Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I missed rollcall vote Nos. 772-774 on October 13, 2009.

Had I been present, I would have voted:

Rollcall vote No. 772, To provide for an extension of the legislative authority of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Inc. to establish a Vietnam Veterans Memorial visitor center, ``yea.''

Rollcall vote No. 773, To reauthorize the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Citizen Advisory Commission, ``yea.''

Rollcall vote No. 774, Congratulating Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., on 98 years of serving local communities and enriching the lives of collegiate men throughout the Nation, ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Cyrus Blackman, a World War II hero and a Northwest Florida community leader who passed away on October 7, 2009. Mr. Blackman spent his life serving his country and his family, and I am proud to honor his lifetime of dedication and service.

Cy Blackman was a native and lifelong resident of Milton, Florida. He joined the United States Army at a young age during World War II, and went on to serve with the 563rd Anti-Aircraft Automatic Weapons Battalion operating trucks to move personnel, equipment, and supplies under extremely hazardous combat conditions. A veteran of combat in much of Central Europe, Cy fought honorably in the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of the Rhine, receiving the World War II Victory Medal, the American Service Medal, and the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with three Bronze Stars.

After demobilization at the end of the war, Cy returned to Northwest Florida. He worked at International Paper, where he retired. Despite his service in World War II, for 60 years Cy never spoke of his time in the Army and never requested Veterans Administration benefits. However in 2008, Cy participated in the Emerald Coast Honor Flight, an experience that changed his life. After visiting the National World War II Memorial, he began to open up about his experiences in the war, and later even served as a spokesman for the Honor Flight organization, connecting the community with our veterans.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor Cy Blackman as an American hero reflective of the spirit of Northwest Florida. Cy will be remembered as a loving husband and father and as an important part of our community. My wife Vicki and I offer our prayers for his wife, Polly, children, Christopher and Lecia, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as we remember and honor the life of Cy Blackman.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. W.L. Smith ``Junior,'' a World War II veteran and a community

leader who passed away on October 5, 2009. Mr. Smith spent his life serving his country, his community, and his family, and I am proud to honor his dedication and service.

Junior Smith was born on November 7, 1921 in Weedowee, Alabama and was a lifelong resident of Jay, Florida. He served honorably in World War II before opening Smith Tractor Company in Jay. In addition, Junior was an active member of the community. He was a member of the Jay United Methodist Church, as well as the Masonic Lodge. Junior will be sorely missed by his wife of 59 years, Louise, his children, Connie, Donna, Ricky, and Scotty, his 10 grandchildren, his great-grandchild, and his entire extended family.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor W.L. Smith ``Junior'' as a World War II hero and Northwest Florida leader. Junior will be remembered as a loving husband and father and as an important part of our community. My wife Vicki and I offer our prayers for his family as we remember and honor the life of W.L. Smith.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great disappointment and, really, sadness today that I rise to inform my colleagues that I, too, will be voting against the Defense authorization conference report.

As the ranking member of the Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee, the underlying bill does, in fact, carry a tremendous amount of good things that will help our troops and our Armed Forces, providing what they need as a warfighter to better face today's security challenges.

We have extended to the Secretary of Defense the authority to offer rewards for those individuals who provide information and nonlethal assistance in support of the Department's combating terrorism efforts. We increased the authorization level for Special Operations Command's 1208 authority.

But this is a big thing to many of us. The hate crimes bill is not at all germane to this piece of legislation. The House passed it as a standalone piece of legislation. Our authorization bill, I believe, should not be used as a vehicle to forward this controversial and unconventional--and I think unconstitutional--piece of legislation that attacks our First Amendment rights.

The fiscal year 2010 National Defense bill started off as a bipartisan bill. Unfortunately, it has ended up in an extremely partisan fashion. The outstanding work of this committee, I think, is being belittled.

Objection.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Hurley Manning, a Northwest Florida community leader, upon the dedication of Hurley Manning Field at Milton High School. Coach Manning spent his career serving and teaching, and I am proud to honor his dedication and service.

Hurley is a life-long Floridian. He grew up in Milton, Florida, attending Allentown School, Berryhill Elementary, and Milton High School, graduating in 1956. He played football for Milton on the old Overman Field, and during his senior season played in the very first football game on the field being dedicated in his honor.

After graduating from Troy State University in 1960 and coaching football in Georgia and in Gainesville, Florida, Coach Manning eventually returned to Milton High School in 1968 as the head football coach. He served as head coach for 21 years, winning numerous District and Regional titles. He is the only football coach in the history of Santa Rosa County, Florida to win a state championship, which Coach Manning did twice in back-to-back years 1978 and 1979. He was extremely dedicated to the teaching profession, teaching for almost 30 years, and he continues to keep up with his athletes, who are known as ``Hurley's Boys.''

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize Coach Hurley Manning for his lifetime of service to the students and families of Northwest Florida. My wife Vicki and I wish him, his wife of 41 years, Shirley, his children Lynette Peterson and Heather Couper, and his grandchildren, all the best for continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 125th Anniversary of Mae Edwards Memorial United Methodist Church in Milton, Florida. Mae Edwards Memorial has long been a positive force in Northwest Florida, and I am proud to honor their tremendous contributions to the community.

Mae Edwards Memorial United Methodist was started in 1884 on the Andrew Jackson Brown property. Since there were no other churches in the local community, all of the families moving to the area attended the same church regardless of denomination. In 1916, a new community church was constructed and used by members of the Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian and Christian churches. During this time, Mae and Cliff Edwards moved to the area and joined the church. After their passing, the church was named as a memorial to Mae Edwards, who dedicated her time and her effort to the church's progress and spiritual growth.

In 1936, the old church building was torn down, and wood from the building was used to construct a community hall and church alongside the local school. Church services were originally held in the community hall, but later moved inside the school after it was renovated. The old hall was converted into a kitchen, social area, and classrooms. The church continues to grow and serve the community, and in 2001, Mae Edwards Memorial was named the small membership church of the year for the Pensacola District. In a testament to the church's strength, many of the current members are descendants of the original church founders.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor Mae Edwards Memorial United Methodist Church upon 125 years of dedicated service to our community. My wife Vicki and I wish the best for continued growth and service to Reverend Byrd Mapoles and the entire church family.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Reverend Frederick E. Rogers upon his 40th anniversary as pastor of Milton First Assembly of God in Milton, Florida. He is a true spiritual and community leader, and I am humbled to honor such a dedicated servant of God.

Pastor Rogers is a lifelong Floridian who has always been dedicated to the church. He graduated from Milton High School and received his undergraduate degree from Southeastern Bible Institute in Lakeland, Florida. In 1957, he married Jacquelyn Shelton, and the couple recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Pastor Fred and Jackie pioneered a church in Eustis, Florida, and then moved on to pastor churches in Greensboro and then Panama City. In August of 1969, they returned to Milton and began pasturing at Milton First Assembly of God.

Pastor Rogers has led a life of service. He has served in a variety of roles for the church, and is currently the Executive Presbyter in the West District of Florida. He has been a member of the Milton Kiwanis Club since 1970, and served as its president from 1977-1978. In 1977, he was named Santa Rosa county Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year for his continued dedication.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor Fred Rogers on his 40 years with Milton First Assembly of God. Pastor Rogers is a Northwest Florida leader and part of the fabric of our community. My wife Vicki and I wish the best for continued growth and service to Reverend Fred Rogers, his wife Jackie, his children Andy, Robin, and Cheri, his grandchildren, and the entire Milton First Assembly of God church family.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to join in the celebration of the life of Don Priest, a local legend in my district in Northwest Florida. For over four decades, Don delivered broadcast news and his daily editorials to people in the Florida Panhandle and Alabama Gulf Coast.

Don's years of broadcasting made him one of the most recognized voices in the area. As news director of the radio station WCOA for 41 years, he knew the importance of keeping people in the area informed. He also recognized that the news is not one-sided, and as the first host of Pensacola Speaks, a local radio call-in show, he was instrumental to letting countless people over the years discuss what was on their minds, be it a national, local, or a personal issue. Don opened his radio show to anything people wanted to discuss, and people daily instantly recognized his voice as he took to the airwaves.

Don's radio broadcasting covered more than just the news. On Friday nights, his distinctive voice came on the air to cover local high school football games. He was a news director who was involved with all aspects of the news, and he worked hard to include people of all ages and walks of life in the community. Don's tireless work made sure that events in the area received the notice they deserved.

Madam Speaker, Northwest Florida will long remember the legacy of Don Priest. My thoughts and prayers are with him, and many will be forever grateful for Don having touched their lives. Northwest Florida has suffered a great loss, but we will fondly recall his voice on the airwaves for a long time to come.

Mr. Speaker, there is trouble brewing in the small community of Pace, Florida, a community of less than 8,000 people just south of my hometown, and full of hardworking Americans where I believe a Federal judge has gone well outside the bounds of the Constitution to declare that prayer offered among adults is illegal. That's right. The judicial branch is once again trying to act like the legislative branch, and in doing so is hindering the First Amendment rights of Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I am not a lawyer and this is not a courtroom, but as a Member of Congress, I swore to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. And so help me God, that is what I intend to do.

The facts of the case in Does v. School Board of Santa Rosa County are clear. The Federal district court, without a hearing, issued an injunction preventing any school employee from promoting or facilitating prayer at any school-sponsored event. That action alone tramples upon the First Amendment rights of a specific group of people, denying them the equal protection that is provided under the very Constitution that we believe in.

The same Federal district court has now gone on to prohibit all employees from engaging in prayer or religious activities. The same court now thinks that Pace High School Principal Frank Lay and Athletic Director Robert Freeman violated this injunction at a private event with zero student participation. That the court would somehow consider this action to be criminal behavior is simply unconscionable.

However, Frank Lay and Robert Freeman now face criminal contempt charges for praying before a meal that was to be shared. All of this despite the fact that the Supreme Court itself has found that the free speech clause protects private religious speech. The Supreme Court has further gone to find that not all religious speech that occurs in public schools or at a school-sponsored event is attributable to the government.

As lawmakers, we cannot sit idly by and let this happen. As Members of Congress, we must act to uphold the Constitution. And as Americans, we must fight to ensure that our rights to freedom of religion and freedom of speech are not taken away.

America is a Nation of principles. We can sit here all night and argue about whether we are a Nation of Judeo-Christian principles or of secular principles. But the fact is that our Constitution protects all Americans and a court has no place deciding that some Americans do not warrant those protections. The Founding Fathers would be appalled, and I certainly am as well.

Madam Speaker, it is a great honor for me to rise today to extend congratulations to the Fred Baber family for being selected the 2009 Okaloosa County Farm Family of the Year.

Mr. Fred Baber, the family's patriarch, celebrated his 90th birthday this year, but he still loves to rise before dawn and head out to farm in Laurel Hill, Florida. He is the herd manager for Roger's Ranch and manages 60 head of cattle. In their early days as Ohio farmers, Fred and his brother were pioneers in the fields of artificial insemination (AI) and dairy herd improvement association milk testing (DHIA). Fred brought his advanced knowledge of these techniques to Florida. He also built one of the first Harvester silos in the local area, and was instrumental in bringing the Tampa Independent Dairy Farmers Milk Co-op to the Florida panhandle.

Fred's family is a huge part of his successful farming career. His son Andy helps him run the family farm, producing peanuts, soybeans, and hay. Andy, the oldest of eight Baber children, and his wife Barbara both work at Ruckel Properties. Andy also serves on the Okaloosa County Farm Services Agency Board.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to offer my congratulations to Baber family's tireless work and dedication to family, faith and trade. They are a role model for all of us. My wife Vicki and I wish their entire family best wishes for continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Ronnie E. Bell, a community leader who is retiring after over thirty years of public service with Walton County, Florida. Mr. Bell spent his career serving Northwest Florida, and I am proud to honor his dedication and service.

Ronnie is life-long resident of Walton County. He graduated from Walton Senior High School in 1977 and from Okaloosa-Walton Junior College in 1980. He began his career with Walton County in 1977 as an Emergency Medical Services Secretary. From 1978 through 1986, Ronnie served as an EMT and Paramedic for Walton County EMS, and was the Walton EMS Supervisor between 1986 and 1987. In 1988, Ronnie became the Walton County Administrative Supervisor, and served in that capacity for eleven years. In 1999, he became Public Works Director, and was selected as Walton County Administrator in 2004.

In over thirty years of service to the public as a Walton County employee, Ronnie has shown a true dedication to helping his fellow citizens. He has always strove to make Walton a better place to live.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize Ronnie Bell for his lifetime of service to Northwest Florida. Walton County will miss his leadership. My wife Vicki and I wish all the best for him and his family as they embark on this next journey in their lives.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedication of a new worship center at Pine Terrace Baptist Church in Milton, Florida. Pine Terrace Baptist has long been a positive force in Northwest Florida, and I am proud of their tremendous contributions to the community.

Pine Terrace Baptist Church began as a mission of another Milton church, Ferris Hill Baptist. In March of 1970, church members of Ferris Hill Baptist set out to create a mission northwest of Milton, and on July 5, 1972, several church families met at a congregant's home. 42 people were present at the first meeting, and continued to meet at members' homes until the church's first building was completed. The first worship service was held in the new building on May 13, 1973, and the mission was officially constituted as Pine Terrace Baptist Church on August 19, 1973 with 48 members.

Since 1973, Pine Terrace has grown to over 1,600 members. A fellowship hall was added in 1976, a children's wing was built in 1978, and a new sanctuary was constructed in 1984. Today the church owns close to 19 acres of land. Seven pastors have served at Pine Terrace since its foundation, and current Pastor Dr. Michael Wiggins has served since 1987. This year the church celebrates the opening of a new worship and service center which will also house administrative facilities and the music suite. The construction of this new building can be traced directly back to the passion of the congregation and its leaders. The church's motto encompasses what all Americans should strive to achieve: ``Loving God. Loving People. Serving the World.''

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor Pine Terrace Baptist Church upon the dedication of their new worship center. My wife Vicki and I wish the best for continued growth and service to Pastor Wiggins and the entire church family.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of the Fiscal Year 2010 Department of Defense Appropriations Act.

Requesting Member: Congressman Jeff Miller

Project Name: Eglin Air Force Base Range Operations Control Center (ROCC)

Account: RDAF

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Cubic Corporation

Address of Requesting Entity: 1225 South Clark Street, Suite 702, Arlington, VA 22202

Description of Request: $2,500,000--Eglin Air Force Base Range Operations Control Center (ROCC), Cubic Corporation. I requested these funds to address the increased testing and evaluation at Eglin AFB, the 46th Test Wing Super ROCC initiative is a phased effort involving development, procurement and military construction (MILCON) funding to meet the future need in the 2015-2020 timeframe. This project provides more effective control to better optimize range scheduling and increases flexibility in meeting the Eglin AFB test and training missions. By knowing the locations of all entities on the range, the Super ROCC will have great flexibility in reassigning missions to ground and air space previously not being used.

The entity to receive funding for this project is Cubic Corporation located at 1225 South Clark Street, Suite 702, Arlington, VA 22202. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Consistent with the Republican Leadership's policy on earmarks, I hereby certify that this request (1) is not directed to any entity or program named after a sitting Member of Congress; (2) is not intended for a ``front'' or ``pass through'' entity; and (3) meets or exceeds all statutory requirements for matching funds where applicable.

Requesting Member: Congressman Jeff Miller

Project Name: Gulf Range Mobile Instrumentation Capability

Account: RDDW

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Prologic

Address of Requesting Entity: 9400 Innovation Drive, Manassas, VA 20110

Description of Request: $3,000,000--Gulf Range Mobile Instrumentation Capability, Prologic. I requested these funds for Gulf Range Mobile Instrumentation Capability for the 46th Range Group (46 RANG). The 46th Range Group (46 RANG) has a need for a capability for remote test, collection, storage and relay of various data types. This capability can be accomplished with a Gulf Range Mobile Instrumentation Capability (GR-MIC). The GR-MIC is needed to support test events on the Eglin AFB range which occur over large geographic areas (land and sea based).

The entity to receive funding for this project is Prologic located at 9400 Innovation Drive, Manassas, VA 20110. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Consistent with the Republican Leadership's policy on earmarks, I hereby certify that this request (1) is not directed to any entity or program named after a sitting Member of Congress; (2) is not intended for a ``front'' or ``pass through'' entity; and (3) meets or exceeds all statutory requirements for matching funds where applicable.

Requesting Member: Congressman Jeff Miller

Project Name: Intelligence Broadcast Receiver (IBR) for AFSOC MC-130 Aircraft

Account: PDW

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: DRS Technologies

Address of Requesting Entity: 651 Anchors St., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

Description of Request: $1,000,000--Intelligence Broadcast Receiver (IBR) for AFSOC MC-130 Aircraft, DRS Technologies. I requested these funds to procure equipment that provides Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) MC-130 Combat Shadow aircraft with vastly improved situational awareness in high threat arenas. These aircraft provide clandestine or low visibility, low level missions into denied areas to provide support to

small SOF ground teams as well as to provide air refueling for specialized infiltration aircraft. This equipment provides real time information to include; immediate intelligence, Blue Force tracking (friendly units), and survivor information, greatly improving mission success and survivability.

The entity to receive funding for this project is DRS Technologies located at 651 Anchors St., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Consistent with the Republican Leadership's policy on earmarks, I hereby certify that this request (1) is not directed to any entity or program named after a sitting Member of Congress; (2) is not intended for a ``front'' or ``pass through'' entity; and (3) meets or exceeds all statutory requirements for matching funds where applicable.

Requesting Member: Congressman Jeff Miller

Project Name: Joint Gulf Complex Test and Training

Account: RDDW

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Boeing

Address of Requesting Entity: 634 Anchors St. NW., Fort Walton Beach,

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Charles E. Shanklin, a Northwest Florida community leader who passed away on August 26, 2009. Charles spent his entire life serving his community and family, and I am proud to honor his life of dedication and service.

Charles Shanklin was born in Oak Park, Illinois in 1929. He attended Bowling Green State University and Ohio State University, earning his Juris Doctor in 1952. Charles became a brilliant and outstanding attorney at Baker & Hostetler in Columbus, Ohio, and served as the managing partner. He remained at the firm for thirty-two years. After his retirement from Baker & Hostetler, Charles became the owner and manager of Marion Steel in 1981, where he worked until 1989.

In 1990, Charles purchased Crestview Aerospace in Crestview, Florida. He operated the company as a family business until 2006, when it became a part of the L-3 Communications Corporation. During his years in Northwest Florida, Charles became an integral part of the business and local communities. Over his lifetime, he worked with Bowling Green State University, the Sigma Chi Fraternity organization, the American Bar Association, Urbana University, and the Niceville Exchange Club. Charles was awarded Director Emeritus of Bowling Green in 2009, and the school endowed a meritorious scholarship in his name to recognize excellence in original research by graduate students.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor Mr. Charles Shanklin. Charles will be remembered by all as loving husband and father, a successful lawyer and businessman, and an important part of our Northwest Florida community. Vicki and I will keep his wife, Bernice, and children, Chuck, John, Tom, Jean, and Ann, in our prayers.