Gus Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, sacrifice, and heroism of Army First Lieutenant Ivan Lechowich of Valrico, Florida. 1LT Lechowich, a combat engineer, was unfortunately killed while conducting combat operations for Operation Enduring Freedom on September 28, 2011, in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. U.S. Army combat engineers are greatly admired for their fearlessness and diligence in helping to tackle rough terrain in combat situations and for providing combat effectiveness to maneuver forces. 1LT Lechowich personified this bravery and dedication while he and his team worked to clear a roadway of explosive devices on the day of his death. During his Army career, he has been awarded a Sapper Tab, the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, and NATO medal. Outside of the Army, Ivan was a loving husband and new father, whose daughter was born during his deployment. 1LT Lechowich enjoyed reading, studying history, and was an avid fan of the University of Florida's football team. Mr. Speaker, though proud to have such a fine example from the Tampa Bay community, it is with great remorse that I rise to commemorate the life of 1LT Lechowich. I am in awe of the young men and women like Ivan Lechowich who choose to serve their countrymen in the armed forces. As professionals in all that they do, they exhibit honor, courage, and commitment in every pursuit. Their sacrifices, like that of 1LT Lechowich, will not be forgotten.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, last night I held a telephone town hall meeting, and I spoke with hundreds of my constituents about the pressing issues facing America today. Many people on the call spoke about the need for a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution, and an overwhelming majority replied in a survey that there should be a balanced budget amendment. I was pleased to report to them that the House will be voting this week on a balanced budget amendment that will help Washington get its fiscal house in order. And it will reverse the dangerous practices of saddling our future generations with insurmountable debt. A balanced budget amendment, Madam Speaker, is not a radical idea. It is a normal expectation for hardworking taxpayers, families, and businesses, as well as State governments. Why not the Federal Government, Madam Speaker?

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, November 3rd, I missed rollcall votes 821 and 822, for unavoidable reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: Rollcall vote No. 821: ``yea'' (Ordering the previous question on H. Res. 453, the rule providing for consideration of both H.R. 2940-- Access to Capital for Job Creators Act and H.R. 2930--Entrepreneur Access to Capital Act) Rollcall vote No. 822: ``yea'' (Dicks Motion to instruct conferees)

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, November 3rd, I missed rollcall vote 823, for unavoidable reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: Rollcall vote No. 823, ``no'' (Velazquez of New York Part A Amendment No. 4).

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about jobs. Millions of Americans are hurting and in need of work. Our Nation's veterans have been particularly hard hit by the economic downturn. With Veterans Day approaching, it is heartbreaking to see so many of our Nation's heroes suffering. Nearly 1 million veterans are unemployed right now, and their unemployment rate exceeds the rest of the Nation. We must act now, Mr. Speaker. Here in the House, we have passed the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act. This legislation takes an all- encompassing approach that incorporates education and training, eliminates roadblocks in the system, and helps veterans compete in a 21st-century economy. Putting our veterans back to work is something we can all agree on, Mr. Speaker; and I encourage the Senate to address this important issue.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 2273, the Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act, a bill which would prevent the EPA's burdensome regulations from drastically raising the price of electricity in my state of Florida. H.R. 2273 protects public health and the environment through the auspices of state run programs which safely regulate coal combustion residuals. As we have heard during the course of this debate, if the EPA is successful in classifying coal ash as a hazardous waste there is not only the potential of hundreds of thousands of jobs being lost, but also the likelihood that the cost of electricity will skyrocket. I know my constituents can't afford more hard times during this unprecedented economic downturn. I'm proud to report that in the Tampa Bay area a responsible partner is helping to preserve jobs, enhance public health and protect the environment--the Tampa Electric Company recycles nearly 98 percent of all coal combustion residuals--which is one of the highest recycling rates in the nation among large power generators. These CCRs are recycled into concrete, roof shingles, asphalt, wallboard and a number of other useful items. Rather than clogging up landfills, the CCRs provide a variety of benefits and jobs. I commend Tampa Electric for its good stewardship. Their recycling program has offset electricity costs over the past 19 years to the tune of $55 million. Let's pass H.R. 2273 to allow Tampa Electric and other companies nationwide to continue employing Americans, keeping energy costs low and protecting the environment by allowing CCRs to be managed as nonhazardous.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2349, the Veterans' Benefits Training Improvement Act. I particularly appreciate that the language from my bill, H.R. 1826, was incorporated into H.R. 2349 in Committee. The language that I introduced would simply reinstate the criminal penalties that were previously in place on any individual charging veterans illegal fees for claims before the VA. Though it is already a violation of the law to charge a veteran in conjunction with filing a benefits claim before the VA, no federal punishment exists, leaving the door open for fly-by-night companies and con artists to take advantage of veterans, unlawfully charging them hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The language from my bill would make this offense punishable by up to one year in prison and/or fines. Crooked practices must be stopped, and this enforcement mechanism is a critical first step. Taking advantage of our most vulnerable veterans is a shameful act. I have seen local news reports, and I hear frequently from veterans' liaisons in my district that this problem is rampant, so much so that one of the counties in my district, Hillsborough County, is moving forward to implement a county ordinance that borrows the concept of implementing such an enforcement mechanism from my legislation. All veterans, regardless of where they reside, should not be forced to bear the financial burdens of an unenforceable law. They so diligently protected us during our nation's time of need, and now is our opportunity to protect them in their time of need. I am both honored and humbled to serve on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. I would like to thank Chairman Miller for his strong leadership on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, and all of my colleagues on the Committee for their cooperation in pushing this language.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I rise today in support of H.R. 2433, the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act. One of our Nation's most pressing concerns is job creation, Madam Speaker. I find it particularly disheartening when members of our armed services return home, only to find a difficult economic climate and a civilian sector workforce that cannot translate the valuable skills that they have learned in that service. I'm so proud to have cosponsored H.R. 2433, which will provide veterans with meaningful transition assistance, retrain unemployed veterans in high-demand fields, and better link military skills to civilian jobs through licensing and credentialing. I believe that one of the greatest benefits afforded to any individual is the opportunity to obtain a quality education, Madam Speaker. As more and more of our current servicemembers return home from active duty, many will opt to use their post-9/11 GI benefits. I'm pleased that language I introduced as H.R. 2274--and I'd like to thank the chairman for that--was also incorporated into my bill. This commonsense language will create a tracking mechanism to ensure that the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program is adequately providing the education benefits intended in order to ensure that money for our heroes is being spent in the most efficient and effective manner to afford our veterans an education. Madam Speaker, as more and more men and women return home from active duty, we must ensure that we are easing their transition back into the civilian workforce as best as we can. I believe that H.R. 2433 does just that. I want to thank the chairman again for introducing it.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a Tampa Bay sports and community legend: Lee Roy Selmon. Not only was he a fundamental figure in the sports arena, but he was also a man of exemplary character. Mr. Selmon began his extraordinary football career at the University of Oklahoma where he was cited as the best player in the university's history, helping the team win two National Championships. When he launched into his professional football career, not only was he chosen first in the 1976 draft, but he was also the first ever draft pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The team had clearly chosen wisely. During his tenure with the Buccaneers, he was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, selected for the Pro Bowl six times consecutively, and helped them to two NFC Championship games. In 1995, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Though his pro football career ended after the 1984 season, he was instrumental in the founding and development of the University of South Florida's football team. He began his work at USF as the associate athletic director in 1993 and the athletic director in 2001. I am honored to have a USF football helmet signed by Mr. Selmon displayed in my Congressional office. He guided the team from its inception, based out of a trailer on campus, to a fighting force in the Big East. Many of those who knew him well commented about his gentle demeanor, his modest nature, and his engaging smile. Not only was he a legend in his work, but he also left a lasting impression on the hearts of those he encountered. Though he was taken much too soon, his legacy both on and off the field will not be forgotten. Lee Roy Selmon's name will remain memorialized in the Tampa Bay Community, spanning the Lee Roy Selmon Crosstown Expressway and his restaurant chain, but more importantly we can find solace that the person behind the name will remain a guiding influence in the Tampa Bay community.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, while working in Florida during August, I hosted two small business roundtables because I wanted to hear from my constituents on how the Federal Government can best help the small business community. Their message was loud and clear: Washington needs to get out of the way so small businesses can innovate, grow, and create desperately needed jobs. Burdensome regulations, the crippling costs of Federal health care reform, and uncertainty surrounding the Tax Code are holding businesses back from making crucial decisions. Jeff, a constituent who owns a moving company, told me, ``Gus, I have money in the bank. I'd love to do something with it, but I can't when everything is so uncertain.'' Reducing unnecessary regulations and simplifying the Tax Code would help provide the certainty that business owners like Jeff need to make the decisions that drive the economy forward.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, sacrifice, and heroism of Army Corporal Frank Gross, of Oldsmar, Florida. CPL Gross, a member of the 38th Cavalry Regiment, lost his life on July 16th in Khost, Afghanistan, when the vehicle he was riding in was struck by an improvised explosive device. As Vice-Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I constantly find myself in awe of the sacrifices and efforts that are made on behalf of our great country by the men and women who have worn the uniform of our Armed Services. CPL Gross personified this dedication by postponing a bright career to enlist in the United States Army and follow in the footsteps of his grandfathers into military service. Outside of the Army, Frank was an outstanding baseball player who attended college on a baseball scholarship. Off of the baseball diamond, CPL Gross demonstrated a talented artistic ability and ultimately earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Full Sail University in digital arts and entertainment business. Mr. Speaker, though proud to have such a fine example from the Tampa Bay community, it is with great remorse that I rise to commemorate the life of CPL Gross. As I stated, I am in awe of the young men and women, such as Frank Gross, who choose to serve alongside their countrymen in our military. As professionals in all that they do, they exhibit honor, courage, and commitment in every pursuit. Their sacrifices, such as that made by CPL Gross, will not be forgotten.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, today the House will vote to enact a Cut, Cap, and Balance plan to put an end to the spending-driven debt that has crippled our economy. There has been a lot of talk about getting our fiscal house in order. While some in Washington would like to simply fix up the front yard, today's proposal will give our fiscal house a new foundation and fundamentally reform the way that our government spends money. This plan incorporates real spending cuts today, places limits on Federal spending for coming years, and advances a balanced budget amendment to address our debt crisis and kick-start our economy. The bottom line is that we have to reduce our spending and start living within our means. This crisis is not just a problem for the future; it is hurting job creation today. We must focus on establishing an environment that will help create jobs. The Cut, Cap, and Balance plan does just that.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, for rollcall Nos. 601 and 602, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted, ``yea'' for rollcall 601 and, ``yea'' for rollcall 602.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 437, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' Amendment No. 1 Offered by Ms. Foxx

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, the 2011 hurricane season begins today. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, I regularly meet with emergency managers to ensure they are ready to respond to a hurricane or other disaster. Citizens must do their part as well. Make sure you have an emergency kit and develop an emergency plan. Be aware of evacuation routes in your area. Resources are available at bilirakis.house.gov to help you with these efforts. Disasters can strike at any time, often with little warning. Our hearts and support go out to the victims of disasters our Nation has faced as they work to recover. Mr. Speaker, we must work to create a culture of preparedness. Taking these small steps now can make a huge difference when disaster strikes.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, a few days ago, I visited a local Tampa gas station and spoke with dozens of customers about the impact of rising gas prices on already financially strapped families. Overwhelmingly, my constituents told me that we must look at a broad range of energy solutions to reduce our dependency on foreign oil and reduce the price we pay at the pump. We should increase domestic energy production, promote energy efficiency, and encourage private investment and renewable energy technologies as part of a comprehensive plan to address our energy needs. Not only will this all-inclusive approach ease the burden of high gas prices but it will help create jobs that this country needs.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 302, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' Amendment No. 6 Offered by Mr. Holt

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, sacrifice, and heroism of Marine Lance Corporal Ronald Douglas Freeman of Plant City, Florida. LCpl Freeman, a minesweeper, was killed while conducting combat operations for Operation Enduring Freedom on April 28th, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. U.S. Marine Corps minesweepers are greatly admired for their fearlessness and diligence in leading patrols into enemy territory while providing safety and security for their peers by searching for buried explosives. LCpl Freeman personified this bravery and dedication while searching his patrol's area for explosives on the day of this death. Outside of the Marines, Dougie--as he is known to his family and friends--was an outstanding father, worker, son, and brother. He was admired by many in the community, especially by his younger brother and older sister. He was extremely dedicated to his family and wanted nothing more than to be the best father he could be to his two young children. Mr. Speaker, though proud to have such a fine example from the Tampa Bay community, it is with great remorse that I rise to commemorate the life of LCpl Freeman. I am in awe of the young men and women like Ronald Freeman who choose to serve their countrymen in the armed forces. As professionals in all that they do, they exhibit honor, courage, and commitment in every pursuit. Their sacrifices, like that of LCpl Freeman, will not be forgotten.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, May 4th, I missed rollcall votes 286-292 for unavoidable reasons. Specifically, I was in Tarpon Springs, Florida, in my congressional district, to attend the funeral of a close family member, who passed away earlier in the week. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: rollcall vote No. 286: ``yea'' (Adoption of H. Res. 237, the rule providing for the consideration of H.R. 3--No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act); rollcall vote No. 287: ``yea'' (Jackson-Lee Amendment No. 1); rollcall vote No. 288: ``yea'' (Capps Amendment No. 2); rollcall vote No. 289: ``nay'' (McCarthy Motion to recommit H.R. 1214); rollcall vote No. 290: ``yea'' (Passage of H.R. 1214, To Repeal Mandatory Funding for School- based Health Center Construction); rollcall vote No. 291: ``nay'' (Speier Motion to recommit H.R. 3); rollcall vote No. 292: ``yea'' (Passage of H.R. 3, No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act).

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor NASA Astronaut Nicole Passonno Stott, who served on the final mission of the Space Shuttle Discovery. So many Americans look to the space program with pride and admiration. Many children aspire to one day become astronauts, which is where Mrs. Stott found her calling. Mrs. Stott is alumna of Clearwater High School, which is in my congressional district. She began her career at NASA in 1988, holding various positions within NASA Shuttle Processing, the Space Station Hardware Integration Office, the NASA Aircraft Operations Division, and the Astronaut Office Station Operations Branch. In 2000, Mrs. Stott began astronaut candidate training and in 2009 completed her first long duration space flight on the International Space Station. She returned to the International Space Station in 2010, as part of the 39th and final mission for Discovery. The space program is a huge economic engine for the state of Florida. Not only are breakthroughs made in science and technology, but the byproducts of this research also spur tremendous advancements in the medical field. I am particularly intrigued by the work NASA has done with prosthetics research that has benefitted our wounded warriors. I look forward to watching the continued success of the space program in the future and watching future generations of my constituents advance science and technology, just as Mrs. Stott has done.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 249, I was inadvertently detained. I have been a strong opponent of the EPA's push to regulate emissions--a move that would effectively impose an energy tax on already struggling families. I am pleased that H.R. 910 passed the U.S. House decisively and I look forward to its passage in the U.S. Senate. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 245, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' Stated against:

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Air Force Sergeants Association's 50th anniversary, which will be celebrated at its 2011 Professional Airmen's Conference and International Convention in San Antonio, July 23 through 27, 2011. The Air Force Sergeants Association is a not-for-profit organization serving the professional and personal interests of its 110,000 association members, made up of active duty, veteran, and retired enlisted members of the Air Force, as well as the Air National Guard and Reserve. The AFSA advocates for 955,873 active duty and retired Airmen, whether they are an association member or not. Including family members, who also ``serve,'' the number of enlisted ``Airmen'' represented by AFSA is huge. The association has an auxiliary to which family members of Air Force enlisted members can belong. The association began in 1961, and has earned the respect of Congressional, Pentagon, and Veterans Affairs leaders for its relentless role as a voice of the Air Force enlisted. The association was instrumental in the establishment of the Survivor Benefit Plan for surviving spouses of retired veterans. They played a major role in the recent passage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, a comprehensive overhaul of the previous education benefits that will ensure Air Force members and their families are provided with improved educational opportunities. The association has ensured that many military family issues have been brought to the forefront, including the need to construct additional child development centers for child care needs and the establishment of an oversight office in the Office of the Secretary of Defense for the Exceptional Family Members Program to better manage special needs across all military services. The association also played a significant role to assure veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and other Overseas Contingency Operations receive the proper and well-earned benefits, care, and treatment for their selfless and heroic service to a grateful nation. At the vanguard of the effort to achieve cost-of-living adjustments for all those in uniform and those who have retired, the association was a main force in implementing TRICARE for Life medical benefits for retirees over 65 and the implementation of ``concurrent receipt'' of retirement and disability pay for disabled veterans, rated over 50% disabled. Additionally, the Air Force Sergeants Association has been a reliable source of information for the legislative process in support of military members and their families. This well-known and highly respected veteran's organization has been dedicated to serving the total Air Force enlisted corps and their families for 50 years. For 2011, they have adopted ``The Air Force Sergeants Association--A Global Voice for over 50 years'' as the theme for their Professional Airmen's Conference and AFSA International Convention. May the association continue its good work for many years to come.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the American Red Cross, its employees, and volunteers on the occasion of Red Cross Month. Everyday the Red Cross provides care and comfort to individuals impacted by disasters. The Red Cross and its volunteers also provide training and education programs in communities around the United States. In my area, the Tampa Bay Chapter works tirelessly to serve our community. Last year, the chapter and its thousands of dedicated volunteers responded to more than 400 local disasters, assisting over 500 families. It provided training in first aid, CPR, disaster preparedness, and water safety to more than 40,000 adults and children. So far this year, the American Red Cross has responded to severe winter storms, wildfires, and flooding, among other disasters. They are currently working with their colleagues in the Japanese Red Cross to provide assistance to those affected by the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear crisis. I thank the Red Cross for its continued service here at home and abroad and for the difference they make in the lives of disaster victims everyday.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I am here to talk today about red tape, specifically the 1099 form. It's a relatively short, seemingly harmless form. Yet when we require every business in this country to file a 1099 form for every business transaction over $600, it is far from harmless. In reality, this requirement is an enormous burden that takes time, energy, resources away from growing their businesses. The 1099 provision is one of the many backbreaking regulations included in the Democrat's health care overhaul that I opposed when it passed the House in 2010. Repealing this requirement would be a victory for America's small businesses, families, and individuals. Florida's businesses deserve economic solutions that will let them keep more of what they earn so that they can innovate and grow. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4 and repeal this 1099 provision.