Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, July 15, 2004, I was unable to vote on the Buyer Amendment to H.R. 4818, the FY2005 Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act (rollcall number 385). Had I been present I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. Chairman, there are a lot of good reasons to support this legislation, but let me just touch on one, the Millennium Challenge Account. It is a new way to deal with foreign aid and foreign assistance.

The old way has run its course. We would appropriate money, hold our breath and hope the countries might reallow some of the things that we wanted to happen. And, yet, now we have a results-oriented approach. Because built in to these Millennium Challenge Accounts are incentives for countries to adopt new policies, to provide for economic and personal freedom, and that is a giant step forward.

If you stop and think about it, our threats to this country in terms of terrorism are not going to come from rival global powers. They are going to come from the smaller emerging countries, smaller failing countries. Those are countries where they lack education, they lack the rule of law, they lack personal freedom; and those are countries where terrorism can flourish, where terrorism can fester, where terrorists can find sanctuary. If we want to deal with those kinds of threats, it seems to me we can prevent that from happening through this new approach where we encourage policies like the rule of law, encourage human rights, civil liberties, and we can build the kind of countries through our foreign aid that will prevent this from happening in the future.

Mr. Chairman, I encourage all of my colleagues to support this legislation for these and other good reasons.

Mr. Speaker, this week our Nation lost an individual who had an enormous impact on our country and the world. Ronald Wilson Reagan, our Nation's 40th President, had a great and positive impact on our economy, our security, and our national pride. I believe that just as his achievements will remain with us for many decades, so too will his legacy of exercising sincerity and consistency in all actions, both inconsequential and monumental.

President Reagan was an ordinary man who became an extraordinary leader. I will remember him most for his sense of optimism and hope. In the most difficult of times, it was President Reagan who had the power to allay our worries, raise our spirits, and guide this Nation to prosperity.

Working on Ronald Reagan's first campaign in Jacksonville in 1980, I saw first hand his strength of character and his sense of optimism and hope. Ronald Reagan lifted this Nation up at the time when we needed it the most. He made us feel good about being American. Ronald W. Reagan knew who he was and he knew what he believed. These are the qualities of a great leader.

President Reagan's strength of character and firm beliefs led to revolutionary policies in dealing with the economy, national security, and federal taxation.

Under the presidency of Ronald W. Reagan, our Nation experienced a lengthy period of economic revival where inflation was brought under control, employment grew, and a stifling federal tax burden was lifted from millions of hard working Americans.

President Reagan's defense policies were pivotal in the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War. His commitment to a strong national defense and a safe and secure world is personified through the phrases, ``Trust but verify,'' ``Peace through strength,'' and most of all, ``Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!''

At the end of his two terms in office, the Reagan Revolution had succeeded in giving the Nation its longest recorded period of peacetime prosperity without recession or depression. President Reagan succeeded in keeping his campaign promise of restoring the great, confident roar of American progress and growth and optimism.

Mr. Speaker, I am so very pleased to have known this man. I am even more pleased that Ronald Reagan answered the call to public service and contributed all that he did. His leadership blessed our great Nation. Our country will never forget his awesome contributions. For now and years to come, may the people of the United States examine the life of our 40th President, and reflect upon his great achievements. Ronald Wilson Reagan lifted this Nation, and changed the world.

Mr. Speaker, this past Memorial Day, as we paid tribute to the men and women who fought and died to preserve our freedoms in the past, our Nation is at war, and once again, members of our military are paying the ultimate sacrifice. This Memorial Day as we gathered in our towns to pay tributes to the sacrifices of those from past wars, we also remembered the burdens of the soldiers and sailors who followed in their footsteps and serve us today.

As in all battles, soldiers and sailors do not go to war to become heroes. They do not fight because they enjoy the heat of battle. They do not die because they do not love life. They go to war because we, as a Nation, ask them to go and because they are honorable. They go because they believe deeply in the cause of freedom, and they understand the evils of terrorism and the threats it presents to our independence. They die because their lives are taken from them on battlefields. Nevertheless, the loss of even one life weighs heavily on my heart and the heart of every American.

Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom have once again brought our young men and women to the front lines of battle. And, as in the past, at the core of America's military are the same type of men and women, who like their ancestors, have answered the call to arms. And like you, they will draw strength from those who served before them. On D-Day, General Dwight Eisenhower spoke to the troops and said, ``You are about to embark upon the great crusade toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. . . . I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle.'' These same words are as true today as they were on June 6, 1944.

This Memorial Day, as in the past, we gathered in cemeteries and in parks across America. In Washington, D.C., we dedicated the long overdue World War II Memorial. We read markers and inscriptions that pay honor to our brave patriots. But, the living commemoration for them is not etched in stone on walls or tombstones but in the hearts of free men and women.

To the men and women who have served our nation so well, thank you for all that you have done for our country, continue to do to rekindle the memories of those who are no longer with us, and the support you give to those who carry the burden this day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3768. I introduced this bill to provide protection to a parcel of land that is located in a historic area of my district, an area called American Beach which has great national significance. This beautiful stretch of shoreline provides a great history and a great story.

Founded in the 1930s by A. L. Lewis, American Beach provided a sunny paradise for African Americans during a tumultuous time in American history. This area of Florida's northeastern shore attracted African Americans from all over the country, including heavyweight boxing champion Joe Lewis, entertainer Cab Calloway, and civil rights leader A. Philip Randolph. While this Nation was struggling to find equality within its shores, American Beach provided a relaxing, culturally unique spot for African Americans to gather along the ocean's edge. The significance of this site was recently recognized when the beach and 120 residential homes in the area were added to the National Registry of Historic Places. Additionally, in 1992 the Florida legislature named American Beach the first site on the Florida Black Heritage Trail.

In his recently released budget, President Bush provides resources for a new Preserve America program through the National Park Service. This initiative is designed to encourage heritage tourism throughout the country. Today this legislation answers the President's call without spending a single dime of taxpayers' money.

Last year, American Beach's neighbor, Amelia Island Plantation, made arrangements to donate 8.5 acres to the National Park Service. Unfortunately, the Park Service could not accept this generous gift because the acreage rests outside the boundaries of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. And so what this legislation simply does, it allows the National Park Service to accept the historic site by simply modifying the boundaries of the preserve.

I support this addition to the Timucuan, and others like it, where willing property owners and the National Park Service can work together as stewards of our national treasures. I urge the adoption of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the anniversary of a very helpful institution in Jacksonville, Florida. The institution is daniel. Their mission is to help youth build character by helping them forge strong values, enhance their self-worth, and erect a sense of community. I would like to enter into the record, a brief history of this organization, and how it came to help so many children through its 120 years in operation.

Established in 1884, daniel has met the physical and emotional needs of children. It is considered Florida's oldest child-serving agency. Originally founded as an orphanage, and later named after James Jaquelin Daniel, daniel has evolved into a multi-service agency that assists troubled youth and their families with a variety of innovative and nationally recognized programs.

Originally established as the Orphanage and Home for the Friendless, its mission was ``to receive into a suitable home to support and provide for all who shall come under the provisions of the constitution as far as our means and facilities will enable us.''

To meet this goal, a cottage was rented on the corner of Liberty and Ashley Street and a fund was started to open a permanent home. Three years later, a two-story frame building was built on the corner of Evergreen Avenue and Center Street.

The earliest minutes of the organization that would become daniel begin with a Preface as follows:

Before Organization a few children in the city occupied

themselves in the winter of '83-'84 in working for a little

fair, the proceeds to be devoted to the care of little orphan

children. Dell Hungerford, Edie Fitzgerald, Kitty and Eva

Havener began in a quiet way & soon other children became

interested and in Feb. 1884 quite a large company, old and

young, met at Mrs. A.L. Hungerford's where she had carefully

arranged a programme of interest to the children and where

all were supplied with good things under the supervision of

herself and the friends whom she had invited to assist her.

The proceeds amounted to $41.57 which were generously

supplemented by Mr. & Mrs. Hungerford by a donation of

$15.00.

In 1888, a yellow fever epidemic ravaged the Jacksonville community. Colonel James Jaquelin Daniel, the president of the Auxiliary Sanitary Association, well-known attorney and religious leader, worked tirelessly to combat the disease and coordinate volunteer efforts. As a result, however, Daniel died of the fever. Financial contributions poured in from around the nation to ``build a living monument to his memory'' and the Daniel Memorial Association was formed and consolidated with the Orphanage in 1891. Daniel Memorial Home for children was incorporated in 1893.

During the intervening years, the needs have changed as society and the family structures have changed, however, Daniel Memorial continues to support and provide for children as far as their means and facilities will allow.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be associated with the remarks concerning the history of this organization. Daniel currently assists up to 61 children at any given time, ages 5 to 18 years of age, from throughout Florida. Daniel Memorial Incorporated also operates a charter school, foster homes, and other services for children.

Mr. Speaker, let me conclude with this thought. Were it a perfect world, organizations like daniel would have no place in our society. But the sad truth is organizations like daniel are necessary and provide a vital service. Daniel truly makes a difference in the lives of children, and for our entire community. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the good work of daniel, all they have performed for the last 120 years, and in wishing daniel another 120 years of community service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4181, an Act that will make the marriage penalty tax relief permanent. This unfair provision must be permanently stricken from the tax code so individuals who enter into the sanctity of marriage re no longer penalized when they file their taxes. Marriage is the highest form of commitment between a man and a woman, and we should be encouraging this union--not penalizing it.

Since the 1960's, this archaic standard has been penalizing married couples for simply filing their tax returns as husband and wife. Fortunately, in 2001 we successfully eliminated this unfair provision by passing the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act. Because of this important legislation, over 42 million married couples are now treated equally when they file their taxes. This tax cut has spurred our economy's recovery and created thousands of jobs. By putting taxpayer money back in the hands of the American people, we reduce their economic burden and empower them to spend their money in a manner they see fit.

We must pass this important legislation and continue to provide this much needed relief to American families. We should never underestimate the good that can be accomplished when families are able to keep more of their money and make spending decisions based on their needs. Congress needs to finish the job we started of promoting economic responsibility and long-term economic growth by making these cuts permanent. Let's do what is right for the American economy and America's families.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain Ronald H. Henderson, Jr, Commander of the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67). As he prepares to move on to a new challenge, I would like to thank him for all that he has done as the Commander of Mayport's aircraft carrier, the USS John F. Kennedy. His passion for the Navy and its sailors has been evident through his leadership during the unprecedented and extensive maintenance overhaul that was accomplished here at Mayport. It was his management, skill, and persona that brought to a successful completion the largest overall ever attempted outside of a Naval Shipyard. He epitomizes the dedicated military patriot.

As the Navy moves into the 21st Century, it will take innovative and effective leadership to make this service truly transformational. Leaders who possess these characteristics are what makes our Navy the greatest in the world. Under his command, both in war and in peace, he inspired his crew to rise to all challenges. Thanks to his guidance, ``Jack is back.''

Here in the community he should be commended for reaching out to our citizens and inviting them to go aboard the Kennedy and share a glimpse of life at sea. Civilians, in record numbers, were afforded opportunities to experience firsthand the pride that the crew and the Navy has in our beloved carrier. Jacksonville has been enriched by his service.

It has been my honor and pleasure to work with him these past two years. Jacksonville will miss you, but I know he will continue to lead the Navy in whatever new job he is assigned. I wish him luck in his new assignment and well-deserved promotion, and best wishes to his family, Kathryn and Alexander. I hope when it is time for retirement, he will think about returning to Jacksonville.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained today due to a family health emergency. I respectfully request the Record to reflect that, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote 131 on agreeing to H.R. 3942; ``yea'' on rollcall vote 132 on agreeing to House Resolution 399; and ``yea'' on rollcall vote 133 on agreeing to House Resolution 578.

Mr. Speaker, as we pray for all those in our armed services who find themselves in harm's way, I rise to pay tribute to a soldier from my home state who gave his life to his country during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sergeant Jonathan N. Hartman, age 27, of Jacksonville, Florida, died April 17, 2004 in Dwaniyan, Iraq. Sergeant Hartman was assigned to the Army's 2nd Battalion, 37th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Division, based in Friedburg, Germany.

Mr. Speaker, Sergeant Hartman is the epitome of a great American. He served his country with pride. He served his country without question. Sergeant Hartman served his country because he loved his country. For his service, his honor, his dedication, and his sacrifice, I know I speak for the entire Congress and for good Americans everywhere when I say, thank you.

Mr. Speaker, there are no words that can be said here today that will erase the sorrow and pain of this loss. What we can say, and what we can do, is continue to support this mission, the men and women who are fighting for this great country, and pray for his loved ones. It is the service and dedication of men and women like Sergeant Hartman's that make the United States safer, more secure, and a great nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of H.R. 557 to commend the valiant service of the men and women of the United States and Coalition armed forces. One year ago these men and women were called on not only to protect the national security of the United States, but also to free the world of a ruthless and brutal dictator. I feel privileged to represent a large number of these men and women in the Fourth Congressional District of Florida.

In the beginning hours of the conflict, brave pilots of the Air Force flew bombing missions without knowing if they would be a target of Saddam's weak, but still existent surface to air missile capability. U.S. Marines stormed the port of Umm Qasr to ensure Saddam could not use his oil facilities to commit acts of environmental terrorism as he had in Operation Desert Storm. The United States Army pushed forward quickly to take Baghdad before Saddam could use his own people as human shields; while the fleet of the United States Navy sat ready to launch air and Tomahawk strikes to support them. If there is one thing that Operation Iraqi Freedom has demonstrated to the American people, it is that there is no longer a dividing line between active and reserve component troops in armed conflict. The men and women of the Florida National Guard were trained and ready to deploy within 24 hours when asked by their Commander in Chief. These citizen soldiers left higher paying jobs and loving families to fight in an inhospitable and rough environment with their active duty counterparts. It was this dedication and courage that defeated Saddam and his regime. It was this dedication and courage that rebuilt schools and hospitals so the people of Iraq could receive these basic human services for the first time in three decades.

As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, I visited Iraq in August of last year. On this trip, I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with both active and reserve members of the Army, Marines Corps, and Air Force about their experiences. All of these men and women were proud of the mission of the United States and were eager to tell stories of grateful Iraqis.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting up again with an officer who I had first met on my trip to Iraq. When I asked him how he was doing, he told me the sad story of how he had just visited one of his soldiers who had lost both of his legs in Iraq. Even with this gruesome memory, he told me that both he and his soldiers would do it all over again. This officer's sentiment demonstrates the dedication and courage of our armed forces and it is this reason I rise to speak in support of H.R. 557.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H.R. 3213, the Commission on the Accountability and Review of Federal Agencies (CARFA) Act.

The use of hard-earned taxpayer dollars on duplicative, inefficient, and failed federal agencies and programs is a serious problem facing our Nation today. Over and over, we see programs that are authorized by Congress become institutionalized; and then, though no longer necessary, they become a permanent fixture receiving more tax dollars year after year. If we could cut out unnecessary programs, we would make a strong statement that we are serious about controlling government spending.

On October 1, 2003, Congressman Todd Tiahrt introduced the Commission on the Accountability and Review of Federal Agencies Act. This legislation would establish a presidentially-appointed commission to review domestic agencies and programs, making recommendations for the elimination of unnecessary programs. Congress would subsequently take an up-or-down vote on these recommendations.

As a strong supporter of eliminating wasteful spending, today I rise to add my support to this proposal by cosponsoring this important legislation. If enacted, the Act will help to ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability in the federal government. While Congress should always be dedicated to ensuring the maximum benefit of every tax dollar that comes to Washington, now more than ever Congress must take steps to assure taxpayers that their hard-earned money is being well spent.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting passage of the Commission on the Accountability and Review of Federal Agencies Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation that provides needed protection to an historic area of Florida with great national significance known as American Beach. This bill will expand the current boundaries of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve to include approximately 12.5 acres of land in American Beach, Amelia Island.

The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve currently provides protection to an important ecological treasure and the addition of American Beach will serve to enhance its national significance.

This beautiful stretch of shoreline provides a great history and a great story. Founded in the 1930s by A.L. Lewis, American Beach provided a sunny paradise for those Americans

who, because of segregation, were not able to enjoy most of America's beaches. This area of Florida's northeastern shore attracted African Americans from all over the country. While this nation struggled to find equality within its shores, American Beach provided a relaxing, culturally unique vacation spot for African Americans along the ocean's edge.

The significance of this site was recognized when the beach and 120 residential homes in the area were added to the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, in 1992, the Florida Legislature named American Beach the first site on the Florida Black Heritage Trail.

In his recently released budget, President Bush provides resources for a new ``Preserve America'' program through the National Park Service. This initiative is designed to encourage heritage tourism throughout the country. Today, this legislation answers the President's call without spending a single dime of taxpayer's money.

Last year, American Beach's neighbor, Amelia Island Plantation made arrangements to donate these 12.5 acres to the National Park Service. Unfortunately, the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve is not able to accept this generous gift because the acreage rests outside the boundaries of the Preserve.

This legislation allows the National Park Service to accept this historic site by simply modifying the boundaries of the Timucuan. I support this addition to the Timucuan--and others like it--where willing property owners and the National Park Service can work cooperatively as stewards of our national treasures.

Mr. Speaker, it is especially fitting this legislation comes to the floor of this House as we celebrate Black History Month to honor those individuals who worked to bring equality to all Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 491, a bill that promotes mentoring as a very worthwhile and much needed cause.

This measure recognizes that mentors serve as a guiding light, a benchmark, and a valuable asset for the many young people in America who might not otherwise have access to such a role model.

For many young people, mentors set an example of civility and stability. Mentors promote education and community respect. Mentors teach young people that there are many benefits to contributing to selfless efforts such as charity drives, neighborhood cleanups, and serving in soup kitchens.

In my congressional district of northeast Florida, there are a great many volunteers that selflessly give guidance, time, and resources to young people.

This resolution thanks those people who currently serve as mentors, and places a special focus on tapping into the vast pool of potential mentors. My hope is that this resolution will motivate more adults to take action to help America's young people.

This House resolution recognizes numerous studies documenting that mentors help young people to augment social skills, enhance emotional well being, improve cognitive skills, and to plan for the future. It also recognizes that for some children, having a caring adult mentor to turn to for guidance and encouragement can make the crucial difference between success and failure in life.

As a mentor, I personally know the satisfaction it brings to offer advice and guidance to a young person. I have known my mentor, Derek Williams, for many years. Over that period we have become good friends. Today I am proud to say that he is in college, furthering his education, and building a strong foundation for his future.

This measure does more than encourage mentoring; it gives thanks to those who already participate in mentoring programs. We should shower these people with praise because their actions do a lot to benefit society. That is why during the 107th session of Congress, I introduced a bill establishing American Youth Day, a measure encouraging communities all across the Nation to set aside one day each year to honor organizations and individuals that take the time to help young people.

For all its wealth and prosperity, in recent years America has been suffering from what I call problems of the soul, where courts and Congress do not have any jurisdiction. So many of our neighbors have lost their moral compass and need help finding their way again when it comes to moral values. This is most true when it comes to our young people.

There no longer seems to be a period in young people's lives when kids can just be kids. Mr. Speaker, it makes no difference what their race, their gender, their ethnicity. These negative images and influences make no distinction and no prejudices; all young people are fair game.

So it is incumbent on each and every one of us to offer our time and energy and love to children to provide positive role models and influences to young people to give them guidance and hope.

Currently, 17.6 million young people, nearly half the youth population, want or need mentors to help them reach their full potential. Only 2\1/2\ million youth are in formal mentoring relationships, leaving 15 million young people still in need of mentors.

This resolution is a call to action, designating January 2004 as National Mentoring Month. It is my hope that this month-long celebration of mentoring will encourage more adults to volunteer their time as mentors for young people and enlist the involvement of nonprofit organizations, schools, businesses, faith communities, and government agencies in the mentoring movement.

As President Bush noted last night in his state of the Union address, America's young people face dangers. Young people face negative cultural influences that glorify and glamorize those things that can hurt them most. Mentoring is focused on providing young people the best our society can offer--hope, stability, guidance, and understanding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1516-- because it keeps a commitment, a sacred commitment to the men and women of our military.

As a country we honor our veterans for their service, their commitment, their sacrifice.

Our veterans did not serve to become heroes. They did not fight because they enjoyed battle. They went to war because this country asked them to go to war. They served to defend our freedom.

This supreme dedication deserves supreme recognition.

Mr. Speaker, Florida has almost 2 million veterans and only four veterans cemeteries. One is full. One only accepts cremated remains. The other two are at least half a state away from my district. This leaves no option for Northeast Floridians who served without question.

Veterans want this cemetery. Veterans need this cemetery. Veterans deserve this cemetery.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased this House is acting.