Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the 138th Session of the Florida Annual Conference for the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.

Every year, leaders of the AME Zion Churches throughout the State convene to discuss the Church's past and present, as well as establish a direction for its future. This year's conference will take place at Talbot Chapel AME Zion Church in my district in Northwest Florida, and I welcome the members of the conference to this beautiful area of the Gulf Coast.

As these leaders gather to set a course for the AME Zion Churches in their respective communities throughout the State of Florida, I wish them God's grace in their decision making. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I send my sincere blessings for the success of the 138th Session of the Florida Annual Conference for the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.

I thank the chairman for yielding some time just to ask very quickly for your assurance that there is nothing in this recommittal that affects the statutory change that we made last year that sets the military mission line in the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the U.S. Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize Jose Lozano for being honored with the American Public Gas Association Personal Achievement Award.

Mr. Lozano started working for Okaloosa Gas District in May of 1972 as a system engineer. He was later promoted to operations manager, then vice president of corporate services and subsequently senior vice president. Then in 2003, after dedicating over 30 years of service, he advanced to the top management position, chief executive officer for Okaloosa Gas District.

Over the years Lozano has seen remarkable growth of Okaloosa Gas District. When he first came to work, the District had around 10,000 customers. Today the District has well over 37,000 customers.

He has served on numerous committees and boards in regional, State and national associations such as American Gas Association, Southern Gas Association, Florida Natural Gas Association, and American Public Gas Association, APGA.

From the start, Jose was an active participant in the APGA serving on committees such as Government Relations, Operations and Safety, Regulatory, and the Transmission Integrity Task Force. He has been a valuable partner in enhancing the prestige of the APGA in both the region and the Nation, and has made substantial contributions towards the attainment of APGA goals. As the APGA has grown so has Jose's involvement with the organization. He currently serves on the board of directors for APGA and as the second vice-chairman for the APGA Research Foundation board of directors.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the U.S. Congress, I am proud to recognize Jose Lozano for his exemplary career with the Okaloosa Gas District and wish him continued success.

Mr. Speaker, once again, the eloquence of our able chairman, he has done an excellent job in explaining the bill that's before us on the floor today.

Mr. Speaker, this is an outstanding bill. It was a true bipartisan effort. I appreciate the chairman of the committee, Mr. Michaud's, able leadership

in bringing this bill to the floor. It does all of the things that our chairman had talked about.

It deals with veterans in rural and remote areas. It does deal with certain DOD biological and chemical warfare testing that was done during the Cold War. It also deals with domiciliary programs, providing adequate and safe environments to meet the needs of women veterans.

This is not just a good bill. It is a very good bill that helps VA provide better care for our Nation's veteran, and I do urge my colleagues to support this legislation

H.R. 2874, the Veterans' Health Care Improvement Act of 2007, as amended, has strong bipartisan support and I want to express my sincere thanks to Subcommittee Chairman Michaud for his leadership and hard work to develop this legislation.

H.R. 2874, as amended, would establish a number of meaningful improvements that will help VA to provide better care for our Nation's veterans.

Veterans in remote rural areas would benefit with the establishment of a grant program to provide innovative transportation options to access VA medical facilities.

Readjustment counseling and mental health services for OIF/OEF veterans would be enhanced through programs that would provide peer outreach and support services, with special emphasis for Guard and Reservists.

Veterans who participated in certain Department of Defense biological and chemical warfare testing during the Cold War would permanently be granted free VA medical care for conditions that may have resulted from their participation in such testing.

VA domiciliary programs would be required to have adequate and safe environments to meet the needs of women veterans.

Very low-income veteran families residing in or transitioning to permanent housing would be eligible for VA financial assistance for supportive services.

This is a good bill that would help VA provide better care for our Nation's veterans.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, I see that the chairman has other speakers that he may wish to yield time to, so we will reserve the balance of our time.

Mr. Speaker, we continue to reserve.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would just say H.R. 2874, as amended, would establish a number of meaningful improvements that would help VA to provide better care for our Nation's veterans. Once again, I support my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

I thank the chairman again for his willingness to quickly move this legislation to the floor.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2623, as amended, is a bill that I am a sponsor of. It prohibits the collection of copayments for all hospice care furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Hospice and palliative care is a continuum of comfort-oriented and supportive services provided across settings, including hospitals, extended care facilities, as the chairman said, outpatient clinics, and private residences. Under current law, a veteran receiving care in a nursing home is exempt from any copay. However, if they choose to take that care in their own home or in an acute-care facility, they could be charged a copayment. VA's current policy would penalize a veteran who chooses to remain in their own home for their end-of-life care or, out of medical necessity, receives their care in an acute-care setting.

The bipartisan support of this bill is greatly appreciated. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

General Leave

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the Honorable Raymon Thomas, Chairman of the Holmes County Board of Commissioners, for his exceptional achievements.

At the Florida Association of Counties annual conference, Chairman Thomas was awarded the President's Advocacy Award, an honor given to only six commissioners throughout the State. Thomas is a dedicated public servant who works tirelessly to enhance the life of Holmes County. At the same conference, he was one of twenty-six commissioners recognized for completing the advanced training provided by the Florida Association of Counties. The Chairman is now distinguished as the Advanced County Commissioner.

The Florida Small Counties Coalition also recognized Thomas for his community leadership when they presented him with the Outstanding Legislative Service Award for the 2007 legislative session.

In addition to his remarkable accolades, Thomas has been selected to serve on the board of directors for the Florida Association of Counties and has also accepted the role of Vice Chair of the FAC Rural Caucus.

His recognition by various organizations confirms his commitment to excellence and the continuous advancement of Holmes County. I am proud to honor Chairman Thomas for his achievements and thank him for his dedicated service.

As an extraordinary public official, Thomas's knowledge and commitment to service have helped to create a better life for the citizens of Northwest Florida.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize the Honorable Raymon Thomas for his exemplary service as Chairman of the Holmes County Board of Commissioners and wish him continued success throughout his career.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize Dr. Charlie McFarland for being honored with a President's Call to Service Award from the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.

The award, presented by former quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel, honors Dr. McFarland's years of volunteer service. The majority of his efforts have been dedicated to the Special Olympics program which he not only created for Okaloosa County but helped begin for the State of Florida and even the Nation.

McFarland took his first group of disabled students to Special Olympics games in South Carolina in 1969. After seeing how beneficial the program was for that first group of 20 students, the school district applied for a charter from the Kennedy Foundation for the State of Florida. The charter was approved and in 1970 Florida held its first games, with 20 counties participating.

Over the years, McFarland has taken every opportunity to raise greater awareness of the program and raise much needed funds for it. He has convinced such big-name artists as Kenny Rogers, Alabama, Reba McEntire, Glen Campbell, the Oak Ridge Boys and the late Lewis Gizzard to perform or support the local program, has successfully lobbied NASA and Congress to allow Col. Dick Covey to take the Special Olympics flag on the space shuttle Discovery, and has helped the special education Silver Sand School obtain both a new track and pool.

In 1993, Dr. McFarland was named one of the charter members of the Florida Special Olympics Hall of Fame, and has kept serving with the Special Olympics even after he retired as an educator in 1995.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to honor Dr. Charlie McFarland for his tireless contributions to the Special Olympics program.

Madam Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize Mr. R.L. Lewis for 23 years of dedicated public service. Mr. Lewis, a member of the Milton City Council, is a highly- regarded figure whose contributions to the advancement of the city of Milton are immeasurable.

A native of northwest Florida, R.L. is the son of R.V. and Louise Lewis. After graduating from T.R. Jackson High School in 1957, R.L. attended Pensacola Junior College and later went on to serve in the United States Army for 2 years. When R.L. returned to Milton, he began his career with a local division of Monsanto Company, a multinational agricultural biotechnology corporation, from which he retired in 1995.

In addition to being the first African American to serve on the Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary in northwest Florida in 1972, R.L. was also the first to serve on the Milton City Council. He was first elected in 1984 and has been reelected in every subsequent election.

As city councilman, R.L. currently serves as the chairman of the Public Works Committee and a member of both the Parks and Recreation Committee and the Insurance Committee. For the past 40 years, he has been employed as a funeral advisor with Lewis Funeral Horne. He also serves as chairman of the deacon board at Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church and chairman of Milton-Keyser Cemetery Committee.

Through his leadership and dedication, R.L. has honorably and spiritually served the northwest Florida community. He is a longtime member of the NAACP and former member of numerous other church and civic organizations. These include: West Florida Planning Board, Islam Shrine Temple No. 182, Florida League of Cities Nominating Committee, and Review Board for Law Enforcement.

Despite all of his professional success, R.L. would be the first to say he would not have accomplished so much without the support of his loving wife, Paulette Larkins Lewis.

Madam Speaker, I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to a man who has served as a role model to us all, a true servant to the Milton community. I am thankful for his exemplary service and leadership in northwest Florida and recognize him for 23 years of dedicated public service on the Milton City Council.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the Tom and Peggy Rice for being awarded the WFTW Humanitarian Award for 2007.

Radio station WFTW News Talk 1260, one of the oldest AM news and talk radio stations in Northwest Florida, has chosen Tom and Peggy Rice in recognition for their extraordinary contributions to countless local fund raising efforts.

Tom and Peggy own the Magnolia Grill, a restaurant in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Located in a historic home built in 1910, the Magnolia Grill is revered as a local gem for its true southern charm, delicious cuisine, and local historic memorabilia.

Over the past several years, Tom and Peggy have worked tirelessly to help raise funds for numerous non-profit organizations throughout the community. On Saturday mornings, they host pancake breakfast fund raisers and donate all the food, beverages, supplies, and labor for the event.

The Humanitarian Award, an antique street corner clock, sits proudly on display in the lobby of the Magnolia Grill for restaurant patrons to see. On the face of the clock, is a plaque acknowledging Tom and Peggy for their involvement within the community.

As remarkable philanthropists, the Rice's generosity and commitment to service have helped to create a better life for the citizens of Northwest Florida and have made an impression that will last a lifetime.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize Tom and Peggy Rice for their exemplary community service and wish them both continued success and happiness.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the accomplishments of one of my constituents, Derrick Brooks of the National Football League's Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Derrick will be inducted to the City of Champions Wall of Fame exhibit at Pensacola Regional Airport. The Pensacola Sports Association will join Pensacola and Escambia County to honor the Pensacola native on Thursday evening at the Pensacola Civic Center.

At Booker T. Washington High School in Pensacola, Derrick excelled in both the classroom and on the field. By the end of his high school career he was named the USA Today High School Defensive Player of the Year, a Parade All-American, and was rated the best defensive player in the country by Super Prep magazine. Perhaps even more impressive for a football player of this stature, Derrick graduated with a 3.94 grade- point average.

Derrick was a 4-year letterman at Florida State University where he compiled 274 tackles, 5 interceptions, 8.5 sacks, 13 passes deflected, 4 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. His senior honors included: First Team All-America by American Football Coaches, UPI and Walter Camp, GTE Academic All-America choice, First Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference, and Senior Bowl selection. Derrick was a finalist for the Vince Lombardi Award, symbolic of the Nation's top lineman/linebacker, for two straight years. As a junior, he was named First Team All- America by Football Writers' Association and Walter Camp, and he was a consensus First Team All-ACC choice and that conference's defensive player of the year. Derrick also earned Sophomore All-America honors from Football News and was a First Team All-ACC choice that year as well.

Derrick graduated from Florida State with a bachelor of arts degree in business communications and recently went back and earned his master's degree in the same subject.

Derrick is now the unquestioned leader of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and arguably the most respected player in the NFL. Long considered the NFL's best linebacker, he has been selected to a team-record nine total Pro Bowls. Derrick was honored as the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2002 and the 2006 Pro Bowl's Most Valuable Player.

Following the 2002 season, Derrick was the instrumental team captain that led the Buccaneers to their first Super Bowl championship, and he is ranked as the franchise's most prolific tackler with 1,775 stops.

Derrick has always given back to his community and he is considered one of the most philanthropic players in the NFL. In 2000 he was the co-recipient of the Walter Payton/NFL Man of the Year Award, and in 2004, was the winner of the prestigious 38th annual Byron ``Whizzer'' White Award for his dedication to serve his team, community, and country in the spirit of the late Supreme Court Justice. In March 2003 Derrick established his own foundation--Derrick Brooks Charities, Inc.--which focuses charitable endeavors on children and has done considerable work with March of Dimes, D.A.R.E., and the Belmont Heights, Ybor City, and Brandon Boys and Girls Clubs.

Derrick is constantly distinguishing himself with achievements that are unmatched by any other player in NFL history and the city of Pensacola is recognizing this great man by inducting him to the City of Champions Wall of Fame exhibit; an honor that is shared by only three other people: Don Sutton, Emmitt Smith, and Roy Jones Jr.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize Derrick Brooks for his many outstanding accomplishments throughout his life, on and off the field, and wish him continued success throughout his career.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the dedication of the Betty J. Pullum Family YMCA in Navarre, Florida.

This celebrated facility is named in remembrance of a tireless leader who devoted herself to improving her community and who saw the good in everyone. Ms. Betty J. Pullum was known to her family as ``Big Deal.'' It was her vision and desire to give back to the Navarre community that has made it the close-knit community that it is today. Because of her generosity, it is only fitting that the Navarre YMCA is named in honor of her.

On August 19, 2006, the newly constructed Betty J. Pullum Family YMCA building opened to serve the community of Navarre, Florida. The state- of-the art facility was conceived by Bart Pullum, President of the Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. As a Navarre native he believed that the youth of Navarre needed a YMCA of their own where they could come together to have fun in a safe environment.

He brought the idea to his friend Henry Loper and they presented it to the directors of the Pensacola YMCA. It was there that the project grew. Bill and Jeannie Pullum donated the land for the project and the Bill and Martha Pullum Family Foundation donated a lead gift of half a million dollars. The rest of the fundraising was organized by groups and individuals in the community who loved the idea of having a family- oriented facility that promotes active and healthy lifestyles.

The Betty J. Pullum Family YMCA is the perfect place for a family to balance a healthy lifestyle with fun and games. All the exercise equipment is new and free fitness assessments and personalized exercise programs are offered. There are also gymnasiums for shooting hoops and a children's playroom that allows parents to exercise while children are supervised by the attentive staff. The YMCA also offers classes such as aerobic kickboxing and kids' cardio for children ages 3-6 to make a healthy and active lifestyle a lifelong habit. The biggest draw for children is the outdoor pool which features lanes for lap swimming, water slides and a wading section for small children featuring baby slides and fountains.

The Navarre YMCA has about 700 membership units, which represents about 1,600 individuals. Now that we are into the heat of summer, the Navarre YMCA is expecting its membership to grow. This facility will allow families to build healthy lifestyles together and have fun at the same time. It is a safe place for children to play and is an enormous benefit to the community of Navarre, Florida.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize the dedication of the Betty J. Pullum Family YMCA in Navarre, Florida.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize Linda Holloway for being honored as the 2007 Southern District Elementary School Physical Educator of the Year by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education, NASPE.

As a National Board Certified Teacher in Physical Education, Linda has dedicated 34 years of faithful service teaching in the Okaloosa County public school system. She received both her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of West Florida.

Out of her passion for teaching and her love for children, Linda encourages all of her students to set and actively pursue personal goals that focus on healthy lifestyle behaviors that promote physical wellness.

Throughout her career, Linda has maintained active membership in numerous professional organizations. These include the National Association for Sport and Physical Education/American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, NASPE/AAHPERD; the Florida Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, FLAHPERD; and the United States Tennis Association.

As an extraordinary educator, Linda's leadership and knowledge have helped to create a better life for the youth of the community by giving them the confidence, knowledge, and inspiration needed to succeed.

When discussing her teaching techniques, the award-winning physical educator explains, ``I offer positive experiences in my classes that encourage students to succeed and enjoy physical activity. By devoting time to skills instruction, it increases the chances that students will use the skills throughout life and will maintain health and fitness.''

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize Linda Holloway for exemplary service in Physical Education at Valparaiso Elementary School and wish her continued success throughout her career.

Madam Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise today to commemorate the 80th birthday of Mr. Jimmie Golden. Mr. Golden is a highly-regarded figure and establishment in the ``McDonald's Coffee'' group, and his contributions to the group are immeasurable.

The McDonald's Coffee group meets every morning in Milton, a city in my district in Northwest Florida. It is there that a regular group meets to discuss news and current affairs, and Jimmie Golden is a consistent presence. Jimmie is not just there to listen, though- his knowledge in both domestic and foreign affairs is vast. His awareness of the events going on, how the past has affected these events, and the possible implications for the future is worldly by any standard. Those that listen to his input pay close attention as they know Jimmie puts a lot of thought and knowledge into what he says.

Jimmie Golden is not only a great contributor of knowledge and information; he is also a great listener. This listening is not just at the McDonald's Coffee group, either. Jimmie is someone always willing to help others, and he would bend over backwards to better the life of another. Calling Jimmie a humanitarian could be an understatement; he would help every single person if he could. In fact, his service in the United States Navy protecting the freedom our country enjoys accomplished that goal.

Madam Speaker, it is not often enough that a person of Jimmie Golden's caliber comes along, and I am grateful that he calls Northwest Florida home as we recognize and congratulate him on his 80th birthday. Our Nation is a better place because of people like Jimmie.

Madam Speaker, I would like to offer a personal explanation of the reason I missed rollcall vote No. 453 on June 12, 2007.

If present, I would have voted: rollcall vote No. 453, Crowley Amendment on Homeland Security Appropriations to increase terrorism prevention funding in urban areas by $50 million and decrease funding for the Office of the Secretary and Executive Management by $15 million and the Office of the Under Secretary of Management by $35 million, ``nay.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Herb Hicks as he celebrates his 40th year of perfect attendance as a Rotarian. A dedicated man, Hicks has been present for over 2,000 weekly Rotary meetings.

Hicks helped found the Cantonment Rotary Club in 1948. He later became the club's fifth president. Furthermore, Hicks has received the honor of being named a Paul Harris Fellow in Rotary, a privilege reserved for those who have donated $1,000 to the club. At 93 years of age, Hicks is the last charter member of the civic organization; yet he continues to play an important role at his local Cantonment Rotary Club.

Paul Frederick, current president of the Cantonment Rotary, explained, ``Herb is one of the exemplars in this club. He leads by example and attendance to Rotary functions is one thing this club stresses. No one in this area has a longer perfect attendance record.'' He also pointed out that Hicks hosts an annual picnic for Rotary members and family.

Hicks is very clear on his priorities, saying, ``I think Rotary is important. I put church first and Rotary second in my life.'' Hicks admits to cutting many business meetings short in order to be present for his 12:15 p.m. Wednesday meetings. However, for circumstances that were unavoidable, Hicks had a backup plan. Rotary International allows missed meetings to be made up by attending other local Rotary club meetings. Hicks divulged, ``I have attended make-up meetings everywhere in the United States.''

In total, Hicks has been a member of Rotary for 59 years. The dedication exemplified can only be explained by Hicks as he said, ``I like the fellowship and I like what Rotary does, I like its world-wide outreach and I believe in its principles and high ethical standards.'' To put it simply, Hicks asks, ``If you are not going to attend, why belong?''

Madam Speaker, I would like to offer my congratulations to Hicks as he has not only set a precedent for the Rotary, but also has challenged the commitment of those before me today. I take pride in Hick's determination, and I wish him all the best.