dr. crawford's experiences. his leadership experience. he was successful in getting the maryland general assembly give adequate budget support for those which was not an easy task showing his political ability. he helped develop the national policy -- where he served in the c.f.l. and on social economic and workforce programs. again, showing his experience at all levels of government. deputy director of the metropolitan policy program at the brookings institution and today dr. crawford is a professor at the george washington university where he manages public policy projects. he has a wealth of experience in the public and private sector and experiences related directly to the challenges being faced by the u.s. postal service. dr. crawford holds a bachelor's degree from cornell and ph.d. from colombia and a degree if finance. quite impressive credentials. he has a strong history of critic engagements in the red cross and substance abuse advisory council and served our nation in the u.s. army where he earned six meddles including a bronze

dr. crawford, please stand and raise your right hand. my script says to raise your right hands, coral. -- plural. i have never had a witness stand and raise two right hands. if you do that, we will go right to your confirmation. [applause] [laughter] >> these where the testimony will give before this committee will be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you god? let's give you a chance to give your statement. if there's anybody in the audience you would like to introduce, you're more than welcome to do that. please go forward. >> thank you, mr. chairman. i am pleased that my wife is here with me. she might have to leave early to pick up our 12-year-old daughter who is at a camp performance. we will see how that plays out. >> it is very nice to see you. thank you for coming here and your willingness to share your husband with our country one more time. were you married when he was in the military? now. how it. we will proceed. you can talk for as long as you want. if it gets to be about 6:00, we will wrap it up.

crawford: thank you, mr. speaker. it's an honor for me to introduce our guest pastor this morning, dr. stan ballard. he has pastored numerous congregations and today he serves as pastor to my family church. he's a native mississippian. earned his undergraduate degree in mississippi state university. after graduating, he earned a bachelor's degree from new orleans brantist theological seminary in new orleans. and a doctorate degree in atlanta. he has pastored churches in louisiana, mississippi, ohio, and arkansas. the pride and joy of his life are his wife and children and grandchildren. during their 42 years of marriage, they have been blessed with three sons and more recently four grandchildren. on a personal level i can say he's been a constant source of guidance for the entire congregation. any time a member of our congregation is in need we can rely on him. it's an honor to introduce pastor ballard and welcome him to the u.s. house of representatives. the speaker pro tempore: the chair will entertain 15 requests for one-minute speeches on each side of the aisle. for what purpose does the gentlem