October 19, 2005 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2125 Thank you, Norman Borlaug. This nation— Whereas, Sue Maxwell should be com- out the country and world, it is a way to con- and many nations—thank you. mended for her business savvy and her dedi- nect with and pay tribute to America’s musical f cation to Hocking Hills and Vinton County. influences and heritage. I ask my colleagues Therefore, I join with the residents of the en- to join me in recognizing the importance of TRIBUTE TO THE MASSEY tire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in hon- this beloved American musical institution and AGENCY—30TH ANNIVERSARY oring and congratulating Sue Maxwell for her to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Grand outstanding accomplishment. Ole Opry. HON. DONALD M. PAYNE f f OF NEW JERSEY IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONGRATULATING IRON CITY PIPE , NASHVILLE, TN Wednesday, October 19, 2005 AND SUPPLY FOR WINNING THE ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I ask my col- AWARD leagues here in the House of Representatives HON. JIM COOPER OF TENNESSEE to join me as I rise to acknowledge the Massey Agency as this Newark firm cele- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. ROBERT W. NEY brates its 30th anniversary. With Emma and Wednesday, October 19, 2005 OF OHIO IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Ramelle Massey at the helm of this woman/ Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to minority-owned insurance and brokerage firm, recognize the 80th anniversary of the Grand Wednesday, October 19, 2005 they offer services that are important to resi- Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. As one of the most Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: dents and businesses in the area. renowned traditions in American music and Whereas, owners Ray Brewer, Rick Smith Fortunately, for the City of Newark, the broadcasting, the Grand Ole Opry continues to and Eric Massie in true entrepreneurial spirit Massey Agency has always been committed entertain and delight music lovers around the recognized a market opening in southern Ohio to the needs of the community. Beginning with globe every week. Broadcast live from the and capitalized on it; and the late Raymond J. Massey who opened the Opry stage every Friday and Saturday night, Whereas, Iron City Pipe and Supply has agency’s doors and continuing with his wife, the Grand Ole Opry is the Nation’s longest- been able to adapt and grow and now serves Emma and daughter, Ramelle, the Massey running radio show and the beloved home of the needs of businesses in a tri-state area; Agency has been providing job opportunities our Nation’s most celebrated music. and and internship programs for local residents. In The show’s original host, George D. Hay, in- Whereas, Iron City Pipe and Supply is look- addition to the employment opportunities the troduced the first performance in 1925: 77- ing forward to continued growth and diver- Massey Agency has offered, they have also year-old Uncle Jimmy Thompson, who could sification to further benefit the Jackson area. contributed financially to local community or- ‘‘fiddle the taters off the vine,’’ played ‘‘Ten- Therefore, I join with family, friends and the ganizations which have assisted many young nessee Waggoner.’’ Since then its audience entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in people and programs to achieve success for has grown from a group of local Nashville lis- congratulating Iron City Pipe and Supply for themselves and others in the community. teners to the millions of music fans who tune winning this prestigious award. Along the way, the agency has earned a in through satellite radio, television, and the f standing as one of the predominant Minority internet. Business Enterprise/Women’s Business Enter- The ’s original well-worn BETTY LEE STRECKFUSS, DELE- prise in the Northeast. The agency has also oak wood Opry stage has moved with the GATE TO THE 2005 WHITE HOUSE received proclamations from the Mayor of show’s changing venues through the years CONFERENCE ON AGING Newark and the Independent Insurance and has hosted some of America’s most leg- Agents of New Jersey, which recognized the endary country musicians—, Roy HON. TED POE agency’s longevity, dedication to the City of Acuff, the Carter Family, , Loretta OF Newark and the quality of its insurance prod- Lynn, , , and Bill IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ucts and services. Monroe. For many generations of Americans, Wednesday, October 19, 2005 Educated in some of the finest schools and ’s cheerful shout of ‘‘How-dee! I’m universities, the Massey women are true pro- just so proud to be here!’’ will forever signify Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, during the second fessionals and exemplary role models. They the start of another memorable and captivating week of December, the 2005 White House are both multiple licensed insurance brokers Grand Ole Opry show. Conference on Aging will take place in Wash- offering a wide array of services. One of their My own personal connection to the Grand ington, D.C. This is a once in a decade event goals is to expand their reach beyond the Ole Opry began when I met the legendary where delegates from across the United local community. With the tenacity, energy, in- Opry duo and during States gather to make policy recommenda- telligence and willpower of Emma and my father’s 1950s political campaigns through- tions to the President and Congress on issues Ramelle, there is no doubt they will meet this out Tennessee. Like so many others, I tuned of importance to aging generations. self imposed challenge. in every week to listen to the gifted musician- I had the privilege of nominating Betty Lee Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues agree ship of the performers. And in a visit I shared Streckfuss, RN, as a delegate to the 2005 that the Massey Agency and the Newark com- with Earl Scruggs not too long ago, he told me White House Conference on Aging, and I am munity have every right to be proud of the that growing up in Shelby, North Carolina, he proud to say that she will be in attendance as lasting contributions the agency has made to would walk across the hollow to a neighbor’s the delegate from the Second Congressional the Greater Newark Community. I am pleased house just to listen to the show every week District of Texas. to congratulate Emma and Ramelle Massey because his family didn’t have a radio. Both Betty has a long and distinguished back- along with their employees on their 30th anni- accomplished musicians and fans alike con- ground in healthcare. A former Head Nurse of versary. tinue to hold the Grand Ole Opry in the high- the Acute Care Pediatric Unit at Ben Taub f est esteem among America’s musical tradi- Hospital in Houston, TX, Betty is currently RECOGNIZING SUE MAXWELL tions. serving as founder and associate partner of While the Opry has always stayed true to Streckfuss and Associates, a Texas based HON. ROBERT W. NEY the musical roots upon which it was founded, medical consulting endeavor specializing in it continues to evolve with the latest country clinical policies, procedures and regulatory OF OHIO sounds. The Grand Ole Opry’s elite member- issues. She is also secretary of the Houston/ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ship now includes accomplished artists like Harris County Area Agency on Aging Advisory Wednesday, October 19, 2005 Martina McBride, , , Council and a member of the Texas Silver Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: , , , and Haired Legislature. Whereas, Sue Maxwell has been named as who continue to entertain fans I commend Betty’s commitment to the 2005 Vinton County Southeastern Ohio on the same oak wood stage every week. healthcare. I have no doubt that her experi- Regional Council Person of the Year; and In its 80 years, the Grand Ole Opry has ence, insight, and sincere desire to advocate Whereas, Sue Maxwell has been acknowl- come to mean something more than a weekly on behalf of our aging Americans will serve edged for her success in operating country show. In addition to extending Nash- our community well at the 2005 White House Ravenwood Castle; and ville and America’s musical traditions through- Conference on Aging.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:17 Oct 20, 2005 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19OC8.010 E19OCPT1 E2126 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 19, 2005 A TRIBUTE TO REAR ADMIRAL allow all political parties to organize rallies free THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA KATHLEEN K. PAIGE from violence and intimidation, welcome do- COURT, OFFENDER SUPER- mestic and international election observers, VISION, PAROLE AND PUBLIC HON. JERRY LEWIS provide appropriate access to media, and en- DEFENDER EMPLOYEES EQUITY OF CALIFORNIA sure central and regional authorities create the ACT OF 2005 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES necessary conditions for exit polls. Azerbaijan has come forward as a strong Wednesday, October 19, 2005 HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON strategic partner and ally not only to the OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I but also among the democratic IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES come to the floor today to recognize the serv- societies in our world. I congratulate Azer- Wednesday, October 19, 2005 ice of an outstanding leader in our Nation’s baijan on this important day and look forward Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, today Chair- Armed Forces. After more than 34 years in to them having free and fair elections next man TOM DAVIS and I introduce a bill that will uniform, Rear Admiral Kathleen K. Paige will month. soon retire from the United States Navy and correct a long overdue oversight affecting the non-judicial employees of the D.C. Courts, the move on to private life. f Admiral Paige’s sustained, superb service Court Services and Offender Supervision culminated in a series of highly challenging IN RECOGNITION OF FORMER TAI- Agency (CSOSA), and the D.C. Public De- fender Service (PDS). senior assignments where she demonstrated WANESE PRESIDENT LEE TENG- HUI Under the 1997 National Capital Revitaliza- dedication to one primary goal: providing high- tion and Self-Government Improvement Act of ly effective military capabilities to warfighters. 1997, the federal government took over the Her first Flag assignment was as Com- HON. HILDA L. SOLIS operation of the District of Columbia Courts mander, Naval Surface Warfare Center in July and related services making the non-judicial 1996. Two years later, she assumed duties as OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES employees of the D.C. Courts and the employ- Director, Theater Air and Missile Defense and ees of CSOSA federal employees. In 1998, Systems Engineering in the Program Execu- Wednesday, October 19, 2005 employees of PDS were similarly transferred tive Office for Theater Surface Combatants. Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wel- as part of the District of Columbia Courts and Then, in April 1999, she was given the addi- Justice Technical Collections Act. As federal tional concurrent assignment as the first As- come former Taiwanese President Lee Teng- Hui to Washington, DC. employees, these Court, CSOSA and PDS sistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, De- employees were brought under the federal re- President Lee Teng-Hui is truly a founding velopment & Acquisition) Chief Engineer—the tirement program (FERS). However, for the father of democracy. As president of Taiwan Navy’s senior technical authority for develop- employees transferred in 1997 and in 1998, ment of system and technical architectures. from 1988 to 2000, Mr. Lee Teng-Hui helped ‘‘creditable service’’ for the purposes of deter- Because of her extraordinary talent and exper- Taiwan develop into the strong democracy it is mining when they would be eligible to retire tise in complex systems, in July 2001, the Mis- today. Today, Taiwan is a vital, growing de- and the amount of annuity they would be enti- sile Defense Agency selected her to be the mocracy committed to the universal principles tled to under FERS only began from the date first Ballistic Missile Defense System Tech- of human freedom and dignity. I am certain of the transfer. That is, the 1997 and 1998 nical Director in charge of integrating the engi- that President Lee Teng-Hui’s visits to the Lib- laws made no provision for treating their year neering development of all the systems com- erty Bell and Independence Hall and his view- of service as Court and related services em- prising the missile defense program. ing of the United States Constitution and the ployees prior to these laws as creditable serv- Since August 2002, Admiral Paige has also Declaration of Independence has only deep- ice for retirement. served as the Navy’s senior Engineering Duty ened his appreciation of America’s struggle for Accordingly, the bill we introduced today will Officer—nurturing the engineering commu- democracy. amend these laws to require that the time nity’s rich heritage of scientific fact-finding and It is my hope that one day there will be served by these employees before 1997 will integrated, top-down engineering to ensure open dialogue between high level officials in count towards their overall federal retirement continuous innovation. At the same time, she the United States and in Taiwan for the devel- eligibility as ‘‘creditable service’’. So for exam- made certain that the Navy remained an- opment of democracy beyond our two coun- ple, if an employee is 60 years old today and chored to fundamental operational realities. tries and around the world. has worked 20 years (i.e. since 1985) for the f D.C. Courts under our bill he would be eligible f for federal retirement today (whereas without TRIBUTE TO THE PEOPLE OF THE our bill he would have to work another twelve REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN CONGRATULATING RANDY EVANS years). AND RANDY EVANS CONSTRUC- I should also note that to avoid the problem HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ TION FOR WINNING THE SEORC of ‘‘double dipping,’’ since the employees are BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD OF TEXAS still entitled to their D.C. retirement benefits (based upon their work status up until 1997), IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. ROBERT W. NEY our bill does not count the pre-1997 years Wednesday, October 19, 2005 spent as D.C. government employees towards OF OHIO Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer the amount of federal retirement annuity an my sincere congratulations to the people of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES employee is eligible to receive. the Republic of Azerbaijan as they celebrate Wednesday, October 19, 2005 However, it is only fair and just that the the 14th anniversary of their Independence Court and related services employees who from the Soviet Union. On October 18, 1991, Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: started their jobs with the expectation that Azerbaijan adopted its Constitutional Act on Whereas, Randy Evans, with effort and de- would be able to retire without penalty after 20 Independence declaring their independence as sire, started Randy Evans Construction and years of service or more should be allowed to a sovereign state. has made it a significant competitor in the do so. Our bill today does just that, it restores Having lived under Soviet rule, the people of Jackson area construction business; and their ‘‘lost time.’’ Azerbaijan have a great appreciation of living Whereas, Randy Evans and Randy Evans f Construction have helped shape the Jackson in a democratic civil society and understand PERSONAL EXPLANATION that they need to continue to democratize and area community; and hold free and fair elections in order to develop Whereas, Randy Evans’ commitment to per- and integrate into western structures. fection, perseverance and fortitude are an in- HON. EARL BLUMENAUER OF OREGON On November 6, 2005, Azerbaijan will hold spiration to everyone in Jackson County and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES important parliamentary elections. As a sign of beyond. his commitment to ensuring free and fair elec- Therefore, I join with family, friends and the Wednesday, October 19, 2005 tions, President Ilham Aliyev issued an Execu- entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, had I tive Order earlier this year outlining important congratulating Randy Evans and Randy Evans been present for the following votes on Mon- steps that will be taken prior to the election. Construction for winning this prestigious day, October 17th, I would have voted as fol- Since then great progress has been made to: award. lows:

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