Ginny Brown-Waite

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1513, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2009. Previously, I served on the Veterans' Committee for 6 years, and I'm very glad to see Chairman Filner and Ranking Member Buyer doing this fine work this year, as they did in the 2 years that I was on the last time. While all veterans made sacrifices for our Nation, those men and women who were disabled during their service must receive proper benefits in order to meet their care. Disabled veterans have given their blood, sweat and tears on battlefields from Germany to Japan, from Korea to Vietnam, from Iraq to Afghanistan. In this time of economic turmoil, it is vital that Congress preserve the cost-of-living adjustment to help disabled veterans. Indeed, with rising prices and falling home values, it's more important than ever that the needs of veterans be adequately funded. The cost-of-living adjustment means that veterans will be better armed with the resources that they need to survive in our communities. As President Lincoln said in his second inaugural address, government's obligation is, and I quote, ``to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and orphan.'' It is our sacred obligation to care for those injured while in the service. I thank my colleague from Arizona for introducing this bill. And I urge all of my colleagues to support its passage.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a true public servant who dedicated nearly two decades to serving her community. Mrs. Carolyn Risher, long time mayor of Inglis, Florida will retire this week after 18 years of public service. Born and raised in Inglis, Mayor Risher's dedication to the town of Inglis is deep seeded. She followed her father's example, first serving as Road and Bridge Commissioner before being elected mayor in 1993. Fondly known as a ``Working Mayor,'' Mayor Risher led by example as hands-on manager, from helping neighbors in the aftermath of hurricanes to raising funds for the annual community Fourth of July celebration. Without Mayor Risher's efforts, the South Levy Recreation Park would not be what it is today. Mayor Risher cherished her roles as wife, mother and mayor. Married for 50 years, Carolyn and James Risher are parents to five children and eight grandchildren, many who live in the area and will continue the family's involvement in their community. Madam Speaker, it is public servants like Mayor Risher who keep our communities and towns running strong at home. Her dedication and willingness to serve are admired and stand as a model to others. We thank her for her service. She may no longer be Mayor, but Mrs. Risher will not be forgotten and will surely be missed.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who dedicated many years and his final days to serving his community. Sumter County Commissioner Mike Francis passed away after a months long struggle with an illness. At a young 70, Mr. Francis was taken too soon. Originally from Chicago, Mr. Francis first served as a Lady Lake Commissioner before being elected Sumter County Commissioner in 2004. A principled and passionate leader, he served as Chairman of the County Board in 2006 and 2007. Mr. Francis was one of the first from The Villages to serve on the board. He was a tireless and vocal advocate for issues related to the Villages. He fought to reduce taxes for the community and promoted increased fiscal accountability county wide. A well-loved family man, Mr. Francis leaves behind his wife Pat. The Francises have five grown childred, including one foster child, and seven grandchildren. Madam Speaker, it is public servants like Mr. Francis that keep our communities and counties running strong at home. His dedication and willingness to serve are admired and stand as a model to others. We thank him for his service. He will be missed.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, a recent headline read ``AIG is a P.I.G.'' And that's exactly the way that most Americans feel. The TARP bill, however ill-thought out, was intended to slow the bleeding of our economy. Instead, that money is being used to line the pockets of the very crooks that drew the first blood. You know it and I know it and the American people know it. However, what the American people do not know is who put that provision in the economic stimulus bill to ensure AIG's ability to pay out these outrageous bonuses. I don't know the answer to that. Was it Senator Dodd? Well, just yesterday he said, no, he did it at the behest of the Obama White House. We need to remember this. The American people deserve to know who knew what, when they knew it. We all agree that the fat cats at AIG shouldn't be rewarded for their irresponsible actions, and we'll take care of that today. But there are bigger questions. This Member from Florida voted against the stimulus bill. However, most Democrats on the other side voted for the stimulus bill. And it's amazing that now they are so concerned and so shocked about a provision that was put in the bill that they fostered that never went through the Ways and Means Committee, on which I serve. We held a very brief briefing on it, but we did not get to vote on it. We did not get to put any amendments onto it. I would at this point yield to the gentlewoman handling the bill on the other side, Ms. Pingree, to ask her, who had the opportunity to vote against it, why she didn't.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Reclaiming my time, I don't believe that the gentlewoman responded to the question. We're here today to remedy something that you had the opportunity to vote against, you and your colleagues had the opportunity to vote against. That language was in there.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, let me quote from a meeting with the editorial board at the San Francisco Chronicle that then-candidate Barack Obama had in January of 2008. He said, ``under my plan of a cap-and-trade system, electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket. This will cost money. They will pass that money on to consumers.'' Well, ladies and gentlemen, unfortunately, the President's cap-and- trade plan, or as many people call it, the cap-and-tax plan, does exactly that. There was a recent study conducted by MIT, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and it was able to assess the fact that a total energy bill for the average household will increase over $3,000. As a matter of fact, it will be up by $3,128 per year. According to CBO testimony, those figures actually will relate.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, can you believe that President Obama wants to start charging wounded veterans for their treatment? Our first Commander-in-Chief, George Washington, once said, ``The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their country.'' Taking care of those who have sacrificed for our Nation is, I believe, our sacred duty. It is a national promise that goes back to Presidents Washington and Lincoln. President Obama actually acknowledged this during his campaign when, on the floor of the Senate on April 10, 2007, he said these are soldiers who fought in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Iraq. They made a commitment to their country when they chose to serve, and we must now keep our commitment to them. I could not agree more with those words. But in the meantime, as we all know, he was elected. Yesterday, we learned that President Obama plans to move ahead, despite what he said on the floor of the Senate, and start to charge veterans private insurance for the treatment of combat-related injuries. Let no one be mistaken that the President's plan breaches the moral responsibility the Commander-in-Chief owes to veterans wounded on the field of battle. It is a breach of our national promise, and we should not let this stand. The proposal is outrageous and beyond belief. The men and women he proposes to charge are those injured on the field of combat. These are people who sacrifice not only their sweat and tears, but their flesh and blood so the American dream can be protected. Mr. Speaker, what must the average American think? Just recently, the criminals at AIG received hundreds of millions of dollars in bonuses paid by the taxpayers. Is the President now seriously considering balancing a $1.7 trillion deficit on the backs of veterans? To do so would be a great insult to anyone who ever wore the uniform of this great country.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an American hero and Distinguished Flying Cross recipient, Major Robert P. Christiansen of Homosassa, Florida. His extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial combat flight during an engagement in Southeast Asia in 1968 and his service to our Nation will forever be remembered by this Congress. Mr. Christiansen bravely encountered dangerous and life-threatening events during his time in the Air Force. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mr. Christiansen graduated from West Point in 1957. He bravely served our country as a fighter pilot for the next 15 years, including service in Southeast Asia. On May 1, 1968, Mr. Christiansen bravely participated in an aerial combat mission. On that night, Mr. Christiansen and his navigator bombardier dutifully responded to an urgent call to attack a convoy of hostile vehicles in a heavily defended and strategically important area. Mr. Christiansen made three attacks and was credited with destroying five vehicles and causing two significant secondary explosions. The professional skill and personal devotion displayed by Mr. Christiansen reflect his immense commitment and sacrifice. Madam Speaker, soldiers like Robert P. Christiansen should be recognized for their service to our Nation and for their commitment and sacrifices in battle. I am honored to congratulate Mr. Christiansen on his long overdue Flying Cross award. His family, friends and loved ones should know that we truly consider him one of America's heroes.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. I thank the gentlelady from Illinois. Last week I had some folks in town from Florida, and they didn't get to see snow very often obviously living in Florida. And when they came here, it was about some of the tax issues. And they were darn mad, the same way that Mrs. Blackburn's constituents were. And when they came into my office, I said to them, ``so what do you think about the snow?'' They said, ``do you mean the snow job of the stimulus package and then the budget that the President came out with?'' These are small business owners who are very concerned about their ability to stay in business. We all know that the majority, about 80 percent of jobs created recently over the last 8 and 10 years, have been from small businesses. And they realize that they are the ones who are going to be hit very hard by President Obama's proposed tax increases. This chart clearly shows the 2010 tax increases that are proposed by President Obama. It shows cap-and-trade, which most business people call ``cap-and-tax,'' at $646 billion increase, small businesses and investors, the red color, $635 billion tax increase, and other tax increases, about $149 billion. Now, where are those tax increases going to come from? Obviously by taxing the small business person. We have heard about how the higher tax won't affect anyone earning less than $250,000. The truth of the matter is that it is actually at the $200,000 level, that is the level at which the Obama tax increases begin to take effect for small business owners filing as singles. My husband and I owned a few businesses. And we were always what is called a Subchapter S corporation. And a Subchapter S corporation, or a partnership, or a limited liability, LLC, at the end of the year, they take the profits, and they add it to their income, and they pay income tax based on that. Well when you combine a hoped-for profit as a Subchapter S corporation or a partnership and you add it to whatever income you may have drawn from the business or your spouse may have brought from another job, you're at the $250,000 level, very, very quickly. But if you're a single taxpayer, it is $200,000. We don't hear a lot about that. We only hear about $250,000, which to the average person sounds kind of like a lot of money. But we must remember that over 3 million taxpayers with small business income actually earn more than $250,000. That is the level at which these tax increases are going to take effect. These, again, are the people back in our districts. These are the Barbara Manzis in my district. She has a metal fabrication business. And you cannot continue to tax these job-creating small businesses out of existence. A constituent sent me a cartoon. It happens to be the Wizard of Id. And it is someone running for office. And in this, it says, ``what are you offering the peasants in your election speech today?'' And the politician goes on to say, ``nothing they can afford to refuse. Elect me and I promise free health care, free housing, free clothing, food stamps and jobs for everybody.'' And then he asks the crowd, ``are there any questions?'' And someone yells out from the crowd, ``who needs a job?'' Well, that is exactly where we are going in this country with some of the tax policies. If everything out there is ``for free,'' and you have the President and my colleagues on the other side of the aisle saying that we need to have some people in this country just paying a little bit more, I'm sure that my colleagues forget that many of the taxpayers in these top two income tax brackets earn significant portions of that income from being a major employer. So we are going to really end up taxing those who create the jobs. I did a telephone town hall last week in my district. And when you do a telephone town hall, you don't select just people in your own party. In my case I do it by county, county by county. And we call individuals and we try to ask them their opinion. Overwhelmingly, whether it was a Republican or a Democrat or an independent, the President's budget was not popular, nor was the stimulus package. The concern was that it really did not help small businesses. And in my district, I don't have major employers. The majority of the employers in my district are either health care, remember this is Florida, are either health care, government, or small businesses. So we are going to limit it to the previous two, because under the Obama Democrat tax plan, we are going to be putting a lot of these small businesses out of business at a time when they are struggling to stay alive in this economy. The folks back home quite honestly don't understand how this phenomena can be, how people think that they can tax their way out of this declining economy. Because all increased taxes are going to do is make sure that the declining economy continues. And that is pretty darn sad. We also on this chart had some figures for cap-and-trade. What cap- and- trade is going to do, most people call it cap-and-tax, is it is going to raise taxes on small businesses. It is going to raise energy costs on small businesses and certainly on residents at a time when people are already struggling. I go home every weekend to the Fifth Congressional District. And people up there say things like, ``are you the only sane one there who is voting against this?'' I assure them that my colleagues, like the gentlelady from Illinois, the gentlelady from Tennessee and many other Members are concerned and are also voting against it. What we are going after here is trying to bring some common sense and help for small businesses. Unfortunately, President Obama's wealth distribution plan would not even cover the increased energy costs associated with his cap-and-tax, or cap-and-trade, plan. It is really cap-and-tax plan. It is a tax plan, ladies and gentlemen. Americans fear that we are going down the road to socialism. And I recall Margaret Thatcher's comment about socialism, and that is, the problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money. Unfortunately, with the budget that the President has proposed, the TARP spending, deficit spending, the proposed budget and the stimulus package, I believe, and I know that the gentlelady from Illinois believes, that we are headed down to a path of possible socialism. That, my colleagues, is not acceptable. And that is not what our American economy needs at this time. With that, I will yield back to the gentlelady from Illinois.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. I thank the gentlelady from North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, when a bank forecloses in a neighborhood, it certainly affects the values of the surrounding homes. But when a bankruptcy judge arbitrarily breaks the mortgage contract, it will lower values on houses everywhere. I rise today in opposition to the rule and also to the well intended but tragically flawed bill. The Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009 may live up to its name for a few people and for a very short time, but it does not stop home prices from falling. That, Mr. Speaker, is exactly what must happen for the economy to recover. Nobody here wants to see his or her constituents lose their homes to foreclosure, but it is our responsibility, as leaders, as Members of Congress, to make sure that the laws we passed don't have severe, unintended consequences. As most economists agree, two things are causing housing prices to fall, first home builders overbuilt and there was a glut on the market, and the demand did not keep up with the supply. Second, as long as perspective buyers expect prices to fall, they will continue to hold out buying. In doing so, there is a self- fulfilling prophecy here. And like the two clauses of this crisis, this bill will have two consequences. Banks will most certainly require much higher down payments for future borrowers. Instead of 5 or 20 percent, borrowers will have to come up with, perhaps, 40 or 50 percent. Why, because of the uncertainty of is this amount of the mortgage going to hold? Second, banks will certainly charge a higher interest rate than they do today. Under normal circumstances, some might consider that a good thing. But if this bill becomes law, the House prices will fall further, faster, and the economy will certainly follow. As we have seen, many more people will lose their livelihoods and find themselves in a foreclosure. And, tragically, the families this legislation was supposed to help will find themselves underwater again. This is incredible danger here, and I urge my colleagues to vote against the rule.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on member requests, I am submitting the following information for publication in the Congressional Record regarding requests I received as part of H.R. 1105, the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009. I received six projects in H.R. 1105. They include: $416,000 shared by FL, CA, and TX for the Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Project located at PO Box 89, Cedar Key, FL 32625. This request, funded through the Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service, SRG account, will fund research needs for Florida's shellfish aquaculture industries. This project will address areas, such as genetics, product quality, health management, and species diversification, which warrant special attention in the years to come as well as immediate needs and concerns of the emergent clam farming industry, such as gear comparisons, specialization of harvesting equipment. This project will address these and other high priority needs by conducting applied multi-disciplinary research and demonstration projects involving partnerships with University of Florida researchers, extension faculty, and industry. $100,000 for the Levy County Sherriff's Office located at PO Drawer 1719, Bronson, FL 32621. This request, funded through the Department of Justice, OJP Byrne Discretionary Grants account, will help the Levy County Multi-Jurisdictional Task Force facilitate illegal drug investigations in Levy County. The Levy County Multi-Jurisdictional Task Force was established due to ever increasing illegal drug activities in Levy County. Levy County is a rural farming community that covers approximately 1,137 square miles of land and 50 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico. The drug related activities in this area have increased to the point that arrests have over doubled since the Task Force was established. Methamphetamine, Marijuana and Crack/ Cocaine are all drugs of choice within Levy County. In the last year alone, the Task Force conducted over 383 investigations that led to the apprehension of over 252 drug offenders, the seizure of 287.65 grams of powder or crack cocaine, 4.41 pounds of marijuana, 517 marijuana plants and 447.62 grams of other dangerous drugs. $400,000 for the Lake County Board of County Commissioners located at 315 West Main St., P.O. Box 780, Tavares, FL 32778. This request, funded through the Department of Justice, COPS Law Enforcement Technology account, will be used for equipment and technology for the Emergency Operations Center in Lake County. Funding for this program will go towards an 800 Mhz radio system and for equipment and technology for the Emergency Operations Center of the County. An 800 MHZ radio system will allow for the coordination of Lake County's police, fire, emergency medical services in emergency and disaster situations. The project would allow for portable radio communications across the county, which is currently not possible. Service will be provided to all county public agencies, 14 municipalities, 13 law enforcement agencies, 13 fire services, the County Emergency Medical Service, 5 Animal Service agencies and Emergency Management. Additionally, funding will allow for the acquisition of technology equipment for an Emergency Operations Center, so that emergency response and communication is improved through connectivity via computer systems, data system hardening and backup, satellite, video and teleconferencing, and remote incident command centers. Technology will enhance communication capabilities with links to various radio networks (ham operators) and call-center operations. $1,500,000 for the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge located at 1502 S.E. Kings Bay Drive, Crystal River, FL 34429. This request, funded through the Fish and Wildlife Service, Land Acquisition account, will be used to acquire the Three Sisters Springs tract in Crystal River, Florida. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has an opportunity to acquire a 57 acre parcel known as Three Sisters Springs. This parcel would protect and enhance habitats used extensively by the federally endangered West Indian Manatee. Subject lands consist of 45 acres of uplands, 11 acres of wetlands (including and 8 acre fresh water lake filled by underground springs), and 1 acre of water bottoms (including three fresh water springs that are part of a system of approximately 30 springs that feed the headwaters of the Crystal River). Each of the springs is designated by the State of Florida as 2nd Magnitude. $380,000 for the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners located at 110 N. Apopka Avenue, Inverness, FL 34450. This request, funded through the Transportation, Community and System Preservation account, will be used to eliminate water runoff from U.S. Highway 19. For this coastal area of the county, the watershed master plan was completed in 2002. It identified an area of critical concern concerning water runoff from nearby development as well as U.S. Highway 19. The highway has been designated by the State for near term widening and does not include additional storm water catchments. This area, known as the Southfork area near Homosassa in Citrus County, drains into pristine wetlands. The county has recognized the need to capture and treat storm water runoff before it reaches these areas. The County, with matching funds from the regional water management district, has spent to date over $1,000,000 in acquiring land east of U.S. Highway 19 to act as a pre-catchment area. The County does not have sufficient funds to purchase the needed land west of U.S. Highway 19 and build the necessary structures for storm water treatment. $767,000 and $599,000 for the SubTropical Agricultural Research Station (STARS) located at 22271 Chinsegut Hill Road, Brooksville, FL 34601. This request, funded through the Agricultural Research Service, Salaries and Expenses account, will be used for continued funding of the SubTropical Agricultural Research Station (Improved Cow-Beef Operations of Water Quality and Subtropical Beef Germplasm). The subtropical United States, including Florida, accounts for nearly 40 percent of the nation's cow-calf herd. These funds will be used to conduct research to support the cattle industry of Florida and the southeast aimed at boosting efficiency, safety and environmental responsibility.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the long-standing and happy marriage of two of my constituents, Richard and Constance Smithgall. This March 9 they will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a ceremony at Weeki Wachee State Park in Hernando County, Florida. Richard and Constance first took their wedding vows at the Grace Baptist Church in Binghamton, New York on March 7, 1959. They have since moved to Spring Hill, where they have lived for the past ten years. The happy couple enjoys their new life in Florida, where Constance has retired from her job and Richard continues to work part time at Home Depot. During the ceremony commemorating their 50th anniversary, the Smithgalls will have many of their family and friends attend the event. They have two wonderful children, Richard Jr. and Joi Kneiss, as well as two grandchildren, Justin Richard Kneiss and Courtney Smithgall. The entire extended Smithgall family is looking forward to the anniversary and is very proud of Richard and Constance for making it 50 years together. Madam Speaker, the union of two souls is a wonderful moment and one to be celebrated by friends and loved ones. It is a sign of true love and affection for two people to make it half a century living in holy matrimony. I want to congratulate Richard and Constance Smithgall on their 50th anniversary and wish them the best of luck as they spend the rest of their lives together.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Wilton Simpson, a distinguished member of the business community in Pasco County, Florida. Mr. Simpson has recently been named the 2009 recipient of the Lincoln Heritage Award in honor of his humanitarian services to the community and Pasco County and for his commitment to the principles practiced and espoused by one of our greatest Presidents, Abraham Lincoln. A native of Lakeland, Florida, Mr. Simpson moved to Dade City with his family in 1978. He is a 1984 graduate of Pasco High School in Dade City and 1997 graduate of Pasco-Hernando Community College. A star football player in high school, Mr. Simpson turned down college scholarship opportunities to go into business instead. Today he is married and the father of two children, one son and one daughter. Beginning his career in construction and asbestos removal, Mr. Simpson chose to enter into the chicken industry about 20 years ago. Founding Simpson Farms in Trilby, FL in 1996, he grew the egg production facility over the years, eventually expanding operations to include 210 acres and more than 1.25 million egg producing chickens. In 2005, Mr. Simpson diversified his holding, with the founding of Simpson Environmental Services, a company that specializes in asbestos removal. In addition to his business interests, Mr. Simpson has given back to his local community. He serves on the Pasco County Housing Authority, is the current president of the Pasco County Farm Bureau and the Pasco County Fair Association, current chairman of the Board for East Pasco Habitat for Humanity, treasurer and board member of the Pasco Economic Development Council, treasurer and board member of the Dade City Chamber of Commerce, past chairman and current director of the Boys' and Girls' Club, past chairman of Premier Community Health Care, current member of the Pasco-Hernando Community College Board of Trustees, and is a charter member and director of Florida Traditions Bank. Mr. Simpson coaches his son's little league team, is the 2005 recipient of the Small Business of the Year Award from the Pasco Economic Development Council and the 2008 recipient of the Business Leader of the Year Award from the Dade City Chamber of Commerce. Madam Speaker, for all these reasons and many more, Wilton Simpson is being recognized with the 2009 Lincoln Heritage Award. He has epitomized the principles practiced by one of our finest Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, and by his actions has improved the lives and welfare of the entire Pasco County Community.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an American hero and Purple Heart recipient, William W. Prior, Sr. of Brooksville, Florida. Wounded by an enemy torpedo during an engagement in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, Mr. Prior's service to our Nation will forever be remembered by this Congress. Born in Tampa, Florida, Mr. Prior spent the early part of his career as a commercial fisherman and was one of five brothers who joined the military during World War II. As someone who loved the sea, when it looked like America might become involved in the war, Mr. Prior joined the United States Navy. Two of his brothers joined the Army, and two joined him in the Navy. While he was hoping to be stationed on a small boat, Mr. Prior was assigned as an aviation radioman and went to Seattle, Washington to begin his service. From there he and his crew were sent to Dutch Harbor, Alaska. After just a few months on the job, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and the Alaska military members were placed in the midst of some Pacific Coast fighting. While many Americans are not aware of this fact, part of the Aleutian Island chain in Alaska was occupied by the Japanese during World War II. On August 30, 1942, Mr. Prior's ship the USS Casco was anchoring in harbor at Nazan Bay close to an island under control of the Japanese. It was at that time that his ship was struck by a torpedo, and Mr. Prior was wounded by shrapnel and knocked unconscious. His former squadron commander found him and flew Mr. Prior back to Dutch Harbor, where he received surgery to save his leg from amputation. Eventually sent to a naval hospital in California, Mr. Prior was discharged in 1943 from the Navy because of the severity of his wounds. Madam Speaker, soldiers like William W. Prior, Sr. should be recognized for their service to our Nation and for their commitment and sacrifices in battle. I am honored to present Mr. Prior with his long overdue Purple Heart. His family, friends and loved ones should know that we truly consider him one of America's heroes.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, Inc. in Hernando County for their work improving the lives and welfare of area residents. In life and death emergencies, when every second counts, it is vitally important that healthcare providers and emergency responders have access to safe and ready supplies of blood for transfusions. LifeSouth Community Blood Center is currently the only blood provider for many of our area hospitals, including ones at Oak Hill, Brooksville Regional and Spring Hill. Their hard work ensures that medical professionals in Hernando County have the blood necessary to save lives and help our local community. Throughout the country each year there will be almost five million Americans who need blood transfusions. In Hernando County alone, LifeSouth collects 13,000 units of blood annually, utilizing more than 300 blood drives with their Bloodmobiles to meet the demand. The local donor center is open 363 days a year and employs thirty people to collect, process and distribute the blood to area hospitals. Whether you have ever needed a blood transfusion yourself, or just know someone who has, it is organizations like LifeSouth that help ensure you will be taken care of in an emergency. For area residents who donate blood, please know that all of the blood collected in Hernando County stays within the County, so your donation will help your friends and neighbors. When you donate blood it is not an exaggeration to say that you are truly giving the gift of life. This January 31, I will be hosting my annual veteran benefit fair. LifeSouth has agreed to take part in the event and is bringing one of their Bloodmobiles to the site to collect much needed blood. With more than 105,000 veterans in the 5th District, many of whom are in need of medical attention, it is important for the community to donate blood and help meet that need. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in recognizing LifeSouth Community Blood Centers for their commitment to the local community. Without their blood collection, processing and dissemination efforts, area hospitals would face severe shortages of life-saving blood. I commend LifeSouth for their efforts and thank them for helping the veterans of Hernando County at this year's veteran benefit fair.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an American hero and Purple Heart recipient, Mr. Francis J. Seyfried. A proud member of our Nation's military during World War II, Staff Sergeant Seyfried was killed over the North Atlantic when his plane evaded enemy fire, crashed into another aircraft, and his parachute landed in the frigid Atlantic waters below. Born on November 22, 1921 in Brooklyn, New York, Mr. Seyfried joined the Army Air Corps on January 30, 1943. Stationed in Europe, he and his fellow soldiers were assigned to perform bombing runs over enemy lines. It was during his 43rd such attack on December 31, 1944 that Mr. Seyfried lost his life in battle. Commonly known as the Piggyback incident, the midair collision of two military planes caused a sensation amongst military members at the time. Returning from a bombing run over Hamburg, Germany, Staff Sergeant Seyfried's aircraft was evading enemy fire when his plane collided with another Allied aircraft. The two planes stuck together, with the engine of one plane dug completely into the engine of the other. Instead of separating and crashing separately, the two planes continued flying together in piggyback fashion. While ten of the crew members from the two planes did manage to escape safely, Staff Sergeant Seyfried was lost in the frigid North Atlantic waters off the German coast. Madam Speaker, soldiers like Francis J. Seyfried should be recognized for their service to our Nation and for their commitment and sacrifices in battle. I am honored to present Mr. Seyfried's family with his long overdue Purple Heart. While he has passed on from this life, his family, friends and loved ones should know that we truly consider him one of America's heroes.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. I rise today in support of the American taxpayer, not the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. For months the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was billed by President Obama as a job creating, infrastructure improvement package. I know I wasn't the only one that heard the words ``shovel ready'' over and over again when I inquired about ways to help Florida's 5th Congressional District. Despite the fact that this bill was crafted exclusively by President Obama and Speaker Pelosi, we as a country were asked to give President Obama a chance and were told that we should trust his judgment. President Obama has taken what should have been a bipartisan bill to create jobs and packed it with ideological spending priorities from the liberal left. The best way to stimulate the economy and create jobs is to cut tax rates across the board, reduce the corporate tax rate, and better fund organizations like the Small Business Administration and the Federal Housing Administration. These concrete steps would stimulate job growth, put money into consumers' hands quickly, and help prevent future home foreclosures. Our Republican alternative, offered by Mr. Camp and Mr. Cantor, would do just that. We eliminate all the pork-ridden projects, cancel out billions in funds for projects not ready till 2012, and focus on providing immediate relief to the American public. The bill before us today does virtually nothing to promote immediate job growth or help struggling businesses. America's strength is based on the hard work and ingenuity of its citizens, not throwing taxpayer funds into yet another bureaucratic black hole. A real stimulus package should return tax dollars back to the people that paid them, provide real incentives for American businesses to hire new employees, and help people stay in their homes. The bill before the House today does none of this; instead it focuses on make-work government projects and pet projects of the liberal left. Mr. Chair, facts are stubborn things. Only $450 million of this bill (less than one half of one percent) would go to capitalize a loan program for small business, even though the facts show that small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the key engine of job growth in this country. Furthermore, only seven percent of this package will actually be spent on improving our nation's roads and infrastructure. Why would the Democrat Majority and President Obama not provide more funding in this bill to help small business, to improve our roads and repair our aging infrastructure? My only guess is that their idea of a ``stimulus'' plan means we increase funding for a myriad of already bloated federal government programs that should be dealt with in the appropriations process, not an emergency jobs and infrastructure bill. Some of the most egregious examples of programs within the massive spending bill include; $50 million for the National Endowment for the Arts; $6.2 billion for a Weatherization Assistance Program; $150 million for the Smithsonian Facilities; $1.1 billion for Comparative Effectiveness Research; $100 million for Lead-Based Paint Hazards. And a long, long list of other misguided priorities. With these non-essential projects, the message that President Obama is sending to the American taxpayer is that pork barrel policies are here to stay, and that the era of Change in Washington is already dead. While the President and the Speaker have attempted to distract the American public from the true intentions of this bill, the Congressional Budget Office has called them to account. The non-partisan CBO found that only $26 billion in this bill would be spent in 2009, and less than half of the total would be spent by the end of 2011. What happened to ``shovel ready''? What happened to creating jobs with purpose? And speaking of jobs, wouldn't you think that the best way to create jobs in this country would be to stimulate private sector investment and growth? Sadly, this Administration feels that big government should get even bigger, and if you run the numbers, even richer. According to a study of the bill published in the Wall Street Journal today, each new government job created by the Democrat bill will cost the American taxpayer $646,214. We all joke about the inefficiency of the federal government, but at least we don't pay them $600,000 a year! Furthermore, one would hope that if the American public is being asked to go another trillion dollars into debt that at least Florida would get our fair share of funds in exchange. Sadly, when Democrat leaders drafted this bill they chose to give Florida the absolute lowest dollars per capita of any state and the second lowest dollars per capita for transportation of any state. If my constituents are forced to take on that much new debt, they should at least get something out of this bargain with the devil. Instead they get shortchanged and still get stuck with the bill. That is not fair, but is what we have come to expect from this Democrat leadership. The bottom line is that we can not spend our way out of this economic mess. And by doubling down, my colleagues are making our hole that much deeper. There is no doubt that our economy needs a kick start to put us back on the path to prosperity. What we do not need, however, is yet another pork ridden bailout that produces few jobs, sends billions of your money to corrupt organizations like ACORN, and does nothing to put money back in the hands of American taxpayers. Mr. Chair, I oppose the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and I encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, first of all, let me state that I support health insurance for children. As a matter of fact, it was my bill on the floor of the Senate where we created KidCare. Where did the money come from? It was from a historic vote that I cast to be able to go after the tobacco companies for settlement. That's where the money came from originally for the SCHIP program, but the bill we have before us today is not a bill that taxpayers can support. First of all, there is no prohibition against crowd-out. In other words, it pushes children off of private insurance onto the government program, and it does allow States to continue for at least 2 years the enrollment of adults. It actually does nothing to prohibit illegal aliens from being on the program, and that's something that taxpayers are very concerned about. Additionally, Madam Speaker, there is no incentive here, really, to go after and to have low-income children covered by this bill. For those reasons, I oppose it.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Richard Riedel of Hernando County, Florida. Richard will do something later this year that all of us strive to do, but that very few of us will ever accomplish, celebrate his 100th birthday. Richard was born February 1, 1909 in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. Richard's favorite childhood memories include receiving his first bicycle and robbing his sisters' piggy banks to buy penny candy. During his youth, Richard attended Sturbridge Public and Vocational School, and then went on to serve as a sergeant in the United States Air Force. Eventually moving to Florida, Richard started working at Linen Company in St. Petersburg, Florida, eventually working his way up from a driver to the vice president of the company, an accomplishment of which he is very proud. Throughout his life, Richard married twice, but had no children. His first wife Lucille passed away in 1981 and his second wife Ann passed away in 2006. He has fond memories of sailing into New York harbor and seeing the Statue of Liberty and the tug's radio playing ``Sentimental Journey.'' Richard came to Hernando County in 1984 looking for a retirement community where he could keep his dog. Today he enjoys living in the Timber Pines community where he is far away from the congestion of Pinellas County. Richard is quite the everyday comedian, telling friends and neighbors that breathing gives him the most pleasure. If he had his life to do over again, Richard said he would get more education, and his advice to young people today is to always do things in moderation and be conservative. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in honoring Richard Riedel for reaching his 100th birthday. I hope we all have the good fortune to live as long as him.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Nancy Pasqualino of Hernando County, Florida. Nancy has done something that all of us strive to do, but that very few of us will ever accomplish, celebrate her 101st birthday. Nancy was born May 12, 1907 in Brooklyn, New York. Coming from a loving family, Nancy grew up and attended school in Brooklyn. She did not get married or have any children, but she did have a long career as a bookkeeper and office manager at Gucci Shops on 5th Avenue in New York City. While she has not met any famous people in her life, Nancy said she and her sister Connie are second cousins to Mother Theresa. Living in Hernando County with Connie, Nancy says that the beautiful weather is what drew her to this area of Florida. Still active in the community, she is still driving her car and has recently renewed her driver's license. She enjoys the company of her sister and likes to read literature. Nancy's advice to young people today is that they should always listen to their parents. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in honoring Nancy Pasqualino for reaching her 101st birthday. I hope we all have the good fortune to live as long as her.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Lucius Young of Hernando County, Florida. Lucius will do something later this year that all of us strive to do, but that very few of us will ever accomplish, celebrate his 100th birthday. Lucius Young was born May 8, 1909 in Martel, Florida. A native Floridian, Lucius attended school at Howard University, Georgetown University and Fessenden Academy. He eventually married Muriel Young and the two did not have any children. While one of his proudest memories is his high school graduation, he remembers when his brother earned the title Professor and he was able to address him as such. During World War II, Lucius served in the Army Infantry, where he met general Douglas MacArthur and heard him make the statement, ``I shall return.'' He also met President Franklin D. Roosevelt when he became a special representative of the president as a commissioned officer. Lucius said he was also happy to meet Mrs. Roosevelt. Lucius retired from the military as a commissioned officer. In fact, Lucius's proudest moment was when his mother said that he made her proud when he became a commissioned officer. Lucius moved to Hernando County when he married his wife Muriel. Today Lucius says that just eating, sleeping and reading give him all the pleasures he needs to be content. He likes it here in Hernando County because it's clean and quiet. Lucius' advice for young people is to study hard in school including subjects you don't like. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in honoring Lucius Young for reaching his 100th birthday. I hope we all have the good fortune to live as long as him.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Rose Russo of Hernando County, Florida. Rose will do something later this year that all of us strive to do, but that very few of us will ever accomplish, celebrate her 100th birthday. Rose Russo Was born April 11, 1909 on 63rd Street and 1st Avenue in New York City, New York. Following her schooling in Brooklyn, Rose went on to work at the New York Health Department as a tab-operator. Marrying Anthony Russo, Rose went on to have two daughters and is now the proud grandmother of nine grandchildren. Her happiest moments include her 50th wedding anniversary and touring our beautiful country. Rose's proudest moment was seeing her daughter and her grandchildren graduate from college. In fact, Rose's youngest grandson now has his PhD. Eventually moving to Hernando County, Rose decided to live with family because her daughter and son-in-law didn't want her to live alone. Today she enjoys relaxing with a book and knitting. Her advice to young people is to stay in school and get a good education. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in honoring Rose Russo for reaching her 100th birthday. I hope we all have the good fortune to live as long as her.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Josephine Boylan of Hernando County, Florida. Josephine has done something that all of us strive to do, but that very few of us will ever accomplish, celebrate her 100th birthday. Josephine Boylan was born October 3, 1908 in Lebanon, New York. After attending school in Lebanon, she went to work as a seamstress and eventually married Vincent Boylan. Josephine had three children and eight grandchildren, with too many great grandchildren for her to count. Living in Orlando until 1975, Josephine then moved to Tucson, Arizona for three years before returning to Florida in 1979. Since then she has lived in Spring Hill in Hernando County, where her grandson also lives. She is very proud of her grandson, and lists his graduation from MIT as one of the greatest moments of her life. Still living an active lifestyle, Josephine enjoys playing bingo with her friends. She has fond memories of her son Jerry playing the organ with everyone singing during the holidays and remembers sitting on the back porch with Vincent while they were dating. As someone who loves to sing herself, Josephine has said that if she could live her life over again she would be an opera singer. If she could give advice to young people today she would tell them to have fun and work hard. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in honoring Josephine Boylan for reaching her 100th birthday. I hope we all have the good fortune to live as long as her.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Bertha Lewis of Hernando County, Florida. Bertha has done something that all of us strive to do, but that very few of us will ever accomplish, celebrate her 102nd birthday. Bertha Lewis was born October 19, 1906 in Georgia. Following school in Cuthbert, GA, Bertha went to work as a seamstress. After marrying her sweetheart, Lovorge Lewis, the happy couple had one daughter. The proudest moments in Bertha's life were getting married and having a child. Thinking back on her long life, Bertha said her fondest childhood memories are of going to church and Bible study. When asked what gives her the most pleasure now in life today, Bertha said she thanks God that she is alive. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in honoring Bertha Lewis for reaching her 102nd birthday. I hope we all have the good fortune to live as long as she has.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Tekla Hampus of Hernando County, Florida. Tekla has done something that all of us strive to do, but that very few of us will ever accomplish, celebrate her 102nd birthday. Tekla Hampus was born September 24, 1906 in Stockholm, Sweden. After she finished school in Stockholm, Tekla married but was widowed in 1979. She and her husband had two children, one of whom is now deceased. Tekla is proud of her one grandchild, two great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. As someone who has lived for more than a century, Tekla is proudest of the births of her children and grandchildren. She has many fond memories of family outings with her parents and their picnics together back home in Europe. Following her move to Hernando County in 1968 to be closer to her children, Tekla today gets pleasure from visits with her son and enjoys the cost of living in Hernando County. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in honoring Tekla Hampus for reaching her 102nd birthday. I hope we all have the good fortune to live as long as her.