Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Community Foundation of Sarasota County on obtaining accreditation from the Community Foundations National Standards Board.

The Community Foundations National Standards Board was established as a supporting organization of the Council on Foundations, a nonprofit membership association of grantmaking foundations and corporations, to administer the National Standards. This board is responsible for upholding the quality, value, and integrity of the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, the first and only accreditation of its kind.

In the United States, community foundations serve tens of thousands, administer more than $40 billion in charitable funds, and address the core concerns of more than 700 communities and regions. With such a presence--nationally and within local communities--comes great responsibility.

Achieving confirmation and reconfirming compliance with National Standards is a rigorous process, guaranteeing that every community foundation that receives the designation has adhered to excellent philanthropic practice. This program requires community foundations to document their policies for governance, donor services, investments, grantmaking, community leadership, and administration.

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County obtained its National Standards accreditation by demonstrating a commitment to operations quality, integrity, accountability, and adherence to the highest standards for grantmaking. For over 32 years, they have been making the important connection between individuals' personal memories, passions, dreams and the fulfillment of their charitable goals.

Oh behalf of the residents of Sarasota, I congratulate the Community Foundation of Sarasota County on receiving its National Standards accreditation and commend the foundation's dedicated service to Sarasota. I would also like to recognize its exceptional efforts to enrich our community. We hope to see the foundation continue to grow and have a lasting impact for our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize fire and rescue and EMS personnel who have provided distinguished service to the people of Florida's 13th Congressional District.

As first responders, fire departments and emergency medical service teams are summoned on short notice to serve their respective communities. Oftentimes, they arrive at scenes of great adversity and trauma, to which they reliably bring strength and composure. These brave men and women spend hundreds of hours in training so that they are prepared when they get `the call.'

This year, I established the 13th District Congressional Fire and Rescue and EMS Awards to honor officers, departments, and units for outstanding achievement.

On behalf of the people of Florida's 13th District, it is my privilege to congratulate the following winners, who were selected by an independent committee comprised of a cross section of current and retired fire and rescue personnel living in the district.

Lieutenant Timothy Geer of the Bradenton Fire Department received the Career Service Award.

The Englewood Area Fire Control District received the Community Safety Awareness Campaign Award.

Captain Tom Sousa of the West Manatee Fire Rescue District received the Career Service Award.

Training Officer Timothy Hyden of the East Manatee Fire Rescue District received the Career Service Award.

Firefighter Deborah Schuster of the Sarasota County Fire Department posthumously received the Dedication and Professionalism Award.

I offer my sincerest appreciation for the service and dedication of these exceptional individuals. I thank the fire departments that made such worthy nominations and the panel that reviewed them.

These awards truly are a necessary reminder of the men and women who risk their safety on a daily basis, bound to their duty to ensure our own.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 302 I was inadvertently recorded as voting ``aye.''

I oppose the Grimm amendment and my vote should be recorded as ``nay.''

Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank you for working with me to advance my pill mill crackdown legislation and for your commitment to curbing prescription drug abuse. This crisis has created enormous pain and suffering on our families and communities, killing tens of thousands of Americans every year--tens of thousands.

I am pleased that the Senate FDA bill contains the central component of my bill to reschedule hydrocodone combination drugs--one of the most addictive and deadly drug mixtures. By reclassifying these drugs from a schedule III to a schedule II drug, we will be making them much more difficult to obtain and abuse. This provision has the support of the medical and the law enforcement communities as well.

I look forward to working with you, Mr. Chairman, to ensure that the final bill addresses this critical issue and contains the Buchanan pill mill provision.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Gulf Coast Community Foundation on being named the silver award winner for excellence in communications by the 2012 Wilmer Shields Rich Awards Program. Sponsored by the Council on Foundations, the awards program recognizes affective communications efforts to increase public awareness of foundations and corporate giving programs throughout the United States. The Gulf Coast Community Foundation received the honor for its 2012 Agenda for Action in the category of annual or biennial reports.

Since 1995, The Gulf Coast Community Foundation and donors have been a community asset through its philanthropy work. The Gulf Coast has welcomed more than 500 charitable funds, created by generous donors, and have invested more than $127 million in grants in the areas of arts and culture, health and human services, education, civic and economic development, and the environment.

In addition to awarding grants to nonprofit organizations and scholarships to qualified students for postsecondary education, Gulf Coast creates and funds initiatives designed to effect long-term, systemic change in the communities it serves. Current initiatives include a STEM education initiative to improve student achievement in science, technology, engineering, and math in Sarasota and Charlotte county schools. Gulf Coast also offers low-interest disaster-relief loans to critical local health or human service nonprofit organizations rebuilding in the aftermath of a disaster.

I am proud to honor the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the largest community foundation in Florida, on having been named the silver award winner for excellence in communications by the 2012 Wilmer Shields Rich Awards Program. I would also like to recognize its exceptional efforts to enrich Florida communities. We hope to see the foundation continue to grow and have a lasting impact for community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize April 21, 2012 as World Circus Day, a day of celebration when children of all ages celebrate the art, culture, and laughter of the circus. With over 40 countries celebrating, we recognize an art form that not only amazes and entertains, but also builds bridges between cultures and people across the globe.

In 2008, the World Circus Federation was created and established World Circus Day as an opportunity to celebrate circus culture and heritage.

The circus in America is a beloved and enduring art form. For over 200 years, the circus has entertained generations with amazing feats of physical skill, comedy, theater, and music, while exposing us to the cultures and wonders of the world.

Today's circus continues to amaze and inspire children of all ages by bridging generations and cultures in the pursuit of the very best in circus arts and skill. From St. Louis's own Circus Harmony working with urban youth, to the Galilee Circus which uses circus arts to bring Jewish and Arab children together, social circus exemplifies the very best of the circus culture as a means of creating friendships and understanding that transcends borders, economics, politics, and religion.

The great state of Florida is home to many of the best-known and longest-operating circuses in the country, including the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. and Circus Sarasota. Many of these famous circuses and the artists who perform with them call the 13th District of Florida ``home.''

Known as ``Circus City USA,'' Sarasota boasts the world-renowned John and Mable Ringling Museum, the legacy of famed circus impresario John Ringling, whose vision for establishing Sarasota as a thriving cultural center is still alive today. Now under the stewardship of Florida State University, the Ringling Museum is home to a vast collection of European art and sculpture as well as its famed Tibbals Learning Center, home to the Howard Bros. Circus model--the largest miniature circus in the world.

Internationally recognized, our hometown Circus Sarasota is a non- profit organization dedicated to the preservation and continuation of circus arts in our community. Founded by circus great Dolly Jacobs, daughter of famous Ringling Bros. clown Lou Jacobs, and partner Pedro Reis, Circus Sarasota's ``Laughter Unlimited'' program exemplifies the notion that ``laughter is the best medicine,'' reaching out to hospitals and senior centers to bring joy and comfort. Its annual circus performances showcase some of the finest circus talent in the world today.

Circus Sarasota is also home to the Sarasota Sailor Circus, in operation since 1949 and the oldest continuously running youth circus in America.

From the iconic Ringling Bridge across Sarasota Bay to the main thoroughfare Ringling Boulevard, the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey legacy is also ever present. Beginning with John Ringling's decision to relocate

his annual winterquarters rehearsals to Sarasota in 1927, Ringling Bros. remains in many ways synonymous with our area. John and Charles Ringling--two of the five original Ringling brothers who turned a small traveling circus into an international entertainment empire--wielded incredible influence on the economy, development, culture, and character of this same quaint village on beautiful Sarasota Bay.

Now in its 142nd year, and under the stewardship of the Feld family, the Greatest Show on Earth continues to call the Sarasota area home.

Almost everywhere you look in Sarasota, our circus heritage is evident. The ever popular Circus Ring of Fame, established in 1988 at St. Armand's circle, pays tribute to the greats of the circus world, including such Sarasota notables as famed animal trainer, Gunter Gebel- Williams, clowns Lou Jacobs and Emmett Kelley and great artists such as the Flying Wallendas and the Zacchinis.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the generations of circus artists, producers, and animal trainers that call the 13th District of Florida home, I take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy World Circus Day!

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to law enforcement men and women who have provided distinctive service to the people of Florida's 13th Congressional District.

Law enforcement is a demanding profession that requires sacrifice, courage and a dedication to serve others. Every day, brave men and women put themselves in harm's way to enforce the laws of our society and protect public safety. They deserve our gratitude and respect.

This year, I established the 13th District Congressional Law Enforcement Awards, CLEA, to give special recognition to law enforcement officers, departments, or units for exceptional achievement.

On behalf of the people of Florida's 13th District, I congratulate the following winners chosen by an independent panel comprised of current and retired law enforcement personnel representing a cross- section of the district's law enforcement community.

Patrolman 1st Class Justin Wyatt of the Wauchula, Florida Police Department received the Above and Beyond the Call of Duty and the Congressional Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Awards.

Deputy Steve Aherns of the Hardee County Sheriff's Office received the Above and Beyond the Call of Duty and the Congressional Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Awards.

Detective Salvatore Levita of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office received the Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award.

Trooper John B. McGrede of the Florida Highway Patrol received the Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award.

Detective Michael A. Dumer of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office received the Dedication and Professionalism Award.

Detective Michael Page of the Bradenton Police Department received the Dedication and Professionalism Award.

Special Agent Steve Lieberman of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement received the Dedication and Professionalism Award.

Special Agent Jim Vogt of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement received the Career Service Award.

The Venice Florida Police Department received the Unit Citation Award.

Government Analyst Kelly Andriano of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement received the Associate Service Award.

I offer my sincere appreciation for the service and dedication of these outstanding law enforcement officers. I appreciate the law enforcement agencies that made such outstanding nominations and panel that judged them.

I believe these awards are a fitting tribute to our officers and a reminder of the important role they play in our communities.

Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, the President released his budget for next year. It fails to reduce the national debt by one penny. That's why it's already being called ``debt on arrival.''

Under this budget, for the fourth consecutive year, our Nation's deficit will be measured in the trillions of dollars. Let me repeat that. For four consecutive years, trillions of dollars in deficit.

Failure to address our mounting debt crisis puts us on the same course as Greece. We need to act, and act now. Repeating the reckless spending patterns of the past defies common sense.

It's time for Washington to make the tough choices necessary to balance the budget for taxpayers today and future generations. The American people deserve nothing less.

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege this morning to welcome a very good friend to the Halls of Congress.

Pastor David Anderson, who gave the morning prayer, is a great spiritual leader in Sarasota, Florida. He has more than 35 years of pastoral experience as a Baptist minister, and for the past two decades, he has served the Faith Baptist Church of Sarasota, located in the heart of my district. That is where my wife, Sandy, and I first met the pastor 5 years ago. He is devoted to his family and to helping other people in our community. He has made himself a beloved member of our community.

I commend Pastor Anderson for his longstanding service to our community and to our Nation. It is my honor today to welcome him here to the House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, Washington is failing the American people. Our leaders need to be held to the highest standard, and that means obeying the same laws that everyone else has to live under.

I'm pleased to report progress on an important bill that I cosponsored; it's called the STOCK Act. It would prohibit inside trading by any Member of Congress.

This bill is now starting to move in the Senate, and I intend to fight to ensure its swift passage. No one in government should profit from private information obtained through their position. Serving the people is a privilege and it's an honor, not an opportunity for personal gain.

Mr. Speaker, America is drowning in a sea of debt. But instead of addressing our own financial problems here at home, there is talk of another bailout--not for America, but for Europe.

Recent reports indicate that the International Monetary Fund, of which the U.S. is the leading contributor, may intervene to bail out failing European countries.

Washington needs to be focusing on policies that grow the U.S. economy and create jobs here, not shipping hard-earned tax dollars overseas. For this reason, I have cosponsored legislation to block the IMF from sending $108 billion in U.S. funds for a European bailout. I urge my colleagues in Congress to join me in this effort. Taxpayer dollars should not be used to bail out Europe. We need to take care of America first.

Mr. Speaker, November is National Lung Cancer Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to raising awareness of lung cancer issues for people who have been affected across the country.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women in the United States, claiming more lives each year than breast, prostate, colon, and kidney cancers combined. In fact, sadly one in fourteen Americans will be diagnosed with cancer of the lung and bronchus during their lifetime.

According to the American Lung Association, over 370,000 men and women in the U.S. are currently living with lung cancer. In Florida, an estimated 17,000 people were diagnosed with lung cancer just this past year.

While there are few early symptoms of lung cancer, treatment is available through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Unfortunately, only 15 percent of people who develop the disease will live more than 5 years. A need still exists for further advancement in the detection and treatment of lung cancer.

Lung Cancer Awareness Month brings much-needed attention to a deadly disease. I hope in the years to come we can make advancements in detection and treatment of this deadly form of cancer.

Mr. Speaker, this is an historic opportunity. For the first time in 16 years, the House will vote on a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.

Just this week our national debt surpassed $15 trillion. For too long Republicans and Democrats have turned a blind eye to our government's financial mess. Washington needs to make the tough choices necessary to balance the budget for the sake of our children and grandchildren.

The Federal Government has balanced its budget only five times in the last 50 years. This is unacceptable. The first bill I introduced in Congress was the constitutional balanced budget amendment in 2007. It simply requires the Federal Government to live within its means.

Forty-nine out of 50 States, including my home State of Florida, have to balance their budgets. Florida, the last 4 or 5 years, has had tough revenue years like everybody else, but they've balanced their budget. In fact, when we got downgraded by the S&P, that same week Florida got upgraded by their credit rating.

Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, may have put it best when he said ``the biggest threat we have to our national security is our debt.'' And Erskine Bowles, cochair of the President's debt commission, said ``the debt is like a cancer; it's going to destroy the country from within.'' They're right. And the time is right for Congress to ratify a balanced budget amendment and send it to the States.

Mr. Speaker, the President's plans to raise taxes on small business across America will hurt the economy and kill jobs. Small business creates 70 percent of the jobs in America. Unemployment is 9 percent in the country and even higher in my State of Florida.

The threat of a double-dip recession is greater than ever. The last thing we should be doing is raising taxes on job creators.

The White House claims the $1.6 trillion tax increase won't affect small businesses and jobs. But as someone that's been in business 30 years and created thousands of jobs, they're wrong.

Millions of small businesses file their individual taxes through an individual tax code, and that means that their taxes will go up. In fact, 48 percent of small business income will face higher tax rates under the President's plan.

We need to enact pro-growth policies that create jobs, not kill them. I urge my colleagues to reject the administration's tax hikes on job creators.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 706 I was inadvertently recorded as voting ``nay.''

Please let the permanent record reflect that I support H.J. Res. 77 and my vote should be recorded as ``aye.''

I support H.J. Res. 77 because Congress should not increase the debt limit until additional substantial cuts are made to the Federal budget.