October 3, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2247 

years, where he represented the interests of 

his constituents at Patrick Air Force Base and 

Cape Canaveral Air Station, and surrounding 

aerospace community. He is the co-founder 

and chairman of the Congressional Aerospace 

Caucus. 

Rep. WELDON is also a member of the Autism Caucus, the Cancer Caucus, the Renewable Energy Caucus, the Tourism Caucus, 

and the Military Veterans Caucus. He is a 

member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 

Post 453A, known as the ‘‘Rocket Post,’’ in 

Rockledge, Florida. 

Madam Speaker, I rise to again express my 

appreciation, as well as those of the people of 

the State of Florida and my colleagues in Congress, for the dedication of Dr. DAVE WELDON

in his service in the United States Congress. 

My best wishes go out to him and his family 

for his future endeavors. 

f 

INTRODUCTION OF THE ‘‘FIXING 

THE FEDERAL VOTING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ACT OF 2008’’ 

HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY OF NEW YORK

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Friday, October 3, 2008 

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam 

Speaker, today, along with Representative 

HONDA (D–CA), I am introducing the ‘‘Fixing 

the Federal Voting Assistance Program Act of 

2008’’ which would do two things: (1) make 

the Director of the Federal Voting Assistance 

Office a presidential nominee confirmable by 

the Senate, and (2) create an advisory board 

to strengthen oversight of the office to ensure 

better access to the ballot by overseas military 

and civilians voters. 

The recent history of the Federal Voter Assistance Program (FVAP) is one of clear 

lapses in the Government’s efforts to help ensure access to the ballot for thousands of 

overseas voters, both civilian and military in 

recent elections. This legislation is designed to 

bring greater attention to the voting office in 

the Department of Defense and enhanced 

oversight to ensure that it does its job of providing greater access to voting for our soldiers, sailors and airmen, their families, as 

well as civilians living overseas. 

The ‘‘Fixing the Federal Voting Assistance 

Program Act’’ is a necessary step in ensuring 

that overseas voters are counted in elections. 

Unfortunately, it will not help with the coming 

election. I believe that Americans serving in 

the military abroad or civilians residing overseas will still not have adequate help from the 

Government in facilitating their right of access 

to the ballot. I and Representative HONDA believe we need to start working on improving 

access to the next election now while the 

problems are still fresh in our minds so that 

we are not facing them again in 2010. 

f 

COMMEMORATING TAIWAN’S 

NATIONAL DAY 

HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL OF NEW YORK

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Friday, October 3, 2008 

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today 

to commemorate Taiwan’s National Day, also 

known as Double Ten Day. This day marks a 

special moment in Taiwan’s history. It was the 

start of the Wuchang uprising that led to the 

overthrow of the Ching dynasty and laid the 

foundation for the establishment of the first democracy founded in Asia. 

Taiwan has been a long time supporter and 

ally of the United States and its people. Taiwan continues to be our ally in the war on terrorism by cooperating with humanitarian assistance in Iraq and Afghanistan. They have 

shown generosity and compassion by contributing to the Twin Towers Fund and Pentagon 

Memorial Fund, and now to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Continually, Taiwan has proved 

to be a true ally to the people of the United 

States. 

In sharing the same beliefs in freedom and 

democracy, we can further our ties by protecting these ideas in our countries and 

throughout the world. May this year’s celebration be one of the most memorable and enjoyed in Taiwan’s history. 

f 

RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE 

BUD CRAMER AND THE HONORABLE TERRY EVERETT ON 

THEIR RETIREMENT FROM CONGRESS 

SPEECH OF

HON. JIM COOPER OF TENNESSEE

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, September 25, 2008 

Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, for 18 years, 

Members of Congress have had the pleasure 

of working with an exemplary representative. 

And for 18 years, the constituents of northern 

Alabama have been represented by an extraordinary man. Today, I would like to honor 

the service of my friend and colleague, BUD

CRAMER. 

Over his time here in Congress, BUD has 

generated a noteworthy list of accomplishments: co-founder of the Blue Dog Coalition, 

one of the strongest allies for NASA, and a 

tireless advocate for children, authoring the 

monumental National Children’s Advocacy 

Program Act. He managed to balance national 

needs while staying true to his Huntsville 

roots. BUD, your absence will be a loss not 

just for the Blue Dog Coalition, not just for 

Congress, but for the Nation as a whole. I 

wish you the best in your years to come. 


smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS