Gus Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, how much time do I have left?

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I am happy to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Stivers), a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as she may consume to the chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Health, my good friend, the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Buerkle).

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I'm happy to yield 3 minutes to a senior member of the Veterans Committee, my good friend from Florida (Mr. Stearns).

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 4057, as amended, is another bipartisan product of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs' work to improve the effectiveness of several different benefits and health programs for veterans. I want to express my appreciation to my good friend Chairman Miller and to my other good friend Ranking Member Bob Filner, along with each of the subcommittee chairs--Marlin Stutzman and Ann Marie Buerkle--as well as Ranking Members Bruce Braley and Mike Michaud, for bringing, of course, these provisions to the full committee and to the floor today. The bill has five major sections, Mr. Speaker. Section 1 reflects a slightly modified version of the original text of my bill, H.R. 4057, which I introduced in February. This legislation would improve the ability of GI Bill users to choose the school that best meets their educational needs. As we commemorate September 11 today, it is appropriate that this Congress help this generation of post-9/11 veterans make informed choices by using their educational benefits. Specifically, this legislation will require the VA to create a comprehensive policy that would meet this goal by informing veterans about their eligibility for educational counseling by creating a centralized complaint database on schools, requiring State approving agencies to better communicate with accrediting agencies, requiring VA to link to certain performance-related data points on the College Navigator and other appropriate Web sites, and identifying commercially off-the-shelf available software that would assist students in choosing a school and software that would evaluate their readiness to attend postsecondary education. I want to thank the veteran service organizations and higher education associations for the support of this section and providing great feedback on ways to improve this bill. Section 2 contains provisions originally introduced by Congressman Stivers and my friend from across the aisle, Congressman Tim Walz, to require States to take military training into account in awarding licenses to work as medical technicians and other trades. I thank Mr. Stivers, another good friend of mine, and Mr. Walz, for their work on these provisions that will speed up servicemembers' transition to civilian life. Section 3 contains a provision introduced by Congressman David McKinley which would require per diem payment recipients under VA's Homeless Grant and Per Diem Program to certify compliance with the Life Safety Code or the International Fire Code and other relevant fire safety and building codes. It would also require VA to include an accounting and evaluation of the safety and accessibility of facilities used to provide programs for homeless veterans in the annual report on assistance to homeless veterans. I'm grateful for Mr. McKinley's advocacy on behalf of our homeless veterans, and I thank him for his hard work to ensure that they are cared for in a safe and secure environment. Section 4, which incorporates language originally introduced by Representative Akin, would direct the VA to establish and maintain an open burn pit registry for veterans--very important--veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan who may have been exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes caused by open burn pits during deployment. It would require VA to develop a public information campaign to inform eligible veterans of the registry and periodically notify them of significant developments in the study and treatment of conditions associated with burn pit exposure. It would also direct the VA to contract with an independent scientific organization to develop a report on the effectiveness of actions taken to collect and maintain information on the health effects of burn pit exposure and submit the completed report to Congress. Many of our servicemembers and veterans have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan with grave concerns about the possible long-term health effects of burn pit exposure. With this provision, I hope we will move one step closer to providing them answers which may lead to getting them more effective health care. Finally, section 5, which incorporates language offered by Mr. Stearns, a good friend of mine from the State of Florida, would limit the total amount of bonuses paid to senior VA employees to $1 million for fiscal years 2013 to 2017. On average, over the last several years, VA paid nearly $4 million a year to senior executives who are already paid very well. In a tight fiscal climate when so many improvements are needed for veterans, we must prioritize every dollar. Extravagant executive bonuses are to be the least of our priorities. I'm pleased this section would recognize that reality. Mr. Speaker, I would also note that the cost of these sections are fully paid for. I encourage all Members to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today not only as a Member of this esteemed body, but also as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and as a cochair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues. I stand before you today to recall a somber anniversary that has pained the Cypriot and Hellenic communities for the past 38 years. Mr. Speaker, even though the tragic events of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus took place long ago on July 20, 1974, the suffering of the victims has not subsided. This anniversary is a time for America to respectfully remember the brutal Turkish military invasion of Cyprus, to mourn those who lost their lives, and to condemn the continued occupation. Over 5,000 Cypriots were killed in 1974, and more than 1,400 Greek Cypriots, including four Americans of Greek Cypriot descent, still remain missing. Since the invasion, Turkey has established a heavily armed military occupation that continues to control over 30 percent of Cyprus. Forced expulsions of Greek Cypriots on the occupied land have left nearly 200,000 people displaced. These Cypriots were kicked out of their homes, making them refugees in their own country, Mr. Speaker. These properties have been unlawfully distributed and are currently being used by tens of thousands of illegal settlers from Turkey. To this day, Greek Cypriots are prevented by Turkey from returning to their homes and properties. Another tragic result of this 38-year occupation is a division among Greek and Turkish Cypriots who have been forcibly separated along ethnic lines. This unnatural division of the island nation is a crime against society and a crime against the people of Cyprus that can only be resolved by ending Turkey's illegal occupation. Mr. Speaker, 38 years is too long. On the occasion of this anniversary, we need to take a long, hard look at our own commitment toward helping Cyprus reach a lasting and enduring peace free from occupation, division, and oppression. A few years ago, the U.S. House had the wisdom and foresight to unanimously pass H. Res. 405, a measure I introduced which expressed strong support from this body for the implementation of the July 8 agreement. Last month Mr. Engel and I introduced H. Res. 676 to expose and halt the Republic of Turkey's illegal colonization of the Republic of Cyprus with non-Cypriot populations, to support Cyprus in its efforts to control all of its territories, to end Turkey's illegal occupation of Cyprus, and to allow Cyprus to exploit its energy resources without illegal interference from Turkey. The Republic of Cyprus has also worked alongside its European neighbors to bring about a stronger integration of Turkish and Greek Cypriot interests for the good of the island and its people. This has included a partial lifting on the restriction of movement across the cease-fire line that continues to forcibly divide Cyprus. Mr. Speaker, I believe that because of this continued integration between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, and the economic and political successes that the Republic of Cyprus so readily wants to share with its neighbors, it is possible to bring closure to this 38-year occupation now as Cyprus takes over the EU presidency, the first time since its succession to the union in 2004. Cyprus has long been a strong and faithful ally of the United States. It continues to work with us in the global war on terrorism and has supported our efforts in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Mr. Speaker, 38 years is too long. It's long enough. It is time to have Cyprus, a Cyprus that is once again unified without Turkish occupation troops, foreign illegal settlers, where human rights is fundamental for all Cypriots. Every legal citizen of the republic of Cyprus, irrespective of national or religious background, is eligible currently to enjoy all rights provided for by the constitution and international convention signed by Cyprus. The only obstacle, Mr. Speaker, is the Government of Turkey. We Americans, as friends of the Cypriot people, owe it to them to do everything in our power to support peace and an end to Turkey's 38-year illegal occupation of Cyprus.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, the sad reality in our country today is that Americans are faced with skyrocketing health care costs. Rather than address the situation, Democrats passed a $1 trillion health care takeover that costs too much, taxes too much, and borrows too much. Americans don't deserve this. Americans deserve commonsense ideas, like medical liability reform, encouraging health savings accounts, strengthening association health plans, and allowing people to purchase health insurance across State lines--commonsense ideas. These reforms would make health care more affordable and accessible without passing on crushing debt to future generations. Unlike the current health care law, which has raised taxes, cost jobs, and limited personal control of health care, Americans deserve meaningful and affordable health care reform that will lower costs, protect consumers, and increase accessibility while allowing Americans to control their own health care decisions. This misguided takeover of the health care system is not the answer.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, June 26th, 2012, I missed rollcall vote 416 for unavoidable reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: Rollcall No. 416: ``no'' (Connolly of Virginia Amendment).

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, June 7th, 2012, I missed rollcall votes 358 370 for unavoidable reasons. Specifically, I was in Palm Harbor, Florida, in my congressional district, to attend my son's high school graduation. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: rollcall no. 358: ``yea'' (On ordering the previous question), rollcall No. 359: ``yea'' (Adoption of H. Res. 679, providing for the consideration of H.R. 436-- Protect Medical Innovation Act of 2012), rollcall No. 360: ``nay'' (On motion to recommit H.R. 436 with instructions), rollcall No. 361: ``yay'' (Passage of H.R. 436--Protect Medical Innovation Act of 2012), rollcall No. 362: ``yay'' (First King of Iowa Amendment), rollcall No. 363: ``yay'' (Second King of Iowa Amendment), rollcall No. 364: ``nay'' (First Blackburn of Tennessee Amendment), rollcall No. 365: ``yay'' (Second Blackburn of Tennessee Amendment), rollcall No. 366: ``yay'' (Sullivan of Oklahoma Amendment), rollcall No. 367: ``nay'' (Turner of New York Amendment), rollcall No. 368: ``nay'' (Second Polis of Colorado Amendment), rollcall No. 369: ``nay'' (On motion to recommit H.R. 5855 with instructions), rollcall No. 370: ``yay'' (Passage of H.R. 5855--Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for FY 2013).

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, on Thursday, June 8th, 2012, I missed rollcall votes 371 378 for unavoidable reasons. Specifically, I was in Palm Harbor, Florida, in my congressional district, to attend my son's high school graduation. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: rollcall No. 371: ``yea'' (Gosar of Arizona Amendment), rollcall No. 372: ``yea'' (Broun of Georgia Amendment), rollcall No. 373: ``yea'' (Scalise of Louisiana Amendment), rollcall No. 374: ``nay'' (Moran of Virginia Amendment), rollcall No. 375: ``nay'' (Flake of Arizona Amendment), rollcall No. 376: ``nay'' (On motion to recommit H.R. 5882 with instructions), rollcall No. 377: ``yea'' (Passage of H.R. 5882--Legislative Branch Appropriations Act for FY 2013), rollcall No. 378: ``nay'' (On Broun of Georgia motion to instruct conferees).

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 5855, the Fiscal Year 2013 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act. I want to commend Chairman Aderholt and Ranking Member Price for their work on this bill, which provides vital security funding while also being fiscally responsible. As the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, I am particularly pleased that the Appropriations Committee rejected the Administration's proposal to create a new National Preparedness Grant Program. The proposal in the President's budget request lacked detail and was developed without any input from emergency response providers. I appreciate Chairman Aderholt's recognition that this proposal requires consideration by the Committee on Homeland Security. That consideration is underway. The Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness has been working with FEMA and stakeholders to consider this and other proposals for grant reform. Until that review is complete, it is this body's direction that FEMA should continue to administer the grant programs in accordance with the statutory authorities in the 9/11 Act and the SAFE Port Act. With that, I urge all Members to support this bill.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, June 1 marks the start of another Atlantic hurricane season. The time to prepare for hurricanes--or any natural disasters--is now. The Federal Government, led by FEMA, is gearing up to respond to hurricanes that may impact the United States and is working with State and local emergency management officials, first responders, and nonprofit partners to make sure all are prepared. The private sector also plays a vital role by preparing their businesses and often donating goods and services to response and relief efforts. Broadcasters and wireless providers work to ensure communication systems are up and running to provide vital information during an emergency. We all play a role in preparedness, and I urge Americans to pledge to prepare--put together an emergency kit, develop a family plan, encourage others to prepare. Taking those steps now will make a huge difference should disaster strike.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retired U.S. Air Force SMSgt (Ret.) Walter Lamerton of Trinity, Florida for his critical role in bringing the USO to Tampa International Airport. On January 18, 2012, the USO Board of Governors voted to grant a charter for the USO expansion to Tampa. This USO Center is scheduled to open in August 2012 and will support the more than 300,000 service members and their families that annually transit the Tampa Bay community. At the time of the vote, USO Headquarters Staff stated that ``Many have applied, but that this is the first Chartered USO Center approved in the nation in over twenty years.'' Walter Lamerton was a driving force behind submitting this ultimately successful proposal to the USO Board of Governors. He worked closely with volunteers throughout the Tampa Bay area and effectively conveyed their message of support for our service members and their families to both the local community and to the USO Board of Governors, under a compact timeframe. Mr. Lamerton's leadership and attention to detail were critical in the effort to bring the USO Center to Tampa. As a result, many of our Nation's service members and their families will directly benefit from his efforts for years to come. As Vice-Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I constantly find myself in awe of the sacrifices and efforts that have been made on behalf of our great country by the men and women who have worn the uniform of our Armed Services. Because of this, it is my distinct honor to recognize and express my gratitude to Walter Lamerton for his dedication in bringing the USO to the Tampa Bay area. His success in this endeavor will serve as a lasting legacy for all who support our military and their families. The USO Center at Tampa International Airport will, surely, be a shining star in our community.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Temple Terrace Mayor Joe Affronti. In addition to representing the City of Temple Terrace, Florida, Mr. Affronti has also been a strong advocate for Project Gratitude. Project Gratitude was founded in 2006 by David Lefavor, a retired military chaplain and has been championed by Mayor Affronti. Its mission was to provide military chaplains returning from deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan with a three-day complimentary visit to Tampa, Florida. During their stay, the chaplains and their families would visit area attractions including Busch Gardens, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Kennedy Space Center, and local restaurants. In addition to his loyal support of Project Gratitude, Mayor Affronti enjoys community support in this endeavor from individuals, businesses, and Veterans' Service Organizations including: American Legion Post 152, Suncoast Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Tampa Navy League, Busch Gardens, Kennedy Space Center, Lupton's Catering, Chamber of Commerce of Temple Terrace Florida, Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), Marriott Towne Place, Hilton Garden Inn--North Tampa, the Marine Corps League of Florida, as well as the Major Samuel Woodfill Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) in Dayton, Ohio. Due to the drawdown of U.S. military forces from Iraq and Afghanistan, Project Gratitude's mission will conclude with its last reception on April 25th in Temple Terrace, Florida having provided a total of 75 Chaplains and their families with a 3-day ``R & R'' in appreciation for their service and sacrifice for God and Country. As Vice Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, it is truly my honor to recognize Mayor Affronti for his dedication to this program and the cause of improving the lives of those who so selflessly gave to our Nation.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Today, I rise to honor and commemorate Greek Independence Day. On March 25, 1821, Archbishop Germanos of Patras raised the flag of revolution over the Monastery of Agia Lavra in the Peloponnese, and ``Eleftheria i Thanatos,'' which means ``Liberty or Death,'' Mr. Speaker, became the battle cry. This day to start the Greek War of Independence was not chosen by chance because it coincides with the Greek Orthodox Church's celebration of the Annunciation to the Mother of God. Again, this was not a coincidence because to the Greeks of 1821, Mr. Speaker, the Mother of God was their champion and their protector. As we all know, the price of liberty can be very high. Socrates, Plato, Pericles, and many other great minds throughout history warned that we must maintain democracy only at great cost. Our Greek brothers earned their liberty with blood, as did our American forefathers. The freedom we enjoy today is due to the sacrifices made by men and women in the past. Like the American revolutionaries who fought for independence and established this great Republic, Greek freedom fighters began an arduous struggle to win independence for Greece and her people. After four centuries of Ottoman oppression, they faced what appeared to be insurmountable odds. This was the 19th century David versus Goliath. The revolution of 1821 brought independence to Greece and emboldened those who still sought freedom across the world. It proved to the world that a united people, through sheer will and perseverance, can prevail against tyranny. The lessons the Greeks taught us then continue to provide strength to victims of persecution throughout the world today. By honoring the Greek struggle for independence, we reaffirm the values and ideas that make our Nation great. I take great pride in both my Greek and American heritage, and each time I perform my constitutional duties, I am doing so in the legacy of the ancient Greeks and early Americans. As Thomas Jefferson once said: To the ancient Greeks, we are all indebted for the light which led ourselves, American colonists, out of gothic darkness. Throughout American history, Greece and her people have stood as a staunch and unrelenting ally of the United States. In 1917, Greece entered World War I on the side of the Allies, as well as when they were invaded in 1940 during World War II. The enemy was then forced to divert troops to Greece to protect its southern flank in 1941. Alongside the American and Allied Forces, Greece played an integral role in defeating the enemies. I would be remiss if I stood on the floor today and did not also pay homage to the American and Greek soldiers who fought side by side during the Korean War and, most notably, at Outpost Harry. As many of you know, each night the outpost was defended by only a single company of American or Greek soldiers. The Chinese had anticipated an easy capture; however, they did not anticipate the resolve of our soldiers to hold Harry at all costs and, therefore, making withdrawal not an option. Due to Harry's defense, the enemy ultimately called off their attacks due to the heavy losses suffered. This, ladies and gentlemen, was heroic. For the first time in United States military history, five rifle companies together--four American and one Greek--would receive the prestigious Distinguished Unit Citation for the outstanding performance of their shared mission. In expressing his sympathies with Greece revolting its Ottoman rulers, Thomas Jefferson said: No people sympathize more feelingly than ours with the sufferings of your countrymen, none offer more sincere and ardent prayers to heaven for their success. Possessing ourselves the combined blessing of liberty and order, we wish the same to other countries, and to none more than yours, which, the first of civilized nations, presented examples of what man should be. I stand here before you today to commemorate the Greeks who fought against oppression. I stand here before you today to celebrate that day, March 25, 1821. By doing so, we reaffirm the common democratic heritage we share. And as Americans, we must continue to pursue this spirit of freedom and liberty that characterizes both of these great nations.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my concern with the Independent Payment Advisory Board. This unelected bureaucracy is another example of the extreme flaws in the massive health care overhaul. The power that would be wielded by the IPAB is unprecedented. More troubling, it diminishes the oversight ability of Congress--a fundamental element of our Nation's system of checks and balances. Many doctors and care providers in my home State of Florida are already unable to accommodate the new Medicare beneficiaries. The IPAB will create further uncertainty and could certainly harm seniors' ability to access care. Madam Speaker, this health care bill is not working. We hear about major problems from every facet of the health care system, both patients and providers. Repealing the IPAB is an important step in rolling back this deeply flawed and unpopular health care bill.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 64, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' Amendment No. 15 Offered by Ms. Hanabusa

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, for the fourth year in a row, of course President Obama's budget fails to seriously address our Nation's debt crisis and calls for higher taxes and increased stimulus spending. This budget punishes small businesses, job creators, and seniors at the expense of the administration's spending addiction. This is not a recipe for long-term economic growth. Instead, we need credible solutions that simplify the Tax Code, control Federal spending, and preserve valuable services for our seniors. Washington should create a win-win situation for all Americans. The House continues to take these steps with jobs bill after jobs bill that will put people back to work and allow job creators and entrepreneurs to grow. Unfortunately, the President's budget spends too much, taxes too much, borrows too much, and picks the winners and losers of our economic recovery. This is not what America needs right now.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. With the national unemployment rate hovering around 8 percent--in my home State of Florida, its rate is close to 10 percent--there is no question that our Nation is hurting for economic growth. This year, the focus of efforts here in the House of Representatives has centered on creating a framework for the private sector to innovate and grow, to create the jobs we desperately need. To that end, Mr. Chairman, my amendment seeks to take all prudent steps to ensure that jobs and the economy are the focus. My amendment simply requires the Secretary to conduct an economic impact survey to assess any effect lease sales would have on the Florida tourism and fishing industries. People from all over the world flock to the gulf coast of Florida specifically to visit our spectacular beaches, our parks, our waterways, and other recreational opportunities. More than 80 million tourists, Mr. Chairman, per year stay in our hotels, eat at our restaurants, and create many economic opportunities for Floridians. The tourism industry is a multibillion-dollar industry for Florida and the national economy, Mr. Chairman. Florida's seafood and recreational fishing industries also contribute thousands of jobs and billions of dollars to the local economy. Mr. Chairman, I strongly urge this House to adopt a commonsense measure to ensure that the Federal Government consider all ramifications of lease sales, and to ensure that the promotion of jobs and the economy remain the focus of any actions of our Federal Government. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Hastings), our distinguished chairman.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I'd like to close briefly. Of course I urge passage of this reasonable, commonsense amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the National Academy of Inventors, which was founded at the University of South Florida in Tampa in 2010. Working in collaboration with the university, the mission of the National Academy of Inventors is to recognize and encourage inventors, add to the visibility of innovation and technology stemming from the university, and to educate and encourage innovative students to create and patent inventions that are beneficial to all of society. I am certainly proud of the research under way in my backyard at the University of South Florida. More importantly, their efforts are training our nation's future researchers and innovators to keep the United States on the cutting edge, particularly in the health field. In fact, USF was among 14 universities listed in the top 300 organizations worldwide to receive patents from the United States Patent and Trade Office in 2010. Though USF houses the National Academy of Inventors, universities and nonprofit research institutions throughout the nation and world are also invited to form local chapters, and inventors affiliated with the academic community supporting the local chapter, who have had a patent issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, are eligible to join. Thus far, 29 local chapters have formed. I truly applaud the work of the National Academy of Inventors for encouraging teachers, faculty, and students to push their research efforts and find new and better technology and solutions. I look forward to watching them continue to expand and set a national climate favorable to the research and entrepreneurship community.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I am here today to speak about something that is nearly 3 years in the making. Some 1,000 days ago, in April of 2009, the Senate passed a budget, and that's the last time we've seen any attempt from them to set Washington's agenda and rein in government spending. Without a budget, how can government set its priorities? Without priorities, how can American citizens have any confidence in how their tax dollars are being used? The short answer is they can't. With a $15 trillion debt, the United States faces its greatest fiscal challenge in history. Washington must find a way to get its finances in order while preserving programs for our seniors, protecting our services for future generations, and providing our economy with the certainty to create much needed jobs in America. The House will soon pass a budget that does this, and I urge the President to call for action during tonight's State of the Union address.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee for his efforts to honor fallen military heroes from the Tampa Bay area. At the direction of Sheriff Gee, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has instituted a program to conduct honor escorts for every fallen hero from Tampa Bay who returns to Hillsborough County. To date, Sheriff Gee and the Hillsborough County Sheriffs have conducted 12 honor escorts for fallen heroes since the escorts were implemented in 2009. While that is 12 honor escorts too many, I am proud to represent a community with an institution as respectful and dignified as the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. At the direction of Sheriff Gee, and with the permission of the fallen hero's family, any fallen hero that arrives in Hillsborough County is escorted to any destination. These escorts involve multiple motorcycle deputies, patrol cruisers, and other Sheriff's vehicles, including members of the Sheriff's aviation unit, as the hearse and the family's vehicles are led through the county. Each family is given a copy of a DVD and photo album commemorating the escort to help them heal, remember, and recall that their loved one was a real American hero. Many of us recall the unfortunate response that many of our veterans received upon their return from Vietnam. One of the great lessons of that tragedy was to always remember the sacrifices of the service member. As Vice-Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I constantly find myself in awe of the sacrifices and efforts that have been made on behalf of our great country by the men and women who have worn the uniform of our Armed Services. Regardless of the politics of the conflicts that our country has engaged in over the course of the last decade, I am proud of and appreciative of the efforts that Sheriff Gee and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office have taken to honor and respect our fallen heroes. Mr. Speaker, I salute the efforts of not only our brave men and women in uniform, but also that of Sheriff Gee and the Hillsborough County Sheriffs to honor their brothers and sisters in arms and to protect the safety and security of the citizens of Hillsborough County.