Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Paul Dennis Shuman, a Northwest Florida leader who is retiring after a lifetime of public service to his country and his community. Dennis spent his career serving others, and I am proud to honor this dedication and service.

After graduating from the Naval Academy in 1965, Dennis Shuman began a career in the United States Navy. He earned his Naval Aviator Wings of Gold in December of 1966, and his first operation was as a bombardier in Observation Squadron Sixty-Seven in Vietnam. Subsequent Navy tours took Dennis across the globe in service of his country. For his efforts, Dennis earned the Meritorious Service Medal, three Air Medals, the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Expeditionary Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal with four stars. In May of 2008, Dennis and the other surviving members of Observation Squadron Sixty-Seven were presented with the Presidential Unit Citation at the Navy Memorial in Washington, DC for their actions over the jungles of Southeast Asia in 1967 and 1968. This is the highest award given to a United States military unit.

Dennis retired from the Navy in 1985 after twenty distinguished years. He graduated from the Florida State University College of Law in 1989 and began his second career as a public servant by joining the Office of the Public Defender in Pensacola, Florida. For twenty years he served the people of Northwest Florida, and he retires as the Chief Assistant Public Defender for the First Judicial Circuit.

In addition to his professional life, Dennis serves on the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention State Advisory Committee, a governor-appointed position. He is also actively involved in several local community service organizations including the Boy Scouts of America and First Baptist Church.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize Dennis Shuman for his service to Northwest Florida and the United States of America. He has been a dedicated public servant for over forty years. My wife Vicki and I wish all the best for Dennis and his family as they embark on this next journey in their lives.

Madam Speaker, it is a privilege for me to rise today to extend congratulations to the Marty Majors family for being selected the 2009 Holmes County, Florida Farm Family of the Year. The Majors family is an integral part of the Northwest Florida community, and I am proud to honor their achievements.

Marty and Tiffany Majors married in 1992. They have been farming full-time since 1996, but the land on which they farm has been owned by the Majors family for over 100 years. Their son, Blake Majors, is a 7th grader at Bethlehem High School and a member of the Future Farmers of America. Together, the family grows soybeans, peanuts, corn, oats, and wheat. By using strip till farming practices, the Majors are one of the area's best soil conservationists. The family also manages a significant acreage of timberland and does custom grain harvesting as part of their agricultural enterprise.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to offer my congratulations to the Majors family's tireless work and dedication to family, faith and trade. They are an outstanding example of the farm families that make up the backbone of our nation. My wife Vicki and I wish Marty, Tiffany, and Blake best wishes for continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I come today to ask a question: Why do the Democrats come to the floor to belittle the hardworking people who protest this government takeover of health care? They paid their own money, they drove their own cars, they weren't bussed here by the DCCC or the unions. They came to say, Listen to us. Listen to us, Madam Speaker. We don't want a government takeover of our health care system.

They don't want their children's future mortgaged to foreign countries. They don't want people who are not here legally to receive free health care. They want what the Founding Fathers and the Constitution wanted and guaranteed--freedom. What a novel idea-- freedom.

Mr. Speaker, this job-killing bill cuts Medicare, piles debt on our children, raises health care costs, and raises taxes on the American people.

Mr. Speaker, with almost 16 million people unemployed and looking for work, with an unemployment rate of over 10 percent, something we haven't seen in 26 years, with countless Americans asking, Where are the jobs, why is the Democratic leadership ramming through a health care bill that will not add one net job to the American economy?

In fact, the majority's bill will do the exact opposite. It will impose $729 billion in new taxes, crushing small business. For those small businesses that manage to survive the new taxes, their employees will be required to have insurance or face yet another tax. Mr. Speaker, this has got to stop. Americans do not want higher taxes. Americans do not want higher premiums, and Americans do not want this massive government health care takeover bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Leslie R. Chambers, a Northwest Florida leader who is retiring after a lifetime of public service to his country and his community. Les spent his career serving others, and I am proud to honor his dedication and service.

Born on October 31, 1942, Les Chambers joined the Air Force in 1961 after graduating from high school. Following completion of training, he was first assigned to Laon Air Base, France. His Air Force career took him across the globe. Along the way he earned two associates degrees in applied science, then completed his bachelor's degree in management at the University of New Hampshire. He is also a graduate of the Aerospace Defense Command Noncommissioned Officer Academy, where he received the Commandant's Award, and a graduate of the USAF Senior NCO Academy.

Les retired in 1994 with over 33 years of faithful service to his country, 17 of which were spent overseas. His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak-leaf clusters and the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak-leaf clusters. He was selected to serve his last three years as part of the ``High Year of Tenure'' program, a distinction reserved for less than one percent of the force.

After retiring from the Air Force, he settled in Valparaiso, Florida and began working for the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services (HRS) as a Senior Counselor

for Children and Families. In 1997, he was selected as the ``Social Worker of the Year'' for the Department of HRS. Les then began his role as the Air Force Junior ROTC Aerospace Science Instructor at Fort Walton Beach High School in December of that year. Known simply as ``Chief'' to his students, Les retired on October 31, 2009. He will be truly missed.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize Les Chambers for his service to Northwest Florida and the United States of America. My wife Vicki and I wish all the best for Les and his family, including his wife, Ingeborg, and children, Angela, Michael, and Marcus, as they embark on this next journey in their lives.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Winston Walker, a Korean War veteran and a Northwest Florida community leader who passed away on October 29, 2009. Mr. Walker spent his life serving his country and his community, and I am proud to honor his dedication and his service.

Born in Baker, Florida on December 10, 1925, Winston was a life-long Florida resident. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1949 and became an Air Force officer. After serving honorably during the Korean War, Winston returned to Okaloosa County, Florida in 1954. He was appointed to fill a vacant seat on the Fort Walton Beach City Council in 1957, and then became City Manager shortly thereafter.

Winston worked for the city for 23 years as City Manager, and many credit him for being instrumental in transforming Fort Walton Beach from a small town into the thriving city it is today. He retired as Chief Executive Officer of Ready Bank. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason and a lifelong member of St. Simons on the Sound Episcopal Church.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Winston Walker as a Northwest Florida leader. Winston will be remembered as an important part of the fabric of our community. My wife Vicki and I offer our prayers for his family as we remember and honor the life of Winston Walker.

Mr. Speaker, during such tough economic times, I find it incredible that the majority party insists on passing a health care bill that could destroy small businesses, the very backbone of our American economy. But that is exactly what this proposed legislation is going to do. It would institute a surtax of 5.4 percent on high-income earners, and over half of this tax is going to be paid by small businesses. The surtax would push the highest marginal tax rate to 45 percent of income, a rate we haven't seen since 1986. It requires small companies to provide a health plan that meets government standards. If a business can't afford it, the government will charge yet another tax of up to 8 percent.

It is destructive for American small businesses; it's dangerous for American taxpayers; and it's a disaster for the American people. And now we learn--no amendments to the bill. Shame on you, Nancy Pelosi. Americans deserve better.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Faye Schneidewind upon the occasion of her 50th year of loyal service to Jerry's Drive-In, a Pensacola, Florida, landmark. Miss Faye is an intimate part of the fabric of our northwest Florida community, and I am proud to recognize her on this achievement.

Faye Schneidewind grew up in Pensacola and still lives only a few blocks from Jerry's. The 80-year-old great-grandmother started working as a waitress at the diner when she was just 21. After a few years away, Miss Faye returned to Jerry's on November 5, 1959, her sister's birthday. She has been serving the customers at Jerry's ever since. Miss Faye knows just about everyone who walks through the doors at Jerry's, and always provides a warm smile, a hot meal, and good conversation. She is as much a part of the history of Jerry's as memorabilia stretching across its walls.

Jerry's Drive-In is a truly family restaurant. Originally named Jerry's Barbeque, Jerry's Drive-In was opened by Jerry Glass in 1939. Raymond ``Grandpa'' Wessel purchased the restaurant in the early 1950's with his son Bill. The Wessels lived in an apartment above the restaurant. Even after the restaurant was sold, Mr. Wessel continued to maintain his residence above Jerry's. Robert, Jimmy, and Pam Halstead bought Jerry's in 1997 and have continued its tradition of great food and great service.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize Faye Schneidewind on 50 years of dedicated service to Jerry's Drive-In. She is and always will be an invaluable part of our Pensacola heritage. My wife Vicki and I wish Miss Faye, her daughter, her two granddaughters, her nine grandchildren, and her entire extended family at Jerry's all the best for continued success.

Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today to recognize the dedication and support of our military families, servicemembers, and the veterans who went before them.

When a servicemember joins the military, it is not a just a job; it is a family commitment to our country. As our country continues to deploy overseas, we see the impact it has on family members at home. The month of November is designated as Military Family Month. This observance provides an excellent opportunity to show support for our servicemembers and families as we pause and reflect on the contributions, support and patriotism they exhibit each day.

Military families continuously undergo tremendous challenges and it only begins when they find their loved ones deployed for long periods of time. During frequent moves, they effortlessly relocate their belongings, find new schools for their children, navigate the complex options for medical care, and solve myriad other challenges. They are truly resilient and strong.

It is an honor for me to convey my heartfelt appreciation for the service and support of some particular events in Northwest Florida in the coming weeks that will honor our veterans and educate our children about their heroism and sacrifice. On November 4, Blue Angels Elementary School will partner with the History Channel's Take a Veteran to School Day to

honor our veterans. The following week, both Blue Angels Elementary School and Navy Point Elementary School in Pensacola will hold their annual Armed Forces Foundation national education initiative, ``Operation Caring Classroom''. During this event, the schools will be engaged in classroom activity the week of Veterans Day to learn about this holiday and reach out to military children nationwide. This year, 50 civilian elementary schools and 50 military elementary schools will participate in various activities during the week of Veterans Day to raise awareness and appreciation for our military families. The outpouring of support for these special events makes me proud to call Northwest Florida home.

Some of the events will help raise money to continue supporting our World WarII Veterans. Both schools are raising money to sponsor multiple ``Honor Flights''. We just completed our fifth ``Honor Flight'' from the Emerald Coast on 21 October. We greeted 103 of our WWII Veterans as they stepped off the plane and watched many of them see their WWII Memorial for the first time. The charity pays for them to fly to Washington, DC and it's wonderful to see support for future trips.

Our veterans, servicemembers, and their families have sacrificed so much for our nation and deserve the highest level of respect. This nation owes you a debt of gratitude. Here on Capitol Hill, many of us felt it was time to organize a caucus with a focus on Military Families. On November 4, the Congressional Military Family Caucus will feature its inaugural event. The caucus will foster the interest of family members of the uniformed services by educating Congressional Members and staff on resources the military provides as well as discuss the barriers that a military family faces. The goal of the caucus is to address issues such as education, childcare, healthcare, spouse employment, and the effects of multiple deployments.

We all play an important part in recognizing military families, servicemembers, and veterans. I am humbled by the remarkable role each and every one of them play in the future of this Nation. The events held at Blue Angels Elementary School and Navy Point Elementary School in Pensacola serve as a model for the entire country. In the 1st Congressional District of Florida, a district that has more veterans than any other in the nation, the events also serve as a reminder of our gratitude and respect.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the City of Destin, Florida upon the occasion of its 25th anniversary.

The City of Destin has a rich historical heritage dating back to the American Indian tribes who lived along the Emerald Coast of Florida. In 1528, Panfilo de Narvaez first came ashore in the Destin area. In 1693, another Spanish explorer, Don Francisco Tapia surveyed the Florida coast and first entered Destin's East Pass into what is now known as Choctawhatchee Bay.

The first lasting settlement came in the mid-1800's when Captain Leonard Destin and his family moved from New England to build a colonial home at the location of the Monroe Point military reservation. While living on the East Pass peninsula, he met and married Martha McCullom. Their descendants formed the backbone of the Destin community. Captain Destin and his family established a large fishing town that lives on to this day and is known as the ``World's Luckiest Fishing Village.''

The residents of the South Okaloosa County area voted to incorporate the City of Destin on November 6, 1984. The first municipal election was held on January 8, 1985, and less than a week later the Mayor and City Council were sworn in. Twenty-five years later, Destin has grown from a sleepy fishing village into one of the Emerald Coast's premier tourist destinations with over 12,000 residents.

Madam Speaker, my wife Vicki and I wish to congratulate the City of Destin on its 25th anniversary. We wish them all the best for continued success as a community.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Mr. Gerald Floyd Barnes upon the occasion of his 90th birthday. Mr. Barnes has spent a lifetime serving others, and it is a privilege to recognize him on his accomplishments today.

Gerald Barnes was born on October 30, 1919 in Baker, Florida. He is one of five children born to Ottis and Vera Barnes, and he is a life- long Northwest Florida resident. When he was five years old, Gerald and his family moved to Milton, Florida. In 1942, he married Irene Russell. They have two children and four grandchildren. When World War II ended, Gerald joined his father in the grocery business, later opening his own store in downtown Milton--Barnes Supermarket.

Gerald began his life of elected public service in 1950. He served on the Milton City Council between 1950 and 1962, and then was elected as County Commissioner for Santa Rosa County in 1966. In 1972, Gerald was elected as the Clerk of the Court for

Santa Rosa County where he served for twenty years. During this time, he has also served as a deacon of First Baptist Church of Milton, working in various roles including Director of the Junior Department and Director of the Adult Department. Gerald is also a member of The Gideons International and the Kiwanis Club of Milton.

Madam Speaker, Gerald Barnes is a Northwest Florida community leader who has spent a lifetime serving the public. My wife Vicki and I wish him a happy birthday and his entire family all the best for the future.

Mr. Speaker, the constituents of the First District of Florida and the people across this country have spoken loud and clear: We do not want a public option or government-run health care.

But I guess the Democrats can't hear from behind closed doors.

The majority leaders have turned a deaf ear to the American people and continue to insist on a public option. Whether it be an exchange, a co-op, single payer, or whether States opt in or opt out, the fact is the majority party leaders, behind closed doors, are crafting a final health care bill that would force a public option down our throats.

If a robust public option is absolutely critical to health insurance for Americans, then why does this increased coverage not occur until at least 5 years after enactment?

This health care reform bill is a farce and should be voted down. Americans don't want government-run health care as their only option.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sergeant Leonard B. Keller, a Vietnam veteran, Medal of Honor recipient, and American hero who passed away on October 18, 2009. Sergeant Keller spent a lifetime serving his country, his community, and his family, and I am proud to honor his life of dedication and service.

Leonard Keller was a true American soldier. Born in Rockford, Illinois in 1947, he was drafted in the spring of 1966 at the age of 19. After basic training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, Sergeant Keller was assigned to the 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division at Base Camp Doung Tam in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam.

On May 2, 1967, in the Ap Bac Zone of Vietnam, another U.S infantry company was ambushed by the Vietcong, and Sergeant Keller's unit went to rescue their comrades. Soon after his unit was dropped by helicopter, they came under intense automatic machine gunfire from numerous bunkers and several enemy snipers. Despite several calls for retreat, Sergeant Keller charged forward directly towards the enemy position. Disregarding his safety, he and a fellow soldier began a systematic assault on the enemy bunkers, taking out seven different enemy positions. Eventually the entire North Vietnamese force broke ranks and retreated. After exhausting his ammunition, Sergeant Keller then returned to assist in the evacuation of the wounded. Many Americans owe their lives to the courageous actions of Len Keller that day. President Lyndon Johnson awarded the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Keller on September 19, 1968 ``for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.''

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor Len Keller as a Vietnam War hero and Northwest Florida leader. Today we recognize his distinguished military and government service, as well as a lifetime of dedication to the United States of America. Our nation is proud and grateful for his courage, service, and patriotism. My wife Vicki and I offer our prayers for his entire family as we remember and honor the life of Leonard Keller. He will be truly missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Mary Shirah, a Northwest Florida community leader who is retiring after fifteen years of public service as the Director of the Pregnancy Resource Center in Milton, Florida. Mary spent her career serving others, and I am proud to honor her dedication and service.

Born in 1927, Mary Shirah was a Navy wife. She married her husband, Henry, in 1946, and was married for 62 years until her husband passed away last year. Her family eventually settled in the Pensacola, Florida area, and found a home in the Pea Ridge community. In 1968, Mary went to work for Tupperware where a co-worker suggested that she volunteer at the Alpha Center in Pensacola, a resource center for pregnant women.

After working with the Alpha Center and encouraging her Women's Ministry Group at her church to participate, Mary decided to investigate the need for a similar center in Santa Rosa County. She went on to join the committee to find a director for the center and after much searching, the committee chose Mary to serve as the Executive Director. The Pregnancy Resource Center of Milton opened on March 20, 1995. Until her retirement, Mary has served as the center's sole executive director. Under her leadership, the PRC serves an average of 300 families each year.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize Mary Shirah for her service to Northwest Florida. Mary has worked tirelessly on behalf of the women of Santa Rosa County for the last 15 years. My wife Vicki and I wish all the best for her and her family, including sons Henry, Richard, and John, and her six grandchildren, as they embark on this next journey in their lives.