Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Republican Club of Central Pasco County for their support of the Fisher House at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in Tampa, Florida.

Military families are the first line of support for our servicemen and women: they sit up at night waiting for their phone call and they send them comforts from home to sustain them while they fight for our freedom a half a world away.

Some families are called on to support and encourage their loved ones long after they've returned from the battles of war. For them, the Fisher House often becomes their ``home away from home''.

Since it opened its doors in 2007, the Fisher House in Tampa has hosted more than 1,200 people. The 16,000-square-foot house can accommodate up to 21 families at a time, and averages 35 guests per night. The average length of stay is two months, but two families have been there since the house opened.

Nationwide, the Fisher House program has made available nearly three million days of lodging since the program originated in 1990. They are operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs and rely on donations to the Fisher House Foundation so that no family has to pay to stay at any Fisher House.

The Republican Club of Central Pasco County, Florida, continually supports the Fisher House Foundation and our military men and women. This weekend, they will host the 2nd biennial event, ``A Night for Heroes'' in support of the Fisher House Foundation.

Madam Speaker, just as our military men and women believe it is their duty to serve our Nation; it is our duty to support them. The Republican Club of Central Pasco County has truly answered the call. On behalf of this Congress, I thank them for their unyielding commitment to this most important cause.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the city of Inverness, Florida; they have been designated the ``National City of the Year'' by the veterans honor organization, the Forty & Eight.

Since 1920, the Forty & Eight organization has worked tirelessly to insure that the legacies of our service members endure alongside the freedom that they fought so selflessly to defend. They are committed to serving our veterans and their families: those who are still with us, those who have gone before us and those whose fate is still yet unknown.

John Kaiserian is the Grand Chef de Train of the Forty & Eight and a member of Voiture 1219 of Citrus County, Florida. He cited several factors which contributed to the City of Inverness receiving top honors on both the state and national level. Among them were the city's numerous parades and ceremonies honoring veterans, monuments that they have erected to honor those killed in combat, the annual Patriotic Evening on July 3rd and the City's very own Liberty Park. He refers to Inverness as Citrus County's ``veterans' city''.

On September 9, 2009, City Manager Frank DiGiovanni, City Clerk Debbie Davis and Mayor Bob Plaisted traveled to Rochester, New York to proudly accept the award on the city's behalf. They recognized the support of local residents and veterans' organizations that made the award possible. They especially thanked the veterans for all they have given to this country: City Manager, Frank DiGiovanni said, ``Loss of life is the ultimate sacrifice and many have given all''.

Madam Speaker, the Forty & Eight organization captures the American spirit in communities all across the country. I am honored and very proud to recognize Inverness, Florida as the Forty & Eight ``National City of the Year''.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Republican Club of West Pasco County for their support of the Fisher House at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in Tampa, Florida.

Military families are the first line of support for our servicemen and women: They sit up at night waiting for their phone call and they send them comforts from home to sustain them while they fight for our freedom a half a world away.

Some families are called on to support and encourage their loved ones long after they've returned from the battles of war. For them, the Fisher House often becomes their ``home away from home''.

Since it opened its doors in 2007, the Fisher House in Tampa has hosted more than 1,200 people. The 16,000-square-foot house can accommodate up to 21 families at a time, and averages 35 guests per night. The average length of stay is two months, but two families have been there since the house opened.

Nationwide, the Fisher House program has made available nearly three million days of lodging since the program originated in 1990. They are operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs and rely on donations to the Fisher House Foundation so that no family has to pay to stay at any Fisher House.

The Republican Club of West Pasco County continually supports the Fisher House Foundation and our military men and women. This weekend, they will host the 2nd biennial event, ``A Night For Heroes'' in support of the Fisher House Foundation.

Madam Speaker, just as our military men and women believe it is their duty to serve our nation; it is our duty to support them. The Republican Club of West Pasco County has truly answered the call. On behalf of this Congress, I thank them for their unyielding commitment to this most important cause.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an American Hero and Purple Heart recipient, Jack E. Atchison of Spring Hill, Florida. Wounded during an enemy attack in Vietnam, Sgt. Atchison's service to our nation will forever be remembered by this Congress.

Born in Oskaloosa, Iowa on March 11, 1934, Jack attended Park College in Missouri where he studied Hospital Administration. Following his schooling, he courageously served 21 years in our nations military.

In December of 1965, Sgt. Atchison Bravely participated in an attack to repel enemy forces from a strategic location. During the battle, a bomb exploded in close proximity to Mr. Atchison, causing shrapnel wounds to his legs. In a genuine act of valor, despite his injuries, Mr. Atchison remained with his fellow wounded soldiers, and prepared them for transport via helicopter back to Flagon Embassy Hospital. Fortunately none of the 17 wounded American soldiers perished from this attack. The professional skill and personal devotion displayed by Sgt. Atchison reflect his immense commitment and sacrifice.

In addition to his Purple Heart, Sgt. Atchison was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal Bronze Clasp with 5 Loops, the National Defense Service Medal with OLC, the Korean Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device 1960, the Honor Medal 2nd Class (Vietnam), the Parachutist Badge, and the Combat Medical Badge.

Following his service in the military Jack went on to a successful career as the President of the South Georgia Real Estate Association. Jack has been married to his wife, Virginia, for 56 years and they have 5 children, Jackie, Katie, Cindy, Jack Jr., and Donna.

Madam Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Jack E. Atchison. He is a beloved american hero. On behalf of a grateful nation, this Congress, his family and friends, I thank him for his service and sacrifice to our country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an American hero and Purple Heart recipient, Mr. Richard H. Bennett of Shady Hills, FL. A proud member of our Nation's military during Vietnam, Mr. Bennett honorably defended the freedoms that all Americans hold dear.

Born on August 10, 1949 to Harry and Claire Bennett in Canandaigua, New York, Richard began his service to the Army in June of 1969. Shortly thereafter he was deployed to Vietnam where he fought courageously, putting his life on the line every day. During his tour he suffered shrapnel in his back on account of gunfire, wounds to his left arm and left leg due to an ambush firefight in the jungle, and was exposed to Agent Orange. Along with his Purple Heart Medal, Mr. Bennett is a recipient of the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge.

Following Mr. Bennett's service in the Army, he worked with ``Somebody Loves You Ministries'' helping the less fortunate improve their lives.

Madam Speaker, it is important to recognize Americans like Richard H. Bennett for their service to our Nation and for their commitment and sacrifices in battle. Our Nation, this Congress, and Mr. Bennett's family and friends, will always remember his bravery and dedication.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Paula Welenc and the Fisher House at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in Tampa, Florida.

Military families are the first line of support for our servicemen and women. Some families are called on to support and encourage their loved ones long after they've returned from the battles of war. For them, the Fisher House often becomes their ``home away from home.'' At the Fisher House in Tampa, Florida, Paula Welenc is there to welcome them with open arms.

Paula is the manager of the Fisher House at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in Tampa. She has been with the facility since it opened in July of 2007. A clinical social worker by profession, she spent twenty years on active duty in the United States Air Force. In 2004, after retiring from the Air Force, she and her family moved to Spring Hill, Florida where Paula was hired as the Department of Defense's Domestic Violence Victims Advocate at MacDill Air Force Base.

Paula's military and civilian backgrounds give her a unique understanding of the issues facing our military families who are dealing with the illness or injury of their loved one.

In a recent newspaper article about the Fisher House in Tampa, Paula remarked, ``We strive so hard to have this calm, relaxing, very comfortable setting for them while they're going through what might well be one of the most traumatic things that has ever happened in their life.''

Since it opened its doors, the Fisher House in Tampa has hosted more than 1,200 people. The 16,000-square-foot house can accommodate up to 21 families at a time, and averages 35 guests per night. The average length of stay is two months, but two families have been there since the house opened.

Nationwide, The Fisher House Program has made available nearly three million days of lodging since the program originated in 1990. They are operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs and rely on donations to the Fisher House Foundation so that no family has to pay to stay at any Fisher House.

Madam Speaker, just as our military men and women believe it is their duty to serve our Nation; it is our duty to support them. Paula has truly answered the call. On behalf of this Congress and the families that have benefited from this program, I thank her for her unyielding commitment to this most important cause.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joseph C. Weeks, Sr. This Friday Joe will receive the ``2009 Great Brooksvillian of the Year Award''. Created in 2002, this award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a sincere commitment to the history, culture, and economy of the Brooksville community.

Born and raised in Brooksville, Joe temporarily left his hometown to serve his country in World War II and to attend college at the University of Florida. In 1951, upon his graduation, he returned to Brooksville to help his brother run the family business, Weeks Hardware; which has been a Brooksville staple since 1916. To this date, Weeks Hardware is considered the oldest existing business in Hernando County.

Aside from running a successful business, Mr. Weeks is a founding member of two prominent Brooksville organizations; the Brooksville Rotary Club and the Brooksville Downtown Development Organization, the latter of which he served as Vice-President and Treasurer. He also served as Vice-President and Treasurer for the Jaycees and was an active member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce. In recognition of his business successes, he was awarded the Independent Businessman of the year by the Republican Club. Additionally, he holds the unofficial distinction of being the oldest living member of the local American Legion Chapter.

Madam Speaker, Joseph C. Weeks, Sr. has demonstrated steadfast dedication to the Brooksville community. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating him on this momentous occasion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3590, the Service Members Home Ownership Tax Act of 2009.

The first-time homebuyer credit gives qualifying consumers a tax refund of up to $8,000 when buying a primary residence. So far, over 1.4 million Americans have taken advantage of this credit. However, the men and women serving in our Nation's Armed Forces are largely unable to take advantage of this credit. Why? Because the current law requires consumers who utilize the first-time homebuyers' tax credit to repay the credit if they move from the primary residence within 36 months of the closing. This 3-year residency requirement disqualifies many military personnel from taking advantage of the tax credit.

Following the call of the military, armed services members regularly relocate duty stations, thus resulting in an immediate recapture of the credit. That's just not fair to our Armed Forces. Our military personnel, Foreign Service officers, intelligence agents and their families should not be penalized for required moving in service to our Nation. H.R. 3590 eliminates the inequities in the first-time homebuyers tax credit by waiving the 36-month requirement for servicemembers, Foreign Service officers, and intelligence agents who must sell their homes in connection with Federal orders relating to official extended duty.

With over 116,000 veterans living in my district, I'm keenly aware of issues that are of interest to our military servicemembers. While we can never do enough to thank our men and women in uniform for their service, the Service Members Home Ownership Tax Act of 2009 is one way that we can demonstrate America's commitment to our troops while they are serving.

I thank my colleague from New York, Mr. Rangel, for introducing this bill. And I'm proud to cosponsor it, and I urge its support. Hopefully the Senate will act in an expeditious manner so that we can truly make sure that this tax benefit extends to our servicemembers.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lawrence J. Jennings of Hernando County,

Florida. After 36 years of dedicated service to Hernando County, Larry will retire this fall.

Throughout his tenure, Larry has been a dedicated steward of Hernando County. He has involved himself in the creation of numerous growth management regulations and comprehensive planning strategies to accommodate the rapid growth in the county. His resume alone makes him worthy of this proclamation: He has held the positions of Planning and Zoning Administrator; Deputy Director of the Development Department; Planning Director; Assistant County Administrator for Growth and Development Services; and the Director of Growth and Development for Hernando County. He will retire as the Deputy County Administrator for Hernando County.

However, it is his genuine ability to work with both the public and business communities, and numerous Federal, State, and local officials, including myself, which has brought me to the floor today.

I worked with Larry from 1988 to 1990 when he was the Planning and Zoning Administrator and again from 1990 to 1992 when I was the County Commissioner. I always found him to be thorough, incredibly accurate and, despite his serious demeanor, he was quick to laugh at a good joke.

I wish him the very best of health and happiness in his retirement. However, I must take this opportunity to remind him that he is far too young to sit in a rocking chair.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in reluctant support of this bill because I do believe it is a promise that we must keep to our seniors. It is not fair for our seniors to shoulder the burden of this Congress because of the policies passed by the Democrat majority.

However, wouldn't it have been a whole lot better to pay for it from the unused stimulus money?

This savings to seniors will be especially and critically important to Medicare recipients. CBO Director Elmendorf just announced yesterday that seniors can expect to see a reduction in their Medicare benefits if H.R. 3200 is passed. That will mean that some of our poorest citizens will be asked to pay even more for their out-of-pocket medical costs. This is not change that they can afford.

The President and the majority in this House and in the Senate owe our seniors an honest explanation. AARP also owes an explanation to its members for misleading them about the Medicare cuts contained in H.R. 3200.

According to the CBO Director, 2.7 million seniors will lose their current Medicare Advantage plans under the policies of the House health care bill. When I said the President was flat wrong about cuts to Medicare benefits, this is exactly what I meant.

I am, however, pleased that this bill does work to protect some of our seniors from future financial hardships, but the correct approach would be to scrap H.R. 3200, to fix Medicare first and to pursue a real bipartisan approach that delivers honest reform that the American people actually want.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this bill, although I think it's critically important that we are honest about what this Congress is doing for small businesses, or perhaps it would be better to say not doing.

We can't survive when the economy is good without small businesses, and we sure as heck cannot recover without small businesses when the economy is bad. Yet despite programs Congress has authorized and extended, I hear every day from small businesses in and around my district that banks, even banks they've dealt with for many years, are now refusing to lend and continuing to refuse to lend.

I was extremely frustrated when the $700 billion bank bailout did not free up bank funds for small businesses, and Americans were angrier still to find out that only 1 percent of the $800 billion stimulus bill that the President signed was directed towards small businesses. But that actually pales in comparison to the frustration felt when we hear that the little bit of stimulus money that did go to SBA isn't flowing through to small businesses.

To put this into perspective, 4 months ago the SBA began a program to assist auto dealers in obtaining floor-plan financing for their inventories. An SBA official estimated that 4,000 loans would be guaranteed by the government by October 1. As of the second week in September, only three, t-h-r-e-e, three, had been guaranteed and not a single one of those had closed.

Worse yet, Mr. Speaker, if we proceed with the proposed health care legislation in the House, 42 percent of small business income will face higher tax rates. This Congress and the Obama administration must address the fact that, as we have seen with the President's housing programs, even very strong incentives have not led to increased lending. Patting ourselves on the back for extending programs that don't work may feel good for a while, but it's not going to help the small business owners in any Member of Congress's district meet payroll.

Whether it's regulatory capital requirements or dealing with red tape to get the guarantees, the banks are not lending. That needs fixing immediately.

Instead of spending time recognizing the importance of wild horse adoption or congratulating sports teams, Congress needs to dig in and do the serious, urgent work that the people of America expect. That, Mr. Speaker, is our job.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a woman who thrived amidst adversity and dedicated her life to educating others so that they might not have to endure the same hardships that were bestowed upon her.

A lifelong Florida resident, Martha L. Lewis was born on November 4, 1922 in Lake Butler, Florida. Growing up, she had a strong desire to become a teacher. After graduating from high school, she saved up enough money to attend Bethune-Cookman College. She graduated first in her class earning a bachelor of science degree in elementary education.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Forty & Eight organization. Throughout our Nation's history, we have turned time and again to our men and women in uniform; calling on them to preserve our freedom and uphold our democratic values. Time and again they have heeded the call and protected our Nation with honor and valor.

More than a million of our brave men and women have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Joining the ranks of these heroes are the thousands who have been held as prisoners of war or whose fate has never been resolved. This loss was all the more difficult for their loved ones because it has never been determined whether they perished or survived.

However, their loved ones can take solace in knowing that their sacrifice was for a purpose, one that they were prepared to make. As President Reagan said on the 40th anniversary of D-Day, ``You all knew that . . . one's country is worth dying for, and democracy is worth dying for . . . all of you loved liberty. All of you were willing to fight tyranny, and you knew the people of your countries were behind you''.

Military families are the first line of support for our service men and women. They provide them the courage they need to march on in battle; and they fight for their legacy long after the battle has been won.

Organizations like Forty & Eight are part of the military family. Since 1920 they have worked tirelessly to insure that the legacies of our service members endure alongside the freedom that they fought so selflessly to defend.

On September 19th, Forty & Eight will come together in Citrus County to award a scholarship to the dependent of a known and verified POW or MIA. The scholarship is named in memory of Lance Corporal John Dewey Killen III, USMC. Lance Corporal Killen was declared missing in action while serving with the Third Reconnaissance Battalion in South Vietnam.

This scholarship is just one example of Forty & Eight's commitment to our veterans, both those who are still with us, those who have gone before us and those whose fate is still yet unknown.

I represent more veterans than any other Member of Congress. I am forever grateful to Forty & Eight, and organizations like them, for their continued commitment to our service men and women and their families.

Madam Speaker, last Thursday evening a spark went out in Hernando County. ``The Mother of Spring Hill,'' Pat Fleck, lost her battle with cancer. Known for her genuine love of, and devotion to, her community, she was a pioneer for women in business, a leader in public service, a mentor, devoted mother, wife and friend.

A long time resident of Spring Hill, in an interview with a local paper, she recalled a time when U.S. 19 was only two lanes wide and so empty that on trips to a New Port Richey supermarket, she sometimes drove on the wrong side of the road because, as she put it, ``for some reason it was smoother.''

She applied that same optimism in every facet of her life: I thought of Pat as the unofficial paparazzi of Spring Hill. She would attend community events with her camera in hand; snap pictures unbeknownst to those around her and a short time later a copy would appear in the mail: She was always sure to capture your most flattering side.

Pat knew when to get down to business as well. It is that business sense to which much of her professional successes can be attributed: She was the founder of Spring Hill's first independent real estate agency, Fleck Real Estate; she later parlayed her knowledge of the industry into a real estate school. She was also a founder of the West Hernando Chamber of Commerce where she served as its chairwoman.

She was a community organizer we all could appreciate! She was a long time board member of HPH Hospice and an avid supporter of many community organizations including Stage West Community Playhouse. Pat worked tirelessly to insure that they had the resources they needed in order to be successful contributors to the community.

I am grateful to have known Pat. She had a heart of gold and a boundless love for Hernando County. It is so fitting that Hernando County shared that same love for her in return.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the goals and ideals of American Legion Day.

Tomorrow, September 16, marks the 90th anniversary of the American Legion's charter. The American Legion was founded to serve the needs of America's veterans and to promote and protect the rights of those veterans. Ninety years later, the American Legion remains committed to its mission to instill ``a sense of individual obligation to the community, State and Nation.''

The Legion's nearly 3 million members have given generously of their time in each and every one of our communities. Be it volunteering in veterans hospitals, awarding millions of dollars in college scholarships, or sponsoring activities like Boys and Girls State, Legionnaires continue to devote themselves to the ideal of ``mutual helpfulness.''

I am so proud to have the highest number of veterans of any Member of Congress. And as I travel throughout Florida's Fifth Congressional District, I get to see firsthand how the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary and their members affect the lives of veterans and their local communities.

Today, I am especially pleased that for the first time a Florida veteran has been elected National Commander of the American Legion. I am proud to congratulate Commander Clarence Hill on his achievement and wish him the very best as he leads the American Legion into what I'm positive will be another wonderful 90 years.

I would also like to thank Representative Halvorson for introducing this resolution. And I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting the American Legion and recognizing September 16 of each year as American Legion Day.