Floor Statements

Thank you to Chairman Berman, and a special thanks to Ranking Member Ros-Lehtinen for all of her efforts and her leadership, for bringing this resolution to the floor. I'd also like to thank my colleague from New York, Congressman Towns, for joining me in introducing this resolution. Finally, I also want to thank my chairman, Chairman Engel, for his leadership in the hemisphere. It has been a pleasure working with Chairman Engel on the important issues facing the Western Hemisphere.

Madam Speaker, the people of El Salvador were hit hard by Hurricane Ida. As a Floridian, I understand how destructive and devastating a hurricane can be. We in Florida know what it's like to see the eye of a hurricane coming our way and how it impacts our lives. My heart goes out to the thousands of men, women, and children who have had their lives completely changed by Hurricane Ida and who are, as we speak, picking up the pieces and slowly rebuilding their destroyed villages.

As the ranking member of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, I believe it's important that the people of El Salvador understand that the people of the United States support them during these difficult times. I also think it's important to note how several nations worked together and continue to do so to ensure the people of El Salvador are getting the help they need to rebuild. From Honduras, our forces were able to lift those in need out of harm's way. From south Florida, we were able to airlift much-needed supplies. Those who have participated in these relief efforts should be commended for their help. We are honored by their service.

Madam Speaker, we in Congress remain committed to ensure that the people of El Salvador recover from this disaster, and I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution.

I'd also like to make a quick note, if I could, on an earlier resolution that was brought up, H.R. 2134. And I want to thank, again, Chairman Engel for his leadership for introducing the Western Hemisphere Drug Policy Act. The problem of illegal drugs impact people across borders, cultures, and socioeconomic status. When we evaluate the U.S. drug policy in the Americas, we must take an all-encompassing approach to the problem.

This legislation is a positive step towards evaluating U.S. policy. Some have focused on treatment or better education; others have focused on supply and the law enforcement aspect of the problem. But let me be clear, we must make sure that we attack the problem from both angles and all perspectives.

As we continue to address U.S. drug policy in the hemisphere, I know that there will be, as there have been, many obstacles. Some of these include countries that simply refuse to cooperate with the United States. And even worse, Madam Speaker, there are governments that have chosen to be part of or facilitate the flow of drugs into the United States.

According to President Obama, Venezuela has failed during the past year when it comes to counternarcotic efforts. The Obama administration has strong evidence that Venezuela has refused to cooperate on almost all counternarcotic issues. Hugo Chavez' refusal to act responsibly not only hurts Americans, but now Venezuela has the second highest murder rate in the world. The Venezuelan Government's alignment with drug lords is so pervasive that ministers of the Chavez government are now categorized as ``Tier II Kingpins.'' It's pretty clear cut, Madam Speaker, that Chavez and the flow of drugs into the United States is something we cannot ignore.

I want to thank Chairman Engel again for his leadership, and urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the Western Hemisphere Drug Policy Commission Act, H.R. 2134.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor one of southwest Florida's hardest-working public servants, Fort Myers Mayor Jim Humphrey, who is retiring after an exceptional career.

I've known Jim for a number of years now. He's been a great friend of the Mack Family, and he was one of my earliest supporters when I first decided to run for Congress. Jim's civility and demeanor have earned him the nickname ``Gentleman Jim,'' and I can't think of a more fitting description for a great public servant, family man, and friend.

Jim has been a strong force for the people of southwest Florida. His enthusiasm and passion for serving the community is inspiring. Jim's the type of elected official that all of us strive to be: accessible, dedicated and effective.

But perhaps the most important job Jim has ever held is that of a father and grandfather. He is so proud of his daughters and beams when he speaks about his grandchildren. Jim's family bring him his greatest joy, and this joy shines through in everything he does.

Jim has worked tirelessly to make southwest Florida a great place to live, work and visit. Under his leadership, the city of Fort Myers was designated as the Healthiest City in the Southeast in 2003 and a Preserve America Community in 2004, among other accolades. In addition, Jim has worked to obtain vital funding to preserve our community's unique treasures, such as the Edison & Ford Winter Estates and the Langford-Kingston Home.

Of course, Jim's public service does not end with his stint in the Mayor's Office. Jim has

held countless positions on numerous civic and charitable organizations throughout southwest Florida. He's the type of person who believes in giving back to his community tenfold and has done just that. From his service as the first full-time Lee County Attorney, to his time as a city judge in Fort Myers, Jim will have left a lasting mark on southwest Florida.

Madam Speaker, the city of Fort Myers, and indeed all of southwest Florida, are better off today because of Jim's service. It is truly an honor and a privilege to represent Jim in the U.S. House of Representatives, and I wish Jim, his wife Nancy, and their beloved family all the best.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3183, Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.

Project Name: Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Southwest Florida

Requesting Member: Congressman Connie Mack

Bill Number: H.R. 3183, Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of FY 2010

Account: O&M

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: United States Army Corps of Engineers

Address of Requesting Entity: 441 G Street, NW., Washington, DC 20314

Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding: $1,313,000; This project would provide for maintenance dredging in four areas of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GICW). The areas in need of maintenance dredging include the mouth of Caloosahatchee River (Miserable Mile in Lee County) and the Boca Grande Bayou area (Miller's Marina in Lee County) of the GICW.

Project Name: Naples to Big Marco Pass

Requesting Member: Congressman Connie Mack

Bill Number: H.R. 3183, Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of FY 2010

Account: O&M

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: United States Army Corps of Engineers

Address of Requesting Entity: 441 G Street, NW., Washington, DC 20314

Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding: $722,000; The Naples to Big Marco Pass, also known as the Gordon River Pass in Collier County, supports the commercial fishing, stone crab harvesting, sport fishing and tourism industries. The Pass also supports the County's marinas and is used by residential boaters. Typically, the Pass is dredged every four or five years. It was last dredged in 2002 and needs to be dredged this year because shoaling diminishes the water depth in the channel.

Project Name: Lee County, FL (Reimbursement)

Requesting Member: Congressman Connie Mack

Bill Number: H.R. 3183, Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of FY 2010

Account: Construction

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: United States Army Corps of Engineers

Address of Requesting Entity: 441 G Street, NW., Washington, DC 20314

Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding: $645,000; There are three sections to the Lee County shore protection project (Captiva, Gasparilla, and Estero Islands) which were authorized as federal shore protection projects. Lee County advanced the Gasparilla section, which was completed in the Spring of 2007. The funding will allow for the reimbursement of the federal share to the County for the Gasparilla beach re-nourishment project.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

This week, we remember the thousands who lost their lives on September 11. We remember their courage, their dreams and their spirit. Their families and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers.

As we stand here, eight years later, the memories of that September morning remain very fresh, and we shall never forget those dreadful hours, days, weeks and subsequent months where the American spirit was put to the ultimate test.

But we, as a Nation, are resilient and have showed the world our resolve. The dark shadows of terrorism did not, and will not crush the steadfast determination of the American people.

Since that terrible day, we have shown the world that America remains vibrant, optimistic and resolute in our ideals of freedom and democracy.

Our shining city on a hill continues as a beacon of freedom to the world.

This anniversary also reminds us of the challenges we have ahead of us when it comes to the protection of freedom, security and prosperity. Tyrants across the region have not wasted any time in crushing personal freedoms and fomenting hate.

Madam Speaker, this week we honor those who lost their lives on September 11. We honor them in our thoughts and prayers. We also honor them by imparting the significance of the day and the lessons we have learned as a Nation on to our children and grandchildren. Finally, we honor them by upholding the ideals of freedom, security, and prosperity that continue to make our country strong.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3293, The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2010.

Project Name: FGCU Impact of Freshwater Flow into Coastal Waters-- FGCU Coastal Watershed Institute

Requesting Member: Congressman Connie Mack

Bill Number: H.R. 3293, The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2010.

Account: Higher Education (includes FIPSE)

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Florida Gulf Coast University

Address of Requesting Entity: 10501 FGCU Blvd., South, Fort Myers, FL 33965

Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding: $350,000; Florida's coast is a principal economic driver attracting millions of tourists and thousands of residents to the coastal communities of Southwest Florida. Proper management of the freshwater that the coastal environment receives is critical to preventing toxic algal blooms and negative impacts on recreational and commercial fisheries. FGCU is requesting federal funding for their Coastal Watershed Institute to address the impacts associated with changes in the freshwater flows into the area. This project is geared to students learning about future management of our fragile ecosystems.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to support freedom and democracy in Honduras.

On June 28th, the Honduran people spoke clearly and broke the chains of tyranny. In following both the letter and the spirit of their constitution, the Honduran government and their supreme court issued an arrest order, removed Mr. Manuel Zelaya as president, and then exiled him and the threat he posed from the country.

We have heard several conflicting stories on what happened, how it happened, and who did what.

This past weekend I led a congressional delegation to Honduras to get a first hand account of what had happened. I met with the United States Ambassador to Honduras, Hugo Llorens. I also met with President Roberto Micheletti, the members of the Supreme Court of Honduras, members of the Honduran Congress, civil society groups, Honduran and American businessmen, human rights groups, and the United States military.

After meeting with these men and women, I stand here today and affirm to you that what happened in Honduras was not a coup. But more importantly Madam Speaker, the people of Honduras have said this was not a coup. The Supreme Court of Honduras has said this was not a coup. The Honduran Congress has said this was not a coup. The Attorney General of Honduras has said this is not a coup.

However, let's look at who actually has called this a coup. It is the thugocrats of Latin America: the caudillos who answer to the Venezuelan regime.

Regrettably, President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also joined this rush to judgment in calling it a coup.

Madam Speaker, I would like to share with you what I heard while in Honduras. From the President of the Supreme Court we heard the following: ``The military in Honduras does not give us orders. We, the Supreme Court of Honduras, give the military orders.''

From members of the Honduran Congress: ``We voted, Congressman Mack. We voted so that Mr. Zelaya was no longer the President of Honduras. Why is America not recognizing our vote?''

When I met with President Micheletti, we read the Honduran Constitution. If my colleagues have not read Article 239 of the Honduran Constitution, I urge them to do so. Article 239 could not be clearer. It is as if the people in Honduras in 1982, the year they passed their Constitution, saw the threat that

Mr. Zelaya posed coming over the horizon and made sure that the people of Honduras were protected.

President Micheletti also urged that the United States treat the people of Honduras and their decisions with respect. Honduras has been a great ally of ours, and there is growing indignation toward the Obama Administration's recklessness in siding with thugs and dictators like Fidel Castro, Venezuela's Hugo Chavez, and Mr. Zelaya.

Madam Speaker, make no mistake: former President Zelaya violated the Constitution. He broke the law. And when I asked Ambassador's Lloren's team what should be done about Mr. Zelaya and the fact that he violated not only the Constitution of Honduras, but countless laws, their answer was something similar to this: ``. . . everyone breaks the law. Because everyone broke the law, Mr. Zelaya's violations should be forgotten and forgiven. And in order to get a political solution, we should support reinstating him.''

I cannot tell you how discomforting it was to hear this.

The Administration recently pulled the visa of a Supreme Court Justice and the visas of other high-ranking Honduran officials solely because it did not agree with what they did. Then, to add insult to injury, Ambassador Lloren's team tells me that Mr. Zelaya should be returned because everyone breaks laws? That is not responsible. More importantly, that is not how you promote freedom in Latin America.

Madam Speaker, the Honduran people, in their fight for freedom from the tyranny of Manuel Zelaya, have earned our support and deserve to have the United States stand with them as they seek freedom and democracy for their country. I look forward to returning to Tegucigalpa on January 27, 2010, the date that the new president of Honduras will be sworn in and see the streets of Tegucigalpa filled with joy as they celebrate their renewed freedom and prosperity.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3228, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.

Project Name: Interstate 75/Collier Boulevard/SR 84 Interchange Improvements

Requesting Member: Congressman Connie Mack

Bill Number: H.R. 3228, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.

Account: Federal Highway Administration

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Florida Department of Transportation

Address of Requesting Entity: 605 Suwannee Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399

Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding: The current interchange serves the east Naples area, Golden Gate City and Marco Island, and is the closest interchange from the east to the City of Naples. The $800,000 in funding will be utilized for capacity improvements at the Interstate 75/Collier Boulevard/SR 84 Interchange and will improve traffic flow in the region.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Abe Silverstein, an American engineer who played an important part in the United States space program.

Dr. Silverstein was born in 1908 in Terre Haute, Indiana, and earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering (1929) and an M.E. (1934) from the Rose Polytechnic Institute. In 1929, Dr. Silverstein was hired by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) at the Langley research center to work on the design of the Altitude Wind Tunnel. While there, he also directed research which led to increased high- speed performance of most of the combat aircraft of World War II. His work contributed to development of present day supersonic aircrafts.

Dr. Silverstein helped at NASA headquarters to help with the space flights of Project Mercury and the Apollo program. He was also chair to the government commission The Silverstein Committee.

Dr. Silverstein received several awards for his work. In 1984, NASA named him an ``Elder Statesman of Aviation.'' On August 14, 1997, Dr. Silverstein was the recipient of the Guggenheim Medal for significant contributions to the advancement of flight. He later retired to Ohio and spent his winters in Cape Coral.

I would like to recognize Dr. Silverstein for his contributions to this country and we are proud of all his accomplishments. His lifetime achievements are truly commendable.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3183, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.

Project Name: Naples to Big Marco Pass

Requesting Member: Congressman Connie Mack

Bill Number: H.R. 3183--the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.

Account: Corps of Engineers; O&M

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Collier County, FL

Address of Requesting Entity: 3301 East Tamiami Trail, Naples, Florida 34112

Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding: $1,500,000; The Gordon River and Naples Bay flow into Gordon Pass. This is the most significant Pass in the county and supports the commercial fishing, stone crab harvesting, sport fishing and tourism industries. The Pass also supports the County's marinas and is used by residential boaters. Typically, the Pass is dredged every four or five years. It was last dredged in 2002 and needs to be dredged this year because shoaling diminishes the water depth in the channel.

Project Name: Gulf Intracoastal Waterway Caloosahatchee R to Anclote R, Florida

Requesting Member: Congressman Connie Mack, Congressman Vern Buchanan, Congressman C.W. Bill Young

Bill Number: H.R. 3183--the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.

Account: Corps of Engineers; O&M

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Lee County, FL

Address of Requesting Entity: 2115 Second Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901

Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding: $780,000; This project would provide for maintenance dredging in four areas of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GICW). The areas in need of maintenance dredging include the mouth of Caloosahatchee River (Miserable Mile in Lee County) and the Boca Grande Bayou area (Miller's Marina in Lee County) of the GICW.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Fred Thierer of Cape Coral upon his retirement from Fort Myers High School after 31 years of teaching and coaching.

Fred's success both in the classroom and on the football field has left a lasting impact on the Fort Myers community. He has worked as a science teacher, a driver's education instructor, a baseball coach, and an assistant football coach for over three decades. Fred estimates that he has taught more than 7,000 students in Southwest Florida how to drive--no wonder we have some great drivers in our region!

Any one of us who has played competitive sports understands the valuable lessons of hard work, teamwork and commitment. Fred understands these qualities as well and has worked to instill them in every student he coaches.

Fred's enthusiasm and passion for teaching and coaching has inspired thousands of students over the last 31 years. Although he is retiring, he plans to continue assisting the Fort Myers High School football team as a volunteer coach, and he and his wife remain active members of their community.

Madam Speaker, Fred's efforts have helped to make Southwest Florida a great place to live, work and visit, and I'm proud to call him my friend. I wish Fred and his wife Sharon all the best during his retirement.

I would like to thank my colleague for yielding time.

I rise today to speak against the rule for this bill, a rule that shuts out our ability to offer amendments on the floor is an unprecedented abuse of the rules and debate on appropriation bills.

Why is the majority so afraid to hear what we have to say? Why is the majority so afraid of what we might have to offer? Isn't this the place to have debate, real debate, on the important issues that are facing the United States and the citizens of the United States? If you can't have the debate here on the floor of the House, where can you have it?

This is where we should be debating the issues, and changing the rules and the process does the people of this country a disservice.

If I were able to offer an amendment to the Foreign Ops bill, I would offer an amendment that would make sure that aid to Honduras is not cut off. Mr. Speaker, the administration has cut funding to the people of Honduras because some have claimed that a military coup has occurred in Honduras. Instead of being responsible on the matter, the administration has gotten itself involved with the likes of Chavez, Morales, Ortega, and too quickly reacted in a knee-jerk fashion.

To cut the aid, be it humanitarian, military, or what have you, is the wrong thing to do, and if I were able to offer an amendment, I would have fought hard to make sure that aid to Honduras was not cut.

This process makes a mockery of our democratic system, and I urge all of my colleagues to vote against this rule and support an open process, but also support the people of Honduras.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2847--the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agency Appropriations Act, FY 2010

Project Name: Emergency Services Technology, Collier County, Florida

Requesting Member: Congressman Connie Mack

Bill Number: H.R. 2847--the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agency Appropriations Act, FY 2010

Account: DOJ/COPS

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Collier County, FL

Address of Requesting Entity: 3301 East Tamiami Trail, Naples, Florida 34112

Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding: $800,000 will be utilized for the acquisition of public safety technology equipment for the Collier County Emergency Services Center. The funding is important because it will help to better equip Collier County's emergency service providers to respond to events that could engender the safety and citizens of Collier County, Florida.

Project Name: FGCU Law Enforcement and Public Safety

Requesting Member: Congressman Connie Mack

Bill Number: H.R. 2847--the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agency Appropriations Act, FY 2010

Account: DOJ/OJP-Byrne Discretionary Grants

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Florida Gulf Coast University

Address of Requesting Entity: 10501 FGCU Blvd, S., Fort Myers, Florida 33965

Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding: $200,000 will be utilized for the development of tools for training and processing crime scenes for use by law enforcement and public safety officials. This work will be done at the Florida Gulf Coast University in its Law Enforcement and Public Safety Department.

Mr. Chair, I rise today to speak about the FAA Reauthorization bill. First, I want to thank Chairman Oberstar and Ranking Member Mica for their leadership and continued work on this legislation. While we need to pass a long-term FAA reauthorization bill, I am opposed to this bill in its current form.

I have significant concerns with the tax hikes, new government regulations, and massive giveaways to Big Labor included in the bill. This legislation will significantly raise the cost of air travel, through a proposed Passenger Facility Charge or ``PFC'' tax increase. The increase, from $4.50 to $7 per passenger, is a 56 percent tax hike and will result in all of our constituents paying an additional two billion dollars annually. In addition to the PFC tax hike, this legislation would also raise taxes on general aviation gasoline and jet fuel. Mr. Chair, I can't reiterate it enough: we cannot keep raising taxes on the American people!

In addition to raising taxes and fees, this bill overturns the Air Traffic Control Agreement, which will cost tax payers more than a billion dollars and forces the FAA into a more expensive union contract.

Mr. Chair, we are at a critical juncture in revamping our air traffic control system. This bill does not go far enough to expedite investment in NextGen technology. We must create an environment that modernizes and updates our air traffic control system, increases efficiencies, and ensures safety in our nation's skies. But hiking taxes on hard working Americans and more union giveaways does nothing to promote these goals. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote against this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor one of my most trusted advisors and closest friends, Jeffrey M. Cohen.

Jeff has a long history with the Mack Family, going back almost 20 years. He interned for my father, U.S. Senator Connie Mack III, and later served as his press secretary for several years. After working in a variety of public relations and management positions in the private sector and on political campaigns, Jeff agreed to serve as my campaign manager during my first run for Congress in 2004.

Since then, Jeff has been my right-hand man, effectively and efficiently managing my congressional office as well as my 2006 and 2008 campaigns. He is my sounding board, a dedicated public servant, and a strong advocate for the ideals of freedom and free markets. Jeff is passionate about what he does and his work and management style reflect this.

A professional with Jeff's talents and expertise would be an attractive candidate for any firm, and I've been fortunate to have him by my side for so many years. But Jeff has been afforded a wonderful opportunity that will allow him to grow in his career.

After 5\1/2\ years as my chief of staff, Jeff is moving on to take a position in the private sector.

Jeff has been named executive vice president of Alexandria, Virginia- based Direct Impact, a leading national grassroots, public affairs, public education and corporate reputation firm, and a subsidiary of Burson-Marsteller.

While I am happy for Jeff to begin this next phase of his professional career, make no mistake about it, he will be greatly missed. He has been a valuable member and irreplaceable part of my team, but I will continue to count on his advice and friendship in the years ahead.

Madam Speaker, I would not be where I am today were it not for Jeff's dedication, service and hard work. On behalf of the people of Florida's Fourteenth Congressional District, I want to thank Jeff for his years of service to the people of Florida and the Nation. He is my friend, he is a true public servant in every sense of the word, and I wish him all the best as he begins this new and exciting chapter of his life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today, April 21, 2009, to recognize the Holocaust Remembrance Day and to remember and honor the 6 million Jews, among them one-and-a-half million children, who perished during one of mankind's worst atrocities.

As we remember those who were persecuted and who lost their lives, it is also important to honor the countless numbers of people, who at great risk to both themselves and their families, risked everything to come to the aid of the Jews of Europe.

Today we must also pay tribute to the American soldiers, who as a result of their heroic service, liberated a continent besieged by terror and helped to extinguish the flames of the Holocaust.

The wounds of the Holocaust still remain and we must be vigilant in this day and age to confront those who deny the Holocaust or continue to foment agendas of hate and anti-Semitism.

I also want to recognize The Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida which is located in my district. The museum, and others like it around the country, exists so that this generation of Americans can learn the importance of tolerance and vigilance. The museum has begun a program where the community's students can meet and reflect with the estimated 100 Holocaust Survivors who call Southwest Florida home. In addition, thousands of students from Southwest Florida visit the museum each year in order to learn and remember the Holocaust and its lessons.

Madam Speaker, I urge all of our colleagues to recognize the importance of the Holocaust Remembrance Day. In doing so, we will continue to fulfill our vow of, ``never again.''