Matt Gaetz

Mr. GAETZ

Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the incredibly heroic Master at Arms First Class Joseph Pellicano from Pace, Florida, who is stationed at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, for the role that he played in saving the life of young Kaysin Willis. On January 16, 2017, MA1 Pellicano, while en route to work at NAS Whiting Field, drove upon a two-car accident and stopped to render aid. A small child had been injured in the incident and upon realization that the child was unresponsive and had no vital signs, MA1 Pellicano began CPR on the child. He was able to successfully resuscitate the child, and then assisted the medical team as they prepared the child for transport to the local children's hospital. The child's injuries were extensive, yet Kaysin was able to make a full recovery and is now home with his family. This would not have been possible without the quick thinking and selfless initiative that MA1 Pellicano demonstrated on this day. I would like to extend my gratitude to MA1 Pellicano for his valiant efforts that resulted in saving this young child's life. His exceptional character is evidenced by his courageous and extraordinary actions. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, and a grateful community, I am privileged to recognize Master at Arms First Class Joseph Pellicano for his bravery and thank him for his service.

Mr. GAETZ

Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, today I rise with great respect and admiration to honor Technical Sergeant Marshall Price. After 12 years of active duty, Technical Sergeant Price is medically retiring from the United States Air Force following injuries sustained during his deployments to Africa. Technical Sergeant Price has been a dedicated servant to our Nation since 2005, when he first enlisted at the age of 19, and today we celebrate his service. Throughout his notable career, Technical Sergeant Price has been stationed at Moody AFB in Valdosta, Georgia, Fairchild AFB in Spokane, Washington, and Hulburt Field in Florida's First Congressional District. Marshall has been an active supporter of our national security interests, participating in various undisclosed missions in both Djibouti and Afghanistan. Additionally, he has earned recognition for his distinguished service from the 9th Special Operations Squadron. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, and a grateful community, I am privileged to recognize Technical Sergeant Price for his commitment to our country and the sacrifices he has made on its behalf. On his retirement from the United States Air Force, I thank him and his family for his honorable service, and wish them all the best going forward.

Mr. GAETZ

Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay respect to the American warfighter. As we celebrate Military Appreciation Month, it is important to convey that the words we use to honor our brave men and women in uniform must be followed up by action. The time for paying artificial lip service to the military community is over. Next month, the House Armed Services Committee will initiate its annual markup of the National Defense Authorization Act. The NDAA is one of the few things in Washington that actually works. The NDAA has been passed--with bipartisan support--for the last 56 years. But this year's NDAA might be the most important yet. For the last eight years, our military has been degraded, defunded, and disgraced by the previous administration's attempt to lead from behind. Today, the United States military lacks the requisite personnel and material readiness required to protect our nation against unforeseen and near- peer adversaries. Our nation faces a litany of global threats from North Korea and Syria, to the Islamic State and Iran. Failed states and trans-national fundamentalist regimes that want nothing more than to destroy democracy and the American spirit. The United States military is America's front line defense against the plague of radical Islamic terrorism and demagogues. There is no other way to say it. Our military is broken. Consider the following: The Navy is in its smallest state in 99 years, and faces increased demand with limited resources (274 ships). Moreover, the Navy can only satisfy 40% of all Combatant Commander requests due to high operational tempo and lengthy maintenance periods 50% of the civilian workforce working in Navy shipyards have less than five years of experience, and such inexperience impacts the on- time delivery of new ships, and increases the cost of the American taxpayer Prior to 1992, the Air Force purchased about 200 fighter aircraft per year; today the Air Force buys less than 20; that is a 90 percent reduction of new fighter aircraft And of the 58 Army Brigades stationed around the world, only three-- three--are prepared to fight in an armed conflict tonight, meaning they require no additional training, manpower, or equipment I am honored to serve as the elected representatives of one of the largest military districts in America. No district in this entire country has more military retirees, military veterans, and military dependents than Northwest Florida. Few districts can lay claim to Northwest Florida's operational and training footprint. My district is home to the Army's 7th Special Forces Group; the Air Force Special Operations Command; The Joint Gulf Range Complex which provides supersonic air combat training and hypersonic weapons testing for frontline warfighters like the F-35 and the F-22; and Pensacola Naval Air Station, the cradle of Naval Aviation. But the time for honoring the brave men and women of the military with just words is over. They need more than free dinners at Applebee's and free milkshakes at Dairy Queen to feel truly appreciated. We need congressional commitment to end the scourge of sequestration. We need to right the wrongs of the previous administration's systematic dismantling of military readiness. We need the 115th Congress show its true military appreciation by providing the American warfighter with the tools, training, and long term funding to protect the homeland and sustain America as the preeminent global superpower.

Mr. GAETZ

Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, as a Floridian, I have to take a moment to share my gratitude to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mast) for the remarks he just shared. During my occupancy of the rostrum, my own eyes welled with tears as I thought of the empty chairs at the table in my own district and all throughout the country as people, as families have made sacrifice and sent those to fight for us. I can only be reminded, hearing the gentleman from Florida's remarks, that each and every day in this House we do fall short of that great patriotism that is reflected by our servicemen and -women: We could do better; we could be more worthy of the sacrifice; we could resist the influences of special interests more; we could make the tough decisions that are necessary; we could put America on a better footing forward. It is my belief and my sincere hope, by hearing the words of my colleague, by raising our gaze to an even broader and more accepting patriotism, that we can do it. And I believe Mr. Mast will be one of the people that lead us in that regard.

Mr. GAETZ

Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, in the warm waters off Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, the Carolinas, and my beloved Florida, a reef assassin lurks. Lionfish are an invasive species, with no predators, huge appetites, and exploding populations. Just one female lionfish will release 10 million eggs during her lifetime. Each lionfish can eat 65 juvenile reef fish in one meal. NOAA ecologists call the lionfish one of the greatest threats of the century to reefs. Reefs support tourism, recreational fishing, commercial fishing, and our way of life. Lionfish threaten a multi-billion-dollar reef economy. To date, all efforts to eradicate the lionfish have failed. Bounty programs are uneconomical, and rodeos, while helpful, are unscalable. Today, I filed legislation to turn the tables on the lionfish. Our proposition is simple: Fishermen who slay 100 lionfish can earn one tag to fish red snapper, gag grouper, triggerfish, or amberjack whenever they want. Anyone who kills 100 lionfish has done their part to save hundreds, if not thousands, of coveted reef fish. The Reef Assassin Act costs no money and uses our natural resources to protect our natural resources. I encourage my colleagues to support the Reef Assassin Act.

Mr. GAETZ

Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the men and women of law enforcement whose selfless service to a noble cause fills me with humble gratitude. Being a law enforcement officer requires more than training. It requires sacrifice, devotion, integrity, and honor. Most importantly, it requires an unshakeable faith in the value and importance in the rule of law. What keeps our civil society from a descent into lawlessness and chaos? What separates civilization from savagery? It is a thin blue line--these men and women of law enforcement, who give their blood, sweat, tears, and sometimes their lives in order to protect and serve communities; who make the country a safer place, one street, one neighborhood, and one community at a time. As a society, our laws enshrine freedom, our security, and our liberty. They uphold America's promise of innate fairness. But for their service and devotion to our great Nation, our law enforcement officers are often criticized and scorned by some they serve. Yet, through it all, they continue to serve and protect. Too often these brave men and women are targets of violence, which is why I support the Thin Blue Line Act. An attack on law enforcement is an attack on the freedom of the United States of America, and it cannot be tolerated. Mr. Speaker, some have spoken out in opposition to the death penalty in this discussion, and they would say only God can judge. And while that is true, certainly the United States Government can do a better job setting up the meeting. So today I rise in support of heroes, and I hope my colleagues will do the same.

Mr. GAETZ

Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, it is with both profound sadness and deep gratitude that I rise to pay tribute to a fallen decorated American hero. On April 8, 2017, Staff Sergeant Mark R. De Alencar, who was assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, tragically succumbed to injuries received from small arms fire in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. Staff Sgt. De Alencar was 37 years old, but lived a lifetime marked by and full of service. Born in a U.S. Army hospital in Nuremburg, Germany, Staff Sgt. De Alencar's childhood followed his father's military career. Graduating from Joppatowne High School, Joppa, Maryland, in 1998, he then worked odd jobs before becoming a carpenter. But it was in 2009, that he choose to follow in his father's footsteps and joined the U.S. Army. After attending Basic Combat Training and Cannon Crewmember (13B) Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Staff Sgt. De Alencar was assigned to Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. After arrival, he was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. Staff Sgt. De Alencar later attended Ranger School, graduated, and re-classed as an Infantryman (11B). During his time at Schofield Barracks, he served as Fire Team Leader, Rifle Squad Leader, and attended multiple training events with partnered forces throughout the Pacific; including Australian Jungle Operations, Operation Cobra Gold in Thailand, and multiple rotations to the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California. In September 2016, Staff Sgt. De Alencar graduated from the Special Operations Qualification Course earning the qualification as a Weapons Sergeant (18B) and was assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) located at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Staff Sgt. De Alencar's military education includes Basic Leaders Course, Advanced Leaders Course, Jungle Operations Course, Ranger School, Airborne School, Air Assault School, Special Forces Qualification Course, and Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape School. Staff Sgt. De Alencar's awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Unit Citation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Expert Infantryman's Badge, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, B Badge, and the Drivers Badge. As exemplified by his extraordinary heroism, Staff Sgt. De Alencar's life stands as a testament that freedom is not free, and his legacy will echo in time as an example of the ultimate sacrifice made in the name of freedom On behalf of a humble and grateful Nation, I hope the De Alencar family will find solace in knowing their support, love, and counsel helped make him the hero he became both in uniform and as a father. I pray that God will be with Mark's wife, Natasha; sons, Rodrigo and Marcos; stepson, Deshaun; daughter, Tatiyana; stepdaughter, Octavia and all their family and friends during this time of great mourning and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Mr. GAETZ

Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Pensacola Blue Wahoos Baseball Team, in Northwest Florida. In 2016, the Southern League of Professional Baseball Clubs announced the Wahoos as the winners of the ``Community Service Award''. In addition, the Director of Sports Turf Management for the Blue Wahoos, Ray Sayre, was named the ``Groundskeeper of the Year'' for the fourth consecutive season. The team members have demonstrated a profound dedication to their community by participating in activities that directly benefit and uplift the Pensacola area. The Wahoos' outreach has helped such organizations as the Epilepsy Foundation of Northwest Florida, Autism Pensacola, the United Way, the National Alliance of Mental Illness, and many more. Working with the Studer Community Institute, through such programs as ``Kazoo's Grand Slam Reading Program'', the team has highlighted the priority of Early Childhood Education; this program reached over 9,000 students and parents in 2016. The Blue Wahoos have a long history of taking an active role in their community. In 2012, their unwavering support and involvement resulted in them being named the ``Southern League Organization of the Year'', ``Ballpark Digest's Organization of the Year'', and ``Ballpark of the Year'' by Baseballparks.com. The tradition of excellence has continued since 2013, when the team was named ``Stadium Journey's Best Minor League Ballpark Experience''; and again, awarded the ``Southern League Community Service Award''. Since then, the Blue Wahoos have won many awards from a multitude of organizations because of their selfless contributions to the Pensacola area. I would like to personally thank all of the past and present members of the Blue Wahoos, as well as all of the employees who participate and provide support for the team and community events. I would also like to thank Quint Studer and his team for providing the leadership that supports this remarkable cooperative contribution. On behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize the Pensacola Blue Wahoos Baseball Team for their continuous devotion to enhancing their community and for their contribution to an immeasurable positive impact that has occurred because of each team member's exceptional character. It is with great pride that I recognize and thank them for all that they do.

Mr. GAETZ

Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Mr. ``Buz'' Eddy, the City Manager of The City of Gulf Breeze, Florida. Mr. Eddy has served the city in this role since 1992. On May 1, 2017, Mr. Eddy is retiring after twenty-five years of dedicated service. Mr. Eddy has contributed his expertise and guidance in many different capacities. He served on the Board of the Florida City/County Managers Association, and as a member of the Gulf Breeze Sertoma and Gulf Breeze Rotary Clubs. Buz served as President of the Gulf Breeze Rotary Club in 2015-2016. Mr. Eddy also serves as the City's representative on The Santa Rosa County RESTORE Council and is President of Fairpoint Regional Utility System. As City Manager, Mr. Eddy made structural transformation the cornerstone of his administration. He has put in place the plans, procedures, systems, and controls necessary for accountability and performance to ensure Gulf Breeze will continue to operate under the institutional principles established by his administration long after he leaves the post. During Mr. Eddy's tenure, Gulf Breeze was impressively recognized as the Number One Most Successful City in Florida over 215 top livable cities, based on national quality-of-life rankings. Mr. Eddy has contributed to the creation of countless successful projects and programs. He has demonstrated a profound dedication to the concepts of effective and democratic local government. His negotiations on behalf of the City have resulted in the expansion and redevelopment of a variety of enterprises. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Mr. ``Buz'' Eddy and congratulate him on his retirement. I thank him for his fairness, diligence, encouragement, and trustworthy leadership; and wish him all the best for continued success in the future.

Mr. GAETZ

Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ponce de Leon High School's senior Koby Townsend. Koby has received and accepted an offer to continue his college basketball career at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama. In addition to his success as a basketball player, Koby has excelled in the classroom. He is an active member of the Sr. Beta Club, a national organization honoring high academic achievement; and is set to graduate as Magna Cum Laude of his high school class. Koby has also been an active member of the FCCLA club serving as treasurer for one year. He competed in the speech contest and won 5 gold awards at the state level allowing him the opportunity to compete at the national level. I am proud to recognize the diligence and dedication this young man has shown to his team and education. Koby is a role model for fellow students and team members, and a source of pride for his community and all Northwest Florida. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Koby on his spectacular senior season and receiving this honor. I look forward to continuing to follow his basketball career.

Mr. GAETZ

Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to pay tribute to Master Sergeant Keary J. Miller upon being awarded the Air Force Cross, the service's highest combat medal of valor. While supporting a joint special operations team during the Battle of Roberts Ridge on March 4, 2002, then-Tech. Sgt. Miller saved the lives of ten U.S. service members and assisted in the recovery of seven who were killed in action all while facing insurmountable odds and a barrage of heavy enemy fire. The courage shown by this dedicated pararescueman is a true testament of his character. Master Sergeant Miller embodies the selfless commitment to service, sacrifice, and exceptional skill of our Nation's service members. The entire Northwest Florida community is immensely proud of our area's tradition of military service and support for those who wear the uniform. It is a true honor to recognize Master Sergeant Miller upon this most notable distinction.

Mr. GAETZ

Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to pay tribute to Staff Sergeant Christopher G. Baradat upon being awarded the Air Force Cross, the service's highest combat medal of valor. During his third deployment, Staff Sergeant Baradat called in close air support from A-10 Thunderbolt II fighter jets and AC-130 gunships while exposing himself directly to enemy gunfire. His efforts resulted in the safety and rescue of 150 troops and the destruction of 50 enemy and 13 separate fighting positions. The courage shown by this dedicated Special Tactics Airman is a true testament of his character. Staff Sergeant Baradat embodies the selfless commitment to service, sacrifice, and exceptional skill of our Nation's service members. The entire Northwest Florida community is immensely proud of our areas tradition of military service and support for those who wear the uniform. It is a true honor to recognize Staff Sergeant Baradat upon this most notable distinction.

Mr. GAETZ

Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, 93 percent of Americans support the legalization of doctor-prescribed medical marijuana--93 percent. But despite this widespread public support, marijuana remains classified as a schedule I drug, the same as LSD or heroin. This harms low-income communities each year, it turns thousands of citizens into felons, and it punishes people who are sick and looking for medical help. I think of Rayann, a young lady in my district with juvenile refractory epilepsy. She has seizures every day. Other treatments failed, but medical marijuana helped improve her condition. I thought of her when I worked on, and passed, Florida's Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act. Marijuana must be moved to schedule III, which will make it easier to conduct research into its medical uses. It will allow businesses to work with banks instead of looking over their shoulders in fear of a Federal raid, and it will keep States from being at odds with Federal law. Today I am proud to introduce legislation that will reclassify marijuana as a schedule III drug. I look forward to working with my colleagues. America is watching, and now we must act.

Mr. GAETZ

Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I rise to speak on an issue important to so many Floridians, and that is the Florida Everglades. The Everglades are Florida. They are as iconic as the Blue Angels, the space shuttle, and even the orange. No one in Florida is unaffected by the fate of the Everglades. This is why I join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in encouraging President Trump to remain focused on Everglades restoration. Congress has invested in these projects before, and the Everglades ecosystem is improving as a result. But there is debate about how to proceed. In short, the question is: Should the government buy more Everglades land? I say no. Forty-two percent of the land in south Florida is already owned by the government. We should get the government out of the real estate business, not deeper into it. Instead of a land buy, we must finish the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. Since 2000, this plan has enjoyed bipartisan support. Taxpayer dollars go toward important environmental work. The plan respects private property rights, doesn't harm agricultural communities who play a critical role in Florida's economies, and advances the cause of restoration. Florida's Everglades are a national treasure. We can't afford to lose them. Finishing the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan will ensure that our river of grass will be around for generations to come. Mr. Speaker, I take particular pride in thanking both Congressmen Rooneys from my State for their outstanding leadership.

Mr. GAETZ

Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, our great ally Australia has long been the leading voice in the world to end commercial whaling. I rise to let them know that they are not alone and to announce the filing of bipartisan legislation to support an end to commercial whaling. Another of our valued allies, Japan, unfortunately continues this depraved practice. In fact, the Japanese whaling fleet has just returned home, having killed 333 Antarctic minke whales. Despite the global ban on commercial whaling, Japan continues the slaughter on the seas under a thinly veiled claim of research. Research into whales is important, but all available science shows that this research can be conducted with nonlethal testing and biopsies. The Japan whale hunt isn't about research. It is about whale meat. In 2012, a Japanese minister even commented that the minke whale offers great flavor and aroma as sashimi. I think that is disgusting. The Japanese whalers shoot the world's majestic mammals with exploding harpoons and electric lances. Death can often take hours. Commercial and fake research hunting of whales must end. I thank Australia for its leadership. I ask Japan to be honest with the world and end this barbaric practice.

Mr. GAETZ

Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate and honor Angelina M. Pennisi Steiner for her literary achievements. At the age of thirteen, her poem ``The Rusty Clock'' was selected to be included in the award-winning Children's Album of Poetry Archives. After submitting another poem, ``A Nightly Wish,'' Mrs. Steiner became the only person in her school to be included twice. In 2014, her first book, ``Chasing Dreams'' was published. Now, her second book, ``Beautiful Words Coming My Way'' is being published and archived in the Library of Congress. Mrs. Steiner joined the Plant City Senior Center several years ago, where she shared her talents in weekly poetry readings. She became a member of the Florida Writer's Association, has been a guest at Winter Haven's ``Meet the Artist Event in the Park,'' and was the featured guest speaker at Bruton Memorial Library. Angelina recently participated in the 36th Annual Tampa Bay Senior Talent Showcase. A loving wife, and a mother of four children, Mrs. Steiner is inspired from everyday events, and has the talent to paint a beautiful picture through her poetry. Her rare talent and literary achievements must not go unrecognized. It makes me proud that a constituent of mine has achieved success in her literary endeavors.

Mr. GAETZ

Mr. GAETZ. Madam Speaker, I come from the State of Florida, where we have many of our citizens who live in nursing homes. Despite the views of some, those residents can live remarkable, productive, and fulfilling lives. One such resident is Angelina Steiner. Mrs. Steiner lives in the Plant City Senior Center. She shares her talents in weekly poetry readings. She became a member of the Florida Writers Association. In 2014, she published her first book: ``Chasing Dreams.'' Now, her second book: ``Beautiful Words Coming My Way'' is being published and archived in the Library of Congress. A loving wife and a mother of four children, Mrs. Steiner is inspired by everyday events. She has the talent to paint beautiful pictures through her poetry, and I am incredibly proud of her.

Mr. GAETZ

Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding. Mr. Speaker, it is with both profound sadness and deep gratitude that I rise to pay tribute to a fallen decorated American hero. On March 19, 2017, Sergeant First Class Robert R. Boniface of the 7th Special Forces Group, located in my district, tragically lost his life in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel. Sergeant First Class Boniface was 34 years old--my age--but he lived a lifetime marked by full service. Sergeant First Class Boniface entered the Army in March 2006. After infantry basic training and advanced individual training at Fort Benning, Georgia, he attended airborne school before being assigned to the Special Warfare Center and School. Sergeant First Class Boniface completed the Special Forces Qualification Course earning his green beret in 2010. He was assigned then to the 7th Special Forces Group. Sergeant First Class Boniface's awards and decorations include: two Bronze Star Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, two Army Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, three Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, the Army Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Special Forces Tab, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Special Forces Combat Diver Badge, and the Parachutist Badge. Mr. Speaker, there are no words that I, this body of Congress, or the Nation can say that might ease the bereavement of the Boniface family. All I can say is that on behalf of a humble and grateful nation, we thank them for the love, counsel, and support given to Robert during his life, which helped make him a hero, both in uniform and as a father. His life stands as a testament that freedom is not free. His legacy will echo in time as an example of the ultimate sacrifice for all free people. I pray that God will be with Robert's wife, Rebekah; his daughter, Mia; and all of their family and friends during this time of great mourning. Mr. Speaker, may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Mr. GAETZ

Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, it is with both profound sadness and deep gratitude that I rise to pay tribute to a fallen decorated American hero. On March 19, 2017, Sergeant First Class Robert R. Boniface of the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), located in Florida's First Congressional District, tragically lost his life in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel. SFC Boniface was 34 years old, but lived a lifetime marked by and full of service. SFC Boniface entered the Army in March 2006 as an 18 X-ray. After Infantry Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, he attended Airborne School before being assigned to the Special Warfare Center and School. SFC Boniface completed the Special Forces Qualification Course, earning his Green Beret in 2010 and was assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as a Special Forces Medical Sergeant. Boniface's military education includes the Special Operations Jumpmaster Course, Senior Leader Course, Combat Diver Qualification Course, Special Forces Diving Medical Technician Course, Special Forces Qualification Course, Special Operations Combat Medic Course, Advanced Leaders Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape Course, Basic Leaders Course, and the U.S. Army Static Line Airborne Course. SFC Boniface's awards and decorations include two Bronze Star Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, three Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Special Forces Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Special Forces Combat Diver Badge, and Parachutist Badge. Mr. Speaker, there are no words I, this body of Congress, or the Nation can say that might assuage the bereavement of the Boniface family. All I can say is on behalf of a humble and grateful Nation, we thank them for the love, counsel, and support given to Robert, which helped make him the hero he became both in uniform and as a father. His life stands as a testament that freedom is not free, and his legacy will echo in time as an example of the ultimate sacrifice for all free people. I pray that God will be with Robert's wife, Rebekah; his daughter, Mia Elia, and all their family and friends during this time of great mourning, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Mr. GAETZ

Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to repeal the disaster that is ObamaCare. ObamaCare functions as a wet blanket over the American economy, stopping businesses from growing, and impairing the rights of individuals to make their own decisions about health care. Mr. Speaker, I specifically implore my conservative colleagues to vote for this bill and give us a chance to get out from under this disastrous law. This legislation represents $1 trillion in tax cuts, $1.15 trillion in spending cuts, $150 billion in deficit reduction; defunding Planned Parenthood. How long have we been fighting to defund Planned Parenthood? Close the illegal alien loophole that allows people to enroll in ObamaCare, only to check their status in this country subsequently. We install work requirements. I don't think people that are able to work but choose not to should expect us to go borrow money from China to pay for their health care. Installing those work requirements is fundamental to bold conservative reform. Block grants for States so that finally they can be liberated from the oppressive hand of the Federal Government, and also blocking States from additional Medicaid expansion. We have been engaging in these conservative fights for years, and finally, today, we have got the chance to put a win on the board; and so I am joining our President, our Speaker, and many conservatives in this Congress in voting for the American Health Care Act. When we win, when we do this, not only do we enhance our economy, not only do we free up opportunities for broader prosperity in America, but we allow people to be in charge of health care, and we move from a government-centered system to a patient-centered system. That was the promise we made in the elections, and that is the promise I intend to keep by voting for this bill.

Mr. GAETZ

Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, the repeal and replacement of ObamaCare is about keeping promises and being worthy of the American people's trust. We, for the third time in American history, have unified Republican control of the government: a Republican in the White House and Republican control of the House of Representatives and of the Senate. In the last five campaigns, one out of every four ads was about health care, so it is our turn to lead. Here is what we know: ObamaCare today is failing. It is failing to meet the promises that were made that people could keep their doctor or keep their plan. It is failing to be affordable for those who see rising premiums, rising deductibles, no choices, no health care at all, and limited access. As Republicans leading in this Chamber, we are on a rescue mission to save the American people from this disaster and to replace this law with something that works and gets us away from government-centered health care and moves us to patient-centered health care, doctor- centered health care. You know, we believe in ownership societies where you ought to be able to own your own healthcare plan, own your own decisions about education and how you choose to prosper. Today, the Rules Committee is contemplating amendments that should excite conservatives with generational changes that will unlock the potential of this great country. State flexibility, for the first time, we really see the option for States like mine in Florida to step up and say we don't want the Federal Government involved in health care anymore. We want to take control over those who are vulnerable in our communities, and we want to innovate and come up with solutions that meet those challenges. Work requirements, hardworking people in my district don't understand why they go to work every day but too often they are paying for entitlements for people who are able-bodied, childless, can work, and choose not to. That is wrong. We are going to take up, on this floor, legislation that I suspect will have a work requirement for able-bodied, childless adults for those States who choose to implement this bold conservative reform. We also expect that there will be an end to the disaster of Medicaid expansion. Today in America, one out of every four people is on Medicaid. That is absolutely unsustainable. It means three of us have got to pay for the cost of our own health care and then a substantial portion of the cost of someone else's. By ending Medicaid expansion for nonexpansion States, we put the country back on a path to prosperity--not government-centered health care, individual patient-centered health care where people can choose the plans that best meet their needs. If we do this, if we meet this challenge with our historic opportunity to lead, then the American people will know that we are worthy of their trust. We are keeping our word, and we will repeal and replace health care.

Mr. GAETZ

Mr. GAETZ. Madam Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 180.

Mr. GAETZ

Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, I am so grateful that our colleagues across the aisle have become so interested in the impact of the national debt on the American people. I only wish that, during their time in control of the White House, we had not doubled the national debt. I am similarly grateful that Members on the other side of the aisle would say that we should know the impact of legislation before we vote for it because, after all, it was former Speaker Pelosi who said: Let's vote for it so that we know what is in the Affordable Care Act. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because following an 8-year cycle of abandonment, it is time we do right by our military members and their families. I rise in support of the brave warriors stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, Naval Air Station Pensacola, and all across the globe. The 2.1 percent pay raise we provide in this appropriation is a modest downpayment on what is owed to those who put themselves in harm's way for our freedom. Our current state of military readiness is not acceptable. Half of the planes in our Navy cannot fly. Pilots are leaving. Marines are harvesting parts out of museums. Soldiers downrange don't have the unrivaled equipment they need to match their unrivaled patriotism. This $583 billion appropriation is a first step. It means 74 new F-35 aircraft. The F-35 is the most capable aircraft in the sky. Pilots have greater survivability in the F-35. This matters so much to me. In my district, we are training the next generation of F-35 pilots to fight and win against any enemy we encounter in the skies. This legislation also reflects our values by investing in cancer research and traumatic brain injury research. Now, some say we cannot focus on defense; we should focus on other domestic priorities. I would simply say our adversaries are not waiting. Our warfighters and military families are tired of waiting and so am I.

Mr. GAETZ

Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Ms. Kristen White as the 2018 Santa Rosa County Teacher of the Year. Ms. Brown has a long history of serving the Santa Rosa County School District with exceptional passion and an unwavering commitment to helping her students. In Northwest Florida, we are fortunate to have some of the best teachers in the Nation. It is recognized that the teaching profession is one of the most difficult yet rewarding professions in existence. Ms. White has exceptionally performed her teaching duties, while also striving to be an active and supportive member of her community. Ms. White has served as an elementary reading and writing intervention teacher at East Milton Elementary and coordinates the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) Innovate Lab, which serves K-5 students. She also provides professional development to teachers, coordinates Discovery education assessments, and collects and interprets data for grade levels. Previously she has served as a Kindergarten teacher and grade level chair. Her support and mentoring extends far beyond the walls of her classroom through her willingness to serve as a Professional Learning Community facilitator. I commend Ms. White for her steadfast willingness to serve those that matter most, the students and youth of our Nation. For all of her admirable contributions, I am truly proud to have Ms. White as a constituent in Florida's First Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Ms. Kristen White for her accomplishments and her commitment to excellence in the Santa Rosa County School District. I thank her for her service and wish her all the best for continued success.

Mr. GAETZ

Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to a truly innovative pilot program in my district in Pensacola, Florida. This one-of-a-kind program, known as the Thirty Million Words Initiative, is a collaborative effort brought by researchers from the University of Chicago in partnership with the Studer Community Institute. The Thirty Million Words Initiative will educate parents of newborns at Sacred Heart Hospital, Baptist Hospital, and West Florida Hospital on best practices for speech and engagement during the critical learning stage up to 3 years old. As we all know, interaction by speech or music with young children has not only had an impact on learning abilities but also emotional needs. This program builds on this principle and strives to include all newborns, regardless of income level, race, or ethnicity. Through this simple commitment, we can challenge the socioeconomic stereotypes we have become too used to and build a future for leaders and innovators stemming from all walks of life and bringing new ideas for a vision for the future. This truly unique partnership between our community leaders and the parents of our future generation will garner a secure foundation for our children to bring stronger education, allow limitless possibilities, and meeting the challenges to build a better tomorrow.