John Mica

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. I thank you, Chairman Frelinghuysen, and the ranking member.

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Delta Airlines on the 85th anniversary of its founding on June 17, 1929. Delta is one of our Nation's oldest and largest commercial passenger airlines. From Delta's founder, C.E. Woolman, to its current CEO, Richard Anderson, and with thousands of loyal employees over the years, they have built one of the world's finest airlines. In a difficult and sometimes turbulent industry, Delta has survived many challenges over the past decades. Originally established as a crop dusting operation, it was later founded in Monroe, Louisiana and has grown to a world-class passenger airline that now boasts more than 80,000 employees and serves nearly 165 million passengers annually. Traveling to more than 300 destinations worldwide and with recent mergers and acquisitions, Delta now holds a position as one of the largest domestic U.S. airlines. Over the years, as one of the first U.S. airlines to carry passengers, Delta's innovation and leadership has led to industry firsts like domestic inflight Wi-Fi and TV broadcasts. Delta is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia and serves hundreds of U.S. cities and flies to 59 countries in six continents. In Florida, Delta serves many of our communities and provides employment for thousands of workers. Across the country, several of my family members and friends have retired and some continue to work for Delta. Travelling frequently over the years, I have met hundreds of wonderful people who work very hard to keep Delta customers flying and their company successful in business. As the former Chairman of the Aviation Subcommittee and the House Transportation Committee, it has been my honor to work with many officials and employees and it is my pleasure to congratulate each of them and the Delta Airlines Family on this occasion. I know my colleagues join me in saluting a great American business and all the fine people at Delta Airlines on this significant milestone.

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. MICA. Mr. Chairman, I would ask the chairman of the T-HUD Subcommittee to rise and engage in a colloquy. First of all, I have to commend Chairman Latham, Ranking Member Pastor, and the Appropriations Committee staff for their great efforts in bringing this measure to the floor. I would like to take just a moment at this opportunity to share with the committee and my colleagues a concern that I have regarding the recommendation in report language that is contained in this bill that provides funding for capital investment grants that have signed a full funding grant agreement, FFGA, by the start of the 2015 fiscal year on September 30, 2014. Unfortunately, some delays and miscommunications with the Department of Transportation on several projects, including an important Florida project, has caused the signing of a FFGA, full funding grant agreement, to be delayed several months beyond the date in the report language. And, again, without congressional action, Florida's project and other national projects could be impacted. I have received assurances that this issue can be resolved in the final legislation. Mr. Chairman, would you join us in our effort to ensure that these critical national infrastructure projects continue to move forward?

Mr. MICA. I yield to the gentleman from Iowa.

Mr. MICA. I thank the chairman and look forward to working with him to maintain and expand our national infrastructure. I am pleased to yield back the balance of my time. Amendment Offered by Mr. Grijalva

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. I want to thank you, Chairman McKeon, Ranking Member Smith, and the Armed Services Committee staff for your fine efforts in bringing this important measure to the floor for our military. I also want to take a moment, and this opportunity, to highlight the importance of modeling and simulation and the role it plays in maintaining our military readiness while being, of course, most cost effective. Last year, in fact, in the National Defense Authorization Act, we put in language, report language, that highlighted modeling and simulation as a cost-effective tool in maintaining a high level of readiness for our military. In response, our armed services have followed suit in utilizing modeling and simulation effectively and continue to do so in current and future programs. While that report language does not appear in this bill, it is important that our military continue utilizing this most cost-effective tool for manpower training. As our Nation faces future threats, it is also critical that we are able to meet those threats with a force that is more capable and more ready for the challenge. Modeling and simulation enables our Nation's fighting men and women to do so, while decreasing costs during a time of budget uncertainty. Mr. Chairman, finally, I would just like to ask that you join me in support of utilizing this vital tool that saves taxpayer dollars and assists our Nation's heroes in training for our defense.

Mr. MICA. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. MICA. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Mr. Smith, and staff. I look forward to working with the committee and you and others ensuring that modeling and simulation remains being utilized as a cost-effective tool for our military readiness.

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker and my colleagues, I am going to ask a couple of questions. First of all, I have to give a disclaimer that I was one of the Members on this side of the aisle that did not favor a select committee. I actually took my name off of a request by Mr. Wolf. I thought we could handle this matter in regular order. Four committees proceeded to investigate the matter. I am the senior member of the chief investigative panel of Congress. I have been through many investigations. I have never in my life seen the stonewalling. I have never seen the contempt for Congress displayed by this administration. Then last week, to make a mockery of the entire system, we saw from an outside party getting information that four committees of Congress had never received and requested. I have never seen anything like this. Why are we doing this? The other side has brought this, the administration has brought this upon themselves. Let me ask a fundamental question: What difference does it make? What difference does it make? I want you to tell that to the State Department employees who every day go to work, sometimes put their life at risk. Four American officials were killed--murdered--and no one has been held accountable. No one has been brought to justice, and to have an official come before a committee of Congress and say: What difference does it make? Ask that to the families of the State Department people who work for the American people. What difference does it make? Ask the military. Oh, there is no evidence of an order to stand down, but we know our military had the ability to save those Americans. We know that the State Department had the ability to keep those Americans safe, and no one acted. What difference does it make? What difference does it make to those four families? What difference does it make? We don't have to investigate anything. We don't have to hold anyone accountable. No one died in Watergate. Four American officials lost their lives. Under our system, individuals--whether it is the Secretary of State or the President of the United States or any official at any level--need to be and must be held accountable and responsible under our system. Otherwise, we make a mockery of this whole business of a government of and for and by the people.

Mr. MICA. What difference does it make? People were asleep at the switch. They need to be held accountable again, regardless of rank. This is the United States of America. This is the Congress. People sent us here. They are out there trying to make a living, provide for their families, pay their taxes. They sent us here to keep this government responsible, accountable. What difference does it make? It makes a great deal of difference, not only to the men and women of the State Department, our United States military, the families of those slain, but it makes a big difference to the people of the United States who sent us here to keep this a responsible government and accountable, no matter who must be held responsible or accountable.

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, there is probably nothing more sacred to Americans, nothing more important to protect, than the democratic electoral process which has made this, by far, the greatest country in the world, giving everyone an opportunity to participate. We are here today to hold Lois Lerner in contempt. It has been stated she didn't have her rights recognized. She has the right to take the Fifth. She has done that under the Constitution. We brought her in twice, May 22, 2013, and March 2014. She began--and you can see the tapes--declaring her innocence. Even before that, when it was pointed out that she was at the heart of this matter--in fact, everyone, her employees, when she tried to throw them under the bus, they said she threw them under a convoy of Mack trucks. Every road leads to Lois Lerner. Lois Lerner held the Congress of the United States in contempt and is holding it in contempt. Lois Lerner held the electoral process that is so sacred to the country in contempt. Lois Lerner has held the American people and the process that they cherish and the chief financial agency, the IRS--whom we all have to account to--as a tool to manipulate a national election. This was a targeted, directed, and focused attempt, and every road leads to Lois Lerner. She has had twice the opportunity to come before Congress and to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth, and she has failed to do that. I urge that we hold Lois Lerner in contempt. That is our responsibility, and it must be done.

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. MICA. Mr. Chairman, I would ask if the chair of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee would rise and engage in a colloquy.

Mr. MICA. Thank you, sir. First of all, I would like to commend you, Chairman Culberson and Ranking Member Bishop and the Appropriations Committee staff, for their efforts in bringing this important measure for our veterans and our military to the floor. I would also like to take this opportunity to highlight a vital need of our central Florida veterans population. This year, as we approach the completion of construction of the new veterans hospital and medical complex at Lake Nona in Orlando, I would like to request your assistance in helping to keep the existing and valuable medical facilities and clinic at Baldwin Park in service to our veterans. This medical resource is an important Federal asset that must not sit idle even before the new medical center opens. It is critical that the VA make a positive determination on the future use of this property and medical treatment center. With Florida's growing veteran population that is already the second largest in the Nation, it is important that we plan now for the future medical care of our veterans. Additionally, with those service men and women now returning from overseas conflicts, we must prepare for the future demand for medical services. Two years ago, I wrote a letter to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to plan for this day in anticipation of keeping this medical facility open and using it for the benefit of our veterans. Most recently, a joint letter from the central Florida congressional delegation, both Democrats and Republicans, has been sent to the Secretary asking for his consideration of this request. I am now hoping, Mr. Chairman, that you will join us in our effort to ensure that the VA takes steps to preserve and utilize this much-needed medical center that we have there. The recently opened Lake Nona veterans 120-bed nursing facility and 60-bed domiciliary care unit are already at capacity, confirming the need to maintain the Baldwin Park complex. Mr. Chairman, finally I would just ask for your support of these current efforts to ensure that the existing VA medical facilities in Baldwin Park remain open and continue to provide world-class treatment for our veteran population.

Mr. MICA. I yield to the gentleman from Texas.

Mr. MICA. Well, I thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your past work. And I thank the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Bishop) and the staff for working with us. We look forward to ensuring that the VA medical complex at Baldwin Park remains open and continues to be used to provide medical services for our veterans. Finally, Mr. Chair, I would like to insert into the Record two letters to Veterans Affairs Secretary Shinseki, one from myself and another from the central Florida congressional delegation. Congresss of the United States, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, August 13, 2012. Hon. Eric Shinseki, Secretary, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington,

Mr. MICA. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy and service of Leo Alexander Voskan. From the day he was born in New York in 1915, Leo had a keen thirst for adventure. The son of Armenian immigrants who came to the United States in search of a better life for their family, Leo spent his childhood on the waterfront in New York City. By the time Leo reached High School, he had developed into quite the athlete and was the quarterback for his high school's football team and was also a member of the school's track team. His physical talents extended beyond the athletic field and onto the stage. As an avid dancer, Leo taught dance for the Arthur Murray Studio and was also a competitive dancer at the famous Rainbow Room in New York's Rockefeller Center. While attending New York City College following High School, Leo was forced to leave school and assume the responsibilities of the family's manufacturing business due to his father's failing health. With World War II looming on the horizon, Leo voluntarily enlisted into the U.S. Army for both patriotic and family reasons. Leo's goal was to keep his younger brother George out of the military as long as he possibly could so that he could maintain the family business while Leo went overseas to fight. While serving as a member of the U.S. Army's Signal Corps, his superiors recognized his leadership potential and sent him to Officer's Candidate School where upon his commission he earned the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. Leo was in command of a Combat Engineering Platoon that participated in the Normandy invasion, where despite his leadership; many of his men were lost including his Company Commander. Leo was given a battlefield promotion and assumed Command of the entire Company. In Normandy, Leo's Company fell under the command of General George Patton and went on to liberate France and eventually fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Leo was also involved in the liberation of several concentration camps across Nazi Germany. Upon returning home Leo and his brother George resumed their roles in the family's manufacturing business. During this period, Leo also met the love of his life, Joan. Leo and Joan soon married, moved to the New Jersey suburbs and began their family. Leo was a loving father to four children, Craig, Gail, Lynn and Diane who tragically died of pneumonia at the age of three. In 1952, Leo moved his family to Longwood, Florida to start an orange grove business which was devastated in the freeze of 1958. Always the determined entrepreneur, Leo continued his professional life by starting several businesses's including, a night crawler supply company and a pallet manufacturing company which helped sustain his family. Leo was also passionate about politics and teaching others about business including real estate licensing. Leo's zest for life will always be treasured by those who knew him and his service to our nation will never be forgotten. Mr. Speaker, 1 ask all Members of the U.S. House of Representatives join me in recognizing the distinguished life and service of Leo Alexander Voskan.

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Marjorie P. ``Maggie'' Silver Smith, a female pioneer, entrepreneur and a legend in the American Rail Industry who passed away on March 9, 2014. I was privileged to work with Maggie and was honored to know her both as a good friend and strong advocate for our Nation's railroads. Maggie was a leader in the American rail business and a most respected member of various railroad infrastructure panels. She came from a railroad family, working with her father at Pinsly Railroad in 1965, and succeeded him as President in 1977 becoming Chairman of the Board in 2000. After her father's death, she was advised to sell the company. However Maggie was determined to run Pinsly holdings because she understood and embraced the changes that were occurring in the railroad industry, especially under the Staggers Act. Under her leadership, she grew the Pinsly Railroad companies to eight short line railroads and railroad distribution companies serving 200 customers. She was a member and officer on the Board of the American Short Line Railroad Association and also played a leadership role at the Massachusetts Railroad Association and the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association. Maggie was recognized by all as a knowledgeable, vocal and effective spokesman for the rail industry. Her innovation and good business sense made her one of the most important and significant leaders in the short line industry. She was renowned for being tough but fair, thoughtful and forward thinking, continually encouraging women to enter and succeed in the railroad industry. Her wonderful wit, enthusiasm, energy and presence always had a positive impact, and she will be truly missed. My deepest sympathy is extended to her husband, Robert; daughters, Anne, Leslie and Lindsey; and sons, John, Marc and James. I ask all Members of the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the distinguished life and service of Marjorie P. ``Maggie'' Silver Smith.

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Madam Speaker, I come before my colleagues today as someone who comes from a family that at times did not have health care. I think we can do a much better job, and we should do a much better job, helping people get health care. Like some predicted on both sides of the aisle, they said that the way ObamaCare was crafted it could result in a train wreck. We didn't really know, but now we do know. The facts are out. Everyone has seen the rollout, which was a disaster. Every American should be stunned to see the Congressional Budget Office report today. You should read that: 2.5 million people will lose their jobs. That doesn't even consider the ones who have already been put to part-time status when they are trying to feed their families, make a living, and put gas in the car. Here we have more people losing jobs because of this. Look at this, how many people will see a smaller amount in their paycheck thanks to ObamaCare. This isn't a partisan document. This is something that is put out that has analyzed the impact, and it could be devastating.

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share with my colleagues a eulogy Jim Martin, a good friend and former Chief of Staff to the late Senator Edward Gurney (R-FL), wrote recalling the great and influential life in public service of former Florida Congressman E. Clay Shaw, Jr. As all remember, our friend Clay passed away on September 10, 2013. His legacy will transcend generations, as you can see in the words shared by Jim, the founder and chairman of the 60 Plus Association. E. Clay Shaw: A Congressman Who Mattered (By Jim Martin) The barber nearly lopped off the congressman's ear, but it wouldn't have been his fault if he had. For years, the tacit agreement that exists between every barber and customer to sit still as a statue when the clippers are humming was fiercely observed. But the barber said something that startled the normally reserved lawmaker to suddenly spin his head around mid-snip. ``Congressman,'' the barber offered, ``I've been voting for you a long time, but this year I'm making a donation to your campaign.'' In a world of big campaign contributions, a modest offering of a few dollars is hardly noteworthy, unless you consider the source. Rep. Eugene Clay Shaw, Jr.'s hometown barber in Fort Lauderdale, FL was 68 years old and closed his shop the last few months of the year. Far from rich and not particularly political, his pronouncement all but floored his long-time customer. But this was a special occasion. Under Shaw's leadership, Congress had just passed historic legislation, signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 2000, that removed a Depression-era law that cut Social Security benefits for seniors who earned more than $17,000 per year. Though little- regarded by some, this legislation had a huge impact on working seniors, and further struck a blow for American productivity and common-sense, bipartisan solutions to intractable government inertia. With Shaw's passing this month at the age of 74, the tributes honoring his 26-year career in Congress invariably focus on his welfare reform legislation, implementing a federal missing-child registry and various environmental protections, all of which were monumental in their own right. But seniors are forever grateful for the dogged determination Shaw displayed as chairman of the House Social Security Subcommittee when he took on a law long past its expiration date. As chairman of a national seniors organization, and having grown up in the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood part of Rep. Shaw's district, and having testified on his legislation, I was at the front lines cheering when this law passed, and recall that Shaw shared with me many of the reactions from working seniors. ``People would think I was rich and off fishing somewhere,'' Shaw's barber told him at the time, ``because my shop was closed the last months of the year. It just made no sense to stay open, as I was essentially working for free. This way, thanks to your legislation, I can continue to earn money which I can then happily spend at Christmas on gifts for our grandkids.'' Upon his return to Washington after a routine recess, Clay related to me not only his barber's reaction, but also the response he received from a 66-year-old waitress who served him breakfast one morning. ``Mr. Shaw, I had to tell my manager I couldn't work the last months of the year, as I made no money. Fixing this law is a huge relief to me, my boss and my regular customers who often ask for me during my absence.'' While Congress is always an easy target at which to aim our nation's considerable political frustrations, it's important to remember and honor dedicated public servants like Clay Shaw who got up every day intending to use their clout to bridge the aisle to make life better for the people back home. Shaw was also congressman to my favorite senior, my mother. His career harkens back to a day--just a few decades ago though it seems like ages--when institutional knowledge meant something, and political clout was more frequently a tool of bipartisan cooperation. Shaw is in the company of congressmen such as Republican Henry Hyde of Illinois and Democrat Dante Fascell of Miami, and many others now long gone who didn't mind a good fight, but would never let their differences prevent them from banding together to do the right thing on behalf of the people back home. America has 60 million senior citizens with more than 10,000 joining our ranks every day. All of them, as well as those soon to join our ranks, owe a debt of gratitude and thanks to the gentleman from Broward County. He and his kind are sorely missed.

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize, honor and congratulate an outstanding constituent of my district, Jacob Curtis Johnson of Scout Troop 100 in Oviedo, Florida, for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The rank of Eagle Scout is the highest achievement in scouting. To attain this rank, he has demonstrated the qualities of leadership, self-discipline and perseverance while serving his family, friends and community. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the rank of Eagle Scout. The awarding of the Rank of Eagle Scout is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well maintained over the past century. Jacob Johnson has met every test and challenge to pass through the ranks of the Boy Scouts. Those aspiring to be Eagle Scouts must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service and outdoor skills. To demonstrate proficiency as a scout, each Boy Scout must achieve merit badges in the areas of First Aid, Citizenship, Environment, Fitness, Family Life and much more. The work ethic Jacob has shown in his Eagle Scout projects, and every other project leading up to his Eagle Scout rank, speaks volumes about his commitment to assisting his community and serving a cause greater than himself. It is my honor to commend Daniel Moon for his achievement of the rank of Eagle Scout. Jacob will join the ranks of fellow Eagle Scouts like President Gerald R. Ford, Neil Armstrong and Florida Governor Rick Scott. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. Jacob's devotion to the Boy Scouts over the past decade is laudable, and I congratulate him on his achievement. I thank him for his dedication to service and know we can expect great things from him in the future. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Jacob Curtis Johnson on obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout, and I wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize, honor and congratulate an outstanding constituent of my district, James Cleveland Hughes III of Scout Troop 100 in Oviedo, Florida, for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The rank of Eagle Scout is the highest achievement in scouting. To attain this rank, he has demonstrated the qualities of leadership, self-discipline and perseverance while serving his family, friends and community. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the rank of Eagle Scout. The awarding of the rank of Eagle Scout is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well maintained over the past century. James Hughes has met every test and challenge to pass through the ranks of the Boy Scouts. Those aspiring to be Eagle Scouts must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service and outdoor skills. To demonstrate proficiency as a scout, each Boy Scout must achieve merit badges in the areas of First Aid, Citizenship, Environment, Fitness, Family Life and much more. The work ethic James has shown in his Eagle Scout projects, and every other project leading up to his Eagle Scout rank, speaks volumes about his commitment to assisting his community and serving a cause greater than himself. It is my honor to commend James Hughes for his achievement of the rank of Eagle Scout. James will join the ranks of fellow Eagle Scouts like President Gerald R. Ford, Neil Armstrong and Florida Governor Rick Scott. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. James's devotion to the Boy Scouts over the past decade is laudable, and I congratulate him on his achievement. I thank him for his dedication to service and know we can expect great things from him in the future. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating James Cleveland Hughes III on obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout, and I wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize, honor and congratulate an outstanding constituent of my district, Jordan Marcus Pate of Scout Troop 100 in Oviedo, Florida, for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The rank of Eagle Scout is the highest achievement in scouting. To attain this rank, he has demonstrated the qualities of leadership, self-discipline and perseverance while serving his family, friends and community. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the rank of Eagle Scout. The awarding of the Rank of Eagle Scout is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well maintained over the past century. Jordan Pate has met every test and challenge to pass through the ranks of the Boy Scouts. Those aspiring to be Eagle Scouts must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service and outdoor skills. To demonstrate proficiency as a scout, each Boy Scout must achieve merit badges in the areas of First Aid, Citizenship, Environment, Fitness, Family Life and much more. The work ethic Jordan has shown in his Eagle Scout projects, and every other project leading up to his Eagle Scout rank, speaks volumes about his commitment to assisting his community and serving a cause greater than himself. It is my honor to commend Daniel Moon for his achievement of the rank of Eagle Scout. Jordan will join the ranks of fellow Eagle Scouts like President Gerald R. Ford, Neil Armstrong and Florida Governor Rick Scott. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. Jordan's devotion to the Boy Scouts over the past decade is laudable, and I congratulate him on his achievement. I thank him for his dedication to service and know we can expect great things from him in the future. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Jordan Marcus Pate on obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout, and I wish him continued success in his future endeavors.