Floor Statements

I thank the gentleman from South Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 181, a resolution to honor the efforts of those volunteers that support military families when a servicemember is deployed.

It is a superhuman task to fight for your country and take care of your family from thousands of miles away. Thanks to the efforts of volunteers and not-for-profit organizations across the country, deployments are made somewhat easier. Volunteers give their time, energy, and, most importantly, their prayers.

Some offer their time at after school programs, others may help around the house. However, no matter what they give, the difference they make in the lives of our military families is immeasurable.

Many nonprofit groups go beyond and provide backpacks, clothes and emergency funds to help military families. Beyond helping families in time of emergency, these organizations help with the problems associated with everyday life.

In particular, I'd like to recognize Hernando Home Front for their work with the families of the National Guard members who were activated from Brooksville, Florida. Whether they were builders, who helped in case the spouse had a problem, either a leaking roof or perhaps a plumbing problem that needed fixing, or just plain simple carpentry, this group was there. The home builders, various people throughout the community pitched in to help the family members of those National Guard units that were called up.

Mr. Speaker, our men and women in uniform give everything for their country, and it gives me great pleasure to recognize those who care enough to give back to them.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an American soldier who gave his life in service to our Nation.

Army Private First Class Cody C. Grater of Spring Hill, Florida was killed in action when he was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade near Baghdad, Iraq. Pfc. Grater is survived by his mother, Anita Lewis, stepfather Larry Decker of Spring Hill and sister Cheyanne Decker.

While standing guard duty on the rooftop of an outpost in Baghdad, Cody's position was

hit by a rocket propelled grenade. He was killed, and another soldier stationed nearby was injured in the blast. During his time in the military, Cody had been awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Combat Action Badge.

Growing up in Hernando County, Cody had attended Springstead High School, where he had many friends and enjoyed working with cars and all things mechanical. An avid military buff as a child, Cody read military themed books and played with toys that dealt with the military. Prior to his enlistment in the Army, Cody was an active part of the Spring Hill Community, working with local elected officials to gain support for the construction of a skateboard park for area youth.

Joining the Army in April, 2006, Cody was assigned to the 407th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team. He then completed Motor Transport Operator Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and was re-assigned as a vehicle driver with the 82nd Airborne Division.

Halfway through his fourteen month tour in Iraq, Cody had planned to re-enlist so that he could work with Blackhawk helicopters. His stepfather said that Cody loved the military and that ``It was his goal to make the Army his career, which he loved. He was proud of serving his country.'' A firm believer in the mission he was fighting in Iraq, Cody was disappointed that people back home in the United States did not see the positive results of the military's efforts there.

Madam Speaker, it is soldiers like Pfc. Cody Grater who have volunteered to protect the freedoms that all Americans hold dear. While brave men and women like Cody have perished in the name of freedom and liberty, his family, friends and loved ones should know that this Congress will never forget his sacrifice and commitment.

Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, July 31, 2007, I was unable to make a series of votes. If I had been present I would have voted: ``Aye,'' on rollcall vote No. 763, S. 1, the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act; ``Aye,'' on rollcall vote No. 764, H.R. 180, the Darfur

Accountability and Divestment Act; ``Aye,'' on rollcall vote No. 765, H.R. 2346, the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act; ``Aye,'' on rollcall vote No. 776, On a Motion that the Committee Rise.

Mr. Chairman, I rise to speak on H.R. 3161, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008, and discuss the great need for cattle research in this bill.

The Southeast, particularly the gulf coast, is home to almost 40 percent of the Nation's beef cow herd.

Cattle production in this region has unique problems that come from heat, humidity, disease, and the environment.

The USDA is currently conducting research on major issues affecting beef cattle at the Subtropical Agricultural Research Station in Florida.

However, to keep our cattle supply abundant and healthy, there is a growing need to increase the scope of the research and find creative solutions to the unique subtropical environment stressors that are affecting herd production.

I recognize that there are many important programs like this one throughout the Nation, but I urge the Appropriations Committee to work with me to ensure adequate funding for this vital program in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the 43,000 senior citizens living in my congressional district who will lose their Medicare benefits if the bill before us today becomes law.

Everyone in this Chamber wants to extend SCHIP because it has helped many children, but not at the expense of their grandparents. Let me repeat: 43,000 of my constituents, 693,000 Floridians, and 8.3 million seniors nationwide will be pushed off of Medicare plans in favor of other priorities.

Today we are seeing the biggest raid on the Medicare trust fund seniors have ever seen, with no regard to those who rely on Medicare Advantage for their only access in many rural areas to health care benefits.

Some of the specific cuts that are in this bill are a 43 percent cut to patients who rent lifesaving oxygen equipment, a $7.2 billion cut for home health services, a $6.5 billion cut for skilled nursing facilities.

Mr. Speaker, cutting the only health care program many of my constituents use would be unconscionable.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 120th anniversary of the founding of the First Baptist Church of Bushnell, Florida. At 9 a.m. on Sunday, July 29, the Church will officially celebrate their anniversary with a ringing of the church bells. Founded only thirty-four years after Sumter County, where Bushnell is located, the Church has stood the test of time.

The mission of the First Baptist Church is one of love, compassion, sharing and personal growth. The Church believes in ``Sharing the good news of life through faith in Christ, developing Christians into mature followers of Christ, celebrating God's presence with joyful worship, building a family of friends through acceptance, support and encouragement and ministering with love to the needs of people.''

Following the ringing of the church bells, the congregation will celebrate a morning worship service that will include music and a message from the Rev. Charles Roesel, retired senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Leesburg. Afterward, a 1950s diner-style lunch will be served. This will be a wonderful time for the entire community to come together in celebration of a historic church that has played an important role in the Bushnell community for more than a century.

Throughout the 120 year history of the Church, one of the focuses of the members has been on outreach to those less fortunate, including those in foreign countries. In the past twenty years, Church members have traveled to Jamaica, Kenya, Peru, Africa and Central America. These trips are in addition to the many missions within the United States to help those who have been the victims of natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina. Charity and compassion of a Church's membership like First Baptist are some of the best ways to measure its faith in the word of God.

Madam Speaker, for many areas of the United States the local church is the center of the town and the heart of the surrounding community. The First Baptist Church has played a vital role in the growth of Bushnell and has given its citizens a place to call home for the last 120 years. Their parishioners have been strengthened by the teachings of the many pastors who have served as well as by their faith in the Lord. I congratulate the Church on their 120th anniversary and wish them the best of luck for the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize MSgt. John D. Seaman, Jr., from St. Petersburg, Florida. The son of Shirley and John Seaman of Inverness, Florida, Sergeant Seaman was born in Greenwich, Connecticut on July 23, 1959, and moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, in July 1964. He attended schools in St. Petersburg, as well as Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina, while his father was stationed in the United States Coast Guard.

A 1977 graduate of Northeast High School in St. Petersburg, Sergeant Seaman worked and attended junior college for several years before enlisting in the Air Force in 1982. In 1984, Sergeant Seaman transferred to the Florida Air National Guard and joined the 290th Combat Communications Squadron, where he was assigned as a Satellite Communications Technician. Since then he has held numerous communications positions and been promoted throughout the ranks of the Florida Guard.

Throughout his military career, Sergeant Seaman has played an important role in many of the conflicts in which the United States military has taken part. He was in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during Operation Desert Storm, redesigned the communications architecture required for the invasion of Afghanistan, and was deployed to the Philippines for the start of Operation Enduring Freedom. Today Sergeant Seaman serves as the Transmissions Branch Superintendent assigned to the 290th Joint Communications Support Squadron, MacDill AFB, Florida.

A devoted family man, Sergeant Seaman is married to the former Kathleen R. Felton of Clifton, New Jersey, and they have two sons, John David and Michael Robert. A volunteer in his community, Sergeant Seaman is also an assistant coach for AA minor league baseball for North East Little League.

Madam Speaker, it is soldiers like MSgt. John Seaman, Jr., who volunteer to protect the freedoms that all Americans hold dear to their hearts. While brave men and women like John serve in the name of freedom and liberty, his family, friends and loved ones should know that this Congress will never forget his sacrifice and commitment.

I thank the gentleman.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on the conference report, H.R. 1. I did not sign the conference report, but I will vote for the bill today.

The bill promises security and offers the hope of closing remaining loopholes in our laws by enacting the remaining 9/11 Commission recommendations. But while on one hand it increases security, on the other it undermines it through a dangerous expansion of the Visa Waiver Program.

Whenever we allow a country to participate in the Visa Waiver Program, we take a risk of admitting foreign citizens without any State Department screening. I realize that the United States should be working toward close relationships with our allies in the war on terror, but it doesn't follow that we should turn a blind eye to those security risks involved with free access to those countries' citizens.

Richard Reid, the shoe bomber, and Zacharias Moussaoui, the 9/11 conspirator, both used this program to slip into our country without close scrutiny. And this bill continues that very troubling program.

Currently, countries must undergo strict evaluation before being admitted into the program. The U.S. does not admit countries whose citizens have a

high percentage of overstaying their visas. However, this bill gives the Secretary of Homeland Security the choice to ignore a country's visa overstay.

The president of 9/11 Families for a Secure America, Peter Gadiel, has said that 9/11 families have grave concerns about Congress expanding the Visa Waiver Program. As part of the Homeland Security Appropriations Act this year, I voted with 76 of my colleagues to eliminate that program altogether.

Reluctantly, I will vote for the conference report today, and I urge my colleagues to pressure the Speaker to adopt a separate bill on the Visa Waiver Program so Americans can be better protected.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the Biggert-Brown-Waite amendment to H.R. 3093, the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill.

Our amendment is vital in the FBI's efforts to crack down on the rampant mortgage fraud in our Nation.

FBI research showed over 3,000 reported incidents of mortgage fraud in 2000, but more than 37,000 in 2006.

This shocking, 10-fold increase shows that predators are hitting more and more homeowners in all walks of life--from first-time homebuyers to seniors.

My great State of Florida reported the highest incidents of mortgage fraud in 2006, followed closely by California, Michigan, and Georgia.

The FBI's fraud caseload is growing dramatically, but the funds in this bill do not go far enough to keep pace.

Our amendment transfers $6.25 million from the Department of Justice's General Administration account to the Offices of the United States Attorney and the FBI.

These funds will help provide additional staffing and resources so the FBI can get an adequate handle on these growing cases and bring relief to Americans who, in trying to achieve their dream of owning a home, have instead experienced their greatest nightmare.

I urge my colleagues to support the Biggert-Brown- Waite amendment.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dade City, Florida Police Chief Phillip Thompson on the occasion of his upcoming retirement. With more than 20 years of experience on the Dade City police force, his contributions to the community will be sorely missed.

As the top law enforcement officer for one of the largest cities in my district, I have seen firsthand the positive effect his leadership has had in combating crime in Dade City. In the period from 2005 to 2006, the Dade City community saw a reduction in reported crimes of 6\1/2\ percent. Police Chief Thompson's leadership and the dedication of his staff of 24 played a vital role in that reduction, as well as stepped-up enforcement patrols in troubled residential areas.

Chief Thompson, who at 55 years old has enough service years to begin his retirement, has worked for the Dade City Police Department for 20 years. Prior to his career with the Dade City force, Chief Thompson first joined the Brooksville Police Department when he was only 19. He then spent 11 years with the Pasco Sheriff's office and 1 year as a Hillsborough County deputy. On April 23, 1987, he became the Dade City police chief.

In recognition of his 20 years of service, the Florida Police Chiefs Association will present Chief Thompson with an award at an upcoming commission meeting.

While Chief Thompson's Parkinson's disease played a role in his retirement, he currently feels fine and has plans to pursue an active lifestyle in his retirement years. As a part-time teacher of criminal justice at Saint Leo University and Pasco-Hernando Community College, I am sure that Chief Thompson will have plenty of work to keep him active and involved in the law enforcement community.

Madam Speaker, Chief Thompson has spent his entire career working towards the safety of Pasco and Hernando County residents. While he is retiring from service, his contributions to Dade City as Police Chief for the past 20 years will never be forgotten. I would hope that all area residents recognize his decades of public service and thank him for all that he has done for Dade City.

Offered By: Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite of Florida

Amendment No. 3: At the end of the bill (before the short

title), insert the following:

Sec. 410. None of the funds made available in this Act for

the Department of Housing and Urban Development may be used

to print, or acquire the printing of, any document in any

language other than English.

Offered By: Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite of Florida

Amendment No. 4: Page 120, after line 5, insert the

following new section:

Sec. 225. (a) Annual Study.--Before the commencement of

each fiscal year, the Secretary of Housing and Urban

Development shall conduct a study of the single family

housing mortgage insurance programs under title II of the

National Housing Act to determine the following:

(1) Appropriate reserves.--The amounts, and a method of

determining such amounts, that are appropriate to be held in

reserve for such programs to ensure that such programs--

(A) are operated in a safe and sound manner; and

(B) comply with the operational goals and the requirements

under such title for such programs.

(2) Appropriate insurance premiums.--The appropriate

premium amounts to charge for such mortgage insurance, that

comply with the requirements of such title and are sufficient

to provide for--

(A) maintaining an appropriate reserve amount for such

programs, as determined by the Secretary pursuant to

paragraph (1); and

(B) operation of such programs in compliance with

subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1).

(b) Report and Adjustments.--

(1) Report.--Before the commencement of each fiscal year,

the Secretary shall submit to the Congress a report setting

forth the findings and conclusions of the study under

subsection (a) for such fiscal year, including specific

determinations for appropriate reserve and premium amounts

pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively, of

subsection (a). The report shall also set forth any

adjustments made, or to be made, under paragraph (2) of this

subsection pursuant to such determinations.

(2) Adjustments.--If, for a fiscal year, the Secretary

determines that the single family housing mortgage insurance

programs under title II of the National Housing Act are

operating in a manner that will result in a negative credit

subsidy for such programs for such fiscal year in an amount

that, in the aggregate, exceeds the amount necessary to

provide for appropriate reserves and appropriate mortgage

insurance premiums as determined under the study pursuant to

subsection (a) for such fiscal year and set forth in the

report pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection, the

Secretary shall take the following actions:

(A) Reserves.--Make such adjustments as necessary to the

amounts held in reserve for such programs, and to the method

of determining such amounts, such that the reserve amounts

held for such programs will be consistent with the

determination made pursuant to subsection (a)(1).

(B) Premiums.--Restructure the premiums for single family

housing mortgage insurance under such programs in a manner

such that--

(i) the aggregate receipts from such premiums are reduced;

and

(ii) the resulting applicable premium charges are

consistent with the appropriate premium amounts determined

pursuant to subsection (a)(2).

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Kevin Mills, a Naval Petty Officer from Citrus County, FL, currently stationed in Norfolk, VA. His parents, Barbara and Jerry, reside in Inverness, FL.

A graduate of Citrus High School, Kevin enlisted in the Army in October 2000. After attending basic training in Great Lake, IL, Christopher was assigned to Basic Electronics Technical Corps at Naval Training Command in Illinois. Following his graduation, Kevin accepted his duty command on the USS Shreveport in Norfolk, VA.

During his 7 years of service, Kevin has taken part in Operation Enduring Freedom off the coast of Afghanistan, conducted Maritime Interception Operations off the coast of Africa, and in 2007 was deployed to COB Speicher, Iraq, in support of the Counter Improvised Explosive Devices Units.

Kevin has served many hours in humanitarian aid and several Navy Public relations projects. He has represented the Navy and Marine Corp color guard at New York's Annual Fleet Week celebration and Boston's Bunker Hill Day, as well as at the 2005 National Scout Jamboree held at Fort A.P. Hill. Kevin and the USS Shreveport also brought humanitarian aid to hurricane Katrina victims and help established the Joint Task Force Katrina's TOC.

Kevin's awards throughout his Naval career include two Army Commendation Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps achievement medals, a Navy Unit Commendation, two Good Conduct Medals, a National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, three Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, a Navy Expert Rifle Medal, Navy Expert Pistol Medal, as well as being qualified as Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist.

Madam Speaker, it is soldiers like Kevin Mills who volunteer to protect the freedoms that all Americans hold dear to their hearts. While brave men and women like Kevin serve in the name of freedom and liberty, his family, friends, and loved ones should know that this Congress will never forget his sacrifice and commitment.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor SFC

Christopher Blanchard, an army soldier from Citrus County, Florida, currently stationed in Ft. Eustis, Virginia. His parents Sheila and Tom Densmore reside in Inverness, Florida.

A graduate of Citrus County High School, Christopher enlisted in the Army in September, 1998. After attending basic training at Ft. Jackson in South Carolina, Christopher was assigned to Ft. Eustis for advanced training as an aircraft technician.

Following his training, Christopher was assigned to Ansbach, Germany, where he performed electrical work on army helicopters. As part of a peace-keeping mission in Kosovo, Christopher spent 6 months on the ground helping to keep the fragile peace accords in place.

Christopher was next stationed in Hawaii for 4 years, where he took part in missions to Bosnia and Afghanistan. Currently he is a senior instructor for the helicopter instructor's course at Ft. Eustis, training new recruits in helicopter maintenance and electric work.

Over the course of his service, Christopher has earned many medals and commendations, including five Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, an Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, two NATO Medals, Aviation Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Driver/Mechanic Badge. In January 2008, Christopher will attend Warrant Officer Candidate School at Ft. Rucker, Alabama. Following the completion of his training, Christopher will be assigned to his next duty station as an, Aviation Maintenance Officer.

Madam Speaker, it is soldiers like Christopher Blanchard who volunteer to protect the freedoms that all Americans hold dear to their hearts. While brave men and women like Christopher serve in the name of freedom and liberty, his family, friends, and loved ones should know that this Congress will never forget his sacrifice and commitment.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Specialist Angela Marie Cernich Owens, a soldier from Inverness, Florida currently serving in Iraq.

Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Angela moved to Citrus County at a young age. She attended Floral City Elementary and Citrus High, eventually graduating from Withlacoochee Technical School. An acclaimed golfer on her high school team, Angela received many trophies for her prowess on the golf course.

Sworn into the military on September 10, 2001, Angela has seen firsthand the changes in the military since September 11. Originally

assigned to basic training in South Carolina, Angela was eventually sent to Ft. Sill, Oklahoma and Ft. Lewis, Washington before her deployment to Iraq in January 2005.

During her first tour in Iraq, Angela earned the Command Team Coin for Excellence for her role in missions outside Mosul. Disguised as a local Iraqi in the full length black dress and head cover, Angela worked side by side with her fellow soldiers to conduct the peace keeping missions so vital to stability in Iraq.

Upon her return from her first tour of duty, Angela was assigned to Ft. Lewis, where she was trained as a sniper. She also met her husband, James Russell Owens, and the two were married in September of 2006. Both Angela and James have since been reassigned to Iraq and are stationed at Camp TQ.

Madam Speaker, it is soldiers like Angela Marie Cernich Owens who volunteer to protect the freedoms that all americans hold dear to their hearts. While brave men and women like Angela serve in the name of freedom and liberty, her family, friends and loved ones should know that this Congress will never forget her sacrifice and commitment.