Jeff Miller

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I come today to ask a question: Why do the Democrats come to the floor to belittle the hardworking people who protest this government takeover of health care? They paid their own money, they drove their own cars, they weren't bussed here by the DCCC or the unions. They came to say, Listen to us. Listen to us, Madam Speaker. We don't want a government takeover of our health care system. They don't want their children's future mortgaged to foreign countries. They don't want people who are not here legally to receive free health care. They want what the Founding Fathers and the Constitution wanted and guaranteed--freedom. What a novel idea-- freedom.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, this job-killing bill cuts Medicare, piles debt on our children, raises health care costs, and raises taxes on the American people.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, with almost 16 million people unemployed and looking for work, with an unemployment rate of over 10 percent, something we haven't seen in 26 years, with countless Americans asking, Where are the jobs, why is the Democratic leadership ramming through a health care bill that will not add one net job to the American economy? In fact, the majority's bill will do the exact opposite. It will impose $729 billion in new taxes, crushing small business. For those small businesses that manage to survive the new taxes, their employees will be required to have insurance or face yet another tax. Mr. Speaker, this has got to stop. Americans do not want higher taxes. Americans do not want higher premiums, and Americans do not want this massive government health care takeover bill.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Leslie R. Chambers, a Northwest Florida leader who is retiring after a lifetime of public service to his country and his community. Les spent his career serving others, and I am proud to honor his dedication and service. Born on October 31, 1942, Les Chambers joined the Air Force in 1961 after graduating from high school. Following completion of training, he was first assigned to Laon Air Base, France. His Air Force career took him across the globe. Along the way he earned two associates degrees in applied science, then completed his bachelor's degree in management at the University of New Hampshire. He is also a graduate of the Aerospace Defense Command Noncommissioned Officer Academy, where he received the Commandant's Award, and a graduate of the USAF Senior NCO Academy. Les retired in 1994 with over 33 years of faithful service to his country, 17 of which were spent overseas. His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak-leaf clusters and the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak-leaf clusters. He was selected to serve his last three years as part of the ``High Year of Tenure'' program, a distinction reserved for less than one percent of the force. After retiring from the Air Force, he settled in Valparaiso, Florida and began working for the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services (HRS) as a Senior Counselor for Children and Families. In 1997, he was selected as the ``Social Worker of the Year'' for the Department of HRS. Les then began his role as the Air Force Junior ROTC Aerospace Science Instructor at Fort Walton Beach High School in December of that year. Known simply as ``Chief'' to his students, Les retired on October 31, 2009. He will be truly missed. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize Les Chambers for his service to Northwest Florida and the United States of America. My wife Vicki and I wish all the best for Les and his family, including his wife, Ingeborg, and children, Angela, Michael, and Marcus, as they embark on this next journey in their lives.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, during such tough economic times, I find it incredible that the majority party insists on passing a health care bill that could destroy small businesses, the very backbone of our American economy. But that is exactly what this proposed legislation is going to do. It would institute a surtax of 5.4 percent on high-income earners, and over half of this tax is going to be paid by small businesses. The surtax would push the highest marginal tax rate to 45 percent of income, a rate we haven't seen since 1986. It requires small companies to provide a health plan that meets government standards. If a business can't afford it, the government will charge yet another tax of up to 8 percent. It is destructive for American small businesses; it's dangerous for American taxpayers; and it's a disaster for the American people. And now we learn--no amendments to the bill. Shame on you, Nancy Pelosi. Americans deserve better.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Winston Walker, a Korean War veteran and a Northwest Florida community leader who passed away on October 29, 2009. Mr. Walker spent his life serving his country and his community, and I am proud to honor his dedication and his service. Born in Baker, Florida on December 10, 1925, Winston was a life-long Florida resident. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1949 and became an Air Force officer. After serving honorably during the Korean War, Winston returned to Okaloosa County, Florida in 1954. He was appointed to fill a vacant seat on the Fort Walton Beach City Council in 1957, and then became City Manager shortly thereafter. Winston worked for the city for 23 years as City Manager, and many credit him for being instrumental in transforming Fort Walton Beach from a small town into the thriving city it is today. He retired as Chief Executive Officer of Ready Bank. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason and a lifelong member of St. Simons on the Sound Episcopal Church. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Winston Walker as a Northwest Florida leader. Winston will be remembered as an important part of the fabric of our community. My wife Vicki and I offer our prayers for his family as we remember and honor the life of Winston Walker.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Faye Schneidewind upon the occasion of her 50th year of loyal service to Jerry's Drive-In, a Pensacola, Florida, landmark. Miss Faye is an intimate part of the fabric of our northwest Florida community, and I am proud to recognize her on this achievement. Faye Schneidewind grew up in Pensacola and still lives only a few blocks from Jerry's. The 80-year-old great-grandmother started working as a waitress at the diner when she was just 21. After a few years away, Miss Faye returned to Jerry's on November 5, 1959, her sister's birthday. She has been serving the customers at Jerry's ever since. Miss Faye knows just about everyone who walks through the doors at Jerry's, and always provides a warm smile, a hot meal, and good conversation. She is as much a part of the history of Jerry's as memorabilia stretching across its walls. Jerry's Drive-In is a truly family restaurant. Originally named Jerry's Barbeque, Jerry's Drive-In was opened by Jerry Glass in 1939. Raymond ``Grandpa'' Wessel purchased the restaurant in the early 1950's with his son Bill. The Wessels lived in an apartment above the restaurant. Even after the restaurant was sold, Mr. Wessel continued to maintain his residence above Jerry's. Robert, Jimmy, and Pam Halstead bought Jerry's in 1997 and have continued its tradition of great food and great service. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize Faye Schneidewind on 50 years of dedicated service to Jerry's Drive-In. She is and always will be an invaluable part of our Pensacola heritage. My wife Vicki and I wish Miss Faye, her daughter, her two granddaughters, her nine grandchildren, and her entire extended family at Jerry's all the best for continued success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today to recognize the dedication and support of our military families, servicemembers, and the veterans who went before them. When a servicemember joins the military, it is not a just a job; it is a family commitment to our country. As our country continues to deploy overseas, we see the impact it has on family members at home. The month of November is designated as Military Family Month. This observance provides an excellent opportunity to show support for our servicemembers and families as we pause and reflect on the contributions, support and patriotism they exhibit each day. Military families continuously undergo tremendous challenges and it only begins when they find their loved ones deployed for long periods of time. During frequent moves, they effortlessly relocate their belongings, find new schools for their children, navigate the complex options for medical care, and solve myriad other challenges. They are truly resilient and strong. It is an honor for me to convey my heartfelt appreciation for the service and support of some particular events in Northwest Florida in the coming weeks that will honor our veterans and educate our children about their heroism and sacrifice. On November 4, Blue Angels Elementary School will partner with the History Channel's Take a Veteran to School Day to honor our veterans. The following week, both Blue Angels Elementary School and Navy Point Elementary School in Pensacola will hold their annual Armed Forces Foundation national education initiative, ``Operation Caring Classroom''. During this event, the schools will be engaged in classroom activity the week of Veterans Day to learn about this holiday and reach out to military children nationwide. This year, 50 civilian elementary schools and 50 military elementary schools will participate in various activities during the week of Veterans Day to raise awareness and appreciation for our military families. The outpouring of support for these special events makes me proud to call Northwest Florida home. Some of the events will help raise money to continue supporting our World WarII Veterans. Both schools are raising money to sponsor multiple ``Honor Flights''. We just completed our fifth ``Honor Flight'' from the Emerald Coast on 21 October. We greeted 103 of our WWII Veterans as they stepped off the plane and watched many of them see their WWII Memorial for the first time. The charity pays for them to fly to Washington, DC and it's wonderful to see support for future trips. Our veterans, servicemembers, and their families have sacrificed so much for our nation and deserve the highest level of respect. This nation owes you a debt of gratitude. Here on Capitol Hill, many of us felt it was time to organize a caucus with a focus on Military Families. On November 4, the Congressional Military Family Caucus will feature its inaugural event. The caucus will foster the interest of family members of the uniformed services by educating Congressional Members and staff on resources the military provides as well as discuss the barriers that a military family faces. The goal of the caucus is to address issues such as education, childcare, healthcare, spouse employment, and the effects of multiple deployments. We all play an important part in recognizing military families, servicemembers, and veterans. I am humbled by the remarkable role each and every one of them play in the future of this Nation. The events held at Blue Angels Elementary School and Navy Point Elementary School in Pensacola serve as a model for the entire country. In the 1st Congressional District of Florida, a district that has more veterans than any other in the nation, the events also serve as a reminder of our gratitude and respect.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Mr. Gerald Floyd Barnes upon the occasion of his 90th birthday. Mr. Barnes has spent a lifetime serving others, and it is a privilege to recognize him on his accomplishments today. Gerald Barnes was born on October 30, 1919 in Baker, Florida. He is one of five children born to Ottis and Vera Barnes, and he is a life- long Northwest Florida resident. When he was five years old, Gerald and his family moved to Milton, Florida. In 1942, he married Irene Russell. They have two children and four grandchildren. When World War II ended, Gerald joined his father in the grocery business, later opening his own store in downtown Milton--Barnes Supermarket. Gerald began his life of elected public service in 1950. He served on the Milton City Council between 1950 and 1962, and then was elected as County Commissioner for Santa Rosa County in 1966. In 1972, Gerald was elected as the Clerk of the Court for Santa Rosa County where he served for twenty years. During this time, he has also served as a deacon of First Baptist Church of Milton, working in various roles including Director of the Junior Department and Director of the Adult Department. Gerald is also a member of The Gideons International and the Kiwanis Club of Milton. Madam Speaker, Gerald Barnes is a Northwest Florida community leader who has spent a lifetime serving the public. My wife Vicki and I wish him a happy birthday and his entire family all the best for the future.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the constituents of the First District of Florida and the people across this country have spoken loud and clear: We do not want a public option or government-run health care. But I guess the Democrats can't hear from behind closed doors. The majority leaders have turned a deaf ear to the American people and continue to insist on a public option. Whether it be an exchange, a co-op, single payer, or whether States opt in or opt out, the fact is the majority party leaders, behind closed doors, are crafting a final health care bill that would force a public option down our throats. If a robust public option is absolutely critical to health insurance for Americans, then why does this increased coverage not occur until at least 5 years after enactment? This health care reform bill is a farce and should be voted down. Americans don't want government-run health care as their only option.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the City of Destin, Florida upon the occasion of its 25th anniversary. The City of Destin has a rich historical heritage dating back to the American Indian tribes who lived along the Emerald Coast of Florida. In 1528, Panfilo de Narvaez first came ashore in the Destin area. In 1693, another Spanish explorer, Don Francisco Tapia surveyed the Florida coast and first entered Destin's East Pass into what is now known as Choctawhatchee Bay. The first lasting settlement came in the mid-1800's when Captain Leonard Destin and his family moved from New England to build a colonial home at the location of the Monroe Point military reservation. While living on the East Pass peninsula, he met and married Martha McCullom. Their descendants formed the backbone of the Destin community. Captain Destin and his family established a large fishing town that lives on to this day and is known as the ``World's Luckiest Fishing Village.'' The residents of the South Okaloosa County area voted to incorporate the City of Destin on November 6, 1984. The first municipal election was held on January 8, 1985, and less than a week later the Mayor and City Council were sworn in. Twenty-five years later, Destin has grown from a sleepy fishing village into one of the Emerald Coast's premier tourist destinations with over 12,000 residents. Madam Speaker, my wife Vicki and I wish to congratulate the City of Destin on its 25th anniversary. We wish them all the best for continued success as a community.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Mary Shirah, a Northwest Florida community leader who is retiring after fifteen years of public service as the Director of the Pregnancy Resource Center in Milton, Florida. Mary spent her career serving others, and I am proud to honor her dedication and service. Born in 1927, Mary Shirah was a Navy wife. She married her husband, Henry, in 1946, and was married for 62 years until her husband passed away last year. Her family eventually settled in the Pensacola, Florida area, and found a home in the Pea Ridge community. In 1968, Mary went to work for Tupperware where a co-worker suggested that she volunteer at the Alpha Center in Pensacola, a resource center for pregnant women. After working with the Alpha Center and encouraging her Women's Ministry Group at her church to participate, Mary decided to investigate the need for a similar center in Santa Rosa County. She went on to join the committee to find a director for the center and after much searching, the committee chose Mary to serve as the Executive Director. The Pregnancy Resource Center of Milton opened on March 20, 1995. Until her retirement, Mary has served as the center's sole executive director. Under her leadership, the PRC serves an average of 300 families each year. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize Mary Shirah for her service to Northwest Florida. Mary has worked tirelessly on behalf of the women of Santa Rosa County for the last 15 years. My wife Vicki and I wish all the best for her and her family, including sons Henry, Richard, and John, and her six grandchildren, as they embark on this next journey in their lives.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sergeant Leonard B. Keller, a Vietnam veteran, Medal of Honor recipient, and American hero who passed away on October 18, 2009. Sergeant Keller spent a lifetime serving his country, his community, and his family, and I am proud to honor his life of dedication and service. Leonard Keller was a true American soldier. Born in Rockford, Illinois in 1947, he was drafted in the spring of 1966 at the age of 19. After basic training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, Sergeant Keller was assigned to the 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division at Base Camp Doung Tam in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. On May 2, 1967, in the Ap Bac Zone of Vietnam, another U.S infantry company was ambushed by the Vietcong, and Sergeant Keller's unit went to rescue their comrades. Soon after his unit was dropped by helicopter, they came under intense automatic machine gunfire from numerous bunkers and several enemy snipers. Despite several calls for retreat, Sergeant Keller charged forward directly towards the enemy position. Disregarding his safety, he and a fellow soldier began a systematic assault on the enemy bunkers, taking out seven different enemy positions. Eventually the entire North Vietnamese force broke ranks and retreated. After exhausting his ammunition, Sergeant Keller then returned to assist in the evacuation of the wounded. Many Americans owe their lives to the courageous actions of Len Keller that day. President Lyndon Johnson awarded the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Keller on September 19, 1968 ``for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.'' Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor Len Keller as a Vietnam War hero and Northwest Florida leader. Today we recognize his distinguished military and government service, as well as a lifetime of dedication to the United States of America. Our nation is proud and grateful for his courage, service, and patriotism. My wife Vicki and I offer our prayers for his entire family as we remember and honor the life of Leonard Keller. He will be truly missed.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I missed rollcall vote Nos. 772-774 on October 13, 2009. Had I been present, I would have voted: Rollcall vote No. 772, To provide for an extension of the legislative authority of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Inc. to establish a Vietnam Veterans Memorial visitor center, ``yea.'' Rollcall vote No. 773, To reauthorize the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Citizen Advisory Commission, ``yea.'' Rollcall vote No. 774, Congratulating Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., on 98 years of serving local communities and enriching the lives of collegiate men throughout the Nation, ``yea.''

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Cyrus Blackman, a World War II hero and a Northwest Florida community leader who passed away on October 7, 2009. Mr. Blackman spent his life serving his country and his family, and I am proud to honor his lifetime of dedication and service. Cy Blackman was a native and lifelong resident of Milton, Florida. He joined the United States Army at a young age during World War II, and went on to serve with the 563rd Anti-Aircraft Automatic Weapons Battalion operating trucks to move personnel, equipment, and supplies under extremely hazardous combat conditions. A veteran of combat in much of Central Europe, Cy fought honorably in the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of the Rhine, receiving the World War II Victory Medal, the American Service Medal, and the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with three Bronze Stars. After demobilization at the end of the war, Cy returned to Northwest Florida. He worked at International Paper, where he retired. Despite his service in World War II, for 60 years Cy never spoke of his time in the Army and never requested Veterans Administration benefits. However in 2008, Cy participated in the Emerald Coast Honor Flight, an experience that changed his life. After visiting the National World War II Memorial, he began to open up about his experiences in the war, and later even served as a spokesman for the Honor Flight organization, connecting the community with our veterans. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor Cy Blackman as an American hero reflective of the spirit of Northwest Florida. Cy will be remembered as a loving husband and father and as an important part of our community. My wife Vicki and I offer our prayers for his wife, Polly, children, Christopher and Lecia, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as we remember and honor the life of Cy Blackman.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, it is with great disappointment and, really, sadness today that I rise to inform my colleagues that I, too, will be voting against the Defense authorization conference report. As the ranking member of the Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee, the underlying bill does, in fact, carry a tremendous amount of good things that will help our troops and our Armed Forces, providing what they need as a warfighter to better face today's security challenges. We have extended to the Secretary of Defense the authority to offer rewards for those individuals who provide information and nonlethal assistance in support of the Department's combating terrorism efforts. We increased the authorization level for Special Operations Command's 1208 authority. But this is a big thing to many of us. The hate crimes bill is not at all germane to this piece of legislation. The House passed it as a standalone piece of legislation. Our authorization bill, I believe, should not be used as a vehicle to forward this controversial and unconventional--and I think unconstitutional--piece of legislation that attacks our First Amendment rights. The fiscal year 2010 National Defense bill started off as a bipartisan bill. Unfortunately, it has ended up in an extremely partisan fashion. The outstanding work of this committee, I think, is being belittled.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. W.L. Smith ``Junior,'' a World War II veteran and a community leader who passed away on October 5, 2009. Mr. Smith spent his life serving his country, his community, and his family, and I am proud to honor his dedication and service. Junior Smith was born on November 7, 1921 in Weedowee, Alabama and was a lifelong resident of Jay, Florida. He served honorably in World War II before opening Smith Tractor Company in Jay. In addition, Junior was an active member of the community. He was a member of the Jay United Methodist Church, as well as the Masonic Lodge. Junior will be sorely missed by his wife of 59 years, Louise, his children, Connie, Donna, Ricky, and Scotty, his 10 grandchildren, his great-grandchild, and his entire extended family. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor W.L. Smith ``Junior'' as a World War II hero and Northwest Florida leader. Junior will be remembered as a loving husband and father and as an important part of our community. My wife Vicki and I offer our prayers for his family as we remember and honor the life of W.L. Smith.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Objection.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Hurley Manning, a Northwest Florida community leader, upon the dedication of Hurley Manning Field at Milton High School. Coach Manning spent his career serving and teaching, and I am proud to honor his dedication and service. Hurley is a life-long Floridian. He grew up in Milton, Florida, attending Allentown School, Berryhill Elementary, and Milton High School, graduating in 1956. He played football for Milton on the old Overman Field, and during his senior season played in the very first football game on the field being dedicated in his honor. After graduating from Troy State University in 1960 and coaching football in Georgia and in Gainesville, Florida, Coach Manning eventually returned to Milton High School in 1968 as the head football coach. He served as head coach for 21 years, winning numerous District and Regional titles. He is the only football coach in the history of Santa Rosa County, Florida to win a state championship, which Coach Manning did twice in back-to-back years 1978 and 1979. He was extremely dedicated to the teaching profession, teaching for almost 30 years, and he continues to keep up with his athletes, who are known as ``Hurley's Boys.'' Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize Coach Hurley Manning for his lifetime of service to the students and families of Northwest Florida. My wife Vicki and I wish him, his wife of 41 years, Shirley, his children Lynette Peterson and Heather Couper, and his grandchildren, all the best for continued success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 125th Anniversary of Mae Edwards Memorial United Methodist Church in Milton, Florida. Mae Edwards Memorial has long been a positive force in Northwest Florida, and I am proud to honor their tremendous contributions to the community. Mae Edwards Memorial United Methodist was started in 1884 on the Andrew Jackson Brown property. Since there were no other churches in the local community, all of the families moving to the area attended the same church regardless of denomination. In 1916, a new community church was constructed and used by members of the Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian and Christian churches. During this time, Mae and Cliff Edwards moved to the area and joined the church. After their passing, the church was named as a memorial to Mae Edwards, who dedicated her time and her effort to the church's progress and spiritual growth. In 1936, the old church building was torn down, and wood from the building was used to construct a community hall and church alongside the local school. Church services were originally held in the community hall, but later moved inside the school after it was renovated. The old hall was converted into a kitchen, social area, and classrooms. The church continues to grow and serve the community, and in 2001, Mae Edwards Memorial was named the small membership church of the year for the Pensacola District. In a testament to the church's strength, many of the current members are descendants of the original church founders. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor Mae Edwards Memorial United Methodist Church upon 125 years of dedicated service to our community. My wife Vicki and I wish the best for continued growth and service to Reverend Byrd Mapoles and the entire church family.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Reverend Frederick E. Rogers upon his 40th anniversary as pastor of Milton First Assembly of God in Milton, Florida. He is a true spiritual and community leader, and I am humbled to honor such a dedicated servant of God. Pastor Rogers is a lifelong Floridian who has always been dedicated to the church. He graduated from Milton High School and received his undergraduate degree from Southeastern Bible Institute in Lakeland, Florida. In 1957, he married Jacquelyn Shelton, and the couple recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Pastor Fred and Jackie pioneered a church in Eustis, Florida, and then moved on to pastor churches in Greensboro and then Panama City. In August of 1969, they returned to Milton and began pasturing at Milton First Assembly of God. Pastor Rogers has led a life of service. He has served in a variety of roles for the church, and is currently the Executive Presbyter in the West District of Florida. He has been a member of the Milton Kiwanis Club since 1970, and served as its president from 1977-1978. In 1977, he was named Santa Rosa county Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year for his continued dedication. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor Fred Rogers on his 40 years with Milton First Assembly of God. Pastor Rogers is a Northwest Florida leader and part of the fabric of our community. My wife Vicki and I wish the best for continued growth and service to Reverend Fred Rogers, his wife Jackie, his children Andy, Robin, and Cheri, his grandchildren, and the entire Milton First Assembly of God church family.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join in the celebration of the life of Don Priest, a local legend in my district in Northwest Florida. For over four decades, Don delivered broadcast news and his daily editorials to people in the Florida Panhandle and Alabama Gulf Coast. Don's years of broadcasting made him one of the most recognized voices in the area. As news director of the radio station WCOA for 41 years, he knew the importance of keeping people in the area informed. He also recognized that the news is not one-sided, and as the first host of Pensacola Speaks, a local radio call-in show, he was instrumental to letting countless people over the years discuss what was on their minds, be it a national, local, or a personal issue. Don opened his radio show to anything people wanted to discuss, and people daily instantly recognized his voice as he took to the airwaves. Don's radio broadcasting covered more than just the news. On Friday nights, his distinctive voice came on the air to cover local high school football games. He was a news director who was involved with all aspects of the news, and he worked hard to include people of all ages and walks of life in the community. Don's tireless work made sure that events in the area received the notice they deserved. Madam Speaker, Northwest Florida will long remember the legacy of Don Priest. My thoughts and prayers are with him, and many will be forever grateful for Don having touched their lives. Northwest Florida has suffered a great loss, but we will fondly recall his voice on the airwaves for a long time to come.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, there is trouble brewing in the small community of Pace, Florida, a community of less than 8,000 people just south of my hometown, and full of hardworking Americans where I believe a Federal judge has gone well outside the bounds of the Constitution to declare that prayer offered among adults is illegal. That's right. The judicial branch is once again trying to act like the legislative branch, and in doing so is hindering the First Amendment rights of Americans. Mr. Speaker, I am not a lawyer and this is not a courtroom, but as a Member of Congress, I swore to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. And so help me God, that is what I intend to do. The facts of the case in Does v. School Board of Santa Rosa County are clear. The Federal district court, without a hearing, issued an injunction preventing any school employee from promoting or facilitating prayer at any school-sponsored event. That action alone tramples upon the First Amendment rights of a specific group of people, denying them the equal protection that is provided under the very Constitution that we believe in. The same Federal district court has now gone on to prohibit all employees from engaging in prayer or religious activities. The same court now thinks that Pace High School Principal Frank Lay and Athletic Director Robert Freeman violated this injunction at a private event with zero student participation. That the court would somehow consider this action to be criminal behavior is simply unconscionable. However, Frank Lay and Robert Freeman now face criminal contempt charges for praying before a meal that was to be shared. All of this despite the fact that the Supreme Court itself has found that the free speech clause protects private religious speech. The Supreme Court has further gone to find that not all religious speech that occurs in public schools or at a school-sponsored event is attributable to the government. As lawmakers, we cannot sit idly by and let this happen. As Members of Congress, we must act to uphold the Constitution. And as Americans, we must fight to ensure that our rights to freedom of religion and freedom of speech are not taken away. America is a Nation of principles. We can sit here all night and argue about whether we are a Nation of Judeo-Christian principles or of secular principles. But the fact is that our Constitution protects all Americans and a court has no place deciding that some Americans do not warrant those protections. The Founding Fathers would be appalled, and I certainly am as well.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, it is a great honor for me to rise today to extend congratulations to the Fred Baber family for being selected the 2009 Okaloosa County Farm Family of the Year. Mr. Fred Baber, the family's patriarch, celebrated his 90th birthday this year, but he still loves to rise before dawn and head out to farm in Laurel Hill, Florida. He is the herd manager for Roger's Ranch and manages 60 head of cattle. In their early days as Ohio farmers, Fred and his brother were pioneers in the fields of artificial insemination (AI) and dairy herd improvement association milk testing (DHIA). Fred brought his advanced knowledge of these techniques to Florida. He also built one of the first Harvester silos in the local area, and was instrumental in bringing the Tampa Independent Dairy Farmers Milk Co-op to the Florida panhandle. Fred's family is a huge part of his successful farming career. His son Andy helps him run the family farm, producing peanuts, soybeans, and hay. Andy, the oldest of eight Baber children, and his wife Barbara both work at Ruckel Properties. Andy also serves on the Okaloosa County Farm Services Agency Board. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to offer my congratulations to Baber family's tireless work and dedication to family, faith and trade. They are a role model for all of us. My wife Vicki and I wish their entire family best wishes for continued success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Ronnie E. Bell, a community leader who is retiring after over thirty years of public service with Walton County, Florida. Mr. Bell spent his career serving Northwest Florida, and I am proud to honor his dedication and service. Ronnie is life-long resident of Walton County. He graduated from Walton Senior High School in 1977 and from Okaloosa-Walton Junior College in 1980. He began his career with Walton County in 1977 as an Emergency Medical Services Secretary. From 1978 through 1986, Ronnie served as an EMT and Paramedic for Walton County EMS, and was the Walton EMS Supervisor between 1986 and 1987. In 1988, Ronnie became the Walton County Administrative Supervisor, and served in that capacity for eleven years. In 1999, he became Public Works Director, and was selected as Walton County Administrator in 2004. In over thirty years of service to the public as a Walton County employee, Ronnie has shown a true dedication to helping his fellow citizens. He has always strove to make Walton a better place to live. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize Ronnie Bell for his lifetime of service to Northwest Florida. Walton County will miss his leadership. My wife Vicki and I wish all the best for him and his family as they embark on this next journey in their lives.