Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the resilience of my fellow Floridians, to thank our men and women in uniform, including our State and local first responders, and to recognize our State and local leaders for the tremendous aid and direction they gave to all of our fellow Floridians during their response to Hurricane Irma.

We normally think of men and women in uniform as those who defend our country abroad, but they also deserve our recognition and thanks for their service on the homefront as well.

The Florida Army National Guard, the United States Coast Guard, the Navy, and many others aided our State before, during, and after the storm. In fact, I witnessed National Guard units from various States working together with the Florida National Guard to rescue citizens of northeast Florida.

Mr. Speaker, the United States Coast Guard did an incredible job carrying out hundreds of rescues, and I commend U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Zukunft, Captain Wiemers of Port Jacksonville, and all of their men and women who risked their lives to save others during and after the storm.

I also want to recognize all of the first responders, police, and firefighters who responded quickly and saved so many lives. As an example, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, in 1 day, rescued more than 350 of our citizens.

I also want to commend Governor Rick Scott and our State agencies for the advanced planning that they did leading up to Hurricane Irma and the recovery efforts that are still going on.

In northeast Florida, we experienced, historic flooding, levels not seen since 1846. That is the year after Florida became a State.

In St. Johns County, small businesses were flooded and homes literally toppled over into the ocean. Many more still threaten to fall into the ocean, undermined by severe beach erosion.

In Nassau County, here, a week after the storm, areas of the county were still not accessible due to heavy flooding, and shelters were still open.

But throughout all of this, Mr. Speaker, I spoke with many local volunteers who had damage to their own homes but were out helping rescue other families. I even spoke with a retired coastguardsman who traveled to Nassau County from Virginia to serve with the Red Cross.

Mr. Speaker, the Florida delegation in this House is now unified to ensure that Floridians receive the Federal support they need to recover from this horrible natural disaster, Hurricane Irma.

I especially want to recognize Senator Marco Rubio and Florida Representatives Al Lawson, Neal Dunn, Ted Yoho, Ron DeSantis, Stephanie Murphy, Val Demings, and Darren Soto for coming to see, firsthand, the damage to our First Coast community.

I also want to thank the congressional leaders from around the country for coming to northeast Florida. Speaker Paul Ryan, Appropriations Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen, and Chairman John Carter all personally toured our damaged communities, leaving us with a promise to do all they can to assist in Florida's recovery. I thank them for the support, and I am grateful for their work to quickly provide emergency aid to help hurting Floridians.

We are all also heartbroken that, now, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are enduring incredibly devastating damage from Hurricane Maria. We believe it is important that we share resources with our neighboring islands.

As you know, Mr. Speaker, the Port of Jacksonville is ground zero for getting shipments of needed goods to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. In fact, the American Maritime Partnership and the entire U.S. maritime industry are, in fact, first responders in times of emergency like Irma and Maria when they strike Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

I am proud of what the American maritime industry has accomplished. They have been working tirelessly around the clock to get goods to those who are in need. Almost immediately, there were 10,000 containers delivered; 35,000 pounds of cargo, were delivered by TOTE and Crowley of Jacksonville.

And as we know, distribution has been the challenge.

Our prayers go out to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and we are prepared to stand by them as they face the daunting task of rebuilding their communities. We will continue to work together with our State, local, and Federal officials to ensure that Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands can recover and build even stronger than before.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 9 o'clock and 39 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Tuesday, October 3, 2017, at 10 a.m. for morning-hour debate.

Mr. Speaker, due to my need to be back in my district to help my community recover from Hurricane Irma, I was unable to be present for Roll Call Votes 516 through 529.

Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 516; YEA on Roll Call No. 517; YEA on Roll Call No. 518; YEA on

Roll Call No. 519; NAY on Roll Call No. 520; NAY on Roll Call No. 521; NAY on Roll Call No. 522; NAY on Roll Call No. 523; YEA on Roll Call No. 524; YEA on Roll Call No. 525; NAY on Roll Call No. 526; NAY on Roll Call No. 527; YEA on Roll Call No. 528; and YEA on Roll Call No. 529.

Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, September 13, I was unavoidably detained and subsequently missed two votes. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 486 and YEA on Roll Call No. 487.

Mr. Speaker, due to Hurricane Irma, I was unable to fly back for floor votes on Tuesday, September 12. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No 485.

Mr. Speaker, due to my need to be back in my district to help my community prepare for Hurricane Irma, I was unable to be present for Roll Call Votes 467 through 484.

Had I been present, I would have voted: NAY on Roll Call No. 467; YEA on Roll Call No. 468; NAY on Roll Call No. 469; NAY on Roll Call No. 470; NAY on Roll Call No. 471; YEA on Roll Call No. 472; NAY on Roll Call No. 473; YEA on Roll Call No. 474; NAY on Roll Call No. 475; NAY on Roll Call No. 476; NAY on Roll Call No. 477; YEA on Roll Call No. 478; YEA on Roll Call No. 479; YEA on Roll Call No. 480; NAY on Roll Call No. 481; NAY on Roll Call No. 482; NAY on Roll Call No. 483; and YEA on Roll Call No. 484.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask the United States House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the 2016 Emergency Medical Services Provider of the Year, Craig Wright.

Mr. Wright currently works at the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay Fire Department, where he exhibits his heroism and humility on a daily basis. His individual actions have had positive and substantial impacts on the residents of Kings Bay.

Mr. Wright attributes his success to the unity experienced among him and his co-workers in the fire department, stating that nothing he ``did individually can't be contributed to the whole team.'' The resulting feeling of family between the Kings Bay fire fighters yielded a Fire Department of the Year award, for the fifth year in a row. Again, Mr. Wright and all of the fire fighters emphasized their camaraderie and loyalty as the keys to their success.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud Craig Wright for his service to the Kings Bay Fire Department and to his fellow fire fighters. His commitment has strengthened the community and all of its members

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask the United States House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Mr. Alexander Pozin, a World War II veteran, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday.

Alexander Pozin was born on May 1st, 1917, in Odessa, Ukraine. That same year in Russia, the Communist Revolution took place, leaving the Pozin family in a state of poverty. After working many different jobs to provide for his family, Pozin graduated from law school in 1939, and went on to become a successful lawyer. However, in June of 1944, Pozin was called to serve in the Russian Army as a fighter and bomber pilot in the 210th Division of the Soviet Air Force. By the end of the war, Pozin had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel, and had earned 18 medals from the Soviet government.

Following his career in the military, Mr. Pozin moved to the United States. He became a professor at Stetson University, where he specialized in Slavic languages.

Today, Mr. Pozin is resident of St. Augustine, Florida. Here, his philanthropic endeavors have had a valuable and visible impact on the St. Augustine community. He has volunteered with Learn To Read St. Johns County, and the Council on Aging's Senior Center in St. Augustine. It is within these organizations that Mr. Pozin has connected with other individuals who weathered the storm of World War II, and shared his heroic and inspiring story.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud Mr. Alexander Pozin for his service in World War II, and for his commitment to philanthropy and his community.

Mr. Speaker, Senior Airman Lacey Miller's recognition stems from her dedication to her country. Airman Miller bravely enlisted into the United States Air Force Reserves in February 2012. While she was in the reserves, she was attending Materiel Management School. Upon completion of technical training, she was assigned to the 911th Airlift Wing in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. She was then assigned to the Logistics Readiness Squadron supporting the C-130 Hercules aircraft mission set. After a year of serving the squadron, she transitioned to her current position in the Florida National Guard as a Materiel Management Journeyman assigned to the 290th Joint Communications Support Squadron at MacDill Air Force Base. Airman Miller has deployed in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel where she was assigned as a logistics liaison for nine forward operating bases in Afghanistan areas of responsibility, directly supporting Special Operations Forces in combat operations.

Airman Miller can be described as a leader--considerate, courageous, and compassionate. At a young age, Lacey took part in helping her community, as a volunteer at a Young Life Group where she mentored troubled youth. She also cares profoundly for her planet and traveled to Sweden to promote eco-friendly farming. In the fall, Senior Airman Miller will be attending the University of Florida pursuing a bachelor's degree in forestry.

Airman Lacey Miller is a phenomenal example of service and sacrifice. She is truly deserving of the recognition that the United States Air Force has bestowed on her as Airman of the Year and we thank her for her service to our great nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask the United States House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Mr. Alexander Pozin, a World War II veteran, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday.

Alexander Pozin was born on May 1st, 1917, in Odessa, Ukraine. That same year in Russia, the Communist Revolution took place, leaving the Pozin family in a state of poverty. After working many different jobs to provide for his family, Pozin graduated from law school in 1939, and went on to become a successful lawyer. However, in June of 1944, Pozin was called to serve in the Russian Army as a fighter and bomber pilot in the 210th Division of the Soviet Air Force. By the end of the war, Pozin had reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and had earned 18 medals from the Soviet government.

Following his career in the military, Mr. Pozin moved to the United States. He became

a professor at Stenson University, where he specialized in Slavic languages.

Today, Mr. Pozin is a resident of St. Augustine, Florida. Here, his philanthropic endeavors have had a valuable and visible impact on the St. Augustine community. He has volunteered with Learn to Read St. Johns County, and the Council on Aging's Senior Center in St. Augustine. It is within these organizations that Mr. Pozin has connected with other individuals who weathered the storm of World War II, and shared his heroic and inspiring story.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud Mr. Alexander Pozin for his service in World War II, and for his commitment to philanthropy and his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask the United States House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the 2016 Emergency Medical Services Provider of the Year, Craig Wright.

Mr. Wright currently works at the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay Fire Department, where he exhibits his heroism and humility on a daily basis. His individual actions have had positive and substantial impacts on the residents of Kings Bay.

Mr. Wright attributes his success to the unity experienced among him and his co-workers in the fire department, stating that nothing he ``did individually can't be contributed to the whole team.'' The resulting feeling of family between the Kings Bay fire fighters yielded a Fire Department of the Year award, for the fifth year in a row. Again, Mr. Wright and all of the fire fighters emphasized their camaraderie and loyalty as the keys to their success.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud Craig Wright for his service to the Kings Bay Fire Department and to his fellow fire fighters. His commitment has strengthened the community and all of its members.

Madam Speaker, I rise today also in strong support of H.R. 3218, the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017.

When our brave men and women put on the uniform to protect our Nation, we have a sacred responsibility to provide them and their families with certain opportunities in repayment for their services and sacrifice.

As a new generation of servicemembers are returning from the battlefield, we as a nation have needed to reevaluate how we better help our veterans succeed back home. This important legislation is an example of how that success for veterans can be achieved.

As a result of the hard work of many veteran service organizations, the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, and countless veteran advocates, H.R. 3218 makes many important reforms to the GI Bill to improve veterans' access to education.

One reform that I would like to highlight is a provision that I introduced as a stand-alone piece of legislation earlier this year called the Julian Woods Yellow Ribbon Program Expansion Act.

Madam Speaker, under current law, dependents and surviving spouses of those killed in action who attend college on the Fry Scholarship are not eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program. The Yellow Ribbon Program helps to cover the cost of schools with tuition above the level of what the GI Bill covers.

Since the dependents and spouses of those killed in action are not currently eligible for this program, they are, in fact, limited in their educational opportunities.

I thank the committee, Chairman Roe, and Ranking Member Walz for including my bill in this legislation, and it is just one of many reforms that this package makes.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues' support.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Marine Sergeant Joseph Murray, who paid the ultimate sacrifice on July 12, 2017, when a KC-130 military transport plane crashed in the Mississippi Delta.

Sergeant Murray had lived in Jacksonville, Florida, since he was 10 years old and was a military dependent whose father was in the Navy for over 20 years. He was a Sandalwood High School graduate in the class of 2009, and joined the Marines that same year. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Sergeant Murray was promoted three times in the first 3 years he was in the Marine Corps, and he was very proud of his two deployments to Afghanistan. He told his father he wanted to be a grunt instead of an intelligence officer because ``that is the hardest thing to do.'' He died as a member of a special operations team, where his closest friends were the fellow marines who served next to him.

Sergeant Murray was a proud husband and father, with four children: a 5-year-old son, a 3-year-old daughter, and 1-year-old twin boys.

He met his wife, Gayle, the same year he joined the military, and he was a family man who loved to serve others. Gayle said that he would do anything for his family and loved to play his guitar for them. She said: ``What he wanted most in the world, besides his family's happiness, was to destroy evil on Earth.''

His father, Terry, stated the only thing stronger than his commitment to his family was his commitment to his church. In fact, he was known to hum praise and worship songs when he was on patrol, and his fellow servicemembers looked to him as a faith leader. A fellow marine mentioned: ``When Joseph stopped that humming and singing praises, they took the safeties off their weapons because they thought something was up. All was well when Joseph was with them.''

His father said: ``The city of Jacksonville should be very proud to have had his son come from here.''

I can attest today for the citizens of northeast Florida that we are very proud, very proud and honored to have had Sergeant Murray defending our freedoms. Sergeant Murray's dedication to his faith, family, and nation will always be remembered.

May God bless and keep you and your family.

Semper fi, Sergeant Murray.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the great community stewardship of Mr. Clarence Gooden, recently retired president of the CSX Railroad.

In 2003, Mr. Speaker, I was newly elected sheriff of the city of Jacksonville, Florida, and my wife, Pat, and I were invited to a Christmas dinner hosted by Mr. Clarence Gooden and his wife, Corkie.

It was during my discussions surrounding my new position as sheriff that I shared with Clarence and his wife how drug dealers had taken over Mallison Park, which in years past was actually the crown jewel of parks in the city of Jacksonville. I explained to them how the park manager had been severely battered by drug dealers, and though we had made several arrests in the park, the dealers continued to return, and the children were being denied the use of this great park.

Mr. Speaker, I also shared with him a campaign promise that I had made to help at-risk youth through an expansion of an intervention program called the Police Athletic League into areas such as Mallison Park, which would offer at-risk youth sports programs, after-school tutoring, food, and personal hygiene, all provided by specialized officers trained in intervention.

Clarence asked me the cost of such an expansion, and I informed him it would be close to $100,000 to refurbish and move programs into Mallison Park. He immediately responded, Mr. Speaker, that he would raise those funds by April. I reminded him it was already the end of December, but he and Corkie assured me that they would meet an April deadline.

Incredibly, Clarence devised a plan for what became known as the CSX Charity Train Ride, which entailed a fundraiser that gave contributors an amazing train ride with dinner and entertainment. The event was a first-class success, and Clarence had raised all the funds necessary to refurbish Mallison Park and move the Police Athletic League into those new facilities. Their efforts led to an over 40 percent drop in violent crime within a 1-mile radius of Mallison Park.

Over the years, the CSX Charity Train Ride grew into one of the largest single charity events in northeast Florida, and it continued to add additional charity recipients every year.

Mr. Speaker, Clarence and Corkie, with the assistance of Mrs. Rosemary Thigpen, have raised, to date, over $4 million for over 10 local charities. Last year alone, they raised over $400,000 for charities, including Angelwood, the Police Athletic League, and the American Heart Association, just to name a few. Not only does he have a huge heart for the community, but he never lost his concern for others as he worked his way up throughout his career.

Mr. Speaker, Clarence actually began as a laborer at Seaboard Coastline Railroad before it became CSX, and he worked his way up the ranks to the president's office of a tier one railroad. He recently retired from CSX, and I know he will continue to have passion for others.

I appreciate his dedication to the citizens of northeast Florida. I am sure I echo the thoughts of all when I wish him and Corkie continued good health and happiness in both his retirement and all of their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to seeing Mr. Gooden soon and presenting him with this coin as a token of the tremendous appreciation from all of those in the Fourth District whose lives Mr. Gooden, Mrs. Gooden, and CSX have touched.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2283) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to improve morale within the Department of Homeland Security workforce by conferring new responsibilities to the Chief Human Capital Officer, establishing an employee engagement steering committee, requiring action plans, and authorizing an annual employee award program, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2283. According to the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, after 6 straight years of decline, DHS improved by 3 percentage points in 2016, from 53 percent in 2015 to 56 percent. However, since its inception, DHS has consistently reported low employee job satisfaction and today remains last out of large agencies in employee satisfaction.

According to the FEVS, the Department slightly improved its overall response rate to about 50 percent in 2016. Former Secretary Jeh Johnson attributed much of the success to the Department's employee engagement steering committee and efforts he and other leaders have made in strengthening employee morale and engagement. H.R. 2283 seeks to codify many of these efforts.

The purpose of H.R. 2283 is to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to improve morale within the Department of Homeland Security workforce by conferring new responsibilities to the Chief Human Capital Officer, establishing an employee engagement steering committee, requiring action plans, and authorizing an annual employee award program.

The security of our homeland depends on focused, efficient, and dedicated individuals who feel confident and empowered in the workplace.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Thompson for introducing this legislation and for working in such a bipartisan manner on it. I urge all my colleagues to support this commonsense, thoughtful legislation.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I once again urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2283, as amended.

I yield back the balance of my time.