Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize that on May 1, 2013, UCP of Central Florida celebrated the grand opening of their new West Orange campus location in Winter Garden, Florida. UCP of Central Florida is a tuition free public charter school that seeks to serve our young people with disabilities. The communities and families of Central Florida are blessed to have an organization such as UCP of Central Florida that is dedicated to helping improve the lives of thousands of children.

The mission and vision of UCP of Central Florida to open their doors to children, with or without special needs, is to be commended and celebrated. UCP of Central Florida offers the necessary development tools, including counseling, educational services and specialized therapy programs, to help build a foundation of success for children and families. This organization has achieved remarkable results. I am grateful to all those involved with making this organization such a successful part of our community.

On behalf of the citizens of Central Florida, I am pleased to congratulate and recognize UCP of Central Florida on the grand opening of their new West Orange campus. I wish them many more successful years of providing quality care to the Central Florida community.

Mr. Speaker, as May is Vision Loss Awareness Month, it is my pleasure to recognize and support the AbilityOne Program. The AbilityOne Program, established by the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act, is the nation's largest initiative that provides career opportunities to more than 50,000 people who are blind or have other significant disabilities. Seven out of 10 working age Americans who are blind or visually impaired are not employed. Through this program, people with disabilities have the opportunity to gain greater independence and quality of life, and enjoy and benefit from participation in their communities.

There are over 600 community-based nonprofit agencies nationwide that participate in the AbilityOne Program. Lighthouse Central Florida, located in Orlando, Florida, is one of the agencies across the country associated with the AbilityOne program to provide individuals who are blind or visually impaired with rehabilitative services, job training and employment opportunities. In August 2012, I was fortunate to visit and tour the Lighthouse Central Florida facility, its recent expansion Lighthouse Works!, and their new call center. On behalf of the citizens of Central Florida, I commend the efforts of Lighthouse Central Florida and the investments they are making in the lives of individuals with vision loss to provide them with job training, work experience and other tools necessary to lead independent, successful lives.

In addition, the AbilityOne Program network manufactures a wide array of products and services such as the National Industries for the Blind's (NIB) SKILCRAFT' brand, which encompasses over 3,000 items including janitorial equipment, office supplies, medical supplies, tools, and uniforms. I am pleased to support the AbilityOne Program and NIB's initiatives by purchasing SKILCRAFT' products for use in my District office.

Federal and state governments save more than $33 million a year through the excellent work being done through the AbilityOne Program. Over the past 75 years, AbilityOne has enriched the lives of individuals who are blind or have other significant disabilities, and over the past 37 years, Lighthouse Central Florida has educated, trained, and helped 100,000 blind and vision impaired individuals. I applaud the efforts of those involved, and I wish them many more years of quality service to our nation.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 135, I was unavoidably detained off of the House floor. Therefore, I was unable to cast my vote on Amendment No. 1 to H.R. 1406, requiring the GAO to report to Congress on the use of and complaints related to compensatory time allowed under the FLSA. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

I was also unable to cast my vote on the Motion to Recommit with Instructions for H.R. 1406, the Working Families Flexibility Act of 2013, rollcall No. 136. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

I was also unable to cast my vote on H.R. 1406, the Working Families Flexibility Act of 2013, rollcall No. 137. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

I was also unable to cast my vote On Ordering the Previous Question, rollcall no 138. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

I was also unable to cast my vote On Agreeing to the Resolution, H. Res. 202, rollcall No. 139. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the charter class of medical students at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine. The commencement ceremony and graduation of the charter class will take place on May 17, 2013, and will be an historic and celebratory moment for the UCF College of Medicine.

The planning and development of the University of Central Florida College of Medicine was brought about as one way to address the shortage of physicians in the state of Florida. In 2005, the proposal for a College of Medicine was unanimously supported by the UCF Faculty Senate, and on May 30, 2006, the UCF College of Medicine was approved and established by Governor Jeb Bush. After receiving preliminary accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), in February 2008, the College of Medicine began recruiting students for the fall 2009 term. Less than four years ago, these same students donned their white coats to symbolize the beginning of their medical training. Now, after thousands of hours of rigorous study and practice, they will embark on the next phase of this journey--residency--before hopefully returning to the state of Florida to serve their local communities.

The UCF Health Sciences Campus for the College of Medicine is located at Lake Nona's

Medical City in southeast Orlando. As a new medical school, the college plays a vital part in the foundation and the growth of the Medical City at Lake Nona and is strongly supported by the entire Central Florida community. UCF College of Medicine has a vision to become the nation's premier 21st century college of medicine and a national leader in medical education and research. UCF's College of Medicine empowers its students to discover their healthcare specialty of choice for their upcoming residencies and, in doing so, further prepares them to enter the healthcare profession.

I trust that the charter class of 2013 commencement will be an exciting day for the UCF community to celebrate their many exceptional accomplishments. On behalf of the citizens of Central Florida, it is my pleasure to congratulate President of UCF Dr. John Hitt, Dean of UCF College of Medicine Dr. Deborah German, the charter medical school graduates, and the facility and staff of the University of Central Florida College of Medicine on this outstanding accomplishment. I wish them all great success in their future pursuits.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to take this opportunity to recognize a close friend of mine whose philanthropic contributions have greatly impacted the Central Florida community. Rob Mellen served as the President and CEO of Dr. Phillips Charities for the past five years. Prior to his role at Dr. Phillips Charities, Mr. Mellen was a leading and well-recognized corporate, banking and real estate attorney and the managing shareholder at Akerman Senterfitt, one of Florida's largest law firms.

Over the last five years as CEO and President, Mr. Mellen has inspired Dr. Phillips Charities to work towards new endeavors while facing the economic turmoil that has affected our nation. During his tenure, the construction of Orlando's Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts began. He continues to play an important role in the planning and construction of Orlando's long awaited world class performing arts center scheduled to open in 2014. With the completion of Dr. Phillips Charities' new headquarters, Mr. Mellen also secured a place where Dr. Phillips Charities can enhance relationships with other major philanthropic organizations and the partnerships with those that they serve. His efforts to improve Dr. Phillips Charities' real estate portfolio and other investments have enabled Dr. Phillips Charities continuous substantial giving. Many charitable non-profit organizations in the Central Florida community have been the beneficiaries of their giving, and numerous lives have been provided with much-needed support.

Dr. Philips Charities' donations extend into all parts of the Central Florida community, including educational programs, youth programs, health and rehabilitative programs, and much more. They have given other local nonprofit organizations and charities the resources to fund their efforts through donations that have amassed $150 million in grants, pledges, and program-related investments over the last 10 years. Dr. Phillips Charities has made a lasting effect on the Central Florida community that has directly touched the lives of thousands of children and families.

Dr. Phillips Charities has been fortunate to have such a dedicated and experienced leader at the helm of their operations. I want to applaud Rob Mellen on his continued service to the philanthropic needs of the Central Florida community. His commitment to excellence, leadership and service is to be admired, and may it inspire others to follow in his footsteps.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Ms. Camille Glazer of Orlando, Florida, upon her accomplishment of being named to the first ever National Youth Orchestra of the United States, NYO-USA. As a student at William R. Boone High School and member of the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra, Camille is most deserving of this distinguished accomplishment.

The National Youth Orchestra will reflect the breadth, diversity, and quality of musically gifted young people throughout our nation. Those selected to represent the National Youth Orchestra are among a group of 120 of the finest young musicians in this country aged 16-19. Camille was chosen based on her musical, technical and personal qualities. Beginning in July, Camille will have the opportunity to rehearse with the orchestra for two weeks in New York before embarking on an international tour that includes Washington, DC; Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia, and London, England.

On behalf of the citizens of Central Florida, I am honored to congratulate Camille Glazer on her selection to the National Youth Orchestra hosted by Carnegie Hall, and I wish her great success as she represents our country around the world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support for the March for Marriage. Next week, individuals from across the country will travel to Washington, D.C., in order to participate in the March for Marriage and to highlight the fact that the institution of marriage is worth protecting through the Defense of Marriage Act.

Marriage is the sacred union between a man and a woman. On September 23, 1972, I was blessed to marry the former Sandra Jordan of Orlando, and this year we will celebrate 41 years of marriage.

Marriage is a vital part of the foundation upon which a strong and prosperous society must be built. It is the institution through which new life is formed, and it provides children with mothers and fathers. Marriage plays an important role in children's development and success.

Marriage and strong families are indispensable contributors to the prosperity of our nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to congratulate Mr. Patrick Logan on earning the Walt Disney Legacy Award. The Walt Disney Legacy Award is the most prestigious award given to Cast, Crew and Imagineers who exemplify all three of the Walt Disney Company values of Dream, Create and Inspire.

The Walt Disney Legacy Award is a global program that is generally limited to less than the top 1 percent of eligible Cast Members. To ensure that only the most deserving are awarded this prominent honor, Cast Members only become eligible for this program by a process of peer nomination and vetting through multiple nomination review committees.

To receive this award, Mr. Logan has demonstrated the character qualities of dreaming, creating and inspiring through his actions in support of the Walt Disney Company's business objectives and goals. His unselfish commitment of his time and active focus on improving the Disney experience for millions of guests is to be commended. Mr. Logan constantly goes above and beyond to make certain each guest, many of whom are children, receive an experience from the Walt Disney Company that is a magical celebration and memory.

His accomplishments do not end with the Walt Disney Legacy Award. He has also been the lead point of contact in Walt Disney Company events and community service outreach in the State of Florida and various states around the country.

On behalf of the citizens of Central Florida, I am pleased to recognize and applaud Mr. Patrick Logan for his hard work, dedication and leadership. He is most deserving of the Walt Disney Legacy Award. May his character and passion inspire others to follow in his footsteps.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the Garden Theatre of Winter Garden, Florida, on the celebration of their five year anniversary. The Garden Theatre works to provide cultural performing arts such as concerts, movies and live plays to the City of Winter Garden and the Central Florida region.

The Garden Theatre was originally constructed in 1935 in Mediterranean Revival style as a single-screen cinema where the community gathered to watch the most current newsreels and films. Through the years the theatre underwent various renovations until 1963, when it closed. In February 2008, because of the tireless effort put forth by the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, the restored Garden Theatre reopened to the public.

While proudly representing historic downtown Winter Garden, the Garden Theatre affords economic development to the Central Florida region by presenting four to seven events each week and annually hosting over 200 events. A study from the Arts and Economic Prosperity Report estimated an annual economic impact from the theatre's operations and events to be more than $1 million annually. During the past five years, the Garden Theatre has been active in Central Florida, enriching and entertaining the community through creative experiences while encouraging economic growth and providing nostalgic charm.

On behalf of the citizens of Central Florida, I am pleased to congratulate and recognize the Garden Theatre as an outstanding local business, and I wish them many more successful years of providing quality performing arts to the Central Florida community.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Police Chief Rolando Banasco of Mascotte, Florida for being one of six recipients to receive the 2013 Graduate Recognition for Excellence, Achievement and Talent (GREAT) Award. This annual award is presented to successful and hardworking college graduates who have each overcome many obstacles while achieving their educational goals.

Chief Banasco has been a dedicated servant to our community throughout his 20 year law enforcement career. After receiving his Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from Keiser University, he was able to advance his career and was promoted to Chief of Police for the City of Mascotte, Florida, in December of 2011. He is the first Hispanic- Latino to serve as Police Chief in Lake County Florida. Due to the flexible nature of education provided by Keiser University, he intends to continue his education by pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration.

On behalf of the citizens of Central Florida, I congratulate and applaud Police Chief Banasco for his diligence, commitment and leadership to his community and for his educational achievements. He is highly deserving of the 2013 GREAT Award. I wish him much success as he continues his studies, and may his investment in hard work and perseverance inspire others to follow in his footsteps.

Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to commend the heroic actions of a young member of our Central Florida community. In recognition of his swift and decisive action in a moment of life or death, Brian Boatright has been awarded the Boy Scout's Honor Medal.

On the fifth day of a tough hike up Big Red, a rugged New Mexico mountain, one of Brian's troop leaders suffered an apparent heart attack and collapsed. Stranded without cell phone reception 11,000 feet up the mountain, Brian and his fellow scouts acted on the skills and knowledge learned during scouting.

While others in the group searched for cell reception and applied CPR, Brian led several of his fellow Scouts as they navigated four miles to the nearest staffed camp. From the camp, a helicopter was called to the site and the leader was evacuated to a hospital where he underwent successful heart bypass surgery. For his actions on Big Red that day, Brian was awarded the Boy Scout's Honor Medal, one of the highest honors awarded by the Boy Scouts.

The Honor Medal is bestowed on scouts who demonstrate unusual heroism and skill or resourcefulness in saving or attempting to save life at considerable risk to self. In the 90-year history of the Boy Scouts, only 2,302 other scouts have been awarded the Honor Medal. Brian is a sophomore at Bishop Moore High School and a member of Troop 6 in Orlando.

I commend Brian for his quick thinking and decisive actions under great pressure. His deeds are a credit to the Boy Scouts and he is well deserving of this recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to take this opportunity to recognize a close friend of mine and a highly accomplished leader in the electrical contracting field. Mr. Danniel J. Petro is a co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bright Future Electric, LLC, and he is a devoted servant to the Central Florida community.

Dan began his electrician career as an Apprentice Electrician for Indiana University in the early 1960's. In 1965, after completing his training and passing his journeyman qualifications test, Dan became supervisor of his father's company, Petro Electric.

Relocating to Florida in 1970, Dan began working for Orange County Schools as an Area Lead Electrician until 1973 when he acquired his Florida Master Electrician License and joined the Local 606 while working with Fishbach & Moore. Continuing his education, Dan earned his Florida Teaching Certificate in 1975 and started an electrician program for Westside Vo-Tech. After several years of teaching others, Dan took his talent and founded Amber Electric in 1979.

Amber Electric became known for its quality and reliable service, and under his leadership, grew into a multi-million dollar company which was sold in 1998 to Integrated Electrical Services, IES, based out of Houston, Texas. In the Amber Electric and IES merger, Dan joined IES as one of their Founding Partners and as the Regional Operating Officer for the State of Florida.

After 17 years of partnership, Dan resigned from his post as President of Eastern Operations for IES in 2005. In 2006, Dan, Roger Scroggins and Allen McMain founded Bright Future Electric, LLC, with offices located in Florida and Alabama.

Throughout his long career, Dan has established an impressive and storied history of involvement in the Central Florida community. He has served many boards and committees, including the Florida State Department of Education Advisory Committee and the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, where he formally served as Chairman and currently serves as a trustee. Due to his leadership in the community, he has also received many awards and recognitions for his efforts including the Florida Association of Electrical Contractors, FAEC, Lifetime Achievement Award and on several occasions the FAEC Man of the Year Award.

Dan has been a constant source of support for our community. He has promoted an array of community associations including, the Florida Department of Community Affairs, West Orange Boys and Girls Club, Friends of Lake Apopka, Oakland Nature Preserve, Health Alliance Family Care Center, the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, and Winter Garden Rotary Club. His generous spirit is an example of the life-changing impact a dedicated leader can have on individual lives and a community.

On February 7, 2013, the West Orange Chamber of Commerce will be honoring Mr. Petro with the first inaugural Danniel J. Petro--``The Bright Future of West Orange'' Award at the Annual Big Orange Awards Reception in West Orange County. Through his investment in the community, he has created opportunities and served others in our community in a way that keeps our futures bright. There is no doubt that this prestigious award deserves to bear Dan's name.

On behalf of the citizens of Central Florida, I am honored to recognize Dan for the devotion with which he serves our community. His commitment to excellence, leadership and service is to be admired, and his example inspires others to follow in his footsteps.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 27, I was unavoidably detained off of the House floor. Therefore, I was unable to cast my vote on H. Res. 39 providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 325). Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, today we remember the children who have died as a direct result of the Supreme Court's decision in Roe v. Wade, and Doe v. Bolton, which were decided 40 years ago today.

In the 40 years since that terrible day, my wife, Sandy, and I have been blessed with six children. It has been our privilege to raise them and watch them grow and mature, and three of our children are now married and have begun to have children of their own. Sandy and I now have eight beautiful grandchildren, and each of them have unique talents and personalities. I look forward to welcoming more grandchildren and great grandchildren into our family in the future.

In the 40 years since that terrible day, an estimated 55 million innocent children have died as a result of abortions performed in the United States. In 2011 alone, Planned Parenthood reported performing 333,000 abortions. The death of 333,000 children in that one year represents more lives lost than if the entire population of Orlando, Florida, was suddenly extinguished. Over the past 40 years, abortion has claimed nearly three times the total population of the State of Florida, or the same number of people who lived in the Northeast United States as of July 1, 2012.

Life is a gift, and each and every day, I am grateful for the gift of my children, and my grandchildren. Today, I mourn the loss of the 55 million children who never had the opportunity to live and grow and to one day have children of their own. I mourn for their families, who never had the joy of knowing them. I mourn for our nation, which will never benefit from the lives and the love of these children, who would have been our sisters and brothers, sons and daughters, our friends, and our neighbors.

We must never cease to fight for life, nor cease to be grateful for our own.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate Jeff Douglass, winner of the Governor's Innovators Under 40 Award. Mr. Douglass is the founder and CEO of Cybis Communications, a creative technology and communications company based in Orlando, Florida.

Mr. Douglass, a graduate of the University of Central Florida, founded Cybis Communications in 1995. Recruiting new clients solely by word of mouth, Mr. Douglass has emphasized a personal approach to each project and today serves as not only the CEO but also as Cybis Communication's Executive Producer, focusing on creative and live event productions. By 2006, Cybis was producing events for such prestigious customers as the White House and the Office of the President.

The Governor's Innovators Under 40 Award is one of Governor Rick Scott's 2012 Innovators in Business Awards, which are designed to recognize outstanding contributions toward growing and diversifying Florida's economy. The Innovators Under 40 Award is presented to Florida residents under the age of 40 who own or lead a Florida company with annual revenue of $1 million or more, and who have created at least 10 jobs since January 2011.

Through Mr. Douglass's direction, Cybis has expanded and recently relocated to a design and production studio in downtown Orlando. Mr. Douglass is to be congratulated for the hard work and dedication he has demonstrated and for the contributions to Florida's economy that this award signifies. He is deserving of this recognition. May his work inspire others to follow in his footsteps.