Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today in recognition of Pat Hollarn upon her retirement as Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections.

For over twenty years Pat Hollarn has ensured the process of fair and balanced voting. As Supervisor of Elections for Okaloosa, County, Ms. Hollarn has distinguished herself as a champion of increasing voter turnout, voting access, and overall knowledge of the electoral process. With incredible foresight and a keen understanding of the needs of the community, Ms. Hollarn paired advanced technology with the voting booth, serving at the forefront of the Internet voting project. This project has enabled voting access to disabled voters and military personnel serving oversees. Operation Bravo, a program founded by Ms. Hollarn to alleviate the problem of servicemen and women not receiving their absentee ballots while abroad, has made it significantly easier for troops and other Americans living oversees to vote. Additionally, Ms. Hollarn stresses the importance of voter education with programs like ``Kids Voting'' and ``Kids Vote Too'' which relay the practice and privilege of voting to a younger audience.

Ms. Hollarn's dedication to the civic realm spans far beyond her current position of supervisor of elections. Ms. Hollarn's resume is clustered with board and committee memberships as well as numerous positions in various organizations. Chambers of Commerce, The Bidgeway Center, and the North Okaloosa American Cancer Society highlight the longstanding career Ms. Hollarn has fashioned out of civic duty and community service.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to honor Pat Hollarn for her enduring allegiance to the voting process and the subsequent benefits such dedication has provided for the First District of Florida.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today in recognition of James P. Chitwood upon his retirement as the Executive Director of the College Advancement and Foundation for Northwest Florida State College.

As executive director of the College Advancement and Foundation for Northwest Florida State College, an organization that provides educational and charitable aid to the Northwest Florida State College, Mr. Chitwood has greatly expanded the fundraising abilities of the school and has helped it obtain the sixth greatest endowment among community colleges in the United States.

Over the past 20 years, the Foundation for Northwest Florida State College, under the direction of Mr. Chitwood, has evolved into an

outstanding institution that greatly promotes education. In just 20 years, the foundation's assets grew by over $45 million and created some of the most notable foundations and buildings in the area. The expansion of the Chautauqua Center in DeFuniak Springs was one of the first projects undertaken by the organization. Its success was followed by the construction of the Robert L. F. Sikes Center in Crestview, Florida, and the South Walton Center in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. The foundation also launched the Arts Center Endowment Campaign and, when the college's focus shifted to health programs, the foundation began the Nursing and Health Technology Campaign.

For many years to come, the Northwest Florida community will continue to benefit from the lasting impression made by Mr. Chitwood. His inspiring involvement in the community and dedication to expanding education has provided infinite opportunities to the surrounding area. Though retirement will signal the end of Mr. Chitwood's formal career with the Northwest Florida State College, it is merely the beginning of the lasting legacy that he leaves behind.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize James P. Chitwood upon his retirement and for his exemplary service in the First District of Florida.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the U.S. Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to extend congratulations to the Tison family for being selected as the Holms County 2008 Outstanding Farm Family of the Year.

Tison Blueberry farm is a bit of an establishment in the Southeast and it is well known that some of the best blueberries can be found there in Bonifay, FL. The entire operation is family run and the picking is done almost entirely by hand. In a time of growing concern over food safety, Tison Blueberry farm offers a unique alternative to the traditional grocery store as its customers enjoy the added comfort of knowing exactly where and how their produce is grown.

After retiring from teaching vocational agriculture for 34 years, Jack Tison was searching for something that would employ his extensive knowledge and occupy his time. But it wasn't until visiting a ``u- pick'' operation in Gainesville, FL that he became interested in growing blueberries. In the fall of 1984, Jack and his wife Hazel prepped five acres of land for planting; the subsequent harvest began just 3 years later. Over the years, the production has increased exponentially. The farm now grows muscadine grapes and prepares various jellies, jams, and syrups.

Every year, the north Florida Fair Association honors farm families in counties throughout north Florida that display leadership through farming techniques and agricultural production. The Farm Family of the Year award conveys the importance of farm families' contributions to some of society's largest needs including food, clothing, and building supplies. Recognition of their work, as conveyed by this award, encourages others in the community to become involved and support local agriculture.

On behalf of all residents of northwest Florida, I hope this family tradition continues for many future generations.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joyce Sanders, who is retiring as Public Relations Manager of EMBARQ Corporation. Ms. Sanders has played a vital role in the community service organizations of Northwest Florida, and I am honored to recognize her achievements.

Joyce Sanders moved to Northwest Florida in 1993, and she has been a community leader ever since. Her local leadership includes serving on the Board of Directors of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Trustees of the Okaloosa County Economic Development Council, and the Board of Directors of the Walton County Economic Development Council. Ms. Sanders is actively involved with the United Way of Okaloosa County and the March of Dimes WalkAmerica program. She has been a mentor to numerous young women across Northwest Florida by working with the University of West Florida Small Business Development Center. Through EMBARQ, Ms. Sanders provides numerous scholarships to the UWF Women in Business Seminar and to underprivileged students at Northwest Florida State College.

Ms. Sanders' commitment to service can be seen through her numerous awards, including her selection in 1998 as Honorary Commander for the Eglin Air Force Base 33 Fighter Wing Program. This award recognizes the value of military and civilian partnerships, a fundamental component of Northwest Florida. Awards alone, however, cannot describe the true value of Ms. Sanders' service to our area. In the aftermath of natural disasters Hurricane Opal and Hurricane Ivan, Ms. Sanders used her position at EMBARQ to place mobile telephone trailers throughout the affected regions so those displaced from their homes could contact their families and friends. Her courage in the face of these disasters exemplifies Ms. Sanders' devotion to the people of our community.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to thank Joyce Sanders for her years of public service to the community of Northwest Florida. Vicki and I wish her and her family best wishes for continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the service of Major Brian Sitler, United States Air Force. Brian served as the Military Fellow in my office during the second session of the 110th Congress and was an integral part of the staff. He took the lead on 9 important portfolios: Defense/Foreign Policy, FEMA, Homeland Security, Immigration, Postal TRICARE/Military Health Care, Labor/Trade, Resources/Interior/Environment, and Science and Technology. He also served as my subject matter expert for important Air Force issues which included the Air Force Tanker replacement and the BRAC-mandated Joint Strike Fighter beddown at Eglin Air Force Base. Brian's counsel on the strategic as well as tactical implications was extremely valuable.

Brian's performance in dealing with constituents and case work should be commended. He effectively negotiated the executive and legislative barriers to solve constituent issues. One case in particular should be highlighted. He received a constituent request from a military retiree whose daughter was diagnosed with autism. Brian took the initiative to investigate this case further and uncovered a significant gap between active duty and retiree TRICARE coverage in the Extended Care Health Option, ECHO, program. After bringing this to my attention, Brian worked with the Congressional Budget Office, Professional Staff Members from the House Armed Services Committee, autism advocacy groups, and offices of other Members of Congress and Senators. As a result of his diligent work, the $231 million bipartisan ``Military Family Autism Equality Act'' was introduced. Without Brian's initiative, hard work, and attention to detail, this act would not have been possible.

In addition to the accomplishments already noted, Brian served as a pivotal staffer and organized escorts for two Honor Flight trips. Honor Flight brought 203 World War II heroes to visit Washington, DC's war memorials. He also assisted me in high level meetings with the Ambassadors from the Republic of Korea and Mauritania. He served as an outstanding ambassador of the United States Air Force, and I was proud to have him as an integral part of my staff.

Brian excelled in every area and exceeded all fellowship expectations. While I am saddened that he will soon leave my office, I am delighted that Brian was selected for Squadron Command. I have no doubt that he will excel in this role as a Commander, and I will feel comfortable knowing that the lives of our Airmen are in his hands. Vicki and I wish Brian, his wife, Suzanne, and their children, Meagan, Cory, Gabe, and Emily our best wishes for future success and happiness.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the MITRE Corporation on the occasion of its 50th anniversary and upon completion of the modernization of their Eglin-Hurlburt Site. It is my pleasure and privilege to honor MITRE for its dedicated service to the Northwest Florida community and to the United States of America.

The MITRE Corporation was founded in 1958 on the premise that the government needed a corporate partner to provide technical expertise in systems engineering and integration. MITRE was born out of the Lincoln Laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Its founding principle was to produce quality expertise for the government by drawing on the best in both the commercial and public sectors to solve the Nation's most difficult technical problems. Its first project was to provide systems engineering for the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) program, and MITRE chose Eglin Air Force Base as its first site.

Over the years, the Eglin-Hurlburt Site has been a vital part of the development and testing of countless critical sensor systems, data link systems, and command and control systems. From its development of telemetry methods in the 1960's to its recent work on the integration and development testing of Joint Tactical Information Distribution Systems (JTIDS), MITRE has spent the last 50 years providing essential services to the defense community of the United States.

Today, the MITRE Eglin-Hurlburt Site consists of 18 engineers, scientists, researchers, analysts, and support staff providing a wide range of development and engineering expertise to the United States Air Force Special Operations Command, Air Armament Center, and 505th Command and Control Wing. MITRE has earned an international reputation for technical excellence and innovation. Their local employees devote themselves to serving the public interest as well as contributing incalculable hours of community service throughout the Florida Panhandle.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to honor one of America's true corporate leaders, the MITRE Corporation and its Eglin-Hurlburt Site, for their 50 years of service to the defense community of Northwest Florida and across the United States. I wish everyone at MITRE the best for continued success.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize Bob Sikes Elementary School on its fiftieth anniversary.

Named after Robert L. F. Sikes, the beloved former U.S. Representative of Crestview, Florida, Bob Sikes Elementary School upholds the same values and standards as its namesake. Serving from 1941 until 1962, Congressman Sikes is still remembered for his hard work and dedication to the area. His image continues to live on in the exemplary institutions that adopt both his name and his commitment to excellence.

For 5 decades, Bob Sikes Elementary School has influenced the academic success of its students. The school houses an exceptional faculty whose outstanding teaching capabilities have enhanced the learning opportunities for those enrolled. The school's administration is equally impressive as it expertly balances the rigorous demands of running the school. It is the countless hours of service and dedication employed by the faculty and administration that have enabled the students at Bob Sikes Elementary to attain academic excellence.

In addition to the active academic environment, Bob Sikes Elementary maintains a strong sense of community and enables each of its students to feel special. Teachers take the time to recognize and reward students' individual talents and help foster a familial feel in the classrooms. After 50 years, multiple generations of Crestview families who have attended Bob Sikes Elementary look back fondly on the school that taught them to read, to be kind to others, to count, and so many other important lessons. It is a testament to the school's academic and administrative strengths that 5 decades of families have continued to send their children to this exemplary school. It is these same strengths that ensure its continued success and the enrollment of children for decades to come.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize Bob Spikes Elementary School on this outstanding achievement and for its exemplary service in the Okaloosa County School District.

Madam Speaker, almost 2 weeks ago, Secretary Henry Paulson came to this Congress requesting $700 billion of taxpayer money for his friends and former colleagues on Wall Street. The former chairman of the investment bank of Goldman Sachs also asked this Congress to pass a law ensuring that his actions ``are nonreviewable and committed to agency discretion, and may not be reviewed by any court of law or any administrative agency.''

The Founders of this great Nation set up an ingenious system of government to ensure that power was not disproportionately given to any one individual. The goal was to avoid tyranny, to avoid tyranny at all costs. But Secretary Paulson most likely skipped class that day and was hoping that we had as well. Many wonder how such a poorly constructed piece of legislation could even come to the Congress in the first place. And I wonder how our President approved this as well.

By demanding this bailout money, the administration attempted to circumvent the legislative process. Moreover, the administration continues to insist that their way is the only way to avoid an imminent crisis.

And perhaps most stunning is that the administration officials that are responsible for protecting American taxpayers and our free-market system were asleep at the switch. Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Chris Cox recently admitted his culpability in this matter and amazingly, the Secretary of the Treasury recently admitted he had seen this crisis coming for almost a year and just now has come to our Congress.

Such large-scale government interference in our government ensures that the correction process will take much longer. And what would help toward long-term stability is an injection of private capital, private capital into our economy. We need to lower tax rates on capital gains and corporate income, allowing people to invest more of their money and relieving American companies from one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world.

The Democrats didn't care to address the capital gains tax issue. And in fact their response to the administration's bailout plan was just as bad.

The plan was just as bad.

I can tell you that an overwhelming majority of my constituents have called, e-mailed and written to my office stating their outright opposition to any sort of bailout. The American taxpayer deserves better than what we are getting here today. And we must not sacrifice long-term freedom for short-term financial gain.

Madam Speaker, I would like to offer a personal explanation of the reason I missed rollcall votes 637-644 on September 25, 2008. I was in my congressional district attending a funeral for a fallen service member.

I respectfully request that it be entered into the Congressional Record that if present, I would have voted rollcall vote No. 637, On Ordering the Previous Question, H. Res. 1490, ``nay''; rollcall vote No. 638, On Agreeing to the Resolution, H. Res. 1490, ``nay''; rollcall vote No. 639, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 758, ``aye''; rollcall vote No. 640, On Ordering the Previous Question, H. Res. 1501, ``nay''; rollcall vote No. 641, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, as Amended, H. Con. Res. 255, ``aye''; rollcall vote No. 642, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 1014, ``aye''; rollcall vote No. 643, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, H.R. 6950, ``aye''; rollcall vote No. 644, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, as Amended, H. Res. 1421, ``aye.''

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Donna S. Adams, who is retiring after 27 years of service to the city of Milton, Florida. Her courage and dedication proves that citizens can truly make a difference in the lives of others, and I am proud to honor such an admirable leader of the Northwest Florida community.

Mrs. Adams began her career as a public servant in 1981 as a secretary for the Community Development Block Grant program. She quickly saw how she could transform the City of Milton and began working to improve the city's infrastructure. Her first major project was helping to develop the Milton Riverwalk, a revitalization effort aimed at renewing the downtown property of Milton which lies along the Blackwater River.

After her service with the Community Development Grant Block program, Mrs. Adams served in several varying capacities for the City of Milton including the Planning and Development Director and the Special Projects Coordinator. She also twice served as the Interim City Manager.

On January 13, 1998, Mrs. Adams was named the Milton City Manager, and she has remained there ever since. As City Manager, Mrs. Adams has overseen significant improvements to the city's community center, warehouse, community parks, and police department, as well as the construction of a new City Hall. Her ten years of service as City Manager has resulted in a tremendous improvement in the quality of life for Milton's citizens, and she will be dearly missed upon her retirement.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to thank Mrs. Adams for her years of service to the Northwest Florida community. Vicki and I wish her and her husband Millard best wishes for continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize James C. Binnicker, a man who has dedicated a lifetime of service both to our country and to the families of our military veterans. It is my pleasure and privilege to honor him as a great leader and a great American.

Mr. Binnicker's career of service began as a Civil Air Patrol cadet in his hometown of Aiken, South Carolina. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1957. Mr. Binnicker served honorably and with distinction for more than thirty years. He reached the pinnacle of achievement in 1986 when he was selected to be the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force.

The Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force is a unique non- commissioned rank. As the highest enlisted leader in the Air Force, Chief Master Sergeant Binnicker served as the personal adviser to the Air Force Chief of Staff and the Secretary of the Air Force on all issues regarding the welfare, readiness, morale, and utilization of the enlisted forces. There have only been fifteen Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force in the history of the U.S. military, and Mr. Binnicker was the ninth.

When Mr. Binnicker retired from the Air Force in 1990, he could have rested on the legacy he had created. Instead, he took on another challenge, the leadership and development of the Air Force Enlisted Village, a non-profit charity in Shalimar, Florida that provides a home for the surviving spouses of enlisted airmen. As President and CEO of the Enlisted Village, Mr. Binnicker oversees a $28 million organization with 86 employees who care for more than 500 independent and assisted living residents on two campuses.

Mr. Binnicker's accomplishments were recognized in 2008 when the Florida Association of Homes and Services for the Aging selected him as their ``Executive of the Year.'' Considering that caring for the elderly is a second career for Mr. Binnicker, the honor of being recognized by his peers in the state's largest aging-services organization is quite significant. Mr. Binnicker has dedicated his life to helping those in need, we will be eternally grateful for his service.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to honor one of America's true heroes, James C. Binnicker, for his leadership and service to Northwest Florida and throughout the world.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information for publication in the Congressional Record regarding earmarks I requested in the FY 2009 Duncan D. Hunter National Defense Authorization Act. This is in addition to my comments dated May 20, 2008.

Name of the requesting Member: Jeff Miller.

Bill number: H.R. 5658.

Project. Eglin Air Force Base Child Development Center.

Account: MILCON, Air Force.

Requesting entity: Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

Description: $11 million request for a Child Development Center at Eglin Air Force base. There is an urgent requirement for a new Child Care Development Center for 305 children. The current Child Development Center does not provide sufficient child care capacity to meet the needs of the rapidly growing Eglin AFB community.

Name of the requesting Member: Jeff Miller.

Bill number: H.R. 5658.

Project: Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures, LAIRCM, for AFSOC AC/MC 130 aircraft.

Account: RDT&E, Air Force.

Requesting entity: L-3 Crestview Aerospace 5486 Fairchild Road Crestview, FL 32539.

Description: $9 million request for LAIRCM for AFSOC AC/MC 130 aircraft. The funding would be used to provide aircraft protection from infrared and small arms threats.

Name of the requesting Member: Jeff Miller.

Bill number: H.R. 5658.

Project: Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures, LAIRCM, for AFSOC

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I rise today to honor the sacrifice of Staff Sergeant Darris Julius Dawson. On September 14, 2008, while serving his third tour in Iraq, Staff Sergeant Dawson was killed in the line of duty in Tunnis, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sergeant Dawson joined the United States Army shortly after graduating from Escambia High School in Pensacola, Florida. Darris re- enlisted twice and was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, Georgia.

Madam Speaker, the Northwest Florida community is proud of his service, and we offer our sincere condolences to his wife, four children, family and friends as they mourn their loss of this fine man. On behalf of the United States Congress and a grateful Nation, I am humbled to recognize his dedication and love for our country. May God continue to bless Darris and all of the men and women in uniform who protect our freedom, and may God continue to bless America.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to extend congratulations to the Joseph Bundrick family for being selected as the Okaloosa County 2008 Outstanding Farm Family of the Year.

Joseph Bundrick and his family have been supporting agriculture and the production of food and fiber for years through their bee keeping business. Since 1982, Mr. Bundrick has been working with bees and helping their business grow. At the height of their bee keeping, the family managed almost 2,000 hives. As a testament to their hard work and subsequent success, in 1 year the Bundrick family produced 170 barrels of honey and were placing hives throughout the Northwest Florida area.

Every year, the North Florida Fair Association honors farm families in counties throughout North Florida that display leadership through farming techniques and agricultural production. The Farm Family of the Year award conveys the importance of farm families' contributions to some of society's largest needs including food, clothing, and building supplies. Recognition of their work, as conveyed by this award, encourages others in the community to become involved and support local agriculture.

On behalf of all residents of Northwest Florida, I hope this family tradition continues for many future generations.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to extend congratulations to the Douglas Odom family for being selected as the Santa Rosa County 2008 Outstanding Farm Family of the Year. Over four generations of involvement in agriculture has led this farm family to serve as a model of stewardship to society through a vitally important industry.

The Odom family is more than deserving of this year's award. Mr. Odom has been farming for 40 years and is a fourth generation farmer. He has passed on this invaluable knowledge to his children and grandchildren who help farm the 825 acres of cotton, peanuts, and wheat that make up the Odom's farm. The Odom family also owns and operates the Douglas Odom Flying Service which services crops in Northwest Florida and South Alabama. The company is one of the oldest and most active in the Southeast.

Every year, the North Florida Fair Association honors farm families in counties throughout North Florida that display leadership through farming techniques and agricultural production. The Farm Family of the Year award conveys the importance of farm families' contributions to some of society's largest needs including food, clothing, and building supplies. Recognition of their work, as conveyed by this award, encourages others in the community to become involved and support local agriculture.

On behalf of all residents of Northwest Florida, I hope this family tradition continues for many future generations.