[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 19]
[House]
[Pages 26051-26054]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 CORPORAL STEPHEN R. BIXLER POST OFFICE

  Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 3325) to designate the facility of

[[Page 26052]]

the United States Postal Service located at 235 Mountain Road in 
Suffield, Connecticut, as the ``Corporal Stephen R. Bixler Post 
Office''.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 3325

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. CORPORAL STEPHEN R. BIXLER POST OFFICE.

       (a) Designation.--The facility of the United States Postal 
     Service located at 235 Mountain Road in Suffield, 
     Connecticut, shall be known and designated as the ``Corporal 
     Stephen R. Bixler Post Office''.
       (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, 
     document, paper, or other record of the United States to the 
     facility referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be 
     a reference to the ``Corporal Stephen R. Bixler Post 
     Office''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Missouri (Mr. Clay) and the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Westmoreland) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Missouri.


                             General Leave

  Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Missouri?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on 
Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in 
the consideration of H.R. 3325 which names a postal facility in 
Suffield, Connecticut, after CPL Stephen R. Bixler. H.R. 3325, which 
was introduced by Representative Joe Courtney on August 2, 2007, was 
reported from the Oversight Committee on September 20, 2007, by voice 
vote. This measure has the support of the entire Connecticut 
congressional delegation.
  Madam Speaker, Marine CPL Stephen R. Bixler was killed on May 4, 
2006, while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in al 
Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 
2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North 
Carolina.
  LTC James M. Bright, the battalion's commander, said, ``Corporal 
Bixler was a vibrant, active man. He died fearlessly leading and 
willingly sacrificing his own safety for those around him.''
  Corporal Bixler was a devoted soldier with strength of character and 
self-assurance. He served his country with honor and distinction.
  Madam Speaker, I commend the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. 
Courtney) for introducing this legislation and urge swift passage of 
the bill.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, CPL Stephen Bixler was a proud and loyal American who 
served his country while fighting the war on terror. He made the 
ultimate sacrifice defending freedom when he lost his life on May 4, 
2006. Corporal Bixler was born in Hartford, Connecticut, on August 17, 
1985. As a student at Suffield High School, he was known as a ``shy, 
soft-spoken, very dedicated young man and very patriotic, in a quiet, 
determined way.'' During high school, he was involved in athletics and 
was a member of the indoor/outdoor track team as well as the cross 
country team. His love for the outdoors and helping others was 
exemplified during the time he was a Boy Scout and his hard work and 
dedication was shown when he became an Eagle Scout.

                              {time}  1530

  In July 2003, Corporal Bixler's sense of dedication to his community 
and country led him to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. He was 
an ambitious man who was able to accomplish much in his short, but 
meaningful, life.
  As a result of his exceptional military skills, drive, courage and 
strength, Corporal Bixler applied for and was selected as a member of 
the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion. He volunteered willingly for his 
second tour in Iraq because he knew his fellow marines needed his help. 
Tragically, during his second tour, on May 4, 2006, he was killed by 
enemy fire in Fallujah.
  His decorations include the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, 
Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Terrorism Medal, National 
Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and Purple Heart Medal.
  We can never show adequate appreciation in honoring the brave men and 
women who give their lives in service to our country. However, Corporal 
Bixler's name is etched on the Wall of Honor in the Rayburn House 
Office Building in Washington, DC.
  In addition to the memorial wall, naming this post office in his 
honor is a fitting and meaningful tribute to a proud marine who served 
selflessly on behalf of his hometown and his Nation.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to my friend from 
Connecticut (Mr. Courtney).
  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I thank Congressman Clay. I also want to 
thank Congressman Westmoreland for his kind words in support of H.R. 
3325, which I'm the sponsor of, to name the post office at 235 Mountain 
Road in Suffield, Connecticut, after Corporal Stephen R. Bixler, who at 
the age of 20, on a second deployment in Iraq, lost his life serving 
our Nation.
  As the prior speakers have indicated, this young man was not with us 
long, but made an extraordinary mark on all who knew him and served 
with him, particularly in his home of Suffield, Connecticut, which is a 
small Connecticut town of 14,000 people. It was founded in 1749 before 
our Nation even was born, and his family on his mother's side goes back 
three generations. As you can imagine, in a tight-knit, small 
community, he was well-known despite being a quiet young man because of 
his work in the community as an Eagle Scout. He was a varsity track 
athlete and an outstanding student.
  He had a twin sister, Sandra, who graduated with honors from the 
University of Connecticut; and, clearly, Stephen could have followed 
that same path. But he followed a road less traveled, and he enlisted 
for the Marines before he even graduated from Suffield High School and, 
as I indicated, was on his second tour of duty when he lost his life on 
May 4, 2006.
  His funeral at Sacred Heart Church in Suffield, which was attended by 
Archbishop Mansell from the Hartford Archdiocese, was an extraordinary 
outpouring of support from his community. And all I can say is that 
event was not the end as far as the town was concerned. They have held 
many ceremonies in memory of Stephen. They named a stretch of road in 
Suffield in his memory.
  And it is fitting that the post office, which is the only Federal 
building in Suffield, should be named in his honor. His father has been 
a letter carrier for 35 years in the United States Post Office; but to 
be sure, our office solicited requests from the community to make sure 
that there was actual support in town. We had an outpouring of support: 
170 letters came in, again, people who knew him as a young child all 
the way up through his time in the Marines, and I will submit letters 
from the Governor on down in support of this measure at this point.

                                             State of Connecticut,


                                           Executive Chambers,

                                                    July 20, 2007.
     Congressman Joe Courtney,
     Cannon House Office Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman Courtney: I am writing to encourage you to 
     pursue legislation in the United States Congress that will 
     change the name of the U.S. post office on Mountain Road in 
     West Suffield, Connecticut to honor Marine Corporal Stephen 
     R. Bixler.
       As you know, Corporal Bixler was killed in Fallujah, Iraq 
     on May 3, 2006 while on foot patrol. Corporal Bixler was 
     proud of his service to the nation, and believed that he was 
     able to make a difference in the lives of the Iraqi citizens 
     he encountered. In addition to being a valiant member of our 
     armed forces, Corporal Boxler was a Suffield native and an 
     Eagle Scout. Renaming the post office in his honor would be 
     an especially fitting tribute to Corporal Bixler because it 
     will be a lasting reminder of his selfless service to our 
     nation.
       I join with State Representative Ruth Fahrbach, Suffield's 
     Board of Selectmen and numerous residents of Suffield, in 
     urging you

[[Page 26053]]

     to pursue this legislation to preserve the memory of one of 
     our fallen heroes.
           Very truly yours,
                                                     M. Jodi Rell,
     Governor.
                                  ____

                                      State of Connecticut Senate,


                                                State Capitol,

                                      Hartford, CT, July 26, 2007.
     Congressman Joe Courtney,
     Enfield, CT.
       Dear Congressman Courtney: Thank you for contacting me in 
     regards to naming the Suffield Post Office in honor of 
     Corporal Stephen Bixler. Although such a gesture can never 
     make up for the loss of such a brave young man, I believe 
     that honoring his life in this way will be a source of 
     comfort to his family and friends. Corporal Bixler, who 
     selflessly gave his life for his country, fellow 
     servicemembers, and all of us, deserves to be commemorated 
     for his bravery and sacrifice. It is my hope that you will 
     introduce this legislation to Congress and that the Suffield 
     Post Office will be dedicated to the life of Corporal Bixler.
       Thank you again for asking my thoughts on this issue. It 
     was my pleasure to write in support of this wonderful young 
     man, his family, and his friends.
           Sincerely,
                                                   John A. Kissel,
     State Senator--7th District.
                                  ____

                                             State of Connecticut,


                                     House of Representatives,

                                                    July 11, 2007.
     Re: Suffield Post Office Comment Period

     Hon. Joe Courtney,
     Member of Congress,
     Enfield, CT.
       Dear Congressman Courtney: Thank you for the opportunity to 
     comment on the request to name the Suffield Post Office for 
     Corporal Stephen R. Bixler.
       When Kevin Goff first contacted me about his suggestion to 
     name the post office for Stephen, I thought it was an 
     excellent idea. I suggested that he start by first contacting 
     the Suffield Postmaster.
       The death of Corporal Bixler brought together a community 
     very divided on the war in Iraq. Residents lined the streets 
     when his remains were transported from Bradley International 
     Airport to the funeral home. Hundreds of friends, relatives 
     and strangers attended his wake to show their love and 
     support and to give thanks for his service and sacrifice to 
     his country as well as to show support for grieving family 
     members. As the funeral procession drove past the Suffield 
     Post Office to the church, Suffield postal employees lined 
     the street outside. (Stephen's father is a postal employee.) 
     McAlister Elementary School students and teachers just across 
     the street lined the route as well. Sacred Heart Church was 
     overflowing with mourners.
       I had the pleasure of presenting Stephen with a citation 
     when he received his Eagle Scout award. He was an inspiration 
     and set a positive example to the younger boys in his troop. 
     To Stephen, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout was not just 
     about accumulating badges. It was about guiding younger 
     scouts to achieve their goals assisting them in any way that 
     he could and setting a positive example for those who were to 
     follow. Not because he had to but because that was who he 
     was. Stephen accomplished much in his short life. Since I am 
     not a resident of Suffield, I would defer to those who have 
     decided to honor Corporal Bixler in this manner. I will say 
     that in my opinion, naming the Suffield Post Office in honor 
     of Corporal Stephen R. Bixler is appropriate, and well 
     deserved and I am hopeful that Suffield residents agree.
           Sincerely,
                                                    Ruth Fahrbach,
     House Republican Whip.
                                  ____

                                                 Town of Suffield,


                                           Selectmen's Office,

                                                    July 19, 2007.
     Congressman Joe Courtney,
     Enfield, CT.
       Dear Congressman Courtney: The Suffield Board of Selectmen 
     strongly supports any and all efforts to name the Suffield 
     Post Office in honor of Corporal Stephen R. Bixler. The Board 
     of Selectmen voted unanimously at their July 18, 2007 meeting 
     to support this proposal. The naming of the Suffield Post 
     Office in honor of Corporal Bixler is an appropriate tribute 
     to a man who sacrificed his life for our Country.
       The loss of Corporal Bixler had a profound impact on the 
     Town of Suffield and the residents of Suffield have made 
     great efforts to recognize this hero. The Board of Selectmen, 
     on behalf of the residents of Suffield, would like to thank 
     you for your continued efforts to name the Suffield Post 
     Office in honor of Corporal Bixler and will provide any 
     further support you may need in this endeavor.
           Very truly yours,
                                            Scott R. Lingenfelter,
     First Selectman.
                                  ____

                                                     July 9, 2007.
     Hon. Joe Courtney,
     Congress of the United States,
     Enfield, CT.
       Dear Representative Courtney: I would like to lend my 
     support to the suggestion that the Suffield Post Office 
     located at 235 Mountain Road be named in honor of Corporal 
     Stephen R. Bixler, United States Marine Corps. I believe that 
     this would be a fitting tribute to a man who gave his life 
     for his country. I am a member of the Suffield Board of 
     Selectman, and I will ask our First Selectman to add an 
     agenda item to our next meeting supporting this proposal.
       Thank you very much.
           Very truly yours,
                                              Timothy J. Reynolds,
                                      Selectman, Town of Suffield.

  The excerpts of the letters, which Mr. Westmoreland was kind enough 
to share with the House, I think again describe an extraordinary person 
who every day as people drive by that post office and young children 
come in and ask their parents who that name is, it would be a fitting 
tribute and an inspiration of human excellence and courage, which all 
of us should try to aspire to.
  And, again, I urge strong support for this measure which is a fitting 
tribute to an extraordinary young man.
  Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I 
would like to encourage all my colleagues to vote affirmative on H.R. 
3325 honoring this brave young marine who gave the ultimate sacrifice 
for our freedom and country.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, from June 29 to August 1, 2007 I asked 
members of the Suffield, CT, community to share their opinion on 
changing the name of the local post office to honor Cpl Stephen R. 
Bixler. During that period, my office received over 170 letters, calls 
and e-mails in overwhelming support of the idea. The comments I 
received described a thoughtful and compassionate man who wanted 
nothing more than to serve his Nation and make a difference for his 
community, and I wanted to take a moment and share some excerpts with 
my colleagues.

       ``Being the very proud and saddened grandmother of Cpl 
     Stephen R. Bixler, renaming the Suffield Post Office in his 
     honor would be a special tribute, keeping his memory alive 
     for all who knew, loved, and respected him. He gave his life 
     to secure our freedom.''--Cpl Bixler's grandmother.
       ``Stephen Bixler was a close friend of mine, in which I 
     served with during Operation Iraqi Freedom with 3rd Battalion 
     8th Marines. During this period, Stephen showed what it meant 
     to be a Marine through his hard work and dedication to the 
     Marine Corps and in making the quality of living for the 
     Iraqi people better. From when he was a Boy Scout, Stephen 
     went out of his way to provide service to others. Being part 
     of the Boy Scouts, Stephen was able to excel in all that he 
     did leading him to earn Eagle Scout. Stephen decided to serve 
     his country and protect others by joining the United States 
     Marine Corps. In the Marine Corps, Stephen utilized his 
     outstanding qualities of selflessness, determination, and 
     dedication to the job at hand. Stephen strived to be the best 
     at everything that he did. When 3rd Battalion 8th Marines 
     returned state-side, Stephen volunteered to return with 2nd 
     Reconnaissance Battalion for a second tour of duty in Iraq. 
     He successfully completed his first of many schools when 2nd 
     Recon Battalion asked for volunteers to leave to go back to 
     Iraq. Stephen jumped at the opportunity and did it 
     courageously. Before Stephen left, he told me that he did not 
     think that he would make it back this time. Stephen went to 
     many schools in Suffield, CT, when he was home and loved to 
     talk to the students about his experiences. Stephen went on 
     the deployment and lost his life in Fallujah, Iraq doing what 
     he loved.
       During the time I knew Stephen, I saw that he was a 
     courageous and selfless individual by his actions. He changed 
     the life of everyone whom he came in contact with. His 
     service in the Marine Corps and in Boy Scouts made a lasting 
     impression on Suffield, Connecticut residents, and on to all 
     those who knew him. Stephen's loss has deeply impacted his 
     family and those who had the pleasure of voting for him.''--A 
     fellow marine who served with Cpl Bixler.
       Stephen gave his life selflessly while serving his second 
     tour of duty in Fallujah, Iraq on May 4, 2006. Stephen served 
     our country proudly knowing that the risk to himself was of 
     the highest level and yet he went straight for the front 
     lines. It is important to note that Stephen was given the 
     Medal of Valor for his final act which saved the lives of his 
     fellow marines traveling through a desperate area of the Al 
     Anbar providence. It was Stephen who noticed the danger along 
     the route and who stopped his caravan to investigate and 
     mitigate the danger.
       Stephen was a valuable member of our community as a young 
     person who was always willing to give of himself as a Boy 
     Scout (Eagle Scout rank), a member of the St. Joseph's 
     Church, and as a friend who was filling to volunteer to help 
     whenever the opportunity arose.
       Stephen's willingness to help his community was not limited 
     to Suffield, CT. His devotion to the Marines was Stephen's 
     way to serve our country on behalf of us all.

[[Page 26054]]

       Just before he returned to Iraq for his second tour of 
     duty, I asked Stephen why he felt he needed to return. His 
     response was simple. He said that the Iraqi people needed his 
     help. He told me that after a few days of the Marine presence 
     in the small towns of the Anbar Province that children 
     returned to play and that people were back at work in the 
     shadow of security provided by Steve and his fellow marines. 
     Steve was humble in his view of his profound work.''--Friend 
     of Cpl Bixler.
       Stephen Bixler was a close friend to both my husband and I, 
     whom my husband served with during Operation Iraqi III 04-06. 
     I had the privilege of knowing Stephen outside the United 
     States Marine Corps. Stephen was a hardworking, dedicated and 
     thoughtful individual. He always thought of others before 
     throwing himself into the mix. His family and friends always 
     came first. He exemplified what it meant to be a great 
     friend, a great Marine, and a great leader. I only know the 
     stories from Iraq either from my husband or his brother. They 
     talked nothing of greatness and leadership. Stephen knew what 
     he was doing, loved what he was doing and was passionate 
     about being a Marine. Stephen became like a brother to me. 
     Staying at our house and helping my husband out when 
     something needed to be fixed. He was never afraid to get his 
     hands dirty. He always came with a smile and left with one. 
     His attitude was always positive even on those tough days at 
     work.
       Knowing Stephen made me a better person today. There is not 
     a day that goes by that I do not walk past the pictures we 
     have hanging in his memory or a night that I fall asleep that 
     I am not thinking of him. He was a loved individual with so 
     much to offer. His loss will always leave a lasting 
     impression not only in Suffield but everyone that he reached 
     out to.''--Friend of Cpl Bixler.
       Stephen Bixler was a close friend of both my brother and I, 
     whom my brother served with during Operation Iraqi Freedom 
     III 04-06. I also had the privilege of serving with Stephen 
     Bixler in Camp Fallujah during this deployment. During this 
     period, Stephen exemplified what it meant to be a Marine and 
     a citizen soldier through his hard work and dedication to 
     helping to improve the standard of living for numerous Iraqi 
     families.'' ``During the short time that I knew Stephen, I 
     learned that he was a caring and selfless individual by his 
     actions. His life impacted those he came in contact with, 
     extending beyond his friends and family. His service to 
     others made a lasting impression not only on Suffield, 
     Connecticut residents, but it extended to the citizens of 
     Iraq and fellow service members within the armed forces. 
     Stephen's loss has deeply impacted those that knew him and 
     his family.''--Friend of Cpl. Bixler.
       ``We knew him as a wonderful friend, student, track 
     teammate, and overall outstanding citizen. Please help 
     facilitate this honor to his memory.''--Friends of the Bixler 
     Family.
       ``A unique way of remembering our own and the tremendous 
     price families pay for something others may take so 
     lightly.''
       ``Steve was an exceptional young man that my wife and I 
     knew well. He attended our church and was an altar boy. His 
     dream was always to be a Marine and he gave his life in the 
     service of his country doing what he wanted to do. We have 
     shared many moments with his mom and dad, Linda and Richard, 
     grieving over the loss of someone so young.''--Friend of Cpl. 
     Bixler.
       ``In my opinion, there would be no better way to honor both 
     Stephen and his family than by renaming the Post Office. 
     Stephen is a hero, and I believe this is the very least he 
     deserves for the sacrifice that he has made for his country. 
     It is now our turn to repay our respect and honor by renaming 
     the Suffield Post Office in Cpl. Bixler's name.''--Friend of 
     Cpl. Bixler.
       ``My senior year I attained a car for the first time and I 
     would drive Steve to practice and home at the end of the day. 
     We got along great, we could always make each other laugh at 
     the littlest things and others on the tram would laugh with 
     us. We used to hang out so much the athletic director didn't 
     realize I was two years older than Steve. I had a great time 
     with him and I will truly miss him. Steve was a great student 
     and enjoyed by everyone, he was a talented young man.''--
     Friend of Cpl. Bixler.
       ``Stephen Bixler was one of my older brother's closest 
     friends. They ran cross-country and track together in high 
     school and I remember always going to the meets and watching 
     them compete. Steve was quite possibly one of the nicest guys 
     on the team, if not the entire high school. Stephen entering 
     the Marines and defending his country was something he felt 
     passionately about. I support your idea to rename the Post 
     Office in memory and honor of Stephen Bixler. What he did for 
     our country may not be known to many people throughout the 
     country, but it is widely known throughout our town and I 
     believe that this renaming would be an honor in his family's 
     eyes.''--Friend of Cpl. Bixler.
       ``Stephen graduated from Suffield High School in 2003, 2 
     years after our son and one year before our daughter. He and 
     our son Jon were good friends, having competed together in 
     Cross Country and Track & Field at Suffield High. During the 
     years that Jon had his license, and Steve was still too 
     young, Steve was the one exclusive passenger who was picked 
     up each morning on the way to school and returned home each 
     evening after a meet or practice. The two of them, and the 
     old truck they rode in back and forth to school, were men on 
     a mission who could only be deterred by the chance to do 
     `donuts' in an empty high school parking lot with a fresh 
     covering of snow!
       ``During the summer, they were part of a small group on the 
     Cross Country team who attended running camp in Vermont. They 
     always enjoyed entertaining us with the stories they brought 
     home about the camp antics and the occasional practical 
     jokes.'' ``Steve was a model student, with a warm personality 
     and a great sense of humor. He was also quiet and serious 
     with a great respect for his family and country. All during 
     high school, Steve's friends knew his first dream was to be a 
     U.S. Marine. When many of his friends left for the 
     `footloose' life of being new college students, Steve left 
     for the most difficult job--Marine training. As a marine, 
     Steve's assignments throughout the world had one cause and 
     that was to assist people in need. Steve was a young man that 
     any parent would be honored to have as a son.''--Parents of 
     one of Bixler's close friends.
       ``The Iraq war is not a subject that comes and goes--it is 
     always on the air. Its everlasting presence reminds me of 
     Stephen Bixler--in my studies, watching the news, even 
     conducting research at work.
       ``Naming the post office after Steve would not just be an 
     honor to Steve but also a gift to the people of Suffield. 
     Though we can never bring Steve back, and no building can 
     compensate for his death, feeling like we have paid tribute 
     to Steve is a necessary part of the community's healing.''
       ``I graduated High School with Stephen Bixler and 
     considered him a friend. I remember going to Stephen's house 
     to play when I was very young and I remember riding the bus 
     with him for as long as I can remember. For all of my years 
     as a student in Suffield, I can remember Stephen's house was 
     always extensively decorated by his mother. When these 
     decorations went from hoping for his return, to mourning his 
     loss, the effect was well felt throughout the community in 
     the deepest, most heartfelt way. Stephen was well liked and 
     greatly respected, and will forever be appreciated. As long 
     as Stephen's family supports the honor then I believe nothing 
     should stand in the way of this.''--Classmate and friend of 
     Cpl. Bixler.
       ``Stephen was my cousin. He lost his life fighting for us 
     in Iraq. Stephen loved what he did, being a Marine. He lost 
     his life doing what he loved. Growing up, Stephen emulated 
     the ``All American Kid''. An athlete, a scholar and Eagle 
     Scout. He defined what all Marines should strive to be. Aside 
     from all these things, Stephen was a son, a brother, and a 
     friend to many. He has made our family proud, and anyone who 
     knew him. Anyone who didn't know him missed out on a 
     wonderful person.''--Cousin of Cpl. Bixler.
       ``As a former classmate and teammate of Corporal Stephen R. 
     Bixler, I can attest to his deserving the honor of the 
     Suffield Post Office name. Steve was a valued member of every 
     team, class, and organization that he participated in. He was 
     always there to encourage creativity, determination, and 
     strength in the people around him. Steve lived his dream by 
     joining the Marines. He seemed to have found a home in his 
     service. As a Marine, he was able to stand out from the 
     crowd, just as he did as an athlete and intellectual. Steve 
     deserves this honor because he gave his life for his country. 
     Steve deserves this honor because he was one of America's 
     finest soldiers. However, Steve mostly deserves this honor 
     because of who he was as a person. He was kind and sought out 
     the best in those around him. He was an inspiration to 
     everyone and that is why the Suffield Post Office should be 
     named the Corporal Stephen R. Bixler Post Office.''--
     Classmate of Cpl. Bixler.
  Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, like my colleague from Georgia (Mr. 
Westmoreland), I urge my colleagues to vote favorably for H.R. 3325, 
and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Clay) that the House suspend the rules and 
pass the bill, H.R. 3325.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

                          ____________________