Vern Buchanan

Mr. BUCHANAN

Mr. BUCHANAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of outstanding public school teachers in Florida's 16th Congressional District. I was once told that children are 25 percent of the population, but they are 100 percent of the future. And it's true. The education of a child is an investment, not only in that student, but in the future of our country. Therefore, I established the Congressional Teacher Awards to honor educators for their ability to teach and inspire students. An independent panel has chosen the following teachers from Manatee and Sarasota counties for Florida's 16th District 2019 Congressional Teacher Award for their accomplishments as educators: Marissa Dobbert for her accomplishments as a 7th Grade Math Teacher at Sarasota Military Academy Prep; Elizabeth Harris for her accomplishments as a 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Interventionist at Myakka City Elementary School; Chris King for his accomplishments as a 6th-9th Grade Special Education Teacher at Haile Middle School; Kate Kramer for her accomplishments as an English as a Second Language Teacher at Fruitville Elementary School; Kari McMillan for her accomplishments as a Math Teacher at Palmetto High School; Ashlee Middleton for her accomplishments as an 11th and 12th Grade English and Reading Teacher at Sarasota High School; Nancy Miller for her accomplishments as a 3rd Grade Teacher at Ballard Elementary School; Kymberli Rivers for her accomplishments as a Literature and English Teacher at Manatee High School; Maria Underhill for her accomplishments as an 8th Grade Reading Teacher at Braden River Middle School. On behalf of the people of Florida's 16th District, I congratulate each of these outstanding teachers and offer my sincere appreciation for their service and dedication.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to welcome to the United States Capitol my pastor, William Hild, who led us in the opening prayer today. Pastor Hild is not only a tremendous community leader in my hometown of Sarasota, Florida, but he has been a great friend to Sandy and me, and a resource to me and my family, for nearly 18 years. Since 1997, Pastor Hild has served as the pastor of FirstSarasota, the Downtown Baptist Church. Under his leadership, the church has grown. It is very dynamic. It makes a big difference in my community. Also under his leadership, we have seen the incredible outreach that he has done in terms of strengthening and encouraging people on our beautiful Gulf Coast. My wife Sandy and I want to personally thank Pastor Hild for what he has done for us in our life and what he continues to do in our community to make it a better community. It is a privilege to have Pastor Hild and his family here today.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as someone who has been in business 30 years, I can just tell you that, in the last couple of years, our economy in Florida and I think all over America has exploded. People are excited. They are enthusiastic. In fact, I did a roundtable of all women in my district. Why did I do that? Because 57 percent of startups in the next 10 years will be women led. So why would we want to not support giving them additional deductions? Instead of just writing off $5,000, they can write off $20,000. In terms of opening businesses, it is as little as 2,000 a year. It used to be 100,000-plus new startups a year. That is where the jobs are created. I chaired the local chamber in Sarasota, Florida. I can tell you, out of the 2,400 businesses, most of them were 15 employees or less, 90 percent. I also chaired the Florida chamber. There were 126,000 businesses in that federation, and most of them were 15 employees or less, many times 1, 2, 3 employees. It is tough when you open a business. Usually, you have losses for a couple of years. This bill helps to address that, especially as they try to attract capital. They could use some of those losses to attract capital. This is all about pro-business and growth. We have had little or no growth for the last 10 years. Now we are starting to take off and be much more competitive in the world. That is what this bill is all about. Mr. Speaker, let me just close with this thought. For too many years, the United States has been lagging in the creation of new businesses. Startup businesses are vital to the American economy, because they are significant contributors to innovation, productivity, and job creation. Together, we should all support the legislation. This makes it easier and less costly for hardworking Americans to realize their American Dream of starting businesses. The American Innovation Act does just that. It supports innovators, entrepreneurs, workers, and the economy with commonsense policy solutions. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood).

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I just want to mention to the gentleman from Wisconsin that there were no amendments offered on this bill, if he wants to check that. I also have a list of groups who are supportive of this bill, such as Associated Builders and Contractors, the Chamber of Commerce, Biotechnology Innovation Organization, and Angel Capital Association. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record this document listing organizations in support of the bill. H.R. 6756 the American Innovation Act of 2018 AdvaMed American Dental Association Americans for Tax Reform, 60 Plus Association, American Commitment, American Conservative Union, American Consumer Institute, ALEC Action, Americans for a Strong Economy, Association of Mature American Citizens, Campaign For Liberty, Ryan Ellis, Center for a Free Economy, Center for Freedom and Prosperity, Center for Individual Freedom, Center for Worker Freedom, Citizen Outreach (Nevada), Consumer Action for a Strong Economy, Council for Citizens Against Government Waste, Competitive Enterprise Institute, Digital Liberty, Family Business Coalition, Florida Center Right Coalition, FreedomWorks, Frontiers of Freedom, Goldwater Institute (Arizona), Granite State Taxpayers (New Hampshire), Heritage Action for America, Hispanic American Center for Economic Research, Hispanic Leadership Fund, Independent Women's Forum, Independent Women's Voice, Institute for Liberty, The James Madison Institute (Florida), Jesse Helms Center (North Carolina), Kansas Policy Institute, Less Government, Maine Center-right Coalition Meeting, Mississippi Center for Public Policy, National Taxpayers Union, New Hampshire Center-Right Meeting, Ohioans for Tax Reform, The Ohio Diversity Coalition, Oregon Capitol Watch, Pegasus Institute (Kentucky), Pegasus Institute (Kentucky), Pelican Institute for Public Policy (Louisiana), Property Rights Alliance, Reaching America, Rhode Island Center for Freedom and Prosperity, Rio Grande Foundation (New Mexico), Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, Ohio House of Representatives Chair, Ohio Center-right Meeting, Taxpayers Protection Alliance, Tea Party Nation, We the People Convention, Women for Trump Angel Capital Association Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (Key Vote) Biotechnology Innovation Organization Chamber of Commerce Club for Growth Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Industry: Air Conditioning Contractors of America, Heating Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International. Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association, AMCA International, Air-Conditioning Heating and Refrigeration Institute Heritage Foundation National Venture Capital Association The National Electrical Contractors Association

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Let me say to the gentleman that I am not sure how the economy works in Vermont, but I can tell you that in terms of the tax package--the original one and this one, 2.0--Florida is on fire, in terms of growth. There is more energy and more excitement about the tax thing. Ninety percent of people are getting a tax break. For families of four in my area, it is $2,400. We have seen little or no growth for the last 10 years. Now we are at 2 to 3 percent. We have got real growth. It is tough to get the amount of workers that we now need in Florida, in general. That is pushing paychecks. So I don't know what is going on in Vermont or different parts of the country, but I can tell you that in Florida it is making a huge difference in terms of the confidence with a lot of startups and entrepreneurs. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Mitchell).

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Brady), chairman of the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful this bill has been brought to the floor for consideration. I rise in support of H.R. 6756, the American Innovation Act, which supports and encourages entrepreneurs to start new businesses. The United States recently dropped out of Bloomberg's list of the top 10 most innovative countries in the world. New business formations in the United States have taken a dramatic downturn since the 2008 recession. Between 1977 and 2007, those 30 years, the economy added 120,000, net, new businesses each year. Since 2008, however, the economy has added only about 2,000, net, new businesses each year since. We should all be committed to making the United States the innovation leader of the world. The American Innovation Act is a down payment towards reaching that goal. The American Innovation Act encourages entrepreneurs in two ways: First, H.R. 6756 allows new businesses to immediately deduct more of their startup organizational expenses. It simplifies the Code and allows businesses to deduct up to $20,000 of startup and organizational expenses when their new business begins. This doubles the amount of the expenses that a business may write off in its first year. Second, the American Innovation Act helps new businesses innovate by preserving valuable tax benefits, like the R&D credit, that are generated from activities conducted in the business' early years. As any entrepreneur knows, starting a new business requires hard work and a lot of capital. During its early years, many businesses operate at a loss, and these losses are used in later years when the business matures and becomes more profitable. To fund their innovation and growth, entrepreneurs and business owners may seek equity capital from other investors. Today, the infusion of this new investment may trigger limits on the use of a corporation's valuable losses and credits from the business' earlier years. Under the American Innovation Act, our country's businesses may fund their growth and innovation with equity investments from new shareholders without limiting the use of these valuable losses and credits. Mr. Speaker, the American Innovation Act supports our entrepreneurs and innovators and facilitates the creation of new businesses. I urge support for this important bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on H.R. 6756, currently under consideration.

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1084, I call up the bill (H.R. 6756) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to promote new business innovation, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Fire and Rescue and EMS personnel who have provided distinguished service to the people of Florida's 16th Congressional District. As first responders, fire departments and emergency medical service teams are summoned on short notice to serve their respective communities. Oftentimes, they arrive at scenes of great adversity and trauma, to which they reliably bring strength and composure. These brave men and women spend hundreds of hours in training so that they are prepared when they get ``the call.'' In 2012, I established the 16th District Congressional Fire and Rescue and EMS Awards to honor officers, departments and units for outstanding achievement. On behalf of the people of Florida's 16th District, it is my privilege to congratulate the following winners, who were selected this year by an independent committee comprised of a cross section of current and retired Fire and Rescue personnel living in the district: Division Chief Randy Bach, Quality Assurance Officer Derek Butler, Chief Leslie Karen Davidson, Captain Aaron Gross, Battalion Chief John Perez and Division Chief of Special Operations Robert Collins of the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue received Career Service Awards. Deputy Gabriel Bogart, Deputy Chad Richards, Detective Charles Butler, Detective Seamus Dwyer and Detective Scott Durocher of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office received the Associate Service Award. Deputy Carmine Luper of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office received the Preservation of Life Award. Captain James ``Troy'' Onan of the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue received the Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award. Battalion Chief Richard T. Losek of the West Manatee Fire & Rescue District received the Career Service Award. Captain Brian Kehoe of the Sarasota County Fire EMS Operations received the Career Service Award. District Chief Keith Lock of the Manatee County EMS received the Career Service Award.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to law enforcement men and women who have provided distinctive service to the people of Florida's 16th Congressional District. Law enforcement is a demanding profession that requires sacrifice, courage and a dedication to serve others. Every day, brave men and women put themselves in harm's way to enforce the laws of our society and protect public safety. They deserve our gratitude and respect. Seven years ago, I established the 16th District Congressional Law Enforcement Awards, CLEA, to give special recognition to law enforcement officers, departments, or units for exceptional achievement. This year, I will present congressional law enforcement awards to the following winners chosen by an independent panel comprised of current and retired law enforcement personnel representing a cross-section of the district's law enforcement community. Ms. Carolyn Mason, a citizen affiliated with the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, will receive the Associate Service Award. Lieutenant William Tracy of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, Major John Baumann and Captain John F. Donovan of the Florida Highway Patrol, Detective David Tuck of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office and Sergeant Michael Kenyan of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office will receive the Career Service Award. Detective Frank Coleman of the City of Bradenton Police Department, Trooper Kenneth Watson of the Florida Highway Patrol, Sergeant Bruce King and Officer Chase Gloeckner of the City of Sarasota Police Department and Detective Joseph Petta of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Deputy Willie Finklea of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office and Detective Ashely Lindeman of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office will receive the Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award. Trooper Gerry Smith of the Florida Highway Patrol, Sergeant Jeffrey Steiner, Officer Elise Schanley, Officer Derrick Gilbert, Officer Devin Epps, Officer Ronald Dixon, Officer Sean Gleason, Officer Kevin Sullivan, Sergeant Anthony Frangioni and Officer Bryan Lundstrom of the City of Sarasota Police Department, Deputy Efrain Taveras of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Deputy Carmine Luper, Deputy Terry Blake, Deputy Timothy Collins, Detective Dino Murges, Deputy Selina Sly and Deputy Jerod Wolfe of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office will receive the Preservation of Life Award. Sergeant Shawn Johnson, Detective James Klay, Detective Eric Wedin, Detective Eric Ellis and Civilian Brook Buzzell of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office's Digital Forensics Lab will receive the Unit Citation Award. Captain Jim Rieser, Captain (ret.) Kevin Stiff, Lieutenant Michael Schwieterman, Sergeant Jaymi Delcos, Officer Clifton Bishop, Officer David Dubendorf, Officer Dan Griesdorn, Officer Matthew Grochowski, Officer Matthew Kimball, Case Manager Krystal Frazier and Legal Advisor Joseph Polzak of the Sarasota Police Department's Homeless Outreach Team will receive the Unit Citation Award. Lieutenant Darin Bankert, Sergeant Karen DeVries, Detective Charles Butler, Detective Darryl Davis, Detective Daniel Dickerman, Detective Benjamin Main and Detective Rabun Moss of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, Lieutenant Bob Bourque of the Longboat Key Police Department, Detective Chad Oyler of the Palmetto Police Department, Sergeant Brian Hall of the Holmes Beach Police Department, Sergeant Lenard Diaz of the Bradenton Beach Police Department and Detective James Curulla of the City of Bradenton Police Department will receive the Manatee Homicide Investigative Unit Citation Award.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to law enforcement men and women who have provided distinctive service to the people of Florida's 16th Congressional District. Law enforcement is a demanding profession that requires sacrifice, courage and a dedication to serve others. Every day, brave men and women put themselves in harm's way to enforce the laws of our society and protect public safety. They deserve our gratitude and respect. Seven years ago, I established the 16th District Congressional Law Enforcement Awards, CLEA, to give special recognition to law enforcement officers, departments, or units for exceptional achievement. This year, I will present congressional law enforcement awards to the following winners chosen by an independent panel comprised of current and retired law enforcement personnel representing a cross- section of the district's law enforcement community: Ms. Carolyn Mason, a citizen affiliated with the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, will receive the Associate Service Award. Lieutenant William Tracy of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, Major John Baumann and Captain John F. Donovan of the Florida Highway Patrol, Detective David Tuck of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office and Sergeant Michael Kenyan of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office will receive the Career Service Award. Detective Frank Coleman of the City of Bradenton Police Department, Trooper Kenneth Watson of the Florida Highway Patrol, Sergeant Bruce King and Officer Chase Gloeckner of the City of Sarasota Police Department and Detective Joseph Petta of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Deputy Willie Finklea of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office and Detective Ashley Lindeman of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office will receive the Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award. Trooper Gerry Smith of the Florida Highway Patrol, Sergeant Jeffrey Steiner, Officer Elise Schanley, Officer Derrick Gilbert, Officer Devin Epps, Officer Ronald Dixon, Officer Sean Gleason, Officer Kevin Sullivan, Sergeant Anthony Frangioni and Officer Bryan Lundstrom of the City of Sarasota Police Department, Deputy Efrain Taveras of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Deputy Carmine Luper, Deputy Terry Blake, Deputy Timothy Collins, Detective Dino Murges, Deputy Selina Sly and Deputy Jerod Wolfe of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office will receive the Preservation of Life Award. Sergeant Shawn Johnson, Detective James Klay, Detective Eric Wedin, Detective Eric Ellis and Civilian Brook Buzzell of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office's Digital Forensics Lab will receive the Unit Citation Award. Captain Jim Rieser, Captain (ret.) Kevin Stiff, Lieutenant Michael Schwieterman, Sergeant Jaymi Delcos, Officer Clifton Bishop, Officer David Dubendorf, Officer Dan Griesdorn, Officer Matthew Grochowski, Officer Matthew Kimball, Case Manager Krystal Frazier and Legal Advisor Joseph Polzak of the Sarasota Police Department's Homeless Outreach team will receive the Unit Citation Award. Lieutenant Darin Bankert, Sergeant Karen DeVries, Detective Charles Butler, Detective Darryl Davis, Detective Daniel Dickerman, Detective Benjamin Main and Detective Rabun Moss of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, Lieutenant Bob Bourque of the Longboat Key Police Department, Detective Chad Oyler of the Palmetto Police Department, Sergeant Brian Hall of the Holmes Beach Police Department, Sergeant Lenard Diaz of the Bradenton Beach Police Department and Detective James Curulla of the City of Bradenton Police Department will receive the Manatee Homicide Investigative Unit Citation Award.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of outstanding public school teachers in Florida's 16th Congressional District. I was once told that children are 25 percent of the population, but they are 100 percent of the future. And it's true. The education of a child is an investment, not only in that student, but in the future of our country. Therefore, I established the Congressional Teacher Awards to honor educators for their ability to teach and inspire students. An independent panel has chosen the following teachers from Manatee, Sarasota, and Hillsborough counties for Florida's 16th District 2018 Congressional Teacher Award for their accomplishments as educators: Ms. Michelle Brewster for her accomplishments as a sixth grade Math teacher at Eisenhower Middle School. Ms. Karen Lewellen, for her accomplishments as a Math teacher at State College of Florida Collegiate School. Ms. Carrie Ling, for her accomplishments as a Math and Science teacher at Braden River Elementary School. Mr. Nelson Lopez for his accomplishments as an ELA and Journalism teacher Palmetto High School. Ms. Barb Rannigan, for her accomplishments as a third grade teacher at Alta Vista Elementary School. Ms. Es Swihart for her accomplishments as an English teacher at Riverview High School. Dr. Terri St. John for her accomplishments as an English teacher at Sarasota High School. Ms. Deborah Walker, for her accomplishments as a sixth grade Science teacher at Sarasota Military Academy Prep. On behalf of the people of Florida's 16th District I congratulate each of these outstanding teachers and offer my sincere appreciation for their service and dedication.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I also want to acknowledge our incredible chairman and his leadership over the last 7 years I have been here and working this plan forward. It is an exciting time for all of us. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, legislation to provide tax relief to middle class families and small- business owners across America. As a businessman for more than 30 years, I have had the opportunity to employ thousands of workers. I have seen firsthand how broken our tax system can be for many hardworking Americans. Under this bill, not only will the average family of four receive a tax cut, but small businesses will finally be taxed at a lower rate to help them expand and grow jobs in America. According to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, this bill will create 1 million new jobs and grow the economy by 4 percent, a growth rate this country hasn't experienced since 2000. It is time to give all Americans a break in terms of their taxes. With passage of this bill, we will finally have the opportunity to help middle class families and get our economy back on track. I urge support for this critical bill to cut taxes and reform our tax system.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize fire and rescue and EMS personnel who have provided distinguished service to the people of Florida's 16th Congressional District. As first responders, fire departments and emergency medical service teams are summoned on short notice to serve their respective communities. Oftentimes, they arrive at scenes of great adversity and trauma, to which they reliably bring strength and composure. These brave men and women spend hundreds of hours in training so that they are prepared when they get ``the call.'' In 2012, I established the 16th District Congressional Fire and Rescue and EMS Awards to honor officers, departments, and units for outstanding achievement. On behalf of the people of Florida's 16th District, it is my privilege to congratulate the following winners, who were selected this year by an independent committee comprised of a cross section of current and retired fire and rescue personnel living in the district. Manatee County Community Paramedicine Program was chosen to receive the Congressional Unit Citation Award. Training Officer Christopher Stark of the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue was chosen to receive the Congressional Dedication and Professionalism Award. Chief Dennis Jones of the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue was chosen to receive the Congressional Career Service Award. Division Chief-Fire Marshal Tammy Zurla was chosen to receive the Congressional Dedication and Professionalism Award.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Fire and Rescue and EMS personnel who have provided distinguished service to the people of Florida's 16th Congressional District. As first responders, fire departments and emergency medical service teams are summoned on short notice to serve their respective communities. Oftentimes, they arrive at scenes of great adversity and trauma, to which they reliably bring strength and composure. These brave men and women spend hundreds of hours in training so that they are prepared when they get ``the call.'' In 2012, I established the 16th District Congressional Fire and Rescue and EMS Awards to honor officers, departments, and units for outstanding achievement. On behalf of the people of Florida's 16th District, it is my privilege to congratulate the following winners, who were selected this year by an independent committee comprised of a cross section of current and retired Fire and Rescue personnel living in the district: Manatee County Community Paramedicine Program was chosen to receive the Congressional Unit Citation Award; Training Officer Christopher Stark of the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue was chosen to receive the Congressional Dedication and Professionalism Award; Chief Dennis Jones of the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue was chosen to receive the Congressional Career Service Award; and Division Chief-Fire Marshal Tammy Zurla was chosen to receive the Congressional Dedication and Professionalism Award

Mr. BUCHANAN

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to law enforcement men and women who have provided distinctive service to the people of Florida's 16th Congressional District. Law enforcement is a demanding profession that requires sacrifice, courage and a dedication to serve others. Every day, brave men and women put themselves in harm's way to enforce the laws of our society and protect public safety. They deserve our gratitude and respect. Six years ago, I established the 16th District Congressional Law Enforcement Awards, CLEA, to give special recognition to law enforcement officers, departments, or units for exceptional achievement. This year, I have presented the CLEA to the following winners chosen by an independent panel comprised of current and retired law enforcement personnel representing a cross-section of the district's law enforcement community: Officer Jason Nuttall of the Bradenton Police Department will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Captain John Walsh, Captain Debra Kaspar, Lieutenant Jon Varley, Community Affairs Director Kaitlyn Perez, Deputy Phillip Mockler, Detective Tim Speth and Investigator Lynn Thomson of the Sarasota County Sheriff's will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Detective Richard Wilson of the Palmetto Police Department will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Officer Alan Bores of the Holmes Beach Police Department will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Detective Justin Warren of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office will receive the Dedication and Professionalisrn Award. Sergeant Robert Armstrong of the Sarasota Police Department will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Deputy Kevin Smetana of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Master Sergeant George Taunton of The Florida Highway Patrol will receive the Career Service Award. Deputy Angel Buxeda and Deputy Grant Steube of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office along with Troopers Caleb Kerr and Trooper Brett Fitzpatrick of the Florida Highway Patrol will receive the Preservation of Life Award. Sergeant Patrick Roberts of the Florida Highway Patrol will receive the Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award. Pastor Patrick Miller of the Bethlehem Baptist Church, Pastor Vincent Smith, Doctor Harriet Moore of the Trinity Youth and Family Services, Geoffry Gilot and AI-Muta Hawks with the Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota will receive the Associate Service Award. The Manatee County Special Investigations Division will receive the Unit Citation Award. The members of this unit are: Major William Jordan, Captain Todd Shear, Lieutenant Anthony Carr, Division Secretary Toni Burton, Administrative Assistant Cindy Hoffman, Sergeant Jason Powell, Detective James Parrish, Detective Kim Zink, Detective Greg Dunlap, Detective Mike Diaz, Bruce Benjamin (Crime Stoppers), Amber Hoffman (Manager), Erica Chenard (UCR Coordinator), Criminal Analyst Ashley Eannarino, Criminal Analyst Elicia Main, Intel Analyst Don Brown, Criminal Analyst John Ferrito, Intel Analyst Elizabeth Thomas, Sergeant Evelio Perez, Detective Joseph Petta, Detective Justin Warren, Detective Derek Pollock, Detective Eric Davis, Detective Ray Richter, Detective Patrick Thames, Detective Scott Williamson, Sergeant Gary Combee, Detective William Freel, Detective Maria Gillum, Detective Bryce Wilhelm, Detective Jonathan Kruse, Sergeant Steve Barron, Detective Randall Walker, Detective Brian Beck, Detective Shayne Rousseau, Detective Jeremy Martin, Detective Robert Brigham, Sergeant Isaac Redmond, Detective Rafael Ortegon, Detective Christopher Gallagher, Detective Joel Taylor, Detective David Bocchino, Detective Lourdes Santiago, Detective Aaron Bowling, Sergeant Brian Quiles and Detective Wendy Zarvis.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to law enforcement men and women who have provided distinctive service to the people of Florida's 16th Congressional District. Law enforcement is a demanding profession that requires sacrifice, courage and a dedication to serve others. Every day, brave men and women put themselves in harm's way to enforce the laws of our society and protect public safety. They deserve our gratitude and respect. Six years ago, I established the 16th District Congressional Law Enforcement Awards, CLEA, to give special recognition to law enforcement officers, departments, or units for exceptional achievement. This year, I will present congressional law enforcement awards to the following winners chosen by an independent panel comprised of current and retired law enforcement personnel representing a cross-section of the district's law enforcement community. Officer Jason Nuttall of the Bradenton Police Department will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Captain John Walsh, Captain Debra Kaspar, Lieutenant Jon Varley, Community Affairs Director Kaitlyn Perez, Deputy Phillip Mockler, Detective Tim Speth and Investigator Lynn Thomson of the Sarasota County Sheriff's will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Detective Richard Wilson of the Palmetto Police Department will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Officer Alan Bores of the Holmes Beach Police Department will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Detective Justin Warren of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Sergeant Robert Armstrong of the Sarasota Police Department will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Deputy Kevin Smetana of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Master Sergeant George Taunton of The Florida Highway Patrol will receive the Career Service Award. Troopers Caleb Kerr and Trooper Brett Fitzpatrick of the Florida Highway Patrol will receive the Preservation of Life Award. Sergeant Patrick Roberts of the Florida Highway Patrol will receive the Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award. Pastor Patrick Miller, Pastor Vincent Smith, Doctor Harriet Moore, Geoffry Gilot and Al-Muta Hawks all affiliated with the Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota will receive the Associate Service Award. The Manatee County Special Investigations Division will receive the Unit Citation Award. The members of this unit are: Major William Jordan, Captain Todd Shear, Lieutenant Anthony Carr, Division Secretary Toni Burton, Administrative Assistant Cindy Hoffman, Sergeant Jason Powell, Detective James Parrish, Detective Kim Zink, Detective Greg Dunlap, Detective Mike Diaz, Bruce Benjamin (Crime Stoppers), Amber Hoffman (Manager), Erica Chenard (UCR Coordinator), Criminal Analyst Ashley Eannarino, Criminal Analyst Elicia Main, Intel Analyst Don Brown, Criminal Analyst John Ferrito, Intel Analyst Elizabeth Thomas, Sergeant Evelio Perez, Detective Joseph Petta, Detective Justin Warren, Detective Derek Pollock, Detective Eric Davis, Detective Ray Richter, Detective Patrick Thames, Detective Scott Williamson, Sergeant Gary Combee, Detective William Freel, Detective Maria Gillum, Detective Bryce Wilhelm, Detective Jonathan Kruse, Sergeant Steve Barron, Detective Randall Walker, Detective Brian Beck, Detective Shayne Rousseau, Detective Jeremy Martin, Detective Robert Brigham, Sergeant Isaac Redmond, Detective Rafael Ortegon, Detective Christopher Gallagher, Detective Joel Taylor, Detective David Bocchino, and Detective Lourdes Santiago, Detective Aaron Bowling, Sergeant Brian Quiles, Detective Wendy Zarvis.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to law enforcement men and women who have provided distinctive service to the people of Florida's 16th Congressional District. Law enforcement is a demanding profession that requires sacrifice, courage and a dedication to serve others. Every day, brave men and women put themselves in harm's way to enforce the laws of our society and protect public safety. They deserve our gratitude and respect. Six years ago, I established the 16th District Congressional Law Enforcement Awards, CLEA, to give special recognition to law enforcement officers, departments, or units for exceptional achievement. This year, I will present Congressional Law Enforcement Awards to the following winners chosen by an independent panel comprised of current and retired law enforcement personnel representing a cross- section of the district's law enforcement community: Officer Jason Nuttall of the Bradenton Police Department will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Captain John Walsh, Captain Debra Kaspar, Lieutenant Jon Varley, Community Affairs Director Kaitlyn Perez, Deputy Phillip Mockler, Detective Tim Speth and Investigator Lynn Thomson of the Sarasota County Sheriff's will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Detective Richard Wilson of the Palmetto Police Department will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Officer Alan Bores of the Holmes Beach Police Department will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Detective Justin Warren of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Sergeant Robert Armstrong of the Sarasota Police Department will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Deputy Kevin Smetana of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Master Sergeant George Taunton of the Florida Highway Patrol will receive the Career Service Award. Trooper Caleb Kerr and Trooper Brett Fitzpatrick of the Florida Highway Patrol will receive the Preservation of Life Award. Sergeant Patrick Roberts of the Florida Highway Patrol will receive the Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award. Pastor Patrick Miller, Pastor Vincent Smith, Doctor Harriet Moore, Geoffry Gilot and Al-Muta Hawks all affiliated with the Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota will receive the Associate Service Award. The Manatee County Special Investigations Division will receive the Unit Citation Award. The members of this unit are: Major William Jordan, Captain Todd Shear, Lieutenant Anthony Carr, Division Secretary Toni Burton, Administrative Assistant Cindy Hoffman, Sergeant Jason Powell, Detective James Parrish, Detective Kim Zink, Detective Greg Dunlap, Detective Mike Diaz, Bruce Benjamin (Crime Stoppers), Amber Hoffman (Manager), Erica Chenard (UCR Coordinator), Criminal Analyst Ashley Eannarino, Criminal Analyst Elicia Main, Intel Analyst Don Brown, Criminal Analyst John Ferrito, Intel Analyst Elizabeth Thomas, Sergeant Evelio Perez, Detective Joseph Petta, Detective Justin Warren, Detective Derek Pollock, Detective Eric Davis, Detective Ray Richter, Detective Patrick Thames, Detective Scott Williamson, Sergeant Gary Combee, Detective William Freel, Detective Maria Gillum, Detective Bryce Wilhelm, Detective Jonathan Kruse, Sergeant Steve Barron, Detective Randall Walker, Detective Brian Beck, Detective Shayne Rousseau, Detective Jeremy Martin, Detective Robert Brigham, Sergeant Isaac Redmond, Detective Rafael Ortegon, Detective Christopher Gallagher, Detective Joel Taylor, Detective David Bocchino, and Detective Lourdes Santiago.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to law enforcement men and women who have provided distinctive service to the people of Florida's 16th Congressional District. Law enforcement is a demanding profession that requires sacrifice, courage and a dedication to serve others. Every day, brave men and women put themselves in harm's way to enforce the laws of our society and protect public safety. They deserve our gratitude and respect. Six years ago, I established the 16th District Congressional Law Enforcement Awards, CLEA, to give special recognition to law enforcement officers, departments, or units for exceptional achievement. This year, I will present congressional law enforcement awards to the following winners chosen by an independent panel comprised of current and retired law enforcement personnel representing a cross-section of the district's law enforcement community: Officer Jason Nuttall of the Bradenton Police Department will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Captain John Walsh, Captain Debra Kaspar, Lieutenant Jon Varley, Community Affairs Director Kaitlyn Perez, Deputy Phillip Mockler, Detective Tim Speth and Investigator Lynn Thomson of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Detective Richard Wilson of the Palmetto Police Department will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Officer Alan Bores of the Holmes Beach Police Department will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Detective James Warren of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Sergeant Robert Armstrong of the Sarasota Police Department will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Deputy Kevin Smetana of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Master Sergeant George Taunton of the Florida Highway Patrol will receive the Career Service Award. Troopers Caleb Kerr and Brett Fitzpatrick of the Florida Highway Patrol will receive the Preservation of Life Award. Sergeant Patrick Roberts of the Florida Highway Patrol will receive the Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award. Pastor Patrick Miller, Pastor Vincent Smith, Doctor Harriet Moore, Geoffry Gilot and Al-Muta Hawks all affiliated with the Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota will receive the Associate Service Award. The Manatee County Special Investigations Division will receive the Unit Citation Award. The members of this unit are: Major William Jordan, Captain Todd Shear, Lieutenant Anthony Carr, Division Secretary Toni Burton, Administrative Assistant Cindy Hoffman, Sergeant Jason Powell, Detective James Parrish, Detective Kim Zink, Detective Greg Dunlap, Detective Mike Diaz, Bruce Benjamin (Crime Stoppers), Amber Hoffman (Manager), Erica Chenard (UCR Coordinator), Criminal Analyst Ashley Eannarino, Criminal Analyst Elicia Main, Intel Analyst Don Brown, Criminal Analyst John Ferrito, Intel Analyst Elizabeth Thomas, Sergeant Evelio Perez, Detective Joseph Petta, Detective Justin Warren, Detective Derek Pollock, Detective Eric Davis, Detective Ray Richter, Detective Patrick Thames, Detective Scott Williamson, Sergeant Gary Combee, Detective William Freel, Detective Maria Gillum, Detective Bryce Wilhelm, Detective Jonathan Kruse, Sergeant Steve Barron, Detective Randall Walker, Detective Brian Beck, Detective Shayne Rousseau, Detective Jeremy Martin, Detective Robert Brigham, Sergeant Isaac Redmond, Detective Rafael Ortegon, Detective Christopher Gallagher, Detective Joel Taylor, Detective David Bocchino, and Detective Lourdes Santiago.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished chairman for yielding and for his incredible support for our Nation's law enforcement officers. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Thin Blue Line Act, legislation I have introduced to support our Nation's brave police officers, firefighters, and first responders. This week, we recognize National Police Week, a time to reflect on the very professional service of our law enforcement officers and their families. It is also a time to honor the lives of those brave officers who were killed in the line of duty and made the ultimate sacrifice. It is really a sad reality that attacks against law enforcement officers have skyrocketed in recent years. Their entire community endured an especially difficult and heartbreaking 2016. In fact, in the last year alone, police officer deaths from shootings have increased 56 percent, and ambush-style killings of law enforcement officers have increased a staggering 167 percent, nationally. We need to send a very clear message: The intentional targeting and killing of our first responders will not be tolerated. My bill, the Thin Blue Line Act, would make murder or attempted murder of a police officer, firefighter, or other first responder an aggravating factor in death penalty determinations. This bill will serve as a strong deterrent to anyone planning an attack against our brave men and women in uniform who protect and serve our communities. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to police officers and first responders across the country. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation to help our American heroes.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of outstanding public school teachers in Florida's 16th Congressional District. I was once told that children are 25 percent of the population, but they are 100 percent of the future. And it's true. The education of a child is an investment, not only in that student, but in the future of our country. Therefore, I established the Congressional Teacher Awards to honor educators for their ability to teach and inspire students. An independent panel has chosen the following teachers from Manatee, Sarasota, and Hillsborough Counties to receive Florida's 16th District 2017 Congressional Teacher Award for their accomplishments as educators: Danielle Murphy for her accomplishments as a teacher at Boyette Springs Elementary in Riverview. Carol Pelletier for her accomplishments as a teacher at Sarasota Military Academy Prep in Sarasota. Emilee Vermilion for her accomplishments as a teacher at Southeast High School in Bradenton. On behalf of the people of Florida's 16th District I congratulate each of these outstanding teachers and offer my sincere appreciation for their service and dedication.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of outstanding public school teachers in Florida's 16th Congressional District. I was once told that children are 25 percent of the population, but they are 100 percent of the future. And it's true. The education of a child is an investment, not only in that student, but in the future of our country. Therefore, I established the Congressional Teacher Awards to honor educators for their ability to teach and inspire students. An independent panel has chosen the following teachers from Manatee, Sarasota, and Hillsborough Counties to receive Florida's 16th District 2015 Congressional Teacher Award for their accomplishments as educators: Danielle Murphy for her accomplishments as a teacher at Boyette Springs Elementary in Riverview Carol Pelletier for her accomplishments as a teacher at Sarasota Military Academy Prep in Sarasota Emilee Vermilion for her accomplishments as a teacher at Southeast High School in Bradenton On behalf of the people of Florida's 16th District I congratulate each of these outstanding teachers and offer my sincere appreciation for their service and dedication.