Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Veterans' Affairs be permitted to file a supplemental report on H.R. 1804.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

I rise for the second time this week to talk about this particular piece of legislation. Why the second time? Well, because the Democrats banded together to kill this veterans funding bill once before. And as I mentioned before the Democrats moved to kill this veterans funding bill, we worked to ensure that disabled veterans, low-income veterans going to school on the GI Bill, and survivors of those killed in the line of duty continue to receive their benefits that they are due, the benefits that they in fact have earned.

Madam Speaker, the House Democrats must not know that Bernie Sanders, the chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, introduced a bill on Monday night that related to veterans funding, and I'd like to share with everyone a bit about that effort. And I quote from press reports:

Veterans Affairs' Chairman Bernard Sanders introduced the

legislation (S. 1564) Monday night and quickly got the

backing from four other Democrats on the panel, as well as

Richard M. Burr of North Carolina, the top Republican on the

committee . . . Specifically, the bill would protect

mandatory compensation and pension benefits for veterans and

families, including survivor benefits. It would also, among

other things, continue money flowing to educational programs

for veterans . . . The bill, he predicted, would be passed in

enough time to ensure veterans benefits are not disrupted.

Burr said he expects the Senate to adopt the legislation by

unanimous consent.

Does this sound familiar? It should. Because this is the very piece of legislation that we're talking about on the floor today. And I have a suspicion why the Democrats keep stalling this veteran funding bill--they are playing politics.

I ask the Senate majority leader and my friends in the Democratic leadership to unite. Take up the bill that the ranking member has already said that fully funds veterans on June 4.

I thank the chairman for yielding.

I rise in support of the Honoring Our Promise to America's Veterans Act. Let me explain why this bill is necessary.

Last weekend, the administration revised an initial shutdown contingency plan with the following statement relating specifically to the effect that a prolonged shutdown would have on the VA:

VA has accepted VBA claims processors so that it can

continue to process claims. Beneficiaries will continue to

receive their payments. However, those benefits are provided

through appropriated mandatory funding, and that funding will

run out by the end of October. At that point, VA will be

unable to make any payments.

What this means is that absent a deal on a CR--and we have anxiously awaited the Senate to do something over there, negotiate with the House--payments to veterans and their survivors that are due in November for a variety of benefits that have been earned by that veteran through honorable service may, in fact, be in jeopardy. That would mean a suspension of over a billion dollars per month in GI Bill tuition payments to nearly 1 million veterans or their dependents. It would end the subsistence allowance to over 66,000 disabled veterans in vocational rehabilitation programs. It would cease payments to low- income wartime veterans with incomes that are just above the poverty level. It would end dependency and indemnity compensation to the surviving loved ones of servicemembers and veterans who died as a result of their service.

Mr. Speaker, this must never, ever be allowed to happen. Even more veterans and their loved ones should not even have to worry about something like this occurring. This bill would immediately remove any doubt from their minds that the dysfunction that's here in Washington would, in fact, jeopardize their earned benefits. These are America's heroes who have already gone above and beyond the call of duty. The last thing they deserve is for the country they courageously defended to abandon them in their time of need.

This bill will avoid all the calamitous events that I've mentioned, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 1412) to improve and increase the availability of on-job training and apprenticeship programs carried out by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on Senate amendments to H.R. 1412.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, the Senate amendments we are discussing today to H.R. 1412 would extend a number of expiring authorities affecting the daily lives and long-term well-being of our servicemembers, veterans, and their families.

The important initiatives that would be extended through this legislation include those that provide adaptive sports programs and specially adapted housing grants for disabled veterans and supported services--such as housing and employment assistance--for homeless veterans.

The bill would also extend for 1 year the Department's authority to provide childcare assistance to certain veterans receiving intensive health care services.

Further, it would extend VA's authority to collect copayments for hospital and nursing home care and to recover from third parties the cost of care and services that are furnished to veterans with health plan contracts for nonservice-connected conditions through September 30, 2014.

Needless to say, each of these programs is critical to ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of high-quality health care and benefits to veterans in communities across our country.

The committee will continue to be vigorous in our oversight of each of these programs to ensure the prompt delivery of needed benefits and services to veterans and the appropriate use of taxpayer dollars.

This legislation represents a bipartisan, bicameral effort. I want to express my gratitude to the ranking member, Mr. Michaud, and to Ms. Brown, who is here with us on the floor, the chairman and the ranking member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee--Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Richard Burr of North Carolina--for their hard work and their leadership in this effort.

I urge all of my colleagues to join me in the Senate amendments to H.R. 1412 and reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Coffman), a gentleman who has worn the uniform of this country and served this country well.

Mr. Speaker, we have no more speakers at this time, so we are prepared to close.

Mr. Speaker, I, too, thank my colleague Ms. Brown from Jacksonville for her hard work on behalf of veterans and her ability to work with us in the committee in a bipartisan fashion.

I once again encourage all Members to support this legislation.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and dedicated service of Northwest Florida's beloved James Randall ``Randy'' Brown, who passed away on September 16, 2013. One of Mr. Brown's many great qualities was his constant desire to serve his neighbors. The passing of this kind-hearted man will undoubtedly be felt throughout the entire Northwest Florida community.

A lifelong resident of the Gulf Coast and servant to its people, Mr. Brown graduated from Milton High School in 1960, where he was President of his senior class and the Key Club. Following high school, he received his degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. Knowing that his heart remained in Northwest Florida, he returned home to begin his chosen profession. Mr. Brown had a remarkable career, serving as an employee of Gulf Power for over forty years. His tenure at Gulf Power allowed him to work throughout Northwest Florida, beginning in Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach and later in Niceville and Milton, where he was promoted to managerial positions.

Mr. Brown also spent much of his time serving his community through his work with numerous organizations, including President of the Niceville Chamber of Commerce, Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce, Gulf Power Company Credit Union, Fort Walton Beach Lions Club, and Santa Rosa County United Way. His charitable efforts also led to Habitat for Humanity coming to the Fort Walton Beach area where, true to form, he served a term as President.

Mr. Brown would undoubtedly tell you that his greatest achievement, besides being the head of his wonderful family, was his dedication to spreading God's word. He served as an ordained deacon in numerous churches throughout his life and was also pivotal in erecting churches throughout the area, namely the second Immanuel Baptist Church building in Pace and the Florosa Baptist Church in Mary Esther. In a testament to his teaching and leadership ability, a number of the students from the churches at which Mr. Brown taught later became pastors and missionaries themselves. We are truly blessed to have had such a great public servant dedicate his life to the people of Northwest Florida.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor the life and service of Mr. Randy Brown. My wife Vicki and I offer our prayers and sincerest condolences to his wife, Betsy; children, Jay and Stephanie; mother, Ruth; sister, Ann; brother, Greg; four grandchildren, Cody, Jon Jay, Tyndale, and Eli; great- granddaughter, Brooklyn; and the entire Brown family. He will truly be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Joe Jannazo as the Hurlburt Air Force Association (AFA) Chapter 398 Middle School and Overall Teacher of the Year for 2013. For the last four years, Mr. Jannazo has been an inspiration to his students, his colleagues, and the Northwest Florida community. I am honored to recognize his success and achievements.

After graduating from Florida State University in 2007, Mr. Jannazo became a teacher at WC Pryor Middle School in Fort Walton Beach, Florida where he was initially hired to teach aviation. The school quickly capitalized not only on Mr. Jannazo's passion for aviation, but also his leadership, energy, and dedication to his students, by dramatically expanding the subjects he taught to also include engineering, meteorology, and robotics oriented courses. In this capacity, Mr. Jannazo has enhanced his students learning opportunities and spurred their interests in the world of science and engineering with the support of the outside community, including the local AFA Chapter, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, the Civil Air Patrol, and the ``For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology'' (FIRST) Lego Robotics Program.

Mr. Jannazo has helped create programs that excite his students with hands-on learning where his coursework creatively integrates numerous science and mathematics concepts like the skills required to develop flight plans, access weather conditions, fly aircraft simulators, and design, build, and program robots. His efforts have taught his students important leadership, team building, and problem solving skills.

Northwest Florida has been blessed with an abundance of exemplary educators like Mr. Jannazo. He has demonstrated his commitment to the success of each of his students through his leadership and passion, Mr. Jannazo's efforts have helped to ensure a strong educational foundation for his young students, our Nation's future leaders.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Mr. Joe Jannazo as the Hurlburt Air Force Association Chapter 398 Middle School and Overall Teacher of the Year for 2013 and thank him for his commitment to service in Northwest Florida. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating Mr. Jannazo, and we wish him all the best for continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Stacy Burlison as the Hurlburt Air Force Association (AFA) Chapter 398 High School Teacher of the Year for 2013. For the last four years, Ms. Burlison has been an inspiration to her students, her colleagues, and the Northwest Florida community. I am honored to recognize her success and achievements.

After graduating from the University of West Florida in 2009 with a degree in accounting, Ms. Burlison quickly recognized her true calling was to serve the youth of our community as an educator. Her passion for inspiring and molding young minds and making a difference in lives of her prospective students led her back to school to obtain a degree in education.

Throughout the past four years at Baker School in Baker, Florida, Ms. Burlison has dedicated her efforts to enlightening her students in the wonders of math and science. It is her hope to generate the excitement that will lead to her students' appreciation and interest in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Ms. Burlison's application of new and creative learning opportunities integrates numerous STEM concepts, including the skills required to design, build, and program solutions to engineering challenges like those required to help robots navigate a model city.

Ms. Burlison constantly seeks innovative approaches and opportunities to better engage her students, including: the local Industry, Design, Engineering, and Students (IDEAS) Competition, the Can-struction competition where canned goods were used to construct an object and then donated to the local food banks and shelters, and participation in a robotics challenge competition. In fact, thanks to Ms. Burlison's instruction, encouragement, and novel teaching style, her students won the ``Blood, Sweat, and Duct Tape Award'' for their strong efforts in the Emerald Coast BEST Robotics Competition. Ms. Burlison also established a high school STEM club and Family STEM night.

Northwest Florida has been blessed with an abundance of exemplary educators like Ms. Burlison. She has demonstrated her commitment to the success of each of her young students through her leadership and passion, and her efforts have helped to ensure a strong educational foundation for them, our Nation's future leaders.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Ms. Stacy Burlison as the Hurlburt Air Force Association Chapter 398 High School Teacher of the Year for 2013 and thank her for her commitment to service in Northwest Florida. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating Ms. Burlison, and we wish her all the best for continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Ulaunda Nunn as the Hurlburt Air Force Association (AFA) Chapter 398 Elementary School Teacher of the Year for 2013. For 16 years, 12 of which spent teaching in Florida, Ms. Nunn has been an inspiration to her students, her colleagues, and the Northwest Florida community. I am honored to recognize her success and achievements.

Following in her grandmother's footsteps and boosted by her words of encouragement and those of her parents, Ms. Nunn immediately fell in love with teaching, when she took a side job as a substitute teacher following college. This passion naturally led her to change courses and pursue a career in education.

Currently a teacher at Bob Sikes Elementary School in Crestview, Florida, Ms. Nunn's passion and dedication has helped propel her students to become engaged and interested in the world of science through STEM education. Ms. Nunn's curriculum incorporates activities like rocket launches and a chopper-drop to analyze trajectories and learn about wings and rotation, respectively. As an ``Engineers for America'' Lead Teacher, Ms. Nunn is charged with assisting in the development of aerospace and engineering programs for all students and teachers at her school. With the support from the outside community, Ms. Nunn established the ``For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology'' (FIRST) Lego Robotics Program at Bob Sikes Elementary. In fact, thanks to Ms. Nunn's leadership, her school qualified to compete in the Florida state-level robotics competition in both 2012 and 2013.

Ms. Nunn's commitment to excellence is evidenced by her pursuit of outside opportunities to broaden her own education and experiences in an effort to better serve her students. Ms. Nunn is an active member of myriad organizations, including the Air Force Association, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the Okaloosa County School District's Science and Technology committees, and a regular participant at the AFA Hurlburt Chapter's Teacher Workshops.

Northwest Florida has been blessed with an abundance of exemplary educators like Ms. Ulaunda Nunn. She has demonstrated her commitment to the success of each of her young students through her leadership and passion, and her efforts have helped to ensure a strong educational foundation for them, our Nation's future leaders.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Ms. Ulaunda Nunn as the Hurlburt Air Force Association Chapter 398 Elementary School Teacher of the Year for 2013 and thank her for her commitment to service in Northwest Florida. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating Ms. Nunn, and we wish her all the best for continued success.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the life and service of Northwest Florida's beloved Ted Mathis. The passing of this kind-hearted man and dedicated public servant will undoubtedly be felt throughout the entire Northwest Florida community.

Mr. Mathis was born on February 5, 1932 in Bath, South Carolina. Following High School, he entered into the United States Navy, where he honorably served and quickly rose through the ranks. As a graduate with an engineering degree from the University of South Carolina and a retired Naval Officer, Mr. Mathis then joined NASA working in the field of research and development. While there, he supported the Scout Launch Vehicle Program and invented a cooling system for payloads. His career eventually brought him to Florida's great Gulf Coast region, where he and his family became part of the Crestview community. Mr. Mathis continued to support our Nation's Armed Forces as a civil service engineer at Eglin Air Force Base and became active in local government and a member of the First United Methodist Church. It became evident the dedication and love Mr. Mathis had for bettering the local community and the lives of those around him during his years in Northwest Florida, especially during his tenure as City Council Member and four terms as Mayor of Crestview.

A loving and devoted family man, full of passion, generosity, and love for God and country, Mr. Mathis is remembered fondly by those he has served with throughout his life and those whose lives have been forever touched. We are truly blessed to have had such a great public servant dedicate his life to the people of Northwest Florida and our great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor the life of Ted Mathis. My wife Vicki and I offer our prayers and sincerest condolences to his wife of 63 years, Joyce; children, Gaye Mathis Helms and husband, Dennis, Joy Mathis, Greg Mathis and wife, Evelyn, Karen Mathis, and Steve Mathis and wife, Deana; nine grandchildren, Christopher Mathis, Kyle Hyden, Keith Helms, Kasey Helms, Kelly Batson, Lindsey Johnson, Matthew Mathis, Landis Mathis-Booker and Erin Johnson; eight great-grandchildren; and the entire Mathis family. Mr. Mathis will truly be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Master Sergeant Navid Garshasb who passed away on September 4 after a long battle with brain cancer. Master Sergeant Garshasb was a proud resident of Navarre, Florida where he retired from the United States Air Force after courageously serving our Nation with honor and distinction.

Born in Shiraz, Iran, Master Sergeant Garshasb moved to the United States at the age of 12 and joined the Air Force eight years later. He started his military career as a member of the 834th Civil Engineering Squadron at Hurlburt Field. In the years to come, he would be stationed at bases in Michigan and Louisiana and even served on the Bossier City Police Department Reserve Officer Unit in Louisiana where he was named Reserve Officer of the Year.

Master Sergeant Garshasb realized his true calling when he returned to Hurlburt Field to serve as an Airborne Cryptologic Linguist with the 25th Intelligence Squadron. He used his fluency in six languages to assist the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center, and soon thereafter he was on his way to Afghanistan. In November 2001, after his aircraft crash landed on an embankment in Afghanistan, he helped save the lives of his fellow crewmembers by using his knowledge of languages native to the region. For his actions, he was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor and the Air Force Sergeants Association William H. Pitsenbarger Heroism Award, which recognizes the heroic acts of an enlisted member who saved a life or prevented serious injury. Master Sergeant Garshasb's actions throughout his career earned him numerous additional awards which further highlight his exemplary service to this Nation, and I am proud that he called Northwest Florida home.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me great pride to honor the life and service of Master Sergeant Navid Garshasb. My wife Vicki joins me in extending our most sincere condolences to Master Sergeant Garshasb's wife, Joani; their sons, Shahine and Andrew; and their entire family. He will truly be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the heroic efforts of Command Sergeant Major Robert Martin Patterson of the United States Army.

Command Sergeant Major Patterson was a fire team leader of the 3rd Platoon, 17th Cavalry Regiment, and was awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry in action on May 6, 1968, in Vietnam. When the 3rd Platoon became pinned down by interlocking enemy fire and rocket- propelled grenades, Command Sergeant Major Patterson led two men in quickly silencing an enemy bunker with rifle and grenade assaults.

When Command Sergeant Major Patterson noticed the enemy engaging his men from hidden spider holes, he entered the complex and single- handedly conducted an assault on their position. In so doing, the sergeant major successfully destroyed five enemy bunkers, killing eight and capturing seven enemy weapons.

It is for his dauntless courage and heroism that I am proud to honor and remember the actions of Command Sergeant Major Robert Martin Patterson.

Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to commemorate the Fiftieth Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s ``I Have a Dream'' speech. This incredibly moving oration set the stage to bring equal rights to all people; his words are as poignant and touching today as they were when spoken fifty years ago.

From the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963, Dr. King delivered this now famous speech while hundreds of thousands of onlookers participated in the March on Washington. The speech began with reference to the Emancipation Proclamation, which ended slavery in the United States and brought about hope for the future; however, Dr. King continued to highlight how there was still more work to be done, even one hundred years after Lincoln made that address. Then, through an artful combination of skilled writing and improvisation, Dr. King delivered what is arguably one of the most memorable speeches of our Nation's history.

In his speech, Dr. King envisioned a Nation where the families of former slaves and those of former slave owners would live together in harmony. He urged people to look past years of racial segregation, injustice, and inequality to join together as one. He did so, as all parents would, with the hope that his children could live in a land free from hatred. Dr. King stated that this was the freedom that our Founding Fathers fought so hard to protect, so we owed it to them and ourselves to create this change.

Perhaps Dr. King did not know how monumental this one speech would become to the American civil rights movement. It allowed many Americans to reflect on years of racial separation and realize that change was on the horizon. Unfortunately, Dr. King did not live to

see this dream realized, but his ``I Have a Dream'' speech helped pave the way for the success of the civil rights movement and remains an important lesson on history and equality to this day.

As organizations throughout our Nation join in commemorating the anniversary of this momentous speech, I would like to recognize and thank Operation People for Peace, and its Chairman Arthur Rocker, Sr., who has partnered with over four hundred churches and organizations throughout the Gulf Coast to collect food donations to help feed thousands of families, as well as, thank the Southern Christian Leadership Conference chapters of the Gulf Coast, the National Congress of Black Women chapters of the Gulf Coast, and all organizations across Northwest Florida for their efforts. We are truly blessed to have these organizations helping to keep the memory of Dr. King's words fresh in the minds of the people in our community.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me great pride to recognize the Fiftieth Anniversary of the ``I Have a Dream'' speech. My wife Vicki joins me in thanking those throughout Northwest Florida for hosting celebrations along the Gulf Coast to commemorate this incredible speech. Most importantly, we would like to remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for his tremendous service to this Nation and his efforts to put an end to racial inequality.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Vickie B. Mullins upon her retirement from UF/IFAS Santa Rosa County Extension as the 4-H Agent for Youth Development. For over forty years, Mrs. Mullins has served the Gulf Coast community, and I am privileged to recognize her success and myriad achievements.

From a very young age, Mrs. Mullins has called Northwest Florida home. Born in Andalusia, Alabama, Mrs. Mullins and her family moved in 1955 to Pensacola, Florida, where she graduated from Woodham High School and Pensacola Junior College. She continued her studies at Florida State University, receiving both a bachelor's and master's degree in Home Economics Education. Upon graduation, Mrs. Mullins performed post graduate work at Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi.

Leading up to her career as a 4-H Agent, Mrs. Mullins served the Gulf Coast in numerous capacities. She worked in the Escambia County School System from 1972 to 1973, taught in the Amory and Nettleton School Districts, served as the Mississippi State Board of Health Nutritionist, and directed and taught the Nettleton First Baptist Church Weekday Early Education Program. She was also an adjunct instructor at Pensacola Junior College and the University of West Florida and the Culinary Arts Instructor at Locklin Vocational Technical School 1993-1997, where she was selected as the Locklin Teacher of the Year. In 1973, Mrs. Mullins joined the Escambia County Extension Service and became the first Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program Youth Agent in Escambia County. She later joined the Mississippi Extension Service in 1979, and in 1997, Mrs. Mullins joined the UF/IFAS Santa Rosa County Extension, where she has served the last fifteen years as a 4-H Agent.

If there is one common thread sewn throughout her professional career, it is Mrs. Mullins' passion and dedication for bettering the lives of those around her. The positive impact Mrs. Mullins has made on the lives of our Nation's youth is unquestioned, and it is evidenced by the numerous accolades she has earned over the years. These include the Florida and National Extension Distinguished Service Award, the Florida and National Extension Meritorious Service Award, the Regional and National Power of Youth Award, the State, Regional, and National Beyond Youth Leadership Award, and the National 4-H Program of Distinction Award.

Mr. Speaker, I extend my gratitude to Vickie Mullins for her years of dedicated service to Northwest Florida. She is an inspiration to those around her, and we in Northwest Florida are blessed to have her as part of the community. My wife Vicki joins me in wishing Vickie; her husband Dan; their three children Katie, Sarah, and Jackson; and their entire family all the best for continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Northwest Florida's Alvin Henry Enfinger, who passed away on September 2, 2013. Mr. Enfinger spent his entire life serving those around him through his knowledge of medicine and farming and his predisposition to help his fellow man.

Born on September 27, 1925, Mr. Enfinger spent the early years of his life working on his family's farm in Chumuckla, Florida. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the Navy during World War II. After his military service, Mr. Enfinger returned home, married the love of his life Doris Gillman and looked toward his professional future.

Mr. Enfinger graduated from Auburn University in 1951 and then decided to pursue his chosen profession of pharmacy. Only three years into his practice, Mr. Enfinger opened his own pharmacy in West Pensacola named A & E Pharmacy, which is now Northwest Florida's oldest, continuously family-owned and operated pharmacy. A & E Pharmacy has been very successful throughout its nearly 60 years of operation, at one time being the largest pharmacy in Pensacola. Whereas the Gulf Coast has seen an influx of large chain pharmacies as most other areas of the country have over the years, A & E Pharmacy remains a local treasure in our community thanks to Mr. Enfinger's strong leadership.

Mr. Enfinger never veered too far from his upbringing on a farm or from his will to serve the people of Northwest Florida. In 1970, he began raising Red Angus Cattle, a mission that earned him significant recognition for his success and a term as President of The Southeastern Red Angus Association. He was also instrumental in preserving the Coon Hill Cemetery for many years: raising money for its support, restoring its grounds, and acting as steward of the cemetery's history for the entire community. We were very fortunate to have such a talented man as a friend, neighbor, and tireless servant to our community.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor the life of Mr. Alvin Enfinger. My wife Vicki and I offer our prayers and sincerest condolences to his five children, Art Enfinger, Rhonda Enfinger, David Enfinger, Beth Orr, and Jan Herrera; eleven grandchildren; and eighteen great grandchildren. He will truly be missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished service of my good friend and colleague from Alabama, Jo Bonner. Both Jo and I are privileged to represent portions of the Gulf Coast. Our constituents in Alabama's First Congressional District and Florida's First Congressional District share inextricable bonds built on family, friendship and faith.

I have had the opportunity to work closely with Jo over the past decade, and I can truly say that he is one of the hardest working lawmakers here in Washington. He is also a man of unimpeachable character, and his integrity as a public servant was reflected in his tenure as Chairman of the House Ethics Committee. Serving as Chairman of such an important House committee is a great challenge, but Jo has served in some of the most challenging roles here in the House, including as a member of the Appropriations Committee and as Assistant Whip.

Despite taking on demanding leadership roles in Congress, Jo has never stopped fighting on behalf of his constituents to help lure economic development to the Gulf Coast. Jo helped lead the Gulf effort to bring the newly opened Airbus A320 assembly plant to Mobile, which is the company's first American production facility. The thousands of jobs that the Airbus plant has brought to the Gulf Coast come on top of other efforts led by Jo to promote the Gulf Coast as a region open for business. In 2007, Jo was a crucial figure in the construction of the $4.8 billion ThyssenKrupp Steel plant, which brought thousands of jobs to the area, and he has also helped already established businesses, such as Austal USA, expand and create new jobs. Jo's unwavering efforts helped businesses create thousands of jobs for both his constituents and mine, and the entire Gulf Coast region will continue to benefit from these projects for decades to come.

Jo has been a leader in the Gulf community in good times, helping to promote economic growth and job creation; however, he has also been there during devastating disasters such as the recovery from Hurricane Ivan in 2005, and, most recently, the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in 2010. Jo worked closely with federal, state, and local authorities to coordinate

the emergency response efforts, while simultaneously working to hold BP accountable through the Gulf Coast Claims Facility. Here in Washington, Jo and I worked closely with other members from the Gulf states to draft and pass the RESTORE Act, which will bring billions of dollars of fine money from the oil spill back to the impacted communities for economic and ecological restoration. Jo's constant leadership and work on behalf of his constituents have left an indelible mark on his district, and his tireless work has helped assure a more prosperous future for citizens along the Gulf.

We will all be sad to see Jo leave the House, and I will particularly miss his commonsense approach to legislating, but we also know that his service to the people of the State of Alabama is far from over. Jo's new position as vice chancellor of government relations and economic development for the University of Alabama System will allow him to continue his distinguished service to the people of Alabama. Although as a University of Florida graduate, I think I can speak for the entire SEC, when I say that the last thing that the University of Alabama needs is more world-class talent. Jo's track record of success here in the House will no doubt be an invaluable asset to the University of Alabama system and its students.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the whole House I extend my deep gratitude to Jo for his years of distinguished service on behalf of his constituents and the entire Gulf Coast that we call home. My wife Vicki and I wish Jo, his wife Jane, their daughter Lee, and their son Robins all the best as they begin this new chapter in their lives.