Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to talk about something called congressionally directed spending when it comes to Army Corps projects.

I have a bill, which is called the REPAIR Act, which would make a limited change to the House rules definition to allow Congress to direct funding to vetted water resource development projects of the Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation.

The REPAIR Act does not authorize or appropriate any new funds for these projects, which comprises just one-half of 1 percent of our overall annual discretionary spending, and stays exclusively within the budget cap set by Congress.

After several years of divided government, almost every Member of Congress here has experienced the direct correlation between our inability to provide for these projects over the executive agencies, especially as it pertains to these essential public works projects.

The REPAIR Act is a zero-cost solution to this problem that will simply allow Congress to respond to the water resource infrastructure needs of their communities rather than waiting for an unelected, faceless bureaucrat in the executive branch to move on these projects.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support the REPAIR Act.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 290.

Mr. Speaker, I missed rollcall vote Nos. 265 and 266. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 265, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 266.

personal explanation

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Robert O. Lampi II, better known as Buddy, of Pahokee, Florida, who passed away on March 10th in Okeechobee, Florida at the age of 71.

Buddy Lampi's life was greatly influenced by his love of music. An accomplished instrumentalist and an exceptionally talented trumpet player, his passion led him to pursue a lifelong career as a Band Director. Over the 40 years that he proudly held this position, he shared his love for music with thousands of students and inspired them to challenge themselves and always strive to reach their full potential. Buddy was a graduate of the University of Miami, and like his father, a member of the Florida Band Master's Association.

Outside of the classroom, music remained an important part of his life. He was a member of the Okeechobee First United Methodist Church where he regularly sang with the choir. In his spare time, Buddy enjoyed golfing and fishing. We are deeply saddened by his loss and know that his passion for music will live on in the many students he inspired.

Mr. Speaker, my thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Lampi's family, especially his wife Peggy, and loved ones as they mourn his passing. He will be greatly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Barry Jollett, of Punta Gorda, Florida, who tragically passed away on March 1.

When Barry and his wife, Mary, moved to Florida 15 years ago, they immersed themselves in our local community. For the past four years, Barry took on the challenge of serving as the Chairman of the Charlotte County Republicans, as well as the Vice Chair for the Republican Executive Committee. Under his leadership, the Charlotte County Republicans continued to spread their message throughout our community and the entire county is better because of it.

Barry was no stranger to leadership roles when he moved to Florida. Before starting his lifelong career with Verizon, he served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He also served as a Commodore for the PGI Seafarers, and his dedication to our country was evident even after he left our military. We are all eternally grateful for his service and leadership.

I have had the pleasure of meeting Barry many times during my tenure in office and I believe that his memory will be preserved in the legacy he left behind. Barry was a strong leader, a loyal patriot and hard worker. But more importantly, he was a friendly neighbor, loving husband and caring father. His memory will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I speak for all of Charlotte County when I say that Barry Jollett will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Mary and their family during this time.

Madam Speaker, as one of his final acts in office, President Obama issued a rule requiring that States give title X family planning fund grants to abortion providers like Planned Parenthood.

States have always had the autonomy to distribute these grants to providers that they choose. Obama took that freedom away from States by requiring them to directly fund abortions under the false assertion that this provides women with greater access to health care. That is just not true.

What people seem to forget is that for every 1 Planned Parenthood facility in the United States, there are 20 federally funded community health centers that stand ready and eager to provide health services to women and don't perform abortions.

States should be able to make their own healthcare decisions. By passing this resolution, we return that power to the States.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of A. Warren Kulp, Jr., better known as Sonny, of Riviera Beach, Florida, who passed away on December 31st in West Palm Beach, Florida at the age of 81.

Sonny's life was the American Dream personified; after graduating from Hilltown High School in Pennsylvania in 1953, he worked as a self- employed dairy farmer for his entire life. He also earned his real estate license and worked as the head of the real estate department for eight years in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. After moving to Florida with his wife Judith, he worked at the Palm Beach Kennel Club until his retirement in 2007.

Outside of work, Sonny pursued many different interests. He was a loyal, lifelong Republican and served as an officer and committee chairman for the Pennridge Republican Club. Sonny was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in West Palm Beach and he was also an avid Steelers fan. We are deeply saddened by the loss of such a prominent and active member of our community.

Sonny is survived by his loving wife Judith, his two sons Steven and Richard, his daughter, Patricia, and six grandchildren: Kiamesha, Brianna, Mary, Frances, Patrick III and Anthony.

Mr. Speaker, my thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Kulp's family and loved ones as they mourn his passing. He will be greatly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of A. Warren Kulp, Jr., better known as Sonny, who passed away on New Year's Eve in West Palm Beach at the age of 81.

Sonny's life was the American Dream personified. After graduating from Hilltown High School in Pennsylvania in 1953, he worked as a self- employed dairy farmer for most of his life. He also earned his real estate license and worked as the head of the real estate department for 8 years in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. After moving to Florida with his wife, Judy, he worked at the Palm Beach Kennel Club until his retirement in 2007.

Outside of work, Sonny pursued many different interests. He was a loyal, lifelong Republican and served as an officer and committee chairman for the Pennridge Republican Club in Pennsylvania. He was a consummate grassroots advocate and always could be relied upon for sound advice on both politics and sports.

Mr. Speaker, our thoughts and prayers are with Judy and the Kulp family and the entire community as they mourn his passing today. He will be greatly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to commemorate the opening of BayCare Health System's St. Joseph's Hospital-South in Riverview, Florida. This $225 million project will forever change healthcare in South Hillsborough County, and I am excited to see the positive impact the hospital will have on the Riverview community.

Community-owned BayCare Health System consistently upholds a standard of excellence in Florida. From private rooms with full bathrooms and in-room family areas to patient entertainment centers and Internet access, St. Joseph's-South is bringing the newest innovations in healthcare to South Hillsborough County. No detail was overlooked in the construction of St. Joseph's-South.

Riverview is a fast growing community in Florida's 17th District, and St. Joseph's-South's 352,000-square-foot campus is not only an exciting new healthcare option but also a catalyst for hundreds of jobs in the community. Since the Franciscan Sisters of Allegheny came to Tampa from New York to open the first St. Joseph's Hospital in 1934, St. Joseph's has been synonymous with quality healthcare that focuses on the patients first. South Hillsborough County is thrilled that BayCare is bringing St. Joseph's outstanding reputation to Riverview.

I would like to congratulate St. Joseph's Hospital-South president Scott Smith, his staff, and all the supporters of BayCare Health System on such a significant milestone in the history of South Hillsborough County. The hard work and dedication of everyone involved with the project made St. Joesph's-South a reality, and the new hospital will further highlight the great services that BayCare provides the community and lay the groundwork for a bright future.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a member of my staff, Dean Lester, on his 20 years of service to the House of Representatives and the people of the United States.

Dean came to Washington, DC in January, 1995 to work for his home state Congresswoman, Representative Helen Chenoweth-Hage of Idaho. He fondly remembers the ``united sense to accomplish things'' in the first 100 days of that year as the House embarked on a hectic schedule to implement the Contract with America.

Dean must have enjoyed that fast pace, because even when Congress slows down or goes into recess, he maintains a full schedule. Over time, he began working for multiple House offices at once, and he now serves as office and financial administrator to eight different members of Congress. In total, Dean has worked for 20 members of Congress in 20 years.

Dean is an irreplaceable member of every staff on which he serves. He tracks our budgets, manages our office moves, and ensures all of our equipment is working properly; in short, Dean makes sure the trains run on time. He knows every inch of this building and every trick of the trade. When a problem arises, we call Dean and we can always count on him to fix it.

Dean is a mentor and guide not just to younger staff members but to senior staff and members of Congress as well. Through it all, he maintains a sense of humor, an upbeat attitude, and a positive view of what we can accomplish together. He reminds us of why we came here and what an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity it is to serve.

Dean, we could not do our jobs without you. For your tireless work ethic, your dedication to Congress and the people of this great country, and your 20 years of service, we salute you.

Madam Speaker, the Federal Government is attempting yet another power grab in our own backyards. A new rule proposed by the EPA will mandate the most significant expansion of Federal Government water regulation in more than a quarter of a century.

In Florida alone, preliminary costs to projects in eight counties are estimated at over $182 million. In my district, all this rule will do is make it harder for farmers to grow food and more difficult for local businesses to thrive.

Floridians understand and respect our waterways unlike any other State. Environmentalists, farmers, and businesses have all come together in Florida to protect our environment and eliminate water pollutants. And their efforts are working. The Obama administration, in its never-ending quest to bypass Congress and the States, is seeking to upend this functioning dynamic.

Therefore, I rise today to encourage my colleagues to support Congressman Steve Southerland's bill, H.R. 5078, the Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my old high school football coach, Ron Ream, who was recently voted into the Florida Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame. I can't think of a man more deserving of this recognition.

Coach Ream is going on his 38th season as the head coach of the Benjamin Buccaneers, my alma mater, making him the longest-tenured coach in Palm Beach County.

The true measure of his legacy though is not in the record books, in championship games, or in winning seasons, but in the values and lessons he imparts on the young men that go through his football program.

With his guidance, I was able to go on to play tight end at Syracuse University and then at Washington and Jefferson College.

Coach Ream not only helped me succeed on the field, but he showed me the traits of a great leader and the value of hard work, which helped me succeed professionally well into my adulthood. I know that I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for Coach Ream.

Congratulations, Coach. And go Bucs.

Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 371, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Amendment Offered by Ms. Hahn

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Lupus Awareness Month. As cochair of the Congressional Lupus Caucus, I am honored to help raise awareness of lupus throughout the month of May.

Lupus is a painful and devastating autoimmune disease. It is estimated that 1.5 million Americans are currently living with lupus. This disease is unpredictable, difficult to diagnose, challenging to treat, and especially hard to live with. Unfortunately, I understand these challenges all too well as my cousin Kathleen Rooney was diagnosed with lupus and died of the disease in her early thirties.

Years later, the cause of lupus is still unknown and a cure has yet to be found. With better understanding of the disease through recent research, we have developed new treatment methods that control symptoms and help to improve the quality of life for individuals living with lupus--but we still have a ways to go.

On behalf of Kathleen and those with lupus and those who have yet to be diagnosed, I urge my colleagues to support investments in research towards a cure for lupus.

I also ask my colleagues to join me in helping to educate and advocate and raise awareness for lupus during Lupus Awareness Month by wearing purple on May 16, ``Put on Purple Day.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Sergeant First Class Daniel Ferguson.

Sergeant Ferguson grew up in Polk County, Florida, where he attended Mulberry High School and played tight end for the football team. He was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was a member of the Future Business Leaders of America. His classmates and teachers remember him fondly as a person of great character, kindness, and respect.

After graduating, he joined the Army in 1993. He served with distinction in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kuwait, earning a Bronze Star, three Meritorious Service Medals, and five Army Commendation Medals, amongst many others. He returned from Afghanistan last year.

Last week, on April 2, Sergeant Ferguson was shot and killed on Fort Hood in a tragedy that left three killed and 16 more wounded.

On behalf of the people of the 17th District of Florida and Florida's heartland, I send my deepest condolences to the family of Sergeant First Class Ferguson as well as to the families of Sergeant Carlos Rodriguez and Sergeant Timothy Owens.