Kathy Castor

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlelady from California for her longstanding leadership, her commitment to human rights and change in a positive way for the relationship between the United States of America and Cuba. I also would be remiss if I didn't recognize some of my other colleagues who have been in this, have encouraged a change in policy for many, many years, if not decades: Congressman Farr, Congresswoman DeLauro, Congressman McGovern, Congressman Van Hollen, Congressman Polis, Congressman Meeks, and many others who have taken it upon themselves to visit the island of Cuba, like the average American is not allowed to do, and learn about the real situation on the ground there. I also commend the Obama administration and the President for his bold move in finally moving this outdated, anachronistic policy towards Cuba into a positive direction. Because just think about this: since the embargo has been in place and our policy of isolation has been in place, we had a war with Vietnam, but we have come to reconcile with the Vietnamese, and now the Vietnamese people have seen great economic reforms because America was engaged. Even after World War II, when we had a world war against Germany, you have to turn the page and move on in human history, and we were able to do that with one of our closest allies now with Germany. So why not Cuba? In the Tampa Bay area I represent a lot of Cuban-American families. In fact, the bulk of my constituent work often involves family unification. It is not uncommon every week to have a situation where there is a dying grandmother in the United States and her grandchildren in Cuba would like to come and visit. And yet over the past years, they have been subjected to the worst kind of bureaucratic red tape that has not allowed them to travel freely to America, and the same for American citizens. Did you know that Americans are not allowed to travel freely to Cuba? Many people don't know that Cuba is really one of the only nations in the entire world where our constitutional rights to travel are restricted. And we think now with the Obama administration's move we will begin to open the door to greater travel, in recognition of our own human rights and constitutional rights. But I think it is really for our families to be able to unify them. It is only a 1-hour flight from Tampa to Havana. It is less than that, and it is a beautiful flight. And yet it has been off limits for so long. So thank you to the Obama administration for beginning to take the steps to open this up. I want folks to know Cuba is changing. Just like the Congresswoman who has traveled there multiple times, I traveled on a fact-finding mission not too long ago. There are meaningful economic reforms under way. America needs to be there to encourage it, to move it along faster and farther. People now in Cuba can own some private property. There are new small businesses and entrepreneurs that have the ability to step away from government control and take control of their own lives. There is decentralization of power. But unless America is engaged, we are not going to be able to continue those economic reforms and press for improvements in human rights. This is also an important time for America to capitalize on the changes in the world economy. Remember for a long time it was the Soviet Union that supported Cuba, or it was Venezuela. Well, now with the energy revolution in America, there has never been a better time for America to use its influence in the world, its economic power, its pressing for human rights, as Venezuela doesn't carry the day anymore. Their economy is in turmoil. The same for Russia. The economic conditions now play to our advantage, and we need to use it to improve human rights on the island, to improve family unification, and begin to establish those all important diplomatic ties. In my hometown of Tampa, they have led the way. My Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce has traveled a number of times. They would like to reestablish trade ties. There have been enormous numbers of cultural exchanges. The Florida Orchestra had a multiyear exchange with the Orchestra of Cuba. Ybor City businessmen have instituted art celebrations with the Cuban people right in the heart of Tampa. The University of Tampa's baseball team went and played the Cuban national team. Yes, and the University of Tampa did prevail, much to the chagrin of the Cubans. But these are the ways that you build a relationship, a greater foundation for economic reform and human rights reform. In fact, it is the Saint Lawrence Catholic Church in Tampa that is going to fund the first Catholic parish on the island of Cuba in the coming years. If we cannot stand as leaders in the Western Hemisphere for religious freedom, for human rights, for economic engagement and improvement, who will? It is our time. I thank the leaders in this Congress that have pressed for this change, I commend President Obama for taking this bold move, and I encourage all Members of Congress to travel there and listen to the people, listen to their cries for positive change. We have it within our power to lift the embargo and begin to press on these issues, and I hope that we will.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the distinguished career of John Wilson. His remarkable broadcasting accomplishments and his outstanding work in the Tampa Bay community is worthy of recognition by all. Mr. Wilson grew up in a small coal-mining town in Virginia. When he was 15, Mr. Wilson started his work in broadcasting as a disc jockey and news reporter for his local television station. After graduating from the Virginia Commonwealth University, Mr. Wilson was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served with the Armed Forces Radio in Panama. He was honored with the Army Commendation Medal for Excellence in Broadcasting for his service. Mr. Wilson's tremendous career has led him across the country and around the world. Before settling in the Tampa Bay area in 1981, he anchored primetime newscasts in Richmond, Norfolk, Charlotte, and St. Louis. His passion for reporting took him abroad several times to conduct special reports about hard-hitting issues in Normandy, Guantanamo Bay, Saudi Arabia, Haiti, and Moscow. Over his 50 years in broadcasting, Mr. Wilson has been recognized with three Emmy Awards, numerous Associated Press awards, and most recently, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Broadcasters Club of Florida in 2013. Not only has Mr. Wilson impacted the Tampa Bay area with his excellent journalistic reporting, he has also strengthened our community through his support of nonprofit organizations. Mr. Wilson and his wife of 48 years, Mary K., regularly volunteer by singing and performing for many civic and charitable organizations including The Boys and Girls Clubs, the National Red Cross, St. Anthony's Hospital, and The Junior League of St. Petersburg. Mr. Wilson is also a gifted and popular emcee, narrator, and speaker. As Mr. Wilson moves towards retirement, he must be particularly proud to have his son, Mark, continue his legacy as the evening news anchor for WTVT. Mr. Wilson's innumerable achievements are a true reflection of his exceptional success in the broadcasting industry. His insight, professionalism, and support of our community have earned him an unprecedented level of respect that is well deserved. On behalf of the Tampa Bay community that has greatly benefited from his dedicated service, I am honored to congratulate Mr. Wilson on his remarkable career.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and to honor an extraordinary leader and champion of human rights, Dr. Lydia Medrano. Her remarkable career in public service has had a tremendous impact on the Tampa Bay community. Dr. Medrano's career has been devoted to healthcare and human rights. Dr. Medrano came to Florida from Puerto Rico. She received her doctorate degree in Sociology and Certificate in Latin American Studies from the University of Florida. Her devotion to her community led her to serve as associate director for the international division of Planned Parenthood of America in the Latin American Regional Office. Later she worked as a researcher and evaluator at the Children's Board of Hillsborough County, an independent taxing authority that funds dozens of specialized programs geared towards improving the health and well-being of Tampa Bay's children and families. Dr. Medrano joined the Children's Board almost from its inception and, during her tenure, she helped ensure an accessible community system of care and successful outcomes through her array of responsibilities, including evaluation, contract management, research ethics and community engagement activities. After 22 years, she retired this year. In addition to dedicating her career to healthier children and families, her passion for healthcare and human rights has driven her to lead and support numerous local initiatives. She was cochair of the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute's Hispanic Advisory Council and the USF ACSSP (Hispanic Health) Research Project. She is also a past member of the Board of the Hispanic Professional Women Association and a member of the Hillsborough County Commission on the Status of Women. Dr. Medrano's outstanding contributions to the community has led to her being recognized with numerous awards including the 2009 Human Rights Award by the Tampa Hillsborough Human Rights Council and the 2004 Hispanic Woman of the Year by the Tampa- Hillsborough Hispanic Heritage. Dr. Medrano has retired but she has not stopped working for our Hispanic community and civil rights. She continues to serve as Florida State Director for the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the nation's largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers our Hispanic Americans. LULAC was a strong partner in helping Spanish-speaking residents learn about their options under the Affordable Care Act Education and enroll in the marketplace. Moreover, LULAC is educating communities in our state and across the country about the need for comprehensive immigration reform. Dr. Medrano serves on my roundtable for comprehensive immigration reform and has been an invaluable partner in fighting for this crucial cause-- we will not give up. Twenty councils across Florida trust and depend on Dr. Medrano's leadership to build strong Latino communities through advocacy and education. Her enthusiasm is truly an inspiration. Dr. Medrano's tireless and selfless advocacy efforts have helped to create a better Tampa Bay community. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Dr. Medrano for her outstanding service as a researcher, mentor and community leader.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a truly gifted leader of the Tampa Bay community, Mr. Jetie Wilds. Mr. Wilds' dedicated his life to educating people about politics, bringing communities together, and inspiring a way forward for all people in Tampa. Today it is a privilege for me to honor his incredible legacy. Mr. Wilds was born in Tampa, Florida to a family of 12 children. At a young age, Mr. Wilds volunteered on political campaigns and developed a passion for political activism and engagement. This strong commitment to bettering the community led him to Morehouse College in Atlanta where he obtained a Bachelor's degree. He was deeply involved in the civil rights movement by regularly participating in peace marches and sit-ins. During this time, Mr. Wilds married his wife of over 49 years, Ozepher. Mr. Wilds then began his career staying true to his roots as a public servant by becoming a middle school math teacher. Mr. Wilds' public advocacy was not limited to civil rights; he was an ardent environmentalist who served as a community organizer for greater environmental regulations in Portland, Oregon. While there, he obtained a Master's degree in urban planning at Portland State University. His knowledge of environmental policy later led him to Washington, D.C. where he conducted research on the impact of environmental regulations on the African American community. Mr. Wilds returned to Tampa in 1996 and spearheaded his now locally renowned radio show, Citizens Report. During each broadcast, Mr. Wilds brought to light the significant issues facing the Tampa Bay community. He quickly developed a rapport with his audience because of his intellect and candor that kept the show on air for over 15 years. His efforts to educate and inspire action on important political issues continued through his weekly column in Tampa's trilingual newspaper, La Gaceta. This column consistently provided a profound perspective on issues that transcended cultural and racial boundaries. Mr. Wilds' leadership and tireless work earned him numerous accolades including Man of the Year from the Portland Junior Chamber of Commerce, Boss of the Year from the Professional Women's Organization and Distinguished College Alumnus from the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education. Mr. Wilds will always be remembered as a leader who united people of all races and ethnicities for the common cause of community betterment. Whether he was running for office, teaching a class or providing an insightful voice for our community on the radio--Jetie Wilds was a true public servant. On September 21, 2014, Mr. Wilds passed away at the age of 74. Mr. Speaker, I join the Tampa Bay community in thanking Mr. Jetie Wilds, Jr. for his lifelong service to the State of Florida.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and to recognize the incredible accomplishments of Mr. Carlos Betancourt. Mr. Betancourt's tireless, selfless service to the community has been a remarkable asset to the Tampa Bay area. Mr. Betancourt is a skilled immigration paralegal who is certified by the Immigration Review Board and is accredited by the Board of Immigration Appeals to handle cases in Tampa. Mr. Betancourt's remarkable career began with the Bay Area Legal Services in 1978. He later worked at Gulf Coast Legal Service, a partner agency at the Family Justice Center, as a paralegal in 2003. Due to his talent and passion, he quickly rose to Office Manager at its Tampa location. While there, Mr. Betancourt helped provide free legal aid to immigrant victims of domestic violence and crimes. His work on these important issues continues today as Mr. Betancourt works with the Hispanic Services Council that advocates for immigrant children and battered women. Mr. Betancourt's leadership and determination to serve others is part of every aspect of his life. He occasionally volunteers at the Hispanic Outreach Program and is an engaged participant in my roundtable discussions on comprehensive immigration reform. His efforts earned him recognition from the Hillsborough County Domestic Violence Task Force who honored him with the ``Achievements Against Domestic Violence Award'' in 2012. Mr. Betancourt is committed to educating and assisting our most vulnerable neighbors--one family at a time--to live safe, productive lives through compassionate legal aid. His integrity and passion for service sets an example that we should all aspire to. Mr. Speaker, I join the Tampa Bay community in thanking Mr. Carlos Betancourt for his outstanding service, not only to our district, but to the State of Florida.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I strongly oppose H.R. 5078, the Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act. I unfortunately missed the vote due to a conflict and had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' H.R. 5078 would prevent a proposed rule to protect clean water from taking effect and continue to give polluters a free pass. Two Supreme Court decisions in 2001 and 2006 resulted in confusion and uncertainty about which bodies of water are subject to federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act, creating a loophole. This led the Bush Administration to issue guidance for regulated communities, but instead created the currently inconsistent, patchwork system. The proposed rule replaces the Bush Administration era guidance documents to reduce regulatory uncertainty and establish a clear process for asserting Clean Water Act jurisdiction over waters. The proposed rule closes the loophole by clarifying federal jurisdiction to protect America's waters and does not seek to regulate bodies of water which have not historically been regulated under the Clean Water Act. In fact, the rule proposes to exclude ephemeral and intermittent ditches while maintaining historical exclusions and exemptions for agriculture. The rule also provides clarity about which wetlands are covered by the Clean Water Act. The rule would also prevent the agencies from moving forward with any similar rule or guidance regarding the scope and enforcement of the Clean Water Act. According to a Tampa Bay Times editorial in support of the rule, ``the EPA estimates that the marginal costs of implementing the rule would generate about double the return in benefits to public health, flood control and the economy.'' Federal regulations to close the existing loophole and protect water quality are especially important to my home state of Florida which depends on a healthy environment for a prosperous economy. As the loophole stands, nearly 30 percent of Florida's streams and millions of wetlands are at risk of unchecked pollution and development and threatens the drinking water for 1.7 Floridians. More than 80 percent of the lakes and reservoirs that have been tested in Florida have failed basic water quality standards. Densely populated Hillsborough County, where my district is located, ranks first in Florida for miles of streams unprotected by the Clean Water Act. The rule would improve Florida's waters by closing the existing loophole. Unfortunately, this piece of legislation before us would prevent the government from cleaning our polluted waters. The President threatened to veto this legislation for good reason, noting that ``this bill is not an act of good government.'' Millions of Americans get their drinking water from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs that are at risk of pollution from upstream sources. In Florida, several rivers, including the Apalachicola, Choctawhatchee, Suwannee and Escambia Rivers have their headwaters in other states. Floridians are directly affected by upstream degradation to the quality of these rivers before they enter our state. Major pollution from the Mississippi River and other out of state factors have severely harmed the Apalachicola Bay and consequently the northwest Florida economy where the sponsor's district is located. Florida's economy is inextricably linked to a healthy environment, particularly its bodies of water and the wetlands those waters rely on. Wetlands, rich in biodiversity, provide services that are critical for drinking water, water quality, water supply, groundwater recharge, flood control, recreation such as fishing, and habitat for threatened and endangered species. Florida, the state with the most wetlands in the continental United States, has already lost half its historic wetlands acreage due to degradation and continues to do so. Florida's and the Gulf of Mexico's waters are poisoned every year by more than 4 billion gallons of oil, fertilizer ingredients and other hazardous materials. Tampa Bay, the largest open water estuary on the Gulf, is also fouled by other sources, with more than half of the nitrogen entering it coming from urban stormwater runoff that carries lawn fertilizer, pesticide residues, and trash. Pollution throughout Florida's waterways has led to record amounts of toxic red tide and algae blooms which are created by nutrients from farm fertilizers. Scientists theorize that algae and red tide have contributed to the record deaths of 10 percent of the Florida manatee population over the past year. Likely due to red tide, pollution has resulted in an unprecedented number of deaths of dolphins and pelicans. Pollution costs Floridians billions of dollars each year. Sustainable water supplies are at risk in Florida due to the loss of natural systems. The rule is needed to restore protections for streams and wetlands across the country. Florida's economy and public health depend on clean water. I would like to submit a list of the members of the Florida Conservation Coalition. The Coalition is composed of over 50 conservation organizations and thousands of individuals devoted to protecting and conserving Florida's land, fish and wildlife and water resources and it strongly opposes this piece of legislation. Florida Conservation Coalition Bob Graham, Fmr Governor of Florida and U.S. Senator; Nathaniel Pryor Reed, Fmr Assistant-Secretary of the Interior; Commissioner Lee Constantine--Seminole County Commissioner; Audubon Florida; Audubon of Southwest Florida; Conservancy of Southwest Florida; Florida Wildlife Federation; Friends of the Everglades; National Parks Conservation Association; Peace River Audubon Society; Sierra Club; South Florida Audubon Society. League of Women Voters; 1000 Friends of Florida; St. Johns Riverkeeper; Trust for Public Land; Lester Abberger; John Finlayson--Former Chairman SRWMD; Bill Herr, Environmental Consultant, Former Chairman SJRWMD; Gary Kuhl, Former Exec Director, SWFWMD; Jay Landers, Fmr Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection; Sonny Vergara, Fmr Executive Director SWFWMD and SJRWMD; Estus Whitfield, Fmr Principal Environmental Advisor to 5 FL Governors. Affiliates: Alliance of Florida Land Trust; Alliance to Protect Water Resources, Inc.; Back Ten Feet; Caloosahatchee River Citizens Association; Center for Earth Jurisprudence; Citrus County Audubon Society; Citrus County Council; Conservation Trust for America; Coral Gables Area Democratic Club; Current Problems; Dade City Garden Club. Defenders of Wildlife; Duval Audubon Society; Estero Council of Community Leaders; EarthJustice; Florida Consumer Action Network; Florida Conservation Alliance; Florida's Eden; Florida Defenders of the Environment; Florida Native Plant Society; Florida Federation of Garden Clubs; Florida Trail Association; Florida Outdoor Recreation Coalition. Friends of the Wekiva River; Florida Wildflower Foundation; Great Old Broads for Wilderness; Gulf Restoration Network; Ideas For Us; Lake Area Water Alliance; Homosassa River Alliance; Martin County Conservation Alliance; North Florida Land Trust; Paddle Florida; Rainbow River Conservation, Inc. Santa Fe Lake Dwellers Association; Save Our Suwanee; Save the Manatee Club; Silver Springs Alliance; Suwanee River Garden Club; Southwest Florida Watershed Council; St. Johns River Alliance; The Conservation Fund; United Waterfowlers-- Florida; Wildlands Conservation; Wakulla Springs Alliance; War, Inc.; Wildwood Preservation Society.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated community leader and trailblazer, Monroe Mack of Tampa, Florida. Mr. Mack's boundless energy and constant civic engagement were an inspiration to all. Today, I am grateful to recognize his innumerable contributions and honor his legacy. Monroe Mack was born in Campbellton, Florida, but later moved to Tampa where he spent the majority of his life. Mr. Mack's service to this country began when he joined the Army Reserves where he served as a 2nd Lieutenant and retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1985. Mr. Mack went on to graduate from Florida A&M University in 1956 with a degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences and later received an MBA from Nova University. He later married Laverne Griffin to whom he was married for 50 happy years. Throughout Mr. Mack's career he was a pioneer for African American advancement in the Tampa Bay medical community. He created the pharmacy services at Clara Fry Memorial Hospital. Following the success of that program, he moved to Tampa General Hospital, where he broke down racial barriers by becoming its first African American professional staffer and later rose to become its Director of Pharmacy. His trailblazing continued as he became the first African American to be appointed and reappointed to the Florida Board of Pharmacy by both Governors Reubin Askew and Bob Graham. He then chaired the Examination and Negative Formulary Advisory Committees, and served as their first African American President. Mr. Mack's service was not limited only to his work in the medical field. Throughout his life, he displayed a passion for civic engagement and for shaping young minds. He inspired the next generation of pharmacists by working as a professor at both the University of Florida and Florida A&M University Colleges of Pharmacy. He also diligently advocated for greater engagement in politics throughout the community. Mr. Mack could often be found educating people about candidates and encouraging them to vote. Even after his retirement from Tampa General Hospital, Mr. Mack continued to give countless hours in service to his alma mater. He chaired the alumni funding campaign which raised funds and created a $100,000 Alumni Endowment for the FAMU College of Pharmacy. He was also inducted into the Gallery of Distinction in the FAMU College of Pharmacy. Mr. Mack selflessly dedicated his life to our community. Countless students have benefited from his immeasurable philanthropic efforts and leadership in the medical industry. His commitment to civic engagement and education will always be remembered and appreciated. Mr. Speaker, I join the Tampa Bay community in recognizing Mr. Mack for a lifetime of exemplary service. Although Monroe Mack passed away on August 16, 2014, his life and legacy will live on.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate to honor the life of a true champion of environmentalism, Roger Stewart. His outstanding career in public service and his countless efforts to protect the natural resources of our community will be forever remembered. Mr. Stewart grew up on a farm in the New York-New Jersey area. At the age of 18, he joined the Army Air Corps where he served during World War II. He went on to spend the next 21 years serving his country as a pilot. Prior to his retirement as an Air Force Major, he went back to school for a degree in zoology from the University of South Florida. Soon after graduation he accepted a position as a County Health Department biologist with Hillsborough County Department of Health's Pollution Control. Mr. Stewart created the original Water Sampling Network while at the Health Department. Mr. Stewart paved the way for environmental advocacy in Tampa Bay. He zealously led the, then newly created, Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) in the late 1960s. Despite only having a handful of employees, Mr. Stewart aggressively spearheaded the cleanup of Tampa Bay by creating rules that protected wetlands and forced powerful local companies to reduce air pollution. In February 1974, Mr. Stewart courageously appeared on CBS's ``60 Minutes'' and expressed concern about the rate of development which was outpacing the protections for sensitive environmental ecosystems as well as air and water quality. He showed viewers the damaging sewage spilling into Tampa Bay. After the interview Mr. Stewart was temporarily fired but brought back to lead the EPC a short time later. Thanks to Mr. Stewart's leadership, the EPC has grown to a robust staff that has carried out many State, Regional, and Federal level regulatory duties without losing the ability to enforce and maintain local standards. Mr. Stewart, an Air Force pilot-turned- environmentalist, kept Hillsborough County elected officials consistently accountable for making natural resources a priority over corporate profits. He retired in 2000 and passed away on August 21, 2014 at age 89. Mr. Stewart was an unabashed ``purist in the environmental business''. His heroic commitment to environmentalism made an unforgettable mark on the Tampa Bay community. Tampa Bay is a better and more beautiful place to live thanks to his efforts. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful Tampa Bay community, I am proud to recognize Roger Stewart for his lifelong service to the State of Florida.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of an extraordinary leader and hero of the Tampa Bay community, Mr. John Arthur Jones. Mr. Jones had a distinguished career and has spent a lifetime serving this country with honor and valor. Today we salute his many contributions to our community. John Arthur Jones was born in 1921 in San Antonio, Florida. During World War II, he served with distinction in the European Theater under the command of General Patton's 3rd Army and received a Bronze Star for his contributions in the Battle of Metz, France. The men of the 95th Infantry became known as the ``Iron Men of Metz'' for their capture and defense of the castle and river crossing in the city of Metz against several German SS Armored and Infantry Divisions. Mr. Jones finished his military career through the reserves and attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He married Sally Johnson in 1949 and the couple enjoyed 64 happy years together. They also have four children Matthew, Lisa, Malcolm, and Darby. After graduating from the University of Florida, College of Law, Mr. Jones began his legal career. In May 1949, Mr. Jones joined the Tampa law firm of Knight, Thompson and Turner which under his guidance resulted in the formation of Holland and Knight. Throughout his long career, Jones earned a national reputation in the field of trusts, estates and fiduciary law. Integrity was certainly one of Mr. Jones' hallmarks throughout his entire life. He frequently said, ``You can't afford not to be honest and not do your best.'' He was one of the first recipients of the firm's highest individual accolade for a partner, the prestigious Chesterfield Smith Award. The Chesterfield Smith Award is given to lawyers who have demonstrated in extraordinary commitment to pro bono service. In 2009, he was honored by the firm for his six decades of contributions to the field of law. On August 12th, 2014, Mr. Jones passed away at the age of 92. He will be remembered not only as an attorney and an expert in his field, but also as a man who bravely served this country as well as the legal profession with courage and dignity. Mr. Speaker, John Arthur Jones was a great American. I join the Tampa Bay community in recognizing Mr. John Arthur Jones for his lifelong service to the State of Florida, his high ethical standards, and his commitment to good causes.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to bring up H.R. 15, a bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill to properly address the humanitarian crisis at the border.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to reject this mean-spirited bill that will slam the door in the faces of young DREAM Act students who know America as their only home, their only country. Rarely have I seen fear and hatred turned into an actual piece of legislation and debated on the floor of the People's House. This GOP bill proposes to deport DREAM Act students like Jose Godinez-Samperio from Tampa, Florida, who was only 9 when his parents brought him to the United States. He has done everything right. Jose graduated as Valedictorian from Armwood High School in Hillsborough County. Jose graduated from the State of Florida's Honors College, New College, and then graduated from law school with honors from Florida State University College of Law. He passed the bar exam, and this year the Republican-dominated Florida Legislature said Jose should receive his license to practice law. They passed a law to do so. In fact, Republicans and Democrats gave him a standing ovation. There are hundreds of thousands of students like Jose across America tonight who have been living in limbo, waiting for Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform. They were given a lifeline by the President through the DREAM Act and America has invested in them. Now, the Republican Congress is moving us farther away from immigration reform, farther away from justice, farther away from smart policy to utilize the talents of young men and women who love America, and farther away from the values America holds dear. Vote ``no'' on this malicious piece of legislation.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment to boost the energy efficiency initiatives across America that have a proven return on investment for taxpayers. This amendment is paid for by reducing--but not by eliminating-- accounts that do not have the same return on investment for taxpayers. The appropriation in the bill for energy efficiency and renewable energy is $112 million below the 2014 appropriated level, and it is $528 million below the budget request. Now, I wish we could meet the budget request this year, but, colleagues, we should at least restore the money back to last year's levels, which is still a very modest investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy for America. The funds tied to energy efficiency and renewable energy fuel jobs across America in advanced manufacturing and clean energy. These investments in energy efficiency help make our businesses more competitive compared to businesses all across the globe. In addition, energy efficiency reduces the cost for consumers--wouldn't that be revolutionary, to put some money back into the pockets of our neighbors in this day and age--and has the added benefit of providing cleaner air. Back home in Florida, I have noticed so many local governments investing in better lighting and energy efficiency. So this even has the potential to lower property taxes for our neighbors back home. Mr. Chairman, we are on the cusp of a technological revolution when it comes to energy and energy efficiency. Look at what is happening all across America. We have a very diverse portfolio. But this budget today is skewed a little bit. It chops energy efficiency and renewable energy that has sufficient great potential to create jobs and it is a little too heavy on some of the fossil fuel areas. I will suggest an area that my Republican colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee criticized during a committee meeting not too long ago, and that was the carbon capture and sequestration. Compare the return on investment right now provided in this bill for the multimillion-dollar amount we are putting into carbon capture that is not proven compared to what we could achieve on the return on investment on energy efficiency for our neighbors, for our businesses, and for jobs. So, therefore, this amendment will shift a little bit, not all, from those technologies and put it into a place where it works--energy efficiency. I appreciate Ranking Member Kaptur's vision. She understands that this is our future, this is a job creator. I appreciate her work and Chairman Simpson's work on the appropriations bill. I ask for an ``aye'' vote on the Castor amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Chair, I ask unanimous consent that we return to page 70, line 16, to consider my amendment that was passed a moment ago.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Chair, I move to strike the last word.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Chair, if I had an opportunity to offer my amendment today, an amendment that passed with the support of both parties in last year's T-HUD appropriations bill, I would raise the fact that the Department of Housing and Urban Development, in many communities across the country, has taken a step back from their mission. They have a very important mission when it comes to homelessness among veterans, ensuring affordable housing partnerships, and combating the foreclosure crisis. Still, last year, we were disserved by the leadership at the Department when they closed a number of field offices all across the country, including the field office in the Tampa Bay area, that I represent, and in the Orlando area. Now, Florida has a population of almost 20 million people. We have 1.5 million veterans, and it is estimated that about 8,000 of them are homeless. We have 47,000 people in Florida that are battling homelessness, and our foreclosure rate is still too high. Nearly 9 percent of all Florida homes with mortgages are in some state of foreclosure. So it was very disturbing last year when HUD pulled back on the ground, closed community offices in Tampa and Orlando. In fact, they shut down 16 field offices. The problem was that they didn't consult Congress, as they were supposed to. They came, they talked with us, but they didn't really allow us any adequate input. I encourage the leaders, like the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Pastor), who has been on this issue, to continue this dialogue with the Department and the U.S. Senate in conference. My amendment would have cut the executive office budget of HUD here in Washington, D.C., by $3.5 million and, instead, devoted those funds back to our local communities to fight homelessness among veterans, foreclosures, and the other challenges we face. The shift of these dollars out of D.C. to our local communities would have sent a very strong message. You know, those fields offices, especially the one I had in the Tampa Bay area, was a critical access point for my neighbors and for many of the community's nonprofits. We are being hurt by their decision, and all my amendment would have done--and I hope this dialogue will continue--is ensure that the Department remains focused on backing up what they said that they would do to ensure that our local communities would not be hurt by taking away people on the ground that interact on an everyday basis with the people we represent. So at this time, I want to thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Pastor) for his involvement in this issue and urge everyone involved in the negotiations to emphasize the importance of having HUD focused on their mission on the ground in our neighborhoods, in our cities and towns and not on the bureaucracy here in Washington, D.C. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Thank you to the ranking member for yielding to me. I rise today to oppose the Scott amendment and urge the House to oppose the excessive cuts to the nonprofit and independent Legal Services Corporation. I am right in sync with the ranking member's comments, and appreciate the Republican committee chair's opposition to this amendment as well. Legal Services has a mission to ``provide equal access to the system of justice'' in America. It is the most important provider of civil legal aid for Americans who cannot afford high-priced legal counsel. In fact, legal representation often is out of reach for many American families. This amendment will make the lives of millions of American families even more challenging. Plus, if you take away legal counsel, you also complicate the resolution of disputes for businesses and others as well. You all know Legal Services is not a Washington-based bureaucratic program. To the contrary, there are legal aid attorneys and professionals in every State, with more than 800 offices. Legal Services' moneys are put to work back home across America outside of Washington. In my Tampa Bay community, Bay Area Legal Services has a number of community-based offices and is helping the wheels of justice turn for everyone. What type of legal help? Foreclosure, consumer assistance, domestic violence. Many of the domestic violence victims are simply trying to keep their children safe and their families together. Others include veterans returning from war, families with housing issues, those that were hit hard by natural disasters and are dealing with the aftermath, and families involved in child custody disputes. I have seen these advocates in action. Many Members of Congress actually refer cases to Legal Services groups in our area. They help families navigate the justice system. They also boost the economy through avoided costs and swift resolution of disputes. I would also like to remind my colleagues that Legal Services has already undergone significant cuts, as mentioned by the chairman, over the past few years. The chairman's mark of $350 million is a 4 percent cut from current funding. Funding for Legal Services was $420 million in fiscal year 2010. It was cut--especially after sequestration in 2013--and any further cuts will do severe damage. This amendment jeopardizes access to justice and the rule of law. There have already been layoffs back home, closed offices, and reduced services. What you are doing there is saying to families, You can't get help. You can't avoid a foreclosure. You can't escape an abusive relationship or defend yourself against consumer scams. We cannot allow hundreds of thousands of veterans, elderly victims of foreclosure, and women and children desperate to escape domestic violence to be denied assistance. So I strongly urge a ``no'' vote on the Scott amendment.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Madam Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which requires a report to Congress on the prevalence of black mold in buildings located on military installations. Additionally, once the report is complete, buildings identified as containing black mold shall be added to the appropriate branch's construction priority list for building replacement or renovations. I would like to thank Mr. Nugent and Chairman McKeon and Ranking Member Smith for their support and agreeing to include my language in an en bloc amendment. Taking care of our troops is one of our country's top priorities. After these brave men and women have put themselves in harm's way on the battlefield, it is essential that we ensure once they are back on base they are living and working in a safe nonhazardous environment. We must root out dangerous health hazards--like black mold--on military instillations to protect the health of military personnel on base. One example of where this is an issue is at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. MacDill is home to the 6th Air Mobility Wing and 39 Mission Teammates, including the United States Central Command, United States Special Operations Command. MacDill is home to over 13,000 military and civilian personnel and approximately 170,000 retirees live in the Tampa area and depend on the base for many necessary services. Black mold has been found on the first floor of the Mission Support Facility located on base. This building houses the mission support squadron and the ID services. Employees working in the Mission Support Facility supply all employees--military, civilian and contractor--and veterans with their ID credentialing and they assist veterans with additional paperwork that will help them obtain the benefits they have earned during service. Imagine how many of our active duty personnel, military retirees and civilians have visited this facility over the years. The Defense Department must keep a critical eye out not only for this facility at MacDill, but on all bases so we can maintain a high standard for our military men and women. In addition to being a health hazard, the mold in the Mission Support Facility takes up valuable workspace and is cordoned off. Base personnel are doing the best they can and they have found a way to ensure that no service member or their family member has suffered, but they should not have to. As you may know, black mold thrives in indoor spaces where there is moisture and humidity. As any tourist or native Floridian, like me, can tell you, Florida is well known for its humidity. It likely is happening at other bases located in humid areas. If we do not maintain these facilities defense-wide, issues like black mold can lead to expensive and harmful consequences down the road. We have seen examples over the years of black mold being found in homes where military families live and the horrendous stories centered around mold that came out of Walter Reed less than 10 years ago. We need to make certain our servicemembers, veterans, their families and civilians live and work in a healthy environment and that is why I have introduced my amendment to NDAA. I would like to thank my friend and fellow Tampa Bay member, Representative Rich Nugent, for his partnership on this amendment. His tireless dedication to the men and women serving in the Armed Forces at MacDill and around the globe are laudable. Active duty personnel and veterans throughout the Tampa Bay area are fortunate to have such a strong leader serving on the House Armed Services Committee and I am fortunate to call him a colleague. Madam Chair, again, I would like to thank Mr. Nugent, Chairman McKeon and Ranking Member Smith for their hard work on this legislation and for including my amendment en bloc. Protecting the health of our servicesmembers and all individuals who work, live or visit any military instillations is imperative. I urge my colleagues to support my amendment.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. I ask for approval of this amendment regarding conflict of interest. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Chairman, the Castor amendment directs the Secretary of the Department of Education to develop and enforce conflict of interest guidelines for any charter school receiving assistance under this law. These guidelines must include disclosures of any person affiliated with the charter school that has a financial interest in the charter school. We all know that a conflict of interest is a situation in which an individual who has an obligation or duty to act for the benefit of the public--in this case, students and schools--exploits that relationship for personal benefit--typically for money--if the individual tries to perform that duty while, at the same time, trying to achieve a personal gain. In the context of charter schools, there have been very serious cases all across the country over the past few years involving conflicts of interest in charter schools. Despite the overriding duty and responsibility to students and schools, individuals have acted to benefit or enrich themselves with public money--taxpayer money. In my State of Florida, we have had a number of cases of conflict of interest in the approval and operation of charter schools. Recently, the Department of Education raised serious questions in an audit about expenditures of money and conflicts of interest of Florida's largest charter school management company. The preliminary audit report findings are very disturbing. It appears that the charter school corporation entered into leases with development companies tied to the president of the company's family, that they hired an architectural firm that employs the president's brother-in-law, and that the board of directors transferred public funds to another organization with the same board of directors. In Arizona, The Arizona Republic has reported that boardmembers and administrators from more than a dozen State-funded charter schools are profiting from their affiliations by doing business with the schools they oversee. The newspaper reviewed thousands of pages of Federal tax returns, audits, corporate filings, and records with the Arizona State Board of Charter Schools. The analysis looked at the 50 largest nonprofit charter schools in the State, as well as schools with assets of more than $10 million. They found at least 17 contracts or arrangements totaling more than $70 million over 5 years and involving about 40 school sites in which the money from the nonprofit charter school went to for-profit and nonprofit companies run by board of directors, executives, or their relatives. In Colorado, an audit report took a certain charter school network to task for egregious financial improprieties and for severe nepotism. The report said that the CEO was paying himself over $340,000 per year. He hired his wife as chief operating officer and paid her over $200,000 a year, and the chief financial officer was paid over $320,000 per year. This far exceeds what the standard salary is for a charter school or even when you look at the salaries for our larger district superintendents. This charter school company then hired 20 members of their own family, according to the report and audit, and they racked up over $400,000 in credit card charges in one year. In California, State auditors found that the president of the American Indian Public Charter School in Oakland had given $350,000 in improper payouts to his wife. They also found another $350,000 had been spent on unauthorized construction projects, all going to companies owned by the CEO. Also, Mr. Chair, just last week, a report was issued by the Center for Popular Democracy and Integrity in Education entitled, ``Charter School Vulnerabilities to Waste, Fraud, and Abuse.'' That title was borrowed from the title of a section of a report that appeared in the Department of Education's Office of Inspector General's recent report. The report stated that the OIG experienced a steady increase in the number of charter school complaints, State-level agencies were failing to provide adequate oversight needed to ensure Federal funds were being properly used and accounted for. They estimated over $100 million in taxpayer losses due to fraud, abuse, and waste in charter schools. We can do much better. The conflict of interest problems afflicting charter schools across the country endanger the outstanding work being done by many charter schools. For example, the Pepin Academies in my hometown of Tampa is a tuition-free public charter school for students with identified learning disabilities. They have an individualized education plan. They serve a very important population, and I believe in their mission. If charter schools are going to effectively carry out their mission for students, using public funds, it is clear that we need more accountability and better procedures in place to protect taxpayer investment. I include for the Record the press report that I referenced, along with the letters of support from First Focus, School Superintendents Association, NEA, and AFT. [From the Republic, Nov. 17, 2012] Insiders Benefiting in Charter Deals (By Anne Ryman) Board members and administrators from more than a dozen state-funded charter schools are profiting from their affiliations by doing business with schools they oversee. The deals, worth more than $70 million over the last five years, are legal, but critics of the arrangements say they can lead to conflicts of interest. Charter executives, on the other hand, say they are able to help the schools get better deals on services and goods ranging from air-conditioners to textbooks and thus save taxpayers money. The Arizona Republic reviewed thousands of pages of federal tax returns, audits, corporate filings, and records filed with the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools. The analysis looked at the 50 largest non-profit charter schools in the state as well as schools with assets of more than $10 million. For-profit schools were not analyzed because their tax records are not public. The Republic's analysis found at least 17 contracts or arrangements, totaling more than $70 million over five years and involving about 40 school sites, in which money from the non-profit charter school went to for-profit or non-profit companies run by board members, executives or their relatives. Arizona has 535 charter schools that enrolled about 144,800 students this school year, or about 14 percent of students in public schools. Arizona's regulations on charter schools are relatively lax. The state allows charters to seek exemptions from state laws that require schools to obtain competitive bids for goods or services. Nearly 90 percent of the state's charter holders have gotten permanent exemptions from the state Board for Charter Schools, according to the state's database. The schools' purchases from their own officials range from curriculum and business consulting to land leases and transportation services. A handful of non-profit schools outsource most of their operations to a board member's for- profit company. The transactions are legal provided schools report the relationships on their federal tax forms and board members abstain from voting on their own contracts. In one case, school officials in Phoenix thought they were exempt from purchasing laws and failed to put a contract out to bid for non-academic services that were worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. In another case, a Glendale school purchased a van for almost twice its value and had to get the money refunded. It's impossible to know whether any money was potentially diverted from classrooms through insider transactions or lack of competitive bidding. Several charters said they saved money but were unable to provide specifics; others did not respond to interview requests. Some said they contracted with a school official's company because the quality of the product or service was better than what was on the market. Educators and ethicists say the arrangements raise questions about whether the schools are being used partly for personal gain. ``This is crony capitalism,'' said Alex Molnar, an education professor at the University of Colorado-Boulder who has studied charter schools. ``This is greasing the palms of special-interest and favored individuals.'' A for-profit company paid by a charter school, even a company that operates most of the school, does not have to disclose spending details or how much profit it makes. Some board members who did business with their schools told The Republic they macle a profit on the transactions. Others said they lost money. Some refused to comment. Charter-school leaders say most executives and board members operate with good intentions when they conduct business transactions with their schools. The schools want to stretch their funding, and school leaders who own businesses can give the schools a good deal on products or services. Being exempt from purchasing laws gives schools more flexibility, allowing them to focus more on the classroom and less on red tape, charter-school officials say. ``I see a lot of my schools really using thrifty, cost- effective methods,'' said Eileen Sigmund, president and CEO of the Arizona Charter Schools Association, a non-profit group that provides support services for charter schools. For example, she said, one charter-school leader picked through Northern Arizona University's surplus equipment to get desks for classrooms. Because Arizona charter schools receive on average $1,700 less in annual state funding per child than district schools, charters ``really have to be efficient,'' she said. Charter schools are public schools that are independently run by non-profits, for-profits, school districts or state universities. Charters get less funding on average largely because, unlike school districts, they can't ask voters in their surrounding areas to pass bonds and overrides to bring in more money. About 96 percent of charter schools operating now are authorized by the state and the rest by school districts or state universities. Molnar, the education professor, said because charters are publicly funded, they should be subject to state procurement laws. Board members shouldn't be allowed to do business with their own schools, either.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that my amendment be withdrawn, and I thank the committee for their attention.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank Chairman Culberson and Ranking Member Bishop for all of their hard work and the committee, all of your work on behalf of America's servicemembers and veterans to ensure that they have the military facilities that they deserve. I am very heartened to see the Congress, on both sides of the aisle, working together to ensure that our military families and servicemembers and our veterans have every resource they need to be successful. My amendment proposes to transfer $9.8 million to the Air Force construction account from the BRAC account to really highlight an area in military construction and our facilities that needs a little bit of extra attention because I think we can all agree that it is important to ensure that, after our servicemembers serve in hazardous areas across the globe, when they return to the United States and our military installations, that those installations are clean and safe and secure as well. Mr. Chairman, I have the privilege of representing MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. MacDill is led by the 6th Air Mobility Wing, but has a host of very important tenants on the base, including United States Central Command, United States Special Operations Command, the 927th Air Refueling Wing, and the Joint Communication Support Element. In fact, at MacDill, we have 39 mission support partners, so it is a very busy base. I wanted to bring to everyone's attention a deficiency in our mission support facility. Think about this big active base with all of these tenants, 13,000 military and civilian personnel at MacDill. Add on to that 170,000 military retirees in the area. They all come to the mission support facility to get credentialed and to take care of the very most basic credentialling and security processes at the base. Our mission support facility is far from the main gate. It is way too small, but most seriously, it contains black mold. It is on the first floor along the walls. Tampa, of course, is a very damp place, a very humid place, and if you don't take care and maintain these facilities, it causes very expensive problems down the road. They are doing the best they can, but it is very difficult to keep up. I raise this issue because this has occurred at other military installations before, with the black mold. There was Hampton Roads in Virginia, in military housing and, most notoriously, the Walter Reed building 18, where we had wounded soldiers. Now, thankfully, through the efforts of the Congress, many of these have been dealt with, but I think it is very important that the Air Force maintain a critical eye on these establishments, to make sure that they are up to standard for our military families. So I wanted to raise awareness of this matter to the Air Force, to the committee members, and I do hope that you all will work with me to address this critical issue at MacDill Air Force Base and other substandard military facilities across America. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.