Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mrs. Nancy Dawkins, who will be recognized by the Heritage Trail Advisory Committee in collaboration with the Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation, Liberty City Trust and the City of Miami for her invaluable service to the residents of Liberty City and the City of Miami. Mrs. Dawkins' generosity and community activism in the fields of education, counseling and leadership development serve as hallmarks to her unwavering dedication to the South Florida community and the 17th Congressional District.

Mrs. Dawkins, a teacher in the Miami-Dade County Public School System for 35 years, has been at the forefront of various community endeavors. She co-authored the program concept that became the COPE school program for pregnant teenagers, served as a career and occupational specialist at Booker T. Washington Middle School and was a former early childhood education instructor of Miami-Dade College North Campus. Among her many awards and accolades throughout the years, Mrs. Dawkins has received the Dade Heritage Trust Plaque for Outstanding Contribution in Promoting Commemorative Services, the Miami Police Department's Recognition Plaque for Community Service and the Metropolitan Dade County Appreciation Plaque from former Mayor Stephen P. Clark.

As a tireless activist devoted to the advancement of equality and human rights, Mrs. Dawkins received The Miami Herald's Spirit of Excellence Award. She currently serves on the board of the Children's Home Society and has been a driving force in the largest African- American chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons, AARP, in the northwestern Miami community where she actively participates by attending state and national conventions.

Throughout the years Mrs. Dawkins has served as a charter member, organizer and past president of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Club, South Florida chapter, which has spearheaded the establishment of several nationally recognized programs for children who provide countless hours of volunteer community service. Moreover, Mrs. Dawkins sought out summer jobs for her students in order to broaden their experiences in cultural affairs and in her continued activism, encouraged her students at Miami-Dade Community College to establish early childhood centers.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my distinguished colleagues join me in recognizing Mrs. Nancy Dawkins' tremendous humanitarian efforts and overwhelming dedication to our South Florida community. I wish her every happiness and continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the late Dr. David H. Dobbs, Jr., a beloved and dedicated public servant who tirelessly devoted his efforts to the well-being of our nation's most important asset, our children, as a valued educator of the Miami-Dade County community and beyond. Moreover, I would like to commend him for his years of service to the Miami-Dade County School System and his long standing involvement in the South Florida community.

Dr. Dobbs, a Miami native, was born to David H. Dobbs, Sr., and Gussie Dobbs on May 19, 1945. After graduating from Miami Northwestern Senior High School, he furthered his education at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio where he majored in political science. Dr. Dobbs then obtained his master's degree in administration and his doctorate in administration and supervision, both from Nova Southeastern University. Throughout his life, Dr. Dobbs' warm spirited persona and exceptional educational background contributed to his unwavering commitment to help others.

He began his professional career as a teacher at Pine Villa Elementary and then moved to Mays Elementary. Dr. Dobbs also taught at Citrus Grove Middle School, Henry Fowler Elementary School and Miami Beach Senior High School. As his career flourished, he then became an assistant principal at Miami Killian Senior High School and principal of Zora Neale Hurston Elementary where he retired from in 2006. He also served as a district director with the Miami-Dade County Public School System. Through his experience, it is quite clear that he was successful at meeting the challenge of educating the needs of his community's young people.

Upon retirement, Dr. Dobbs continued to devote his life to the field of education and to his community while serving on a number of boards, including vice-chairman of the Florida Memorial University advisory board. Aside from the fact that Dr. Dobbs was an outstanding professional educator, he was well read in African-American history and politics and would engage in a very stimulating conversation on any topic.

Dr. Dobbs is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Mrs. Priscilla Dobbs and daughter Priscilla Rashida Dobbs.

Madam Speaker, I ask you and all the members of this esteemed legislative body to join me in recognizing the extraordinary life and accomplishments of Dr. David H. Dobbs, Jr. I am honored to pay tribute to Dr. Dobbs for his invaluable services and tireless dedication to the South Florida educational community. Dr. Dobbs' life was a triumph and he was blessed with a loving family who took pleasure in every aspect of his life and his interests. He will be missed by all who knew him, and I appreciate this opportunity to pay tribute to him before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. Chairman, thank you so very much for bringing this bill to the floor.

The bottom line is, at the top of this week, when we all learned what happened with the bonuses and all, the American people wanted to know what the Congress was going to do as it relates to these taxpayer dollars that are being used for the bonuses.

Are you going to get our money back, are you going to file an inquiry? No one called me, no one called my district office and said, ``Congressman, please go to Congress and file an inquiry about what happened with my taxpayer dollars.'' They are saying, ``Get it back, get it back now.''

Now the other side is talking about the Constitution and wrapping themselves in the flag right now saying that, ``oh, my goodness, we are shredding the Constitution.'' Well, that's the pot calling the kettle black, as far as I am concerned. Because the Supreme Court, and courts throughout the land, there are unconstitutional measures that have been brought to this floor, and that's up for the courts.

But as far as I am concerned, what we are being told, that this is fine. This language is well in order, and we are going to pass this legislation. So you have to vote up or down.

You can't come with excuses. The bottom line is we are getting the taxpayer dollars back.

Parliamentary Inquiries

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize my fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, the first African- American national fraternal organization to be founded at a historically black college, for their 7th Annual Florida Political Summit in Tallahassee, Florida.

For nearly 100 years, my fraternal brothers have faithfully carried out their mission of fostering the growth of men, both college and post college, by providing an outlet and opportunity to serve the community as set forth by our founders at Howard University, Edgar A. Love, Oscar J. Cooper, Frank Coleman, and Ernest Just.

Since its inception in 1911, Omega Psi Phi brothers have been advocates of taking leadership to prevent violence against women and children in the African-American community, supported efforts of the United Negro College Fund and the Congressional Black Caucus, and most recently partnered with the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches in Coaches vs. Cancer in empowering basketball coaches, their teams and local communities to make a difference in the fight against cancer.

While attending Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, FAMU, in Tallahassee, Florida, I had the distinct honor of serving as Basileus of the Upsilon Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi. My experiences as Basileus have served as the cornerstone in my education and leadership skills that I have carried over into this esteemed Chamber in representing the 17th Congressional District of Florida.

In an esteemed effort to continue Omega Psi Phi's mission, I know the men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity will discuss their legislative concerns ranging from civil rights, health care reform and veteran's affairs to public education, foreign policy, and economic issues while sharing their experiences and raising awareness of issues affecting our daily lives.

Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in wishing my brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity a successful political summit as these men continue to build a strong and effective force of men dedicated to its Cardinal Principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Dr. Mona Bethel Jackson on the occasion of her retirement from the Miami-Dade County Public School System (MDCPS) with nearly 39 years of service and dedication.

Dr. Jackson, a native Miamian, was born to Charles Edward Bethel and Olga Goodman Bethel Williams. After graduating from George Washington Carver High School, she furthered her education at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University. She then obtained her master's degree in guidance and counseling from Florida Atlantic University and her doctorate in educational administration and supervision from Florida International University. She also attended Principal Institutes at Fordham University and Harvard University, and was the first African- American woman to serve as president of the Florida Counseling Association.

She began her professional career as a science teacher at Charles R. Drew Junior High School. She served as principal of Richmond Heights Middle School for the past 11 years and is currently serving as mentor principal at Miami Edison Senior High School. Moreover, she is also the first African-American to serve as principal of Redland Middle School. She previously served as lead principal of Miami Southridge Senior High School feeder pattern. In 1999, Richmond Heights Middle School was named a semifinalist for the National Alliance of Black School Educators Award. The school earned a grade of B in 2006 and A in 2008 on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). It is quite clear that Dr. Jackson has been successful at meeting the challenge of educating the needs of her community's young people.

Additionally, Dr. Jackson complimented her educational achievements with her involvement in various organizations such as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority's National, Collegiate and Alumnae Chapters; Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated; Haitian Refugee Center Board of Directors; Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Incorporated, Dade County Chapter; National Council of Jewish Women's Teen Violence Intervention Program Board and life member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; National Council of Negro Women; and Red Hat Society. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and organizing activities.

This public servant is married to Herman Jackson, and has two children, Keane Sean (Kelsey) and Herman, II (Cassie), and five grandchildren. She has been a diligent and dedicated member at Christ Episcopal Church where she currently serves as a teller and president of the Episcopal Church Women.

Madam Speaker, it is an honor to have the privilege of honoring Dr. Jackson, a valued educator of the Miami-Dade County community and beyond. She can look back on a proud career of service and distinction in education and community leadership. Now, in retirement, she embarks upon new challenges in life and I am certain her legacy of greatness will only grow and develop as she enters this new phase of life. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Dr. Mona Bethel Jackson every happiness and many years of continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the late Elijah ``Pat'' Larkins, a dedicated public servant, tireless community activist and the city of Pompano Beach, Florida's first African- American mayor, who recently succumbed to a 16-month struggle with brain cancer.

Born a farmer's son in Pompano on April 29, 1942, Mr. Larkins, the eldest of nine siblings, graduated from what is now Blanche Ely High School. While a student at Ely High School, he led a boycott of classes when a Senior Day gathering of the county's three black high schools was cancelled. Following his attendance at Tennessee State University, Mr. Larkins was named a Ford Foundation fellow, which allowed him to attend the 1970 National Housing Institute.

In 1972, Mr. Larkins became a federally certified housing-development specialist who created the Broward County Minority Builders Coalition. The Coalition's mission is to ensure black-owned companies participated in South Florida's construction boom, an economic expansion that defined the area for years to come. In addition to his involvement with the Broward County Minority Builders Coalition, Mr. Larkins was a director of his own not-for-profit company, Malar Construction Co. in Fort Lauderdale.

While serving as a City Commissioner for 19 years and Mayor of Pompano Beach for seven terms, Mr. Larkin helped diversify the fire department and police while also advocating on behalf of Pompano Beach's predominantly black northwest quadrant. Mr. Larkin was also instrumental in changing Hammondville Road to Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. One of his proudest achievements was getting the E. Pat Larkins Community Center, a center that provides the setting for meetings, banquets and other social events, up and running.

As a parishioner at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church for over 30 years, ``His greatness was measured by his servitude,'' the

Reverend Robert Stanley declared. Reverend Stanley continued saying, ``For him, the position of mayor wasn't a position of clout. It was a place to make change.'' Pompano Beach Mayor Lamar Fisher stated: ``his involvement in the city is immeasurable.'' When asked his legacy, Mr. Larkins said, ``I have always had a great affinity and love for this city. I hope when it's all over it's said that Pat gave it all he had.''

Madam Speaker, I ask you and all the members of this esteemed legislative body to join me in recognizing the extraordinary life and accomplishments of Mr. Elijah Pat Larkins. I am honored to pay tribute to Mr. Larkin for his invaluable services and tireless dedication to the South Florida community.

Mr. Chairman, I just want to let the Members know on this great piece of legislation and this amendment that we're debating now that we have a mortgage fraud task force to be created in the Department of Justice.

This same language passed this House 350-23 in the last Congress. I think it's important, with this Nationwide task force, we have a number of communities and a number of victims of those individuals that have obtained loans and tried to get even second loans to be able to save their homes, they find themselves falling to these predators that are out there now.

This task force will be a voluntary participation between Federal, State and local law enforcement officials to be able to close down on these individuals. In my State of Florida, we came in first in 2006, 2007, 2008 of having these mortgage fraud individuals carrying out their acts against Floridians. I think it's also important that the increase was 168 percent in Florida. And as we look at making sure that we protect not only the borrower but also making sure that lenders can be trusted in this process, that we do have bad apples amongst the lending community.

I thank you for allowing me this minute.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Mrs. Jeris Lampkin Smith on the occasion of her retirement from the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida's Probation Office after 32 years of service and dedication. Mrs. Lampkin Smith will retire from the position of Supervising United States Probation Officer in the State of Florida, and can look back on a proud career of service and distinction in community leadership.

A native Floridian, Mrs. Lampkin Smith graduated from Middleton High School in Tampa, and in order to further her education, she attended Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University and received a Bachelor of Science degree. On April 25, 1977, Mrs. Lampkin Smith was appointed the first African-American female probation officer by Chief United States District Judge C. Clyde Atkins. Ultimately, Mrs. Lampkin Smith became the first person of color to be promoted to the position of Supervising United States Probation Office in the State of Florida. She was not joined by any other African-American officer until 1983.

Mrs. Lampkin Smith had a distinguished 32 year career working for the Southern District of Florida Probation Office. The United States Probation Office in the Southern District of Florida is one of 94 federal judicial districts nationwide. U.S. Probation officers play an integral role in the administration of justice by protecting our communities by monitoring offenders and enforcing Court Orders, as well as promoting positive individual change by addressing offenders' needs through effective use of community resources.

In an effort to compliment her professional achievements, Mrs. Lampkin Smith is involved with various organizations such as a charter member and former president of the Dade County Chapter of The Links, Incorporated; life member and Regional Foundational Member at Large for Jack & Jill of America, Foundation, Washington, DC; member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; and life member of the Black United States Probation and Pretrial Services Association and NAACP.

This public servant is married to Herbert B. Smith and has one daughter, Courtney Smith. In retirement, Mrs. Lampkin Smith plans to continue to develop her new career as an event planner, travel the world and play golf with her husband.

Mrs. Lampkin Smith is an outstanding American worthy of our collective honor and appreciation. It is with deep respect and admiration that I commend Mrs. Jeris Lampkin for her 32 years of service to the South Florida area, and wish her and her family the very best in retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life and legacy of the late Mr. Howard V. Gary, a beloved community leader in my district often credited with helping re-shape downtown Miami, who recently passed away after a five year battle with cancer.

Born on January 13, 1947, in Harlem Hospital in New York, Mr. Gary's mother moved her two sons to Miami where her family lived early in his life. He graduated from Miami Northwestern Senior High School. He continued his education by earning a bachelor's degree in political science and business administration from Morehouse College before earning a master's degree in public policy from the University of Michigan.

One of the most influential figures in Mr. Gary's life was his uncle Mr. Charles Hadley. Not only did Mr. Hadley help to take care of his family, but he was also a force in Miami politics who politicians relied on to get out the black vote.

Mr. Gary was budget director in Newark, New Jersey, before relocating to South Florida in 1976 as Miami's budget and management director. He made history in the City of Miami when he was hired as the first African-American to serve as City Manager. Just 35 years old when appointed, Mr. Gary was praised for his effective management, guiding the city through the completion of MetroRail and the construction of the downtown people mover. Bayside Marketplace was conceived under his leadership as a way to revitalize downtown Miami and the declining bayfront area.

After leaving public office, Mr. Gary dedicated his life to becoming a successful bond dealer. Howard Gary and Co., the firm he owned, had been involved in 123 bond deals around the country since 1992.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my distinguished colleagues join me in recognizing Mr. Gary's extraordinary life and many accomplishments within the South Florida community. I appreciate this opportunity to pay tribute to him before the United States House of Representatives. Moreover, Mr. Howard V. Gary was blessed with a loving family who took pleasure in every aspect of his professional career and his personal interests.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize and commemorate the grand opening of the historic exhibition, Black Crossroads: The African Diaspora in Miami. The exhibit, which will be on display at the Historical Museum of Southern Florida from March 5, 2009 to January 24, 2010, depicts the diverse groups of the African Diaspora who have come to settle, work and struggle for freedom in Miami since its incorporation in 1896 to the present day.

Celebrating the diversity and richness, Black Crossroads: The African Diaspora in Miami explores the enduring presence and impact of African- Americans, Africans, black Caribbeans, and black Hispanics in Miami. The many significant political, economic and cultural contributions are shown through historic photographs, oral histories, memorabilia, film/ video, and artifacts. These contributions will be related to black pioneers, families, laborers, communities, and organizations spanning over 100 years of history of black migrations to Miami.

Black Crossroads: The African Diaspora in Miami documents an important aspect of Miami's cultural history, and bring this vital information together in one place and at one time for the people of South Florida. I applaud the Historical Museum of Southern Florida for displaying this exhibit for all to see.

I also commend Dr. Joanne Hyppolite, the Chief Curator at the Historical Museum of Southern Florida, for her achievements and successes with the Black Crossroads: The African Diaspora in Miami thus far. Dr. Hyppolite has strived to show a clear reflection of what Miami has always been: a meeting point for intersections of many members of the African Diaspora since as far back as the 1800s. The exhibit also shows Miami's importance as a popular southern migration site for blacks from the Upper South, Northern Florida and the Caribbean.

I am pleased to join all those in attendance at the opening of the exhibition in wishing the Historical Museum of Southern Florida and Dr.

Hyppolite continued success in preserving and promoting an awareness of the diverse groups of the African Diaspora in Miami. Educating the public with a broader perspective of the traditions and struggles many have faced in their efforts to be treated as equal citizens will assure that generations to come will have access to objects and photographs that will enable them to contextualize life in Miami.

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the late Mr. Ira C. Clark, a beloved community leader, public servant and champion of health care in my district, who recently passed away after a long and arduous battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Mr. Clark, a native of New Jersey raised by his mother a teacher and his father a taxi cab driver, served as the president and CEO of Public Health/Jackson Memorial Hospital for 15 years. As Jackson Memorial Hospital's first black president and as a result of his extraordinary accomplishments, he became one of the most powerful minority executives in South Florida.

Having dedicated his tenure at Jackson Memorial Hospital to the development of innovative healthcare programs, Mr. Clark constantly strove to provide accessibility to the highest quality medical care for the disenfranchised and destitute families of South Florida.

Mr. Clark's efforts led to the introduction of The Jackson Health System, which provides a corporate identity for the official framework governing a system now composed of 12 primary care centers, two medical long-term facilities, four school based clinics, a maternity hospital, and a community hospital all dedicated to providing exceptional standards of medical care. Moreover, Mr. Clark spearheaded the creation of the Ryder Trauma Center, as well as the Taylor Breast Health Center and the Diagnostic Treatment Center.

Among Mr. Clark's remarkable achievements, his greatest was securing a half-penny sales tax approved by Miami-Dade County residents to raise funds for Jackson Memorial Hospital. In his 1991 Miami Herald op-ed piece, Mr. Clark stated, ``Jackson Memorial Hospital is starving. It desperately needs resources in its battle against children's diseases, trauma, AIDS, and the health problems of Dade County's neediest people. Jackson needs a dependable, non political source of funding. The half- penny sales tax is a step in the right direction.'' Mr. Clark's dedication to the betterment of Florida's Medicaid system and quality services to both rich and poor, AIDS patients and trauma victims remained strong throughout the tenure of his professional career.

Following his retirement, Mr. Clark offered a self-assessment to the Miami Times: ``There's no question that Jackson Memorial Hospital today has come a long way under my leadership. I arrived in 1987 focused on issues related to funding and overcrowding. I sought out to secure a steady source funding to fix the hospital's financial problems and decompress the main hospital. I brought with me an unquestionable passion and commitment to single high standard of care that has remained the trademark of my leadership.''

Madam Speaker, I ask you and all the members of this esteemed legislative body to join me in recognizing the extraordinary life and accomplishments of Mr. Ira C. Clark. I commend him for his service to the South Florida community and the healthcare system, and I appreciate this opportunity to pay tribute to him before the United States House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Leonard Abess, Jr. a Miami, Florida banker who openhandedly and unselfishly took $60 million out of his own pocket to give bonuses to former employees and the current staff on the payroll at City National Bank of Florida to thank them for their years of service.

Current chairman and CEO of City National Bank of Florida, Mr. Abess made the decision after selling a majority stake in Miami-based City National Bancshares in November 2008. He took $60 million of the proceeds and gave it to his tellers, bookkeepers and clerks. All 399 workers on the staff received bonuses. Additionally, Mr. Abess tracked down 72 former employees so they could share in the windfall. Some longtime employees received bonuses based on years of service which amounted to tens of thousands of dollars, in some cases more than $100,000.

In April 2008, Mr. Abess announced that Caja Madrid, the second- largest bank in Spain, was buying City National for $1 billion. With more than $2.75 billion in assets, City National ranked among the largest community banks in the country and was one of the few remaining independent banks in Florida.

When Abess said, ``We want to be the biggest bank in Florida . . . I'm not walking away from my customers or employees,''--he kept his word. The deal would allow Mr. Abess to continue to run the bank and retain his title, as well as a 17 percent stake. Most importantly, local City National offices did not close and were not sold off.

Mr. Abess' selfless generosity proved that although we are currently in an era of economic downfalls, unethical behavior and corporate conspiracy, one can still stand strong on their own charitable, altruistic morality. Now, Mr. Abess will receive a prized bonus of his own when he will have the opportunity to watch President Barack Obama's speech to a joint session of Congress from First Lady Michelle Obama's box on February 23, 2009. Ms. Geneva Lawson, a 51 year employee at City National Bank of Florida, will also accompany Mr. Abess to see history in the making.

It is an honor to have the privilege to recognize this valued leader before the United States House of Representatives. I salute Mr. Leonard Abess, Jr. on behalf of his selfless deed and great acts of gratitude, and believe that all Americans can learn from his benevolence, commitment and passion. I wish him every happiness and success.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 54, 55 & 56, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on all three.

Madam Speaker, today I recognize and pay tribute to MAJ Gerald A. Thomas, U.S. Marine Corps, on the occasion of his retirement from active duty. Major Thomas has served our great Nation for more than 21 years, earning many decorations, among them the Bronze Star with Combat ``V''. I, and many other members of this chamber, have had the pleasure of working with him over the past 3 years that he has served as part of Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps Office of Legislative Affairs and as the Deputy Director of the U.S.M.C. Liaison Office in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Major Thomas distinguished himself through exceptional meritorious service while serving as the Deputy Director. Every day he served in direct support of not only the Marine Corps Office of Legislative Affairs but in direct support of every member of Congress, every Marine and every American. His keen abilities in organization, interpersonal relationships, and communication were extremely critical to the successful accomplishment of the Marine Corps Office of Legislative Affairs' mission. His achievements and ability to get the job done have been understated but always effective and noteworthy. While serving in the Liaison office, Major Thomas was able to develop and execute legislative strategy for the United States Marine Corps that was instrumental in creating a fiscal and policy landscape conducive to training and equipping the Nation's most elite fighting force, ensuring their success on the battlefield. He routinely turned broad guidance into action which energized the Office of Legislative Affairs and members of Congress alike. His actions allowed the Marine Corps to engage members of Congress and their staffs, directly facilitating the increased emphasis on improving Congressional relationships--a cornerstone of CMC's strategic vision.

The Marine Corps House of Representatives Liaison Office that Major Thomas leaves behind is functional and responsive, highly integrated, and favors a proactive legislative strategy. While leading the House Liaison Office through the extraordinary challenges associated with Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and the ongoing Global War on Terror, he concurrently ensured that a myriad of daily Congressional communications, taskings and events were executed flawlessly. The leadership and direction that Major Thomas provided was instrumental to the Marine Corps' tremendous success during a period of extraordinarily high operational tempo and unprecedented Congressional interest in Marine Corps activities. During Major Thomas' two years as the Deputy Director, he accomplished the full spectrum of the Marine Corps' legislative mission.

Members and staffers alike respected and trusted Major Thomas' straightforward and dependable assistance. He exemplified the candor and knowledge that we have come to expect from the Marine Corps and he played a key role in maintaining superb relationships between the Marine Corps and the House of Representatives.

Throughout his tour, Major Thomas effectively responded to several thousand congressional inquiries, many of which gained national level attention. He demonstrated a unique ability to translate the language of the House of Representatives to the language of the Marine Corps and vice versa, enabling him to provide us with a clear sense of what the Marine Corps could accomplish. Because of the Major, Members of Congress were able to establish lasting professional relationships with senior members of the Marine Corps that didn't exist prior to his arrival. During his time on Capitol Hill, Major Thomas successfully planned, coordinated and escorted over 50 international and domestic Congressional and Staff Delegations. His detailed coordination with foreign government officials, U.S. State Department, and senior military officials ensured that each delegation was conducted professionally. His attention to detail and anticipation of requirements allowed Representatives to focus on fact-finding and gleaning new insights that informed critical decisions to support the people of the United States. With more than 15 delegations to Central Command Major Thomas assisted in educating

Members of Congress on the successes and challenges facing our service men and women that could only be gained from first-hand observation and face-to-face interaction. Due to his professionalism, dedication and keen knowledge, Major Thomas became the most sought after military escort for delegations traveling into Central Command. The time he has spent supporting Members of the House has been truly noteworthy. He has made lasting contributions to the House of Representatives.

Major Thomas has also made a lasting contribution in the sustainment of today's readiness and the shape of tomorrow's Marine Corps. Maj Thomas' distinguished service has left a mark of true excellence that will last long after he has departed the Office of Legislative Affairs. The Marine Corps will miss him, but Major Thomas leaves a tremendous legacy for others to follow and emulate. I wish Major Gerald Thomas congratulations and all best wishes as he enters this new chapter of his life.

During his 21 years of service, Maj Thomas has served as:

Communications Marine--Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune;

Student--Marine Corps Education Program--University of Arizona;

Platoon Commander--Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines;

Platoon Commander--Weapons Platoon, Echo Co, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines;

Executive Officer--Echo Co, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines;

Staff Platoon Commander--The Basic School;

Executive Officer--Alpha, Charlie, & Echo Companies;

The Basic School Instructor--Infantry Officer Course;

Student--Infantry Officers Captain's Career Course;

Company Commander--Lima Co, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines;

Congressional Fellow--Office of Rep. Sanford Bishop;

Joint Action Officer--Plans, Policies, and Operations Department,

Madam Speaker, I rise in full support of H.R. 2 and am proud to cast this vote in favor of it.

Providing health care coverage for 11 million children has been a top priority of mine and the vast majority of both the 110th and 111th Congresses.

And, after several attempts, we are now only minutes away from sending this important legislation to a President that we know will sign it the moment it lands on his desk.

This is a great piece of the change promised in November and a win for the families of 4.1 million currently uninsured children. In my home state of Florida, passage into law of this bill will mean that 290,000 children will have affordable access to healthcare that they do not have right now. That will lessen the number of uninsured children in Florida by 36%.

This bipartisan legislation renews and improves SCHIP, providing health care coverage for 11 million children--preserving coverage for the roughly 7 million children currently covered by SCHIP and extending coverage to 4.1 million uninsured children who are currently eligible for, but not enrolled in, SCHIP and Medicaid.

Covering more eligible children is not only the right thing to do-- it's also much more cost-effective for taxpayers than using the emergency room as a primary care provider. In addition, a healthy child is better prepared for learning and success.

I commend the willingness of those who are paying for this legislation, particularly the small businesses, local cigar importers, who showed a great willingness to do their part to see the SCHIP legislation passed despite the sacrifices they will have to make.

This is a proud day in the House of Representatives. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in voting for this important legislation.