Floor Statements

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, for yielding the time, and thank you for the work that you have done, along with Mr. Visclosky, to present what I consider to be a very strong bill.

Mr. Chairman, when you look at the world today, it certainly hasn't gotten any smaller, and it certainly hasn't gotten any safer, but I think this bill balances the priorities that we need to balance and focuses on being able to meet the many, many challenges that we face in terms of our national security.

I consider it an honor to serve on this subcommittee because, when I read the Constitution, it teaches me that the number one responsibility of the Federal Government is to protect American lives. The best way to keep America safe is to keep America strong, and I think this bill does that.

We make sure that we are not making any short-term, budget-driven decisions that would be easy to make in these difficult economic times. The Navy decided that it would like to deactivate 11 ships. That is one half of our cruiser fleet. We don't need fewer ships--we need more ships--and I am proud that the subcommittee has worked out a compromise by which these ships will be modernized and their lives will be extended, and they will continue to do the work that they need to do around the globe. The people I represent back in Jacksonville, Florida, care greatly about national security. They care about the men and women in uniform, and they care about the men and women who work so hard to make sure the ships are repaired and the planes are flying in the sky.

The other thing that I wanted to point out in terms of shortsighted, budget-driven decisions is that there was an effort to say there is not enough

money to refuel the USS George Washington. That is one of our nuclear carriers. It has 25 years left of useful life if we spend the money to refuel that, and we are going to do that. That will also help us comply with the law that I helped write 8 years ago that says you have to have 11 aircraft carriers unless Congress says otherwise.

Finally, when I look at the airplanes--the new E-2D Advanced Hawkeye--these planes are relatively new, but they are incredibly important to our national security. Again, the P-8 Poseidon surveillance planes are relatively new but are critical to our national defense.

I thank the chairman and the ranking member for putting together such a strong bill, and I urge all of my colleagues to support this.

Mr. Speaker, I think most of the Members all know that, for the past 13 years, a competition takes place between the House Republicans and the House Democrats in a golf match known as the Congressional Cup.

This year, the competition took place about 2 weeks ago, and I just wanted to announce to the Members of the House that the Republican team, by a score of 14-6, defeated the Democratic team, and the Congressional Cup will now stay in the possession of the Republicans for the third straight year.

I also want to say, Mr. Speaker, that this event is used to raise money for an organization called The First Tee, which uses the game of golf to teach kids--a lot of kids from the inner city--about self- esteem, about building character, about honesty, integrity, hard work, and dedication.

This event, over the years, has raised over $2 million for The First Tee. The organization is operating in all 50 States. They have reached 9 million kids over the last 10 years, and they have 17,000 volunteers that are involved.

I just wanted to thank The First Tee, thank the sponsors, and thank the participants, and in particular, I want to thank my fellow teammates for their hard work and dedication for this stunning victory.

Now, I would like to yield to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Yarmuth), the captain of the Democratic team.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the fine men and women who lead and operate the Commissary at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida.

The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) has honored the Mayport Commissary with the Bill Nichols Award for the Best Large Commissary in the United States for the year 2013. The DeCA awards are named in honor of American statesmen who protected the commissary benefit and championed quality-of-life issues for the military community.

DeCA Director and Chief Executive Officer Joseph H. Jeu stated, ``Achieving this honor has never been easy . . . To win, a store has to exceed our normal criteria for customer service, accountability, safety, operations, and sales . . . These awards highlight the best of what our stores do every day for our service members and their families.'' Additionally, this award demonstrates the importance of the commissary as a benefit to our service members who protect our freedom around the globe.

It is a pleasure and honor to represent the great men and women who serve at the Mayport Commissary and to see them recognized for their service and dedication. The hard work of the men and women who serve in and around Jacksonville illustrate the importance of the First Coast to national defense, and reiterate that our community's efforts to be an anchor of national security.

Mr. Speaker, several years ago I had the privilege of employing a brilliant and dedicated young staffer named Francis B. Gibbs. Francis was one of my first campaign staffers and I was privileged for him to come with me to Washington as I began my congressional career in 2001. He was a trusted aide and a true friend who always gave me the straight answer. He left my office to become Legislative Director, then Chief of Staff for U.S. Representative Connie Mack and later served as Chief of Staff for the Florida Department of Transportation. Rooted in principle, Francis was an honest, committed public servant, friend to many, and devoted husband to LeAnne and father to children Couper and Riley. He faced a world of possibility and wasn't afraid to tackle challenges head on.

So it was devastating when he received a cancer diagnosis that turned his world--and that of his family--upside down. It was a challenge that, despite every effort, he ultimately was unable to overcome. Francis passed away on May 17, 2013, at the age of 40, leaving behind grieving family and friends who could only ask themselves the age-old question: ``Why?''

Struggling with the ``why'' and feeling overcome by the pain that comes with losing someone you love so much can be debilitating. Our human nature tells us to withdraw from the world, to isolate and self- protect. And as hard as it is to pick ourselves up and carry on, it is the only way that beauty can be born from ashes.

LeAnne Holdman Gibbs did just that. In the midst of her own pain, this extraordinary young widow and mother of two young children decided that she needed to honor Francis' wish for her and reconnect with the world after a year of cancer-caregiving. So she took a group of girlfriends on a trip to Florence, Italy, using the trip to renew and refresh, to rediscover passions, and to dream about her future.

But it didn't end there. Before his death, Francis and LeAnne talked about how she might use her own experience to inspire other young women who were in a similar situation. As she began her own widowhood journey, she was surprised and frustrated to find that there were so few resources dedicated to serving young cancer widows who had been their spouses' primary caregivers. She was determined to do something about that, and has since dedicated herself to supporting such women.

The concept for a not-for-profit corporation was born.

With tremendous courage, hard work, and help from a core group of friends, LeAnne founded Fresh New Start, an organization ``that seeks to refresh and renew the young woman who has lost her husband to cancer and to offer encouragement and support as she both starts and endures her journey through widowhood.'' Fresh New Start will sponsor trips/ retreats for selected candidates and up to three adult friends to give other young cancer widows the opportunity to ``renew, refresh, and restart.'' The corporation will also serve these women by providing connections to other young cancer widows and additional resources for them and their caregivers.

Fresh New Start officially launched on the first day of spring-- March 20, 2014. I am proud of LeAnne for honoring Francis' memory by launching Fresh New Start and offer my congratulations on the creation of an organization that will benefit many young widows for years to come and honor the legacy of a friend I miss dearly, Francis B. Gibbs.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the fine Sailors who have served on the USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49). On March 28, 2014, this magnificent warship will be decommissioned in Mayport, Florida.

The ship and her outstanding crew have served tirelessly to ensure that America remains the preeminent naval power on the globe. The USS Bradley has served our Nation for nearly 30 years and has continually lived up to the ship's motto of ``Power to Prevail.'' True to its namesake, Lieutenant Robert G. Bradley--who was awarded the Navy Cross after dying in a heroic effort to save his ship, the USS Princeton--the USS Bradley and her crew have embodied selfless service, a trait so common in our outstanding men and women in uniform. While the ship may be decommissioned, the friendships and camaraderie this ship established on its decks will last for ages.

It is a pleasure and honor to represent the great men and women who serve in the 4th District of Florida and to see them successfully complete the mission of the USS Bradley. Their hard work reiterates our community's importance as an anchor of national security.

The Sailors of the USS Bradley can stand tall in the knowledge that their hard work and dedication has contributed to the most important missions of our Nation's defense and we are grateful for their tireless efforts and sacrifice

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute the fine Sailors who have served on the USS De Wert (FFG 45). On April 4, 2014, this superb warship will be decommissioned in Mayport, Florida.

The ship and her crew have served tirelessly to ensure that America retains its status as the strongest naval power in the world. The Ship is named for Richard De Wert, a Hospitalman who was killed in action while aiding an injured comrade during his service in the marines. Hospitalman De Wert was awarded the Medal of Honor for this amazingly selfless act. Following in the footsteps of this great man, the USS De Wert has served our Nation fearlessly for over 30 years.

I am so honored to be able to represent these great men and women who serve in 4th District of Florida and it is a privilege to commend them upon their completion of the mission of the USS De Wert. Their hard work illustrates the importance of the First Coast to national defense. While the ship may be decommissioned, I know that the ship's motto of ``Daring, Dauntless, Defiant'' will remain a guiding force for these Sailors wherever their lives may lead.

The Sailors of the USS De Wert can stand tall in the knowledge that their hard work and dedication has contributed to the most important missions of our nation's defense and we are grateful for their tireless efforts and sacrifice.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Rose Conry, the Chief Executive Officer of StaffTime on receiving the 2014 overall JAX Chamber's Small Business Leader of Year Award.

StaffTime is a minority-owned staffing solutions company located in the 4th Congressional District of Florida. In addition to the Small Business Leader of the Year Award, StaffTime has also been named one of the 50 fastest growing companies of North Florida by the Jacksonville Business Journal. As historical high numbers of Americans are finding themselves unemployed for longer periods of time, I commend StaffTime for leading the temporary staffing industry and providing a full- service approach, specializing in administrative, accounting, legal and customer service positions. Established only four short years ago, StaffTime has grown to a $2 million company employing four full-time employees with 20 consultants.

Before becoming a small business owner, Conry worked in human resources for Jacksonville Surgery Center and CSX. She earned a bachelor's degree from Jacksonville University and is currently pursuing her master's degree in human resources at Webster University. She continues to be heavily involved in the community with memberships in the Society for Human Resource Management, Leadership Jacksonville, Women Business Owners of North Florida, and JAX Chamber.

Small businesses are crucial to our nation's well being and the leaders who are paving the way during these difficult economic times need to be recognized. Conry's mission is helping connect individuals with meaningful employment; she is the American dream and she is helping others to live it as well.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and Members of the House to join me in this very special congressional salute to this Small Business leader, Rose Conry.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th anniversary of the Greater Beaches Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3270.

Created in 1939, Post 3270 is Jacksonville's oldest continuous veterans organization. The First Coast is honored to have such a commendable organization that is committed to serving veterans, military families, and their communities.

The Veterans of Foreign War can trace its roots back to 1898, when the veterans of the Spanish American War and the veterans of the Philippine Insurrection joined forces and founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their members who returned wounded and sick after serving their country. At a time when there was no medical care or pensions, our country's heroes were often left to fend for themselves. As such, these individuals were compelled to do something about it. Taking matters into their own hands, they banded together to form what is now known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Starting out with only three chapters, the Veterans of Foreign War continued to grow over the years with more than 2,000,000 members today. They have been instrumental in establishing the Veteran's Administration, creating the GI Bill for the 20th century, and developing a National Cemetery system.

I am honored to have such brave men and women in the 4th Congressional District of Florida. Not only have they served their country abroad, but they continue to serve their communities at home. Such service deserves praise and I wish them many more years of success. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and Members of the House to join me in this very special congressional salute honoring the Greater Beaches Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3270.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Jeffrey Levenson for his good will and compassion for his work with Surgical Eye Expeditions.

As a practicing ophthalmologist for over 30 years, Dr. Levenson has dedicated his career to giving the gift of sight. At the age of 51, Dr. Levenson underwent cataract surgery to restore his own vision loss. Realizing firsthand the devastation of vision loss, Dr. Levenson reached out to California-based Surgical Eye Expeditions, a nonprofit humanitarian organization that recruits volunteer ophthalmologists to perform free, sight-restoring surgery throughout the world.

In 2009 Dr. Levenson traveled to Peru for his inaugural trip performing multiple cataract surgery. Since then, he and his wife, Dr. Ilene Levenson, have traveled to Honduras, El Salvador, and Mexcio performing multiple surgeries for those less fortunate. In a typical week long trip the ophthalmologists are able to perform 20 cataract surgeries. While we are fortune here in the U.S. to have the latest specialized technology and equipment for cataract surgery, Dr. Levenson had to rely on a low-tech approach that he learned by watching other ophthalmologists online. And while this may have been more difficult to perform, Dr. Levenson has given the gift of sight to many patients that thought they would never see again. And with their appreciation his patients have thanked him in different ways, one from Peru giving him a goat and in El Salvador, two live chickens.

Dr. Levenson has served our local community with pride, working with the Riverside Park Surgery Center, Baptist Health and St. Vincent's HealthCare in Jacksonville. In addition Dr. Levenson has worked with the Vision is Priceless Council, a volunteer nonprofit in Jacksonville that provides free vision and glaucoma screenings, eye-care education, and injury prevention. The Council's Cared Vision Program, ``Gift of Sight,'' provides cataract surgery for 20 people a year who are completely blind and unable to afford the surgery. Dr. Levenson serves as the Council's Medical Advisor and donates more than 100 services to the Cared Vision Program all while regularly volunteering at vision clinics throughout the community.

Jacksonville is honored to have such an amazing humanitarian as a part of our community. The gift of sight is priceless and I commend Dr. Levenson on his compassion and his work to help those in need both at home and abroad. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and Members of the House to join me in this very special congressional salute honoring Dr. Jeffrey Levenson.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, February 3, 2014, I was unavoidably detained due to weather and missed votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on House Vote No. 33, on passage of H.R. 357, the GI Tuition Fairness Act of 2013.

For over 50 years, Congress has recognized that one of the greatest sacrifices by our service members is that their military service often prevents them from attending school and attaining higher levels of education. To address this sacrifice, our country has made educational benefits a cornerstone of military service.

The GI Tuition Fairness Act of 2013 establishes in-state tuition rates for all veterans attending college on the Post 9/11 GI bill and would ensure that they are not punished for faithfully fulfilling their military service obligations away from their original state of residency. Due to the nature of military service, our veterans often have a hard time establishing residency for purposes of obtaining in- state tuition. This bill takes a stand to guarantee in-state tuition for student veterans regardless of residency status. These men and women should not be forced into more expensive college programs just because public universities do not offer the flexibility in their residency requirements. Our veterans have made incomparable sacrifices, and they deserve all the backlines of support we can give them.

Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly support the passage of H.R. 357, and would like to set the record straight that if I were able to cast my vote, it would have been a proud ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John Wood, CEO of Sally Corp., who was recently honored for his life work in the creation of amusement rides by being inducted into the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Hall of Fame.

Sally Corp., based in Jacksonville, is a prime example of the American dream come true. Started in a garage in 1977, the Sally Corp. creates dark ride attractions, bringing to life interactive experiences that go beyond the imagination. Ron Gustafson, chairman of the Hall of Fame and Archives Committee, said that John ``revolutionized the attractions industry.'' He was able to take the staccato rides of old and create a story that leaves riders clamoring for more.

Thanks to John's devotion, Sally Corp. has continued to grow and profit, and their reach has extended across the globe. Sally Corp. is currently working on an animated musical attraction called the ``White Tiger Show'' in China and they have completed projects in both India and Australia.

It is truly an honor to have John Wood and Sally Corp. in the 4th Congressional District of Florida. Small business owners are the backbone of our nation and it gives me great pleasure to commend John for his outstanding achievements.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and Member's of the House of Representatives join me in this very special congressional salute to John Wood.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the fine men and women serving our nation at the Jacksonville Joint Reserve Intelligence Center (JRIC), located at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida.

The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has selected the JRIC as the ``small'' JRIC of the Year. JRICs are designed to recognize the joint nature of the Defense Intelligence and at the same time to improve the Military Services' ability to meet emerging unit and tactical level intelligence requirements. This reachback capability has the added benefit of reducing travel and per diem costs associated with traditional annual training and minimizing forward deployed forces' footprint and sustainment; permitting the reservists to perform their mission at home station.

Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, USA, lauds the Jacksonville JRIC when he wrote, ``the award is based on the following criteria: the ability to optimize JRIC management though effective space and systems utilization, while providing maximum flexible access based on mission requirements; the ability to facilitate joint access, joint training, innovation, and a collaborative work effort; and the ability to maximize reserve utilization in support of Defense Intelligence by fostering the integration of multiple intelligence disciplines.''

It is a pleasure and honor to represent the great men and women who serve at the Jacksonville JRIC and to see them recognized for their selfless service and dedication. The hard work of the men and women who serve in and around Jacksonville illustrate the importance of the First Coast to national defense, and reiterate that our community's efforts to be an anchor of national security.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Caldwell ``Hank'' Haynes.

Born in Jacksonville, Florida in 1941, Hank was a friend to all he knew. A sports enthusiast, he was the manager of the football team at my own alma-mater, Lee High School, in Jacksonville. Hank attended college at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, where he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of fame after garnering 10 varsity letters, four in wrestling, two in baseball, and four as the manager of the football team.

Following graduation, Hank served as an officer in the Navy for four years. He was on a destroyer stationed in San Diego when by chance he met his wife, Billie Haynes, also a Jacksonville native and Lee High School graduate. They were married for forty-six years where they resided in Jacksonville.

Upon leaving the Navy, Hank went to work for his family's insurance firm, Peter and Bond Insurance, the oldest insurance firm in Florida. He became president of the company in 1981 when his father retired. In 2007 Hank merged the company with GHG Insurance and formed what is now known as Haynes, Peters and Bond Co. Dedicated to his work, Hank continued to work at the firm up until two weeks before his death.

A role model to many, Hank was a well respected leader of our community in Jacksonville. His generosity of spirit and winning personality will make him long remembered. I send his family my heartfelt condolences and I know that Jacksonville will mourn his loss greatly.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and Members of the House to join me in this solemn goodbye to Hank Haynes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and life of Rear Admiral Joseph Coleman, USN (Ret.), who was a voice of vision and action in our Jacksonville community for decades. Joe spent 32 years that spanned two wars defending our country as a member of the United States Navy. But, Joe's commitment to his country did not end with retirement. Joe reassigned his leadership skills to make the City of Jacksonville a better place to live not only for retired and active duty military but for all its citizens.

Joe was a proud member of the Greatest Generation and always claimed the title of the ``Navy's best fighter pilot.'' That may be debated among fighter pilots, but his contribution to the Navy was considerable and his dedication to his country steadfast. He flew Hellcats against the Japanese in World War II, served aboard the USS Midway, had thousands of flight hours in various aircraft, made 550 carrier ship landings, and commanded the aircraft carrier USS Ranger during the Vietnam War.

Joe's list of volunteer activities was both long and varied. Joe Coleman came to our town in the military, returned as a veteran, and became a great civic leader. Along the way Joe made a significant difference in many lives. His guiding hand led to a wonderful retirement community in Atlantic Beach called Fleet Landing. Today, hundreds of people live in this community near the sea. He was a leader in a plethora of military activities like the USO and the Navy League, but Joe also served on the board of Florida State Community College, the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and numerous other organizations. There are those who join boards and there are those who work and make a difference; Joe is in the latter category.

Perhaps it was his fighter pilot quick thinking or his finely attuned peripheral eyesight honed from hours of flying, but Joe Coleman is a man of vision who encouraged others to take courageous steps and to make difficult decisions. He is one of the leaders who changed Jacksonville from a sleepy Southern town into the robust metropolis it is today. We are considered the most military friendly town in America. Joe Coleman played a major role in making us that.

Joe recently passed away at the age of 91. He embodied our World War II heroes as a member of the Greatest Generation. Joe Coleman was Admiral Joe to his grandchildren, a patriotic civilian leader in our community, and a gentle naval hero to our veterans. I was proud to call him friend.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Olympian and President of Shannon Miller Lifestyle, Mrs. Shannon Miller, on receiving the Excellence in Cancer Awareness Award from the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program.

Shannon is a two-time world all-around champion gymnast, winning seven Olympic medals and nine world championships. In late 2010, Shannon received the staggering news that she had a rare form of ovarian cancer. However, with the strength and determination that helped her to be so successful in her gymnastic career, Shannon defeated the disease in 2011. Finally, overcoming all odds this past June, she was blessed with a ``miracle baby''--a second child, Sterling Diane, who joins her 3 year old brother Rocco.

Shannon has become an inspiration to all and publically shares her experience to encourage others to fight against cancer. She has been unwavering in her dedication to the health and wellness of women and children, using her visibility to advocate for early detection, cancer awareness, and give hope to those currently fighting this terrible disease.

On November 19, 2013, Shannon was honored with the Excellence in Cancer Awareness

award at the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program's annual luncheon. This bipartisan program aims to increase the public's understanding of cancer prevention and early detection. Families of Members of the House, Senate, Cabinet, and Supreme Court work within their respective constituencies--as well as nationwide--to raise awareness and help reduce risks of cancer. Congressional Families' initiatives include giving presentations to civic and community groups, making radio and television presentations, organizing health fairs and conferences, as well as writing opinion pieces for local papers.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and Members of the House to join me in this very special congressional salute to this leader and cancer advocate, Shannon Miller.