Jeff Miller

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. I would certainly yield to my good friend.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Exactly, and I think that the additional question that needs to be asked, and apparently now the presumed Democratic nominee, Mr. Kerry has accepted Mr. Berger's resignation as his national security adviser in regards to his political campaign. Interestingly enough, I think it should have been the reverse. I think that the good Senator probably should have immediately, once he found out what was going on, should in fact asked Mr. Berger to step aside instead of waiting for Mr. Berger to make that decision. Again, I think it shows a lack of leadership on the Senator's side in regards to how he would handle an issue in regards to Top Secret information. I would be glad to yield to our chairman.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. And I appreciate the chairman's remarks, and in fact, President Bush has been working diligently, as the chairman knows, for months and months trying to rebuild that Intelligence Community that has been decimated so terribly. Looking for that great peace dividend that was out there and slashing the intelligence budget was a foolish thing to do, and we now see, and in fact people are telling us, that it will take 1, 2, 3, maybe 5 years, in order to rebuild that human intelligence. You do not just rely on all of the whiz-bang things that we have now and the great ways that we have to gather intelligence, but you certainly have to take the opportunity to get the human intelligence. But what bothers me even more is the fact that it appears that the information that Mr. Berger took out of that Top Secret room in that area where he should not have taken anything out of that room possibly dealt with very credible information in regards to our vulnerability at airports and seaports and what was going on in those general areas; and I think it is very coincidental, at best, that Mr. Kerry, Senator Kerry's advertisements, as he has been running for the Democratic nomination and has in fact been beating on our President time and time again, have in fact been homed in on our vulnerability at our airports and our seaports. And I am just concerned as to what Mr. Berger did with the information once he removed it from that Top Secret classified room and took it supposedly to his home, who may have seen it, who gained from the information that was there; and in fact, is there any type of tie that can be made to the campaign of Mr. Kerry, because it is beginning to appear we have a very convoluted web at this point in regards to some of the issues that the Senator has been raising.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am a conservative and I support the Federal marriage amendment. I understand that John Kerry will make a cameo appearance this week in Washington to vote against it. With that said, I rise to call attention and request a videotape release of the Democratic Presidential fundraiser that was held last Friday night, which quickly descended into a celebrity Bush-bashing event of low blows. On Friday night, John Kerry touted his Presidential campaign's positive tone, telling a crowd at another fundraiser that John and he did not run one negative ad against each other and any of their opponents all through their primaries, and they have not done a single negative ad against the president, because ``we think Americans want real solutions to real problems.'' This is more proof that John Kerry and his campaign have developed campaign amnesia. Just a few hours prior to those comments, his campaign fundraiser attendees listened to hours of celebrities use vulgar and tasteless attacks against our President, which Kerry endorsed, characterizing it as the heart and soul of America. His campaign endorsed the hate-filled celebrity event, so he should share those comments with voters. I ask that they release the video today. There is no reason why they should not do it, and America deserves to see the real John Kerry and John Edwards.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Margaret Sims. Over 1,252 of our soldiers have a new friend in Ms. Sims, who a year ago began writing to a soldier she did not know from her hometown of Gulf Breeze, FL. At 19 years of age and a rising sophomore at the University of West Florida, Margaret epitomizes patriotism in the United States. Margaret not only corresponds with many of the troops in Iraq on a regular basis in something she calls ``Project Appreciation,'' but also stands outside the local grocery store during the weekends gathering signatures for ``Thank You'' banners. She has been known to gather 400 signatures per banner, sending them to troops in places like Tikrit and Kirkuk, as well as making care-packages filled with cans of tuna, crackers, and toiletries for a lucky few that have become her regular recipients. She has been honored in the Pensacola News Journal and throughout the First District of Florida, but it is time that she is recognized for her efforts by Congress. Patriotism is not only shown by our soldiers in the field but by our people at home. Her love for our country and her support of the troops is the true essence of patriotism. She shows our men and women in the field how valued and supported they are, giving them hope and faith from back home. By sending letters and care packages, and by taking the time to gather signatures on a banner from people throughout her community, Ms. Sims is making a true difference in America, a model patriot for all of us to admire. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress I would like to thank Margaret Sims for her patriotism and support of our troops. What we need in this country are more young men and women like her.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer a personal explanation of the reason I missed rollcall votes Nos. 276-278 on June 22, 2004. These were suspension votes H. Res. 591--expressing the sense that a month should be designated Community Banking Month, H.R. 4363-- Helping Hands for Homeownership Act of 2004, and H. Res. 660-- Congratulating Randy Johnson on his perfect game. At the time these votes were called, my flight from my Congressional District to Washington, DC was diverted due to weather and I was thereby delayed en route to Washington, DC. I respectfully request that it be entered into the Congressional Record that if present, I would have voted rollcall vote No. 276, expressing the sense that a month should be designated Community Banking Month, --``aye''; rollcall vote No. 277, on Prostate Cancer Awareness, ``aye''; rollcall vote No. 277, on Helping Hands for Homeownership Act of 2004, ``aye''; and rollcall vote No. 278, Congratulating Randy Johnson on his perfect game, ``aye.''

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer a personal explanation of the reason I missed rollcall votes Nos. 232-235 on June 14, 2004. These were suspension votes on H.J. Res. 97--Renewal of import restrictions on Burma, H. Res. 669--Prostate cancer awareness, H.R. 4323--Rapid Acquisition Authority for Combat Emergencies and H. Res. 653--Recognizing 80th Birthday of President George H.W. Bush. At the time these votes were called, I was in my congressional district in Pensacola, FL with Vice-President Cheney for his speaking engagement. I respectfully request that it be entered into the Congressional Record that if present, I would have voted rollcall vote No. 232, Renewal of import restrictions on Burma--``aye''; rollcall vote No. 233, on Prostate cancer awareness, ``aye''; rollcall vote No. 234, on Rapid Acquisition Authority for Combat Emergencies, ``aye''; and rollcall vote No. 235, on Recognizing 80th Birthday of President George H.W. Bush, ``aye.''

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to recognize the passing of Newman C. ``Buddy'' Brackin. Buddy had a tremendous impact in my district over nearly 28 years as Okaloosa County Clerk of the Circuit Court. The son of a former Florida Senate president, Buddy came into politics with a solid base of knowledge. He had taught middle and high school in Northwest Florida and worked in real estate, but he knew it was time for him to run for the Okaloosa Clerk's office in 1976, and his win in that election reaffirmed his belief. His successive re- election was a clear indicator that Buddy was the right man for the job. Indeed, it was not until his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer that he decided not to seek an eighth term. Buddy's tenure as County Clerk saw the office of the Clerk nearly triple in size, and with his help the office saw much-needed improvements in the smoothness of its day-to-day operations. It is doubtful that many would have disagreed with his intent six months ago to seek an eighth term, so respected was he on both a professional and personal level by all who knew him. My prayers go out to Buddy's wife Blanche, his sons Mark and Bryan, and all others who mourn the loss of a great public servant. He loved his family as they loved him, his loss will have a vast impact on so many. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is with no small amount of sorrow that I tell of the passing of Buddy Brackin from this world, and his family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize Kristen Murphy and congratulate her on winning the top national award for the Fleet Reserve Patriotism Essay Contest. As a typical 18-year-old from Pensacola, Florida, she usually joined the rest of her community celebrating America's most patriotic holiday, the 4th of July, by spending time with friends and family, and participating in traditional Pensacola events. Little did she know that one day soon, her father, Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Scott Murphy, would be deployed to Iraq. From that day forth, ``patriotism'' took on a whole new meaning to Kristen. Starting out as a class assignment and 350 words later written on ``What Patriotism Means to Me,'' she took home the top national award, earning more than $20,000 in savings bonds from the Fleet Reserve Association. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to share with you Kristen's award winning essay. ``When I think of the word patriotism, many images and words come to mind. Over this past year, though, the actual meaning of the word has changed considerably for me. A year ago, patriotism simply meant hanging an American flag on our flagpole in the front yard and barbecuing out on the Fourth of July. Since my dad has been deployed and is now stationed overseas in the heat of battle, my perception of patriotism has changed drastically. Patriotism no longer means showing support for my country through waving a flag during a Fourth of July parade. It has now become a way of life. A year ago, patriotism meant knowing that many nameless, faceless soldiers did their job to keep me free. It meant going to the Blue Angels show on the beach or showing support for my country through a bumper sticker or a ribbon attached to my car antenna. It meant knowing that I lived in a free country where I enjoyed more rights than most but not caring how I got those rights. But now, that meaning has changed. Patriotism means knowing that my dad and others like him are fighting for our freedom, and it means being behind them 100 percent. It means honoring all those that have fought for this great country and knowing that I am free and safe because of them. It means realizing that without our brave soldiers and courageous leaders, we would not be the great country that we are today. It means living life every day knowing that thousands of men like my dad are the only reason why I can get up every morning and know I am free. Patriotism now means being truly proud that I was born and live in the greatest country in the world and that I am protected because of the greatest military in the world. Patriotism now means being truly proud of my dad and knowing he is doing his job for me.'' Mr. Speaker, these words are an inspiration to all who hear them. On behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to congratulate Miss Kristen Murphy on her national achievement and for sharing a glimpse of what patriotism means to her with the rest of our great Nation. May God bless all of our military men and women overseas and may God bless America.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, most Presidents have been defined by the events of their day. Whether it is war, the economy, or domestic policy, these leaders have all been forced to react to the issues. Ronald Wilson Reagan, however, did not fit this mold. His Presidency defined the events of his day, which boldly resembles the world that we each live in. Taking office in a relatively peaceful period in our history, where the Cold War was in an assumed perpetual state, rather than a quid pro quo acceptance of an evil empire on the other side of the globe, President Reagan challenged the conventional wisdom of appeasing the Soviet Union and challenged them directly, helmet to helmet, on the field of ideology. President Reagan's administration had an exceptional consistency through his 8 years, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, words we often take for granted while denying ourselves a conscious thought that there are many who are denied these God-given, inalienable unalienable rights. On June 12, 1987, what from what was West Germany's Brandenburg Gate, President Reagan spoke directly to Communist states, telling them what was painfully obvious to the Western world: A totalitarian system just did not work. ``We see failure, technological backwardness, declining standards of health, even want of the most basic kind: too little food. After four decades there stands before the entire world one great and inescapable conclusion: Freedom leads to prosperity. Freedom replaces the ancient hatreds among the nations with comity and peace. Freedom is the victor.'' This, of course, was the famous speech where President Reagan asked Mr. Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin Wall and to let men and women be free. President Reagan pledged cooperation in reducing nuclear weapons, maintaining peace, but doing so in a setting befitting civilized nations. This declaration, while a defining moment in his Presidency, was consistent of a President who believed, truly believed, in a free- market economy and in a world that called on personal responsibility and a hand up rather than a handout; limited government; the right of men and women to live free, and children to grow up in a world that did not require them to know the duck-and-cover routine. Mr. Speaker, God bless the Gipper, and may God rest his soul.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome home Army Staff Sergeant Dustin Tuller and to thank him for patriotically answering his nation's call to duty. America has put our power at the service of principle. We believe that liberty is the design of nature, the direction of history, and that human fulfillment and excellence come in the responsible exercise of liberty. Last, we believe that freedom--the freedom we prize--is not for us alone, it is the right and the capacity of all mankind. By definition, the success of freedom rests upon the choices and the courage of free peoples, and upon their willingness to sacrifice. In the trenches of World War I, through a two-front war in the 1940s, the difficult battles of Korea and Vietnam, to battling the faceless enemy in the war on terror and in missions of rescue and liberation on nearly every continent, Americans have amply displayed our willingness to sacrifice for liberty and freedom. Just two days before Christmas, Dustin had just positioned his squad outside a building in Iraq to provide security during the raid when the soldiers came under fire. Despite being shot four times in the legs and pelvis, he returned gunfire and started looking for a concealed position. Soon after, Dustin arrived at a hospital and learned that he would have to have both legs amputated. Having hopes of becoming a physical education teacher, the interruption in his life has not deterred his plans. On a daily basis, we are reminded of the tremendous costs that freedom often requires. Throughout the history of the United States of America, men, woman and families have given their all to further our constitutional hopes and dreams. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress; we are humbled by and appreciative of men, women and families like Dustin Tuller's who are willing to answer their nation's call. Thank you Dustin, Alisha, Dillyn, Zachery, Dammyn, and Lexi. We all owe you a heartfelt debt of gratitude. Welcome Home.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, yesterday a Clinton-appointed Federal judge in California granted a permanent extension or injunction against the partial birth abortion ban that was passed by the Congress and signed by President Bush. This is not surprising, since Judge Phyllis Hamilton made it crystal clear that she was ideologically opposed to the ban on partial birth abortion. What is outrageous and defies sound reason is that she found the ban unconstitutional. In acting to prevent this hideous practice, the elected branches of our government affirmed a basic standard of humanity, the duty of the strong to protect the weak. Partial birth abortion is cruel and inhumane. This is the widespread agreement amongst men and women on this issue, regardless of their political affiliations. Life cannot be granted or denied by government, elected officials or judges abusive of their interpretive function. Judge Hamilton's ruling is yet another example of activist courts gone wild and is the next decision in the domino effect of legislating from the Federal bench. I join with our President and will vigorously defend this law against judges who would construe it in contravention to our Constitution and the American public.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to rise today to recognize the retirement of Buddy and Pat Deas. For over 35 years, Buddy taught students of all ages, and his wife Pat was by his side in the classroom during much of that time. I had the great privilege of learning from Mr. Deas in my high school agriculture class. As a teacher, Mr. Deas always believed in ``focusing on the student rather than the subject being taught,'' and that ``while the subject matter is important, it is often the media through which we can teach those larger lessons of life.'' Buddy Deas emphasized the civic duties each of us has to our nation, and why it is important to always think of ways to help others. Buddy also influenced me in many areas other than agriculture. In fact, he taught me about public speaking and parliamentary procedure. Without that early influence and knowledge, it is difficult to imagine where I would be today. As a mentor, he taught me how to use these skills; as a friend he taught me why I should use these skills to work for other people. Buddy transcended many areas of education as he coached state champion public speakers and state champion agriculture mechanics teams. He also encouraged others to take up teaching, and even supervised student teachers as they came into their new profession. Furthermore, he taught me other life skills that I continue to use today. Outside of my own parents and God, Buddy Deas had the single largest influence on me as a young man. Mrs. Deas has been recognized on more than one occasion as an exceptional school volunteer. She and her husband worked exceptionally well together, not just as husband and wife, but also as teachers in the same classroom. In 1993, Alachua County, Florida, recognized Mrs. Deas as its Outstanding School Volunteer of the year. The very same year, she was named the Outstanding School Volunteer for the 19-county Crown Region of the State of Florida. Mrs. Deas was one of 15 school volunteers from around the state recognized at the Commissioner of Education's Outstanding School Volunteer Awards Banquet. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to congratulate and offer my sincere commendation to Buddy and Pat Deas for reaching out and touching the lives of thousands of our nation's young people.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4317) to name the Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic located in Lufkin, Texas, as the ``Charles Wilson Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic''.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4317 would name the VA outpatient clinic in the city of Lufkin, Texas, for our former colleague, the honorable Charles Wilson of Texas. I did not have the opportunity to know Mr. Wilson during his time in Congress, but Members who worked with him remember Charlie Wilson for his steadfast support of our Nation's defense and intelligence operations. Mr. Wilson's personal history is as spirited as the Lone Star State where he was born. Growing up in Lufkin in east Texas, he graduated from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1956 and thereafter served honorably in the United States Navy. After serving in the Texas House of Representatives and the senate, Mr. Wilson was elected to Congress in 1972. Mr. Wilson represented the second congressional district of Texas for 12 terms. He retired in 1996 and has maintained a successful consulting business here in Washington and in his native Texas. Over 20 years ago, as a Member of the House Committee on Appropriations and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Mr. Wilson focused his energy on the plight of the Afghan people, then under invasion by the old Soviet Union. Mr. Wilson's singular effort to sustain covert U.S. aid for the rebels in Afghanistan was a crucial resource for the Afghan people to drive the Soviets out of their country. Influenced by Mr. Wilson's work in Afghanistan, the U.S. Cold War operation contributed to the eventual collapse of the USSR. These events are vividly depicted in the recent book, ``Charlie Wilson's War: The Extraordinary Story of the Largest Covert Operation in History.'' I believe using any definition of the term, Charlie Wilson is an extraordinary man in foreign affairs and in intelligence matters. Closer to home, as an advocate for our veterans and our Armed Forces, who were his constituents in Texas, Mr. Wilson played a key role in convincing the VA to open an outpatient clinic in his hometown of Lufkin. The clinic can was dedicated in 1991, and it remains an important provider of health care to veterans in East Texas. I believe that our colleague, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Turner), the sponsor of this bill, will speak in greater detail about our former Member Charles Wilson. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of our time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, this is a bipartisan bill. I urge all Members of this body to support H.R. 4317 to name the Lufkin, Texas, VA clinic the Charles Wilson Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 4317.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I proudly rise today in wholehearted support of H.R. 4200, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2005. This legislation fully restores the Survivor Benefit Plan annuity to what was promised America's surviving spouses. I applaud my Armed Services Committee colleagues for bringing a quarter of a million military widows and widowers one step closer to seeing increases in their monthly checks next year. This is a Defense Authorization measure of which this body can be proud. Since coming to Congress, I have been working this issue of particular interest--restoration of the minimum Survivor Benefit Plan basic annuity to fifty-five percent (55%) for survivors age sixty-two (62) and older. Under present law, surviving spouses are subject to a reduction to thirty-five percent (35%) as part of the initial SBP law enacted in 1972. But this critical piece of information didn't find its way into military retirement briefings and SBP election forms until many years later. Here's a 1982 election form. Nowhere will you find the offset mentioned. Survivors feel betrayed by this bait and switch. And at 35 percent, SBP provides only a poverty-level-or lower-annuity for most survivors, even those of relatively senior officers. For nearly three years, I have worked with members of this Committee, my colleagues on the Veterans Affairs Committee, and numerous service organizations to introduce SBP bills that will bring the needed equity. Both bills I have introduced in this Congress have received strong bipartisan support with over three hundred (300) Members sponsoring one or both. I am proud that this Committee has produced SBP reform that exceeds even my greatest expectations. H.R. 4200 will fully eliminate the so-called ``Widow's Tax'' by April 1, 2008--in under five years. Again, what we're doing today exceeds all expectations. It's what we set our sights upon when I introduced H.R. 548. I thank Chairman Duncan Hunter and the first-rate Armed Services Committee staff, who literally worked around the clock to make this work. Mr. Chairman, I urge this entire body to support these provisions we have worked tirelessly hard fought, and its victory is shared by so many whose efforts have been tireless and unrelenting. I thank my colleagues who have stood by me to realize this victory.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I thank my chairman of the full committee for the time; and, Mr. Chairman, I proudly rise today in support of H.R. 4200, our National Defense Authorization Act of 2005. As the chairman said, this legislation fully restores the survivor benefit plan annuity to what was promised to America's surviving spouses, and I applaud my Committee on Armed Services colleagues for bringing a quarter of a million military widows and widowers one step closer to seeing increases in their monthly checks next year. This is a Defense authorization measure which this entire body can be proud of. Since coming to Congress, I have been working on this issue of particular interest, restoration of the minimum survivor benefit plan basic annuity to 55 percent for those survivors aged 62 years of age and older. Under present law, surviving spouses are subject to a reduction to 35 percent as part of the initial SBP law that was enacted in 1972, but this critical piece of information did not find its way into military retirement briefings and to the SBP election forms until many years later. Here is a 1982 election form. Nowhere will my colleagues find in this form the offset mentioned. Survivors have felt betrayed by this bait- and-switch; and at 35 percent, SBP provides only a poverty-level or lower annuity to most survivors, even those of relatively senior officers. For nearly 3 years, we have worked with members of the committee, my colleagues on the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and numerous VSOs, to introduce SBP bills that will bring the needed equity. Both bills that I have introduced in Congress have received strong bipartisan support with over 300 Members sponsoring one or both measures, and I am proud that this committee has produced SBP reform that exceeds even my greatest expectation. H.R. 4200 will fully eliminate the so-called ``widow's tax'' by April 1, 2008, in under 5 years. I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter) and the first rate Committee on Armed Services staff who literally worked round the clock to make this happen. Once again, our Nation is calling upon the members of the U.S. Armed Forces to defend democracy and freedom. We have no doubt that these brave men and women will rise to the challenge. However, for those who have selected to make their career the U.S. military, they face an unknown risk. This giant leap forward sends a clear message to the men and women who have provided our national defense. Today, we are a grateful Nation, and this Congress is making good on our promises to our Armed Forces. This battle has been hard fought, and its victory is shared by so many whose efforts have been tireless and unrelenting. I thank my colleagues who have stood by me to realize this victory.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Oakland Ard, who is being awarded the ``Here's looking at you award.'' Mr. Ard was born in Sampson, Alabama on September 17, 1925. Mr. Ard left Alabama for Florida on his twenty-fifth birthday. He was employed by the Port St. Joe Paper Company from 1950 to 1952 and went on to work for Saint Regis Paper Company in Jacksonville, Florida between 1953 and 1957. In 1957, Mr. Ard moved to Jay, Florida and began working at the Container Corporation in Brewton, Alabama. Mr. Ard has been a great provider for his community by serving on the Jay Hospital Board of Trustees for four years, the ARC Board of Directors in Santa Rosa County for six years, SRC Chamber of Commerce for nine years. He is currently serving on the Committee's of Government and Military Affairs and the Board of Directors for SHIP. Mr. Ard has generously volunteered his time with the Jay First Baptist Church in any needed capacity that involves helping his church or people in need. He has been a member of the Jay First Baptist Church for forty years. Mr. Ard's unselfish deeds of giving his time to help others have made him a well-known and well-loved man throughout his community. Mr. Ard and his lovely wife Marian have two sons, Freddy and Ronnie, four grandsons and one great grand daughter. On behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to recognize this special person for the example he has set in his community. I offer my sincere thanks for all that he has done for Northwest Florida and this great nation.

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Doctor C. David Smith for receiving the honor as Florida's 2004 Family Physician of the Year. Dr. Smith has an extraordinary beginning to his career. He graduated second in his class from the University of Florida medical school in 1979. With a promising career in medicine, he began his residency at the University of South Alabama. However, in 1980 with not even a year of residency under his belt, he received word that his hometown hospital in Jay, Florida would close due to the lack of physician manpower and financial resources. Dr. David Smith followed his love of medicine and people and relocated back to his hometown, insuring that the hospital would continue to serve his neighbors in the rural community of less than 600. During his 23-year tenure, Dr. Smith serves patients from his community and the surrounding area in his private practice, the emergency room, acute care center, hospital and nursing home. He is also the team physician for the local high school football team and even has time to make house calls. Among his supporters, his patients offer the most passionate tributes. A community citizen whose family was comforted by Dr. Smith noted, ``The community is blessed to have this man among us. If we could have a statue in Jay of a hero, it would be Dr. David Smith, physician extraordinaire, humanitarian by gift of God, and our beloved rural doctor.'' Thanks to his leadership, intellect, and altruistic character, he revived the medical community and put rural hospital care in the medical spotlight. Jay Hospital and Northwest Florida communities are very fortunate to have such a distinguished family physician who has a genuine concern for people. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to congratulate and offer my sincere appreciation to Dr. C. David Smith for his service in the communities of Northwest Florida.