Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1657) to amend title 38, United States Code, to revise the enforcement penalties for misrepresentation of a business concern as a small business concern owned and controlled by veterans or as a small business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1657, a bill to revise the enforcement penalties for misrepresentation of a business concern as a small business concern owned and controlled by veterans or as a small business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans.

Madam Speaker, Public Law 109-461 created new opportunities for these service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses and the veteran-owned small businesses to be afforded contract work with the Department of Veterans Affairs. However, this bill had the unintended consequence of encouraging unscrupulous business owners to fraudulently claim to be a veteran or service-disabled veteran-owned small business in order to get those VA contracts.

H.R. 1657 would add teeth to the VA's enforcement abilities by requiring the Secretary to debar any company that fraudulently claims to be a service-disabled veteran-owned business for no less than 5 years. The debarment would also apply to the business' principals.

I want to thank the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Stutzman) for introducing this much-needed piece of legislation.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I am happy to yield such time as he may consume to the chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Stutzman).

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan, Dr. Benishek, an able member of our committee and this subcommittee.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 1657 and H.R. 1383, as amended.

Once again, I encourage all Members to support

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Naval Aviation Memorial Chapel on its 50th Jubilee.

In 1961, Naval Air Station Pensacola, the ``Cradle of Naval Aviation,'' dedicated the Memorial Chapel during a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Naval Aviation. Today, during this centennial year of Naval Aviation, it is fitting that we recognize the 50th anniversary of the Naval Aviation Memorial Chapel.

As a testimony to the love of God and Country that is shared among many in the Northwest Florida military community, the chapel continues to stand as a place of worship, guidance and support to military families. In the 50 years since its opening, thousands of members of the Armed Forces have been joined in marriage, and in celebration of its golden anniversary, all couples who were married at the chapel have been invited to return and renew their vows. John ``J.R.'' and Sharon Arthur, the first couple married at the chapel, will return this weekend to make the ceremonial walk up the aisle on behalf of all who have been married there over the years.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Naval Aviation Memorial Chapel and all the couples returning to renew their vows this weekend. My wife Vicki and I wish them all the best. May the Spirit of the Lord continue to bless the chapel. I am certain this anniversary is the first of many milestones to come.

I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I'll make this very brief.

Congratulations.

It was a great day to be out there. I promise to those on our side of the aisle we will not be handicapped next year by only shooting .410 slugs. We will use shotguns with open chokes.

It was a great day. It went to a good cause for those that enjoy the outdoors, conservation, and the environment. I appreciate the opportunity to chair the Republican side of the Sportsman's Caucus.

Congratulations to our friends. I was in the team right behind Bennie Thompson. Bennie, we're going to get you on our side.

Congratulations.

Madam Speaker, by direction of the Republican Conference, I send to the desk a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Veterans' Affairs may have until 5 p.m. on Friday, May 20, 2011, to file its reports to accompany the following bills: H.R. 1407, H.R. 1484, H.R. 1627, H.R. 1383, H.R. 1657, and H.R. 802.

Mr. Speaker, George Francis Scarborough, 77, of Pensacola, FL passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 4, 2011 surrounded by his family.

George Francis Scarborough was born on Good Friday, March 30, 1934 in Lexington, KY. The son of George Buskie and Ada Wheat Buskie, George spent his early years in Miami, FL and San Diego, CA. He moved to Milton, FL in 1946 when his family was transferred to Whiting Field.

George graduated from Milton High School and remained close to many of his classmates, hosting Milton High reunion events over the past 20 years. After graduating from Milton, he returned to Lexington where he attended the University of Kentucky from 1952-1956. There he fell in love with Kentucky basketball and his future wife, Mary Joanna Clark. George and Mary Jo were married on August 14, 1955 at Second Avenue Baptist Church in Rome, Georgia. George graduated from the University of Kentucky the next year with a B.S. degree in Business.

George Scarborough served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957, and was stationed at Ft. Benning, GA and Ft. Polk, LA. Carolyn Elizabeth Scarborough was born to George and Mary Jo in 1957 while they were stationed at Ft. Benning. They went on to have two more children, George Clark Scarborough was born in Rome, GA in 1960 and Charles Joseph Scarborough was born in Atlanta, GA in 1963.

While in Atlanta, George worked as a manufacturing engineer for Lockheed. He was proud to work on the C-5A, the C-130, and the L-1011 projects. He often said his work at Lockheed was the favorite of all his jobs. George was transferred to Lockheed's Meridian, MS plant in 1969 after the L-1011 assembly line was moved to Meridian. In 1973, he began work at National Homes as a purchasing agent and was soon transferred to Elmira, NY. During his time in Upstate New York, he took a job at American LaFrance as an Industrial Engineer.

In 1978, George and his family had the opportunity to move to Pensacola, FL where he began working with Mary Jo, who at that time was a director for the Miss National Teenage pageant. In 1983, the Scarboroughs and Carolyn Hawkins founded the Miss American Coed Pageant. George was named the national director. George Scarborough took great pride in the fact that the organization consistently promoted patriotism, community service and a strong academic record. Through extraordinary focus and hard work, George and Mary Jo Scarborough's pageant organization became the largest in the United States within a few years. He enjoyed meeting families across America throughout the year and going to the national pageant each summer in Hawaii.

Faith has always played a great role in George's life. In 1978, he and his family joined First Baptist Church in Pensacola where George was a deacon, taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. His greatest joy came from his volunteer work at Samaritan Hands.

George was the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren, Ian, Ginger and Julie Ward, Emily and Benjamin Scarborough, and Joey, Andrew, Kate and Jack Scarborough. His love of baseball and other sports kept him engaged as a coach throughout his adult life and in his final years he enjoyed keeping score at his grandsons' baseball games. He was also an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves and Kentucky Wildcats and for many years attended the Breeder's Cup.

Survivors include wife, Mary Jo Scarborough, Pensacola, FL; daughter, Carol Ward (John) and their children, Julie and Ginger Ward of Jacksonville, FL and Ian Ward of Orlando, FL; son, George Scarborough (Sara) of Gulf Breeze, FL and their children Emily and Benjamin Scarborough of Gulf Breeze, FL; son, Joe Scarborough (Susan) of New York, NY and their children Joey Scarborough of New York, NY and Andrew Scarborough of Pensacola, FL and Kate and Jack Scarborough of New York, NY; he is also survived by his brothers, Chuck Scarborough of California, Scott Scarborough of Nevada and sister, Margaret Scarborough of Oregon.

Visitation will be held from 3:00-5:00 pm Sunday, May 8, 2011 at First Baptist Church with Funeral services beginning at 5:00 pm with Dr. Barry Howard officiating. Private Family Entombment will follow at Bayview Memorial Park.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Sacred Heart Hospital, Dr. John Bray, Pippa Nicholson-Kuenn, Don Gaetz and TLC Caregivers, Lou Donaldson, Jan Bowersox, Alan Waren, Aunt Caroline, Stephanie Smart, and all the family and friends who showed an outpouring of love and support over the last year and a half. We could not have survived without you. The family also asks that donations be made to Samaritan Hands in lieu of flowers.

Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today to recognize the 60th anniversary of the 6th Ranger Training Battalion located on Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

On November 15, 1951, the U.S. Army Amphibious/Jungle Training Committee was established to conduct the final phase of the U.S. Army Ranger School. Now known as the Florida Ranger Camp, the 6th Ranger Training Battalion emphasizes platoon training in a humid coastal and swamp environment. This final phase of the Army Ranger School places students under severe mental and physical stress in an attempt to replicate the rigors of combat.

The first Ranger class arrived at Eglin Air Force Base on January 24, 1952. This first class learned survival techniques for amphibious environments and leadership in combat situations. Today, students in the Army Ranger School experience training very similar to that received by the first Ranger class. The initial six days are focused on technique training, which is then followed by a ten-day field training exercise. Leadership skills are tested vigorously through small unit operations in a simulated combat environment. Students in the Florida Ranger Camp learn to overcome severe weather, difficult littoral and swamp terrain, and sleep and food deprivation while combating mental and physical exhaustion. Through their rigorous training, students at the Florida Ranger Camp learn the techniques necessary to undertake demanding and difficult assignments in protection of our nation. These techniques are then put to the test in a simulated combat environment to create adaptive and effective combat leaders for our Armed Forces.

During its time on Eglin Air Force Base, the Florida Ranger Camp has trained over 100,000 students of the United States Armed Forces and over 60 allied countries worldwide. The 6th Ranger Battalion trains over 2,500 students annually, conducting its 18 day program 11 times per year. The 6th Ranger Training Battalion has 225 officer and enlisted personnel complemented by 30 civilian support personnel who work together to run the Florida Ranger Camp.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is my honor to thank the men and women who make up the 6th Ranger Training Battalion, as well as the Army Rangers they train, for their professionalism and commitment. Their indefatigable service and dedication to our nation protects our inalienable liberties and freedoms, allowing the United States of America to prosper as the world's greatest nation. My wife Vicki and I congratulate the 6th Ranger Battalion, and each of the more than 100,000 graduates of the Florida Ranger Camp, for 60 exceptionally successful years of service to our country.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to recognize the life of Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Hawthorne. Staff Sergeant Hawthorne was a true patriot who exemplified the honor and valor of our Armed Forces. His passing is an enormous loss for Northwest Florida and the United States Army.

Staff Sergeant Hawthorne was a native of Chumuckla in Santa Rosa County, Florida. His love for his country was unparalleled. As a junior at Central High School he signed a commitment to serve his country in the U.S. Army. Immediately following his graduation in 1995, Staff Sergeant Hawthorne enlisted, serving 16 years on active duty until his recent passing.

As a member of the Army, Staff Sergeant Hawthorne served with honor and distinction, receiving numerous medals and commendations. He served as a military policeman throughout the U.S. and in Korea. He also served as a special agent with the protective services detachment at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.

The United States of America is a bastion of liberty and freedom, and it is because of the indefatigable dedication and professionalism of servicemembers like Staff Sergeant Hawthorne, who put themselves in danger to protect our country, that we continue to prosper as the world's greatest nation. Staff Sergeant Hawthorne has gone home to the Lord; however, his dedication and service to our nation will not be forgotten.

Staff Sergeant Hawthorne is survived by his parents, Joseph and Ruth Hawthorne; sisters, Cynthia Bloyd and Diane (John) Marceau; nephews, Kevin and Sean Carroll; aunts, Marian Hendrix, Loretta McCrory, Ann Blanton, Cora Abel and Irene Joyner; uncles, Ralph Jr. Bailey and James Hawthorne and many other nieces and nephews and his military family, and he remains in the hearts and minds of all those who knew him.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I extend my deepest condolences to Staff Sergeant Hawthorne's family. Staff Sergeant Hawthorne was a true patriot, and his willingness to serve our nation will endure as an example for our community. My wife Vicki joins me in extending our thoughts and prayers to the entire Hawthorne family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Northwest Florida's beloved Dr. Vincent Paul Bruno. Vincent Paul Bruno was a native of Florida's First Congressional District. After graduating from Pensacola Catholic High School in 1943, Dr. Bruno joined the Navy, serving his country with honor and distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II. After returning from combat, Dr. Bruno attended the University of Florida for his undergraduate studies, and in 1954, he received his doctorate from Loyola University School of Dentistry in New Orleans, Louisiana. After his graduation from Loyola, Dr. Bruno returned to his hometown of Pensacola, Florida where he practiced dentistry for 48 years.

In addition to his dental practice, Dr. Bruno was also an esteemed leader in the civic community. From 1965 to 1977, he served on the Pensacola City Council. Dr. Bruno also served a term as Mayor Pro Tem of Pensacola. In addition to his civic duties, Dr. Bruno was also a member of the American Dental Association, the Escambia Santa-Rosa County Dental Association, where he served a term as President, the Knights of Columbus and St. Michael's Parish Council.

Dr. Bruno is survived by his wife, Anita Faye Fowler Bruno; his sister, Angela Fisburn of Pensacola; his daughters: the Honorable Patricia Sheppard (the Reverend Dr. Thomas Mikelson) of North Adams, MA, Margaret LeBeau (Dr. Jacque) of Navarre, Ann Ferretti (Dr. Thomas) of Pensacola, Barbara del Castillo (Dr. Hector) of Houston, TX and his sons: V. Paul Bruno, Jr., Harry S. Bruno, and Peter F. Bruno (Sue) all of Pensacola; step-daughter, Dawn Cagle of Madisonville, KY; and 19 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

To some Dr. Vincent Paul Bruno will be remembered as a professional and caring dentist, and to others, as a civic leader in the Northwest Florida community. He will forever be remembered by his family and friends as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, and his impact on Northwest Florida will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is my honor to recognize the life of Dr. Vincent Paul Bruno. My wife Vicki joins me in extending our thoughts and prayers to the entire Bruno family.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the life of Dr. Olyn Kelly Matthews.

Dr. Matthews was an integral part of the Northwest Florida community. For 45 years, Dr. Matthews practiced veterinary medicine in Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties. He began practicing in Northwest Florida in 1944, when he took a job as an assistant state veterinarian. Dr. Matthews was born on a farm, and he dedicated his veterinary practice to helping farmers keep their livestock healthy and productive. Dr. Matthews was the veterinarian for 26 dairies and multiple farms throughout the area.

Dr. Matthews was a true family man. In 1947 he married Elizabeth Campbell. Dr. and Mrs. Campbell immersed themselves in the lives of their children and their local community through church activities and sports.

The impact Dr. Matthews had on the Northwest Florida community extended far beyond his veterinary practice. A pivotal leader in the local community, Dr. Matthews was elected to the Santa Rosa County School Board in 1966. He also served as president of the Milton Kiwanis Club, Milton Quarterback Club and the Northwest Florida Veterinary Medical Association, and he was campaign chairman of the United Way of Santa Rosa County for two years. In 1990, he was selected as ``Man of the Year'' by the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce.

To some Dr. Olyn Matthews will be remembered as a community leader and to others as a dedicated doctor of veterinary medicine. To his family, he will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize the life of Dr. Olyn Matthews of Milton, Florida. My wife Vicki and I offer our prayers for his entire family. He will be truly missed by all of us.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Aletheia Christian Academy's Boys Basketball team as Champions of the National Association of Christian Athletes Division IV.

Aletheia Christian Academy is a small school, with a total enrollment of 55 students. While they may be small in number, throughout the course of the tournament, they showed their opponents that hard work, dedication and solid fundamental basketball leads to success.

Along the way, Aletheia Christian Academy faced opponents from larger schools in metropolitan areas. In the semifinals they faced Arthur- Okaw, a perennial powerhouse and 14 time national champion from Chicago. Aletheia's victory in the championship game, against Hamilton Heights, was the school's first National Championship, in its 19th year of existence.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to congratulate the players, coaches, students, faculty and staff at Aletheia Christian Academy. I am certain that this impressive victory will remain a cherished moment in each of their lives.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I rise today to honor the life of Northwest Florida's beloved Claude B. Dunlap, Jr.

A native of Florida's First Congressional District, Mr. Dunlap spent his childhood and adolescence in Baghdad, Florida. Mr. Dunlap then enlisted in the United States Army and served with honor and distinction during the Vietnam War. He earned the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Expert Rifle Medal.

Following his military service, Mr. Dunlap joined the Baghdad Volunteer Fire Department in 1973. For nearly 40 years, Mr. Dunlap served the citizens of Baghdad and Santa Rosa County, Florida. Mr. Dunlap's dedication to the fire department was evident from the beginning, and his leadership capabilities were clearly demonstrated as he rose to Captain and then to Assistant Chief. In 1995, Mr. Dunlap was named Chief of the Baghdad Volunteer Fire Department, a position that he held until his recent passing.

During his tenure as the Fire Chief, the Baghdad Volunteer Fire Department grew tremendously. Mr. Dunlap ensured that firefighters had the necessary safety equipment to operate on a daily basis and respond to calls. Mr. Dunlap also oversaw the purchase of a new Engine, Rescue truck, Brush truck, boat, and 2 staff vehicles, as well as the beginning of construction on a new fire station.

In addition to his duties as Fire Chief, Mr. Dunlap worked for more than 30 years at the Florida Department of Transportation, where he served as a Maintenance Supervisor. In this capacity, Mr. Dunlap traveled extensively throughout the state of Florida to assist in the cleanup efforts after numerous hurricanes.

To some, Claude Dunlap will be remembered as a Fire Chief and a dedicated servant to the Santa Rosa County community. To others he will be remembered as a hero and a patriot, who answered the call of duty with honor and distinction. He will long be remembered by his family and friends as a loving husband, father and grandfather, and his impact on the Northwest Florida community will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress I am proud to honor the life of Claude Dunlap and his lasting legacy.

Mr. Speaker, today, I have introduced the Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act of 2011.

This bill will temporarily authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA, to pay tuition and fees on behalf of eligible veterans attending non-public education and training institutions in an amount that is the greater of $17,500, or the maximum in-state rate for undergraduate tuition and fees in effect on October 27, 2010.

Mr. Speaker, this temporary change would prevent students who have already enrolled in non-public schools from experiencing a reduction in tuition and fees paid by VA on their behalf due to changes made under Public Law 111-377, the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010.

Under the original Post 9/11 GI Bill passed in 2008, the maximum tuition and fees paid to any school--public or private--was equal to the highest in-state rate for undergraduate tuition and fees. Most students attending private institutions in a few states with high public school tuition and fees like New York, Michigan, and Texas receive more assistance under the state-based formula than they will beginning next August under the $17,500 per year cap required by Public Law 111-377. Such was the expectation of those who enrolled in private schools before the changes were made. I believe it is only fair to ``grandfather'' those veterans who, through no fault of their own, were adversely affected.

I am pleased to note that this bill is fully paid for in compliance with House rules. The offsets required by this bill are preliminarily estimated to be about $105 million and will be covered by a temporary, short-term freeze in the monthly Post 9/11 GI Bill housing stipend amounts at the current level for a period of 30 months beginning August 1, 2011. After that period, the monthly housing stipend will be restored to the full rate in effect at that time.

Mr. Speaker this is a temporary, but important fix to the GI Bill that will benefit hundreds of veterans in several states and I encourage all Members to cosponsor the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Melanie Peters as the 2011 Hurlburt AFA Chapter 398 Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Ms. Peters is an inspiration to her students and colleagues, and I am honored to recognize her achievements.

Successfully getting a class of kindergarteners to construct and fly Styrofoam planes to test Bernoulli's Principle is an accomplishment worthy of recognition in itself. Ms. Peters surpassed this feat and also taught her five- and six-year olds about rocket propulsion using balloons.

Her creative techniques coupled with her passion for flight continues to provide an enjoyable and unique learning experience for her fourth graders. In her classroom, also known as TOP FUN, Ms. Peters incorporates math, science, and technology into her student's curriculum by utilizing her knowledge of aviation. TOP FUN's doors open into a world where students learn that living and learning coexist as a combined adventure.

Through her hard work and dedication, Melanie Peters continues to provide her students a solid foundation, upon which her students are able to grow, as their love for learning continues to soar. Teaching, a love Melanie credits to her mother, comes naturally to her, and is evidenced in the positive impact she has made on the lives of her students.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize Ms. Peters for this great achievement and her commitment to excellence. Ms. Peters has earned the title of Elementary School Teacher of the Year. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating Melanie Peters, and we wish her continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. James Bishir as the 2011 Hurlburt AFA Chapter 398 Middle School Teacher of the Year.

Mr. Bishir, an Integrated Science teacher at Woodham Middle School, began teaching nine years ago. His dedication and professionalism are exemplified by his efforts leading extracurricular activities aimed at developing the skills to ensure that students are prepared to succeed after graduation. All of Mr. Bishir's students benefit greatly from his assiduous work ethic and his dedication to teaching them before, during and after school.

Three years ago, Mr. Bishir began heading Woodham's robotics program. Through countless hours of hard work, he and his robotics team of 58 members designed and built a robot. This year, their robot qualified, for the second time in three years, to compete at a national robotics championship at Auburn University. At the championship event, his team was the second highest ranking middle school. In just a short three- year period, he has shown students that not only can learning come in any form, but that their hard work and effort yield positive results.

In his capacity as the Project Based Learning Group Facilitator, Mr. Bishir serves as a mentor for eight other instructors at Woodham Middle School. Through his leadership, Mr. Bishir assists the group in using technology to incorporate project based learning in the classroom. Mr. Bishir goes above and beyond the call of duty to engage his students and work with his colleagues to facilitate innovative learning projects. His commitment to excellence leads to success in and out of the classroom and has earned him recognition as the 2011 Hurlburt AFA Chapter 398 Middle School Teacher of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize Mr. Bishir for his accomplishments. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating Mr. James Bishir, and we wish him all the best.