March 5, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E309 is the result of too little attention paid to the HOMEOWNER FLOOD INSURANCE munity development. Nearly seventy percent warning signs because of preoccupation with AFFORDABILITY ACT OF 2014 of Missouri’s taxpayer funded research is pro- one of the many crises in the two Sudans. duced by the land grant universities. This in- SPEECH OF Over the last three decades, I and other formation is used to enhance vital industries committee and subcommittee chairs have held HON. like agriculture, business, and healthcare. The numerous hearings on Sudan—from the OF state of Missouri has benefitted immensely North-South civil war to the Darfur conflict to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES through the active role of the Extension pro- the fighting in Abyei, Southern Kordofan and Tuesday, March 4, 2014 grams which equip our communities with vital Blue Nile to the current conflict in South information and educational programs. Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise For the advances made possible in Missouri Sudan. All this attention is more than justified, to urge all of my colleagues to pass H.R. and across the nation by the Cooperative Ex- but our approach to addressing them has 3370, the Homeowner Flood Insurance Afford- tension Service, it is my pleasure to recognize been intermittent. Too often, each crisis is ability Act. the 100th Anniversary of the National Cooper- seen as a problem unto itself, unrelated to If this bill passes we will keep middle class ative Extensions in the House of Representa- other issues in these two countries. families in their homes, bring relief to our local tives. economy and provide needed reliability to mid- In fact, successive administrations and Con- f gresses, advocacy groups and humanitarian dle class friends and neighbors. organizations have focused so much on indi- Since November 2013, I have urged action UNITED STATES-ISRAEL STRA- vidual crises and issues that no one has cre- on flood insurance on every bill that moved TEGIC PARTNERSHIP ACT OF 2014 ated a panoramic view which shows how all through the Rules Committee to the floor of SPEECH OF these individual crises interrelate with each the U.S. House. other. This ‘‘stovepiping’’ of government policy Families who were facing massive flood in- HON. and public attention has meant that long-term surance premium increases will now be able OF FLORIDA to breathe easier. The reforms will help ensure solutions have been neglected while short- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that flood insurance will be there in times of term eruptions have had to be dealt with. In Tuesday, March 4, 2014 reality, the two Sudans are inexorably linked disaster. and no crisis in either can be resolved suc- This legislation allows individuals purchasing Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, any- cessfully without taking into account the entire covered homes to also assume the predeter- one who turns on the news for even a few Sudan-South Sudan panorama. mined rates and restores grandfathered prop- minutes will see our good friend Israel in a re- erties under prior law so that owners would gion of chaos and unrest. We must end this cycle of myopic policy for- pay rates applicable to the original flood risk. War in Syria—with refugees pouring into mulation based on the crisis of the moment We have learned that we must keep a close Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon. Violence in and adopt a long-term, holistic vision of what eye on FEMA and flood maps and this legisla- Iraq. Upheaval in Egypt. And of course, the the best interest of the people of Sudan and tion gives us more tools to do so. I credit the threat of nuclear advancement in Iran. South Sudan demands—indeed, what would outcry many of our neighbors, realtors, cham- And yet, Israel remains a strong, stable, and be in the best interest of the entire region. bers of commerce and others who helped reliable ally. As we learned in our subcommittee hearing focus the pressure on the Republican leaders More than ever, we must do all we can to on the Sahel crisis last May, Islamic extrem- in Congress to act. strengthen our critical relationship. ists have their sights set on making inroads This has been an anxious time for home- H.R. 938, the United States-Israel Strategic wherever there is conflict, across the belt of owners, but the immense pressure by families Partnership Act of 2013, will do just that. Central Africa stretching from Senegal to and the business community on the House It designates Israel as a ‘‘major strategic Sudan and beyond. Continuing unrest in the GOP was an effort that paid off. This Con- partner’’ and increases our mutually beneficial two Sudans only serves to provide training gress has an unfortunate reputation for not ad- cooperation in the areas of energy, science, grounds or bases of operation for terrorists. dressing the challenges that middle class fam- water, agriculture, alternative fuel tech- Hardened ethnic conflict can spread to long- ilies face. Today, we can come together to do nologies, and homeland security. term enmity that no peace agreement alone just that. At a time of deep political division in Con- can resolve. Hopefully, this will not be the I thank my Florida colleagues who worked gress, this bill has across the board support, case in South Sudan, but that conflict is head- in a bipartisan manner to bring relief to more with 351 cosponsors, a reflection that our alli- ed in that ominous direction. than two million National Flood Insurance Pro- ance with Israel is rooted in shared national gram policyholders in our state and I urge a interests, common values of democracy and Two years ago, I held a meeting in my of- ‘‘yes’’ vote on the bill. freedom, and a recognition that the same fice with representatives from Sudan’s Nubian, f forces threatening Israel also threaten the Darfuri, Beja and Nuba communities, who all United States. believe that Khartoum is engaged in a long- 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NA- I urge my colleagues to join me in sup- term effort to exterminate non-Arab Sudanese. TIONAL COOPERATIVE EXTEN- porting H.R. 938. Have we missed such a pernicious campaign SION SERVICE f while hopping from one crisis to another as each appeared? HON. JASON T. SMITH NAGORNO KARABAKH ANTONOMOUS REGION OF AZER- The purpose of last week’s hearing was to OF MISSOURI BAIJAN examine current U.S. policy toward Sudan and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES South Sudan to see how we can unify our pol- Wednesday, March 5, 2014 HON. icy in order to more effectively end long-run- Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise ning tragedies that appear get worse despite OF CALIFORNIA today to honor the 100th Anniversary of the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES all the busy attention to which we pay them. National Cooperative Extension Service. The This involves more than what the Department Smith-Lever Act of 1914 created this edu- Wednesday, March 5, 2014 of State and other executive agencies do, or cational partnership which began between the Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, twenty-six years even what support Congress can provide. Ad- U.S. Department of Agriculture and the na- ago, the Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Re- vocacy and humanitarian organizations also tion’s land-grant universities. The Cooperative gion of Azerbaijan petitioned to become part must join government in seeing the forest and Extension Service grants state universities of Armenia. Their desire to determine their not just the trees, so to speak. funds to produce significant research which is own future was met with brutal force and vio- We must develop, support and implement available for the use of the public across the lence that was tragically reminiscent to events policies toward Sudan and South Sudan that nation. In addition, research based education preceding the Armenian Genocide. make sense in the long term and not just programs have improved the lives of many For the next two years, the Armenian popu- produce temporarily satisfying peace accords through the advancements made in farming, lation was the target of racially motivated po- that have no sustainability. Peace and pros- business, health services, and emergency groms. Hundreds were murdered, many more perity for both countries are linked, and we management. were wounded, and the Armenian community must act accordingly. The hearing, we hope, In the Show-Me State, the Missouri Exten- still grapples with the scars from the horrific will serve to highlight what must be done. sion Services have been fundamental to com- attacks in Sumgait, Kirovabad, and Baku.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:28 Mar 06, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A05MR8.016 E05MRPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E310 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 5, 2014 On February 20, 1988, Nagorno Karabakh contributions to our communities are equally PERSONAL EXPLANATION began its national liberation movement with a impactful. Tom dedicated his time and energy resolution to secede from Azerbaijan, and on to numerous nonprofit agencies including the HON. LUIS V. GUTIE´RREZ December 10, 1991, Nagorno Karabakh offi- Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences, Tama- OF ILLINOIS cially declared independence, becoming a rack Foundation, United Way of West Virginia, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES democratic state committed to freedom and Hospice, Charleston Area Medical Center, and respect for human rights. But today, the peo- the American Cancer Society. He served on Wednesday, March 5, 2014 ple of Nagorno Karabakh are still forced to live the Lewisburg Building Commission, West Vir- Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ. Mr. Speaker, I was un- under the constant threat of violence from ginia Education Fund, YMCA Spirit of the Val- avoidably absent in the House chamber for Azerbaijan. ley, and the West Virginia Economic Develop- votes on Tuesday, March 4, 2014. As we commemorate the somber anniver- ment Authority, along with a host of other val- Had I been present, I would have voted sary of the beginnings of their struggle, we uable community and state organizations. And ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 91 in support of passage wish for the peaceful resolution of this conflict lastly, the Shepherd Center of the Greenbrier of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Afford- and the right of the Nagorno Karabakh people Valley, who is honoring him with its Commu- ability Act of 2014. to determine their own future. nity Service Award for Tom’s fulfillment of its Had I been present, I would have voted f three tenets: lifelong learning, service to oth- ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 92 in support of H. Res. ers, and spiritual growth. 488 supporting the people of Venezuela. The PERSONAL EXPLANATION Tom Bulla resides in Lewisburg, West Vir- Venezuelan people have the right to protest ginia with his wife, Nancy. Known affection- peacefully without fear of violence or intimida- HON. JIM GERLACH ately as ‘‘Papa’’ or ‘‘Papa T’’ by his grand- tion. OF PENNSYLVANIA children, Tom enjoys spending time with his IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES extended family and his lifelong love: auto- f Wednesday, March 5, 2014 mobiles. THE 25TH SILVER ANNIVERSARY Mr. Speaker, the State of West Virginia, our Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, OF THE CONGRESSIONAL BLACK communities, and indeed, the United States of CAUCUS VETERANS BRAINTRUST on February 25, 2014, I missed two recorded America owe Tom Bulla a debt of gratitude for votes on the House floor. Had I been present, his many years of distinguished service in his I would have voted ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall 63 and professional and personal life. I am honored to HON. ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall 64. call him a friend and fellow West Virginian. OF FLORIDA f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRIBUTE TO L. TOM BULLA f Wednesday, March 5, 2014 THE IMPORTANCE OF WOMEN PAR- Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise HON. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO TICIPATING IN A PEACEFUL to commemorate March 5, Boston’s Crispus OF WEST VIRGINIA RESOLUTION TO THE CONFLICT Attucks Day, and to celebrate the 25th Silver IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN SYRIA Anniversary of the Congressional Black Cau- cus Veterans Braintrust which took place this Wednesday, March 5, 2014 past September within a truly unique historical Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to HON. and contemporary context of Black, or African recognize the career and contributions of Mr. OF NEW JERSEY American military service and sacrifice. First, a L. Tom Bulla, upon the occasion of his receipt IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES series of national commemorations: the 200th of the Shepherd Center of Greenbrier Valley’s Wednesday, March 5, 2014 anniversary of the War of 1812, the 150th an- Community Service Award. Mr. Bulla’s work niversary of the Civil War to Save the Union ethic and volunteer spirit are truly deserving of Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, this month marks and End Slavery, the 100th anniversary of the this award, as he has proudly served commu- the 3 year anniversary of the conflict in Syria. death of Harriet Tubman, known as ‘‘The Gen- nities, both in his professional and private life. This conflict is destabilizing the region and has eral,’’ the 90th anniversary of the burial of Col. Tom began his career in 1962 and worked created the largest humanitarian crises we Charles Young, the third black graduate from diligently to build a solid reputation as a cred- have ever seen. Over 100,000 people have al- West Point, the 70th anniversary of the D-Day ible leader in the North Carolina and Virginia ready been killed and 9 million people are cur- Invasion, the 60th anniversary of the Korean banking communities. In 1981, he was hired rently in desperate need of humanitarian as- War, the 50th anniversary of the assassination as president, CEO, and director of Huntington sistance. 3 million people are in hard to reach of Medgar Evers, World War II veteran and Trust and Savings Bank in West Virginia. In areas and over 250,000 people have been cut Civil Rights Hero, 50th anniversary of the Viet- 1985, Tom oversaw the successful merger of off from assistance for over a year. The UN nam War, and the 12th anniversary of 9/11; Huntington Trust with the First Huntington Na- has characterized the situation as ‘‘dramatic and second, amid the drum beat of war, with tional Bank. Shortly thereafter, his services beyond description.’’ There have already been the U.S. threatened bombing of Syria, the were requested at Charleston National Bank, multiple failed attempts at peace-talks and senseless violence of Aaron Alexis and the where he would serve as president and CEO, cease-fires. The international community and Washington, DC, Navy Yard shooting ram- and again direct the merger of two West Vir- Syrian forces must come together to find a page, and the battle of the budget, or yet an- ginia banks; Charleston National with Bank long over-due peaceful agreement and end other governmental shutdown on October 1st, One, in 1993. A year later, Tom accepted a these inhumane and debilitating acts of vio- affecting more than 800,000 employees at a position as president, CEO, and director of lence. cost of $25 billion. According to the U.S. Of- First National Bankshares Corporation and As we celebrate International Women’s Day fice of Personnel Management, a dispropor- The First National Bank in Ronceverte, West on March 8th, 2014, there is no better time to tionate number of the furloughed federal work- Virginia. Tom was very active in the West Vir- recognize the role of women in these pro- ers were Black, or African American, who ginia Bankers’ Association, serving both on its tracted conflicts. They are not just the victims made up 17.7 percent of the workforce. Board of Directors and as its Chairman from of violence; they are the resilient leaders work- Chaplain Michael McCoy, Sr., provided the 1996 through 1997. Additionally, Tom was se- ing tirelessly to keep their families safe. Veterans Braintrust forum’s invocation and lected by his colleagues to serve on the Fed- Women leaders, who are pushing for peace benediction because we know from experi- eral Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh’s Board of can help further peace negotiations, under- ence that Washington forums that start with an Directors from 1997 until 2000. stand a country’s needs for an inclusive transi- invocation and end with a benediction are Tom’s career shepherded him into public tion process and put Syrians on a path to rec- blessed occasions. Welcoming remarks were service with an appointment from Governor onciliation. given by Representatives CHARLES RANGEL JOE MANCHIN as the state’s first Secretary of While we continue to search for solutions, (NY–13), , Jr. (GA–02), EDDIE Commerce, where he successfully managed the United States joined by the rest of the BERNICE JOHNSON (TX–30) and myself. With the consolidation of seven government agen- world must do all it can to have an inclusive Representative SANFORD BISHOP, Jr. speaking cies. peace process that alleviates the tremendous in his role as the Ranking Democrat on the As impressive as Tom’s achievements in amount of suffering being inflicted on Syria’s House Appropriations Subcommittee on Mili- banking and the public sector have been, his civilian population. tary Construction and Veterans Affairs, and as

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