Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, in the 1970s our Nation was held hostage by OPEC starting an oil embargo that drove up gasoline prices and damaged the American economy. Today it's not OPEC holding us hostage but rather the Democratic majority that refuses to expand domestic energy production.

My constituents are hurting, $4.10 a gallon of gasoline for regular, smaller boxes of cereal, diesel prices are through the roof hurting those truckers and higher prices for air conditioning bills. All of these increased costs shrink the wallets of working Americans and hurt even more the seniors on fixed incomes.

When will this majority wake up and realize that 73 percent of America approves of drilling? When will the majority admit that their energy policy will do nothing at all to lower prices at the pump?

Mr. Speaker, ideas to raise the gas tax 50 cents when we are in the midst of a national gasoline crisis are a bad joke pushed on the American public. We need to support our constituents and support drilling.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3329, the Homes for Heroes Act.

With all the problems veterans face today, too often Congress forgets the simple things, such as housing.

After members of our military have honorably served this great nation and want to start a life with their family, our country should provide them with the assistance to do so.

When some of our veterans return from battle, their fight continues. Whether it is wrestling with the effects of PTSD or struggling to reintegrate into civilian life, it is Congress's responsibility to help them and that is what the Homes for Heroes Act does.

I am very proud of what this bill accomplishes, such as the assistance provided to low-income vets, the HUD-VA liaison created for state and local governments, and the additional services provided to veterans with mental and addictive disorders.

As the Ranking Member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee under Veterans Affairs, I am aware of the unique issues facing veterans, and I thank Representative Green for introducing this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3329.

Madam Speaker, for over 225 years the United States has been a beacon of hope and freedom throughout the world. Millions of people from every corner of the world have left their homelands to come to America and start a new life, one based on the rights and liberties enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

That freedom comes at a price, however. Whether it is the original fight for independence during the American Revolution, the drive to defeat communism during the cold war, or the current battle against global Islamic extremists, soldiers throughout our history have fought and given their lives to keep us safe here at home. I salute their sacrifice and dedication to their fellow man, and thank those veterans here today for your great military service.

While our Nation has often had to defend itself from enemies, both foreign and domestic, it has been our shared commitment to faith and belief in a higher power that has given us the strength to soldier on during tough and trying times. America has seen both the good and the bad throughout our Nation's history, but in the end I firmly believe that each of us will heed the call to the better angels of our nature when forced to make decisions that affect our fellow man.

Together we can continue the great success of the United States. Throughout our history, while our ancestors came from all over the globe, the great melting pot that is America meant that we have shared a common language and a common faith. Our Nation is firmly rooted in Christian principles that have made us strong and envied by the rest of the world. Whenever a crisis happens in a faraway land across the seas, it is men and women like you who pull together in the spirit of Christian charity and a desire to help your fellow man. It is our military that brings relief supplies to nations like Burma or Indonesia after their floods, and the United States Armed Forces that meets the challenge of liberating Europe from the Axis superpowers. The can-do spirit of our Nation means we never back away from a challenge, and that by working together we can accomplish anything we set our minds to.

America is the greatest nation in the world. We have a proud history of service, faith and community ties that bind us to the common belief in the goodness of mankind. By working together we can continue that history and ensure that future generations of Americans will share the ideals and values that brought us here today. Thank you and God bless the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 6251, the Democrat ``use it or lose it'' plan.

Leases and drilling permits are not awarded with any certainty that oil or gas will be found. Just because my Democrat colleagues say oil and gas is there, does not necessarily make it so. The Democrats in the majority need to stop playing geologist and start representing the American people.

Seventy-six percent of the American people believe Congress should expand domestic production. Gas prices are high because demand is greater than supply. In fact, U.S. oil production has steadily decreased since 1970.

Reports by the Bureau of Land Management and the Minerals Management Service place potential federally managed areas for oil

and gas exploration at 1.3 billion acres. Currently, only 68 million acres of Federal land are being explored for oil and gas.

This Congress should be more concerned with opening up Federal land to energy production than wasting time arguing over the 5 percent of land that is currently available.

Democrats have pushed for higher gas prices for decades. Now that they have finally succeeded, Democrats seem determined to keep them that way.

Madam Speaker, we know increasing supply will lower the price of gasoline and we have the means to do so. Drill here, drill now, pay less.

I thank the gentleman from Texas.

Florida 5 is the district that I represent, and it is not a wealthy area. I have the highest number of people on Social Security of any Member of this Congress, and obviously a huge number on Medicare.

Medicare Advantage is a very popular program. And why is it popular? It's popular because many of the programs, and by the way, there's a large variety of programs for the seniors to choose from, many of the programs will actually pay the seniors' part B cost.

When you represent a district that isn't wealthy, let me assure the Members of both sides of the aisle that this is an important medical program and it does give them choices. Nobody is forced into the Medicare Advantage plans, but they join them because it saves them money, while offering quality health care.

Yes, we all want to fix the cuts to the doctors. Yes, we want to make sure that the DME program is revised, and revised well. But we all know that it has already been said the Senate won't accept it, the President has just issued a veto threat on it, and so my question is: Why are we here?

Obviously, July 1 is right around the corner, and to take this up at the last minute when the bill was only available at 10 o'clock this morning, I think is an insult. It's an insult to the people who like the Medicare Advantage program and it certainly is an insult to every Member of this Chamber, 278 pages of a bill that we really don't know everything that is in it because it's now a little after 11:30 in the morning. So obviously nobody has had the time to adequately review the bill.

Medicare Advantage is a good program that helps so many low-income seniors. People have to ask: Why does the Democrat Party want to do away with this program? Shame, shame, shame.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6304, a bill to reauthorize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and to protect America from foreign threats.

For the past several months, I have heard from hundreds of constituents on the issue of FISA.

Each one of them expressed their alarm and disbelief that the House Majority would repeatedly refuse to call a vote on bipartisan legislation to extend FISA and address our grave vulnerability to terrorist attacks.

Today I am pleased that the Majority leadership has finally reached across the aisle to put together a compromise bill, and fulfill one of its fundamental tasks--to ensure the security of this great Nation.

This compromise is also a reminder of what I have always believed, that no one side can do it alone; both parties must work together to ensure our safety.

In such uncertain times, when it is essential that our government utilize every available tool

to protect American citizens, having the ability to collect intelligence responsibly is essential.

While there is no excuse for the delay in bringing this critical bill to the floor, we must now move forward together to pass H.R. 6304 and restore our Nation's intelligence capabilities.

I thank the gentleman.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the emergency supplemental appropriations rule and bill that is currently before the House.

I would like to thank my colleague, Mr. Mitchell from Arizona, for his very hard work on the veteran and the veterans service organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America for their tireless effort in support of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act. I am the lead Republican on that portion of the bill. And it will boost educational assistance to our veterans.

The current veterans' education assistance program covers only a portion of the ever-rising costs associated with a college degree. The education benefits for our veterans have not kept pace with today's rising college costs. Congress must act to correct this. And that is exactly what this portion of the bill does.

I also support the bill because it recognizes the tremendous contributions and sacrifices made by members of the National Guard and Reserves. The United States has relied heavily on the efforts of the National Guard in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since September 11, 2001, over 250,000 National Guard personnel have served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Currently, members of the National Guard may only receive educational benefits for the longest amount of time that they're activated. The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act included in the supplemental recognizes these deserving men and women by allowing for the accumulation of educational benefits.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the rule and the emergency supplemental bill containing the veterans' education benefit to provide for a brighter future for all those who have served our country honorably, and also because it does contain the funding necessary for our troops currently fighting the war to protect our freedom.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5982, Chairman Thompson's legislation that would take an important step toward improving airport security.

Since 9/11, Congress and the airline industry have taken strong actions to tighten security at our nation's airports.

These measures have included the creation of the TSA, the expansion of the air marshal service, and the full screening of airline passengers.

Chairman Thompson's proposal before us today would build upon these early efforts by implementing a study on the use of biometrics in identifying airport workers.

As TSA continues to look for ways to ensure that airport workers--in addition to passengers--do not pose security risks, pursuing biometrics is a timely and necessary effort.

At the same time, pursuing biometrics would also enhance efforts to conduct 100 percent screening of airport workers with access to secure parts of an airport.

Congresswoman Nita Lowey and I have long supported 100 percent screening of airport workers.

Earlier in this Congress, we were proud to introduce and pass H.R. 1413, a bill to establish a pilot program to test such worker screening at a number of airports.

Just recently, TSA launched a pilot similar to the program outlined in our bill, and I look forward to learning the results of this important test upon its completion.

Of course, no one wants more bureaucracy for bureaucracy's sake, but Congress needs to look continuously for ways to improve protection for the traveling public.

As 9/11 so painfully taught us, we must resolve our security weaknesses before terrorists exploit the remaining gaps.

I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5982.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to share the absolute disgust that my constituents have with the inability of this majority to do anything about rising gas prices.

Today, I received this letter from a constituent in Wesley Chapel. His name is Benjamin, and he's more than ready to drill for oil and natural gas here in the United States and certainly off the coast of Florida. His message is, ``It's Time to Drill Our Own Oil Now!'' And that's very clear.

But in case you don't get the message, he was also kind enough to include a drill bit in his envelope so that we might start drilling right away.

Madam Speaker, if Benjamin gets the need for increased domestic production, why doesn't this Congress?

We need to promote efforts to drill in ANWR, drill in the non- protected areas of the Outer Continental Shelf, support new refineries, and promote nuclear power.

Instead, the Democrat majority wants to raise your gas tax by as much as 50 cents gallon, as the chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee recently suggested.

Madam Speaker, we need to listen to Benjamin and to other constituents who don't want our taxes raised.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 6028.

With our economy facing serious, mounting challenges, and Americans facing unprecedented energy prices, I cannot support sending money to Mexico and Central America to take up the fight on drug trafficking.

As Mexico currently profits from the sale of oil on the world market as gas prices continue to skyrocket, I seriously question why we would send their government any aid to fight this battle. Think about it: gas is so much less expensive in Mexico that border area citizens from this country are going there to fill up.

Our own borders remain porous, illegal immigration strains our economy, and Americans are vulnerable to terrorists slipping into our country: fighting Mexico's war on drugs, and essentially securing Mexico's southern border, should not be at the top of our list of priorities right now.

While sending aid to fight criminal behavior and drug trafficking abroad is laudable in theory, given the current economic hardships Americans face, I simply cannot support this bill.

I thank the gentleman.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of H. Con. Res. 336, a commonsense resolution that expresses support for one of the greatest segments of the American population, the disabled American veteran.

Back home in Florida, I represent nearly 110,000 veterans, the second highest number of any Member of Congress. As you might guess, many of these brave men and women are disabled, either injured in battle or in the course of their service in the United States military.

Disabled veterans are cared for by military professionals at the VA. They also band together in veterans organizations like the Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, or Blinded Veterans Association.

However, there was no Federal recognition in place for Americans specifically to remember the deeds and heroism of disabled veterans.

The concurrent resolution before us today calls for the establishment of a Disabled American Veterans Week and shows all disabled veterans that Congress does not forget their bravery and actions in service to our great Nation.

You know, every weekend I returned home to Florida to meet with my constituents and hear their needs and concerns and what I can do to serve the men and women who live in the Fifth Congressional District.

I often hear words of thanks for voting in support of drilling in ANWR and in the Outer Continental Shelf, or get asked what Congress is going to do to stop the outrageous increase in the cost of gasoline that we have seen since our colleagues across the aisle took over the House and Senate.

However, the most poignant and heart-wrenching stories I hear are oftentimes from veterans. As you might expect, I attend dozens of veterans events throughout the eight counties in my district. It is, indeed, at these events that I hear stories of courageous deeds, heroic actions and lives forever changed by the ravages of war.

Disabled veterans have given so much to this Nation with their blood, sweat and tears, lying on the battlefields from Germany, to Korea, to Vietnam, to Iraq and Afghanistan.

This resolution calling for a Disabled American Veterans Week shows the thousands of men and women who served with honor and distinction that Congress will see that their memories and deeds are never forgotten.

I thank my colleague, Mr. Altmire, for introducing this resolution. I would hope that all Members of this body can support such a worthy passage for disabled veterans.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the 10th anniversary of the Brooksville Art Gallery. Conceived of by two community stalwarts, Mary Alice Queiros and Karen Phillips, 10 years ago this month, the gallery has been an artistic pillar of the community for its entire existence.

Following the completion of Brooksville City Hall in 1996, Clerk of the Court Karen Phillips and longtime champion of the arts Mary Alice Queiros looked for ways to brighten the hallways and fill much of the empty space. Starting in 1998, they reached out to the Hernando County community to find examples of outstanding art from local residents. One painting at a time, they slowly but surely covered the hallways and walls with fine examples of Florida artistry.

Once the bare walls of city hall were filled with bright and beautiful artwork, the duo worked to make the area friendly to other forms of art, including poetry readings and sculpture. Today, Brooksville City Hall hosts an annual fall art show to showcase the work of area artisans. I also sponsor the annual congressional art competition, a contest for Fifth District high school artists to display their finest artwork and compete to have their piece hung in the United States Capitol. With hundreds of students exhibiting in city hall, Hernando County residents have truly been exposed to some of the finest artwork in our State.

In addition to their love of art, both Mary Alice and Karen have been involved in the Brooksville community for many years. Karen Phillips has given back through her long service as Brooksville City Clerk, and Mary Alice has been honored as the 2005 Great Brooksvillian for her work on behalf of the greater community. Both these women have done so much to promote art in Hernando County, and deserve to be recognized for their dedication and commitment. I would like to congratulate them both on making the Brooksville City Hall Art Galley a haven for artists and a beautiful addition to our city government building.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a soldier who fought bravely in one of the deadliest and decisive battles of the bulge. John B. Cheek, a resident of my district for the past twenty-six years and who lives in Homosassa, Florida, was born on August 7, 1923 in Olitic, Indiana. Following the entry of the United States in World War II, Mr. Cheek joined the military, where he served from 1943 to 1946 in the United States Army.

Mr. Cheek served as a technician 5th grade in the Battery B 556th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion. It was in this position that he fought the axis powers as a lateral tracker on 40 caliber and 50 caliber machine guns in Rhineland and Central Europe. During his three-year tour of duty, Mr. Cheek earned several medals for his service, including the good conduct medal, the American Campaign Medal, the European African Eastern Campaign Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, the Honorable Service Lapel Pin, and the Honorable Discharge Button.

A current resident of Homosassa, in Citrus County, Florida, Mr. Cheek has been married to Helen F. Goodwin for sixty-two years. He and his wife have three loving daughters, Carol, Sandra and Sue, one son, Ron, eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Mr. Cheek has been a long-time member of the Disabled American Veterans and a proud member of the masons for many years, to this day remaining active in his community.

Madam speaker, members of the greatest generation and brave veterans like Mr. Cheek pass on from this life each and every day. Having fought the enemy in Belgium, France & Germany, it wasn't until recently that Mr. Cheek would discuss the war with his family and tell them how proud he was to have been a part of it. Like every soldier who has worn the uniform, Mr. Cheek feels honored to be an American that helped fight for all of our freedoms and defeat the Germans in World War II. Now is the time for Congress to honor his memory and recognize his accomplishments on the field of battle.

Madam Speaker. I rise to congratulate the Pasco County Library System for being awarded the 2008 Library of the Year by the Florida Library Association. I would also like to recognize the Pasco County Library Cooperative for being one of a select number of library systems across the country to receive the We the People ``Created Equal'' Bookshelf from the National Endowment of the Humanities.

As a former college teacher, I know that there is no greater gift you can give than the ability to read and learn. It is exciting to see that libraries in Pasco County will receive this selection of ``Created Equals'' themed classic books and that the Pasco County System has been named the best library in Florida. Recognition by your industry group is quite an accomplishment and something that every employee in the system should be proud to have earned this year.

With the grant of books from the National Endowment of the Humanities, Pasco County children and adults of all ages can now have their eyes opened to the limitless ideas and dreams that can be found through reading and lifelong learning. Studies have consistently shown that children exposed to reading at an early age will perform better in school and throughout life.

Madam Speaker. It is truly an honor to have such outstanding libraries and library administrators in my district. The Pasco County Library System and the Pasco County Library Cooperative are to be commended for their commitment to learning and reading, and congratulated for the honors they have received.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Joseph K. Walters, a constituent from Brooksville, Florida, who served with honor and distinction during World War II. It was during an aerial battle over Belgium in 1943 that Mr. Walters' plane was shot down, and he was forced to parachute into enemy territory. As a result of the landing and damage from the plane, Mr. Walters was wounded in battle, suffering a broken arm and earning him his Purple Heart.

On the morning of August 17, 1943, SSG Joe Walters, a ball turret gunner on a B-17 bomber in the European campaign of World War II, had already flown 14 missions into enemy territory. This morning's mission was to bomb German ball bearing plants. Once the squadron took flight, they came under fierce attack from enemy gunners. Thankfully they were able to drop their bombs on the targets, but on the return flight to England came under attack and all 10 men in his airplane were forced to bail out.

Landing in a fruit orchard in Boris, Belgium, Mr. Walters was helped by local farmer Lambert Tilkin and his son, men who were part of the underground resistance and who were able to get Mr. Walters to safety. It was during this parachute landing that Mr. Walters suffered his broken arm. Thankfully his arm healed during the 109-day journey back to England, a journey that had him walking through France, over the Pyrenees and through Spain.

In addition to his Purple Heart, Mr. Walters has received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, the World War II Victory Medal, The American Campaign Medal, The European- African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, The Army Good Conduct Medal and the Honorable Lapel Button.

Madam Speaker, soldiers like Joseph J. Walters should be recognized for their service to our Nation and for their commitment and sacrifices in battle. I am honored to present

Mr. Walters with his long overdue Purple Heart. He should know that we truly consider him one of America's heroes.