Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to honor the Eglin Air Force Base Library which has recently been recognized as the best in the Air Force upon its receipt of the Air Force Library Program of the Year Award.

Despite setbacks, such as a limited staff and budget cuts, Eglin's library continues to succeed. With over 55,000 items housed in 22 computers, the library holds an abundance of information within its walls. In addition to maintaining the vast inventory and computer center, the library also conducts educational summer reading programs for all ages. These programs are expansive, hosting approximately 1,000 participants and various authors.

The staff has also created a community outreach program that provides services to families facing deployment. The Northwest Florida

area has a high population of military members. These patriots greatly benefit from the library's available programs.

For all its exemplary services, the Eglin Air Force Base Library was awarded the Air Force Library Program of the Year Award on June 12, 2008. The First District of Florida is incredibly grateful for the staff's hard work and diligent efforts to the public and continues to benefit from the library's services. The library's commendable performance has distinguished it as one of the great organizations in northwest Florida.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize the Eglin Base Library for all its outstanding dedication to the community.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today in recognition of the Escambia Federated Republican Women's Club upon their 50th anniversary.

For the past 50 years the Escambia Federated Republican Women's Club, EFRWC, has been working to better the government at all levels. Since 1958, these women have donated thousands of volunteer hours to ensure Republican victories in endless political campaigns. The election of countless county, State, and Federal representatives is due to the hard work and dedication of its spirited members.

In addition to their civic dedications, the EFRWC is also a large force in the local community. Favor House, ARC Gateway, and the Ronald McDonald House are just a highlight of the local charities that have benefitted from the outstanding philanthropy of these women. The Lillian Baines Memorial Scholarship for Political Science and Communications students is another program funded by the EFRWC's benevolence. The group also benefits political education locally by mentoring young Republican women, thereby strengthening conservative values and viewpoints in the areas they serve.

The EFRWC persistently serves the community and its volunteers play a vital role in the physiology of elections. They take on numerous responsibilities and assist with the vital aspects of campaign work. The women of EFRWC have exceeded the expected duties of volunteers and their 50th anniversary is evidence of their immense philanthropy. The EFRWC's dedication and devotion to Republican candidates benefits the entire community and their outstanding accomplishments have distinguished them as one of the great organizations in Northwest Florida. Escambia County is greatly indebted to their service and is honored to have them as one of their own.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize the Escambia Federated Republican Women's Club on its 50th anniversary.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today in recognition of Judy Newbill Burns as Santa Rosa County, Florida's Point of Light Recipient.

For the past 6 years, Ms. Burns has volunteered her time to help autistic children. Through the Autism Society of the Panhandle, Ms. Burns has vigorously worked to expand educational opportunities for children with autism. The Kids for Camp Program, spearheaded by Ms. Burns and the Autism Society

of the Panhandle, provides 6 weeks of education for over 50 children with autism and provide instructional workshops for local special education teachers. Daily activities at the camp include arts and crafts, swimming, canoeing, and other therapeutic activities. The camp is intended to provide a normal summer vacation for those afflicted with autism.

The Point of Light Award recognizes a Florida resident who demonstrates exceptional service to the community. Recipients are announced each week and prior to their selection are reviewed by a panel of judges that are considered leaders in the areas of volunteerism and service. Volunteers play a vital role in the extension of education. Ms. Burns has exceeded the expected duties of a volunteer and her recognition as Santa Rosa County, Florida's Point of Light is evidence of her immense philanthropy. Ms. Burns' dedication and devotion to autistic children benefits the entire community and her outstanding accomplishments have distinguished her as one of the great people in Northwest Florida. Santa Rosa County is greatly indebted to her service and is honored to have her as one of their own.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize Judy Newbill Burns on this outstanding achievement.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today in recognition of Reverend Clanston Seymore upon his 40th anniversary as pastor of Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church.

For the past 40 years, Reverend Seymore has been passionately committed to his community. Prior to serving as the fourth pastor of Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church, Reverend Seymore had already ministered five other churches. He was ordained in 1965 and immediately began what he knew was his calling.

His dedication to the area has resonated in leadership positions in civic activities as well as community service projects. From 1975 to 1977, Reverend Seymore served as president of the Okaloosa County branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, NAACP. Additionally, multiple community outreach organizations have taken root through the efforts of Reverend Seymore, including Community Love Center of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and Positive Encouragement and Character Enhancement, PEACE. Reverend Seymore also serves as an advisor to the Martin Luther King Holiday Celebration Committee.

The civic duties Reverend Seymore has performed, as well as his outstanding tenure as pastor of Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church, is a reflection of his dedication to the First District of Florida.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to honor Reverend Seymore for his enduring allegiance to our great Nation and the State of Florida.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I rise today in honor of Richard Paul Ellis on his 100th birthday.

Mr. Ellis has watched his home town of Milton, Florida grow from a dirt-road countryside to a sizable city in the 100 years that he has lived there. He grew up on the east side of the area and attended the Greater Bethlehem African Methodist Episcopal Church and Magnolia School.

Over the years, his life took root and blossomed into varying forms. He married in 1930 and proceeded to have eleven children. Mr. Ellis has been active in the Greater Bethlehem African Methodist Episcopal Church from early on. He strengthened his participation, serving as Class Leader, Stewart Board member, and Stewart Pro-Tem. Mr. Ellis also taught Sunday School and helped remodel the sanctuary.

In 1951, Mr. Ellis joined the Shriner's organization and began participating in the Pride of Milton Lodge #12 location. In 1965, he was elected Worshipful Master and served in the position for thirty- five years. Mr. Ellis was a charter member of the R.P. Ellis Royal Arch Masons and served as the High Priest for five years. After a fire badly damaged the Masonic Lodge, which was used as a school building at the time, he helped secure funds for the reconstruction of a new school.

For a century Mr. Ellis has graced the residents of Milton with his charity and good deeds. The First District of Florida is greatly indebted to his service and is honored to have

him as one of their own. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to wish Richard Paul Ellis a happy 100th birthday, and I wish him many more years of health and happiness.

Madam Speaker, today, as co-chair of the 2008 Congressional Art Competition, I would like to proudly recognize Cleopatra Griffin, the Congressional Art Competition winner from the First District of Florida. Cleopatra represents just one of the many talented artists in my district. Ever since she was a kid she enjoyed every art form, although printmaking and drawing are her favorites. She has continually excelled working with pencil, charcoal, and paints.

This Congressional Art Competition is not the first time she has received public recognition for her abilities. Last year, her self- portrait, which now hangs in the Capitol tunnel, won first place at State competition. She has also received first place in printmaking and second place in drawing for a similar portrait piece.

Cleopatra is not only known for her artistic aptitude, but also for her involvement in school and community activities. In high school, while president of the Art Club, she raised money for Relay for Life, stuffed stockings for children around Christmas, and put a huge school- wide art show on at the end of each year.

Madam Speaker, as she moves forward in her education, I wish her continued success as she attends the California College of the Arts in San Francisco this fall and wait eagerly for her future creations.

I thank the ranking member for yielding the time.

As you already know, for 24 years Mike Bilirakis served as a staunch advocate for veterans, not only on the floor of this House, but in the committee room, serving on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, including vice-chairman of the full committee. Mike strongly promoted equitable and improved benefits for all of our Nation's veterans and their families as well.

One of his signature efforts has already been talked about today, and that was concurrent receipt, H.R. 303. We all remember that very well because that was his signature bill that he pushed on the floor of this House. But his work was not just there. I mean, he was instrumental in seeing that the Department of Veterans Affairs took care of surviving spouses, as the ranking member just said, through the Survivor Benefit Plan. He reassured veterans everywhere that they were not forgotten. And as chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and investigations, he made sure that the VA carried out its mission through its responsibilities.

Another one of the key accomplishments of Mike's during his tenure was funding for the Spinal Cord Injury Center at the James Haley VA Medical Center. For 12 years, Mike worked tirelessly to see this center come to reality, and I think it's fitting that it be named after Congressman Bilirakis.

When the center opened in February of 2002, some 7,000 veterans from that area finally had a place that they could specifically go that was suited for their needs that they had, those unique needs. So Mr. Speaker, it is only fitting that this facility, providing groundbreaking research such as this one, be named after a person who gave everything that he had to see that veterans receive the care and attention that they deserve.

Veterans always knew they had a voice in Michael Bilirakis. Many of us got to serve with him very proudly here in Congress and applauded his enthusiasm. So it's my pleasure to stand today in support of this piece of legislation.

Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to recognize the passing of Theo Baars, Jr. Over several decades, Theo helped shape the Pensacola community and contributed greatly to making this area a great place for people to live and work.

During the 1960s, 1970s and beyond, Theo played a great role in bringing some important businesses and services to the Pensacola area, located in my district in Northwest Florida. Through his active work in the real estate community, several buildings that are now considered landmarks were built, including Sacred Heart Hospital and Pensacola Junior College. Theo was instrumental in locating these two landmarks and numerous other buildings in areas where they would serve the greatest amount of people.

Theo's projects not only benefitted great numbers of people but also the community as a whole. From health care to higher learning to consumer goods to state parks, he made sure that development was not done for the sake of development, but to directly benefit those living and working in the area. His dedication to the community's well-being extended into his involvement with several civic organizations as well, including the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, the National Naval Aviation Museum and his role as a founding member of Junior Achievement.

Madam Speaker, Northwest Florida will long remember the legacy of Theo Baars, Jr. His influence in the area will not only be seen but also felt on a daily basis as people travel through the area. My thoughts and prayers are with Marge, his wife of 30 years, and all his family. We will miss this man who helped make our world a better place.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today in recognition of Harmon O. Massey, Jr., upon his retirement from the office of the Florida State attorney.

Mr. Massey's commitment to his country and community spans several decades and has taken on many forms. In 1965, Mr. Massey was awarded wings as an Air Force pilot. With over 950 hours spent in combat and 150 missions, Mr. Massey has dutifully devoted his time to assignments across the globe including the ARC Light mission in Southeast Asia. As a reflection of his immense bravery, valor, and dedication, Mr. Massey was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross as well as six Air Medals commending his outstanding service. Despite his resignation in 1973, Mr. Massey continued his military service by enrolling in the Air Force Inactive Reserve and serving as an Air Force Judge Advocate.

In addition to his military service, Mr. Massey vigorously dedicated himself to the civic aspect of his community. From 1999 to June 2008, Mr. Massey served as a misdemeanor and felony prosecutor as well as a supervisor for the office of the Florida State attorney. Mr. Massey participates in a number of community groups including ARC Santa Rosa, in which he was chairman of the board, Kiwanis, in which he was president of the Santa Rosa Chapter, and the Santa Rosa Kids House in which he is currently the chairperson of the board of directors.

The civilian duties Mr. Massey has performed, as well as his outstanding tenure in the Air Force, is a sign of his dedication and valor. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to honor Harmon O. Massey for his enduring allegiance to our great Nation and the State of Florida.

Madam Speaker, I rise today on the occasion of the 40th Wedding Anniversary of Fred and Barbara McFaul. As the love between Fred and Barbara grew throughout their forty years of marriage, so did their love for the people and the communities of Northwest Florida.

A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Fred McFaul devoutly served his country and Northwest Florida as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In fact, it was just down Pennsylvania Avenue at the Old Post Office where Fred first met his future wife. After more than thirty years of service, he retired from the FBI and served as the Director of Public Safety at Okaloosa Walton College and later as the Director of Training at the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office.

The youngest daughter of a coal miner from Iaeger, West Virginia, Barbara was working as an administrative assistant at the FBI when she first met Fred. After getting married and raising two children, Barbara decided to attend nursing school at Pensacola Junior College to pursue a career in health care. She became a Registered Nurse and proudly served at West Florida Hospital in Pensacola.

Fred and Barbara continue to demonstrate their strong family values and unwavering faith in God as loving parents and grandparents. They have stood as a shining inspiration for their son, Dan; daughter, Lori; son-in-law, Chris; and grandchildren, Caroline and Christopher.

Through their leadership and dedication, Fred and Barbara honorably served as an inspiration to us all. Now settled in Santa Rosa County in retirement, Northwest Florida is truly blessed to have them as our own. Together, they have touched and saved a number of lives, and the impact they have made on the community will leave a lasting impression.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is a great honor for me to congratulate Fred and Barbara McFaul on their forty years together and their love and dedicated service to the communities of Northwest Florida.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today in recognition of Douglas and Estelle Rogers for their exemplary dedication to the city of Laurel Hill, Florida.

For years Douglas and Estelle Rogers have been serving the city of Laurel Hill, Florida. With resumes stocked with civil service positions and community outreach, the Rogers have helped advance their burgeoning city and, subsequently, have become engrained in the city's history.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Rogers have served on the Laurel Hill City Council. In addition to being the city's mayor for a year, Mr. Rogers was also the chief of Laurel Hill's Fire Department. He is also an honored veteran, having served in WWII from 1944 to 1946. Mr. Roger's accomplishments are rivaled only by

those of his wife who established the ``Citizen of the Year'' program and authors the ``Up on the Hill'' column which appears in the local paper.

After countless hours of working behind the scenes, the Rogers are being recognized for their outstanding commitment to the area. The First District of Florida is incredibly fortunate to have received the services provided by the Rogers and they will be remembered for their philanthropic efforts.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize Doug and Estelle Rogers for their exemplary service to the community of Laurel Hill.

Madam Speaker, consistent with Republican earmark standards, the following are detailed finance plans for each of my requested projects in the Duncan

Hunter National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2009,

Mr. Speaker, I rise to today to support House Resolution 1026. recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the Congressional Club. This non-political group promotes friendship and cordiality in public life, and brings the wives of Members of Congress together in a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the Nation's Capital. Not only does this distinctive club build relationships between the two political parties, but it also organizes charity events and diplomatic receptions. Every spring since 1912, the women gather to host our First Ladies' Luncheon, honoring our First Lady and donating tens of thousands of dollars to charities in her name. Many of the club's charitable recipients include mentoring programs, literacy programs, the White House library; youth dance troupes, domestic shelters, and child care centers.

Fulfilling their own mission to encourage all Americans to strive for greater friendship, civility, and generosity in order to heighten public service, elevate the culture, and enrich humanity; the women extend their hands globally in friendship and goodwill by hosting an annual diplomatic reception to entertain the spouses of ambassadors to the United States. The Congressional Club encourages all Americans to seek out opportunities to give financially and to volunteer to assist charitable organizations in their own communities. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to congratulate and recognize these kind-hearted, strong, and talented women in their efforts to promote the greater good here at home and abroad. May God bless these women and may the Congressional Club continue in their friendship and charitable efforts for many years to come.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today in recognition of Janice Kilgore upon her retirement as the Director of the Department of Public Safety in Escambia County, Florida.

For almost 30 years, Janice Kilgore has altruistically served the civic realm. As Director of the Department of Public Safety, Ms. Kilgore dutifully fills a crucial position that greatly affects the citizens of the area. Her service spans several decades and encompasses a wide range of civic commitment.

In addition to her current position, Ms. Kilgore has dedicated most of her life to serving the interests of the public. Beginning in 1968, Ms. Kilgore worked as a student for the Escambia County Sheriff's Office. Twenty years later she was named the Emergency Management Director for Escambia County. For an area prone to hurricanes and advanced emergency escape routes, Ms. Kilgore's position was no small task. Yet, she maintained a bold persistence and remained in the position for almost 10 years. Now, as director of the Department of Public Safety, Ms. Kilgore continues to protect the living conditions and lives of those in Escambia County. The First District of Florida is incredibly fortunate to have received the services provided by Ms. Kilgore. She will be greatly missed upon her retirement.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress. I am proud to honor Janice Kilgore for her enduring allegiance to the First District of Florida. I would like to congratulate Ms. Kilgore on her retirement and wish her many more years of success and happiness.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I do rise today in honor of H. Con. Res. 32, which does honor the members of the United States Air Force that were killed on the 25th of June, 1996 in the Khobar Towers in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

This is the 12th anniversary of the terrorist bombing which killed 19 members of the U.S. Air Force and injured over 300 Americans. On that day in 1996, a truck bomb exploded outside the fence around the Khobar Towers compound.

The bomb, estimated at more than 3,000 pounds, detonated about 85 feet from a residential housing unit where U.S. troops were, killing 19 United States Air Force servicemen and wounding hundreds of other Americans. The force of that explosion destroyed or damaged six high- rise apartment buildings and shattered windows throughout the entire residential compound.

Today we honor the 19 airmen who gave their lives in the service of this great Nation. This Congress joins me in paying tribute to those men, who are individually recognized in H. Con. Res. 32.

It's important to note that 12 of the 19 men killed in the attack were based at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida's First District. Several of the airmen, along with their families, were constituents. These brave men, like the men and women currently serving in our military today, were on freedom's watch, prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our Nation. As we approach Memorial Day, it's only fitting that we remember the 19 airmen killed at Khobar Towers as well as the many brave men and women who gave their lives for our freedom and our security. It's my sincere hope that all Americans will give pause and honor these heroes and others for their sacrifice.

As we look back to 12 years ago, we know that Khobar Towers and the bombing there was a precursor to the terrorist attacks on the USS Cole; the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center; and the current global war on terrorism that we fight in Iraq and Afghanistan. No matter where our troops are stationed, we recognize that they are prepared to defend our security, American values, and the American way of life. It's my hope that we can prevent future attacks like the one at Khobar Towers as we aggressively fight terrorism all around the globe.

I want to personally express my deepest appreciation to the families of these heroes who were killed at Khobar Towers. We can never undo the tragedy that they have lived. We can never ease the pain, and I know it's with each of them each and every day. But I hope, and I know that my colleagues join me in this hope, that with the adoption of this resolution, they will take from our actions some solace in the fact that we do not forget those contributions and those sacrifices of their loved ones. They were much more than airmen. They were sons, fathers, brothers, and they are loved ones.

Mr. Speaker, our action on this resolution sends a message to the families of those who died, to our Nation, and to the rest of the world, that we honor the sacrifices of these 19 airmen and the families they left behind. They served with the highest distinction and professionalism which is indicative of the United States military. No one could have served better or given more.

I urge all of my colleagues to join me and the 50 cosponsors in support of this resolution.