Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to recognize the passing of Colonel Greg Malloy. Colonel Malloy exemplified the character and commitment of a true law enforcement officer. His tragic passing is an enormous loss for the northwest Florida community.

Colonel Malloy started working for the Florida Department of Corrections in 1988. He served the state of Florida with honor and distinction, and in 2010, his leadership and esteemed service was recognized when he was promoted to the rank of Colonel, the highest designation for a corrections officer.

Colonel Malloy was working as part of the Holmes Correctional Institution K-9 tracking team assisting in pursuit of a suspect in a double homicide case. Law enforcement officers were alerted to the presence of the suspect by a local hunter who, after being shot at by the suspect, called 911. Colonel Malloy and the responding officers tracked the suspect in the woods for an hour when the suspect doubled back and ambushed the tracking teams. Colonel Malloy was mortally wounded in the ensuing gunfire.

Our law enforcement officers put themselves in danger to protect the families, friends, neighbors and citizens of their local community. Colonel Malloy paid the ultimate price; however, his bravery and dedication to serving the residents of his community and the state of Florida live on.

Colonel Malloy remains in the hearts and minds of those around him, not only as a well respected law enforcement officer, but as a loving husband, father, and son. He is survived by his wife Donna, daughter Payton, father Lynton, mother Sue, step-father Michael and sister Deidra.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I extend my deepest condolences to Colonel Malloy's family. A committed community leader and loving family man, he paid

the ultimate price protecting and defending his community. His life and sacrifice will not be forgotten. My wife Vicki joins me in extending our thoughts and prayers to the entire Malloy family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Bonnie Ard as the 2012 Walton County, Florida Educational Support Person of the Year. I am honored to recognize her achievements and her dedication to the students and teachers of northwest Florida.

Bonnie Ard is the secretary for Maude Sanders Elementary School in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Mrs. Ard considers the faculty and staff at the school to be a team and part of her family. She sets the tone for the rest of the school's faculty and staff, using her space in the front office to establish a professional, caring, and family-friendly environment that epitomizes the work of the faculty and staff at Maude Sanders Elementary. Tracey Dickey, Principal of Maude Sanders Elementary, extols Mrs. Ard's excellent rapport with the parents and students of the school and her steadfast desire to seek to serve the parents and students of Maude Sanders Elementary as efficiently as possible.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Bonnie Ard as the Walton County Educational Support Person of the Year. Her passion for the students of Maude Sanders Elementary is laudable and her dedication to her profession is exemplary. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating Mrs. Ard, and we wish her all the best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Vanessa Bump as the 2012 Walton County, Florida Teacher of the Year. For twenty years, Mrs. Bump has been an inspiration to her students, colleagues, and community; I am honored to recognize her achievements.

During her career as an educator, Vanessa Bump has served as the Media Specialist at Bay Elementary School, the Library/Media Specialist at Walton High School, and as a Social Studies Teacher in the Escambia County School District. She currently teaches Social Studies and Journalism at South Walton High School. Her outstanding performance was recognized there when she received the 2004 Walton High School Teacher of the Year award.

In addition to her distinction in the classroom, Mrs. Bump serves in myriad other capacities, including Yearbook Sponsor, School Technology Coordinator, Junior Class Sponsor, Prom Sponsor, History Fair Coordinator, and Project-Based Learning Trainer. She has also been presented with the Herff-Jones Outstanding Journalism Educator of the Year award and holds a National Journalism Certification.

Teachers are amongst our most valuable public servants, as they are responsible for educating the future of our country. To be honored as Teacher of the Year, selected from a pool of exemplary educators, is an immense honor. This honor is a reflection of the impact Vanessa Bump has had on her students and the difference she has made in their lives. She has proven herself to be among the many great teachers in our nation, and I am proud to have her as a constituent of Florida's First District.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to honor Vanessa Bump for her accomplishments and her continuing commitment to excellence at South Walton High School and in the Walton County School District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Centennial of Naval Aviation and its service to the United States of America.

Throughout the last century, the men and women of the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard who have heeded freedom's call have become America's front line of defense. Generation after generation of children from the Emerald Coast have watched our country's finest aviators overhead and dreamt of following in their footsteps. I am proud to say that the First Congressional District of Florida holds a special place in its heart for Naval Aviation and all who fly in their nation's defense.

Naval Air Station Pensacola, NAS Pensacola, welcomed its first aviation unit on January 20, 1914, less than 3 years after the Navy purchased its first planes. On December 7, 1917, Pensacola was designated as the first permanent U.S. Naval Air Station. It was America's sole Naval Air Station until World War I. In the ensuing years, tens of thousands of America's finest Naval Aviators have trained at NAS Pensacola, including Neil Armstrong and Ted Williams. Today, all U.S. Naval Aviators begin their training at the Cradle of Naval Aviation.

From the first Naval Aviator, Lieutenant Theodore Ellyson, to the current class of flight students at NAS Pensacola, thousands of Naval Aviators have protected America's interests around the world and in outer space. Just like their predecessors from previous generations, today's students at NAS Pensacola go through rigorous training to serve on shore and at sea, at home and abroad, to protect the United States and support freedom wherever and whenever they are called. From combat patrols over Iraq and Afghanistan to relief missions in Haiti and around the world, Naval Aviation is a touchstone of America's naval might.

Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to recognize Naval Aviation for its contributions during its first 100 years and to honor it as it takes flight in the next 100 years.

Madam Speaker, Saturday was a tragic day for America. Like most Americans, my wife Vicki and I felt a profound loss because of the senseless attacks at a Congress on your Corner event held by Representative Gabrielle Giffords.

Gabby serves with me on the House Armed Services Committee, and all of us who have worked with her hold her in the highest regards as a hard-working public servant. The violent attack on a Member of Congress, her staff, and innocent constituents was not only attack against humanity; it was also an attack on our freedom and democracy.

Throughout the history of our Nation, Americans have stood together in times of tragedy. Today we gather to honor that tradition and display our unwavering support for Gabby and the other victims and families affected by this attack. Let one man's senseless act not overshadow her service, or the lives of those who were tragically lost.

Vicki and I continue to pray for her full recovery, for her family and staff and all of those whose lives were gravely impacted and forever changed.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I apologize to the House for being out of breath, but apparently this bill was brought up on the floor at the last minute and without anybody's knowledge. I don't know if it has been discussed, but I sit on the Armed Services Committee, and I would like to ask my friend from Kansas, if I may, Madam Speaker, Has the professional staff on the Armed Services Committee at all given their thoughts on the implication of this bill?

I can answer the question. I shouldn't have thrown it to you. The answer is ``no.''

The answer is ``no'' because it hasn't gone through regular order. This bill is not going through regular order. It is amazing to me that we are bringing something forward today, as you have been saying already, that has great implications to the national security of this country. The Armed Services Committee and the requisite subcommittees have not had an opportunity to talk about this particular piece of legislation.

We heard that this may come up last week. It didn't come up last week. Unfortunately, some of the Members who are very involved in this contracting issue had no idea this was coming to the floor today. I speak on their behalf. Some of those very Members are on airplanes flying to Washington, trying to come up here to be able to debate this particular piece of legislation.

But, again, it's business as usual for this House and in the waning days of the 111th Congress that we would bring pieces of legislation forward that impact Members all across this country, yet not give them the opportunity to come to the floor in a timely fashion and express their views.

I would urge my colleagues to vote against this particular piece of legislation.

Madam Speaker, it is now four days before Christmas, and the United States Air Force is nearing completion of its evaluation of multiple offers for replacement tanker aircraft. We are now in the ninth year of effort to award a contract for the replacement of tanker aircraft that have an average age of 50 years in service. I would like to remind my colleagues that the men and women of our Air Force are risking their lives every day to perform the refueling mission across the globe in aircraft that were built and delivered when Ike Eisenhower was President of the United States!

How dare we take action, in the waning days of this Congress, without proper committee review, that will delay replacement of these aircraft? The men and women serving in uniform, flying 50-year old aircraft, deserve

better than to have this House--acting on behalf of one company, during the last stages of this competition--undertake an action, which will further delay this contract from moving forward.

I would ask my colleagues--has anyone asked the Secretary of Defense if this legislation is needed? Has anyone asked Secretary Gates or General Schwartz how long it would further delay this contract award in the event it becomes law? Are we, by considering adoption of this bill, creating a precedent for Congressional interference in an ongoing competition? It is absurd bringing this bill to the House floor while the impact of this legislation has yet to be reviewed and weighed.

This House should not be here today, considering legislation of this kind without proper review and without full knowledge of its impact. We certainly should not do so simply because one company--based in Washington State--thinks that they need to change the evaluation metrics at the last minute. If they have no airplane flying that can compete fairly, they should conduct their business better--and this House should refrain from interfering in an ongoing competition. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment.

MR. MORAN of Kansas. I yield back the balance of my time

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

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Judge Frank Bell, upon his retirement from presiding on the county and circuit benches for the past 38 years. Judge Bell spent his career serving the northwest Florida community, and I am proud to recognize his dedication and service.

Judge Bell was born and raised in Pensacola, Florida. After graduating from Pensacola High School, Judge Bell enlisted in the Army. After serving on active duty and in the reserves, Judge Bell attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where he received a B.S. in accounting. He furthered his education at the Cumberland School of Law, Samford University, where he graduated in 1966.

Judge Bell returned to his native Pensacola to practice law. He worked as a sole practitioner, in addition to prosecuting both capital and non-capital cases. In 1972, he was chosen by the people of Escambia County, Florida to serve as a County Judge, and in 1985 he was appointed to the First Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, a job which Judge Bell has carried out with honor and distinction for 25 years.

Judge Bell adheres to the judicial philosophy that impartiality must be preserved to ensure fairness in our legal system. In Judge Bell's view, it is of the upmost importance that judges ``convince the litigants that all we want is a fair fight for the party.'' Some Americans view the justice system with fear and trepidation; however, Judge Bell believes that when citizens experience a fair and impartial judiciary firsthand their opinions change completely. According to Judge Bell, citizens, ``after serving on a jury where they see the system work, they develop a positive attitude.'' Judge Bell's unwavering commitment to upholding the law in an unbiased manner is a prime example of our legal system working at its best and is a great credit to his beloved community.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize Judge Frank Bell for his service to northwest Florida and to the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the centennial anniversary of the Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood, located in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.

On Lake Chautauqua in western New York, the original Chautauqua Institution was founded in 1874 as a vacation school for Sunday school teachers. Chautauqua retreats gained popularity in the 1880s; in 1885, the first Florida Chautauqua program, and second in the nation, was founded and convened on the banks of Lake DeFuniak It served as a platform for discussion of the latest thinking in politics, economics, literature, science and religion and attracted noted scholars and famous lecturers.

In 1910, the Hall of Brotherhood was completed. The Dome was dedicated to the soldiers and sailors of the Republic, and the columns on the outside of the building represent the Presidents of the United States. The expansive edifice incorporated many large meeting rooms and contained a 4,000 seat amphitheatre, fully equipped with electrical lights, dissolving color effects and foot lights for the presentation of plays and grand concerts. It was the largest Chautauqua amphitheatre in the southern United States.

As he laid the cornerstone at the dedication ceremony, General John B. Gordon remarked, ``The Hall of Brotherhood tells the story. Every beam and timber, each brick and stone that shall complete its structure, from this supporting cornerstone now laid to its finished turret, will speak to coming generations of the sentiment that suggested it. American brotherhood, a reunited country, on which depends not only the life and perpetuity of the Republic, but the welfare of universal humanity, are the glorious realities which this Hall is to represent. In the name, therefore, of every state in this Union, and of our priceless freedom, invoking Heaven's blessing upon it, I dedicate this spot where the Hall of Brotherhood is to stand a holy invocation to the everlasting fraternity of the American People.''

On August 7, 1972 the Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood.

Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise to recognize the life and service of Lieutenant General Robert P. Keller, USMC (Ret.).

Robert Keller was born in Oakland, California, on February 9, 1920. As part of the Greatest Generation, he joined the United States Marine Corps and answered his call to duty during World War II. Robert Keller became an exceptional Naval aviator, serving in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. He further distinguished himself as an aviator by flying both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. In Vietnam, he flew with his son, Bob, Jr., on a helicopter mission as well as a fixed-wing aircraft mission. Through the course of his career, General Keller earned the Silver Star Medal, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, and three awards of the Legion of Merit. He retired as the Commanding General, Marine Corps Development and Education Command, Quantico, on July 1, 1972.

Over the course of his distinguished career and his various billets, General Keller served our nation with great pride and dedication. He continued to uphold the Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment throughout the rest of his life.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize Lieutenant General Robert P. Keller's immense contributions to our national security through his lifelong leadership and service to the United States Marine Corps and this great nation. General Keller was preceded by his wife Lucille and is survived by children, Ronald, Robert, Anne, and Joan, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. I would like to offer my sincere condolences. Northwest Florida mourns the loss of a respected patriot. To his family and friends, he will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend; to all, he will forever be remembered as a great American hero.

Madam Speaker, it is a great pleasure for me to rise today to extend congratulations to the Langford family for being selected as the 2010 Holmes County Outstanding Farm Family of the Year.

The Langford family farm, located in Westville, Florida, has been a staple of Holmes County since the 1920s. Its owners, Luke and Laurie Langford, have two young sons, Mason and Carson, and are active members of the Holmes County Farm Bureau and Florida Farm Bureau Young Framer and Rancher Leadership Group.

For the past 24 years, Luke has operated the 1,100-acre farm. Over the years, the farm has become home to a diversified agricultural enterprise, with commercial cow and calf farming, cattle pre- conditioning, custom beef and hay production. The farm produces fruits and vegetables and wood-based products. Additionally, the Langford family farm's picturesque landscape provides a fitting setting for agritourism activities, including fishing, trail rides, dove hunting and a pumpkin patch for Halloween.

Madam Speaker, our great nation was built by farmers and their families. The Langford family stands as an excellent example of the farm families that have been the backbone of Holmes County, Florida, and our nation. On behalf of northwest Florida, I wish the Langford family continued success and hope that their family tradition will continue to prosper for many future generations to come.

Madam Speaker, it is a great pleasure for me to rise today to extend congratulations to the Bolen family for being selected as the 2010 Walton County Outstanding Farm Family of the Year.

Bill and Melissa Bolen, along with their five sons, reside on a twenty-five acre farm fondly named ``Welcome Home Farm.'' Raymond, Justin, Jesse, Timmy and Mike are home-schooled and contribute greatly to the daily workings on the farm. The family raises sheep, goats, cows, chickens and other fowl, free of hormone treatment and chemical products. Their chickens provide both eggs and meat for the dinner table, and their Gulf Coast sheep provide one of the highest quality wool fibers available.

The self-sufficient methods used on the ``Welcome Home Farm'' provide an idyllic example of a farm family promoting a healthy and sustainable life through their farm practices. The Bolen family is proof that a tight-knit family working together on a modest-sized tract can live a successful farming lifestyle.

Madam Speaker, our great nation was built by farmers and their families. The Bolen family serves as an excellent model to all our nation's farm families. On behalf of northwest Florida, I wish the Bolen family continued success.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the Golden Wedding Anniversary of Clarence and Glenda Gulsby of Molino, Florida.

Clarence and Glenda Gulsby were married on October 28, 1960, at Pugh's Chapel Assembly of God in Molino. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gulsby are life-long residents of Molino and are graduates of the local high school, J.M. Tate High School.

Mr. and Mrs. Gulsby have three children, Sue, Bill and Wayne, in addition to four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. All three generations of the Gulsby family live on a contiguous property, exemplifying the idyllic model of a close-knit American family.

The Gulsby's love for their family is evidenced by their dedication and support. Mrs. Gulsby's devotion to raising her children and maintaining the family household provided a strong support foundation for their children; all the while, Mr. Gulsby worked hard to provide for his family through his drive, fierce determination and a strong work ethic. Mr. Gulsby retired from Champion/International Paper Company after 42 years; however, at times he worked three jobs, including farming and operating Gulsby Blacksmith and Welding Shop, to ensure that he provided the best possible life for his family. At the age of 78, he can still swing a sledge hammer.

This remarkable couple has also been active in the local community. Despite retirement, Mr. Gulsby still carries an immense work ethic; he has been active in local politics and community efforts for over 40 years and currently serves on the Fire Safety Citizen Advisory Committee. Mr. Gulsby was also successful in obtaining local telephone dialing for his lifelong town of Molino to the rest of Escambia County, Florida. While working to obtain these dialing rights, he was known to remark, ``You can stand on a stump and talk farther than you can call,'' which was well-received by all, including the Public Service Commission and the local phone company.

Mr. and Mrs. Gulsby's long and fruitful marriage serves as a prime example of the sacred bond of marriage. Their love and dedication to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren epitomize a happy and devoted family.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is my pleasure to join Clarence and Glenda Gulsby and their entire family in celebration of their 50 wonderful years of marriage. My wife, Vicki, and I wish them many more years of happiness.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize Pastor Ted Traylor's twentieth anniversary as pastor of Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida.

Founded in 1894, Olive Baptist Church has experienced great growth by the grace of God and through its devout leadership. Almost a century after its founding, Dr. Ted Traylor was called to become its Pastor. Since November 1990, Pastor Traylor has answered his calling; his inspirational preaching over the last twenty years has brought people a fresh understanding of God's Word and has challenged them to dedicate themselves to follow the tenets of the Lord.

In addition to Sunday services and the various spiritual activities held at the church, Pastor Traylor reaches thousands of homes along the Gulf Coast through his weekly radio and television ministry, At the Heart of Things.

His weekly messages of faith also reach an international audience through the internet, and while Pastor Traylor has preached extensively throughout the United States, he has also traveled the globe to share the Word of God. Emanuel University in Oradea, Romania, has honored Pastor Traylor by naming him to their Pastoral Leadership. He travels frequently to preach and teach the Gospel in Eastern Europe. Through Pastor Traylor's leadership and vision to uphold and spread the Word of Christ, Olive Baptist has sponsored international mission trips to Russia, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Egypt, Costa Rica, India, Bahamas, and Brazil.

Pastor Traylor is noted for his unwavering stance on Biblical issues and unyielding defense of the Christian faith. Pastor Traylor has served as First Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention in 2000, President of the Florida Baptist Convention in 1995, President of the Southern Baptist Convention's 2004 Pastors' Conference, and he currently serves as moderator of the Pensacola Bay Baptist Association. Through his passion and leadership, Pastor Traylor has touched numerous lives throughout the northwest Florida community and throughout the world.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to celebrate twenty years of Pastor Ted Traylor's dedicated service. I know that this anniversary is only the first of many more to come. My wife Vicki and I wish him, his wife Liz, and their two children, Rachel and Bennett, all the best. May the Spirit of the Lord continue to bless Pastor Traylor, his family, and the congregation of Olive Baptist Church.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the 75th anniversary of the Choral Society of Pensacola.

The Choral Society of Pensacola was founded in 1935 by a group of local citizens whose goal was to enrich the northwest Florida community through the presentation of choral music and the continuing development of the choral arts.

In 1935, Mrs. Minnie Leah Boschen, a member of the Pensacola Music Study Club, desired to perform a portion of Handel's Messiah as part of the Pensacola Music Study Club's 1935 Christmas program. Mr. Edwin Northup, who was the choir director at Christ Episcopal Church, agreed to serve as director for the performance. Singers were recruited from church choirs and members of the Music Study Club; they included Mr. and Mrs. John Boschen, who went onto become soloists for the Messiah performance. Their first performance took place at the First Methodist Church in Pensacola, Florida on Monday, December 16, 1935. The well- attended performance of Handel's Messiah garnered lavish praise in the local newspaper. This same untitled group of singers who performed would later become recognized as the Pensacola Choral Society, the Pensacola Oratorio Society, and ultimately, the Choral Society of Pensacola.

During World War II, Pensacola experienced an influx of talent from all over the world. As Pensacola and the Choral Society adapted to this cultural expansion, the Choral Society continued to provide entertainment and joy to the local community. Their steadfast support and service during the challenging times of war was a true testament to the Choral Society's strength and dedication to northwest Florida.

In recent years, the Choral Society of Pensacola has performed for large audiences both locally and internationally. The Choral Society, accompanied by the Pensacola Civic Band, presented a large-scale concert titled In Commemoration of September 11, 2001. This event drew an audience of approximately 850 people to Pensacola's Saenger Theatre. In December of 2004, the Choral Society began what has become an annual collaboration with the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra; their joint 2004 performance of Handel's Messiah drew an audience of over 1,200 people to Pensacola's Hillcrest Baptist Church. In August of 2006, the Pensacola Choral Society was the only U.S. choral society to perform in the prestigious China International Chinese Choral Festival held in Beijing, China. The Choral Society's grand performance was evidenced by their invitation to return to China and perform at the next festival.

Over the past 75 years, the Choral Society of Pensacola has enhanced the artistic community of northwest Florida by maintaining excellence, diversity, a commitment to education, and an emphasis on collaboration with other cultural organizations. On behalf of the northwest Florida community, I would like to give a standing ovation to the leadership and countless volunteers that compose the Choral Society of Pensacola and recognize their hard work and dedication.

Madam Speaker, I am very proud to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Choral Society of Pensacola. I know that this anniversary will only be the first of many more to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the 75th Anniversary of the Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport and its service to northwest Florida and visitors worldwide.

Established during the Great Depression, the grounds for the new municipal airport for Pensacola, Florida, were purchased for the sum of $50,000 from Mr. and Mrs. Francis W. Taylor on November 1, 1935. Shortly after, the Works Project Administration authorized several hundred men to clear and grade the heavily-forested property, laying out the strong foundation, which 75 years later supports today's modern airport.

The Works Project Administration approved the construction of three paved runways and the airport's first administration building. In 1937, a Stinson Trimotor airplane of Atlantic and Gulf Coast Airlines landed the first scheduled commercial airline passenger service. During the following year, the runways welcomed the first air mail service upon arrival of a Lockheed Electra from National Airlines.

Throughout World War II, the airport played a supporting role and was leased to the United States Navy. During this time, the military invested more than $1 million into airport improvements, including paving the way for a fourth runway. The Pensacola Municipal Airport was returned to the city's control in 1945 and transitioned to commercial operations in the 1950s. In 1952, a new administration building at Pensacola Municipal Airport was built and named Hagler Field, honoring Pensacola's beloved mayor, the late Conner L. Hagler.

During the next decade, the Pensacola airport embraced the commercial jet age supporting the landing of an Eastern Air Lines Boeing 727 in 1965, which called for lengthening the airport's runways. As its services continued to grow, the airport was renamed Pensacola Regional Airport in 1972, and in 1978, the increased commercial air traffic led to making arrangements for the airport's first regional airlines. To accommodate the expansion of their operations, the airport further enhanced its physical structure. In the 1990s, a two-story air terminal was built that included the airport's first enclosed jetways, and entering into the new millennium, plans were launched for a multi- million dollar modernization.

In 2008, the Pensacola Regional Airport was renamed the Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport. While over the course of its history, the airport has undergone several name and structural changes, one thing has remained constant--the professionalism and hospitality of all those who have dedicated their time and hard work to maintain the airport's daily operations and who make it all possible.

Madam Speaker, over the last 75 years, the airport has grown and transitioned into one of the largest commercial airports in the Gulf Coast. Whether dropping by for a visit or calling Pensacola or its surrounding areas home, the Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport and its staff provides all those who pass through it a warm welcome to the Emerald Coast. On behalf of the hundreds of thousands of passengers it serves annually and the communities of northwest Florida, my wife Vicki and I would like to congratulate the Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport on their 75th Anniversary and wish its employees all the best for continued success.