Alan Grayson

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. GRAYSON

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

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank my colleague from Florida and the gentleman from New York for consideration of this amendment. Mr. Chairman, budgets are about choices. We have a choice to make here that is an interesting one, and I wanted to point it out in the form of presenting this amendment. The Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence is one of the most important functions of the Treasury Department. Economic and trade sanctions are issued and enforced by the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, and they protect the financial system from criminal and illicit activities and counteract national security threats from drug lords, terrorists, weapons of mass destruction, proliferators, and rogue nations, among others. In addition to that, this office provides vital analysis with regard to foreign intelligence and counterintelligence across all elements of the national security community. I think it is fair to say that this office has done excellent work in connection with the Iran Sanctions Act, which is an act within the jurisdiction of my committee, the Foreign Affairs Committee. The committee involved here directs the Department of the Treasury to post online and disseminate publicly those companies that are not compliant with the Iran Sanctions Act as well as any foreign entities doing business with the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps. In addition to that, this office has done excellent work with regard to cutting back on the threat of genocide in Sudan, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Despite the essential functioning of this office for the purpose of our carrying out American foreign policy, this office has a budget of only $120 million for the entire year. I contrast that with the budget being proposed of $158 million for the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. In short, we are spending, or proposing to spend, $38 million more for the Treasury inspector general to inspect the IRS than we are proposing to spend for the Treasury to carry out its essential functions of economic trade and trade sanctions. These functions basically make our troops safe and keep America safe. Without the economic sanctions that we imposed against Iran, we might see American troops fighting today in the Middle East. It is essential and important that these functions be carried out without being curtailed for a lack of money. I don't suggest that we equalize these two accounts, although I think a good argument could be made to do that. Rather, I suggest that we reduce the disparity between these two accounts by adding $5 million to allow the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence to carry out its essential functions for U.S. foreign policy and reduce the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration budget by a corresponding $5 million. Again, budgets are about choices. I think that our national security is our number one priority, and I think that whatever may be that is being done by the Treasury inspector general to investigate the IRS, it can wait as long as that money is needed to keep America safe. With that, Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Chairman, I would like a few more dimes and nickles for the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly program offers free tax help to individuals who are age 60 years old or older. I am not there yet, but I hope to be there one day. Cooperative grant agreements are entered into between the IRS and eligible organizations to provide tax assistance to elderly taxpayers. The funds provided by the IRS are used by organizations to reimburse volunteers for their out-of-pocket expenses, including transportation, meals, and other expenses incurred by them in providing tax counseling assistance at locations convenient to the taxpayers. This is very important because what we are saying here is that this money leverages volunteer help. There are tens of thousands of volunteers all around the country, including in my district in Orlando, that rely upon this funding to be able to provide the services that are needed by our elderly citizens. One of the good things about my proposal here, Mr. Chairman, is that we are not taking this $2.8 million from any other account. Rather, there is a $2.13 billion account for taxpayer services, and this simply adds the carveout from that total for Tax Counseling for the Elderly. Let's think about this. There are over 50 million seniors who qualify around the country for this program--that is one-quarter of our adult population--but the percentage of this account for taxpayer services, this $2 billion account, is not one-quarter for this program. It is not even 1 percent for this program. It is one-quarter of 1 percent of the total amount that we are allocating here for taxpayer services. I modestly propose that we increase that amount from one-quarter of 1 percent to three-eighths of 1 percent.

Mr. GRAYSON. I yield to the gentleman from Florida.

Mr. GRAYSON. Reclaiming my time, I am happy to accept your acceptance of this amendment. I am very grateful to you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Madam Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. GRAYSON. Madam Chair, this amendment is identical to other amendments that have been inserted by voice vote into every appropriations bill that has been considered under an open rule during this Congress. It is also identical to the amendment that I offered to last year's Energy and Water Appropriations bill, which passed by a voice vote. My amendment expands the list of parties with whom the Federal Government is prohibited from contracting due to serious misconduct on the part of those contractors. It is my hope that this amendment remains uncontroversial--as it has been--and, again, will be passed unanimously by the House.

Mr. GRAYSON. I yield to the gentleman from Idaho.

Mr. GRAYSON. Thank you very much. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, to recognize John Edward Barber. John was born to Nancy and Robert Barber on December 3, 1972 in Winter Garden, Florida. John graduated from West Orange High School in 1991 after spending a year in Germany on a Congress-Bundestag Scholarship through AFS. John then went on to study Political Science and Women's Studies at the University of South Florida, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1995. While in college, John and Sam Singhaus teamed up to perform as their drag characters, Tweeka Louise Weed and Miss Sammy, doing shows in Orlando and Tampa. John moved to Miami's South Beach, then to Atlanta, before moving back to Orlando to attend cosmetology school. He built a faithful following as a hair stylist, working most recently at Vamp Hair Salon in Orlando's Thornton Park neighborhood. He was voted Favorite Local Hair Stylist in Watermark magazine's 2008 ``Wave Awards''. He stayed active in politics, using his Tweeka Weed persona as a political and social commentator on radio station 106.7 FM (WXXL) during the 2008 elections. He was also a volunteer during Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer's campaign and an active political fundraiser and supporter. John was also an advocate for HIV and AIDS awareness. John was seldom without his sense of humor. He was a consummate entertainer wherever he was, whether it was talking to customers as he styled their hair or raising funds for a political candidate or charity. John died Monday, Oct. 17, 2011, after a ten-month battle with cancer. He was just 38 years old. John's legacy lives on in Orlando through The Barber Fund which he founded while undergoing intense cancer treatment. John touched many lives and will be remembered as someone who spent his time on Earth making our community a better and more beautiful place. He is survived by his mother, Nancy Barber; his grandmother, Nancy Arnold; his sister, Nancy Barber; his sister and brother-in-law, Robin and Ron Branch, and their children, Ellie, Steve, and Bobby Branch; his aunt and uncle, Fran and Dan Arnold, Jr.; and his aunt, Carol Booth. I am proud to honor the memory of John Edward Barber, during LGBT Pride Month.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, to recognize Danny Humphress and Enrique de la Torre. Business owners and philanthropists, Danny Humphress and Enrique de la Torre are longtime supporters of LGBT equality in Greater Orlando and across the State, providing financial support, volunteering their time, and opening their home to host events benefiting the LGBT community. Danny has served on numerous committees, including chairing events that have raised more than $400,000 for LGBT equality. During important news events, such as 2013's United States v. Windsor Supreme Court decision, they have acted as spokesmen telling their personal story and the larger story of the continuing LGBT struggle for equality to the media. A devoted couple since 1989, Danny and Enrique were thrilled to have their relationship finally legally recognized in 2010, when they were married in Washington, DC. Both continue to fight to have that basic right afforded to everyone in their home state of Florida and across the United States. Recognizing that the struggle for equality doesn't end with marriage rights, they are dedicated to continuing their service to the community until true equality is achieved for all. I am happy to honor Danny Humphress and Enrique de la Torre, during LGBT Pride Month, for their efforts to further LGBT equality.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, to recognize Nadine Smith. Smith is the co-founder and CEO of Equality Florida, the state's largest organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In 1986, Smith served on the founding board of the International Gay and Lesbian Organization. Smith has been recognized as a national leader by organizations including the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Human Rights Campaign, Human Rights Task Force of Florida, National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), and the National Black Lesbian and Gay Leadership Forum. A former award-winning journalist, Smith has written syndicated columns for various gay and mainstream publications. Smith was also an award-winning investigative journalist for WUSF, a National Public Radio affiliate in Tampa, and later became a reporter for the Tampa Tribune. In 1993, Smith was part of the historic oval office meeting between then incumbent President Bill Clinton and LGBT leaders. Smith was co- chair of the 1993 March on Washington, coordinating national and international media. She also served four terms as co-chair of the Federation of Statewide LGBT Advocacy Organizations. Smith attended the U.S. Air Force Academy after graduating High School in Panama City. She left after the passage of Don't Ask Don't Tell in 1993. She earned a Masters in Communication from the University of South Florida. In 1995, Smith served as campaign manager for Citizens for a Fair Tampa, a successful effort to prevent the repeal of the city's human rights ordinance, which included sexual orientation. Smith has been an outspoken advocate for hate crimes and anti-bullying legislation. In 2008, Equality Florida's efforts resulted in the passage of a statewide anti-bullying law that has spurred school districts across the state to include sexual orientation and gender identity in their anti-bullying and anti-harassment policies. From 2006 to 2009, Smith served on the Board for Fairness for All Families, a grassroots effort to protect LGBT families in the face of a ballot measure that banned recognition of marriage between same sex couples. The measure, which passed with approximately 62 percent of the vote, also banned protections that are the ``substantial equivalent of marriage''. Smith has served as a spokesperson for Equality Florida denouncing the ban on adoptions by LGBT individuals. In particular, Smith challenged the state for using huge sums of taxpayer dollars to fund a discredited anti-gay activist as their star witness for the ban. In 2013, Smith was named one of the state's ``Most Powerful and Influential Women'' by the Florida Diversity Council. She was also given the League of Women Voter's Woman of Distinction Award earlier this year. She lives in St. Petersburg with her wife Andrea and son Logan. I am happy to honor Nadine Smith, during LGBT Pride Month, for her tireless efforts on behalf of the LGBT community nationwide and in Florida.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, to recognize Alan Ray Jordan. Alan was a bright light whose flame was extinguished far too early. Born and raised in Georgia, Alan moved to Orlando later in life. Soon after Alan moved to Orlando, he met Billy Manes. Alan and Billy knew, almost immediately, that they had found someone special in each other. Billy described Alan as ``a charmer who looked like a black-and- white film star and talked like John Wayne.'' In 2003, Billy was asked to run for interim Mayor of Orlando. Alan was Billy's biggest supporter, becoming his campaign treasurer and coach. Alan was the rock behind Orlando's first openly-gay candidate for Mayor. Billy's candidacy, with Alan's help and support, would change Orlando's political landscape. Alan's friends recognized his selfless commitment to Billy through his celebration of Billy's accomplishments. He was Billy's partner in helping to highlight the inequalities that gay couples faced in making lives together. Alan's health began declining in 2006, forcing him to go on long-term disability. With the help of Billy, Alan was able to stay active and take care of his family despite his ailing health. Billy and Alan decided that they needed to protect themselves in a state that refused to recognize their union. In 2007, Alan joined Billy in testing the legal limits in gaining rights as a same-sex couple. Alan allowed his life with Billy to be detailed in an Orlando Weekly article in an effort to examine the injustice faced by gay couples seeking marriage equality. Alan's courage in helping to reveal the struggle that same-sex couples face, helped to give fuel to the marriage equality movement in Florida. Alan's health took a turn for the worse in 2011, and despite Billy's heroic efforts to stop his decline Alan would ultimately take his own life in the spring of 2012. Alan Ray Jordan was a gift to our community. His support of one of Orlando's foremost advocates for equality, peace, and justice and his own voice and struggle for the community have made the world a better place. I am honored to recognize Alan's commitment and sacrifices for our community and lament the fact that he is no longer with us. Alan Jordan's legacy will be one that inspires generations to come and helps to remind all of us of the human toll that inequality and prejudice will take if not corrected. On behalf of Billy Manes and the Central Florida community, I am proud to honor Alan Ray Jordan, during LGBT Pride Month.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, to recognize Michael Farmer. Michael Farmer began his advocacy at the young age of 17. He and a group of friends started a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) at Apopka High School, a conservative part of Central Florida. While attending Valencia Community College, Michael served as the Valencia College Campus Organizer for the Fairness For All Families (FFAF) Campaign. This campaign aimed to defeat a constitutional amendment to ban marriage equality and civil unions in Florida. He went on to serve as the Orlando Area Field Organizer for FFAF. In 2009, Michael joined the staff of Equality Florida (EQFL) as the organization's Safe Schools Policy and GSA Network Coordinator. As Equality Florida's GSA Network Coordinator, Michael trained hundreds of students and teachers across the state on best practices for making schools safe for LGBT youth. From 2010 to 2012, Michael served as EQFL's Statewide Field Coordinator. In this role, Michael helped to increase the organization's pro-equality voter file by more than 20,000 voters. Additionally, he raised EQFL's profile at community events and mobilized members and pro-equality voters to support pro-equality and openly LGBT candidates. In 2013, Michael transitioned into the role of Statewide Field Director. As Statewide Field Director, Michael led EQFL's field staff on programs related to voter education and mobilization, and increased EQFL's member engagement. Currently, Michael serves as Equality Florida's Director of Development for Central and North Florida. In this capacity, he leads EQFL's development programs and staff in Orlando, Sarasota, Jacksonville and Tallahassee. Since 2012, Michael and his teams across the state have raised over one million dollars in the pursuit of LGBT equality in Florida. Through his work at Equality Florida, Michael has been able to play a leadership role in changing the policy landscape for the LGBT community in Florida. Michael also played an integral role in the passage of Domestic Partner Registries in both the City of Orlando and Orange County. These registries provide critical protections for unmarried couples in times of emergency. To date, more than 1,000 couples have registered. Michael helped pass Orange County's Human Rights Ordinance, which bans discrimination against the LGBT community in housing, public accommodations, and the workplace. He also contributed to the passage of Orange County's Domestic Partner Benefits for county workers, which allow the spouses of county workers to access important health benefits. Additionally, he helped spearhead the passage of Domestic Partner Benefits and a Nondiscrimination Policy at Orange County Public Schools (OCPS)--the nation's ninth largest school district. These policies provide important healthcare benefits to the spouses of OCPS teachers and protect LGBT teachers and students from discrimination. In 2012, The Advocate nominated Michael as one of ``40 under 40'' activists in the nation. He regularly represents Equality Florida's initiatives and programs on local TV and print media, and is a member of the Orlando Anti-Discrimination Ordinance Committee. Michael is a graduate of the University of Central Florida and holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science with a concentration on American Politics and Public Policy. I am happy to honor Michael Farmer, during LGBT Pride Month, for his work to secure equality for LGBT individuals in Central Florida and throughout the state of Florida.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, to recognize Tom Dyer. Tom was born in Lancaster, Ohio in 1955. His family moved from Madison, Wisconsin to the Orlando area in 1969. One of his first summer jobs was as a character at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. Tom is a graduate of Winter Park High School, DePauw University and the University of Florida, Levin College of Law. Tom is the founder and publisher of Watermark, Orlando and Tampa Bay's award-winning LGBT newspaper. Founded in 1994, the newspaper distributes 20,000 newspapers to more than 500 locations every other Thursday. The web site, WatermarkOnline.com, is visited by more than 5,000 users every week. The company donates more than $200,000 annually in free and sponsor advertising to worthy local and national LGBT non- profits. In 1997 Watermark Media produced Beach Ball at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, the first large-scale nighttime party associated with Gay Days Weekend. Watermark publishes a glossy guide to Gay Days Weekend, the largest annual LGBT gathering in the nation, as well as programs for St. Pete Pride in June and Orlando's Come Out With Pride in October. Watermark sought to hang rainbow flags throughout downtown Orlando during Gay Pride Month in 1998. The city reluctantly acquiesced, but the controversy made national news when televangelist, Pat Robertson, predicted Orlando would be beset by hurricanes as punishment. Tom has interviewed such luminaries as Gloria Steinem, Billie Jean King, Lily Tomlin and Martina Navratilova for Watermark. His recent interview with former governor, and now candidate for governor, Charlie Crist, went viral after it was picked up by HuffPost.com, CNN.com and MSNBC.com. In addition to publishing Watermark, Tom is a practicing attorney and senior partner in Dyer & Blaisdell, PL. He is a former board member of the Metropolitan Business Association and the Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. He currently serves on the advisory board for the Harvey Milk Foundation. Tom has received the Vice Versa Award for excellence in LGBT journalism, the Spectrum Award for Male Role Model and Equality Florida's Voice for Equality Award. In 2004, the City of Orlando presented Tom with the ``Key to the City'' in honor of Watermark's 10th anniversary. In 2014, he was named a Champion of Equality by the Harvey Milk Foundation. Tom lives in Winter Park, where he enjoys spending time with nine nieces and nephews and his beloved Welsh corgi, Seamus. He's also working on his downward dog at regular Yoga sessions. I am happy to honor Tom Dyer, during LGBT Pride Month, for his contributions to the Central Florida LGBT community.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, to recognize Mark Charles Cady. Born to Lealond H. Cady, Jr. and Jacqueline C. Cady on December 11, 1964 in Jacksonville, Florida, Mark is the youngest of three. Mark had a typical Florida childhood. He played cars and trucks, cops and robbers, swam in local lakes, ran around with dirt on his face, and played in the rain. At an early age, Mark started to consider the plight of the less fortunate. While his family was by no means wealthy, his faith and upbringing inspired him to do what was in his capacity to help others. Running on a platform of ``Let's help each other,'' he was elected student council president at his high school in 1981. Immediately after high school, Mark entered the United States Navy and began 12 years of service as a Religious Programs Specialist. While stationed in Okinawa, Japan, Mark coordinated programs to provide food and services to the host Japanese nationals in conjunction with various non-profit organizations. As an accomplished performer, he also performed more than 20 concerts for military members, their families, and the host nationals. His outstanding career in the Navy earned him a Navy Achievement Medal from the Secretary of the Navy and various other awards, commendations, and newspaper and magazine articles highlighting his accomplishments. As a gay man, Mark chose to leave the Navy in protest of ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' in 1994. He earned an Honorable Discharge. Over the years, Mark's career led him into advertising and marketing, but he always maintained his desire to help others and strengthen his Christian faith. In his late 20's, he was ordained a Deacon at Joy Metropolitan Community Church, Orlando. He began serving with various community organizations and continued his career as a singer and entertainer. At age 34, Mark's father died. He withdrew from community service and began a downward spiral that led him into drug addiction. At age 44, he entered drug rehabilitation with the VA Medical System and got his life back on track. Since his recovery, he has given back to the community that has provided him with so much support. He has served as Vice President and President of the Board of Directors for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual (GLBCC) Community Center, Marketing Chair of the GLBCC Community Center, Secretary of the Board of Directors of Lakeside Behavioral Healthcare, Philanthropic Chair of Aspire Health Partners, Marketing Chair of Come Out With Pride, Chair of the Metropolitan Business Association's Referral Exchange Development Group, and Founder of Out & Proud Veterans of America. He also coordinated the donations for and oversaw the erection of the first LGBT Veterans Memorial in Florida located at the GLBCC and acts as a liaison for the Orlando VA Medical Center for LGBT Veterans and other LGBT service organizations. In October 2013, Mark was ordained into the Diaconate of the independent Catholic Church and in January 2015 he will be ordained into the Catholic priesthood. Mark is in a committed relationship with his partner Dr. Carlos Archilla. I am happy to honor Mark Charles Cady, during LGBT Pride Month, for his service to our country and to the Central Florida community.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, to recognize Mary Anne Metaxas. Born to William and Mary Jane Metaxas in Columbus, Ohio, she is the youngest of five children. She grew up in New Jersey and spent many of her summers at the Jersey shore. Metaxas enjoyed growing up in a large family and maintains a very close relationship with all of her siblings and their respective families. Metaxas earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the Florida State University and is a proud Seminoles football fan. After college, Metaxas entered the video production industry and quickly realized her passion for creating entertaining and effective media. Metaxas soon joined i.d.e.a.s. at Disney MGM Studios, as a freelance Producer. Through this role, she worked on a variety of projects for Fortune 500 companies, theme parks, the Disney Company, museums, and broadcast television. Metaxas stayed with the company, now known as IDEAS, when it transitioned to private ownership in 2001. She has been an integral part of the IDEAS creative team since its inception, serving as producer, director, post-supervisor, and creative consultant. She currently serves as Vice President of Media Production and leads the creative team on all IDEAS media projects. Metaxas is both a longtime supporter and volunteer for the Human Rights Campaign. As a Federal Club member, she played an integral role in creating the Orlando HRC community and continues to help nurture its growth. She has served in a volunteer capacity at a variety of local events over the years and attended the HRC National Dinner in Washington, DC with other national leaders. Metaxas has a special place in her heart for dogs. For many years, she has volunteered for Florida Little Dog Rescue and has fostered too many puppies and dogs to count. She takes great pride in helping to rehabilitate rescued dogs, and feels great joy in seeing them recover and thrive. The care she takes in ensuring her foster dogs are adopted into great homes is commendable. As a sign of gratitude for her commitment, many of the new families keep in touch long after the adoption. Metaxas can often be seen around Orlando on her vintage-style scooter. She has utilized this passion to help raise money for Libby's Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation's annual ``Scooters for Hooters'' events. She was named 2010 Fundraising Freak for raising the most donations and has served as captain of the multi-year highest fundraising team. She continues to ride in memory of her beloved mother who passed away in 2001. Metaxas is an active member of the Orlando community and supports a variety of other local non-profit and political organizations including Hope and Help of Central Florida, Metropolitan Business Association, Planned Parenthood of Greater Orlando, and the Zebra Coalition. Metaxas resides in Orlando, Florida with her spouse Jennifer Foster. On their 10-year anniversary in 2013, the couple was honored to be able to legally marry. They live happily with their three dogs (Matti, Maci, and Patrick), and two cats (Graci and Kevin). I am happy to honor Mary Anne Metaxas, during LGBT Pride Month, for her professional and civic contributions to the Central Florida community.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, to recognize Jeffrey Miller. Jeffrey currently serves as the President of the Holocaust Memorial Research and Education Center of Florida. In 2010, he was instrumental in conceiving and implementing the Upstanders Stand Up to Bullying Initiative. This ongoing and highly recognized program has since been implemented in the public middle schools of Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. The Upstanders Initiative is a multi-year program which has served thousands of Central Florida students by teaching them to safely recognize bullying behavior, report it to teachers, parents, and counselors, and, most importantly, learn ``upstander'' rather than ``bystander'' behavior. Jeffrey has been responsible for raising significant amounts of money for the funding of this program through a partnership with David Yurman, the luxury jewelry retailer, as well as by representing the Center before grant-making agencies. In the schools where this program has been implemented, a significant percentage of students have reported that they have learned to identify bullying behavior and are willing to take steps to prevent it. School officials have reported a significant change in the percentage of students who are willing to be ``upstanders.'' Jeffrey and his husband, Ted Maines, have served as the Co-Chairs of the Holocaust Center Dinner of Tribute in 2012 and 2013 and as Co- Chairs of the 2013 Inaugural Gala for the Orlando Ballet. These events raise significant amounts of money for the operational expenses of the organizations. Jeffrey has served as an Honorary Host for the United Cerebral Palsy fundraising gala in 2014, is on the Host Committee for the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Grand Opening in 2014- 15, and will once again serve as the Ballet Gala's 2014 Co-Chair. Jeffrey has also served on the Steering Committee of the Equality Florida annual gala and as Chair of the Table Committee for the Hope and Help Headress Ball. Jeffrey and Ted have hosted fund raisers in their home for the Orlando Ballet and Planned Parenthood, as well as numerous political fund raisers, including the Orange County Democratic Executive Committee Spring fund raiser in 2012. Jeffrey has been consistently named to the 50 Most Powerful list by Orlando Magazine. Together with Ted, has also been recognized as the Number One Power Couple by that publication--the first gay couple to achieve that recognition. Jeffrey is a member of and contributor to the Human Rights Campaign Federal Club, the Gift of Life Circle for Hope and Help of Central Florida, and the Acquisition Trust of the Orlando Museum of Art. In addition to the Holocaust Center, Jeffrey has served on the Board of the GLBT Community Center of Central Florida and as Treasurer of Temple Israel. I am happy to honor Jeffrey Miller, during LGBT Pride Month, for his work on behalf of youth and the arts as well as his outstanding civic engagement in the Central Florida community.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, to recognize Jason Lambert. Jason has been a small business owner in downtown Orlando for over ten years and has been involved with local politics and community fundraising since 2004. He has owned bars and restaurants in downtown Orlando, Thornton Park, and Ivanhoe Village, which, for over a decade, has enabled him to host fundraising and special events. In 2005, Jason was honored to have been one of the founding members of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Orlando Steering Committee. Since that time, he has served on the Board of Governors for over six years. He was also the Federal Club co-chair for over two years, during which time the Orlando Steering Committee was awarded ``Federal Club of the Year'' by the HRC. He also co-chaired the annual ``COOK Orlando'' event for three years, one of the signature fundraising events for the local community. One of his proudest moments with HRC was when he ran the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. as an HRC Athlete for Equality in 2012, just one year after the historic repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. In addition to HRC, Jason also contributes to and supports the Democratic Party, Planned Parenthood, Libby's Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation, Equality Florida, Come Out with Pride, and the Metropolitan Business Association (MBA). Most recently, his newest business was recognized as the ``2014 Small Business of the Year'' by the MBA. He currently serves on the Ivanhoe Village Main Street Board as the Promotions Chair and was recently asked to be on the board of The Barber Fund, a local organization that helps people living with cancer. He lives with his partner Joe and their two dogs Logan and Blue. I am happy to honor Jason Lambert, during LGBT Pride Month, for his contributions to the LGBT and Central Florida community.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, to recognize John Daniel Ruffier. John was born May 21, 1971 in Orlando, Florida to Eugene Daniel Ruffier and Joan Dial Ruffier. He is their third child, along with William Eugene (``Bill'') and Margaret Grace. John is a product of Orange County public schools, having attended Lake Silver Elementary, Lee Junior High, and Edgewater High School before going on to Vanderbilt University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of the Arts Degree in English and History in 1992. Ruffier then attended the University of Florida's Fredric G. Levin College of Law. Upon graduation in 1996, John joined Orlando's largest and most prestigious law firm, Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A., where he remains a shareholder specializing in commercial real estate, with a focus on assisting clients with the acquisition, financing, and sale of senior housing communities and medical office buildings. John also works with governmental and non-profit institutions in forming partnerships for large-scale redevelopment projects. John has earned the highest rating of ``AV'' from Martindale-Hubbell for his legal skills. John has an extensive record of public service with community service organizations in Central Florida and has served on the board of directors for many groups, such as the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida, the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, and the Central Florida Coalition for the Homeless. He also served on the City of Orlando Public Art Advisory Board for many years. In 2007, John was appointed by then-governor Charlie Crist to the Florida Real Estate Commission, where he served until 2011. John, along with Jennifer Foster, founded the Central Florida steering committee for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and, after having served on HRC's national board of governors for many years, joined the board of directors for HRC's nonprofit foundation in 2011. I am happy to honor John Daniel Ruffier, during LGBT Pride Month, for his professional and civic contributions to the Central Florida community.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, to recognize Mallory Garner-Wells. Mallory has worked at Equality Florida, Florida's statewide LGBT organization for nearly 10 years, where she serves as the organization's full time lobbyist in Tallahassee during legislative session. In 2008, Mallory played an integral role in passing the anti- bully bill in addition to blocking an amendment that would have prevented gay Floridians from adopting overseas. The following year, she helped to organize the Rally in Tally for LGBT Equality, the first LGBT rally at the Capitol in over 10 years. She has contributed to the passing of over 120 pro-equality local policies throughout the state of Florida. Mallory has also served on the national Young People 4 Steering Committee, where she received an award for Youth Mobilization. She has been named one of the ``Top 25 Leaders under 25'' by Watermark magazine and one of The Advocate's ``40 Under 40'' in May 2012. Mallory is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, where she received a degree in Political Science. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, she served as both the President of the Florida Collegiate Pride Coalition and as a board member for the Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Student Union (GLBSU). I am happy to honor Mallory Garner-Wells, during LGBT Pride Month, for her contributions to the LGBT community in Florida.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, to recognize Pat Padilla. After conversations with a gay colleague some years ago, Pat realized how unaware she was concerning the struggles and inequality faced by the LGBT community and their loved ones. Shortly afterwards, she discovered the local Orlando/Central Florida chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbian and Gays (PFLAG), which has led her on an extraordinary journey of grassroots advocacy and activism. Working with the LGBT community and allies over the years has, in turn, enriched her life in so many ways. As a straight ally, she served as president of PFLAG Orlando/Central Florida chapter for 11 years. She also served as a member the Equality Florida Board of Directors for 8 years. Equality Florida is the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. Since 2001, she has been a member of Orlando Anti-Discrimination Organization (OADO). OADO has been responsible for passing various LGBT inclusive Human Rights Ordinances (HRO) and Domestic Partnership Registries (DPR) in both Orlando and Orange County, Florida. In 2009, Pat received the Orlando Metropolitan Business Organization `Debbie Simmons Community Service Award'. Pat is passionate about increasing awareness and understanding of LGBT individuals, especially youth and ``transgender'' individuals. This passion led to her involvement with Zebra Coalition and Orlando Youth Alliance. Over time, she has compiled a wealth of information including individuals, organizations, and resources for LGBT persons needing assistance. This information has become a vital asset for various organizations. Pat holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida. For the past 15 years, Pat has worked for Symantec Corporation in both sales and support services roles. She leads the global LGBTA Employee Resource Group, SymPRIDE. In 2007, she initiated a change to the Symantec diversity policy to include ``transgender''. Along with SymPRIDE, she is also a member of SWAN (Symantec Women's Action Network) and HOLA (Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Affinity). Pat lived in Venezuela for 10 years, where she had the gratifying experience of working with Mother Teresa and as a translator for the Missionaries of Charity. I am happy to honor Pat Padilla, during LGBT Pride Month, for her compassion for and service to the LGBT community in Central Florida.