Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, 93 percent of Americans support the legalization of doctor-prescribed medical marijuana--93 percent. But despite this widespread public support, marijuana remains classified as a schedule I drug, the same as LSD or heroin.

This harms low-income communities each year, it turns thousands of citizens into felons, and it punishes people who are sick and looking for medical help.

I think of Rayann, a young lady in my district with juvenile refractory epilepsy. She has seizures every day. Other treatments failed, but medical marijuana helped improve her condition. I thought of her when I worked on, and passed, Florida's Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act.

Marijuana must be moved to schedule III, which will make it easier to conduct research into its medical uses. It will allow businesses to work with banks instead of looking over their shoulders in fear of a Federal raid, and it will keep States from being at odds with Federal law.

Today I am proud to introduce legislation that will reclassify marijuana as a schedule III drug. I look forward to working with my colleagues. America is watching, and now we must act.

Mr. Speaker, our great ally Australia has long been the leading voice in the world to end commercial whaling. I rise to let them know that they are not alone and to announce the filing of bipartisan legislation to support an end to commercial whaling.

Another of our valued allies, Japan, unfortunately continues this depraved practice. In fact, the Japanese whaling fleet has just returned home, having killed 333 Antarctic minke whales.

Despite the global ban on commercial whaling, Japan continues the slaughter on the seas under a thinly veiled claim of research. Research into whales is important, but all available science shows that this research can be conducted with nonlethal testing and biopsies.

The Japan whale hunt isn't about research. It is about whale meat. In 2012, a Japanese minister even commented that the minke whale offers great flavor and aroma as sashimi. I think that is disgusting.

The Japanese whalers shoot the world's majestic mammals with exploding harpoons and electric lances. Death can often take hours.

Commercial and fake research hunting of whales must end. I thank Australia for its leadership. I ask Japan to be honest with the world and end this barbaric practice.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

I rise to speak on an issue important to so many Floridians, and that is the Florida Everglades. The Everglades are Florida. They are as iconic as the Blue Angels, the space shuttle, and even the orange. No one in Florida is unaffected by the fate of the Everglades. This is why I join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in encouraging President Trump to remain focused on Everglades restoration.

Congress has invested in these projects before, and the Everglades ecosystem is improving as a result. But there is debate about how to proceed. In short, the question is: Should the government buy more Everglades land?

I say no. Forty-two percent of the land in south Florida is already owned by the government. We should get the government out of the real estate business, not deeper into it.

Instead of a land buy, we must finish the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. Since 2000, this plan has enjoyed bipartisan support. Taxpayer dollars go toward important environmental work. The plan respects private property rights, doesn't harm agricultural communities who play a critical role in Florida's economies, and advances the cause of restoration.

Florida's Everglades are a national treasure. We can't afford to lose them. Finishing the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan will ensure that our river of grass will be around for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I take particular pride in thanking both Congressmen Rooneys from my State for their outstanding leadership.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate and honor Angelina M. Pennisi Steiner for her literary achievements. At the age of thirteen, her poem ``The Rusty Clock'' was selected to be included in the award-winning Children's Album of Poetry Archives. After submitting another poem, ``A Nightly Wish,'' Mrs. Steiner became the only person in her school to be included twice. In 2014, her first book, ``Chasing Dreams'' was published. Now, her second book, ``Beautiful Words Coming My Way'' is being published and archived in the Library of Congress.

Mrs. Steiner joined the Plant City Senior Center several years ago, where she shared her talents in weekly poetry readings. She became a member of the Florida Writer's Association, has been a guest at Winter Haven's

``Meet the Artist Event in the Park,'' and was the featured guest speaker at Bruton Memorial Library. Angelina recently participated in the 36th Annual Tampa Bay Senior Talent Showcase.

A loving wife, and a mother of four children, Mrs. Steiner is inspired from everyday events, and has the talent to paint a beautiful picture through her poetry. Her rare talent and literary achievements must not go unrecognized. It makes me proud that a constituent of mine has achieved success in her literary endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I come from the State of Florida, where we have many of our citizens who live in nursing homes. Despite the views of some, those residents can live remarkable, productive, and fulfilling lives.

One such resident is Angelina Steiner. Mrs. Steiner lives in the Plant City Senior Center. She shares her talents in weekly poetry readings. She became a member of the Florida Writers Association. In 2014, she published her first book: ``Chasing Dreams.'' Now, her second book: ``Beautiful Words Coming My Way'' is being published and archived in the Library of Congress.

A loving wife and a mother of four children, Mrs. Steiner is inspired by everyday events. She has the talent to paint beautiful pictures through her poetry, and I am incredibly proud of her.

Mr. Speaker, it is with both profound sadness and deep gratitude that I rise to pay tribute to a fallen decorated American hero. On March 19, 2017, Sergeant First Class Robert R. Boniface of the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), located in Florida's First Congressional District, tragically lost his life in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel. SFC Boniface was 34 years old, but lived a lifetime marked by and full of service.

SFC Boniface entered the Army in March 2006 as an 18 X-ray. After Infantry Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, he attended Airborne School before being assigned to the Special Warfare Center and School. SFC Boniface completed the Special Forces Qualification Course, earning his Green Beret in 2010 and was assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as a Special Forces Medical Sergeant.

Boniface's military education includes the Special Operations Jumpmaster Course, Senior Leader Course, Combat Diver Qualification Course, Special Forces Diving Medical Technician Course, Special Forces Qualification Course, Special Operations Combat Medic Course, Advanced Leaders Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape Course, Basic Leaders Course, and the U.S. Army Static Line Airborne Course.

SFC Boniface's awards and decorations include two Bronze Star Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, three Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Special Forces Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Special Forces Combat Diver Badge, and Parachutist Badge.

Mr. Speaker, there are no words I, this body of Congress, or the Nation can say that might assuage the bereavement of the Boniface family. All I can say is on behalf of a humble and grateful Nation, we thank them for the love, counsel, and support given to Robert, which helped make him the hero he became both in uniform and as a father. His life stands as a testament that freedom is not free, and his legacy will echo in time as an example of the ultimate sacrifice for all free people. I pray that God will be with Robert's wife, Rebekah; his daughter, Mia Elia, 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 thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, it is with both profound sadness and deep gratitude that I rise to pay tribute to a fallen decorated American hero. On March 19, 2017, Sergeant First Class Robert R. Boniface of the 7th Special Forces Group, located in my district, tragically lost his life in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel.

Sergeant First Class Boniface was 34 years old--my age--but he lived a lifetime marked by full service. Sergeant First Class Boniface entered the Army in March 2006. After infantry basic training and advanced individual training at Fort Benning, Georgia, he attended airborne school before being assigned to the Special Warfare Center and School. Sergeant First Class Boniface completed the Special Forces Qualification Course earning his green beret in 2010. He was assigned then to the 7th Special Forces Group.

Sergeant First Class Boniface's awards and decorations include: two Bronze Star Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, two Army Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, three Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, the Army Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Special Forces Tab, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Special Forces Combat Diver Badge, and the Parachutist Badge.

Mr. Speaker, there are no words that I, this body of Congress, or the Nation can say that might ease the bereavement of the Boniface family. All I can say is that on behalf of a humble and grateful nation, we thank them for the love, counsel, and support given to Robert during his life, which helped make him a hero, both in uniform and as a father.

His life stands as a testament that freedom is not free. His legacy will echo in time as an example of the ultimate sacrifice for all free people. I pray that God will be with Robert's wife, Rebekah; his daughter, Mia; and all of their family and friends during this time of great mourning.

Mr. Speaker, may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to repeal the disaster that is ObamaCare. ObamaCare functions as a wet blanket over the American economy, stopping businesses from growing, and impairing the rights of individuals to make their own decisions about health care.

Mr. Speaker, I specifically implore my conservative colleagues to vote for this bill and give us a chance to get out from under this disastrous law. This legislation represents $1 trillion in tax cuts, $1.15 trillion in spending cuts, $150 billion in deficit reduction; defunding Planned Parenthood.

How long have we been fighting to defund Planned Parenthood?

Close the illegal alien loophole that allows people to enroll in ObamaCare, only to check their status in this country subsequently.

We install work requirements. I don't think people that are able to work but choose not to should expect us to go borrow money from China to pay for their health care. Installing those work requirements is fundamental to bold conservative reform.

Block grants for States so that finally they can be liberated from the oppressive hand of the Federal Government, and also blocking States from additional Medicaid expansion.

We have been engaging in these conservative fights for years, and finally, today, we have got the chance to put a win on the board; and so I am joining our President, our Speaker, and many conservatives in this Congress in voting for the American Health Care Act.

When we win, when we do this, not only do we enhance our economy, not only do we free up opportunities for broader prosperity in America, but we allow people to be in charge of health care, and we move from a government-centered system to a patient-centered system. That was the promise we made in the elections, and that is the promise I intend to keep by voting for this bill.

Mr. Speaker, the repeal and replacement of ObamaCare is about keeping promises and being worthy of the American people's trust.

We, for the third time in American history, have unified Republican control of the government: a Republican in the White House and Republican control of the House of Representatives and of the Senate. In the last five campaigns, one out of every four ads was about health care, so it is our turn to lead.

Here is what we know: ObamaCare today is failing. It is failing to meet the promises that were made that people could keep their doctor or keep their plan. It is failing to be affordable for those who see rising premiums, rising deductibles, no choices, no health care at all, and limited access.

As Republicans leading in this Chamber, we are on a rescue mission to save the American people from this disaster and to replace this law with something that works and gets us away from government-centered health care and moves us to patient-centered health care, doctor- centered health care.

You know, we believe in ownership societies where you ought to be able to own your own healthcare plan, own your own decisions about education and how you choose to prosper.

Today, the Rules Committee is contemplating amendments that should excite conservatives with generational changes that will unlock the potential of this great country.

State flexibility, for the first time, we really see the option for States like mine in Florida to step up and say we don't want the Federal Government involved in health care anymore. We want to take control over those who are vulnerable in our communities, and we want to innovate and come up with solutions that meet those challenges.

Work requirements, hardworking people in my district don't understand why they go to work every day but too often they are paying for entitlements for people who are able-bodied, childless, can work, and choose not to. That is wrong.

We are going to take up, on this floor, legislation that I suspect will have a work requirement for able-bodied, childless adults for those States who choose to implement this bold conservative reform.

We also expect that there will be an end to the disaster of Medicaid expansion. Today in America, one out of every four people is on Medicaid. That is absolutely unsustainable. It means three of us have got to pay for the cost of our own health care and then a substantial portion of the cost of someone else's.

By ending Medicaid expansion for nonexpansion States, we put the country back on a path to prosperity--not government-centered health care, individual patient-centered health care where people can choose the plans that best meet their needs.

If we do this, if we meet this challenge with our historic opportunity to lead, then the American people will know that we are worthy of their trust. We are keeping our word, and we will repeal and replace health care.

Madam Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 180.

Mr. Speaker, I am so grateful that our colleagues across the aisle have become so interested in the impact of the national debt on the American people. I only wish that, during their time in control of the White House, we had not doubled the national debt.

I am similarly grateful that Members on the other side of the aisle would say that we should know the impact of legislation before we vote for it because, after all, it was former Speaker Pelosi who said: Let's vote for it so that we know what is in the Affordable Care Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today because following an 8-year cycle of abandonment, it is time we do right by our military members and their families. I rise in support of the brave warriors stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, Naval Air Station Pensacola, and all across the globe. The 2.1 percent pay raise we provide in this appropriation is a modest downpayment on what is owed to those who put themselves in harm's way for our freedom.

Our current state of military readiness is not acceptable. Half of the planes in our Navy cannot fly. Pilots are leaving. Marines are harvesting parts out of museums. Soldiers downrange don't have the unrivaled equipment they need to match their unrivaled patriotism.

This $583 billion appropriation is a first step. It means 74 new F-35 aircraft. The F-35 is the most capable aircraft in the sky. Pilots have greater survivability in the F-35. This matters so much to me. In my district, we are training the next generation of F-35 pilots to fight and win against any enemy we encounter in the skies.

This legislation also reflects our values by investing in cancer research and traumatic brain injury research.

Now, some say we cannot focus on defense; we should focus on other domestic priorities. I would simply say our adversaries are not waiting. Our warfighters and military families are tired of waiting and so am I.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Ms. Kristen White as the 2018 Santa Rosa County Teacher of the Year. Ms. Brown has a long history of serving the Santa Rosa County School District with exceptional passion and an unwavering commitment to helping her students.

In Northwest Florida, we are fortunate to have some of the best teachers in the Nation. It is recognized that the teaching profession is one of the most difficult yet rewarding professions in existence. Ms. White has exceptionally performed her teaching duties, while also striving to be an active and supportive member of her community.

Ms. White has served as an elementary reading and writing intervention teacher at East Milton Elementary and coordinates the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) Innovate Lab, which serves K-5 students. She also provides professional development to teachers, coordinates Discovery education assessments, and collects and interprets data for grade levels.

Previously she has served as a Kindergarten teacher and grade level chair. Her support and mentoring extends far beyond the walls of her classroom through her willingness to serve as a Professional Learning Community facilitator. I commend Ms. White for her steadfast willingness to serve those that matter most, the students and youth of our Nation.

For all of her admirable contributions, I am truly proud to have Ms. White as a constituent in Florida's First Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Ms. Kristen White for her accomplishments and her commitment to excellence in the Santa Rosa County School District. I thank her for her service and wish her all the best for continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Ms. Andrea Brown as the 2016-2017 Okaloosa County Teacher of the Year. For 18 years, Ms. Brown has served the Okaloosa County School District with exceptional passion and an unwavering commitment to serving others.

In Northwest Florida, we are fortunate to have some of the best teachers in the Nation. It is recognized that the teaching profession is one of the most difficult yet rewarding professions in existence. Ms. Brown has exceptionally performed her teaching duties, while also striving to be an active and supportive member of her team at Baker School.

Most recently, Ms. Brown has served as a Title One Remediation Teacher for both math and reading. Through her work, she has helped countless students improve their reading and writing skills. The effects of her guidance and instruction will continue to have a profoundly positive impact on her students for many years.

Her support and outreach extends beyond the classroom as well, through her service on the Homecoming Committee, involvement with the Aspire after school program, and with Okaloosa Online. Ms. Brown has displayed remarkable compassion and devotion by spending time outside the classroom helping others. I commend her for her steadfast willingness to serve those that matter most, the students and youth of our Nation.

For all of her admirable contributions, I am truly proud to have Ms. Brown as a constituent in Florida's First Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Ms.

Andrea Brown for her accomplishments and her commitment to excellence in the Okaloosa County School District. I thank her for her service and wish her all the best for continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to a truly innovative pilot program in my district in Pensacola, Florida. This one-of-a-kind program, known as the Thirty Million Words Initiative, is a collaborative effort brought by researchers from the University of Chicago in partnership with the Studer Community Institute.

The Thirty Million Words Initiative will educate parents of newborns at Sacred Heart Hospital, Baptist Hospital, and West Florida Hospital on best practices for speech and engagement during the critical learning stage up to 3 years old.

As we all know, interaction by speech or music with young children has not only had an impact on learning abilities but also emotional needs. This program builds on this principle and strives to include all newborns, regardless of income level, race, or ethnicity.

Through this simple commitment, we can challenge the socioeconomic stereotypes we have become too used to and build a future for leaders and innovators stemming from all walks of life and bringing new ideas for a vision for the future.

This truly unique partnership between our community leaders and the parents of our future generation will garner a secure foundation for our children to bring stronger education, allow limitless possibilities, and meeting the challenges to build a better tomorrow.

I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to the danger that is currently posed by the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Iran and its fundamentalist government pose the gravest threat to global peace, stability in the Middle East, and Israel's existence.

Iran continues to extend its dangerous hegemony through the region in places such as Lebanon, by arming and training Hezbollah; in Gaza, by arming Hamas; in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.

Iran's taking hostage of U.S. sailors and its continued ballistic missile tests and death threats to Israel highlights Iran's evil intentions and the need for the United States to play a leading role in rolling back Iran's growing influence and its push to destabilize the Middle East and the world. These issues have been exacerbated by the irresponsible and catastrophic nuclear deal between Iran and the P5+1.

It is obvious to anyone that the $150 billion given to Iran will be used to fund more terror and further Iran's destructive ambitions. In addition, the nuclear deal legitimizes Iran's ability to enrich uranium and functionally ensures Iran's path to a nuclear weapon within 10 years. The deal is structured to mask Iran's inevitable noncompliance.

As a member of the Florida Legislature, I had supported Florida's Iran divestment. As a Member of Congress, I very much look forward to reauthorizing the Iran Sanctions Act.

I am extremely proud of President Trump and his administration for enacting appropriate sanctions against Iranian officials who have been engaged in the most recent destructive and destabilizing nuclear tests.

Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, Americans, Israelis, and all citizens of the world who aspire to peace continue to be harmed by the reckless and irresponsible foreign policy of the past President's administration. Former President Obama believed in a policy of appeasement toward Iran. This is not dissimilar to the policies of appeasement that Neville Chamberlain used when confronting the threats of Nazi Germany. But if President Obama was America's Neville Chamberlain, perhaps his time has given rise to Donald Trump and the opportunity to be America's Winston Churchill.

I support President Trump's efforts to send a message to Iran that ballistic missile testing will not be tolerated. Iran only understands strength. For the last 8 years, they have seen from this country far too much weakness and far too much willingness to accept their destructive role in the world.

Mr. Speaker, the way Iran operates is through a series of franchises for terror. Whether that is Hamas or Hezbollah, the Houthis in Yemen, we see time and time again Iran acting as a neo-Persian, neo-Ottoman Empire. That cannot be tolerated in a peaceful world. It cannot be tolerated in the most dangerous neighborhood on Earth. It underscores the purpose of Americans speaking with resolve and with strength in condemning the most recent ballistic missile tests and in standing with our greatest ally, Israel.

It was shameful that, in the waning hours of the Obama administration, President Obama was willing to allow the United Nations to take action against Israel while continuing its furtherance of appeasement toward some of the most dangerous countries on the planet Earth who do not share our values or our interests.

So I am glad to see an American reset, a resurgent America again speaking to the great values that have functioned as a beacon of hope for the world for generations. That is what we must return to, and that is what President Trump is doing today. I applaud his administration. I applaud his Secretary of the Treasury for stepping forward and advancing these needed sanctions.

I am hopeful that this Congress will continue to take action to show support for President Trump in this endeavor, but we must also recognize that this is but a first step. So much damage has been done to the cause of peace for the last 8 years under President Obama, and we have much work to do in this Congress, whether it is rebuilding and restoring our military so that we can be a force for peace, whether it is making sure that our allies know that we will stand with them, or whether it is making sure that our adversaries know that we are very serious and there will be serious consequences for their bad behavior.

I am proud of this America that we are working toward together. I am proud of these policies.

The gentleman from Texas may now wish to speak to the importance of Americans speaking with a voice of clarity for peace, prosperity, and strength throughout the Middle East and the world.

I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding.

Isn't it refreshing to have a President of the United States who is willing to do, in office, precisely the things he said he would do on the campaign trail, notably, putting the interests of Americans and the security of Americans first in a world that even former Secretary of State George Shultz said is more dangerous and perilous today than the highest tensions of the Cold War?

So to specifically answer the gentleman's question, I am grateful that President Trump is prioritizing the security of Americans. My hope is that in the 115th Congress, we will work with the President, with his administration to ensure that, as we continue to mature these policies and advance them, we do them in a way that is easily understandable for those enforcing them and for the American people, and that it sends a message to the world that America continues to be the most generous country on the planet when it comes to welcoming individuals who share our values and who aspire to be productive and prosperous and inclusive.

What we have no tolerance for are those who would want to come to the United States of America not to be part of the American experience, but to destroy it. Too often that has not just been the fear that we have felt from some who have been embedded by Daesh within refugees, but it is exactly what is preached by the Government of Iran.

How silly of the United States to think that we would give hundreds of billions of dollars to a nation that calls America the Great Satan, that seeks to wipe Israel off of planet Earth, and believe that that money will be used for peaceful purposes. It won't. Iran's desires for expanded hegemony are not to stabilize the Middle East, they are expressly to destabilize the Middle East. This regime in Iran will never share America's values, so America should not be funding the very destructive behavior that has done so much to harm the lives of so many people.

The gentleman from Texas brings up a great point. If we hadn't endured the

policies of appeasement for the last 8 years, if America hadn't withdrawn from the world stage so suddenly, then perhaps we would not have the conditions in the Middle East that have made life so difficult for people that they have wanted so badly to be refugees to Europe and to the United States. We should want countries to succeed that are willing to be stable and inclusive, but those who are our sworn enemies, those who do not share our values should receive no quarter from the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I have the great honor to serve on the House Committee on Armed Services. We received briefings this week, thanks to Chairman Thornberry, from General Petraeus and other national security experts. They reinforced the fact that the world is dangerous as a consequence of American withdrawal. I am grateful that the 115th Congress will stand with President Trump in his agenda to rebuild our military, to rebuild our standing, and to make very clear to the world that we will be with you if you want peace. But if you aspire to spread terror, there is no role for you on the global stage, and we will not do the things to elevate those terrible regimes to any place of prominence.

This is a great time for revival and renewal in this country, and as Americans do more to rebuild the country internally and grow our economy and achieve more prosperity with lower and fairer taxes, with a regulatory climate that is more acceptable for a prosperous country, we also have to keep an eye on the world and our position on the global stage. I think that it is refreshing that that is a time of revival and restoration of American prominence, because the world is a safer place when America is the strongest country in the world. President Trump's actions today to create sanctions against those who have been directly involved in ballistic missile tests send a clear message: We will stand with our allies, and we will stand against the enemies of peace.

Will the gentleman yield for a question?

I thank the gentleman for yielding. The gentleman is from Texas. I am from Florida. Both of our States have seen many of the negative economic consequences of illegal immigration, but my question relates to the negative national security consequences that result from illegal immigration.

We are receiving more reports that ISIS, Daesh, other Islamic fundamentalists are exploiting America's weakness on our southern border with Mexico for their own economic gain, as well as to smuggle people into the United States who may function as lone wolves or even as a part of a coordinated terrorist attack against Americans.

So I would hope that the gentleman would speak to the interconnectivity between the need for strong border security and a wall on our southern border with Mexico and the risks posed by Islamic fundamentalism.