Mr. Huff works for Dyncorp Inter- port with recommendations on how to imple- working with me to develop a legislative agen- national in Fort Worth, Texas, where he over- ment a true requirement for using the best da focused on combatting human trafficking. sees approximately 10,000 to 11,000 per- available and safest technology available in Human trafficking is a rampant issue that is sonnel at the Afghanistan base. He also vol- the offshore industry. The Academy endorsed impacting the lives of millions across the unteers in the community with the Toys for BSEE’s formation of an Ocean Energy Safety world, hundreds of thousands in our nation Tots Program, as a USMC JROTC mini-boot Institute, but said that the institute needed alone. I applaud the Motor Transport Associa- camp program supervisor, and represents the more funding, more stability, and more author- tion of Connecticut, Truckers Against Traf- Marine Corps in various community events ity. ficking, and Kendis Paris for their remarkable around the DFW metroplex. That is what my legislation does. It adopts work in combating this appalling practice. I Sergeant Major Daniel Huff, let me both the National Academy’s recommendations by look forward to continuing to work with them thank and congratulate you on your excep- giving BSEE the authority to stand up a ro- and to someday realize the goal we all tional service to our country and community bust, permanent Ocean Energy Safety Insti- share—to ensure that every woman and child both past and present. It is my pleasure to tute with a steady source of funding. The Insti- is protected from such a dreadful fate. award you the 2013 Congressional Veteran tute will facilitate collaboration between aca- f Commendation for the Third District of Texas. demia, regulators, and industry, serve as a f center of excellence for offshore safety re- ANNOUNCING RECIPIENTS OF THE search and education, and most importantly, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN OCEAN ENERGY SAFETY AND help BSEE identify the best available and COMMENDATION FOR THE THIRD TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENT safest technologies currently in use, and facili- DISTRICT OF TEXAS ACT OF 2013 tate the development of better and safer tech- nologies. HON. SAM JOHNSON HON. RUSH HOLT This legislation also implements other rec- OF TEXAS OF NEW JERSEY ommendations from the Academy, including IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES providing the authority for the review of drilling plans and permits to be prioritized if they Monday, December 16, 2013 Monday, December 16, 2013 would use particularly innovative safety tech- Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to intro- nologies, and promoting safety research by it is my privilege to honor fourteen distin- duce the Ocean Energy Safety and Tech- small businesses, where many of the best in- guished military veterans, community servants, nology Improvement Act of 2013, a bill to fa- novations arise.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:29 Dec 23, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD13\RECFILES\DEC2013\E16DE3.REC E16DE3 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E1878 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 16, 2013 Let me be clear: I do not believe that off- HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES IN EGYPT seat of the Coptic Pope, was attacked by 30– shore drilling can ever be made safe enough 40 Muslim youths. While dozens of Copts to put the beaches and tourist economy of HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH were sheltering inside, security forces joined New Jersey at risk. There will always be the OF NEW JERSEY the mob. Rather than dispersing the crowd, chance of equipment failure or human error IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES they participated in the all-night attack or that produces a catastrophic result, regardless stood idly by as rocks, gasoline bombs, and Monday, December 16, 2013 of the level of technology employed. No gas canisters were lobbed into the iconic ca- amount of oil or gas is worth the potential de- Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, a thedral. Despite this, President Morsi denied struction of the state’s lifeblood. I also believe hearing that I convened last week examined that the clash was sectarian in nature. that a continued dependence on offshore oil the escalating human rights abuses in Egypt. After Mr. Morsi was removed in July of this and gas, from any part of the country, keeps It was fitting that we held the hearing on De- year, the military ended the Muslim Brother- us from addressing the real issue that we cember 10, International Human Rights Day, hood’s sit-in with violence, killing hundreds of should be focusing on: how to move to a re- because we are witnessing grievous violence protestors. Tragically, some in the Muslim newable energy economy and ensure long- and other abuses directed against religious Brotherhood scapegoated the Copts although lasting energy and climate security. and political minorities, particularly the Copts the Copts had nothing to do with the military’s However, I acknowledge that we cannot get and other Christians, about which our govern- violent response. there overnight, and offshore drilling will con- ment and the media has said far too little— On August 14, a day that will be remem- tinue in places like the Gulf of Mexico, at least which seems to be a pattern worldwide. bered as the worst day for Copts in 700 years, for the time being. But while it is happening, The persecution of Christians is escalating. thirty-seven churches, five schools, three Bible we should ensure that it is being done with the Witness the slaughter of Christians in the Cen- societies, four other Christian institutions, and absolute best safety and environmentally re- tral African Republic (CAR). Bishop Nongo of many homes and businesses were burned or sponsible technology available, and I urge my the CAR told my committee that Christians damaged by mobs. More than 100 deaths colleagues to join me in getting to that point were being targeted because of their faith were documented in the initial spate of vio- by supporting the Offshore Drilling Safety while the U.N., the United States, and the rest lence and its aftermath. of the world looked on. Last Thursday, I Technology Improvement Act of 2013. Some Copts have charged the current mili- chaired a hearing on American pastor Saeed tary government in Egypt with allowing the at- Abedini who is jailed and suffering torture in f tacks on Coptic persons, businesses, church- Iran. Pastor Abedini’s wife, Naghmeh, told my es, and homes to continue—often in sight of HONORING THOMAS E. committee: ‘‘While I am thankful for President police stations and in spite of repeated and di- SCHWEDHELM Obama’s willingness to express concern about rect calls for help—in order to solidify govern- my husband and the other imprisoned Ameri- ment power as the only alternative to the Mus- HON. MIKE THOMPSON cans in Iran during his recent phone conversa- lim Brotherhood, as well as to justify their own OF CALIFORNIA tion with Iran’s new president, Hassan heavy-handed crackdown on the Muslim Rouhani, I was devastated to learn that the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Brotherhood. administration didn’t even ask for my hus- Monday, December 16, 2013 The Muslim Brotherhood denies any in- band’s release when directly seated across volvement in the attacks occurring across the Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, the table from the leaders of the government country, and has at times condemned them. I rise today to recognize and honor the Chief that holds him captive. My husband is suf- of Police for the City of Santa Rosa, Cali- fering because he is a Christian. He is suf- Yet the Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice fornia, Tom Schwedhelm, who is retiring after fering because he is an American. Yet, his Party Branch in Helwan reportedly posted a a 26-year career in law enforcement. own government, at least the Executive and statement holding the Coptic Pope responsible Chief Schwedhelm worked as a cadet and diplomatic representatives, has abandoned for Morsi’s removal and otherwise linked then a correctional officer in the Sonoma him. Don’t we owe it to him as a nation to Copts to attacks on the Muslim Brotherhood. County Jail prior to graduating from the Santa stand up for his human rights, for his free- The Brotherhood also called for Friday prayers Rosa Training Center’s Police Academy in dom?’’ to be held in an evangelical church in Minya 1983. After President Mubarak resigned in Feb- after it was occupied and converted into a In 1996, Tom Schwedhelm was promoted to ruary of 2011, the world hoped for a new mosque on August 15. Sergeant working with Sex Crimes & Family Egypt, a just government for all Egyptians, Whoever the attackers are—and that is one Violence investigations. He also had several which would not make President Mubarak’s thing we hope to learn more about today—the collateral assignments: Special Response Unit mistakes—but reality has been just the oppo- bottom line is that Coptic citizens are having Team Member and Team Leader; an Instruc- site. their most basic human rights—freedom of re- tor in Use of Force, Chemical Agents, and Horrific anti-Christian pogroms have taken ligion, freedom of association, and equal pro- Crowd Control; and an Ethics Facilitator. place under each of the post-Mubarak govern- tection of the laws—denied. In 2002 he was promoted to Lieutenant and ments. For some of these abuses, the govern- We can never rest while human dignity is so was promoted to Captain in 2004 as the Cap- ments bear the responsibility of inaction. For grossly trampled on—nor can we ever accept tain in charge of both the Field Services Divi- others they bear direct responsibility. In recent the suffering that has marked Coptic life for sion and the Special Services Division. In months, undercurrents of abuse and contempt decades, very much including the abductions, March 2009, he was appointed as the Acting for human dignity long existing in Egypt have forced conversions, and forced marriage of Chief of Police; he was subsequently ap- turned into flash floods of violence. Coptic girls and women. These abuses have pointed as the official Chief of Police for the For example, the Supreme Council of the continued unabated, and, by some reports, City of Santa Rosa on May 3, 2009. Armed Forces presided over the Maspero pro- have escalated sharply following the Arab Chief Schwedhelm was instrumental in de- test massacre in October 2011. At least 25 Spring, as has the abuse of the Egyptian veloping one of the first Victim Services Pro- people were killed and more than 300 in- courts to prosecute blasphemy cases against grams, and assisted in the implementation of jured—almost all of them Copts—when the Christians, moderate Muslims and secularists. CHOICES Grant Program, a community-wide military drove trucks through the crowd and Moreover, despite the nearly 1.5 billion dol- effort to address gang violence in the commu- used live ammunition against the unarmed lars in foreign aid American taxpayers give nity, as well as the Family Justice Center, the protestors. Egypt each year, neither the Mubarak govern- Mayor’s Gang Prevention Task Force and the Under the now-displaced Morsi government ment nor the Morsi government, or now the Police Department Succession Planning. three low-level soldiers involved were charged military government, has seen fit to return kid- Chief Schwedhelm is a second generation with minor crimes and received two- to three- napped American citizen children Noor and law enforcement officer. He and his wife, year sentences. No commanding officers were Ramsey Bower, who were abducted by their Jackie, have lived in Santa Rosa for 22 years, held responsible for ordering or failing to pre- mother to Egypt in 2009 in violation of valid where they have raised their two children. vent the deadly assaults. U.S. court orders, to the United States. They, Mr. Speaker, Chief Schwedhelm has served While Mr. Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood’s along with about 30 other American children in the City of Santa Rosa well during his distin- Freedom and Justice Party, at times voiced Egypt, are forced to live without the love and guished career. It is therefore appropriate that support for an Egypt that was home to Mus- guidance of an American parent who daily we commend him for his many years of public lims and Christians, his inaction belied his fights for their return, while being stripped of service and wish him well on his retirement. rhetoric. In April of 2012, St. Mark’s Cathedral, half of their culture and half of their identity.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:29 Dec 23, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD13\RECFILES\DEC2013\E16DE3.REC E16DE3 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE December 16, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1879 In addition, freedom of expression continues Ghost on March 18, 1963, and began preach- During his fifty years of ministry, Bishop Bry- to be under fire. The current interim govern- ing on March 25, 1963 at the age of 15 under ant has been the recipient of many awards ment has been arresting and jailing journalists the late Elder Eddie Davis. He was licensed and honors, including the following: Meri- critical of the military government, jamming the under the late Bishop C. H. Nelson and or- torious Services To The Community by Mayor broadcast signals, deporting foreign reporters, dained by the late Bishop S. M. Crouch of Los Fred Hofheinz; Meritorious Service To the and otherwise closing the offices of news out- Angeles, California. Community by Mayor Kathryn Whitmire; Hous- lets that are ‘‘broadcasting lies.’’ Bishop Bryant was attended public school at ton Police Department Public Service Award; In his September 23rd speech to the United Concord High School in Mt. Enterprise, Texas. Service Recognition Citation by Councilman Nations General Assembly, the President stat- He later attended LIFE Bible College, Los An- Shelia Jackson Lee; Distinguished Service ed that his ‘‘. . . approach to Egypt reflects a geles, California, from which he received his Award and Outstanding Leadership Award larger point: the United States will at times Bachelors of Theology; and the Family Bible from COGIC Texas South Central Jurisdiction; work with governments that do not meet the Institute in Denver, Colorado, from which he Excellence In Service Award by United Min- highest international expectations, but who was awarded a Doctorate of Divinity in 1993. ister’s Institute of Texas Southern University; work with us on our core interests.’’ These Bishop Bryant began his pastoral ministry Special Achievement Award from The Reli- core interests were earlier defined in the on August 6, 1969. Over the next 50 years, gious Workers Guild; Outstanding Leadership speech to include the ‘‘Camp David Accords pastored six churches: Bethlehem COGIC in AIM 2000 Church of God in Christ National and counter-terrorism’’ efforts but not, I believe Mt. Enterprise, Texas; Evangelist Temple Auxiliaries In Ministry Convention; by Bishop mistakenly, to include human rights. COGIC in Bay City, Texas; Eastside COGIC in J. W. Macklin-AIM Chairman, Charles Harrison Human rights, and the intrinsic dignity of Lufkin, Texas; and The City of Refuge COGIC, Mason Award The Religious Workers Guild, every human being from womb to the tomb, Livingston Memorial COGIC, and The Island Visionary Pastors Award from the Houston are important in and of themselves. But for of Hope COGIC (formerly Anderson Memo- Forward Times. those who fail to grasp this, there is another rial), all in Houston, Texas. He remodeled or On October 17, 2013 in Abuja, Nigeria, the important point to be made: It is in the stra- built three of these churches. African Children’s Hostel was named The Bishop Bryant has served the church from tegic interest of the United States to encour- Bishop Prince Bryant, Sr. African Children’s his youth to present in many capacities: as age governments to respect the rights of their Hostel in his honor. Sunday School Superintendent, Jurisdictional people, because governments that fail to do Mr. Speaker, Bishop Bryant is married to Chaplain, Jurisdictional Young People’s Willing so are in the final analysis unstable: This Mrs. Yolanda Howard Bryant and they are the Worker President, District Superintendent, Ju- should be the abiding lesson of the Arab proud parents of five children: Superintendent risdictional Executive Secretary, President of Spring. Prince E. Bryant, II (Candies); Dommonique Jurisdictional Minister’s and Worker’s Institute, The president also stated that future U.S. Jeannie Bryant; Phillip Paul Bryant; Elder Chairman of Jurisdictional Annual Leadership support to Egypt ‘‘will depend upon Egypt’s Desmon Ryan Bryant (Franchell); and Conference, and as Administrative Assistant to progress in pursuing a democratic path.’’ Tymorra Mishon Bryant. the late Jurisdictional Bishop, Bishop N. H. Again, it is unclear what criteria this entails. They also have been blessed with five won- Henderson. What if the democratic path does not include Nationally, Bishop Bryant has served the derful grandchildren: Prince E. Bryant, III, protection of human rights, such as what we Church of God in Christ as a member of the Paiton Anise Bryant, Pierce Edward O’neal saw under the Morsi government and now the General Assembly Executive Committee, Bryant, Madison Danielle Bryant, and John interim government? Commissions for Constitutional Convention Patrick Bryant. It is not democracy per se that is to be the Committee, General Council of Pastors and Mr. Speaker, for 50 years Bishop Bryant goal, but rather a duly-elected constitutional Elders Judiciary Review Committee, and Ex- has provided remarkable service to our nation government that respects minorities, the sepa- ecutive Board Member of the Church of God as a community, state, and national leader. ration of power, and human rights. Tyranny of in Christ Urban Initiative. I am proud to call this remarkable American the majority is not an acceptable option. Bishop Bryant has also actively involved hero my friend and I offer him my heartfelt What is clear is that the U.S. needs a new himself in the civic life of the community. He congratulations on the 50th Anniversary of his approach. This administration’s short-sighted served two terms as President of the Advisory service in the ministry of the Gospel. approach of not clearly linking aid to the pro- Board to the Mayor of Houston under Mayors Bishop Bryant truly is a ‘‘Soldier of the tection of human rights in Egypt has been un- Kathryn J. Whitmire and Mayor Bob Lanier. Cross.’’ I offer my best wishes for his contin- equivocally ineffective. It is my hope that our Bishop Bryant also served on the Civilian ued success in ministering the Gospel for hearing today will shed light on what went Review Committee for the Houston Police De- many years to come. wrong and how the United States can be more partment, as Chairman of Religious Com- f effective in protecting human rights going for- mittee, as founder of the Project David Ex- ANNOUNCING RECIPIENTS OF THE ward. Felon Re-Acclamation Job Program, as Vice 2013 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN f President of the Houston Northeast Quadrant Citizens Chamber of Commerce, as Chairman COMMENDATION FOR THE THIRD HONORING BISHOP PRINCE E.W. of Houston-Harris County Regional Substance DISTRICT OF TEXAS BRYANT, SR., OF HOUSTON, Abuse Faith-Based Task Force Committee, TEXAS, ‘‘SOLDIER OF THE and member of the Executive Board of the HON. SAM JOHNSON CROSS’’ WHO HAS MINISTERED Minister’s Conference at Prairie View A & M OF TEXAS THE GOSPEL FOR 50 YEARS University. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES In times of disaster, Bishop Bryant can be Monday, December 16, 2013 HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE counted on to provide comfort and assistance. OF TEXAS In 1983, he organized and chaired the Emer- Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES gency Disaster Relief Texas Inter-Jurisdic- it is my privilege to honor fourteen distin- tional Council, which coordinated government guished military veterans, community servants, Monday, December 16, 2013 entities and non-profit charity organizations and American patriots who call the Third Dis- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to such as FEMA, Red Cross and United Way. trict of Texas home. All faithfully answered the pay tribute to Bishop Prince E.W. Bryant, Sr., When Tropical Storm Allison hit in 2001, call of duty and placed service above self for the legendary pastor of the legendary Island of Bishop Bryant facilitated a benefit service. In the sake of our great nation. Each one leaves Hope Church of God in Christ Church in 2005, during Hurricane Katrina he organized a legacy to be remembered, for future genera- Houston, Texas. This year marks the 50th an- the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund and was the tions to follow, a legacy of bravery, loyalty, niversary of Bishop Bryant’s service in the Coordinator of the Church of God in Christ dedication, and sacrifice. For their selfless ministry of the Gospel. Distribution Center, a 20,000 square foot service, bold leadership, and undying commit- To mark this great occasion, Bishop Bryant warehouse which distributed food, clothing, ment for their neighbor and nation, the fol- is being honored as a ‘‘Soldier of the Cross’’ and non-perishable goods to thousands of dis- lowing individual has been selected as a re- by the Texas South Central Jurisdiction of The placed Katrina victims. cipient of the third annual Congressional Vet- Church of God in Christ, Inc. In 2008, in response to Hurricane Ike, eran Commendation: Born in East Texas, Bishop Bryant was the Bishop Bryant again chaired the Emergency Lance Corporal John Wangler served in the fifteenth child of Deacon Bishop and Mamie Disaster Relief Texas Inter-Jurisdictional United States Marine Corps from 2007 to Bryant. He was saved and filled with the Holy Council. 2011. His commitment to the military began at

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:29 Dec 23, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD13\RECFILES\DEC2013\E16DE3.REC E16DE3 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E1880 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 16, 2013 a young age, learning from his grandfather, a compromise will maintain a majority of cuts what we want? The roles seem to be back- Korean War Veteran, the value of placing duty imposed by sequestration. wards if you ask me. to country above self. Immediately after grad- When sequestration went into effect, the People would like to have you believe that uating from high school, he enlisted in the Ma- NIH saw a $1.55 billion cut to its budget. Of we are naive, we are inexperienced, and we rine Corps in February 2007, because eight- that, sequestration cut $255 million from the know too little about the world to make deci- een years was long enough for him to wait to NIH’s cancer institute and $66 million from the sions on our own. Well I argue the contrary. serve. In 2008, Mr. Wangler deployed to Iraq child health institute. Where was the outrage I think that they are too rigid, they are too where he completed more than 200 combat when those cuts went into effect? closed minded, and they are too pleased with patrols throughout the Al-Anbar province. The If we truly cared about research at the NIH, pushing the blame onto others, that they fail to following year he deployed to Afghanistan we would not be proposing a $12.6 million dol- see that the problem is caused by no one else where he led mortar missions as the adjusting lar increase in funding, we would be talking but themselves. gun squad leader and commanded a six-man about restoring the $1.55 billion cut by se- Is this what America is about? Surely the vehicle checkpoint that implemented security questration and then some. land of the free and the home of the brave is measures and registered local population. Be- The Kids First Research Act has a nice not just some idealistic nonsense that we were cause of his service and leadership, he was name and a noble intent, but no substance, told about in second grade, and then by the awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, Presi- and thus I cannot support this sad pretense. cruel hand of fate, forced to rule out as any- dential Unit Citation, Afghanistan and Iraq f thing but true. The American ideal that we all Campaign Medals, as well as numerous other hold dear to our hearts, the feeling of honor JONATHAN SEROTA YALE MODEL medals. that sweeps over our senses and rushes down After returning to civilian life, he redirected CONGRESS SPEECH our spine when we publicly declare, ‘‘I am his commitment to the college classroom at proud to be an American!’’ is only true be- Collin College. Recognizing the difficulty of HON. STEVE ISRAEL cause our government is about us, the people. transitioning from military to civilian life, Mr. OF NEW YORK We, the people, in order to form a more per- Wangler became an officer of the Student Vet- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES fect union, establish justice, insure domestic erans of America (SVA) organization where he Monday, December 16, 2013 tranquility, provide for the common defense, currently helps other student veterans navi- promote the general welfare, and secure the gate through the GI Bill. He also volunteers as Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, for 408 hours, blessings of liberty to ourselves and our pos- a mentor in the new Veterans Welcome and the government of the United States of Amer- terity. We are that posterity. Resource Center on campus. Additionally, he ica shut down its facilities and closed its We have come to this conference to argue is one of only three student veteran advisors, doors. Over the course of that tumultuous for things which we are passionate about, and which plans and hosts events to honor the time, national parks, museums, and public argue against those which we are passion- sacrifice of our service members. Mr. Wangler grounds were barred to visitors. 800,000 Fed- ately not about. We have come to this con- truly represents the best of our young genera- eral workers were sent home from their jobs, ference to test each other, and our ability to tion. We need more young people like him and many more were forced to work with de- work together to shape both foreign and do- who will give their time, energy, and efforts to layed pay. Veterans, and active duty military mestic policy. We have come to this con- make this community a better place. personnel and their families were kept in a ference to gain experience, to gain knowledge, Lance Corporal John Wangler, let me both constant state of fear, worried about making and to make progress not only for ourselves, thank and congratulate you on your excep- ends meet. This period of panic was not but also for those who feel that their opinion tional service to our country and community caused by some foreign aggressor, some doesn’t matter. While most of us came here both past and present. It is my pleasure to archenemy of state, or some ruthless tyrant. tonight with distinct political agendas, we have award you the 2013 Congressional Veteran No, the crisis that shook the very faith that the always been able to open our minds, chal- Commendation for the Third District of Texas. American people had in their goverment, was lenge our beliefs, and move together in the caused by that very body itself. So who is to f hope that we may one day truly create what blame for the government shutdown? Shall we Ronald Reagan famously described as, ‘‘that GABRIELLA MILLER KIDS FIRST point fingers at Republicans? How about the shining city on a hill’’. RESEARCH ACT Democrats? It must be someone’s fault right? I love what we do here at Model Congress. That is what our political system has taught us If you ask me, I don’t think we imitate Con- SPEECH OF isn’t it? Well, it appears that recently, that is gress, we act better than it. We don’t aspire to HON. RUSH HOLT just what it has done. As the ominous clouds be like them, we aspire to be better than OF NEW JERSEY descended upon the capital in the early hours them. Here, at this conference, we have come of October the 1st, the government shutdown IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES together to act like the body of government that took place in the District of Columbia, and that the founders intended. There are no spe- Wednesday, December 11, 2013 all across the country, had effects that will cial interest groups, no superpacs, no shady Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong op- continue to be impactful for years to come. campaign deals, and no political parties. There position to this bill, the so called Kids First Re- Model Congress. The word ‘model’ implies a is only the work we have set out to do, and search Act. want or desire to replicate, to recreate and the goals which we wish to achieve. The bill that we are considering here today imitate. For years now, thousands of students As I sat to write this speech, I decided that has been brought up under the pretense of have come to Yale and other conferences I wanted to talk about something that really providing funding for pediatric research at the alike, and taken pride in acting as Senators, mattered to us, the youth of America. Now, I National Institutes of Health by redirecting the Representatives, Cabinet Members, and Presi- could have simply gotten up here, shouted a funds from the Presidential Election Campaign dents. We have touted our accomplishments couple of phrases like ‘‘legalize marijuana’’, Fund to the amount of $12.6 million per year. on our resumes, shined our gavels and ‘‘Make the playing field fairer’’, ‘‘lower taxes’’, As I am sure my colleagues know, I have framed our certificates. My question to you to- ‘‘feed the hungry’’ and ‘‘help the poor.’’ And always been a strong supporter of research at night is: Do we really, want to model Con- while I’m sure that I would have gotten a cou- the NIH. gress? The body which we have all gathered ple of apathetic rounds of applause, I thought But the legislation before us is nothing more here tonight to replicate has, over the past that it would be more prudent to get up here, than a duplicitous attempt by Republicans to several years, produced a stalemate and inef- and as I have, talk about something that we, act as if they are providing support to the NIH. ficiency that has rarely been seen in the long both as citizens and as young adults, are frus- Yet in reality, NIH has seen its budget at- and arduous history of both man and this na- trated with in the hopes of bringing about tacked and slashed in recent years. In 2011, tion. Complete ideological division, refusal to change. the Republican budget proposed a $1.6 billion compromise, and the inability to put national If elected I vow to each and every one of cut to the NIH in a single year. I wonder interest above self interest has weakened our you, that I will help us take those first fright- where the compassion for children was then. country, as well as its image both at home ening steps into the obscure and unsure fu- This very day the Republicans are bringing and abroad. Why is it as teenagers, we are ture. I will do my best to lead this conference forward a budget agreement they want us to able to sit down, talk, work out our problems, in a way so that Congressmen, Senators, support that cuts $172 billion in discretionary and come to productive agreements, but as Governors, and Presidents alike know that we spending from levels President Obama and adults, we put our fingers in our ears and won’t accept anything less than that second Democrats proposed in 2011. This so called stomp our feet on the ground until we get grade idealistic dream, so that our peers both

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:29 Dec 23, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD13\RECFILES\DEC2013\E16DE3.REC E16DE3 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE December 16, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1881 here and at home know that we mean busi- ANNOUNCING RECIPIENTS OF THE WHAT GIFT CAN I BRING? IN ness, and so that we may all realize that we 2013 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN HONOR OF OUR ARMED FORCES must join hands and look into the unknown COMMENDATION FOR THE THIRD AND THEIR FAMILIES THIS abyss that is our future, and conquer it with DISTRICT OF TEXAS CHRISTMAS the fearless determination that is so quintessentially American. HON. PETE SESSIONS HON. SAM JOHNSON OF TEXAS With hope and faith, we move forward to- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES gether. With knowledge and determination, we OF TEXAS Monday, December 16, 2013 strive, to make a better tomorrow. May God IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Bless each and every one of you, and may Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in God Bless the United States of America. Monday, December 16, 2013 honor of America’s Armed Forces, and their Families during this Christmas and Holiday Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, f Season. The ones who are separated by it is my privilege to honor fourteen distin- death, war, and plagued with life altering CONGRATULATING JACOB CURTIN guished military veterans, community servants, health conditions throughout America, are pay- JOHNSON ON ACHIEVING THE and American patriots who call the Third Dis- ing the price of freedom for us all. The ones RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT trict of Texas home. All faithfully answered the who give us the greatest gifts, ‘‘That Last Full call of duty and placed service above self for Measure’’. Say a prayer for them, and keep the sake of our great nation. Each one leaves them in your hearts this Christmas and Holi- HON. JOHN L. MICA a legacy to be remembered, for future genera- day Season. Say a prayer for peace, I ask that this poem penned in their honor by Albert OF FLORIDA tions to follow, a legacy of bravery, loyalty, Carey Casewell be placed in the RECORD. dedication, and sacrifice. For their selfless WHAT GIFT CAN I BRING? IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES service, bold leadership, and undying commit- (By Albert Carey Caswell) ment for their neighbor and nation, the fol- Monday, December 16, 2013 ‘‘What gift can I bring?’’ . . . lowing individual has been selected as a re- Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to rec- Pa rumpa pum pum . . . cipient of the third annual Congressional Vet- ‘‘That’s fit for a King’’ . . . ognize, honor and congratulate an outstanding eran Commendation: Pa rumpa pum pum . . . constituent of my district, Jacob Curtis John- What gift can I give? Captain Richard ‘‘BJ’’ Bjorklund served in son of Scout Troop 100 in Oviedo, Florida, for Pa rumpa pum pum . . . the United States Air Force from 1966 to achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. All in this life I live . . . 1975. After graduating from the U.S. Air Force Pa rumpa pum pum . . . The rank of Eagle Scout is the highest Academy, Mr. Bjorklund headed to pilot train- While, achievement in scouting. To attain this rank, ing at Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock, into the valley of death I walked! Pa rumpa pum pum . . . he has demonstrated the qualities of leader- Texas. Later, he was assigned to the 668th ship, self-discipline and perseverance while Out into that darkness standing tall! Bomb Squadron, at Griffiss Air Force Base in Pa rumpa pum pum . . . serving his family, friends and community. New York and was shortly deployed to Ander- My arms and legs I gave . . . Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn son Air Force Base in Guam. He served two Pa rumpa pum pum . . . the rank of Eagle Scout. The awarding of the For you I limp this day! tours of duty at Anderson, and flew 75 Arc Rank of Eagle Scout is a performance-based Pa rumpa pum pum . . . Light combat missions over Southeast Asia as achievement with high standards that have And in my arms my love ones I shall never a B–52 pilot. For his distinguished service, he hold this way . . . been well maintained over the past century. received the Vietnam Service Medal and the Pa rumpa pum pum . . . Jacob Johnson has met every test and chal- Air Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters. All so we may live in peace this day! lenge to pass through the ranks of the Boy Pa rumpa pum pum . . . Since his honorable discharge in 1975, Mr. And . . . my eyes I gave . . . Scouts. Those aspiring to be Eagle Scouts Bjorklund has worked as an investment advi- so all in darkness I must stay . . . must fulfill requirements in the areas of leader- sor in Dallas, Texas, and has tirelessly de- Pa rumpa pum pum . . . ship, service and outdoor skills. To dem- As another beautiful sunset I shall never so onstrate proficiency as a scout, each Boy voted his time and efforts in service to our see portrayed . . . Scout must achieve merit badges in the areas community. Back in 1985, he helped Con- Pa rumpa pum pum . . . And my ears I gave, of First Aid, Citizenship, Environment, Fitness, gressman Dick Armey establish his Service Academy Selection Board. Mr. Bjorklund so I can never hear the words ‘‘I love you’’ Family Life and much more. say . . . served as chairman of that board for the next The work ethic Jacob has shown in his Pa rumpa pum pum . . . 18 years until Congressman Armey retired as Eagle Scout projects, and every other project And all those scars upon my face . . . the House Majority Leader. Also involved in In the mirror I must look at each day . . . leading up to his Eagle Scout rank, speaks local politics, Mr. Bjorklund has been a dele- Pa rumpa pum pum . . . volumes about his commitment to assisting his gate to the Texas GOP State Convention in All for the beauty of peace on earth this day community and serving a cause greater than ... both 2010 and 2012 and currently serves in himself. It is my honor to commend Daniel Pa rumpa pum pum . . . an appointed position on the Collin County Moon for his achievement of the rank of Eagle As all in such nightmares I awake . . . Health Care Advisory Board. He is also an ac- Pa rumpa pum pum . . . Scout. Jacob will join the ranks of fellow Eagle tive member in his church, Christ Church in All in the name of Freedom I paid . . . Scouts like President Gerald R. Ford, Neil Pa rumpa pum pum . . . Armstrong and Florida Governor Rick Scott. Plano, Texas, and has served as chairman of What greater gift can I give? the Building Fund Campaign as well as chair- Pa rumpa pum pum . . . Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man of the Stewardship Campaign. On Memo- That’s fit for a King . . . man and his supportive family demonstrates rial Day 2012, he hiked 35 miles with the Pa rumpa pum pum . . . the rewards of hard work, dedication and per- Carry the Load Campaign in memory of vet- As I did . . . severance. Jacob’s devotion to the Boy Pa rumpa pum pum . . . erans that have lost their lives for our great Scouts over the past decade is laudable, and As all in such pain and worry my family now Nation. What a fitting reminder that all gave lives . . . I congratulate him on his achievement. I thank some, but some gave all. Pa rumpa pum pum . . . him for his dedication to service and know we And all of those Doctors and Nurses, can expect great things from him in the future. Captain Richard ‘‘BJ’’ Bjorklund, let me both Corpsmen and Medics who witness such I invite my colleagues in the House to join me thank and congratulate you on your excep- death and carnage each day! in congratulating Jacob Curtis Johnson on ob- tional service to our country and community Pa rumpa pum pum . . . both past and present. It is my pleasure to Who so many lives so save! taining the rank of Eagle Scout, and I wish Pa rumpa pum pum . . . him continued success in his future endeav- award you the 2013 Congressional Veteran Creating such demons inside they must now ors. Commendation for the Third District of Texas. so face!

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:29 Dec 23, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD13\RECFILES\DEC2013\E16DE3.REC E16DE3 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E1882 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 16, 2013 Pa rumpa pum pum . . . I am convinced that the world needs more storage, and continued to push for greater And my life I gave! polka but after a lifetime of extended book- technology use. Pa rumpa pum pum . . . ings, it saddens me that the Eddie Vallus As approached the face of death . . . I wish to congratulate Ms. Karyn Sinunu- Pa rumpa pum pum . . . Band has decided to put their instruments Towery on her impressive career and com- As out to me so called . . . down. Many of my friends and neighbors con- mend her for 30 years of service to the Santa Pa rumpa pum pum . . . tinue to cherish their music. On October 26th, Clara County community. She leaves the Dis- As its hand upon me I felt and saw . . . the band played its final concert at St. Paul trict Attorney’s Office a better place and will be Pa rumpa pum pum . . . Church in New Middletown, Ohio. As a 77 dearly missed. As my Brothers In Arms gathered around year resident of Boardman, Ohio, incom- cried, parable Eddie Vallus is an inspiration to our f praying with tears in eyes . . . community. Although the Eddie Vallus Band Pa rumpa pum pum . . . I gave my best for them! will be no more, Eddie will continue to perform ANNOUNCING RECIPIENTS OF THE I gave my life for them! with the Rex Taneri Band. Eddie has led a 2013 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN Pa rumpa pum pum . . . long and happy life marked by success and a COMMENDATION FOR THE THIRD Pa rumpa pum pum . . . love of the arts. For Eddie there is never a DISTRICT OF TEXAS Pa rumpa pum pum . . . sour note and he is always on key and in And I’d do it all over again my son! rhythm. I wish Mr. Vallus all the best and Pa rumpa pum pum . . .. know he will spend time with his wife Pat of HON. SAM JOHNSON All so one day more they could live! 51 years, his three daughters, and his five Pa rumpa pum pum . . . OF TEXAS As they so lowered me into my quiet grave grandchildren. And a one and a two and a ... three for Eddie Vallus. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f Pa rumpa pum pum . . . Monday, December 16, 2013 As my family so wept upon that day . . . Pa rumpa pum pum . . . HONORING KARYN SINUNU- TOWERY Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, As ever the tears they made! it is my privilege to honor fourteen distin- Pa rumpa pum pum . . . As they now live with the kind of pain which HON. ZOE LOFGREN guished military veterans, community servants, won’t go away! and American patriots who call the Third Dis- OF CALIFORNIA Pa rumpa pum pum . . . trict of Texas home. All faithfully answered the All so, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES call of duty and placed service above self for we may have peace on earth this day . . . Monday, December 16, 2013 the sake of our great nation. Each one leaves Pa rumpa pum pum . . . a legacy to be remembered, for future genera- Was but the price of Freedom I paid . . . Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to rec- ognize the service of Ms. Karyn Sinunu- tions to follow, a legacy of bravery, loyalty, Pa rumpa pum pum . . . dedication, and sacrifice. For their selfless Pum . . . Towery to the County of Santa Clara. Pum . . . For over 30 years, Ms. Sinunu-Towery has service, bold leadership, and undying commit- What gift can I bring? served the people of Santa Clara County in ment for their neighbor and nation, the fol- Pa rumpa pum pum . . . the District Attorney’s Office. She has made lowing individual has been selected as a re- That’s fit for a King! enormous contributions to the office, and after cipient of the third annual Congressional Vet- Pa rumpa pum pum . . . eran Commendation: And then, her final day of service on December 20, he smiled at me . . . 2013, she will undoubtedly be missed. Sergeant Paul Gade served in the United Pa rumpa pum pum . . . Ms. Sinunu-Towery began her career in States Navy from 1979 to 1991 and currently As my Lord said, 1983 as a law clerk for the Santa Clara Dis- serves in the Naval Reserves. During his time ‘‘come to heaven son’’ . . . trict Attorney. Two years later, on December in service, Mr. Gade served isolated duty at Pa rumpa pum pum . . . 12, 1985, she became a member of the Cali- Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. During his 3rd Duty Pa rumpa pum pum . . . fornia Bar and joined the office as a staff attor- Station, Mr. Gade became interested in the Pa rumpa pum pum . . . ney. SEAL program and in 1986 he qualified for the Smiled at me! After serving eleven years as a Deputy Dis- program. Having started the SEAL class with Pa rumpa pum pum . . . Pum! trict Attorney and the Supervisor of the Sexual 120 participants, Mr. Gade was one of only 12 Pum! Assault Unit, prosecuting over 50 jury trials, original classmates to complete the training. Pum! Ms. Sinunu-Towery was promoted to the exec- During graduation, he was selected as the f utive position of Assistant District Attorney. In Lead Petty Officer to ring out his class. To this role, she has lead-by-example, and pro- date, Mr. Gade is the only enlisted man to HONORING THE EDDIE VALLUS vided valuable counsel to the District Attorney. have that honor while officers present. POLKA BAND Throughout her career Ms. Sinunu-Towery Mr. Gade continued his relentless service by has been known for her fairness, resilience, joining the McKinney Police Department. He HON. TIM RYAN professionalism, and commitment to justice. has served in the Patrol Division, as a Detec- OF OHIO Ms. Sinunu-Towery has a reputation as a tive, in the Special Operations Division, and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES reformer who truly cared for the victims she was a SWAT member for several years. When was charged with protecting. She wrote Vic- Monday, December 16, 2013 the McKinney Police Department was attacked tim’s Rights manuals that were distributed in August 2010, Mr. Gade was among the offi- Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today throughout California and developed a model cers to respond to the shooting by running into to honor the harmonious and melodious ca- procedure for the investigation of child-abuse the fray to protect his fellow officers and citi- reer of Eddie Vallus and the Eddie Vallus investigations with the goal of reducing the zens nearby. Band. The sweet sounds of the Eddie Vallus trauma to the children involved. Polka Band included talented musicians John Ms. Sinunu-Towery was just as vigilant Additionally, on July 4, 2009, Mr. Gade was Ross, Ed Wasacz, Al Martini, Lou Tofil, and of when it came to ensuring that the accused re- sworn into the Naval Reserves, it’s clear his course Eddie Vallus. They spent their lives on ceived fair treatment. She worked with local desire to serve his community and country the bandstand sharing their music with their police chiefs and the Sheriff to create fairer after all of these years continues. His contribu- fans who love to dance, dance, dance. Since line-up procedures to accurately identify sus- tions leave a legacy for us to recognize and the release of their debut album in 1963, the pects, and guidelines for the interrogation of honor as he goes out of his way to help fellow Eddie Vallus Band has been recognized as a mentally ill suspects. She personally worked to officers and citizens and has received numer- musical force. They were honored by former free defendants wrongly convicted and is a ous commendations for his actions. mayor of Youngstown Pat Ungaro and the model for prosecutors everywhere in this re- Sergeant Paul Gade, let me both thank and Mahoning County Commission in 1985. The gard. congratulate you on your exceptional service band’s success garnered them a Grammy Ms. Sinunu-Towery was a trailblazer when it to our country and community both past and nomination in 1989, the Cleveland Polka Hall came to the use of technology to better ad- present. It is my pleasure to award you the of Fame Trustee Award in 2003, and a Life- minister justice. She was instrumental in the 2013 Congressional Veteran Commendation time Achievement Award in 2012. office’s transition from paper to electronic data for the Third District of Texas.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:29 Dec 23, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD13\RECFILES\DEC2013\E16DE3.REC E16DE3 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE December 16, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1883 TRIBUTE TO RAY GAESSER Dr. Madrid currently serves as a board ceptional service to our country and commu- member for the United Way of King County, nity both past and present. It is my pleasure HON. TOM LATHAM Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle Art Mu- to award you the 2013 Congressional Veteran OF IOWA seum, and YMCA. In addition to serving on Commendation for the Third District of Texas. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES more than 30 boards in the past 20 years, she f Monday, December 16, 2013 was also the first Latina to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Seattle Children’s Hospital. CHARLIE AND MARILYN WALLACE Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Dr. Madrid’s dedication to the Latino com- CELEBRATE THEIR 50TH WED- recognize and congratulate Ray Gaesser of munity has made her a widely respected ad- DING ANNIVERSARY Corning, Iowa for being named the next Presi- vocate and leader. Her work is commendable dent of the American Soybean Association. and we are fortunate to have her expertise HON. TED POE Founded in 1920, the American Soybean representing our region. OF TEXAS Association represents America’s soybean Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES farmers on issues vital to the soybean industry congratulate Dr. Sandra E. Madrid on her con- Monday, December 16, 2013 across the country and across the globe. The tributions to the City of Seattle. national, grassroots membership that comprise f Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today this great organization creates, promotes, and to recognize two of my constituents, Charlie implements policies to improve the thriving ANNOUNCING RECIPIENTS OF THE and Marilyn Wallace, who will celebrate their soybean industry. 2013 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN 50th wedding anniversary with a vow renewal Ray Gaesser has farmed since his father’s COMMENDATION FOR THE THIRD ceremony in my Texas district office this week. passing when he was just 15 years old. In DISTRICT OF TEXAS These two native Texans have spent half of a 1979, two years after marrying his wife Elaine, century together, and I am proud to honor the couple moved to the Corning area to begin HON. SAM JOHNSON them. a modest farming partnership. Today, the OF TEXAS Charlie and Marilyn first met on April 6, Gaessers farm nearly 6,000 acres of corn and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 1963, at the University of Texas at Austin dur- soybeans and are an essential component of ing its famous, festive tradition of Round-Up the Iowa farming community. As a member of Monday, December 16, 2013 weekend. In a series of random events, some the Iowa Soybean Association for nearly 30 Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, acquaintances conspired to set Charlie and years, Ray has won numerous awards while it is my privilege to honor fourteen distin- Marilyn up on a blind date. Marilyn, a senior serving in several leadership roles. Mr. guished military veterans, community servants English major, reluctantly accepted Charlie’s Gaesser served as President of the Iowa Soy- and American patriots who call the Third Dis- invitation to the Round-Up talent show and bean Association in 2007, was a member of trict of Texas home. All faithfully answered the dance with great reservation because Charlie Iowa’s Products Advisory Committee from call of duty and placed service above self for was an Aggie! Yes, prior to his graduate stud- 2006 to 2011, and was awarded the Iowa the sake of our great nation. Each one leaves ies at UT, Charlie earned his bachelor’s de- Master Farmer Award in 2012. a legacy to be remembered, for future genera- gree in Chemical Engineering from Texas Mr. Speaker, Ray’s selection as the next tions to follow, a legacy of bravery, loyalty, A&M. American Soybean Association President is dedication, and sacrifice. For their selfless That evening, Charlie called Marilyn from the culmination of a lifelong commitment to service, bold leadership, and undying commit- her dorm lobby where male students were re- farming and a testament to the world-class ag- ment for their neighbor and nation, the fol- quired to wait for their dates. He told her he riculture industry of our great state. It is an lowing individual has been selected as a re- was wearing a blue suit with a red tie and to honor to represent Mr. Gaesser, his family, cipient of the third annual Congressional Vet- ‘‘look for the ugliest one in the room.’’ [Marilyn and all of the hardworking farmers of Iowa in eran Commendation: mistakenly first approached the wrong guy, the United States Congress and I invite my Dr. Stephanie Abramoske-James served in also wearing a blue suit and red tie, who gave colleagues in the House to join me in thanking the United States Army from 1986 to 2007. her a strange look when she said, ‘‘Charles?’’ our nation’s farmers, congratulating Ray on his She joined the Military Police Corp in 1986 Fortunately, she found the right man soon outstanding efforts, and wishing him continued where her first assignment was in Fort Hood, thereafter.] success on the job ahead. Thank you. Texas, and was later deployed to Honduras. Midway through the evening, Marilyn had f In 1990, she joined the U.S. Army Criminal In- the uncharacteristic, passing thought: ‘‘It might RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS vestigation Command, where she protected be fun to be married to a man like this.’’ It OF DR. SANDRA E. MADRID three Secretaries of Defense and investigated, wasn’t a typical date for Charlie either: In addi- processed, and supervised thousands of crimi- tion to the talent show and dance, he gave nal investigations. In 2003, she deployed to Marilyn a tour of his chemical engineering re- HON. ADAM SMITH Iraq as a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom as search lab and even played his guitar for her. OF WASHINGTON a Forensic Science Officer to gather evidence Marilyn graduated in August of 1963 and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES against Saddam Hussein for the offense of went on to teach English at Houston ISD’s Monday, December 16, 2013 genocide. In her 21 years of distinguished Austin High School, her alma mater, but Char- Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I service to the U.S. Army, Dr. Abramoske- lie made sure she didn’t get away before she rise to honor and congratulate Dr. Sandra E. James has received the Defense Meritorious finally accepted his proposal on August 1, Madrid, who was recently awarded the 2013 Service Medal, four Meritorious Service Med- 1963. Charlie presented Marilyn with an en- Latino Heritage Award by the City of Seattle’s als, two National Defense Service Medals, and gagement ring on September 21, 1963, and Latino City Employees organization and Se- numerous other decorations. they were married December 21, 1963, in attle Mayor Mike McGinn. As a resident of Plano, Texas, Dr. Houston at the Epworth Methodist Church. The Latino Heritage Award recognizes indi- Abramoske-James continues to be an active Upon Charlie’s completion of his master’s viduals who have made significant contribu- servant to her local community. She created degree in August 1964, he accepted a job with tions to Seattle through initiative, innovation, an ongoing CSI summer camp to mentor high Shell Oil Co. that started with an intensive leadership, and commitment to the Latino school students interested in forensic science. training program and work assignments at community. Dr. Madrid has been an active She has been a volunteer consultant with the Shell’s locations throughout Louisiana. During member of her community for many years and Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center, and is cur- the Louisiana years, Marilyn was a substitute has made it her priority to empower minority rently working on mentoring programs for at- teacher, and she also held various administra- groups and promote Latino involvement. risk youth in Plano ISD. She is also one of tive assistant positions that included one at Dr. Madrid recently retired from the Univer- three faculty advisors to the Student Veterans LSU’s agronomy department where she was sity of Washington School of Law and has of America at Collin College. Her vast knowl- well-regarded for her outstanding work and worked diligently on issues important to di- edge, remarkable experiences, dedication to professionalism. Of particular note is that verse communities in our region. Sandra has justice, as well as her commitment to her stu- Marilyn served as a volunteer teacher during long advocated on behalf of women and chil- dents makes her a superb educator and a the Integration of the Louisiana Public School dren and the underrepresented. She is also an role-model for all. System and taught typing to Special Education inspirational mentor and educator to young in- Dr. Stephanie Abramoske-James, let me students. Charlie and Marilyn also were in- dividuals and professionals. both thank and congratulate you on your ex- volved in a Prison Ministry that they started at

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:29 Dec 23, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD13\RECFILES\DEC2013\E16DE3.REC E16DE3 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E1884 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 16, 2013 Angola Prison. The couple bought their first onds and Miss Kinman’s second-place finish to a sense of uncertainty fueled by the political home and settled in Slidell, Louisiana, in the in the 100 breaststroke in 1:04.77, both All- brinksmanship in Congress. summer of 1967, and their daughter Sheryl American consideration times. Finally, Miss No one got everything they wanted out of was born in New Orleans later that fall. Their Ferrara finished third in the 50 freestyle and this deal. Indeed, I along with many of my col- son David was born in Slidell in the summer 100-yard backstroke with All-American consid- leagues would have preferred to see an exten- of 1970, just a few weeks before Charlie was eration times, 23.68 and 56.56 respectively. sion of long-term unemployment benefits, transferred from New Orleans to Shell’s Head The Washington Wildcats ended their which has a very direct and significant benefit Office in New York City. undefeated season with a final team score of on more than 1 million families and our na- In 1971, when Shell’s Head Office Engineer- 233, triumphing over the second-placed team tional and local economies. Every dollar of as- ing was moved to Houston, the Wallaces were by 17 points. I commend the team for chal- sistance generates $1.64 in economic activity thrilled to return home to Texas. After 35 lenging themselves and setting an example for in the community. Sadly, it was not addressed years of service to Shell, Charlie ‘‘retired’’ in their fellow students and youth in our commu- here, but we will continue to push the Speaker 1999. However, Charlie immediately started nity. to bring it up separately to help those still his own full-time chemical engineering con- Washington High’s victory at the 2013 Flor- struggling to find work. sulting business. His career has presented ida Swim Team Championships is a testament Congress faces many more serious chal- him with opportunities for international travel to to the commitment and dedication of all the lenges in the coming weeks and months, in- Canada, The Netherlands, France, Hungary members of the team, and it is a great reflec- cluding the need to raise the debt ceiling, [when it was still behind the Iron Curtain,] tion on the entire Washington High and North- renew long-term transportation funding, and China, England, Scotland, and Italy. west Florida community. On behalf of the reform our broken immigration system. Per- Marilyn has always been a supportive wife United States Congress, my wife Vicki and I haps this bipartisan breakthrough will provide and mother and a committed homemaker. She congratulate the Wildcats for this extraordinary the model we need to avoid the ‘‘my-way-or- is an ‘‘independent agent of good’’ who dedi- accomplishment and wish them continued suc- the-highway’’ shutdown brand of politics that cates her time, resources, creativity, and ad- cess. has characterized the Republican philosophy vocacy to improve the quality of life for a di- f of governance for the last three years. verse array of people including the seriously f ill, the disadvantaged, the disabled, and the el- CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS derly. RESOLUTION, 2014 ANNOUNCING RECIPIENTS OF THE Their children describe Charlie and Marilyn 2013 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN SPEECH OF as fiercely committed to each other and ex- COMMENDATION FOR THE THIRD tremely compatible. They enjoy travel, the out- HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY DISTRICT OF TEXAS doors, fitness and nutrition, and music. It is an OF VIRGINIA honor to represent such decent, hardworking, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. SAM JOHNSON civic-minded Texans. I want to congratulate Thursday, December 12, 2013 OF TEXAS Charlie and Marilyn on their 50th anniversary IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, the bipar- and may God bless them with many more Monday, December 16, 2013 years together. They are truly an outstanding tisan budget agreement represents some couple from the second district of Texas. modicum of compromise, something that has Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to honor fourteen distin- f been sorely lacking in this Congress. It is by no means a perfect deal, but both sides have guished military veterans, community servants, RECOGNIZING THE WASHINGTON made concessions so that we may avert a re- and American patriots who call the Third Dis- HIGH SCHOOL WILDCATS AS THE peat of the disastrous government shutdown trict of Texas home. All faithfully answered the 2013 SWIMMING CLASS 2A FLOR- and begin to restore some of the draconian call of duty and placed service above self for IDA CHAMPIONS cuts caused by sequestration. the sake of our great nation. Each one leaves For me, and many of my colleagues, this a legacy to be remembered, for future genera- HON. JEFF MILLER will be a ‘‘hold-your-nose and vote yes vote,’’ tions to follow, a legacy of bravery, loyalty, OF FLORIDA given our disappointment and concern about dedication, and sacrifice. For their selfless IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES yet another cut in benefits for new federal em- service, bold leadership, and undying commit- ployees. No other group in America has been ment for their neighbor and nation, the fol- Monday, December 16, 2013 asked to make the same sacrifices as the lowing individual has been selected as a re- Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am dedicated men and women of our federal cipient of the third annual Congressional Vet- proud to congratulate the First Congressional workforce. eran Commendation: District of Florida’s Booker T. Washington Federal employees already have contributed Justin Arsenault served in the United States High School Wildcats for winning their first $114 billion to deficit reduction as a result of Army from 2003 to 2006. After enlisting, he Class 2A State Swimming Championship. This a 3-year pay freeze, a reduction in retirement served one tour of duty in Iraq from 2005 to victory marks the swim team’s first state title, benefits for new hires, and lost pay as a result 2006. During his tour, Mr. Arsenault was his as well as, the first title for a girls swim team of furloughs. Thankfully, we were able to beat unit’s primary pilot for the Raven Unmanned in Escambia or Santa Rosa counties. back the worst proposals to further encroach Aerial Vehicle where he was to utilize the Truly an outstanding team effort put forth by on their benefits, and I believe this bipartisan Raven to clear supply routes. During one par- the swimmers, under the leadership of their deal will minimize the prospect of additional ticular mission, he used the Raven to maintain talented coach, Ms. Megan Oberholtzer, there furloughs by replacing some of the sequestra- an aerial perimeter for troops whose vehicle is no question that several performances con- tion cuts. had been disabled by a roadside explosive de- tributed to the overall title. Jacquie Kinman Nonetheless, I will continue fighting for our vice. He continued to monitor the area for and Chloe Berens swam the 100-yard breast- federal employees until they receive the re- enemy combatants until ground support could stroke, which ended up putting the team in spect they deserve and have earned. I will reach the disabled troops and escort them to first place as they entered the final event. continue to push back against those in Con- safety. For his acts of bravery and courage Brooke Ferrara, Miss Kinman, Rachel Martin gress who unfairly impugn federal workers for during this mission, Mr. Arsenault received a and Brianna Mount swam the 400-yard free- partisan political gain. And I will continue to second Army Commendation Medal. style relay in the All-American consideration protect the rights and dignity of federal work- Since returning home, Mr. Arsenault has time of 3:31.98. Miss Ferrara and Miss ers and the valuable public service they pro- continued to faithfully uphold his calling to de- Kinman also joined Sophia Diagne and Abigail vide to the nation. fend, protect, and serve his fellow Americans Goram in the 200 medley relay winning with For Northern Virginia, which was dispropor- across the community. In 2007, he began his the All-American consideration time of 1:47.16, tionately affected by sequestration, this agree- service as a police officer in Allen, Texas and Miss Mount, Miss Martin, Miss Goram, ment for the first time will replace a portion of where he currently serves as a Field Training and Miss Kinman won the 200 freestyle at those indiscriminate cuts with a more bal- Officer. If all of that is not enough, off duty he 1:36.57, again, an All-American consideration anced approach. It will actually increase fed- volunteers his time for the Carry the Load time. Exceptional individual swimming eral investments in research, innovation, and campaign, which is held over Memorial Day achievements included Miss Mount’s second transportation. That in turn will help unleash weekend every year. To him, Memorial Day place finish in the 50 freestyle in 23.57 sec- business investments, which have lagged due ought to be more than cookouts and retail

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:29 Dec 23, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD13\RECFILES\DEC2013\E16DE3.REC E16DE3 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE December 16, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1885 sales events, but a day to remember and The budget proposal before us is not per- SEQUESTRATION AND HOUSE BUDGET BILL’S NEGATIVE honor the ultimate sacrifice given by members fect—far from it—but it is a modest and posi- IMPACT ON THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANT of our Armed Forces. This is a man who truly tive step toward preventing Republicans from PROGRAM (SNAP) embodies the spirit of America. shutting down the government again and man- The House Republicans’ Farm Bill proposed Justin Arsenault, let me both thank and con- ufacturing crises that only harm our economy, cutting our nation’s food assistance programs, gratulate you on your exceptional service to destroy jobs, and weaken our middle class. known as SNAP, by $20.5 billion to stay within our country and community both past and A self manufactured crisis by the Repub- the unrealistic funding limitations set by se- present. It is my pleasure to award you the lican majority resulted in a government shut- questration even though a cut of this mag- 2013 Congressional Veteran Commendation down that lasted 16 days and cost taxpayers nitude would deprive millions of children, sen- for the Third District of Texas. $24 billion. iors, disabled persons, and families of the f The cost to Federal employees and the peo- benefits they need to survive in an economy ple they serve cannot be calculated. that has not yet fully recovered from the worst CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS As with any compromise there are some recession since the Great Depression. RESOLUTION, 2014 things in the agreement that I support and SNAP FACTS SPEECH OF some things that I strongly oppose. In the 18th Congressional District an esti- The agreement allows Congress to move mated 151,741 families live in poverty. HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE forward in meeting its obligations to the Amer- According to the Census my city of Houston OF TEXAS ican people by alleviating some of the damage more than 442,881 persons live near the pov- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES being caused by sequestration. erty level. Thursday, December 12, 2013 It is useful to chronicle the severity of the The percentage of Texas households expe- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to suffering and pain inflicted by sequestration on the most vulnerable residents of Texas and riencing food insecurity (18%) ranked second speak on H. J. Res. 59, the ‘‘Bipartisan Budg- only to Mississippi. et Act of 2013 and Pathway for Sustainable the Constituents that I serve. WE KNOW THAT THERE IS HUNGER IN AMERICA Growth in Medicare Reform Act of 2013.’’ SEQUESTRATION IMPACTS ON TEXAS On the positive side: Republicans—and the Head Start and Early Head Start services For more than 40 years, SNAP has offered bipartisan deal does not cut Medicare, Social were eliminated or severely impacted with ap- nutrition assistance to millions of low income Security, or Medicaid benefits by a penny proximately 4,800 children being impacted individuals and families. Today, the SNAP pro- even though our friends across the aisle went throughout the state of Texas. gram serves over 46 million people each into the talks insisting on cuts to programs like Families in my district who rely on Federal month. Households with children receive about Head Start, Housing, Social Security, Med- Government programs like Head Start are 75 percent of all food stamp benefits. 23 per- icaid, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance hurting. The pain did not start with the shut- cent of households include a disabled person Programs that sustain children, families, and down, but with sequestration which hit Head and 18 percent of households include an el- seniors. Start programs for 3 to 4 year olds in the derly person. The FSP increases household The agreement increases discretionary Houston area hard: $5,341 million cut; 109 food spending, and the increase is greater spending caps under the 2011 Budget Control Employees cut; 699 Slots for children cut. than what would occur with an equal benefit in Act (BCA) for FY 2014 and FY 2015 to par- Head Start and Early Head Start Programs cash. Every $5 in new food stamp benefits tially restore spending cuts that would other- were further stressed by the federal govern- generates almost twice as much ($9.20) in wise be made those two years under the se- ment shutdown. total community spending. quester required by the BCA. On October 2, I joined hundreds of Head According to the United States Department Under the measure, the sequester for FY Start supporters from across the country and of Agriculture (USDA), 16.7 million children 2014 and FY 2015 would be reduced to re- many of my colleagues to protest the closing under 18 in the United States live in house- store $63 billion in spending authority for of Head Start programs due to the federal holds where they are unable to consistently those two years—while $85 billion in cuts to government shutdown. access enough nutritious food for a healthy mandatory programs and revenue increases I picked up one of the tiny blue chairs that life. would be made to more than offset that in- represented the thousands of Head Start chil- FOOD INSECURITY dren from around the nation and said that an creased spending and provide for a net $23 16.7 million Children lived in food insecure empty Head Start chair represents a future billion in deficit reduction. households in 2011. doctor, engineer, president, or teacher who is BUDGET CAPS & SEQUESTRATION 20 percent or more of the child population in The budget proposal increases FY 2014 dis- at risk because of the Federal Government shutdown. 37 states and D.C. lived in food insecure cretionary spending by $45 billion and FY households in 2011. 2015 spending by $18 billion compared with My support of Head Start and Early Head their scheduled sequestration levels, with the Start is based on what I have seen and heard EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE increases equally split each year between de- about programs like the AVANCE-Houston Nearly 14 million children are estimated to fense and non-defense spending (a $22.4 bil- Early Head Start program serving parents and be served by Feeding America, over 3 million lion increase for each category this year and children in the 18th Congressional District. of which are ages 5 and under. a $9 billion increase for each in FY 2015). The AVANCE-Houston Early Head Start is a 54 percent of client households with children Those increases would set a $1.012 trillion program serving low income families in my under the age of 3 participated in the Special limit on discretionary spending for FY 2014 Houston Texas District. Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, and a $1.014 trillion limit for FY 2015. Under I visited with AVANCE-Houston administra- Infants, and Children (WIC). the current stopgap funding law, discretionary tors earlier this month because I wanted to get POVERTY an update on how low-income families with in- spending set at the woefully inadequate se- In 2011, 16.1 million or approximately 22 fants and toddlers and pregnant women questration level of $986 billion. percent of children in the U.S. lived in poverty: served by the program were doing. Under the new caps, defense spending for Participation in Federal Nutrition Programs. FY 2014 would be set at $520.5 billion (about The AVANCE-Houston Early Head Start’s In fiscal year 2011, 47 percent of all SNAP $2 billion more than current funding), while mission is simple: AVANCEHouston works for household contained children. nondefense spending would be increased to healthy prenatal outcomes for pregnant $491.8 billion. women, enhance the development of very During the 2011 federal fiscal year, more Because of the circumstances that led to young children, and promote healthy family than 31 million low-income children received the budget impasse during the first session of functioning. free or reduced-price meals through the Na- the 113th Congress, I introduced H. Res. 375, AVANCE-Houston serves nearly 1,800 chil- tional School Lunch Program. a bill expressing the sense of the House of dren city wide. Each of these families and Unfortunately, just 2.3 million children par- Representatives that Congress should refrain their children are suffering the effect of the ticipated in the Summer Food Service Pro- from shutting down the Federal government or legislative malpractice of the House majority. gram that same year. conditioning the resolution of fiscal and budg- Sequestration has cost AVANCE-Houston This proposed budget protects SNAP pro- etary disputes on the taking of action relating $842,518 Head Start and Early Head Start in grams from crippling cuts for 2014–2015. to non-germane legislative matters. lost funding for ending the harmful effects of In addition to providing relief from seques- I invite members from both sides of the aisle Sequestration on programs like Head Start tration there are a number of other good provi- to co-sponsor H. Res. 375. had to be a priority. sions in the Budget Agreement. For example:

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:29 Dec 23, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD13\RECFILES\DEC2013\E16DE3.REC E16DE3 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E1886 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 16, 2013 THE BUDGET AGREEMENT PROTECTS SOCIAL SECURITY This fiscal situation strained our nation’s ated by the dysfunction exhibited by Congress AND MEDICARE economic system then to add the cost of two especially during 2013. The budget agreement blocks a scheduled wars fought at the same time for nearly a dec- This is yet another reason why the budget 23.7 percent reduction in the Medicare reim- ade the nation’s economy could not take the agreement is important to pass, although it bursement rate for physician services set to strain and by the end of 2008 the Great Re- does not have everything I would want. It may occur January 1, in order to meet the sustain- cession could not be ignored. signal to business that Congress is ready to able growth rate. Instead, the measure’s so- It took time to create the economic down get down to work on our nation’s problems called ‘‘doc fix’’ provides a 0.5 percent in- turn and it will take time for communities, fami- and not threaten economic calamity by not crease for the first three months of 2014, and lies and workers to recover. The unemploy- raising the debt ceiling and thereby threat- it also extends more than a dozen Medicare- ment insurance program should reflect that re- ening not to meet our fiscal obligations. related programs. ality by providing support to workers until the Congress cannot close its eyes and hope The budget deal makes sure that doctors economy is fully recovered. that businesses will start hiring—the purpose who treat seniors have a guarantee of pay- If Congress does not act immediately to ex- of unemployment insurance is the same pur- ment for the medical services they provide. tend these benefits, a devastating blow will be pose of any insurance—when it is needed for The budget agreement also addresses the dealt not only to the millions of Americans who as long as it is needed it must be available. issue of payments to hospitals that treat large are already struggling, but to our economy. I am not closing my eyes, Mr. Speaker; I will numbers of uninsured patients. That is why yesterday I joined more than be introducing a bill to extend unemployment The budget also makes changes to payment 170 of Democratic colleagues in calling upon insurance for the 12 million Americans who rates for inpatient services in long-term care Speaker BOEHNER not to adjourn this House are still in need of support until the economy hospitals. for the year without extending the vital unem- is healthy again. Congressional Budget Office estimates that ployment insurance desperately needed by f the three-month doc fix would cost $7.3 billion millions of our fellow citizens. and that the efforts to reduce the burden to CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS To let their benefits expire in the middle of RESOLUTION, 2014 taxpayers would reduce spending by $9 bil- the holiday season is cruel and heartless and lion. unworthy of a great and generous nation. SPEECH OF The net direct spending for health care re- Cutting off unemployment benefits at the lated programs, after factoring expansion of end of the year will only further hurt an econ- HON. RUSH HOLT health care programs, would be an overall OF NEW JERSEY omy already injured by sequestration and the budget reduction of $300 million over 10 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Republican government shutdown. years. The Congressional Budget Office estimated Thursday, December 12, 2013 The agreement scales back the proposed that 750,000 fewer jobs will be created or re- cuts to federal employees sought by Repub- Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition tained in calendar year 2013 because of the licans and exempts current federal employees. to this new Ryan-Murray budget agreement Federal employees under the budget agree- budget cuts under sequestration. because it is a strong continuation of an anti- ment would receive a pay increase—the first The government shutdown cost our econ- government, pessimistic policy that has been in three years. omy an additional 120,000 jobs and $24 billion plaguing Washington in recent years. Sequestration cuts would be diminished in tax dollars in the first two weeks of October Make no mistake about it; this budget under this budget agreement, which opens the alone, according to the Council of Economic agreement is the direct result of the Budget Federal government up for new hires in the Advisors. Control Act, which I strongly opposed when it coming year. The Economic Policy Institute estimates that was being debated 2011, and this agreement Federal employees are making contributions cutting off extended unemployment benefits takes us backwards. I knew then sequester toward budget reduction considering the three would cost our economy 310,000 jobs next would wreak havoc on our economy, threaten years of no cost of living increases and the in- year because of reduced consumer demand. our quality of life, and squeeze the most vul- creased contributions toward retirement plans Other experts, like Michael Feroli, the chief nerable among us. for new government hires and military retirees. economist at JPMorgan Chase, indicate that Here we are, over two years later, and the ON THE NEGATIVE SIDE: allowing the federal unemployment insurance worst of it is coming true. The sequester has Mr. Speaker, it is outrageous—it is scan- (UI) program to expire could shave as much cut research, education, infrastructure, Medi- dalous—that the budget agreement does not as 0.4 percentage point off our economy’s care, and a number of other critical invest- include an extension of unemployment insur- growth in the first quarter of 2014. ments that are vital to a growing economy. It ance for the 1.3 million jobless workers will Letting unemployment benefits expire will is robbing America of the opportunity to rise have their benefits cut off on December 28, deprive our economy of the positive impact from the Great Recession as a stronger, more and nearly another 1.9 million will lose their unemployment insurance provides since finan- vibrant nation. Instead, the sequester is con- unemployment benefits over the first half of cially stressed unemployed workers spend any tinuing to weaken our country with a shrunken next year. benefits they receive quickly. government that is hampered by deep cuts to If Congress does not extend unemployment CBO also concluded in a 2012 report that the safety net and hobbled by a refusal to in- insurance, an additional 3.6 million workers assistance for the unemployed has one of the vest in our future. This budget agreement from will lose access to benefits in 2014. ‘‘largest effects on employment per dollar of Congressman RYAN and Senator MURRAY is a In Texas, 68,900 jobless workers will lose budgetary cost.’’ way to partially and minimally reverse cuts their unemployment benefits on December This is why I will be introducing a bill to ex- that should never have happened in the first 28th. tend the emergency Unemployment com- place. An additional 106,900 Texas workers will pensation program by an additional 12 It is a compromise in a narrow, Washington lose access to benefits in 2014. months. kind of sense: It will gain some votes from UNEMPLOYMENT RATES A colleague recounted what happened when Democrats and some votes from Republicans. The national unemployment rate remains at Wal-Mart sought to fill 600 positions—23,000 But let’s remember how the BCA came to be 7 percent and the unemployment rate in people came to apply for positions. enacted: In 2011, Republicans held hostage Texas sits at 6.4 percent. Although employment rates have improved America’s credit rating by threatening to de- This is no time to reduce unemployment in- the numbers of unemployed persons still has fault on our debts if they didn’t get what they surance. the nation at a 7 percent unemployment rate. wanted. No true compromise was possible Unemployment Insurance was not designed The length of time people are unemployed then because the negotiations were conducted to be a lifelong program, but a means of ad- is a serious indication that this recovery is not in the midst of a hostage crisis. No com- dressing short-term unemployment that most vigorous enough or strong enough to take promise is possible now because we are still Americans experience over the course of their away money that is needed to keep people in operating within the framework created by that work lives. housing and allow them more time to find em- hostage crisis. The unusual circumstances of a global re- ployment. The question we should ask ourselves is, cession that began in the United States with It is estimated that there are approximately ‘‘Where are we trying to go as a country?’’ We the access and abuse of our nation’s financial 4 million jobs available and 12 million persons should be striving toward an optimistic fu- and mortgage insurance systems that trapped unemployed. ture—one where we invest in research, edu- homeowners with mortgages that were much There is speculation that businesses are re- cation, infrastructure, and more. By that meas- higher than the value of their homes. luctant to hire because of the uncertainty cre- ure, this is a bad deal.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:29 Dec 23, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD13\RECFILES\DEC2013\E16DE3.REC E16DE3 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE December 16, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1887 The agreement—not really a compromise— third, fourth, and fifth graders of the Second military career after graduating from the Uni- slashes discretionary spending and tinkers Congressional District. versity of Texas in August 1988. After finishing with a few other things like raising fees on air- I checked one of my suitcases but decided top of his class in flight school, he was as- line tickets, decreasing reimbursement to to carry on the smaller of the two. The tempta- signed to fly an F–14 and deployed with Fight- Medicare providers, and lowering military re- tion to read the cards overtook me. I couldn’t er Squadron 2 and 211. He later moved to tirement pensions. How could we actually hold back so about half way through the flight, Dallas where he served with the Navy Recruit- think this is the kind of path forward for our I opened the bag and began reading some of ing Office, which led him to Baghdad in 2005. country? the cards. Curiosity sparked the person in the From deployment to civilian services, Mr. There is no attempt to close tax loopholes seat next to me so I shared a few of the cards Hensely has seen the whole spectrum of mili- on corporate jet or on expenses of oil and gas with him. Then the person next to him wanted tary service. Due to his exemplary leadership companies, and makes no effort in asking the to see the cards, too. Before I knew it, the and patriotism, Hensley was awarded the wealthiest among us to pay their fair share to whole plane was reading them. The cards Bronze Star, an Air Medal, and three Navy live in an orderly, humane, equitable society. were being passed up and down the aisles, and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. Favored corporate interests, millionaires, and and some tears were shed. You wouldn’t be- Having retired from active duty in 2008, his billionaires will continue to receive special tax lieve the kind words written in those cards by service to his country and the military continue breaks as far as the eye can see while unem- these Texas school children. to this day. He used the benefits of the new ployment insurance expires, leaving millions When I arrived at the base and hand-deliv- GI Bill to earn a master’s degree in counseling struggling to find work out in the cold just ered these cards, I was amazed to see what to help other veterans make the transition weeks after Christmas. That is not the sort of they meant to our troops. They didn’t person- from military life to civilian life. With his de- fair, balanced deal that Americans have asked ally know the child who the card was from but gree, Mr. Hensley worked with Rocky Top for and expect from their leaders. every one of them read it and smiled proudly Equine therapy program and Equest’s Hooves at the words of support. Soon, nurses were f for Heroes program, where he serves as Pro- scrambling to tape as many cards as they gram Coordinator. Furthermore, he now IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME could to the hospital walls above their beds. serves as the Texas head of the Iraq and Af- OF THE YEAR Red, green, yellow, and blue cards were deco- ghanistan Veterans Association, IAVA, which rated with snowmen, gingerbread men, candy serves over 10,000 IAVA members in Texas HON. TED POE canes, menorahs, or even their favorite foot- alone. Daily, he seeks the betterment of his OF TEXAS ball team. There is something about a home- fellow veterans and their families. His life work IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES made card that doesn’t compare to anything leaves a legacy to be honored, setting an ex- else, especially when it’s from a child. Monday, December 16, 2013 ample for future generations of a man whose This year was our most successful card commitment to serve never faded. IAVA’s Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, it’s the most wonder- drive yet with a record-breaking collection of motto, ‘‘building the next greatest generation’’ ful time of the year. Families across the fruited 113,000 cards. A special thank you City of couldn’t be more fitting. plain decorate their houses with red and green Baytown, Goose Creek CISD, Humble ISD, Commander Jeff Hensley, let me both thank lights, hang ornaments on their trees, and Spring ISD, Huffman ISD, Klein ISD, Cy Fair and congratulate you on your exceptional think about new recipes to spice up this year’s ISD, Spring Branch ISD, as well as area Boy service to our country and community both menu. Holiday party invitations flow in, car- Scout and Girl Scout troops, local churches past and present. It is my pleasure to award olers line the neighborhood streets at night, and non-profits. It could not have been done you the 2013 Congressional Veteran Com- everybody is in the holiday spirit. In the midst without them. mendation for the Third District of Texas. of all the cheer, we are reminded that many In a few weeks, hundreds of thousands of f families are sitting down this year to a table soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines will with an empty chair. They are not together be- open up their packages from Operation Inter- RECOGNIZING THE WEYER- cause their loved ones (our American war- dependence, along with their holiday card HAEUSER COMPANY, RECENTLY riors) are oceans away from their families, from a fellow Texan. Although the military NAMED ONE OF THE MOST COM- fighting for the rest of us. member has never met the child or person on MUNITY-MINDED COMPANIES IN They say the worst casualty of war is to be the other side of the world who took the time THE NATION forgotten. In our community we have a tradi- to create the card, there is nothing like receiv- tion to make sure that our men and women ing the holiday cheer from the land of the free HON. ADAM SMITH and home of the brave. overseas know that we will never forget them. OF WASHINGTON And that’s just the way it is. For seven straight years, Texans from the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Second Congressional District and beyond f Monday, December 16, 2013 have joined forces and collected handmade ANNOUNCING RECIPIENTS OF THE Christmas cards from the community to send 2013 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I overseas to our military. People from young COMMENDATION FOR THE THIRD rise to honor and congratulate the school children to community leaders con- DISTRICT OF TEXAS Weyerhaeuser Company for being recognized tribute, and this joint effort makes my annual as one of the most community-minded compa- Christmas Cards for Troops drive a success. nies in the United States. The National Con- Whether they are students, teachers, area Boy HON. SAM JOHNSON ference on Citizenship and Points of Light, in OF TEXAS Scouts and Girl Scouts, churches, and non- partnership with Bloomberg named Weyer- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES profits, they have been relentless in their ef- haeuser to The Civic 50 list as one of 50 com- forts to express how grateful they are for our Monday, December 16, 2013 panies that have demonstrated socially re- men and women on the front lives of battle by Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, sponsible practices and substantial civic in- decorating and personalizing holiday cards for it is my privilege to honor fourteen distin- volvement in their communities. the troops. In my opinion, there’s no better guished military veterans, community servants, The Weyerhaeuser Company, based in Fed- way than spreading the joy of the holidays and American patriots who call the Third Dis- eral Way, Washington, began more than a overseas to the ones that can’t be with their trict of Texas home. All faithfully answered the century ago in the forest industry. The com- families for Christmas dinner and unwrapping call of duty and placed service above self for pany currently owns and operates nearly 21 gifts from under the tree. Each year is better the sake of our great nation. Each one leaves million acres of timberland with offices than the last. a legacy to be remembered, for future genera- throughout North America and produces wood There is no greater sight than watching our tions to follow, a legacy of bravery, loyalty, and fiber products for a variety of applications. troops open up the colorful, heartwarming dedication, and sacrifice. For their selfless Weyerhaeuser also makes giving back to cards. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I wit- service, bold leadership, and undying commit- the community a company priority. Through nessed firsthand what it means to them. One ment for their neighbor and nation, the fol- the Weyerhaeuser Active Volunteer Employ- year, I decided to pack my bags and visit the lowing individual has been selected as a re- ees (WAVES) Program, the company recog- Landstuhl Military Base in Germany, a hub for cipient of the third annual Congressional Vet- nizes employee volunteers who contribute wounded Americans who come from Afghani- eran Commendation: their time. The organizations where employees stan and Iraq. With me, I carried two suitcases Serving in the United States Navy for ten volunteer are also eligible to apply for WAVES full of 6,000 handmade cards piled high from years, Commander Jeff Hensley began his grants, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Last

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:29 Dec 23, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD13\RECFILES\DEC2013\E16DE3.REC E16DE3 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E1888 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 16, 2013 year, 1,357 of Weyerhaeuser’s employees gram. He currently represents the Sons of the who after 36 years of dedicated public service, participated in more than 164 service projects American Revolution on the Volunteer Board will be retiring this December. and contributed more than 31,820 volunteer of the Dallas Veterans Affairs Hospital. Nikki started work here in 1977 as an eleva- hours. Through their efforts, 164 WAVES Sergeant James Fairbairn, let me both tor operator and it was not long before her grants were awarded last year to the commu- thank and congratulate you on your excep- professional and cheerful manner caught the nity. Additionally, Weyerhaeuser has instituted tional service to our country and community eye of her superiors. In 1980, she became the an Employee Volunteer of the Quarter pro- both past and present. It is my pleasure to first African American woman ever hired by gram to honor Weyerhaeuser employees who award you the 2013 Congressional Veteran the Office of the Doorkeeper. It was a tremen- significantly impact their communities through Commendation for the Third District of Texas. dous achievement then and it remains an ex- their personal efforts. f ceptional moment in both her personal history Recently, Weyerhaeuser teamed up with and the history of this body. World Vision, a non-profit faith-based organi- TRIBUTE TO THE LIFESERVE As her career progressed she joined the Of- zation focused on fighting poverty and injus- BLOOD CENTER fice of the Sergeant at Arms and served as a tice, creating Operation Diaper Drive. Oper- member of the Chamber Security Division. Her ation Diaper Drive is an annual event held by HON. TOM LATHAM career is a testament to what dedication, hard Weyerhaeuser employees where diapers are OF IOWA work and a positive attitude can accomplish. Mr. Speaker, I don’t need to remind you that collected and donated to low-income families. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES our work here can be difficult and stressful. In March of this year, nearly three quarters of Monday, December 16, 2013 a million diapers were distributed to families But that’s what makes Nikki such a treasure. throughout the United States. Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Even when there was tension inside the Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I call attention to National Blood Donor Month House Chamber, there was friendship and congratulate the Weyerhaeuser Company on and to recognize the great work being done by kindness waiting at the door. their recognition. Weyerhaeuser continues to the volunteers and professionals who com- Nikki, I wish you the best of luck as you em- strive as a leader in the community and in the prise the LifeServe Blood Center. bark on this next part of your life. You will be nation for their impressive philanthropic work. Established in 1969 by President Nixon, Na- greatly missed by me and every one of my colleagues. f tional Blood Donor Month is celebrated in Jan- uary to bring awareness to the immeasurable f ANNOUNCING RECIPIENTS OF THE difference made by blood donations. During 2013 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN ANNOUNCING RECIPIENTS OF THE National Blood Donor Month, we thank those 2013 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION FOR THE THIRD across the country who have saved lives by DISTRICT OF TEXAS COMMENDATION FOR THE THIRD donating in the past and encourage previous DISTRICT OF TEXAS and first-time donors alike to schedule an ap- HON. SAM JOHNSON pointment. Each year, only 10 percent of HON. SAM JOHNSON OF TEXAS those eligible to donate blood choose to do OF TEXAS so, although nearly 38,000 pints of blood are IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES needed every day to sustain a sufficient and Monday, December 16, 2013 secure blood supply. Monday, December 16, 2013 Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, As one of the largest blood centers in the Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to honor fourteen distin- country, LifeServe Blood Center assists more it is my privilege to honor fourteen distin- guished military veterans, community servants, than 100 hospitals in Iowa, Nebraska, and guished military veterans, community servants, and American patriots who call the Third Dis- South Dakota by providing much-needed and American patriots who call the Third Dis- trict of Texas home. All faithfully answered the blood and blood supplies. In addition to their trict of Texas home. All faithfully answered the call of duty and placed service above self for role as a local blood supplier, LifeServe also call of duty and placed service above self for the sake of our great nation. Each one leaves provides a wide range of healthcare solutions the sake of our great nation. Each one leaves a legacy to be remembered, for future genera- to our communities including transfusion medi- a legacy to be remembered, for future genera- tions to follow, a legacy of bravery, loyalty, cine, cellular therapy, and research. It is blood tions to follow, a legacy of bravery, loyalty, dedication, and sacrifice. For their selfless centers like LifeServe that stand ready, in the dedication, and sacrifice. For their selfless service, bold leadership, and undying commit- face of disasters and emergencies, to meet service, bold leadership, and undying commit- ment for their neighbor and nation, the fol- the blood supply needs of our cities, states, ment for their neighbor and nation, the fol- lowing individual has been selected as a re- and nation. lowing individual has been selected as a re- cipient of the third annual Congressional Vet- Mr. Speaker, the great work done every day cipient of the third annual Congressional Vet- eran Commendation: by LifeServe, and all blood centers across the eran Commendation. Sergeant James Fairbairn served in the country, provides a crucial and life-saving Captain Shep Stahel served in the United United States Marine Corps from 1950 to service to our communities. In honor of Na- States Navy from 1955 to 1989. After earning 1954. After completing boot camp, James tional Blood Donor Month, I invite my col- a Navy ROTC Scholarship to Tulane Univer- headed to Korea in December of 1950 where leagues in the House to join me in encour- sity, Mr. Stahel’s Naval career began during he joined the 2nd Platoon of Able Company, aging regular blood donations in this time of his college years where he served on summer 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment of the 1st need and thanking all blood donors for their midshipman cruises; one in the North Sea with Division. It was in this assignment that Mr. invaluable and selfless contribution. It is a NATO forces and the other in Hong Kong. Fairbairn served as a fire team leader during great honor to represent the men and women After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in an attack against a strong enemy force. With- of LifeServe in the United States Congress Economics, he commissioned as Ensign and out regard for his personal safety, he was able and I look forward to all of Iowa’s participation served for two years as Navigator on the USS to rush and attack the enemy, which ultimately in the busiest National Blood Donor Month yet. Matthews and then as Executive Officer on resulted in overrunning the enemy and com- Thank you. the USS Duval County. During the Cuban Mis- pleting the mission. f sile Crisis, the USS Duval County operated For his heroism in battle and his distin- out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, training sol- guished years of service, James Fairbairn TRIBUTE TO NACARSIA ‘‘NIKKI’’ diers to conduct amphibious landings. earned the Bronze Star Medal with Combat MAYES After transitioning from active to reserve Valor, a Presidential Unit Commendation Rib- duty, he served as commanding officer of Sur- bon, United Nations Service Medal, Korean HON. STEVE ISRAEL face Warfare Units in both Trenton, New Jer- Service Medal, and numerous other decora- OF NEW YORK sey and Buffalo, New York until he moved to tions. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Dallas to command a unit at Naval Air Station As a resident of Richardson, Texas, Mr. Dallas. Fairbairn has continued to serve his commu- Monday, December 16, 2013 This year, Mr. Stahel retired from IBM after nity. He served as the president of the Dallas Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, today I’d like to 50 years of service. During his time there, he Chapter of the 1st Marine Division Associa- bring your attention to a very special person, managed business affairs for IBM Corpora- tion. He has also worked extensively with the someone I respect and whose friendship I tion’s legal department in the South-South- U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots pro- value. I’m referring to Nicarsia ‘‘Nikki’’ Mayes western region of the U.S. Additionally, for the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:29 Dec 23, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD13\RECFILES\DEC2013\E16DE3.REC E16DE3 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE December 16, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1889 past twenty plus years, Mr. Stahel has served and washing; this study was conducted by tect customers targeted in infringement suits, as the founder and chairman of countless city the Australian Department of Veterans Af- promote transparency in patent ownership, and transportation boards for crucial city de- fairs after it found that Vietnam veterans of and direct the Patent and Trademark Office to the Royal Australian Navy had a higher rate velopment of Dallas and Plano. of mortality from Agent Orange-associated develop educational materials for small busi- Captain Shep Stahel, let me both thank and diseases than did Vietnam veterans from nesses. congratulate you on your exceptional service other branches of the military; when the Unfortunately, while his amendment failed, I to our country and community both past and United States Centers for Disease Control hope we will continue to work to implement present. It is my pleasure to award you the and Prevention studied specific cancers many of his suggestions. 2013 Congressional Veteran Commendation among Vietnam veterans, it found a higher As we vote on this legislation today, it is for the Third District of Texas. risk of cancer among United States Navy also important that we remember other issues veterans; and f affecting our ability to fight patent fraud. Whereas, Herbicides containing TCDD did For example, the sequester cost the Patent not discriminate between soldiers on the RECOGNIZING THE TOWN OF SEY- and Trademark Office nearly $150 million this MOUR’S RESOLUTION CON- ground and sailors on ships offshore, and Whereas, More than 30 Veterans Service year. It also resulted in 1000 fewer patent ex- CERNING THE BLUE WATER Organizations support the Blue Water Navy aminers and delayed the construction of a sat- NAVY VIETNAM VETERANS ACT Vietnam Veterans Act of 2013; by not passing ellite patent office in Silicon Valley. H.R. 543, a precedent could be set to selec- I commend this legislation’s well intentioned HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO tively provide certain groups with injury-re- goal to curb abusive patent litigation and look lated medical care while denying other OF CONNECTICUT forward to continuing to work with my col- groups without any financial, scientific or leagues to end this destructive practice. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES consistent reasoning, and Monday, December 16, 2013 Whereas, When the Agent Orange Act f passed in 1991 with no dissenting votes, con- THE U.S. POST-TYPHOON RE- Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker. it is with my gressional leaders stressed the importance of full support of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam responding to the health concerns of Viet- SPONSE IN THE PHILIPPINES: Veterans Act that I rise today at the request of nam veterans and ending the bitterness and HEALTH AND HUMAN RIGHTS First Selectman Kurt Miller, the Board of Se- anxiety that had surrounded the issue of her- ISSUES lectmen, and the Town of Seymour to officially bicide exposure, the federal government has submit the following town resolution into the also demonstrated its awareness of the haz- HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH CONGRESSIONAL RECORD: ards of Agent Orange exposure through its involvement in the identification, contain- OF NEW JERSEY Whereas, During the Vietnam War, the ment, and mitigation of dioxin ‘‘hot spots’’ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES United States military sprayed 22 million in Vietnam; and gallons of Agent Orange and other herbicides Monday, December 16, 2013 Whereas, The United States Congress over Vietnam to reduce forest cover and should reaffirm the nation’s commitment to Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, Re- crops used by the enemy; these herbicides the well-being of all of its veterans and di- cently, the deadliest typhoon ever to hit South contained dioxin, which has since been iden- rect the United States Department of Vet- tified as carcinogenic and has been linked East Asia devastated portions of the Phil- erans Affairs to administer the Agent Orange with a number of serious and disabling ill- ippines, including the islands of Leyte, Samar, Act under the presumption that herbicide ex- nesses affecting thousands of veterans; and and Cebu. With sustained winds of 155 miles posure in the Republic of Vietnam includes Whereas, The United States Congress per hour, Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda reached as the country’s inland waterways, offshore passed the Agent Orange Act of 1991, to ad- waters, and airspace; similarly, now, there- high as 270 miles per hour at one brief point. dress the plight of veterans exposed to herbi- fore, be it The storm surge reached a maximum height cides while serving the Republic of Vietnam; Resolved, That the Town of Seymour here- of 40 feet. It is the deadliest Philippine ty- the Act amended Title 38 of the United by respectfully urge the Congress of the phoon on record, killing more than 5,600 peo- States Code to presumptively recognize as United States to restore the presumption of service-connected certain diseases among ple. Another 1,759 are listed as missing. Ap- a service connection for Agent Orange expo- military personnel who served in Vietnam proximately 26,000 were injured. Yolanda is sure to United States Veterans who served between 1962 and 1975; this presumption has also the strongest storm ever recorded at on the inland waterways, in the territorial provided access to appropriate disability landfall, and unofficially the fourth strongest ty- waters, and in the airspace over the combat compensation and medical care for Vietnam zone. phoon ever recorded in terms of wind speed. veterans diagnosed with such illnesses as Philippines Foreign Secretary Alberto Del f Type II diabetes, Hodgkin’s disease, non- Rosario told us the storm was ‘‘three and a Hodgkin’s lymphoma, prostate cancer, Par- THE INNOVATION ACT half times the size of Katrina.’’ kinson’s, multiple myeloma, peripheral neu- ropathy, AL Amyloidosis respiratory can- Several weeks ago, I led a congressional cers, and soft tissue sarcomas and others yet HON. BARBARA LEE delegation to the Philippines to witness the to be identified; and OF CALIFORNIA devastation unleashed by Typhoon Haiyan— Whereas, Pursuant to a 2001 directive, the known locally as Typhoon Yolanda—and to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES United States Department of Veterans Af- gain a better understanding of the unmet fairs policy has denied the presumption of a Monday, December 16, 2013 needs going forward. service connection for herbicide-related ill- Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to Joined by my distinguished colleagues nesses to Vietnam veterans who cannot fur- TRENT FRANKS and AL GREEN—and staff direc- nish written documentation that they had express my support for H.R. 3309, the Innova- ‘‘boots on the ground’’ in-country, making it tion Act. tor Greg Simpkins and counsel Piero Tozzi— virtually impossible for countless United While not perfect, this legislation would take we were unanimous in our deep respect and States Navy, Marine and Air Force veterans significant steps toward reducing the number abiding gratitude for the accomplishments of to pursue their claims for benefits; more- of costly and abusive patent lawsuits. the U.S. military, USAID leaders, and NGOs over, personnel who served on ships in the ‘‘Patent trolls,’’ or non-practicing entities that on the ground including Catholic Relief Serv- ‘‘Blue Water Navy’’ in Vietnamese terri- take advantage of the legal process for their ices—who alone has committed over $20 mil- torial waters were, in fact, exposed to dan- own economic gain, are a massive cost to lion to assist victims. For their part, the Phil- gerous airborne toxins, which not only drift- ippine military was also playing a vital role ed offshore but washed into streams and riv- businesses and a significant strain on our al- ers draining into the South China Seas; and ready overburdened justice system. along with the remnants of local governing Whereas, The United States Navy has been I strongly agree that we should be address- bodies. excluded ever since, Agent Orange has been ing this critical problem especially at a time of In the immediate aftermath of the storm— verified, through various studies and reports, continuing economic recovery. right up until arrival—highly motivated U.S. as a wide spreading chemical that was able However, like many, I had serious concerns service members brought desperately needed to reach Navy Ships through the air and wa- about specific portions of this legislation. supplies, including food, water, medicine, and terborne distribution routes; and That is why I voted in strong support of an housing materials by the planeload to the Whereas, Warships positioned off the Viet- namese shore routinely distilled seawater to amendment introduced by my dear friend and ruins of Tacloban, with homeless, destitute obtain potable water, a 2002 Australian study colleague Congressman JOHN CONYERS, the victims—over 19,000 and counting—hitching found that the distillation process, rather Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee. flights back to Manila for safety and shelter. than removing toxins, in fact concentrated His amendment would have improved the As was the case after the 2004 tsunami, the dioxin in water used for drinking, cooking, Innovation Act by adding provisions that pro- United States deployed an aircraft carrier—this

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:29 Dec 23, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD13\RECFILES\DEC2013\E16DE3.REC E16DE3 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E1890 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 16, 2013 time the USS George Washington—and other Back in Manila, we had productive meetings special danger, with children being forced to major military assets to provide assistance. with both the Health Minister Enrique Ona and perform sex acts on the internet. Clearly, there Smart, rapid response, combined with unique Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario. needs to be more involvement of trafficking-in- airlift capability has made all the difference in Matt Bohn, Resident Country Director of the persons experts on recovery planning teams. the world. Millennium Challenge Corporation told us that Also important will be providing shelter for In the Philippines, I had the privilege of roads that had been constructed pursuant to a the 1.2 million families whose homes have meeting Col. Eric Mellinger, Chief of Staff of $435 million 5-year MCC grant had been only been damaged or destroyed. Schools have the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force. I nomi- minimally damaged but had provided—after been so widely destroyed on Leyte that offi- nated Eric to the Academy in 1982—and it debris removal—an additional artery for hu- cials told us the school year may be over was clear watching him in action that he has manitarian aid. now—months before it normally would have earned extraordinary respect. His leadership— We also met with a plethora of NGOs and ended in March. Livelihoods have been se- and that of Generals Kennedy and Wissler— U.N. agencies. Our interest was not only in verely affected as the coconut industry—the ensured that a desperate, shell-shocked popu- seeing how effective our emergency aid co- leading agricultural producer—has been deci- lation of victims got immediate, tangible help. ordination has been throughout it all, but going mated, and it will take 5–7 years to replace Every Marine we saw, including three from forward where our assistance ought to be di- the trees lost in this storm. New Jersey—Lance Cpl. Anthony Pellegrini, rected in the medium- and long-term. We felt The Philippines is a major American ally Lance Cpl. James Soccodato, and Lance Cpl. that two areas deserved special attention: pre- and trading partner. There are an estimated Michael Nappa—was working around the venting or addressing potential epidemics and 350,000 Americans living in the Philippines, clock to protect victims. ‘‘Sleep—what’s that?’’ minimizing human trafficking. and 4 million Filipinos living in the United one Marine told me with a smile. ‘‘We’re sav- It normally takes two to three weeks for a States. We have an important stake in seeing ing lives.’’ marked increase in disease prevalence after a that our friends and neighbors in the Phil- Al Dwyer, Principal Regional Advisor for natural disaster such as the typhoon, but inter- ippines can recover from this devastating East Asia and the Pacific at the USAID Office national health experts on the scene told us storm. of Foreign Disaster Relief said ‘‘when the U.S. that dengue fever already was endemic in the f hit the ground things got moving . . . this was storm-ravaged areas and could increase four- a model response . . . we saved lives here— to five-fold in the coming weeks. In addition to ANNOUNCING RECIPIENTS OF THE I know that for a fact.’’ The cooperation and dengue fever, cholera, hepatitis A, typhoid 2013 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN teamwork of the military and disaster assist- fever, leptospirosis, shigelosis, pneumonia and COMMENDATION FOR THE THIRD ance leaders from USAID, including Jeremy other diseases can proliferate in a post-storm DISTRICT OF TEXAS Konyndyk—Director of the Office of U.S. For- environment. There are vaccines for cholera, eign Disaster Assistance—who traveled with hepatitis A and typhoid fever (as well as some us, the NGO community, and Philippine offi- HON. SAM JOHNSON other diseases likely to spread post-storm), cials was a textbook example of how disaster OF TEXAS but there are no such vaccines for dengue assistance ought to be done. But of course IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES fever, leptospirosis or shigelosis. the relief efforts are far from over. The emer- Monday, December 16, 2013 Efforts to address potential epidemics are gency phase has matriculated into recovery. complicated by several factors. First, the Phil- Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, With Donald Reilly from Catholic Relief it is my privilege to honor fourteen distin- Services, our delegation visited a sanitation kit ippines is undergoing a rainy season that will guished military veterans, community servants, distribution at a local parish church, and re- not only increase breeding grounds for mos- and American patriots who call the Third Dis- ceived a briefing from Mayor Remedios Petilla quitoes and other disease-bearing pests, but trict of Texas home. All faithfully answered the of Palo—whose daughter Jessica Petilla is a also will hamper relief efforts. Furthermore, the call of duty and placed service above self for medical doctor in New Jersey—and met with many residents without shelter or with inad- the sake of our great nation. Each one leaves numerous survivors who told us heartbreaking equate shelter will be more susceptible to the a legacy to be remembered, for future genera- stories yet radiated a calm and inner peace. elements. Second, the lack of electricity tions to follow, a legacy of bravery, loyalty, One man told us how his father drowned only means no cold chain for medicines that must dedication, and sacrifice. For their selfless a few feet from where we stood and how he be refrigerated to remain usable. Third, many service, bold leadership, and undying commit- had stoically carried many waterlogged dead roads remain uncleared or badly damaged, bodies to a mass grave. He said he nearly making transportation for health workers or ment for their neighbor and nation, the fol- collapsed emotionally however when he car- patients more difficult. Fourth, many Filipino lowing individual has been selected as a re- ried the lifeless body of a three year-old girl. health workers have either left the affected cipient of the third annual Congressional Vet- He said he just broke down, overwhelmed, areas or died in the storm, and the continued eran Commendation: and felt he could continue no more. Yet amaz- presence of foreign health workers will depend Keeshaun Coffey served with honor in the ingly, a few hours later, there he was—deter- on ongoing donor funding and the health United States Navy from 2008 to 2012. He mined to rebuild and overcome and full of faith needs demanded by subsequent crises else- began his military career by enlisting as a Re- in God. where. ligious Program Specialist. Selected for the That resiliency was best summed up by Internationally-funded protection efforts cur- Fleet Marine Force, he served at the Officer Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu who said ‘‘the rently focus on family reunification, personal Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia, where Typhoon was the strongest in the world . . . identification and creation of safe spaces for he trained chaplain candidates and facilitated but our faith in the Lord is even stronger . . . women and children. USAID grantees are es- over 150 religious services and over 200 field no calamity or natural devastation can quench tablishing women-friendly and child-friendly services. the fire of our hope. The Filipino soul is spaces in strategic locations to address the Mr. Coffey’s next assignment led him to stronger than Yolanda.’’ needs of women and adolescent girls, as well Yokosuka, Japan, where he served with the Enroute from Tacloban to Manila aboard a as male children. The lack of electricity and in- Forward Deployed Naval Forces. In this posi- C130 commanded by Major Jason Kauffman, secure housing raises their risk of falling prey tion, he planned and implemented community our plane was diverted to seek the where- to abusers, especially at night. service events which allowed the USS abouts and rescue of a helicopter that crashed However, while there is acknowledgement Cowpens to log 3,059 community service into Manila Bay. After a flawless, just above of the increased risk of human trafficking in hours. Following his service with the USS the deck, systematic search for survivors in the wake of the storm, the lack of reports of Cowpens, Mr. Coffey remained in Japan the water—kind of like looking for a needle in increased trafficking may be a good thing—or where he was assigned to the Chapel of Hope a haystack—the pilot spotted two individuals, could mean that this issue is not yet a suffi- and the United States Naval Hospital opened the back end of the C130, and kicked cient focus of protection efforts. This is despite Yokosuka. He was stationed there when the out a yellow life raft to two lifejacketless swim- the fact that the Philippines had a problem 2011 tsunami and earthquake struck Japan. mers. With night darkness fast approaching, it with human trafficking even before the latest As his final act of military service, Mr. Coffey was clear that their lives had been saved. typhoon. The Philippines was raised from Tier spent long hours creating general ledgers for Aboard was the crew’s superior officer, Colo- II Watch List to Tier II in the current human Operation Tomodachi in order to maintain 100 nel John Peck, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Bri- trafficking report by the Department of State. percent accountability in the expenditure of gade Chief of Staff, along with copilot Captain Nevertheless, that report states that trafficking government and donated funds. Kim and Crewmasters MSgt. Holdaway, Sgt. of men, women, and children remains a sig- After Mr. Coffey’s service to the military Weins, Cpl. Oliver, and LCpl Lopez. nificant problem, but child sex trafficking is a honorably ended, he enrolled in the University

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:29 Dec 23, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD13\RECFILES\DEC2013\E16DE3.REC E16DE3 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE December 16, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1891 of Texas at Dallas to continue his education. active role in the creation and establishment of present. It is my pleasure to award you the On campus he has continued serving the the UTD Veteran Services Center. 2013 Congressional Veteran Commendation community by co-founding and serving as Keeshaun Coffey, let me both thank and for the Third District of Texas. President of the Veterans of Dallas at UTD’s congratulate you on your exceptional service student organization. In 2012, he played an to our country and community both past and

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:29 Dec 23, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD13\RECFILES\DEC2013\E16DE3.REC E16DE3 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E1892 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 16, 2013 SENATE COMMITTEE MEETINGS reauthorization act and maximizing re- Chuang, and George Jarrod Hazel, both Title IV of Senate Resolution 4, search dollars to America’s small busi- to be a United States District Judge nesses. for the District of Maryland. agreed to by the Senate of February 4, SR–428A SD–226 1977, calls for establishment of a sys- 2:15 p.m. tem for a computerized schedule of all Committee on Foreign Relations DECEMBER 19 meetings and hearings of Senate com- Business meeting to consider an original 9:30 a.m. mittees, subcommittees, joint commit- bill entitled, ‘‘Egypt Assistance Re- Committee on Energy and Natural Re- tees, and committees of conference. form Act of 2013’’, S. 653, to provide for sources This title requires all such committees the establishment of the Special Envoy Business meeting to consider S. 37, to to Promote Religious Freedom of Reli- sustain the economic development and to notify the Office of the Senate Daily gious Minorities in the Near East and Digest—designated by the Rules Com- recreational use of National Forest South Central Asia, S. Res. 314, com- System land and other public land in mittee—of the time, place and purpose memorating and supporting the goals of the meetings, when scheduled and the State of Montana, to add certain of World AIDS Day, S. Res. 288, sup- land to the National Wilderness Preser- porting enhanced maritime security in any cancellations or changes in the vation System, to release certain wil- the Gulf of Guinea and encouraging in- meetings as they occur. derness study areas, to designate new creased cooperation between the As an additional procedure along areas for recreation, S. 404, to preserve United States and West and Central Af- with the computerization of this infor- the Green Mountain Lookout in the rican countries to fight armed robbery Glacier Peak Wilderness of the Mount mation, the Office of the Senate Daily at sea, piracy, and other maritime Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, S. Digest will prepare this information for threats, S. Res. 312, calling on the gov- 974, to provide for certain land convey- printing in the Extensions of Remarks ernment of Iran to fulfill their prom- ances in the State of Nevada, S. 1237, to section of the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD ises of assistance in this case of Robert improve the administration of pro- Levinson, one of the longest held on Monday and Wednesday of each grams in the insular areas, S. 1300, to week. United States civilians in our Nation’s history, S. Res. 75, condemning the amend the Healthy Forests Restora- Meetings scheduled for Tuesday, De- tion Act of 2003 to provide for the con- cember 17, 2013 may be found in the Government of Iran for its state-spon- sored persecution of its Baha’i minor- duct of stewardship end result con- Daily Digest of today’s RECORD. ity and its continued violation of the tracting projects, S. 1301, to provide for International Covenants on Human the restoration of forest landscapes, MEETINGS SCHEDULED Rights, S. Res. 318, expressing the sense protection of old growth forests, and management of national forests in the DECEMBER 18 of the Senate regarding the critical need for political reform in Ban- eastside forests of the State of Oregon, 10 a.m. gladesh, S. Res. 317, expressing the S. 1341, to modify the Forest Service Committee on Finance sense of the Senate on the continuing Recreation Residence Program as the Subcommittee on Social Security, Pen- relationship between the United States program applies to units of the Na- sions, and Family Policy and Georgia, an original resolution en- tional Forest System derived from the To hold hearings to examine the role of titled, ‘‘in support of the Ukrainian public domain by implementing a sim- Social Security, defined benefits, and people in light of President ple, equitable, and predictable proce- private retirement accounts in relation Yanukovych’s decision not to sign an dure for determining cabin user fees, S. to retirement crisis. Association Agreement with the Euro- 1491, to amend the Energy Independ- SD–215 pean Union’’, and the nominations of ence and Security Act of 2007 to im- Committee on Foreign Relations Dana J. Hyde, of Maryland, to be Chief prove United States-Israel energy co- Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Executive Officer, Millennium Chal- operation, H.R. 1158, to direct the Sec- Affairs lenge Corporation, Mark E. Lopes, of retary of the Interior to continue To hold hearings to examine rebalance to Arizona, to be United States Executive stocking fish in certain lakes in the Asia IV, focusing on economic engage- Director of the Inter-American Devel- North Cascades National Park, Ross ment in the Asia-Pacific region. opment Bank for a term of three years, Lake National Recreation Area, and SD–419 and Keith Michael Harper, of Mary- Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, Committee on Health, Education, Labor, land, for the rank of Ambassador dur- and H.R. 2337, to provide for the con- and Pensions ing his tenure of service as United veyance of the Forest Service Lake Business meeting to consider S. 1417, to States Representative to the UN Hill Administrative Site in Summit amend the Public Health Service Act Human Rights Council, Department of County, Colorado. to reauthorize programs under part A State. SD–366 of title XI of such Act, S. 1719, and H.R. S–116 10 a.m. 3527, bills to amend the Public Health Special Committee on Aging Committee on the Judiciary Service Act to reauthorize the poison To hold hearings to examine the future Business meeting to consider S. 619, to center national toll-free number, na- of long-term care policy, focusing on amend title 18, United States Code, to tional media campaign, and grant pro- continuing the conversation. prevent unjust and irrational criminal gram, and the nominations of David SD–562 punishments, S. 1410, to focus limited Weil, of Massachusetts, to be Adminis- 2:30 p.m. Federal resources on the most serious trator of the Wage and Hour Division, Committee on Commerce, Science, and offenders, S. 1675, to reduce recidivism Department of Labor, France A. Cor- Transportation and increase public safety, S. 975, to dova, of New Mexico, to be Director of To hold hearings to examine what infor- provide for the inclusion of court-ap- the National Science Foundation, Ste- mation data brokers have on con- pointed guardianship improvement and ven Joel Anthony, of the District of sumers, and how they use it. oversight activities under the Elder Columbia, to be a Member of the Rail- SR–253 Justice Act of 2009, and the nomina- road Retirement Board, James H. Committee on Indian Affairs tions of John B. Owens, of California, Shelton III, of the District of Colum- Business meeting to consider S. 1352, to and Michelle T. Friedland, of Cali- bia, to be Deputy Secretary of Edu- reauthorize the Native American Hous- fornia, both to be a United States Cir- cation, and any pending nominations. ing Assistance and Self-Determination cuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit, Nancy SD–430 Act of 1996, and the nomination of Vin- L. Moritz, of Kansas, to be United Committee on Homeland Security and cent G. Logan, of New York, to be Spe- States Circuit Judge for the Tenth Cir- Governmental Affairs cial Trustee, Office of Special Trustee cuit, David Jeremiah Barron, of Massa- Business meeting to consider S. 1486, to for American Indians, Department of chusetts, to be United States Circuit improve, sustain, and transform the the Interior. Judge for the First Circuit, Matthew United States Postal Service, and an SD–628 Frederick Leitman, Judith Ellen Levy, original bill entitled, ‘‘Cybersecurity Committee on the Judiciary Laurie J. Michelson, and Linda Recruitment and Retention Act’’. To hold hearings to examine the nomina- Vivienne Parker, all to be a United SD–342 tions of Daniel D. Crabtree, to be States District Judge for the Eastern 2 p.m. United States District Judge for the District of Michigan, Christopher Reid Committee on Small Business and Entre- District of Kansas, Cynthia Ann Cooper, to be United States District preneurship Bashant, to be United States District Judge for the District of Columbia, To hold hearings to examine Small Busi- Judge for the Southern District of Cali- Gerald Austin McHugh, Jr., and Ed- ness Innovation Research and Small fornia, Jon David Levy, of Maine, to be ward G. Smith, both to be a United Business Technology Transfer, focusing United States District Judge for the States District Judge for the Eastern on measuring the effectiveness of the District of Maine, and Theodore David District of Pennsylvania, M. Douglas

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:29 Dec 23, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD13\RECFILES\DEC2013\E16DE3.REC E16DE3 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE December 16, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1893 Harpool, to be United States District Blankinship, to be United States Mar- 2:30 p.m. Judge for the Western District of Mis- shal for the Southern District of Texas, Select Committee on Intelligence souri, Sheryl H. Lipman, to be United all of the Department of Justice. To hold closed hearings to examine cer- States District Judge for the Western SD–226 tain intelligence matters. District of Tennessee, Stanley Allen 10:30 a.m. SH–219 Bastian, to be United States District Committee on Homeland Security and Judge for the Eastern District of Wash- Governmental Affairs ington, Manish S. Shah, to be United Subcommittee on Financial and Con- States District Judge for the Northern tracting Oversight District of Illinois, and Peter Joseph Kadzik, of New York, to be an Assist- To hold hearings to examine the Inspec- ant Attorney General, Robert L. Hobbs, tor General of the Department of to be United States Marshal for the Homeland Security. Eastern District of Texas, and Gary SD–342

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:29 Dec 23, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD13\RECFILES\DEC2013\E16DE3.REC E16DE3 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE