Vern Buchanan

Mr. BUCHANAN

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to first thank the subcommittee chair of Financial Services, Mr. Luetkemeyer, for his leadership on such important issues. As chairman of the Human Resources Subcommittee of Ways and Means, I have the distinct privilege of overseeing a number of means-tested programs aimed at providing low-income individuals and families an opportunity to move up the economic ladder. There are a lot of lessons we have learned, and we should be using them to better serve recipients and taxpayers. In June of last year, the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of Inspector General found that the Federal Government paid public housing benefits to families with excessive income and assets when those benefits should have gone to low-income families in real need. This amendment builds on reforms made by the underlying bill. This amendment reduces that burden on families by using systems they are most likely already interacting with for other means-tested programs. It also improves accuracy for housing authorities and landlords, providing them with more timely and reliable information. Ultimately, it ensures that those with assets well above the eligibility limits will not be using benefits directed to those Americans who need the most help. I encourage all my colleagues to support this amendment and support the underlying bill. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Luetkemeyer).

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

Mr. BUCHANAN

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of the Manatee County Fair's 100th anniversary. On October 21st, 1915 a group that eventually became the Manatee Chamber of Commerce approved a project that would draw members of the community together for festive celebrations and friendly competition. The Manatee County Fair was born, and opened its tents to the neighborhood for the first time on February 28th, 1916. The 1916 Manatee County Fair started with a budget of just $500. Year after year, the fair grew creating an economic boost for the community while providing fun and enjoyment for locals and visitors alike. Eventually, the fair became so appreciated that the denizens of Bradentown (currently Bradenton, Florida) purchased over 60 acres of land so the fair could continue to thrive for generations to come. As time went on, the Manatee County Fair gave Floridians an opportunity to unite and celebrate in good times and bad. The Manatee County Fair has fostered community pride for 100 years. Throughout the past century, the fair strengthened relationships between local business owners, shop keepers, vendors, artisans, and civic leaders. Community Members have shared in the pride of hosting such a well-loved event. It is my honor to recognize the Manatee County Fair's 100th anniversary. This great event has strengthened our community and been a source of civic pride for the past century.

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. Firefighter/EMT Michael Dunn of the Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue was chosen to receive the Preservation of Life Award. Lt. Don Rossow of the Englewood Area Fire Control District was chosen to receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. District Chief/Paramedic Robin Thayer of the Manatee County Emergency Medical Services was chosen to receive the Career Service Award. Lt. Jason Wilkins, Lt. Jamie Mann, Firefighter/EMT Nicholas Jones, Firefighter/Paramedic Sean Sponable and Firefighter/EMT Clayton Huber were chosen to receive the Unit Citation Award. Deputy Chief Brett Pollock of the West Manatee Fire and Rescue was chosen to receive the Career Service Award. Fire Investigator/Inspector Larry Betts of the Southern Manatee Fire and Rescue District was chosen to receive the 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: Firefighter/EMT Michael Dunn of the Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue was chosen to receive the Preservation of Life Award Lt. Don Rossow of the Englewood Area Fire Control District was chosen to receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award District Chief/Paramedic Robin Thayer of the Manatee County Emergency Medical Services was chosen to receive the Career Service Award Lt. Jason Wilkins, Lt. Jamie Mann, Firefighter/EMT Nicholas Jones, Firefighter/Paramedic Sean Sponable and Firefighter/EMT Clayton Huber were chosen to receive the Unit Citation Award Deputy Chief Brett Pollok of the West Manatee Fire and Rescue was chosen to receive the Career Service Award Fire Investigator/Inspector Larry Betts of the Southern Manatee Fire and Rescue District was chosen to receive the 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, years ago, 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. Firefighter/EMT Michael Dunn of the Cedar Hammock Fire Recue was chosen to receive the Preservation of Life Award Lt. Don Rossow of the Englewood Area Fire Control District was chosen to receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award District Chief/Paramedic Robin Thayer of the Manatee County Emergency Medical Services was chosen to receive the Career Service Award Lt. Jason Wilkins, Lt. Jamie Mann, Firefighter/EMT Nicholas Jones, Firefighter/EMT Sean Sponable and Firefighter/EMT Clayton Huber were chosen to receive the Unit Citation Award Deputy Chief Brett Pollok of the West Manatee Fire and Rescue was chosen to receive the Career Service Award Fire Investigator/Inspector Larry Betts of the Southern Manatee Fire and Rescue District was chosen to receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Mr. BUCHANAN. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. Madam Speaker, today is a good day for our Nation's veterans. My legislation will allow all veterans to receive official ID cards through the VA. No longer will veterans be forced to carry around documents that contain sensitive information that puts them at needless risk of identity theft, and it does all this at no cost to the taxpayer. Madam Speaker, this bill is a prime example of what can be accomplished when we put partisanship aside and the needs of our country first. Thank you, and God bless our men and women in uniform.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to welcome to the United States Capitol a tremendous community and spiritual leader, Pastor Randy Bezet, who led us in the opening prayer this morning. Pastor Bezet is the senior and founding pastor of Bayside Community Church, which has several campuses located throughout my district. His church has been at the forefront of strengthening, encouraging, and serving the people of Sarasota and Bradenton, Florida. The pastor is an inspirational leader who mentors young pastors who are also passionate about revitalizing and restoring local churches in their communities. I applaud the work and service the pastor and his church do in southwest Florida. It is a great honor and a privilege for me to welcome the pastor before Congress today.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Veteran's I.D. Card Act. This is bipartisan legislation I have introduced which will allow all veterans to receive an ID card through the VA. Over the years, I have heard from countless veterans from Florida and across the country who have expressed frustration about their ability to document their service. This will allow them to document their service by getting ID cards. The ID card won't quite replace the DD- 214, but they won't have to carry around the paperwork with them if they are looking to use it in the future. It will also help to cut down on identity theft. One of the biggest things for veterans in our area is it will help with jobs and opportunities in terms of their not having to carry the paperwork. They will have proof of their service for their employers. It will also provide discounts from a lot of our businesses in the area. A lot of businesses offer veterans discounts, but veterans don't have the documentation. As a result, many times, they don't get the benefits. One of the biggest benefits is that there is no cost to the taxpayers, which is a big thing for a lot of people. One other thing I just wanted to mention is that many of our veterans have served our country proudly, and this will help validate their service from that standpoint. On behalf of the 70,000 veterans in my district, of the almost 2 million veterans in Florida and of the 22 million veterans in the country, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation to help our American heroes.

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. Four 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 Steven Ogline of the Holmes Beach Police Department will receive the Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award and will be named Congressional Officer of the Year. Sergeant William F. Pascoe of the Florida Highway Patrol will receive the Career Service Award. Deputy Dan Durrance and Deputy Christopher Folds of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, Sergeant Brian Woodring and Deputy Ryan Frailing of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, Patrolman First Class Dustin Cohen of the North Port Police Department and Officer Lucciano Diaz of the Palmetto Police Department will receive the Preservation of Life Award. Detective Robert Armstrong of the Sarasota City Police Department, Master Patrol Officer Jose Santos of the Bradenton Police Department, Detective John McHenry of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, Sergeant Scott King of the North Port Police Department and Officer Ruth Terry of the Venice Police Department will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. The following Members of the Sarasota County civilian community response team FOCUS: Pastor Kelvin Lumpkin, Pastor Peter Greenidge and Minister Leslie Harrell of the Light of the World Church, Dr. Trevor Harvey, President of Sarasota Florida NAACP, Carolyn Mason, Sarasota County Commissioner and Dr. John Walker of Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church will receive the Associate Service 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 Amanda Rojas from Haile Middle School in Bradenton for Florida's 16th District 2015 Congressional Teacher Award for her accomplishments as a middle school social studies teacher. The following teachers were also nominated and chosen for recognition: Edward Hashey from Wilkinson Elementary School in Sarasota for his accomplishments as a Fifth Grade teacher. Christi McDowell-Cameron from Brookside Middle School for her accomplishments as the International Baccalaureate Coordinator. Russell Finger from Suncoast Polytechnical High, for his accomplishments as a high school science teacher. Michelle Carpenter from Team Success School, for her accomplishments as a first grade teacher. 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 to recognize one of America's great ocean research pioneers, Dr. Eugenie Clark. ``Genie'' Clark--known as the ``Shark Lady''--founded Mote Marine Laboratory in Southwest Florida. She died at age 92 on Feb. 25 at her home in Sarasota. Genie visited the New York Aquarium in 1922 at age nine and was fascinated by the sharks and other fish of many shapes and colors. She began sharing what she learned about the fish with others. After carrying out a distinguished career spanning almost 75 years, raising four children and inspiring students and others, Clark will be remembered for her amazing discoveries. Her legacy is impressive: blazing trails for women in science; inspiring generations of people from ocean experts to school children; swimming with sharks to learn about them; and founding a world-class marine laboratory that turned 60 this year. Clark was a world authority on fish--particularly sharks and tropical sand fish. A courageous diver and explorer, Clark conducted 72 submersible dives as deep as 12,000 feet and led over 200 field research expeditions to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba, Caribbean, Mexico, Japan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Thailand, Indonesia and Borneo to study sand fish, whale sharks, deep sea sharks and spotted oceanic triggerfish. She wrote three books and more than 175 articles, including research publications in leading peer-reviewed journals such as Science and a dozen popular stories in National Geographic magazine. In 1955, Clark started the one-room Cape Haze Marine Laboratory in Placida, Fla., with her fisherman assistant and with philanthropic support and encouragement from the Vanderbilt family. The Lab thrived in partnership with its community and became Mote Marine Laboratory in 1967 to honor major benefactor William R. Mote. Today the Lab is based on City Island, Sarasota, and it hosts 24 diverse marine research and conservation programs, education programs for all ages and a major public Aquarium. The Lab has six campuses in Florida and more than 200 staff, including scientists who work in oceans surrounding all seven continents. Clark joined the Zoology faculty at the University of Maryland in 1968, and she officially retired in 1992. She returned to Mote in 2000 as Senior Scientist and Director Emerita and later became a Trustee. There, she continued to build upon and champion the groundbreaking research that she started 60 years ago. Clark dove as recently as June 2014, when she brought a team of volunteer research divers to study deep water triggerfish in the Solomon Islands. The divers had been searching for nests and monitoring how the fish behaved. Clark is the recipient of three honorary degrees and numerous awards including The Explorers Club Medal; the Medal of Excellence from the American Society of Oceanographers; The NOGI award in Arts from Underwater Society of America; the Dugan Award in Aquatic Sciences from the American Littoral Society; a Gold Medal from the Society of Women Geographers; the Distinguished Fellow Award from the American Elasmobranch Society; and the Franklin L. Burr Award from the National Geographic Society. Several fish species have been named in her honor: Callogobius clarki (Goren), Sticharium clarkae (George and Springer), Enneapterygius clarkae (Holleman), and Atrobucca geniae (Ben-Tuvia and Trewavas). Clark is survived by her four children: Hera, Aya, Tak and Niki Konstantinou, and her grandson, Eli Weiss.

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.'' Two years ago, 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. Dr. Steven R. Newman, a Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians and Medical Director for Sarasota County Emergency Medical Services, was chosen to receive the Career Service Award. Manatee County EMS Lt. Mark Jones, Charge Paramedic Angie Hadlock, and Paramedic Renee Bergschneider; East Manatee Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Stacy Bailey, Lt. Sean Battick, Lt. Chad Gamble, and Firefighters Stephen Beecher, Steven Rickman, Doug Sprigg, and Andrew Stark; and Bayflight 2 Flight Nurse Kelly Long, Paramedic Mike Bull, and Pilot Joe Mattina were chosen to receive the Unit Citation award. Firefighter/Paramedic Larry Gibbs of the Sarasota County Fire Department was chosen to receive the Dedication and Professionalism award.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the centennial celebration of Sarasota's African American community of Newtown. Since its initial development in 1914, Newtown has experienced tremendous challenges and historic triumphs. In the early 1900s, African Americans were recruited to provide an adequate workforce during Sarasota's economic boom. Many of them moved into the Newtown community. In its early years, Newtown flourished, despite segregation, with several successful small businesses, schools and churches. In 1961, four years after the U.S. Supreme Court's Brown vs. Board of Education Court decision that declared laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students unconstitutional, the NAACP filed a desegregation lawsuit in federal court. And in 1962, the first African American students enrolled in what had been all-white schools. Twenty years later, the NAACP successfully challenged Sarasota's system of local representation, alleging it prevented the election of blacks to city government, and in 1985 Fred Atkins became the first African American to serve on the city commission. I appreciate this opportunity to help celebrate the rich heritage of Newtown.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Manatee Community Action Agency's (MCAA) Head Start and Early Head Start programs that change lives by helping to prepare children in my Congressional District for school. MCAA's Head Start programs started in the summer of 1965 with 60 children. Today there are 630 children enrolled in eight locations throughout Manatee County, including 65 children with special needs. More than 3,000 children have participated in the programs since its inception. The Head Start program serves children from age 3 to 5 and partners with parents and families to ensure continuity of positive growth and development at home and school. Early Head Start serves children from birth to age 3, pregnant women and their families. MCAA provides very young children with an environment that stimulates them and motivates them to use all of their senses. Furthermore, 100 percent of the children enrolled in MCAA's early learning programs during the 2012-2013 school year were provided with continuous access to healthcare, and were up to date on age-appropriate preventive and primary health care and immunizations. MCAA's Head Start and Early Head Start students scored high marks in meeting school readiness and educational goals. On goal assessments, the students scored in the upper 90 percent range in the areas of physical health status and knowledge, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, self-concept, self-regulation, and emotional and behavioral health. By focusing on the whole child--mental, physical, emotional and social well-being--MCAA's Head Start and Early Head Start programs prepare the children of Manatee County for a lifetime of educational success.

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. Three 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. Detective Jake Barlow of the Venice Police Department will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Corporal David Brunner of the Florida Highway Patrol will receive the Career Service Award. Corporal Edward Kish of Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority Police Department will receive the Preservation of Life Award. Sergeant Michael Laden of the North Port Police Department will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Investigator John Morningstar of the Bradenton Police Department will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Detective Joseph Rogers of the Palmetto Police Department will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Deputy Joseph Scott of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office will receive the Preservation of Life Award. Task Force Officer Michael J. Skoumal of the Bradenton Police Department, assigned to U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration Tampa Office, will receive the Career Service Award. Sergeant Randy Thompson of the Longboat Key Police Department will receive the Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award. Investigator Lynn Thomson of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Detective Miguel Torres of the Sarasota County Sheriffs Office will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award. Lieutenant Tom Ware of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will receive the Career Service Award.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Mr. BUCHANAN. I want to thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, there is no issue today that is more important in this body than growing the economy and creating jobs. The Wall Street Journal noted that there are fewer jobs today than since the recession began back in 2007. The gentleman from Michigan mentioned we need to go in the marketplace. I have been in the marketplace for 30 years, as someone who created a lot of jobs, and I can tell you this health care mandate that has employees looking at 30 hours or less a week unless they get health care is a big issue. The 30-hour requirement is forcing businesses to reduce working hours and cut wages. I had a gentleman in my congressional district last week that has three restaurants and 291 employees. He has mentioned to me numerous times that he is going to have to cut quite a few employees from 40 hours to 29 hours. He has even suggested that, in many cases, to reduce his health care costs, he is going to have to push some people down even more hours, so he can bring down his health care costs. The fact is that health care costs in my district are as much as $1,500 to $2,000 an employee, so it is a big issue. Another employer in our area--one of our larger employers--is going to be moving hundreds of employees from 40 hours to 29 hours a week, so it is a very big issue in my congressional district in Sarasota. With that, I would ask my colleagues for quick passage. We need to move this bill quickly.

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. This month, I will present awards to the following teachers chosen by their school district for special recognition: Ian Ackroyd from Venice Middle School in Venice for his accomplishments as a Band Director; Gina Barresi from Sarasota High School in Sarasota, for her accomplishments as an English and Reading teacher; Dana Van Bussum from Southeast High School in Bradenton for her accomplishments as a Language Arts teacher; Lisa Figueroa from Taylor Ranch Elementary School in Venice for her accomplishments as a Science teacher; Dudley Leigh from Lee Middle School in Bradenton for his accomplishments as an Art teacher; and Jennifer Willis from Oneco Elementary School in Oneco for her accomplishments as a First Grade teacher. 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, flood insurance has been devastating to people in Florida. It has been in my region. I have done multiple town halls. It has gone up not 10 or 20 percent but 1,000 percent, 500 percent. Businesses can't sell their businesses. So this bill will bring some immediate relief. It also brings some certainty so people-- because the market today is frozen, it will bring some certainty to people so they can buy and sell their homes. Also, as the cochair of the Florida delegation, I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle because it is nice once in a while where we can work together to get something done for the American people.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my constituent, Barbara Shirley, who was recently named Florida's Principal of the Year for her leadership at Alta Vista Elementary School in Sarasota, Florida. Since becoming principal of Alta Vista in 2007, Barbara has secured private funding and recruited volunteers to expand the school's programs to provide free summer school classes to under privileged students, and educate and assist parents. The classes help students retain what they learned during the school year and teach parents how to manage their finances, cook healthy meals and get job training. Barbara has been offered positions at schools in more affluent neighborhoods, but chooses instead to be principal of Alta Vista, where more than 90% of the students are on free or reduced lunch and several of the students are homeless. While many students and schools in disadvantaged neighborhoods score low on state achievement tests, Alta Vista has maintained an A rating. I appreciate this opportunity to bring much deserved recognition to Barbara for her successful efforts to help at-risk students and their parents.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Mr. BUCHANAN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the memory of my dear friend, colleague and mentor, Congressman Bill Young. For over four decades, there has not been a stronger voice in this Chamber for our brave men and women in uniform other than Bill Young. My district was just south of Bill Young's district, and we have almost 90,000 veterans. There is nobody who has benefited, I think, in terms of a district more than our veterans have in terms of Bill Young's leadership and in what he has brought to Pinellas County and to the State of Florida. He was an inspiration to so many because he personified the most important virtue of public service--he did it for others. As dean of the Florida delegation, Bill provided wisdom and counsel to Members on both sides of the aisle. He served this great institution with devotion, civility, and distinction. I am honored personally to have served with this extraordinary man. With his passing, the State of Florida and the Nation have lost an outstanding lawmaker, statesman, and public servant. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Mr. BUCHANAN. I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois and the gentlelady from Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Private First Class Hector Albert Cafferata, Jr., of the United States Marine Corps. Private Cafferata was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery in action in Korea on November 28, 1950, while serving with the famed 1st Marine Division. As the only unwounded member of his squad, he singlehandedly engaged the enemy while under heavy fire from machine guns, mortars and grenades. For over 7 hours, he was able to successfully fend off wave after wave of enemy attacks until reinforcements could arrive. However, as reinforcements moved in, an enemy grenade landed in his trench. The private immediately grabbed the grenade and threw it from the trench before it detonated. Though wounded by the blast, he saved the lives of many of his men serving with him that day. It is for his supreme bravery and courageousness in carrying out his duties that I am proud to honor and remember the actions of Private First Class Hector Albert Cafferata, Jr.

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.'' Last year, 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 by an independent committee comprised of a cross-section of current and retired fire and rescue personnel living in the district. Battalion Chief Stacey S. Bailey of the East Manatee Fire Rescue received the Career Service Award. The Sarasota K-9 Search and Rescue Team received the Associate Service Award. Battalion Chief Russell McCord of the Englewood Area Fire Control received the Career Service Award. Firefighter/Paramedic Brian Kolesa received the Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award. I appreciate this opportunity to recognize 16th District fire and rescue and EMS personnel.