Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, on May 15, 2014, Northwest Florida and our Nation lost a warrior--Commander Robert James Flynn, United States Navy, Retired. Commander Flynn honorably served our country as a member of the Armed Forces for twenty-seven years, and I am humbled to rise and pay tribute to his life and his unwavering devotion to God and country.

Hailing from La Crosse, Wisconsin, Commander Flynn studied pre-law at the University of Minnesota until 1958 when he entered the Naval Aviation Cadet Program. Within two years, he became a Naval Flight Officer and then trained as a bombardier/navigator. On August 21, 1967, his life took a tragic turn when his A-6 aircraft, which launched from the USS Constellation, was shot down over North Vietnam. Commander Flynn spent the next five and a half years of his life in a Chinese prison. According to the POW Network, his unimaginable 2,030 days in solitary confinement makes it the longest amount of time a member of the U.S. Armed Forces served in solitary confinement. Commander Flynn was released on March 15, 1973.

Commander Flynn was proud to say that his captors called him ``one of the most reactionary prisoners in their history.'' His relentless strength and courage were hallmarks of both his life and career, and it was his strong faith in God, his love for his family, and his commitment to duty, honor, and country that even in the darkest of times he held on and survived. His final assignment as Director of Aviation Warfare Training with Chief of Naval Education and Training at Naval Air Station Pensacola brought Commander Flynn back home to his beloved Northwest Florida. In 1985, he retired from the Navy after 71 missions. Throughout his distinguished Naval Career, Commander Flynn earned and was bestowed multiple honors including the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, and Prisoner of War Medal.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me great pride to honor the life and service of an American hero and decorated warrior. Our Nation, the Northwest Florida community, and countless others will miss Commander Flynn's unwavering perseverance and optimism, but his legacy will endure for years to come. My wife Vicki joins me in extending our most sincere condolences to his wife, Kathy; their two children, Elizabeth and Robert; and the entire Flynn family.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4031) to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the removal of the Senior Executive Service employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs for performance, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 4031.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, for the past 3 years, the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs has uncovered, and continues to uncover, numerous instances of gross negligence and incompetence by senior VA officials that have led to delays in care, growing patient wait times, and lengthy backlogs of disability claims. Regrettably, some of these instances have resulted in lack of proper care for veterans and for preventable deaths.

Despite repeated promises of accountability and change, the committee has received nothing but disturbing silence from the White House and only one excuse after another from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Mr. Speaker, we have all seen the heartbreaking news or spoken personally to family after family coming forward, sharing their stories of how the VA has failed to fulfill their promise to our veterans. The time is past due for us, as the House of Representatives, to take action.

The troubling stories that have come out of Phoenix, Arizona, where whistleblowers allege that as many as 40 veterans died while waiting for care and alleged secret waiting lists are unconscionable if in fact proven true. We would not be doing our sworn duty if we sat idly by and allowed these preventable deaths of those who made sacrifices for this great country to become the status quo at the VA.

Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, these incidents do not seem to be isolated. They are under the watch of not just one senior VA manager. Similar stories of mismanagement and negligence have arisen in Fort Collins, Colorado; San Antonio, Texas; Augusta, Georgia; Atlanta, Georgia; Memphis, Tennessee; Columbia, South Carolina; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Chicago, Illinois, with news stories being covered almost every single day.

Mr. Speaker, these stories were crystallized for me and other Members at a recent hearing that we had on patient wait times on April 9. Mr. Barry Coates, a veteran from Columbia, South Carolina, informed the committee that he waited almost a year to receive a colonoscopy at VA. When he finally received his appointment, it was revealed that he had stage IV colon cancer.

Mr. Coates testified: ``The gross negligence and crippling backlog epidemic of the VA health care system has not only handed me a death sentence, but ruined my quality of life.''

Mr. Speaker, the need for accountability to help veterans like Mr. Coates is the reason why H.R. 4031 is so critically important. The VA Management Accountability Act of 2014 would give the Secretary the authority to fire or to demote VA Senior Executive Service or equivalent employees based on performance at any time. The current system is so calcified in bureaucratic red tape that it is easier for someone to get a bonus than it is to be given some type of discipline at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Is this what our citizens want? Is this what our veterans deserve? I don't think so, and neither do the 150 bipartisan cosponsors of this piece of legislation or the leading VSOs that support it.

Now, the actions of these few senior executives do not tarnish the hard work of 300,000 frontline VA employees who come to work every day and by and large provide excellent care and services to our veterans. Too many of these employees have in fact been continually let down by poor-performing senior executives. It is time to restore their trust and America's trust in the leadership at VA.

Look, General Shinseki is a good man. He wants to hold others accountable, but he is being held back by a failed civil service that makes it nearly impossible to remove SES employees. If this bill becomes law, he and his successors will have no excuse. He will have every tool to hold managers accountable and restore faith in the VA.

I am truly grateful to the 150 sponsors from both sides of the aisle of this vital piece of legislation.

I also want to thank the following VSOs, veterans service organizations, who have tirelessly advocated on behalf of this bill, including the American Legion, Concerned Veterans for America, IAVA, AMVETS, the Reserve Officers, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Military Officers Association of America.

Finally, I thank Leader Cantor and Speaker Boehner for their help in bringing this bill to the floor.

Mr. Speaker, it is time that VA's status quo is upended, which is why I believe this bill, the House's earlier action this year to suspend VA bonuses for 5 years, and my call on President Obama to establish a bipartisan VA medical care access commission is crucial to getting a resolution to this problem.

I believe the question presented before each Member here today is very clear: Do you stand with our veterans or do you stand with a bureaucratic-entrenched failing system?

I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 4031 and maintain our promises to our veterans and their families.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

The best way to reform the VA is to get rid of the deadwood, and that is what this bill actually gives the Secretary the opportunity to do, and that is to fire the people that aren't doing their job, especially--especially--those that are at the senior level.

With that, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Lamborn).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Michigan, Dr. Benishek, a former doctor within the Department of Veterans Affairs, somebody who serves his subcommittee as chairman of the Health Subcommittee very well.

Mr. Speaker, I would add another statistic to those that my colleague from Florida just said. There have been 23--at least 23 preventable deaths within the Department of Veterans Affairs.

I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Coffman), my friend, the chairman of the O&I Subcommittee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlelady from

Indiana (Mrs. Walorski), a very capable member of the VA committee.

Mr. Speaker, it is now my pleasure to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Jolly). He is the newest member on the VA Committee, somebody who just came to Congress, but who, as a staff member, had been an advocate for veterans prior to his arrival here.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

We have just been told that this is a knee-jerk reaction to a crisis. It is the only action to a crisis.

The President, for 3 weeks, has said nothing until today. He still said nothing today. The Secretary has not been involved. We have to take care of the veterans we have fighting for our freedoms every single day.

Nothing in this bill takes away the recruitment process through SES, and if the Secretary does fire somebody or demote somebody because of this law, he has to provide notice to Congress within 30 days. If you don't do your job, you get fired.

I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Kelly).

Mr. Speaker, I now yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. LaMalfa).

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from the 12th District of Pennsylvania (Mr. Rothfus), who has been very involved in issues as they relate to Pittsburgh.

Mr. Speaker, I have one more speaker I have been told is on his way, but he is not here at this point, so we are prepared to close.

Mr. Speaker, I have a request of the gentleman from Maine.

My speaker has now shown up. May I yield him 1 minute?

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Gainesville, Florida, Dr. Yoho, who has a facility that, in fact, is in question at this point and from which several people have been put on administrative leave.

First, I want to say thank you very much to the gentleman from Maine, who in fact has

been very bipartisan in the way that we have approached this. Our committee has in fact worked in a very bipartisan way in trying to get to the bottom of the issue that lays out there.

I would like to say that it has been said on the floor that there were no hearings on this bill. In fact, it has been heard in subcommittee. It has also been said that the Secretary has the tools that he needs in order to hold people accountable.

Folks, here is where we are.

Back in January, I went to Augusta, Georgia, and Columbia, South Carolina, at the request of Congressman Joe Wilson and Congressman John Barrow. We know--and VA has said--that there were deaths that occurred. There were some 5,000 veterans that were on waiting lists for colonoscopies. I talked about one of those veterans who testified before our committee today.

Shortly after that, I wrote a letter to the Secretary and I asked him to please provide me the names of the people, what their positions were, and what type of accountability, what disciplinary actions have you taken.

We are now in the closing weeks of the month of May, and I have heard absolutely nothing out of the Department of Veterans Affairs. He may have the tools, but he won't use the tools that he has at his disposal to get rid of or to discipline the very people who are at the crux of the problem that we are talking about all across this Nation today.

Let me tell you something else.

The very director of the Phoenix hospital that is now on administrative leave, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs today, got an $8,500 bonus in April of this year, even though they knew that there was an open Office of Inspector General investigation ongoing at the time. He got a bonus while there was an ongoing investigation.

In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where the director of the health care system up there knew that there was Legionella inside the water system that led to the death of at least six veterans--they knew it for a year--that person got a $63,000 Presidential bonus.

It is easier to get rewarded at VA than it is to be disciplined.

That is why I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 4031, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Camp Pinchot National Historic District located in Northwest Florida.

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places in October 1998, Camp Pinchot is nestled in the Choctawhatchee National Forest, near Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, along the west bank of Garnier's Bayou. One of the first national forests and designated as one of President Theodore Roosevelt's original eleven Forest Service Headquarters in 1908, Choctawhatchee National Forest aided in the area's regional development and the establishment of the Camp, nearly six years later. In its earlier years, the forest served as a means for timber and wood turpentine. During this period, hundreds of miles of county and state roads were also built to help service the area, while maintaining the natural beauty of the forest, which was a fundamental goal of Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief of the United States Forest Service and namesake of Camp Pinchot.

During the Great Depression, Camp Pinchot and the Choctawhatchee National Forest stood as a location for work relief for the Civilian Conservation Corps. In 1940, the national forest was ceded to the War Department to be used for a proving ground for aircraft armament. Major General William E. Kepner, who served as the Commanding General of the Air Proving Ground, helped preserve the site of Camp Pinchot, and today it is home to Eglin Air Force Base Commander's quarters.

Mr. Speaker, surrounded by live oaks draped with Spanish moss, Camp Pinchot to this day maintains the turn of the century spirit of a quiet and simple life, and I am honored to commemorate its one hundred years of existence.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to congratulate the First Congressional District of Florida's West Florida High School's girls softball team for winning the Class 4A State Championship. This victory marks the Lady Jaguars first ever state championship. West Florida High School ended their championship season with a record of 29-1, with a victory over P.K. Yonge High School on May 8, 2014 in the Class 4A State Championship Game.

Led by head coach Jessica Smith, pitching coach Angie Johnson, and assistant coach Gary Jackson, the Jaguars are a team of young women with tremendous persistence and passion. These attributes were on full display in the championship game when the Jaguars found themselves trailing by four runs and down to their last out in the 7th inning. Despite the long odds, the Jaguars refused to give up. A pivotal moment in the game occurred when the Navy's Blue Angels, home based at Pensacola Naval Air Station, could be seen flying over the field, which was located over 500 miles from Pensacola, in Vero Beach. As Coach Smith described, catching a glimpse of home both encouraged and sparked a special energy in the Jaguars, and they triumphed over P.K. Yonge with a score of 6 to 5.

Winning the state championship is a true testament to the hard work, ambition, and dedication of the West Florida High School girls softball team. Each team member is an invaluable asset to both the Lady Jaguars and the local community. To be honored with the opportunity to bring home a state championship is a wonderful reflection of the team's commitment to Northwest Florida and to each other. I commend Korina Rosario, Kathleen Smiley, Jordaine Watkins, Nachelle Watson, Ali Cutaio, Kristin Gunter, Emily Loring, Kayla Miller, Breana Rogers, Danyelle Black, Maegan Freeman, Jibrasha Moore, Farrah Nicholas, Lauren Carnley, Jasmyn Nguyen, and EaIon Pyle for challenging themselves as a team and setting a shining example of camaraderie and athleticism for their fellow students and youth in Pensacola.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me great pleasure to recognize this outstanding group of young women and their devoted coaches for their extraordinary victory. My wife Vicki joins me in offering our best wishes to West Florida High School and its talented athletes for their continued personal and athletic success.

Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to recognize the dedicated service and contributions of Patrick G. Emmanuel on the occasion of his retirement from Emmanuel Sheppard and Condon, one of the oldest law firms in Pensacola, Florida. For 67 years, Mr. Emmanuel proudly served the law profession and Northwest Florida with passion and integrity.

Prior to his career in law, Mr. Emmanuel served our Nation with honor and distinction as an officer in the United States Armed Forces. As a U.S. Army major, he earned the Bronze Star for his service as part of a tank battalion unit during World War II.

Upon graduating from the University of Florida College of Law in 1946, Mr. Emmanuel began his long and decorated legal career. His countless accolades attest to his expertise as an attorney. Mr. Emmanuel has been listed in each prestigious volume of The Best Lawyers in America from 1983 until present, was rated by Martindale Hubbell as an A-V attorney, and was the recipient of the Florida Bar Foundation's ``2001 Medal of Honor Award.'' He also served as a Fellow in the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, the American College of Trial Lawyers, and the American Bar Association. His vast list of memberships include: The Florida Bar, President, 1985-1986; Florida Bar Foundation, President, 1971-1973; Federal Judicial Nominating Commission of Florida, member and Chairman, 1974-1981; American Bar Association, Delegate, 1986-1989; Society of the Bar of the First Judicial Circuit, President, 1967; and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, Delegate, 1986-1990.

In addition to serving his profession, Mr. Emmanuel also maintained an honorable level of commitment to the Northwest Florida community. For 20 years, he was a pro bono attorney for the Northwest Florida Crippled Children's Home, as well as served on their Board of Directors. Mr. Emmanuel was Chairman of the Advisory Board of Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola for a decade, was appointed by the Governor to the Florida Children's Commission, chaired the Legal Division of the March of Dimes, and was a member of the James Baroco Foundation, Inc. His extensive pro bono work earned him the recognition of the Florida Bar and their President's Pro Bono Service Award.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the entire United States Congress, it is an honor to recognize the impressive career and achievements of one of Northwest Florida's most accomplished attorneys, Patrick G. Emmanuel. My wife Vicki and I congratulate Mr. Emmanuel, and we wish him and his family all the best for continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and dedicated service of Northwest Florida's beloved Milton City Councilman Clayton White. Councilman White was a veteran, successful business owner, and committed public servant. The entire Northwest Florida community mourns the loss of a great man.

Councilman White was a native of Spencer County, Indiana, who first came to Milton, Florida, in 1951 during his service in the United States Navy. Like so many who come to Northwest Florida through military service, Councilman White was immediately struck by the Gulf Coast's natural beauty and the friendly nature of its residents and decided to remain in the area after completing his service. Councilman White and his wife Betty settled in Milton, where they opened a local appliance store, Tops TV and Appliance in 1957, which remains in business today and is run by their son, Barry. Tops quickly became known in the area for its quality selection, customer friendly service, and the store's wall of televisions, which Councilman White left on at night for the public to watch.

Councilman White also became involved in Northwest Florida's civic society and politics. He served on the Santa Rosa Elections Commission, as well as the Navarre Beach Board, before being appointed to a seat on the Milton City Council in 1979, which he held until 1994. In 2000, Councilman White decided to rejoin the council and was elected by the people of Milton to the council, where he continued to serve the community until his recent passing. Councilman White was known as an outstanding councilman with an assiduous work ethic and natural leadership abilities. Councilman White was also a long-time member of the local Kiwanis club, and he served on the Santa Rosa Tourist Development Council.

In addition to his business success and political service, Councilman White was also a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and a member of First United Methodist Church of Milton. Councilman White was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Betty, who passed away last December. To some Councilman White will be remembered as a dedicated public servant and to others as a successful businessman. To his family and friends, he will always be remembered as family man guided by his faith.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to recognize the life and dedicated service of Councilman Clayton White. My wife Vicki and I extend our prayers and sincere condolences his sons, Scott, Barry, and Brian; grandchildren, Randall, Emily, Clay, Bailey, Brennan, Brady and Raina; great-grandson Dylan; and the entire White Family.

Mr. Speaker, due to the devastating impact of recent flooding in my district, I missed the following rollcall votes: No. 188-193 on May 1, 2014. If present, I would have voted: rollcall vote No. 188--Nugent of Florida Amendment to H.R. 4487, ``aye,'' rollcall vote No. 189--Gosar of Arizona Amendment to H.R. 4487, ``aye,'' rollcall vote No. 190--Broun of Georgia Amendment to H.R. 4487, ``aye,'' rollcall vote No. 191--Holt of New Jersey Amendment to H.R. 4487, ``nay,'' rollcall vote No. 192--H.R. 4487, Motion to Recommit, ``nay,'' rollcall vote No. 193--H.R. 4487, Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2015, ``aye.''

Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of Mr. Rothfus' amendment to restrict funds from being used to pay for bonuses for all employees of the Senior Executive Service at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

This amendment is consistent with Section 11 of my legislation, H.R. 357, which passed the House earlier this year by a vote of 390-0. My bill would require a five year moratorium on bonuses for SES employees and I am glad to see that this amendment satisfies the intention of the first year of my legislation for FY 2015.

Mr. Chair, over the past three years the Veterans' Committee has uncovered, and continues to uncover, numerous instances of gross negligence and incompetence by senior VA officials. Regrettably, some of these instances have resulted in preventable deaths, yet senior VA officials have continued to receive performance awards.

The most recent stories from whistleblowers in Phoenix allege that over 40 veterans could have died due to delays in consult times and alleged secret wait lists. Yet the director received a bonus in 2013 of more than $9000.

If these allegations are proven to be true, it only further shows what we have seen in other locations that when a senior executive fails they are more likely to receive a bonus than any type of meaningful punishment.

It is well past time for VA leaders to realize that rewarding failure only breeds more failure, and that is why I believe this amendment and my legislation to end all bonuses for senior executives at VA is not only necessary, it is what our veterans and their families deserve.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Pensacola Ice Flyers on winning their second consecutive Southern Professional Hockey League President's Cup Championship. This outstanding achievement is evidence of the hard work and dedication of the entire Ice Flyers' organization.

Northwest Florida has a long and storied history as the ``Cradle of Naval Aviation,'' and the Ice Flyers name was chosen to honor this legacy. Since joining the Southern Professional Hockey League in 2009, the Ice Flyers have been consistent contenders--reaching three straight President's Cup Championship finals and bringing two championships home to Pensacola.

This season, the Ice Flyers experienced unparalleled success also winning the Coffey Trophy as the league's best regular season team. En route to these titles, the Ice Flyers set several Southern Professional Hockey League records, including the most wins, most points, highest winning percentage, most road wins, fewest regulation losses, and longest road winning streak. The Ice Flyers boasted the league's best offense scoring more than 200 goals, while also allowing the fewest goals in the league. The Ice Flyers regular season was so outstanding that they posted a better regular season record on the road than any other team in the league had on home ice.

The Ice Flyers did not allow their regular season dominance to engender complacency, and when the playoffs began, the Ice Flyers raised their game to another level. The team averaged four goals per game while giving up just over one, and the deeper that they went into the postseason, the better the Ice Flyers performed. They posted an impressive 6-1 postseason mark, setting the playoff record for the highest road winning percentage. The Ice Flyers, however, proved to be truly clutch performers, saving the best for the President's Cup Championship, where they set the playoff record for most goals in one game, most goals in one series, and largest winning margin.

In addition to their tremendous success on the ice, the Ice Flyers fans also proved that they are the most dedicated fan base in the Southern Professional Hockey League. The team shattered the league's attendance record, with more than 114,000 fans attending games at the Pensacola Bay Center, and three busloads of fans made the trip to watch the Ice Flyers defeat the Columbus Cottonmouths to clinch their second straight President's Cup Championship.

On behalf of the United States Congress, it is my privilege to congratulate the Ice Flyers players--Ryan Salvis, Steve Bergin, Shaun Arvai, Brett Lutes, Ross MacKinnon, Malcolm Lyles, Tyler Amburgey, Drew Baker, Keegan Flaherty, Paul Rodrigues, Joshua Turnbull, Mitchell Good, Steve Whitely, Joe Caveney, Adam Pawlick, Corey Banfield, Peter Di Salvo, John Dunbar, Jeremy Gates, and Joe Bueltel--and their staff of Majority Owner Greg Harris, Head Coach Rod Aldoff, President Chuck McCartney, Group Sales Manager Patrick Casey, Merchandise Manager Josh Kersh, Communications Manager Geoff Nichols, Director of Ticketing Tom Reading, Manager of Corporate Partnerships and Fan Experience Brittany Tindell, Athletic Trainer Jen Lorenzo, and Equipment Manager Mark Bradtmueller on a fantastic season and another championship success. My wife Vicki and I are proud to have the Ice Flyers call Pensacola home and to honor our long and proud history as the Cradle of Naval Aviation with their name, and we wish them continued success and many more championships to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the City of Milton Fire Department. For 100 years, the Milton Fire Department has served the local community and its citizens, and I am proud to have such a first-class fire department in Florida's First Congressional District.

The City of Milton Fire Department traces its roots back to April 21, 1914, when, following the third of a series of devastating fires that destroyed downtown Milton, the Town Council decided to establish the Milton Volunteer Fire Department. The town ordered three hand-drawn hose reels and 1,500 feet of hose, nozzles and wrenches for the new fire department, and a group of local citizens signed up as the first firefighters in Milton. Although they were an all-volunteer fire department, the residents of Milton were dedicated to providing state- of-the-art firefighting equipment, and to help carry out the department's mission, Milton purchased a 1914 American La France Chemical Engine on a Ford Chassis, which was the first automobile fire truck in all of Northwest Florida. The Milton Volunteer Fire Department served the Town of Milton and surrounding areas for 13 years at their original location on Grace (now Caroline) Street before moving in 1927 to Milton's newly constructed Town Hall on the corner of Berryhill and Broad Streets.

In 1954, the department began the shift towards a professional firefighting department when it hired a ``Nighttime Firefighter'' and a ``Weekend Firefighter.'' The department became a 24 hour firefighting operation in 1960 when they hired a ``Daytime Firefighter.'' With these changes, the department moved to a new fire station at Susan (now Bruner) and Berryhill Streets in 1962, and by 1965, the department had grown further, establishing two full-time firefighting shifts. A third- full time shift was created in 1974, and the City of Milton Fire Department has grown today to a full-time force consisting of 16 career members, including the Fire Chief and three shifts of a Captain, Lieutenant, and three Firefighters to provide fire suppression, emergency medical response, fire prevention and public fire safety education to the citizens of Milton.

On September 11, 2009, the City of Milton Fire Department began operating from its modern facility located at 5321 Stewart Street. The department currently operates with three pumpers, a midi-pumper rescue vehicle, two staff vehicles, and a rescue boat, and thanks to the hard work and dedication of the personnel, the fire department consistently exceeds national safety standards, while upholding their core values of Respect, Integrity, Accountability, Responsibility, and Professionalism. Today, the department boasts more than 165 combined years of firefighting experience with an impressive average response time of less than four minutes. Whether they are fighting fires or providing excellent first-response medical care, the residents of Milton all rest well knowing that the City of Milton Fire Department always stands ready in their hour of need.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to recognize the 100th anniversary of the City of Milton Fire Department. All of the residents served by the department are thankful for their exceptional service to our community. My wife Vicki and I wish them all the best as they continue to serve Northwest Florida for the next hundred years and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life of Chief Master Sergeant Walter H. Richardson, United States Air Force, Retired, who passed away on March 29, 2014.

Walt--who built his life on three pillars of faith, hope, and love-- was dedicated to his country, his community, his family, and above all, to the Lord. I am privileged to honor a truly remarkable man and an American hero.

Born and raised in Pensacola, Florida, Walt joined the Armed Forces to serve his country and help provide for his family. His career in the Armed Forces spanned 30 years and included service in the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Walt was an original member of the revered Tuskegee Airmen, training at Tuskegee Army Airfield in a variety of disciplines that would serve him well throughout his entire career. A few years ago, I had the honor of presenting Walt the Congressional Gold Medal for his service as a Tuskegee Airman.

During his time in the military, Walt was one of over 1,000 enlisted men selected to integrate the Armed Forces. Walt's unwavering commitment to service and immense leadership skills were recognized when, while stationed at Dover Air Force Base, he became the first African American to be promoted to the rank of master sergeant in the field maintenance squadron.

He retired at the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force, chief master sergeant, as the senior enlisted adviser to the commanding general of the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field in Florida.

Beyond his military service, Walt was an accomplished writer, whose personal memoir is titled, ``How Great Thou Art: A Black Boy's Depression-Era Success Story,'' in addition to his being a dedicated member of the northwest Florida community as he served as a deacon of St. Mary Parish in Fort Walton Beach for over three decades.

Walt was known throughout the gulf coast as a kind and warmhearted man who was always helping his fellow citizens. To his family, he was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

The legacy left by Walt Richardson and his fellow Tuskegee Airmen had a profound impact on the course of our history.

Our Nation is proud and grateful for the brave men and women like Walt Richardson, who stared into the face of racial discrimination and said: We are one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Walt led an exemplary life of courage, service, patriotism, and devotion to faith and family, and his service to God, family, and country will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am humbled to honor Chief Master Sergeant Walter H. Richardson, United States Air Force, Retired.

My wife, Vicki, and I send our sincerest condolences to his wife of 60 years, Helen; to his eight children, Walter, Pat, Lillie, Carmen, Henri, Donna, William, and Carl; to their nine grandchildren; to their four great-grandchildren; and to the entire Richardson Family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to today to recognize the life and service of Northwest Florida's beloved Commissioner Jim Williamson, who passed away on April 2, 2014. Throughout his long and distinguished career in public service, Jim served as a mentor and an inspiration to countless individuals. All those who have been blessed by his presence mourn the loss of a great man and accomplished public servant.

A life-long native resident of Santa Rosa County, Florida, Jim graduated from Milton High School in 1964. He enjoyed a four-year professional baseball career with the St. Louis Cardinals, before establishing his own business, Williamson Electrical Co., Inc., in Northwest Florida.

In 1977, Jim began his career in public service when he was elected as a member of the Milton City Council, where he served until 1985. He then continued his dedicated service to the community when he won a seat on the Santa Rosa County Board of Commissioners in 1996. Thanks to his leadership and strong work ethic, Jim achieved rapid success, and he was re-elected without opposition in 2000. He then went on to serve as Chairman of the Santa Rosa County Board of Commissioners until his recent retirement just days ago.

Jim served Santa Rosa County with the utmost integrity. During his time in office, he contributed greatly to the growth of Santa Rosa County and worked tirelessly to promote economic and cultural growth as well as fiscal accountability. His efforts included streamlining the building permit and inspection process, enhancing recreational opportunities for Santa Rosa County residents, constructing county buildings, and implementing safety improvements at Peter Prince Airport. His achievements did not go unrecognized, as he received several accolades, most notably the God in Government award and Santa Rosa County Chamber Leader of the Year. Aside from his leadership in Santa Rosa County, Jim was actively involved in many other aspects of the community, including coaching youth athletics and worshipping the Lord at Immanuel Baptist Church.

Throughout his life, Jim served his community with humility. For more than twenty years, I have had the privilege of working closely with him on a bevy of issues that affected Santa Rosa County and the entire Florida Gulf Coast. Jim represented everything that is great about Santa Rosa County. There is no question he will be remembered as a man of unquestionable character, unwavering resolve and unmatched determination. To his family

and friends, he will be remembered as a man of great faith and compassion, and a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor the life of Commissioner Jim Williamson. My wife Vicki joins me in extending our sincerest condolences and our prayers to his wife, Paulette; sons, Jayer, Jeremy, Jarrod, Randy, and David; 11 grandchildren; and the entire Williamson family. Jim's presence will be deeply missed, but his example will always be with us.

Mr. Speaker, due to attending the funeral of Tuskegee Airman, Chief Master Sergeant Walter H. Richardson, USAF, Retired, I missed the following rollcall votes: No. 157 through 164 on April 4, 2014. If present, I would have voted:

Rollcall vote No. 157--H. Res. 539, On Ordering the Previous Question, ``aye.''

Rollcall vote No. 158--H. Res. 539, On Agreeing to the Resolution, ``aye.''

Rollcall vote No. 159--Connolly of Virginia Amendment to H.R. 1874, ``nay.''

Rollcall vote No. 160--Israel of New York Amendment to H.R. 1874, ``nay.''

Rollcall vote No. 161--Cicilline of Rhode Island Amendment to H.R. 1874, ``nay.''

Rollcall vote No. 162--Jackson Lee of Texas Amendment to H.R. 1874, ``nay.''

Rollcall vote No. 163--H.R. 1874, Motion to Recommit, ``nay.''

Rollcall vote No. 164--H.R. 1874, Pro-Growth Budgeting Act of 2013, ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life of Chief Master Sergeant Walter H. Richardson, USAF, Retired, who passed away on March 29, 2014. Walt, who built his life ``on three pillars of faith, hope, and love,'' was dedicated to his country, his community, his family, and above all, the Lord. I am privileged to honor a truly remarkable man and American hero.

Born and raised in Pensacola, Florida, Walt joined the Armed Forces to serve his country and help provide for his family. His career in the Armed Forces spanned thirty years and included service in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Walt was an original member of the revered Tuskegee Airmen, training at Tuskegee Army Airfield in a variety of disciplines that would serve him well throughout his entire career. A few years ago, I had the honor of presenting Walt the Congressional Gold Medal for his service as a Tuskegee Airman.

During his time in the military, Walt was one of over 1,000 enlisted men selected to integrate the Armed Forces. Walt's unwavering commitment to service and immense leadership skills were recognized when, while stationed at Dover Air Force Base, he became the first African-American to be promoted to the rank of Master Sergeant in the field maintenance squadron. He retired at the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force, Chief Master Sergeant, as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Commanding General of the 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, Florida.

Beyond his military service, Walt was an accomplished writer, whose personal memoir is titled How Great Thou Art: A Black Boy's Depression- Era Success Story, in addition to a dedicated member of the Northwest Florida community, who served as a deacon of St. Mary Parish in Fort Walton Beach for three decades. Walt was known throughout the Gulf Coast as a kind and warm-hearted man who was always willing to help his fellow citizens. To his family, he was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

The legacy left by Walt Richardson and his fellow Tuskegee Airmen had a profound impact on the course of our history. Our Nation is proud and grateful for the brave men and women like Walt Richardson who stared into the face of racial discrimination and said we are ``one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.'' Walt led an exemplary life of courage, service, patriotism, and devotion to faith and family, and his service to God, family, and country will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am humbled to honor Chief Master Sergeant Walter H. Richardson, USAF, Retired. My wife Vicki and I send our sincerest condolences to his wife of 60 years, Helen; his eight children, Walter, Pat, Lillie, Carmen, Henri, Donna, William, and Carl; nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and the entire Richardson family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Colonel Robert K. Thompson upon the occasion of his retirement after 29 years of honorable service to our great Nation in the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserve.

Colonel Thompson received his Air Force commission in 1985 as a distinguished ROTC graduate from Indiana University. After receiving his commission, he began an impressive career as a public affairs officer--a career that spanned nearly three decades and brought him to all corners of the world. Colonel Thompson's final assignment at Headquarters, United States Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C., as the Chief of Public Affairs for the Policy Integration Directorate, Office of Air Force Reserve, was in direct support of the Chief of Air Force Reserve, where he helped fulfill mission directives for more than 70,000 reservists at 34 wings and 12 groups.

Throughout his myriad deployments in Central and South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and in the United States, Colonel Thompson championed America's First Amendment rights and goodwill in war zones and disaster areas. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, he expedited the story and video of the airstrike that killed al-Zarqawi, leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq. As NATO's top spokesman in Bosnia, he communicated the coalition's commitment to the Dayton Peace Accord and coalition efforts to remove landmines, disarm former combatants and capture war criminals leading to the arrest of Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic. Utilizing his experience and success as a public affairs officer, Colonel Thompson wrote the first draft of the Department of Defense's media plan for Operation Enduring Freedom, which helped inform the American people while also protecting operational security. At home, Colonel Thompson escorted FOX, CNN, and CBS aboard the Air Force's first-responder helicopters to cover the Winter Olympics in Utah and rescue operations during Hurricane Katrina, ultimately writing the plans for release of information critical for the general public to understand military disaster relief operations. Additionally, Colonel Thompson orchestrated better insight into our humanitarian efforts in Japan, Libya, and Haiti, where we helped open schools, medical clinics and the first transnational road built coast- to-coast by the U.S. military in Honduras.

In his most recent position as Chief of Public Affairs, Colonel Thompson played an integral role in Congressional proceedings relating to life-cycle manpower costs and force shaping. He also worked to provide input to our Nation's highest military and civilian leaders and informed the public on important Air Force developments, with more than 100 published news articles viewed by millions. Colonel Thompson's efforts have also been critical to implementing new laws and policies supporting combat veterans, reservists, their civilian employers, and their families, and championing increased utilization of an operational reserve.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress and a grateful Nation, my wife Vicki and I extend our deepest appreciation of Colonel Thompson for his many years of dedicated service. There is no question that the Air Force, Department of Defense, and the United States benefitted greatly from Colonel Thompson's visionary leadership, planning, and foresight, and we wish him and his wife, Pam, the very best.