Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman McClintock as well as the great leadership of the House Natural Resources Committee.

This legislation impacts residents on Navarre Beach and Pensacola Beach in Florida's First Congressional District. Some of those residents are now being double taxed because they have been forced to pay ad valorem property tax payments to the government in addition to lease payments. This legislation will grant fee simple title to these affected residents so that they are not double taxed and simply make an ad valorem payment like all other Floridians.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

While we have heard a good amount of inflammatory rhetoric, my remarks will speak solely to the facts.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of keeping America safe. In less than 2 years, over 8,000 undocumented immigrants, all subject to ICE detainment, were released because of local noncooperation policies.

Sixty-three percent of those illegal aliens had prior convictions or had been marked a public safety concern. After being released, they went on to be rearrested nearly 4,300 times, committing nearly 7,500 new offenses.

The facts are clear: States and local governments that do not comply with our immigration laws are putting American citizens at risk.

The U.S. Sentencing Commission found that, in 2014, 75 percent of all criminal defendants who were convicted and sentenced for Federal drug offenses were illegal immigrants. As of 2014, illegal immigrants made up roughly 3.5 percent of our population but committed over 10 percent of all murders.

Refusing to turn over criminal illegal immigrants poses a threat to our society, our safety, and our economy. American citizens pay nearly $19 million a day to house and care for the 450,000 criminal immigrants in jails and prisons who are all eligible for deportation.

When cities ignore Federal immigration laws, the results are often tragic.

The sheriff of Travis County, Texas, decided she would only turn over illegal aliens who have committed a narrow list of crimes. Her policy allowed one illegal alien to be released on bail despite sexually abusing his girlfriend's 9-year-old daughter.

A Cook County sheriff released an illegal immigrant after he served a brief domestic assault sentence, despite an ICE detainer. Soon after, he went on to kill a 15-year-old girl.

America wept as 32-year-old Kate Steinle was killed by a stray bullet. The illegal immigrant who shot that gun had seven previous felony convictions.

There are thousands more stories of innocent lives lost, of families destroyed, and of crimes that could have

been prevented. Every day in America, another family grieves because of the policies of sanctuary cities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise for the protection of our citizens, the safety of our communities, the defense of our country, and to ultimately see the end of sanctuary cities.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Today, in the Congress, too many Republicans and Democrats are obsessed with health insurance, often at the expense of the reforms that could reduce the cost of healthcare. If we cut the cost of healthcare, we make solutions far more attainable for affordable coverage.

I support this tort reform legislation because it will make healthcare in America more accessible and less expensive.

Defensive medicine costs Americans over $50 billion. Commonsense reform will eliminate these costs, help patients afford healthcare, all while reducing the Federal deficit.

It is no surprise that defensive medicine costs so much. One survey recently reported that 93 percent of doctors practice defensive medicine due to a broken tort system.

It is outrageous that we force doctors to subject patients to costly, unnecessary, and occasionally harmful tests just to avoid frivolous lawsuits.

Let's go back to performing medical tests when needed for the patient, not to simply avoid exposure in litigation for insurance companies. This will lower healthcare costs.

The New England Journal of Medicine found that 1 in every 14 doctors gets sued each year. An earlier Harvard study revealed that 40 percent of these malpractice suits were groundless, yet over a quarter of these frivolous cases are settled, and the average payout was $300,000.

Groundless cases overburden our legal system, making it harder for people with legitimate grievances to have their day in court.

Frivolous claims drive up the cost of insurance for all healthcare providers, driving many physicians away from the healthcare profession. We need more doctors and hospitals, not less. Without reform, we get higher costs, fewer doctors, a larger Federal deficit, and worse healthcare outcomes.

Let's pass this bill and start delivering on more accessible healthcare for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose the motion to recommit.

Mr. Speaker, the motion to recommit is ambiguous, as there is no legal standard currently for that which constitutes gross negligence in the area of prescriptions.

Already this legislation does not apply to circumstances in which there is criminal conduct. That means that bad doctors with bad intent will be prosecuted, and in every State in America, there are legal standards by which those very doctors would lose their license were they to engage in the conduct that the gentlewoman highlighted.

Mr. Speaker, healthcare costs are rising at alarming rates due to the failures of ObamaCare. This bill will reduce healthcare costs. It will improve the quality of care received.

Mr. Speaker, through this underlying legislation, we will enhance the relationship between patients and doctors. We will reduce frivolous litigation. And by ultimately addressing the challenges that arise with increasing healthcare costs, we will make it more easy to get to the affordability challenges with healthcare coverage.

This will ultimately increase wages for the American worker because, due to the failures of ObamaCare, more businesses are having to put money into healthcare premiums and not into wages, not into job creation, and not into the success of the American people.

Mr. Speaker, if what we really aspire to are better healthcare outcomes and more doctors able to treat people who are dealing with the challenges of opioid addiction, I would ask my colleagues to oppose this motion to recommit, support this bill, and get better healthcare outcomes for the American people.

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

Mr. Speaker, today I rise with great respect and admiration to honor Technical Sergeant Marshall Price.

After 12 years of active duty, Technical Sergeant Price is medically retiring from the United States Air Force following injuries sustained during his deployments to Africa. Technical Sergeant Price has been a dedicated servant to our Nation since 2005, when he first enlisted at the age of 19, and today we celebrate his service.

Throughout his notable career, Technical Sergeant Price has been stationed at Moody AFB in Valdosta, Georgia, Fairchild AFB in Spokane, Washington, and Hulburt Field in Florida's First Congressional District. Marshall has been an active supporter of our national security interests, participating in various undisclosed missions in both Djibouti and Afghanistan. Additionally, he has earned recognition for his distinguished service from the 9th Special Operations Squadron.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, and a grateful community, I am privileged to recognize Technical Sergeant Price for his commitment to our country and the sacrifices he has made on its behalf. On his retirement from the United States Air Force, I thank him and his family for his honorable service, and wish them all the best going forward.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the incredibly heroic Master at Arms

First Class Joseph Pellicano from Pace, Florida, who is stationed at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, for the role that he played in saving the life of young Kaysin Willis.

On January 16, 2017, MA1 Pellicano, while en route to work at NAS Whiting Field, drove upon a two-car accident and stopped to render aid. A small child had been injured in the incident and upon realization that the child was unresponsive and had no vital signs, MA1 Pellicano began CPR on the child.

He was able to successfully resuscitate the child, and then assisted the medical team as they prepared the child for transport to the local children's hospital. The child's injuries were extensive, yet Kaysin was able to make a full recovery and is now home with his family. This would not have been possible without the quick thinking and selfless initiative that MA1 Pellicano demonstrated on this day.

I would like to extend my gratitude to MA1 Pellicano for his valiant efforts that resulted in saving this young child's life. His exceptional character is evidenced by his courageous and extraordinary actions.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, and a grateful community, I am privileged to recognize Master at Arms First Class Joseph Pellicano for his bravery and thank him for his service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay respect to the American warfighter. As we celebrate Military Appreciation Month, it is important to convey that the words we use to honor our brave men and women in uniform must be followed up by action. The time for paying artificial lip service to the military community is over.

Next month, the House Armed Services Committee will initiate its annual markup of the National Defense Authorization Act. The NDAA is one of the few things in Washington that actually works. The NDAA has been passed--with bipartisan support--for the last 56 years.

But this year's NDAA might be the most important yet. For the last eight years, our military has been degraded, defunded, and disgraced by the previous administration's attempt to lead from behind. Today, the United States military lacks the requisite personnel and material readiness required to protect our nation against unforeseen and near- peer adversaries.

Our nation faces a litany of global threats from North Korea and Syria, to the Islamic State and Iran. Failed states and trans-national fundamentalist regimes that want nothing more than to destroy democracy and the American spirit. The United States military is America's front line defense against the plague of radical Islamic terrorism and demagogues.

There is no other way to say it. Our military is broken. Consider the following:

The Navy is in its smallest state in 99 years, and faces increased demand with limited resources (274 ships).

Moreover, the Navy can only satisfy 40% of all Combatant Commander requests due to high operational tempo and lengthy maintenance periods

50% of the civilian workforce working in Navy shipyards have less than five years of experience, and such inexperience impacts the on- time delivery of new ships, and increases the cost of the American taxpayer

Prior to 1992, the Air Force purchased about 200 fighter aircraft per year; today the Air Force buys less than 20; that is a 90 percent reduction of new fighter aircraft

And of the 58 Army Brigades stationed around the world, only three-- three--are prepared to fight in an armed conflict tonight, meaning they require no additional training, manpower, or equipment

I am honored to serve as the elected representatives of one of the largest military districts in America. No district in this entire country has more military retirees, military veterans, and military dependents than Northwest Florida.

Few districts can lay claim to Northwest Florida's operational and training footprint. My district is home to the Army's 7th Special Forces Group; the Air Force Special Operations Command; The Joint Gulf Range Complex which provides supersonic air combat training and hypersonic weapons testing for frontline warfighters like the F-35 and the F-22; and Pensacola Naval Air Station, the cradle of Naval Aviation.

But the time for honoring the brave men and women of the military with just words is over. They need more than free dinners at Applebee's and free milkshakes at Dairy Queen to feel truly appreciated. We need congressional commitment to end the scourge of sequestration. We need to right the wrongs of the previous administration's systematic dismantling of military readiness. We need the 115th Congress show its true military appreciation by providing the American warfighter with the tools, training, and long term funding to protect the homeland and sustain America as the preeminent global superpower.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, as a Floridian, I have to take a moment to share my gratitude to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mast) for the remarks he just shared.

During my occupancy of the rostrum, my own eyes welled with tears as I thought of the empty chairs at the table in my own district and all throughout the country as people, as families have made sacrifice and sent those to fight for us.

I can only be reminded, hearing the gentleman from Florida's remarks, that each and every day in this House we do fall short of that great patriotism that is reflected by our servicemen and -women: We could do better; we could be more worthy of the sacrifice; we could resist the influences of special interests more; we could make the tough decisions that are necessary; we could put America on a better footing forward.

It is my belief and my sincere hope, by hearing the words of my colleague, by raising our gaze to an even broader and more accepting patriotism, that we can do it. And I believe Mr. Mast will be one of the people that lead us in that regard.

Mr. Speaker, in the warm waters off Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, the Carolinas, and my beloved Florida, a reef assassin lurks.

Lionfish are an invasive species, with no predators, huge appetites, and exploding populations. Just one female lionfish will release 10 million eggs during her lifetime. Each lionfish can eat 65 juvenile reef fish in one meal. NOAA ecologists call the lionfish one of the greatest threats of the century to reefs.

Reefs support tourism, recreational fishing, commercial fishing, and our way of life. Lionfish threaten a multi-billion-dollar reef economy. To date, all efforts to eradicate the lionfish have failed. Bounty programs are uneconomical, and rodeos, while helpful, are unscalable.

Today, I filed legislation to turn the tables on the lionfish. Our proposition is simple: Fishermen who slay 100 lionfish can earn one tag to fish red snapper, gag grouper, triggerfish, or amberjack whenever they want. Anyone who kills 100 lionfish has done their part to save hundreds, if not thousands, of coveted reef fish.

The Reef Assassin Act costs no money and uses our natural resources to protect our natural resources. I encourage my colleagues to support the Reef Assassin Act.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the men and women of law enforcement whose selfless service to a noble cause fills me with humble gratitude.

Being a law enforcement officer requires more than training. It requires sacrifice, devotion, integrity, and honor. Most importantly, it requires an unshakeable faith in the value and importance in the rule of law.

What keeps our civil society from a descent into lawlessness and chaos? What separates civilization from savagery?

It is a thin blue line--these men and women of law enforcement, who give their blood, sweat, tears, and sometimes their lives in order to protect and serve communities; who make the country a safer place, one street, one neighborhood, and one community at a time.

As a society, our laws enshrine freedom, our security, and our liberty. They uphold America's promise of innate fairness. But for their service and devotion to our great Nation, our law enforcement officers are often criticized and scorned by some they serve. Yet, through it all, they continue to serve and protect.

Too often these brave men and women are targets of violence, which is why I support the Thin Blue Line Act. An attack on law enforcement is an attack on the freedom of the United States of America, and it cannot be tolerated.

Mr. Speaker, some have spoken out in opposition to the death penalty in this discussion, and they would say only God can judge. And while that is true, certainly the United States Government can do a better job setting up the meeting.

So today I rise in support of heroes, and I hope my colleagues will do the same.

Mr. Speaker, it is with both profound sadness and deep gratitude that I rise to pay tribute to a fallen decorated American hero. On April 8, 2017, Staff Sergeant Mark R. De Alencar, who was assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, tragically succumbed to injuries received from small arms fire in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. Staff Sgt. De Alencar was 37 years old, but lived a lifetime marked by and full of service.

Born in a U.S. Army hospital in Nuremburg, Germany, Staff Sgt. De Alencar's childhood followed his father's military career. Graduating from Joppatowne High School, Joppa, Maryland, in 1998, he then worked odd jobs before becoming a carpenter. But it was in 2009, that he choose to follow in his father's footsteps and joined the U.S. Army.

After attending Basic Combat Training and Cannon Crewmember (13B) Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Staff Sgt. De Alencar was assigned to Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

After arrival, he was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. Staff Sgt. De Alencar later attended Ranger School, graduated, and re-classed as an Infantryman (11B). During his time at Schofield Barracks, he served as Fire Team Leader, Rifle Squad Leader, and attended multiple training events with partnered forces throughout the Pacific; including Australian Jungle Operations, Operation Cobra Gold in Thailand, and multiple rotations to the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California.

In September 2016, Staff Sgt. De Alencar graduated from the Special Operations Qualification Course earning the qualification as a Weapons Sergeant (18B) and was assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) located at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

Staff Sgt. De Alencar's military education includes Basic Leaders Course, Advanced Leaders Course, Jungle Operations Course, Ranger School, Airborne School, Air Assault School, Special Forces Qualification Course, and Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape School.

Staff Sgt. De Alencar's awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Unit Citation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Expert Infantryman's Badge, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, B Badge, and the Drivers Badge.

As exemplified by his extraordinary heroism, Staff Sgt. De Alencar's life stands as a testament that freedom is not free, and his legacy will echo in time as an example of the ultimate sacrifice made in the name of freedom On behalf of a humble and grateful Nation, I hope the De Alencar family will find solace in knowing their support, love, and counsel helped make him the hero he became both in uniform and as a father. I pray that God will be with Mark's wife, Natasha; sons, Rodrigo and Marcos; stepson, Deshaun; daughter, Tatiyana; stepdaughter, Octavia and all their family and friends during this time of great mourning and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Mr. ``Buz'' Eddy, the City Manager of The City of Gulf Breeze, Florida. Mr. Eddy has served the city in this role since 1992. On May 1, 2017, Mr. Eddy is retiring after twenty-five years of dedicated service.

Mr. Eddy has contributed his expertise and guidance in many different capacities. He served on the Board of the Florida City/County Managers Association, and as a member of the Gulf Breeze Sertoma and Gulf Breeze Rotary Clubs. Buz served as President of the Gulf Breeze Rotary Club in 2015-2016. Mr. Eddy also serves as the City's representative on The Santa Rosa County RESTORE Council and is President of Fairpoint Regional Utility System.

As City Manager, Mr. Eddy made structural transformation the cornerstone of his administration. He has put in place the plans, procedures, systems, and controls necessary for accountability and performance to ensure Gulf Breeze will continue to operate under the institutional principles established by his administration long after he leaves the post.

During Mr. Eddy's tenure, Gulf Breeze was impressively recognized as the Number One Most Successful City in Florida over 215 top livable cities, based on national quality-of-life rankings.

Mr. Eddy has contributed to the creation of countless successful projects and programs. He has demonstrated a profound dedication to the concepts of effective and democratic local government. His negotiations on behalf of the City have resulted in the expansion and redevelopment of a variety of enterprises.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Mr. ``Buz'' Eddy and congratulate him on his retirement. I thank him for his fairness, diligence, encouragement, and trustworthy leadership; and wish him all the best for continued success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ponce de Leon High School's senior Koby Townsend.

Koby has received and accepted an offer to continue his college basketball career at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama.

In addition to his success as a basketball player, Koby has excelled in the classroom. He is an active member of the Sr. Beta Club, a national organization honoring high academic achievement; and is set to graduate as Magna Cum Laude of his high school class.

Koby has also been an active member of the FCCLA club serving as treasurer for one year. He competed in the speech contest and won 5 gold awards at the state level allowing him the opportunity to compete at the national level.

I am proud to recognize the diligence and dedication this young man has shown to his team and education. Koby is a role model for fellow students and team members, and a source of pride for his community and all Northwest Florida.

I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Koby on his spectacular senior season and receiving this honor. I look forward to continuing to follow his basketball career.

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to pay tribute to Master Sergeant Keary J. Miller upon being awarded the Air Force Cross, the service's highest combat medal of valor.

While supporting a joint special operations team during the Battle of Roberts Ridge on March 4, 2002, then-Tech. Sgt. Miller saved the lives of ten U.S. service members and assisted in the recovery of seven who were killed in action all while facing insurmountable odds and a barrage of heavy enemy fire.

The courage shown by this dedicated pararescueman is a true testament of his character. Master Sergeant Miller embodies the selfless commitment to service, sacrifice, and exceptional skill of our Nation's service members.

The entire Northwest Florida community is immensely proud of our area's tradition of military service and support for those who wear the uniform. It is a true honor to recognize Master Sergeant Miller upon this most notable distinction.

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to pay tribute to Staff Sergeant Christopher G. Baradat upon being awarded the Air Force Cross, the service's highest combat medal of valor.

During his third deployment, Staff Sergeant Baradat called in close air support from A-10 Thunderbolt II fighter jets and AC-130 gunships while exposing himself directly to enemy gunfire. His efforts resulted in the safety and rescue of 150 troops and the destruction of 50 enemy and 13 separate fighting positions.

The courage shown by this dedicated Special Tactics Airman is a true testament of his character. Staff Sergeant Baradat embodies the selfless commitment to service, sacrifice, and exceptional skill of our Nation's service members.

The entire Northwest Florida community is immensely proud of our areas tradition of military service and support for those who wear the uniform. It is a true honor to recognize Staff Sergeant Baradat upon this most notable distinction.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Pensacola Blue Wahoos Baseball Team, in Northwest Florida. In 2016, the Southern League of Professional Baseball Clubs announced the Wahoos as the winners of the ``Community Service Award''.

In addition, the Director of Sports Turf Management for the Blue Wahoos, Ray Sayre, was named the ``Groundskeeper of the Year'' for the fourth consecutive season.

The team members have demonstrated a profound dedication to their community by participating in activities that directly benefit and uplift the Pensacola area.

The Wahoos' outreach has helped such organizations as the Epilepsy Foundation of Northwest Florida, Autism Pensacola, the United Way, the National Alliance of Mental Illness, and many more.

Working with the Studer Community Institute, through such programs as ``Kazoo's Grand Slam Reading Program'', the team has highlighted the priority of Early Childhood Education; this program reached over 9,000 students and parents in 2016.

The Blue Wahoos have a long history of taking an active role in their community. In 2012, their unwavering support and involvement resulted in them being named the ``Southern League Organization of the Year'', ``Ballpark Digest's Organization of the Year'', and ``Ballpark of the Year'' by Baseballparks.com.

The tradition of excellence has continued since 2013, when the team was named ``Stadium Journey's Best Minor League Ballpark Experience''; and again, awarded the ``Southern League Community Service Award''. Since then, the Blue Wahoos have won many awards from a multitude of organizations because of their selfless contributions to the Pensacola area.

I would like to personally thank all of the past and present members of the Blue Wahoos, as well as all of the employees who participate and provide support for the team and community events. I would also like to thank Quint Studer and his team for providing the leadership that supports this remarkable cooperative contribution.

On behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize the Pensacola Blue Wahoos Baseball Team for their continuous devotion to enhancing their community and for their contribution to an immeasurable positive

impact that has occurred because of each team member's exceptional character. It is with great pride that I recognize and thank them for all that they do.