Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, March 3, 2009, and Wednesday, March 4, 2009, I was not present for recorded votes due to the death of a close personal friend. Please let the record show that had I been present, I would have voted the following way: roll No. 91--``yea,'' roll No. 92--``yea,'' roll No. 93--``yea,'' roll No. 94--``yea,'' roll No. 95--``yea,'' roll No. 96--``yea.''

Madam Speaker, on January 28, 2009, I reintroduced the Student Protection Act, a measure aimed at protecting our Nation's classrooms from repeat sexual predators within our school systems.

The Student Protection Act requires uniform reporting requirements for eligible school system employees accused of sexual misconduct against a student, consistent with established guidelines for reporting child abuse; it requires

a central body in each state to be responsible for receiving and investigating allegations of sexual misconduct by school employees; and it creates a nationwide database of school employees sanctioned by the state for sexual misconduct--thus enabling state, local, and private school officials to ensure offenders remain out of the classroom.

Accounts of teacher sexual misconduct have inundated headlines across our country. In 2004, a study required by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 reported that an estimated 4.5 million children are subject to sexual misconduct by a school employee sometime between kindergarten and 12th grade--that's nearly 1 in 10 students that are targets of sexual misconduct during their school career. As far as I'm concerned, that's one too many.

Further, a 2007 seven-month Associated Press investigation found a total of 2,570 educators across the nation were punished for sexual misconduct from 2001-2005, representing about a quarter of all educator misconduct cases in that time period.

More than a dozen states have considered legislation to strengthen laws for screening and reporting of sexual misconduct by educators last year--many of which became law. However, without adopting systematic policies and procedures at the national level all states remain vulnerable when hiring school employees from states with mediocre reporting procedures and lackluster ethical standards. Our classrooms deserve much more than a piecemeal effort that leaves our nation's schools exposed to predators moving from state to state.

Ernie Allen, President and CEO of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children said, ``This Act brings long-overdue recognition to the problem of child sexual exploitation in the school system.''

It is abundantly clear that the system we have in place has failed our students--repeatedly. Before we read about another teacher assaulting yet another student or another classroom shaken by another breach of trust, now--not later--let us give schools the tools they need to keep repeat sexual offenders from preying on students within the very institutions that should be a safe-haven for our children.

We have a unique opportunity before us to empower educators and parents nationwide and make it crystal clear we will not allow those who would prey on young, vulnerable minds to compromise the integrity of our school system and tarnish an honorable profession. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation, ensuring the safety of our children.

Madam Speaker, on Monday, February 23, 2009, I incorrectly recorded two votes. Please let the record show that I intended to vote the following way: roll No. 72--``nay,'' roll No. 73-- ``nay.''

Madam Speaker, I submit the following:

Requesting Member: Representative Adam H. Putnam

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009

Account: Buses and Bus Facilities

Project Funding Amount: $285,000

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Polk County Transit System

Address of Requesting Entity: 300 West Church Street, Bartow, FL 33831

Description of Request: To continue to provide vital transportation bus service to several regional locations, funding is needed to replace, update and repair outdated buses, as well provide for facility upgrades and maintenance services.

Requesting Member: Representative Adam H. Putnam

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009

Account: The Cooperative State Research Extension and Education Service (CSREES)

Project Funding Amount: $6,677,000

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Florida

Address of Requesting Entity: University of Florida, Institute for Food and Agriculture Sciences, Post Office Box 110180, Gainesville, FL 32611-0180

Description of Request: The T-STAR program conducts research and education for interdiction, eradication, and suppression of invasive plants, animals, insects and disease. The objective of this critical initiative is to develop strategies and tactics to stem the influx of invasive species into the United States to protect American agriculture.

To more effectively safeguard the U. S. agricultural industry, there is an urgent need to undertake research on the most pressing and destructive invasives pests and disease to 1) determine common avenues of introduction, 2) develop techniques for early detection, and 3) identify effective economic and environmentally acceptable methods for eradication, containment and regulatory protocols.

The T-STAR is administered by the University of Florida and the University of Hawaii, authorized by P.L. 89-106 and is funded as a special research initiative within the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Requesting Member: Representative Adam H. Putnam

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009

Account:

Project Funding Amount: $285,000

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Polk County, Florida

Address of Requesting Entity: 300 West Church Street, Bartow, FL 33831

Description of Request: Funding is requested for needed renovation improvements to the Polk County Agricultural Center. Originally constructed in 1948, the facility plays a central role in the Polk County community at large. It provides a central meeting and event location for a wide range of activities important to the community, contributing to the region's economic strength and well-being. Renovations are needed to the Polk County Agricultural Center to meet fire and safety standards, enabling its continued benefit to the area.

Requesting Member: Representative Adam H. Putnam

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009

Account: State and Tribal Assistance Grant

Project Funding Amount: $500,000

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Southwest Florida Water Management

Address of Requesting Entity: 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34604-6899

Description of Request: To restore minimum flows and water quality to the upper Peace River and Lake Wales Ridge. Includes water resource development projects, such as restoring storage in headwater lakes in the Peace River watershed, are underway and will result in perennial flow to the upper Peace River.

The project includes Ridge Lakes Restoration Initiative to treat storm water runoff in lakes in Highlands and Polk counties; the Upper Peace River and Peace Creek Canal projects to restore surface water storage and flows and water quality and meet the long-term needs of Polk County and the surrounding area.

Requesting Member: Representative Adam H. Putnam

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009

Account: The Cooperative State Research Extension and Education Service (CSREES)

Project Funding Amount: $1,217,000

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Florida

Address of Requesting Entity: University of Florida, Institute for Food and Agriculture Sciences, Post Office Box 110180, Gainesville, FL 32611-0180

Description of Request: Citrus Canker and Citrus Greening pose severe threats to the future of the citrus industry, in Florida and other citrus-growing regions of the nation. Citrus Greening, recently manifested widely within the state of Florida, is a particularly devastating disease which can cause the death of a healthy citrus tree within months of infestation. According to U.S. Department of Agriculture, scientific research on this deadly disease is at the present time extremely minimal and preliminary. In addition, continued research is needed on Citrus Canker to preserve the capacity to market and ship fruit domestically and for export. Scientific research is essential on both of these diseases in order to prevent their spread to other citrus growing regions of the country.

For the critical continuation and expansion of vital Citrus Canker and Greening research by the University of Florida (UF) Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences (IFAS), through the Cooperative State Research Extension and Education Service (CSREES) to improve technologies for treatment and detection, methods of movement and containment, and means to control and eliminate these devastating diseases.

Requesting Member: Representative Adam H. Putnam

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009

Account: Buses and Bus Facilities

Project Funding Amount: $285,000

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Lakeland Area Mass Transit Authority Address of Requesting Entity: 1248 George Jenkins Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33815.

Description of Request: To continue to provide vital transportation bus service to several regional locations, funding is needed to replace, update and repair outdated buses, as well provide for facility upgrades and maintenance services.

Requesting Member: Representative Adam H. Putnam

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009

Account:

Project Funding Amount: $4,224,000

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Army Corps of Engineers

Address of Requesting Entity: 701 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL.

Description of Request: Army Corps of Engineers, annual Operation and Maintenance (O&M) funds are needed for periodic dredging in the 70 miles of federal channels in the Tampa Harbor.

The Tampa Harbor is a major shipping channel both for domestic and international trade, and of importance to national commerce. As Florida's largest cargo port, the Port of Tampa handles approximately 50 million tons of cargo per year. The Port of Tampa is also the largest economic engine in West Central Florida and the nation's 14th largest port in terms of short tons.

For FY 2009, the Army Corps estimated capability is $4.5 million to maintain various sections of the Tampa Harbor project, with an emphasis on the upper harbor. The Fiscal Year 2009 Army Corps of Engineers budget includes O&M for Tampa Harbor within the Eastern Gulf Coast System.

The Tampa Harbor is a federally authorized channel and the statutory authorization for requested project is Section 4 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1922.

Requesting Member: Representative Adam H. Putnam

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009

Account: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Biomass Account

Project Funding Amount: $713,625

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Florida

Address of Requesting Entity: Institute for Food and Agriculture Sciences, Post Office Box 110180, Gainesville, FL 32611-0180

Description of Request: Promotes the development of new energy technologies, bioenergy fuel sources, and improvement of existing energy efficiencies. Will decrease U.S. dependence on imported energy through the creation of new renewable energy technologies coordinated by the University of Florida's Florida Center for Renewable Chemicals and Fuel.

The University of Florida, Renewable Energy Program promotes the development and production of bioenergy fuel sources to assist in the development of new energy technologies and improve existing energy efficiencies, through the Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Biomass Account. The overall goal of this project is to decrease U.S. dependence on imported energy through the creation of renweable fuel sources, and is coordinated by the University of Florida's Florida Center for Renewable Chemicals and Fuel.

Madam Speaker, I submit the following:

omnibus funding award for hillsborough county methamphetamine

enforcement and cleanup project

Requesting Member: Congressman Adam H. Putnam.

Bill Number: H.R. 1105.

Account: Department of Justice--Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS).

Project Funding Amount: $250,000.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Hillsborough County.

Address of Requesting Entity: 3110 Clay Mangum Lane, Tampa, Florida 33618.

Description of Request: On behalf of Hillsborough County, I respectfully requested $250,000 in funding for the county's Methamphetamine Enforcement and Cleanup project. Methamphetamine use and distribution is a major problem in the Tampa Bay/Hillsborough County area. Realizing that methamphetamine has clear and tragic consequences, whether it's the obvious striking physical and mental affects or the cleanup of the toxic production laboratories, Hillsborough County will use this funding to combat this problem through meth prevention, treatment, and the cleanup of drug sites.

omnibus funding award for the polk county sheriff's office

methamphetamine prevention project

Requesting Member: Congressman Adam H. Putnam.

Bill Number: H.R. 1105.

Account: Department of Justice--COPS Methamphetamine Enforcement.

Project Funding Amount: $250,000.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Polk County Sheriff.

Address of Requesting Entity: 455 North Broadway Avenue, Bartow, Florida 33830.

Description of Request: The Polk County Sheriff's Office has placed an earmark request of $250,000 in continued funding for the Polk County Methamphetamine Project. This critical program has received previous federal funding to carry out methamphetamine prevention and mitigation programs that have shown positive results in cracking down on the growth of methamphetamine production and distribution in central Florida. This funding will cover equipment and training, thus enabling the Polk County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) to make a dedicated effort to combat the distribution and use of methamphetamine in Polk County, Florida. From 2003 through 2007, the PCSO made 3,481 methamphetamine related arrests, seized over 150,000 grams of methamphetamine, and eliminated 27 methamphetamine labs.

omnibus funding award for florida fish and wildlife conservation commission: the cooperative reef fish monitoring and research program

Requesting Member: Congressman Adam H. Putnam.

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009-- Division B--Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009.

Account: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association).

Project Funding Amount: $1,000,000.00.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Address of Requesting Entity: 620 S. Meridian St., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600.

Description of Request: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking $1 million in Federal funds in FY 2010 to continue implementation of the Cooperative Reef Fish Monitoring and Research Program, a partnership between FWC and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Public criticism of fishery-related science used in management decisions highlights the need for data that has the confidence of regulators and the public. FWC and NMFS are building long-term information for improving stock assessments and management of important reef fisheries in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, with a goal of ensuring a sustainable snapper-grouper fishery. This partnership increases integration of institutional resources, knowledge, and expertise, in an efficient and cost-effective manner. During FY 2008 and 2009--part of a three-year pilot phase--FWC and NMFS staffs have focused on developing scientific sampling protocols, identifying critical data gaps, and integrating existing state and federal fisheries sampling programs. Following this pilot phase, permanent authorization for this program will ensure that State and Federal fisheries managers have access to long-term status and trend information to support science-based and proactive fisheries management decisions.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Reagan Lee on his impressive first place finish at the 81st annual National FFA Convention, where he won the Botany Division. Reagan lives in Winter Haven and is currently a student in the International Baccalaureate program at Bartow High School.

Reagan's research project focused on the extent of potassium's role in plant nutrition. By measuring transpiration rates and sodium-ion concentration in plants, he found that sodium can actually be substituted for potassium in regulating plant transpiration.

Drawn to the issue because of Florida's nutrient-deficient soil, Reagan hopes his research will have meaningful and practical applications for Florida agriculture. Reagan's research and initiative exemplifies how hard work and creativity can reap personal and public benefits.

It also demonstrates the great opportunities and experience that programs like FFA provide for our young people. FFA is an important tool for teaching our children about agriculture and giving them an opportunity to challenge each other to come up with innovative solutions that could have a positive impact on the public. As a former participant in the Florida 4-H program and a member of the FFA, I truly understand and appreciate the importance of these programs, as well as how difficult these competitions are to win.

I applaud Reagan for this significant achievement, and invite my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in wishing him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank Ray Clark for his years of service to the Plant City community and to the students at Plant City High School.

Mr. Clark began his tenure teaching agriculture at Plant City High in 1972, before I was even born. He taught agriculture for 36 years at Plant City and retired as the head of the agriculture department.

He has shared his extensive knowledge of agriculture with thousands of students throughout the years and has left a significant mark on Plant City and the agriculture community in the State of Florida.

Mr. Clark has encouraged his students to participate in the FFA organization. Assisted by his leadership, the Plant City FFA chapters have produced 5 National FFA Officers and 17 State FFA Officers

In addition to his dedication to the students at Plant City, Ray Clark has selflessly devoted countless hours to the community, participating in a variety of organizations--from the Hillsborough County Classroom Teachers Association to the National Wild Turkey Federation to the Florida Cattleman's Association. He is also a former member of the National Guard.

Ray Clark has been an outstanding public servant to our city and the State of Florida. I want to thank him for his service, and invite my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Ray Clark upon the occasion of his retirement. I wish him a long and happy retirement.

Madam Speaker, on January 28, 2009, I introduced the Student Internet Safety Act, legislation that would provide our Nation's schools more leeway in teaching children about the dangers associated with predators on the Internet.

Everyday, children and teens alike rely on the internet for multiple resources. Whether it's research for a school project, visiting an online social network such as Facebook or Myspace, or checking movie times for a local theater, our Nation's youth remains increasingly active online and it is paramount that they are aware of the potential risks of online predators and know how to stay safe online.

While many parents continue to educate their children about the importance of online safety, this is an important message that our schools should have the ability to reinforce as well. Currently, school districts that receive grants under the Ed Tech Program and the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Program from the U.S. Department of Education may use the Federal funds for a wide variety of authorized activities, such as drug and violence prevention activities, establishing and maintaining a school safety hotline, or developing, enhancing, or implementing information technology courses.

The Student Internet Safety Act would expand the list of authorized activities to allow schools to develop and implement programs that promote the safe use of the Internet by students, such as programs that educate students about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with individuals on social networking Web sites and in chat rooms; protect students against online predators, cyberbullying, or unwanted exposure to inappropriate material; or promote involvement by parents in the use of the Internet by their children.

I am encouraged by the support this legislation has received both locally and nationally as well. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd stated, ``All of us must take a proactive action to teach our kids how to stay safe online. This legislation takes important steps to make this happen. Nothing is more important to our communities' future than the safety and well being of our children.'' In addition, Ernie Allen, President and CEO of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children said, ``The internet holds tremendous potential for our Nation's youth. But we must educate young people about how to prevent online victimization so they may have safer experiences online.''

Given the vital role the Internet plays in schools across the Nation, the Student Internet Safety Act would give schools the ability to educate their students about staying safe in a rapidly growing online community. We teach our children how to look both ways before crossing the street; we also need to teach them the safety rules for the information superhighway.

I welcome the support of my colleagues and look forward to working together to ensure the safety of our children from the dangers associated with predators on the Internet.

Madam Speaker, on January 27, 2009, I introduced H.R. 728, the Seniors' Tax Simplification Act, legislation that would allow our nation's senior citizens to file their federal income taxes on a new and simplified Form 1040S. This new form would capture sources of income commonly reported by seniors, including social security benefits, distributions from qualified retirement plans, annuities or other deferred payment arrangements, interest and dividends, and capital gains and losses.

Currently, individuals who are age 65 or over are prohibited from using Form 1040EZ. Seniors that do not qualify for the shorter Form 1040A, fill out a longer, more complicated Form 1040 that deals with schedules, and includes much that is simply not pertinent to seniors' taxable situations.

In 2004, the House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation by a recorded vote to create Form 1040S. However, the Senate failed to consider the legislation and the IRS has since halted their efforts to develop such a form even though their estimates showed that as many as 11 million seniors could benefit from such a simplified tax form in the first year it is made available.

The U.S. Census Bureau projects in 2030, when all of the baby boomers will be 65 and over, that nearly one in five U.S. residents is expected to be 65 and older. This age group is projected to increase to 88.5 million in 2050, more than doubling the number in 2008, which was 38.7 million.

Further, in Florida alone, the 65 and over population represent over 3.3 million residents--that's 17.4 percent of the state's total population. Recent estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau project this population will only continue to grow. By 2025, Florida's 65 and over population is projected to reach close to 5.5 million residents. This represents a 107.3 percent increase from 1995 to 2025.

The 60 Plus Association has also endorsed this important legislation stating the ``senior-friendly proposal would dramatically simplify the federal income tax filing process for millions of our nation's senior citizens.''

It is clear that millions stand to benefit from the Seniors' Tax Simplification Act, and countless hours of time and energy could be saved not fretting over complex and often confusing tax forms. I encourage my colleagues to support our nation's seniors and cosponsor this long overdue legislation.

Madam Speaker, with an ever aging population, most families at one point or another are forced to make a decision regarding the future of a loved one who needs assistance with everyday living. These decisions are made upon few available options and are very costly- many find themselves struggling between the high price of nursing homes or informal family care. The financial and emotional burden on families is vast and action such as the ``Long-term Care Retirement and Security Act of 2009'' must be taken.

Long-term care is a variety of services that includes medical and non-medical care to people who have a chronic disability or illness. This form of care may be provided at home, in the community, in assisted living or in nursing homes. While long-term care is often used for the elderly, it is important to remember that it could be needed at any age.

It is important to note that families who choose to care for their loved ones are left responsible for otherwise costly services because Medicare does not pay for long-term care. Adult children or grandchildren are cited as the main care givers to the elderly population. According to research conducted by the American Association of Retired People (AARP), two-thirds of older people with disabilities relied solely on ``informal'' help; approximately 75% of which was unpaid care from friends and family. The AARP Public Policy Institute reported that the annual economic value of unpaid long-term care in the United States is approximately $354 billion, based upon an estimation that 34 million adults provided some type of long-term care in 2006.

It is time to address the growing needs of our aging population and motivate younger generations to take the necessary steps toward insuring their long-term care needs. For this reason, I have reintroduced the Long-term Care and Retirement Security Act, H.R. 897.

This legislation would encourage individuals to plan for their own long-term care needs by amending the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction for eligible long-term care insurance premiums for a taxpayer and the taxpayer's spouse and dependents. This legislation would also establish an applicable tax credit for eligible caregivers caring for individuals with long-term care needs, multiplied by the number of individuals receiving care. The Long-term Care and Retirement Security Act would also permit long-term care insurance to be included in employee benefit cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements, resulting in more active employees participating in long-term care policies. Finally, this long overdue measure would establish consumer protections based on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' recommendations for qualified long-term care policies.

It is my hope that this legislation will encourage more Americans to take personal responsibility for their long-term care needs through these incentives and help families afford long-term care insurance.

Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, February 10, 2009, I was not present for six recorded votes. Had I been present, I would have voted the following way: roll No. 54--``yea''; roll No. 55--``yea''; roll No. 56--``yea''; roll No. 57--``nay''; roll No. 58--``yea''; roll No. 59-- ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, on January 28, 2009, I introduced a resolution, H. Res. 100, to amend the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide for earmark reform. The bill that I introduced will not only promote accountability and transparency in Congress, but push its Members in a direction that better serves their constituents.

All too frequently, Congressional spending requests are funding embarrassing and unworthy projects. This institution has lost credibility because earmarks fund ``monuments-to-me,'' bizarre private enterprises, or even projects to subsidize their family. This growing trend is unacceptable and, as guardians of taxpayer dollars, we owe it to the citizens of the United States to be good stewards of their money.

Congressional spending requests deserve to be scrutinized and publicly debated, that is why I introduced this commonsense approach to reform the earmark process. This resolution will prohibit earmarks from being used for non-public entities, except for institutions of higher education. Likewise, this bill will prohibit any earmark for any entity named after an individual serving in Congress, which will eliminate controversial ``monuments-to-me.''

With regard to Congressional spending requests, proper disclosure of earmarks has come to the forefront of this debate. In an effort to encourage accountability and transparency, this bill will also require Members of the House to disclose earmark requests within 24 hours to the Clerk of the House of Representatives. The Clerk will then be tasked with publicly posting all earmark requests on the website designated for the Office of the Clerk in a uniform and searchable format.

As a reflection of my own principles in government spending, I have also included a provision to require certification that non-federal recipients will provide matching funds of at least 10 percent of the earmark request. Recipients of federal funds are more likely to spend their federal financial support efficiently and effectively if they too have a vested interest in the final project.

Lastly, H. Res. 100 will require that Members requesting earmarked funds certify that no family member is a beneficiary of the funding. This earmark reform measure will bring an end to deplorable family payouts.

Earmark abuse not only wastes taxpayer money, but it also erodes the credibility of this legislative body. It is time for Congress to regain the trust of the American people and bring integrity back to Capitol Hill through substantive earmark reform.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the upcoming 80th anniversary of the Bok Tower Gardens. President Calvin Coolidge first dedicated the Bok Tower Gardens for visitation on February 1, 1929.

Edward Bok, a Pulitzer Prize winning author, commissioned the building of the gardens and bird sanctuary in the early 1920s in Lake Wales, FL. The gardens were originally designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., atop a 14-acre area on Iron Mountain, one of the highest points in Florida. The gardens have expanded to cover nearly 700 acres today.

Architect Milton Medary was commissioned to design and construct the tower in 1926. The tower stretches 205 feet into the sky and is intended to be the focal point of the gardens. It is primarily made of marble and includes a 60-bell carillon at the top.

Mr. Bok died on January 9, 1930, less than a year after the completion of the tower. He is now buried at the base of the tower. His dream of creating and preserving a place of beauty and peace is still alive today, a true and long-lasting gift to our State. It has played host to concerts, weddings, educational and charity events, as well as numerous other important community benefits. It is also a wonderful place for a family get together.

The Garden Sanctuary and Tower were designated as National Historic Landmarks on April 19, 1993. The Bok Tower Gardens serve as one of Florida's most beautiful natural settings. I urge my colleagues to join me in celebrating the anniversary of this great Florida landmark.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud the Brandon Chamber of Commerce as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Since its establishment in 1959, the Brandon Chamber of Commerce has contributed greatly to economic growth and development in the Brandon area and has served as a valuable resource for local businesses.

The Brandon Chamber of Commerce offers programs and services that foster meaningful partnerships between businesses as well as between businesses and educational facilities. It also monitors developments in local, State, and federal government and helps coordinate member advocacy efforts.

The Chamber of Commerce provides a forum for future leaders from the Brandon area to grow and develop. It is also a great advocate for minority and women-owned businesses in the Brandon community.

In the past 10 years, membership in the Brandon Chamber has almost doubled, which is a tribute to both the employees at the Chamber and the economic vitality of the community. As Brandon has grown in size and flourished as a thriving metropolitan area, the Brandon Chamber has kept pace and helped facilitate the city's transition into a bustling commercial center.

During these challenging economic times, I know the Brandon community will look to and benefit from the guidance and expertise of the folks at the Chamber.

Under the skillful leadership of Chamber President Tammy Blackwell and the hard work of her team, I am confident the Chamber will continue to effectively serve, protect, and promote the businesses and economic interests of the Brandon community. Congratulations and best wishes on reaching this historic milestone.

Madam Speaker, no one can view the reports of innocent lives lost on both sides of the Israeli border without a sense of mourning and a strong desire to see the violence stop. Some criticize the degree to which Israel has responded to the most recent rocket attacks, but it is inconceivable that any nation would tolerate rockets or missiles being fired at it by another nation.

Nations not only have the right to self-defense, but an obligation to protect their citizens. Recognizing this fundamental right, the Israeli government responded to the Hamas rocket fire in the only manner available to them--by attacking the buildings that house Hamas leaders and the sites where it is believed weapons have been stockpiled.

Unfortunately, in addition to killing militants, civilians have also died as a result of Hamas' exploitation of hospitals, schools, and mosques to store weaponry and conceal terrorist activities. The loss of civilian lives during any military engagement is tragic, but it should not go unnoticed that Hamas selfishly relishes in martyrdom at the expense of the innocent Palestinians.

The actions of Hamas are unacceptable and must come to a stop immediately. Hamas initiated the attacks and now cynically cries foul when Israel responds. Those who blame Israel are playing into the hands of the extremists who are opposed to substantive peace.

I wholeheartedly believe that we must find a solution that brings peace to the region. Bear in mind that reaching an agreement in the Middle East has been a goal among peace-loving nations since the founding of Israel.

The key point in the conflict, nonetheless, has been the refusal of a number of governments and militant organizations, including Hamas, to accept the fundamental premise that Israel has the right to exist. Without agreement on this point, peace will be impossible to achieve.

The onus is on Hamas to suspend its attacks on Israel and to call for a renewed cease-fire. Perhaps, then serious negotiations can resume with the goal of bringing peaceful coexistence in the Middle East. As one of our closest allies, we should continue to support Israel in their quest for peace and endeavor to stop terrorism in the region.