Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, as I am sure you know by now, last week the war in Iraq was called ``a fraud made up in Texas to give Republicans a political boost.''

I am sure that our military, who are putting their lives on the line for this war, do not appreciate this characterization of their mission.

Yesterday I visited Walter Reed Hospital. I spoke with our military who were wounded and with their family members. To a person, they support what we are doing in Iraq. They firmly believe that it is in the benefit of not only this country, but certainly the Iraqi people.

However, we should be outraged at what was said. We should be outraged that the statements were based not on facts, but on disinformation.

Mr. Speaker, misinformation is mistaken information. However, disinformation is just plain lying, and that is a shame.

It is for this reason that I stand before this body to condemn these outrageous statements. They remind us all of the value that some people in this country place on political gain and the lengths that they are willing to go to to achieve it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Citrus County Industry appreciation Week, A 21 year-old tradition that originated in my Fifth Congressional District to honor our industries and recognize their contributions to our communities.

Last Thursday, industry executives and employees, along with community activists and residents kicked off the week-long celebration. Upcoming events include a Thursday afternoon barbecue to wrap up the week and an awards luncheon, to take place today, to recognize outstanding local businesses and business professionals for outstanding public service, employee relations, and contributions to the community.

Awards being given at the event will go to Citrus County's Most Outstanding Small Business, Most Outstanding Employer or Corporate Citizen, and Person of the Year. I wish all those in the running for these awards well--and send this year's organizers my regrets! I am surely missing a great event.

We all know that industry creates jobs-- which no one will argue is a bad thing--and it broadens the tax base of an area, meaning cities and municipalities take in more revenue to spend on public works projects, on our schools, and on a whole host of other things vital to the community. Industries also regularly contribute charitably to citizen groups and organizations, volunteering time and resources to improve the area where they do business and where their employees live.

Recently, following Citrus County's lead, the State of Florida has begin celebrating a state

wide Industry Appreciation Week as well, giving the entire Sunshine State the opportunity to realize just how much we all benefit from having the industries that we do.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to represent an area of Florida that started the trend, if you will, of honoring local businesses and recognizing their place in our communities. I ask that you and my colleagues in this body join me in congratulating Citrus County and wishing them well as they conclude their Industry Appreciation Week.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Orchard Ridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in my Fifth Congressional District. The staff at Orchard Ridge was recently awarded the American Healthcare Association's Quality Award, for excellence in service, performance, and of course quality to patients, customers and communities.

The American Healthcare Association is the trade association for the longterm care industry and, in that role it promotes nursing and rehabilitation centers across the country and recognizes outstanding achievement and quality in that sector.

I am proud, Mr. Speaker, to have such a distinguished nursing and rehabilitation facility in my district and am happy to be able to honor Orchard Ridge before you and my colleagues today.

On October 15, in San Diego, CA, the rest of the industry will have the opportunity to honor Orchard Ridge for attaining this award when they convene for the AHCA's national convention.

I commend Orchard Ridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and my colleagues in this body to do the same. I am proud to be the representative of many of its patients and employees in Congress.

Congratulations to a hard-working team for a much-deserved award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent of mine, Bob Hinton. Bob bravely served this country in Korea. After his service left him disabled, he continued giving to his community by producing a video warning teen drivers of the dangers of drunk driving.

Bob Hinton is an honorable and caring, public servant. However, he is not a public servant in the traditional sense. Rather than seeking acclaim in public office, Bob follows a passion; his greatest pleasure is giving to others.

In August of 1948, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force where he gallantly served his country and received several accolades in the process. After retiring with 100% disability, Bob moved to Florida. There, he joined the American Legion Post 139 where he volunteered his services, which won him the ``Unsung Hero's Award'' in 1984.

As an ameatuer videographer, Bob began covering news events in Hernando County and central Florida for several local and national TV programs including ``Good Morning America.''

Driven by his continuing zeal to help others, Bob transformed his new found skills into an instrument of service. He has voluntarily created training videos for the Highway Patrol, the Red Cross, and sheriffs' offices in Hernando and surrounding counties. Additionally, Bob has donated copies of his drunk driving videos to various schools hoping to save teenage lives.

Even though Bob has recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer and undergone several radiation treatments, he has continued to film throughout his tribulations and says if he can keep busy helping others he won't feel his pain. Bob is never happier than when he is helping someone. Thus, he is a shining example of what individuals should strive to become.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to call Bob Hinton a constituent and I ask you to join with me in thanking him for his continued service.

Mr. Chairman, I am opposed to this amendment for a couple of reasons. I too serve on the Committee on Financial Services where this amendment was defeated by a two to one margin. The Maloney compromise amendment which came up seemed reasonable. It does give disclosure, and I think that that certainly is a good warning to the consumer.

Mr. Chairman, one of the previous speakers mentioned a dispute, if you are disputing an item on your credit card statement, that is something that is put into abeyance, so that would not affect your credit rating. If we were to pass this amendment, I believe that all

consumers would be harmed, because there would be higher costs of credit nationwide.

When a credit card is issued, it is based upon a snapshot in time. As the picture changes, obviously, we need to have the companies remain to have that kind of flexibility that they have right now. This is really an issue of credit risk and creditworthiness; and as various occasions arise in one's life that they may be overextending themselves, then certainly the credit card company deserves to have the right to make those appropriate changes.

Mr. Chairman, serving on the Committee on Financial Services has been a challenge at times and certainly a great pleasure. And I want to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Oxley) for his leadership in championing the bill that we have before us.

The Kelly amendment, I believe, is a very worthwhile amendment. As free credit reports are extended to consumers, there will be an unquestionable strain on the system. Unfortunately, the system is not yet equipped to deal with the overwhelming requests for credit reports. It may result from offering free credit reports or other extraordinary events that may occur as people begin to request these free credit reports and overload the system.

Consumers who have identified the need to access their file will find their requests lost in an overburdened system. That will reduce service levels that could be dedicated to truly helping consumers who do have a concern about their files.

Yes, there is language in the manager's amendment that directs regulators as they construct a system for implementation to consider potential spikes in the volume of requests for their first year of implementation. The Kelly amendment, I believe, builds on this language and simply gives regulators the authority to respond on a temporary basis to the needs of consumers when credit bureaus are overwhelmed with requests.

If the regulators determine it is necessary to exercise this authority, the amendment also explicitly states that their temporary approach must maintain consumer access to credit reports for emergency or very time-sensitive requests, including instances of home purchases and suspected identity theft. Without this flexibility that this amendment offers, customer services will undoubtedly decline as credit bureaus become overwhelmed with these requests. By giving regulators the authority to mitigate in these instances, credit bureaus will be able to devote better time and attention to those needing the requests.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a group of hard-working, talented individuals from the Levy County 4-H Shooting Team from my fifth congressional district of Florida. Dwayne Wilcox, Geneva Hollriegel, Kara Alexander, and Cassie Skelton made up Levy County's delegation to the National 4-H Shooting Sports Competition, held this summer in Raton, New Mexico.

I am pleased to congratulate this group of youngsters for their stellar performance at the competition before this body, Mr. Speaker. They've represented their state, their county and the 4-H organization well and I'd like to share their results with my colleagues and I ask that they join me in honoring the Levy County 4-H Shooting Sports Team today.

In the Archery, Recurve 3D Event, Rachel Babb placed 7th, Tiffany Boykin placed 8th, the group placed 2nd as a team in this event and placed 5th overall.

Kara Alexander placed 7th overall, and in the Hunting Competition she placed 9th in the decision-making and skills events and 3rd in safety.

Also in Hunter Safety Event, Geneva Hollriegel placed 7th and Cassie Skelton placed 10th. The team as a whole placed 3rd in decision making and wildlife management.

Mr. Speaker these accomplishments are truly noteworthy. we in this chamber all know the important role that 4-H plays, and has played, in the lives of so many youths in this country. I am pleased that the organization is alive and well in my district and that these young people have chosen to become involved in it and have prospered as well as they have.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jay Russel, a constituent in my Fifth Congressional District. Mr. Russel was recently named the 2003 Levy County Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Officer of the Year by his colleagues and superiors and I want to take this opportunity before this body to honor him and to say a few words about why he is deserving of this noble distinction.

Mr. Russel, has patrolled the woods and waterways of Levy, Citrus and Dixie County for more than three years, giving him a one-of-a-kind knowledge of Florida's Nature Coast and enabling him to be an excellent Conservation Commission Officer. Often coming to the aid of boaters in distress, his efforts have resulted in successful rescue and recovery missions and his ``sixth sense'' for detecting law violators has allowed many recreational sportsmen to continue to enjoy Florida's wetlands safely and lawfully.

Mr. Russel has been described by his colleagues as an outstanding officer with an immense knowledge of the outdoors and of the region he patrols. Area police departments and law enforcement agencies often rely on him for help in investigating illegal activity in the area and know they can count upon his support at any time.

He is truly an asset in every way to his colleagues and to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. His superiors have said that he ``exemplifies what the agency stands for--a commitment to protecting wildlife resources and to serving and protecting citizens enjoying Florida's outdoors.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in saluting Mr. Russel and all officers of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The work they do is invaluable and of immeasurable importance to our environment, to area wildlife and to our safety.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert A. Bowers, a constituent of my Fifth Congressional District. Deputy Bowers, an honorable officer of the law, was recently named the 2003 Levy County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by his colleagues and superiors and I want to take this opportunity before this body to honor him and to say a few words about why he is deserving of this important distinction.

Deputy Bowers has served the Levy County Sheriff's Office since October of 2001 as an officer in the Road Patrol Division and has been active in the ``Buckle Up'' program, ensuring safety on our highways by enforcing our state's seatbelt and child-restraint laws.

Deputy Bowers has been described by his colleagues as someone with a cheerful and professional demeanor, no matter what the situation or task at hand. His service to Levy County is in its early days and I believe he will continue to be an asset to the Levy County Sheriff's Office for many years to come.

Having law enforcement officers like him is what makes our roadways and communities safe and it is what inspires youngsters to continue in the profession of noble, honorable service to their neighbors.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in saluting Deputy Bowers and all officers of the law, for the work they do is invaluable and of immeasurable importance to our society and to our safety.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Corporal Daniel Antis, a constituent of mine residing in Levy County in my Fifth Congressional District. Corporal Antis, a hard-working corrections officer, was recently named the 2003 Levy County Corrections Officer of the Year by his colleagues and superiors and I want to take this opportunity before this body to honor him and to say a few words about why he is deserving of this noble distinction.

Corporal Antis began his career as a corrections officer in 1999 and came to work for the Levy County Sheriff's Office Jail Division in September of last year.

Corporal Antis has been described by his colleagues as someone with a quiet but professional demeanor, and his arduous work and drive have not gone unnoticed by his peers. His ambition and ``can-do'' attitude won him the promotion to his current position as a corporal only 7 months after joining the Levy County Corrections team.

He is truly an asset in every way to his colleagues and to the Levy County Sheriff's office.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in saluting Corporal Antis and all officers of the law, for the work they do is invaluable and of immeasurable importance to our society and to our safety.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Korean War Veterans Citrus Chapter 192 and all the brave men and women that answered the call to duty during the Korean War.

Sunday, July 27 commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Armistice signing that officially ended hostilities in the war torn nation.

This conflict enlisted the services of 6.8 million American men and women between 1950 and 1955. Despite the enormity of this effort, many who served regrettably feel that their sacrifice has been forgotten by a nation in the murky fog of time.

I commend the Veterans of Citrus County 192 for their efforts to memorialize their comrades in arms who paid the ultimate sacrifice. On Saturday, July 26 the Korean War memorial will be dedicated at the Citrus County Court House. This eloquent marker will serve as a reminder to our nation of the surviving Korean War Veterans, as well as the POWs and MIAs that never returned.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dorothy Patrick, a constituent of mine who has selflessly given her time to the veterans of my Fifth Congressional District for more than 15 years.

My district is home to thousands of our Nation's veterans and has the fourth-largest concentration of American heroes in the Nation. So it is only natural that at our veterans' clinics and hospitals there's never a shortage of things to do and never a time when additional helping hands are not desperately needed.

It was once said that, aside from love, the most precious thing a person can give another person is labor. Dorothy has given over 11,000 hours of her labor to help the veterans of Florida's Fifth Congressional District--and that is truly something to be honored.

Volunteering at both the Gainesville VA Medical Center and at the Inverness VA Clinic for 15 years, she has given her time to veterans for longer than many people stay at a single job!

David Gilmer, Administrative Officer for the VA's Inverness Community Base Outpatient Clinic, has said of Dorothy ``She not only provides valuable assistance to the veterans who receive care at the Inverness Clinic, but leadership to the other volunteers who help support the VA's mission here in Inverness.''

She's given to the veterans of the Fifth Congressional District as nobly and as altruistically as they've given to all of us. Her service is a testament to the value and virtue of helping others.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in commending Dorothy for her efforts. I am honored to be her representative in Congress. She is one of the reasons that I am so very proud to represent the Fifth Congressional District of Florida in the House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Tony DeMarzo, of the Hernando County 10-13 Club, an organization of retired New York police officers in my Fifth Congressional District of Florida.

Serving as President, Vice President and Director of this organization throughout his 10-year involvement with the 10-13 Club, Tony has shown exemplary leadership and leadership.

Recently, Tony, a personal friend of mine, was honored by his fellow members with a plaque commemorating his service to the organization.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to read the inscription from that plaque as I believe it outlines a few of the many reasons Tony's friends have chosen to honor him:

It reads: ``In recognition of his distinguished leadership and strong stewardship this plaque is awarded to Antonio ``Tony'' DeMarzo by his many friends and fellow members of the Hernando County 10-13 whereas during the last ten years as President, Vice President, and Director, Tony has overseen and guided the organization to the fruition of many goals. During his most recent tenure Tony established an honor guard, a booster Club and has dramatically increased both the membership and the treasury. Further, he organized the 9-11 disaster fund which raised many thousands of dollars. He also hosted the very successful 2002 national convention. He has been instrumental in creating and maintaining the professional rapport that exists today between the Hernando County 10-13 and the Hernando County Sheriff's Department.''

Mr. Speaker, as we all since 9-11 have been reminded of the importance that our law enforcement officials play in securing our streets and communities, I believe it is also important to honor those who have retired from the profession. Their many years of noble service are not to be overlooked.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating Tony DeMarzo for his service while in uniform and his undying commitment to community, which has endured long after he stopped wearing the uniform.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ray Tremblay, a constitutent of mine, residing in Levy County in my Fifth Congressional District. Mr. Tremblay, an honorable officer of the law in the city of Chiefland, was recently named the department's 2003 Officer of the Year by his colleagues and superiors and I want to take this opportunity before this body to honor him and to say a few words about why he is deserving of this noble distinction.

Ray Tremblay has served the Chiefland community for nearly a decade. Beginning his service in 1994, he has been a highly visible member of the Chiefland Police Department, attending many school functions and stressing the importance of staying off drugs, wearing seatbelts, and the importance of public service and safety.

Additionally, he has been active in the ``Buckle Up'' program and with the ``Click-It or Ticket'' program, ensuring safety on our highways by issuing numerous warnings and citations to motorists failing to comply with Florida's seatbelt laws.

Ray Tremblay has been described by Chiefland's Chief of Police as someone who always shows the utmost respect and consideration for his fellow officers and supervisors. Always willing to lend a hand, always help cover a shift, and work extra hours without complaint, Mr. Tremblay is a true example of what public servants should be.

Having law enforcement officers like him is what makes our streets and communities safe and what inspires youngsters to continue in the profession of noble, honorable service to their neighbors.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in saluting Mr. Tremblay and all officers of the law, for the work they do is invaluable and of immeasurable importance to our society and to our safety.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jack Wilkinson, retired teacher in Leavy County.

On Sunday, August 24, Mr. Wilkinson celebrated his 90th birthday. As the son of a pioneering family who moved to the area in the 1840s, Mr. Wilkinson spent most of his years in Leavy County. As a child, he helped his parents on their farm. The neighborhood school he attended, Union School, was one room with grades 1-6 and was used as a church on the weekends. He went on to earn his teaching certificate from the University of Florida, which only enrolled 4,000 students at the time, and is proud to say he saw the very first football game played in ``the swamp.'' Mr. Wilkinson then returned to his hometown of Chiefland, where he lives today. After dedicating half of his life to teaching math and helping students at the very high school he attended, Chiefland High School, Mr. Wilkinson quietly retired to his farm.

I commend Mr. Wilkinson for the teaching services he provided and the 90 years he has given his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Major Thomas Hardin, Jr., a World War II veteran from Spring Hill, Florida in my Fifth Congressional District.

Over the August recess, Mr. Speaker, I will have the honor of recognizing, Major Hardin for his heroism and bravery as a B-17 pilot, an American soldier flying--because there was no U.S. Air Force--with the British Royal Air Force on January 22, 1945.

On that date, the-then Lieutenant Hardin and his crew lead their formation through extremely intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire over Europe. During the mission, one of their plane's engines was knocked out and the propeller would not feather while oil and fuel were leaking from two other engines.

Despite the terrible odds for survival, Lieutenant Hardin's first concern was for the safety of his crew. He issued an order for his crew to prepare to bail out, but reconsidered, not wanting to risk the crew's capture by hostile forces.

Lieutenant Hardin succeeded in controlling his seriously damaged aircraft across the English Channel to the plane's home base, returning his crew safely to the ground. For his bravery, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross by the Secretary of the Air Force.

Lieutenant Hardin continued his service to this nation as an officer in the army, flying a total of 35 missions over Europe and engaged in combat during the Korean War. He retired as a major and this weekend, I will present Major Hardin's Distinguished Flying Cross to him, more than 50 years overdue.

Though he earned this honor, be never received it from the Defense Department and I am honored to have the opportunity to present to him next month the Distinguished Flying Cross for his selfless devotion to duty and service to the United States.