Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Arlin Horton and his wonderful wife Beka, who have selflessly served the Pensacola, Florida community for more than 60 years. Dr. Horton, the current President of Pensacola Christian College, and Mrs. Horton, who spearheaded and guided the Christian school's curriculum, are the co-founders of Pensacola Christian. The Northwest Florida community owes a great deal of gratitude to this dynamic duo for their leadership and vision.

Dr. and Mrs. Horton's lives have been dedicated to bestowing upon students a ``truly Christian foundation, character training, and excellence in academics.'' Pensacola Christian provides a first-class education to all levels from elementary school through college. Pensacola Christian Academy has grown from 35 enrolled students to over 2,000 annually, and Pensacola Christian College has graduated over 16,600 students. Additionally, Pensacola Christian has mentored over 37,000 children through the Camp o' Pines and since 1953, has hosted educational clinics for over 93,000 Christian school principals and teachers.

While located in Pensacola, the institution's impact is felt by those all around the world today, through their textbooks and modern-day technology. Dr. and Mrs. Horton's textbooks A Beka Book, named to commemorate Beka for her role in creating the school's curriculum, will reach the hands of approximately 730,000 students just in this year alone. An additional 40,000 students will be reached through the virtual A Beka Academy, and today, 10,288 Christian schools and daycares and more than 105,000 homeschoolers study from the books published under the Pensacola Christian name.

Outside of academia, Pensacola Christian runs a radio and television network that helps bring others to God's glory. In 1971, WPCS Christian radio began, and in 1996, the name changed to Rejoice Broadcasting Network. The station includes 39 satellite stations and through the Internet their message reaches a worldwide audience. Likewise, their television program, Rejoice in the Lord, is shown on 11 stations and viewed across the nation and around the world.

Teaching the Christian way of life through love and faith in the Lord became its inspiration, and Dr. and Mrs. Horton brought this ministry to life. Through their selflessness and unwavering dedication, they built a strong foundation that has grown into a worldwide educational institution. Despite its vast success, Dr. and Mrs. Horton have always remained humble and attributed their successes to the Lord.

Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to recognize the life-long career of Pensacola's Arlin and Beka Horton. Their dedication to bettering the lives of others and bringing faith to the communities of Northwest Florida is commendable. Through their vision, a small school has been transformed into a beacon for Christian education. My wife Vicki joins me in wishing them all of the best in their retirement.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor and pleasure to wish a very happy birthday to Mrs. Jewell Frances Wells Golden of Bagdad, Florida on the occasion of her 100th Birthday and to congratulate her on her many achievements. Mrs. Golden reached the century mark, an incredible milestone, on April 16 of this year.

Jewell Golden is no stranger to the Northwest Florida community. Alongside her husband, the late Albert Golden, they shared many successes and business ventures, which have made a lasting impact along the Gulf Coast. One factor that always remained constant was their love for each other, their family, and their strong faith in God. In fact, in 1977, Mr. and Mrs. Golden helped establish the Church of the Living God, now known as Heritage Chapel.

Mrs. Golden is beloved and cherished by all--her family, including her three children, eleven grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and a grateful community. Her greatest joys, which she shares in her autobiography, are spending time with her family and ``making memories.'' Those who have the pleasure of knowing Mrs. Golden have been blessed by her charisma and presence. Her life serves as an inspiration to many and demonstrates that hard work and strong morals will lead to much success and happiness.

My wife Vicki joins me in wishing Mrs. Jewell Frances Wells Golden a joyous birthday. May God continue to bless her, her family and friends with wonderful memories for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, due to being unavoidably detained, I missed the following rollcall vote No. 152 on April 16, 2012.

If present, I would have voted: rollcall vote No. 152--H.R. 3001--On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass the Raoul Wallenberg Centennial Celebration Act, ``aye.''

I thank Chairman Hastings for yielding, Subcommittee Chairman Bishop and all the members of the Natural Resources Committee for their help and support in bringing this piece of legislation to the floor.

I also want to take this time to say thank you to the entire sportsmen's community, which has worked very hard to solidify the support here in Congress, including Congressmen Benishek, Flake, Young, and Broun, and my counterparts in the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus leadership, Congressmen Ross, Latta, and Shuler.

I would be remiss not to recognize the efforts of the individuals who have diligently worked together with the sportsmen's community to help advance this very bipartisan package of legislation.

I agree with my friends on the other side of the aisle that hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-dependent activities have always and should be continued on our public lands. What this legislation does is protects sportsmen's rights. It protects sportsmen's rights that preserves our Nation's heritage; and among the provisions in this legislation, it prevents the EPA from expanding TSCA to regulate traditional ammunition and fishing tackle.

Those in opposition may suggest it is the majority's belief that lead shot, bullets, and other projectiles, propellants, and primers should not be regulated by anyone at all. But as you heard just a moment ago by the chairman of the full committee, State fish and wildlife agencies are authorized to manage most of the States' fish and wildlife activities and, therefore, closely monitor and address any local concerns about lead-based ammunition.

Some will also falsely claim that there is significant danger to wildlife populations. With very limited exceptions, there is simply no sound evidence that the use of traditional ammunition is causing harm to wildlife or their populations. Others incorrectly claim that traditional ammunition was a threat to human health. In fact, according to the CDC, there has never, never been a case where lead poisoning has been traced to wild-game meat.

Succumbing to the anti-hunting and anti-fishing groups at the expense of the taxpayer and sportsmen, it will be detrimental to the countless manufacturing facilities of sportsmen and recreational industry. It will destroy thousands of jobs and hurt wildlife conservation funding and efforts.

It is the very ammunition, the firearms and the fishing tackle, along with sportsmen and -women that are footing the bill to manage, to protect, and create the habitat for the species that the very anti- hunting and -angling interests claim that they are trying to save. That is why the sportsmen's conservation organizations and the State fish and game agencies have united with industry and Second Amendment interests to get behind this piece of legislation.

While there is still much work to be done to ensure that sportsmen's rights continue to be protected, H.R. 4089 addresses some of the sportsmen's communities' most pressing concerns, and I urge passage of this important piece of legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Northwest Florida's Gerry Lester ``Bubba'' Watson, Jr. as the winner of the 2012 Masters Tournament on Sunday, April 8, 2012 at Augusta National Golf Club.

Winning a Masters Tournament, professional golf's most prestigious event, is the dream of every tour professional and aspiring amateur. This win--his fourth on the PGA tour--elevated him to the number four position in the world golf rankings, and to number two in the FedEx Cup rankings.

Bubba's humble, small-town upbringing in Bagdad, Florida included no formal golf lessons, save one provided by his father at an early age. He taught himself to play golf by hitting wiffle balls around his house with a cut-off club his father gave him.

Not an inexperienced winner, Bubba won the Divot Derby--a longstanding junior golf tournament in Pensacola, Florida--an astounding 10 years in a row. He continued golfing during his years at Milton High School, where he also excelled as pitcher on the school's baseball team. Despite his significant baseball talents, golf remained his passion. At Faulkner State Community College, he was named First Team Junior College All American. Later, after transferring to the University of Georgia, he led the Bulldogs to an SEC Championship title in 2000. He turned professional when he joined the Nationwide Tour in 2001, and later joined the PGA tour in 2006. Known for his aggressive shot-making abilities and his exceptionally long tee shots, he has quickly established himself as a favorite among golf spectators.

Bubba is not shy about sharing his Christian faith, and he possesses an unwavering commitment to family--most recently demonstrated when he and his wife, Angie, adopted a baby boy just two weeks before his win at Augusta. In addition to his commitment to family, Bubba is actively involved in a number of philanthropic activities, serving as an honorary board member and generous sponsor of The First Tee of Northwest Florida and making significant contributions to the Ronald McDonald House in Pensacola. He has also hosted free golf clinics for children, provided scholarships for Milton High School golfers, and committed to funding the Divot Derby for the next five years, ensuring that children do not need to pay the registration fee to participate in the event.

Bubba's strong character, athletic prowess, and commitment to family and community make it all the more enjoyable to call him ``Masters Champion.'' His nail-biting win after two playoff holes on Sunday afternoon may be his first in a major tournament, but it will likely not be his last.

On behalf of the United States Congress and the citizens of Northwest Florida, I congratulate Bubba for his extraordinary victory. My wife Vicki joins me in offering our best wishes to Bubba; his wife, Angie; and their son, Caleb, for their continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding achievement of Senior Airman Alexander W. Blench, who recently received the 2011 Lieutenant General Leo Marquez Award as the Air Force's Outstanding Aircraft Maintenance Airman.

Originally hailing from Escondido, California, SrA Blench joined the United States Air Force as an F 15 Avionics Technician in 2008. He served at RAF Lakenheath, England and in Afghanistan before reporting to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, in 2010. A self-described tinkerer who developed a love of mechanics as a child working in his father's machine shop, SrA Blench now specializes in repairing electronic warfare and countermeasure systems in F 15C and F 15E aircraft. He also works on aircraft wiring, flight controls, environmental systems, munitions guidance systems and video lines. At only 24 years old, SrA Blench has already compiled an impressive list of contributions to our nation's Air Force. His sharp eye and keen understanding of avionics allowed him to identify and quickly rectify countermeasure and flight control failures, faulty telemetry data, a radar elevation discrepancy and crucial systems malfunctions. His personal efforts led to five modifications of three separate types of aircraft and contributed directly to 1,700 sorties and over 2,600 flying hours resulting in the success of several critical test missions.

SrA Blench's dedication to excellence, however, goes beyond his professional duties. In addition to his significant professional achievements, SrA Blench also completed a Community College of the Air Force degree in Avionics Systems Technology. He is also pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree with a 3.95 GPA, he volunteered his off-duty time to clean and paint a local middle school, and he participated in a local Northwest Florida beach conservation effort by assisting with planting 1,400 trees along the shoreline. Not only has SrA Blench proven himself to be a good Airman, he has also shown himself to be a good

neighbor and an outstanding representative of the United States Air Force in the Northwest Florida community.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize SrA Alexander W. Blench. His dedication to duty, his technical competence, and his contributions to the local community all bear testament to his personal embodiment of the Air Force's core values--``Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do.'' My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating SrA Blench, and we wish him all the best for continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize J.M. Tate High School and to congratulate Asia Cravens, Sarah Barlow, Tanner Newman, Hannah Malone, Matthew Bailey, Chance Sturup, Tatiana Teate, Amy Sapp, Brianna Riddell, Andrew Belt, and Ryan Colburn as the 22nd Florida High School Mock Trial State Champions. This award is evidence of their tireless work and steadfast dedication to excellence.

On the road to state championship, Tate's Mock Trial Team was tasked with defeating teams from eighteen judicial circuits across the state. Following four rounds of intense competition, Tate High School defeated the Community School of Naples in the final round and prevailed as Florida State Champions.

No single component by itself renders a champion, but rather to be a champion requires a combination of discipline, desire, focus, and determination. The Tate High School Mock Trial Team bounded together by their passion for justice and dedication to the rule of law found the perfect blend of these elements and made Northwest Florida proud.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize the Tate High School Mock Trial Team and their coaches, Angie Sapp and Travis Johnson, on their leadership and accomplishments. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating them, and we wish them all of the best for their continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mr. Frank Beckwith, the 2012 Hurlburt Air Force Association Chapter 398 Middle School Teacher of the Year.

A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and a veteran of Desert Storm, Mr. Beckwith continued his service and leadership in a different capacity--this time as a teacher. He began teaching in 1993 in North Carolina, and in 2001, he moved to Santa Rosa County to teach at Avalon Middle School in Milton, Florida.

Mr. Beckwith has engaged his students through his passion for science and its use as a tool for problem solving. To enhance their learning, he procured data processing equipment for the classroom and has motivated students to excel in science, technology, engineering, and math education through innovative programs. He founded the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Activity, and Math) program, where students are afforded the opportunity to spend the day on Blackwater River, competing in various categories, including measuring water chemistry, mapping river depth, and racing to haul one person's daily water consumption from the river to a tank. He is also the sponsor and coach for the school's BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science, and Technology) Robotics team.

Aside from teaching at Avalon Middle School, Mr. Beckwith also serves as a faculty associate at the University of West Florida and is President of the Santa Rosa County Science Teacher's Association.

Frank Beckwith's desire to teach is rooted in his family, through his father and grandfather, and was also inspired by his high school science teachers. Their guidance, enhanced by his experience and understanding of the importance and power of education, help built the strong foundation from which Mr. Beckwith teaches and empowers his students to strive for excellence. His greatness lies well beyond his title as Hurlburt AFA Chapter 398 Middle School Teacher of the Year--it lies in the hearts and minds of those who have been deeply impacted by his dedication to the teaching profession and service to our great nation.

On behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize Mr. Frank Beckwith for his great achievements and honorable service. My wife Vicki joins me in wishing him all of the best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ms. Laura Pink, the 2012 Hurlburt Air Force Association Chapter 398 Elementary School Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Pink has spent her entire career ``paying it forward'' to her students, their parents, and her colleagues. Her dedication to helping educate others started long before she stepped into the classroom as a teacher. As a junior in high school, Ms. Pink began teaching as a reading tutor. She went on to earn a double major in Elementary and Special Education in college and received an endorsement in Gifted Education for all grades. Ms. Pink attributes her success as an educator to her own teachers, who instilled in her the self-confidence for success and a passion for scholarship. She has forever impacted the lives of her students, and she is truly deserving of this honor.

In the classroom, Ms. Pink uses the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and math to challenge and empower her students. Outside of the classroom, she is involved with the Air Force Association, Hurlburt Chapter's Teacher Workshop, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the Civil Air Patrol, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Ms. Pink has been able to combine her classroom activities with her extracurricular activities so that she can better serve her students and secure grants for hands-on classroom experiments. Additionally, Ms. Pink has been able to introduce the Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Connections in Education program at her school, which uses aviation to foster her students' interest in science and math.

The importance of teachers such as Ms. Pink is unquantifiable, and I commend her dedication to our nation's future. To be selected as Teacher of the Year is a reflection of Ms. Pink's exemplary work ethic and steadfast dedication to the students of Northwest Florida.

On behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Ms. Laura Pink for her great achievements and laudable service. My wife Vicki joins me in wishing her all of the best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mr. Scott Erickson, the 2012 Hurlburt Air Force Association Chapter 398 High School and Overall Teacher of the Year.

Mr. Erickson's joy and passion for teaching began at an early age, from watching his mother, also a teacher. Her example, coupled with the skills he learned through his work as a summer camp counselor, became an inspirational force behind his current ``learn by doing'' teaching approach, which engages students through lesson plans that incorporate activities and experiments using modern-day technology. Throughout his career, Mr. Erickson has used this approach to educate students of all ages ranging from elementary school to high school.

A teacher at Milton High School in Northwest Florida, he continues to hone his teaching techniques, always striving for excellence and establishing award winning technology and aviation programs. Mr. Erickson has played an integral role in sponsoring Milton High School's Robotics Team and led the team to its notable victory at the Emerald Coast BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science, and Technology) Robotics competition. Additionally, through his tireless efforts in fundraising and procuring necessary grants, he became the driving force behind the creation of Milton High School's Aviation Academy--a state-of-the-art teaching and flight simulation facility--which continues to yield positive results. Several of his students are now on the path to earning pilot ratings. Equally commendable, several of Mr. Erickson's aviation students were selected to join the National Flight Academy, a multi-day immersion program that uses aviation to inspire students to

challenge themselves in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Mr. Erickson is respected by all--his students, parents, and administrators alike. Through his hard work and dedication, Scott Erickson is making a tremendous impact in the lives of his students, and this earned him both the title of Teacher of the Year and the admiration of those around him. The Northwest Florida community is proud to call him one of our own.

On behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Mr. Scott Erickson for his great achievements and exemplary service. My wife Vicki joins me in wishing him all of the best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Stacie Smith as the 2012 Okaloosa County, Florida School District's Employee of the Year. I am honored to recognize her achievements and her dedication to the students and faculty of Northwest Florida.

While serving the Okaloosa County School District, Ms. Smith has worked in myriad capacities. Her career began as a secretary, and through her exemplary work ethic and business acumen she was immediately delegated additional responsibilities, such as handling clerical duties, open enrollment, and retiree benefits. Currently, Ms. Smith serves in the integral role of Insurance Ombudsman for the Okaloosa County School District, where she advocates, assists, and provides active and retired employees solutions to their claims. Never one to remain stagnant or settle for mediocrity, Ms. Smith continuously accepts new challenges. This characteristic, coupled with her superior demeanor, professionalism, and dedication, is responsible for her promotions through the ranks and the award she is receiving.

Teachers, administrators, and supporting faculty play a vital role in guiding and encouraging the positive growth of America's youth, and they deserve our utmost gratitude and appreciation. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Ms. Stacie Smith as the 2012 Okaloosa County School District Employee of the Year. Her passion for the students and faculty is laudable and her dedication to the education profession is exemplary. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating Ms. Smith, and we wish her all the best for continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Fort Walton Beach High School Cheerleaders on their achievements as Class 2A FHSAA Competitive Cheerleading State Champions and most recently as Universal Cheerleaders Association's National Cheerleading Champions.

No single component by itself renders a champion, but rather to be a champion requires a combination of discipline, desire, focus, and determination. The Fort Walton Beach High School Cheerleaders have found the perfect blend of each element and serve as an example for other teams in the area. At the beginning of the season, the Fort Walton Beach High School Viking Cheerleaders said, ``It's our year.'' Their words have come to culmination as they proved that this year was theirs to shine taking home the gold from UCA Nationals.

The Fort Walton Beach High School Cheerleaders strive for perfection in everything they do. In cheerleading, not one person stands out or wins the overall competition. Rather, it requires uniformity and working together as a collective group. As they prepared to compete in UCA Nationals, they sought to perform their routine to the best of their abilities as a team. This commitment to excellence defines a true champion; however, their excellence extends far beyond the title. Whether it is car washes, 5k runs, or even performing for Florida's Governor, Rick Scott, this team goes above and beyond what is asked of them, and I commend their active role in the Fort Walton Beach community.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize the Fort Walton Beach High School Cheerleaders on their accomplishments and their continuing commitment to excellence at Fort Walton Beach High School. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating them and everyone who has played a supportive role in guiding their team to victory. We wish them all the best for continued success.

Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness and deep sympathy that I rise to pay tribute to a fallen American hero. Army Sergeant Joshua Born, of Niceville, Florida, was killed on February 23, 2012 in the Khogyani District in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, where he and other members of the 549th Military Police Company were attempting to maintain order during violent protests.

A student at Niceville High School in Northwest Florida, Joshua enlisted in the United States Army in March 2007. He was known as a well-respected soldier and young man. On February 23, Joshua paid the ultimate price in defense of our Nation's freedom. We know that freedom often demands of us a heavy and at times unbearable price. To his wife, Megan; his parents, Elizabeth and Craig; and to all of his friends; we owe our eternal gratitude. Throughout his service, there is no doubt that Joshua displayed dedication to duty and courage of heart. Joshua's life will continue to inspire those who knew him best and those who follow in his footsteps. He will always be remembered for his selfless dedication and commitment to this great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful United States Congress, I stand here today to honor Sergeant Joshua Born and all the heroes we have lost. My wife, Vicki, joins me in offering our most sincere condolences and prayers to his family and friends. May God continue to bless them and the brave men and women of our United States Armed Forces.

Mr. Speaker, due to a family emergency, I missed the following rollcall votes: No. 96 and No. 97 on March 6, 2012.

If present, I would have voted: rollcall vote No. 96--H.R. 4105--To apply the countervailing duty provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 to nonmarket economy countries, and for other purposes, ``nay''; rollcall vote No. 97--Previous Question, Providing for consideration of H.R. 2842, the Bureau of Reclamation Small Conduit Hydropower Development and Rural Jobs Act, ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sympathy and solemn gratitude that I rise to pay tribute to a fallen American hero. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel John Darin Loftis, of Paducah, Kentucky, was killed on February 25 in Kabul, Afghanistan, while working at the Afghanistan Ministry of the Interior in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. J.D. or Darin, as his family and friends knew him, was assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command.

Lt Col Loftis first entered the Air Force in 1996 as a Space and Missile Officer after receiving his commission through Officer Training School. In 2008, he became a Regional Affairs Strategist; and in 2009, he deployed to Afghanistan with a Provincial Reconstruction Team with a mission to help Afghanistan rebuild its infrastructure and secure the rule of law within the country. It was during that deployment that his fluency in the Pashto language made it possible for him and his team to engage directly with local Afghans. This helped both sides establish a mutual trust and provided a means to exchange viewpoints and learn about each other's culture. In fact, he was so successful that the local Afghans gave him the Pashto name: Esan, meaning the quality of being generous. During his last deployment, Lt Col Loftis was once again working to help U.S. service members bridge the cultural divide that separates them from their Afghan and Pakistani counterparts.

His mission was a noble one and of his dedication to duty, courage of heart, and commitment to our great nation, there can be no doubt. To Lt Col Loftis' loving wife Holly and his two precious daughters, Alison and Camille, my wife Vicki joins me in offering our most sincere condolences. We have heard many times and know in our hearts the truth that Freedom often demands of us a heavy and at times unbearable price. Your husband and father was a living example of the Airman's Creed, ``I am an American Airman, guardian of freedom and justice, my nation's sword and shield, its sentry and avenger. I defend my Country with my life.'' He was a brave man and paid the ultimate price in defense of our nation's freedom. For that and for everything he stood for, we owe you our eternal gratitude.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful United States Congress, I stand here today to honor Lt Col John Darin Loftis, his service and sacrifice, and all of the heroes we have lost. May God continue to bless the Loftis family and friends, the AFSOC community, and the United States Armed Forces.