Jeff Miller

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 416 and congratulate the Navy League of the United States on 100 years of service to Navy communities around the country. The Navy League, Pensacola Chapter, is one of the largest in the country with 1010 members and growing. It is actively supporting the Navy and the community. Both the Pensacola and Santa Rosa Chapters host annual Sailor of the Year and Flight Instructor of the Year Award Ceremonies. These awards recognize the best of the best from the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force active duty that serve on the emerald coast. They also support and co-founded the community's annual military appreciation month, where active and former military members are given special consideration throughout the month. On a recent visit to my district, the Secretary of the Navy, Gordon England, recognized the Pensacola Area Navy Leagues as exemplary and was impressed by the display of support for visiting ship and air-wing crews. Again, Mr. Speaker, I appreciate my good friend from Virginia, Mr. Schrock, for introducing this measure. My community and I are grateful for the Navy League and wish them well in their next 100 years.

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor a man who, on many occasions, has been honored before by this great body. Today, however, after meeting this great man, after hearing so many times his heroic story, it is my privilege, as his Congressman, to present my constituent Colonel George Everett ``Bud'' Day. Colonel Day, a prominent attorney in Northwest Florida, a family man, the most decorated military person since General Douglas MacArthur and a Medal of Honor winner will receive another distinction few people ever realize--Sioux City, Iowa, the birthplace of Colonel Day, will become the Sioux Gateway Airport/ Col. Bud Day Field, a fitting tribute to this aviator's 137 flight missions in both Korea and Vietnam. Mr. Speaker, the events leading to Colonel Day's Medal of Honor award are inspiring. I would like to resubmit, for the purposes of accurately portraying Col. Day's actions, a segment of the 1993 report of the Select Committee on POW/MIA's. The Report of the Select Committee on POW/MIA's (Senate--Feb. 3, 1993) Col. George Day (U.S. Air Force): Col. George ``Bud'' Day was shot down over North Vietnam in August 1967. His right arm was broken in three places and his knee badly sprained. He was captured by hostile forces and immediately taken to a prison camp where he was interrogated and severely tortured. After causing the guards to relax their vigilance, Colonel Day escaped into the jungle and began the trek toward South Vietnam. He was the only POW to escape from prison in the north. Despite injuries inflicted by fragments of a bomb or rocket, he continued southward surviving only on a few berries and uncooked frogs. He successfully evaded enemy patrols and reached the Ben Hai River, where he encountered U.S. artillery barrages. With the aid of a bamboo log float, Colonel Day swam across the river and entered the demilitarized zone. Due to delirium, he lost his sense of direction and wandered aimlessly for several days. After several unsuccessful attempts to signal U.S. aircraft, he was ambushed and recaptured by the Vietcong, sustaining gunshot wounds to the left hand and thigh. He was returned to the ``zoo,'' the prison from which he had escaped and later was moved to Hanoi after giving his captors false information in response to their questions. Physically, Col. Day was totally debilitated and unable to perform even the simplest task for himself. Despite his many injuries, he continued to resist. Furthermore, 37 months of his 5\1/2\ year imprisonment were spent in solitary confinement. Upon his release in 1973, Colonel Day was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic efforts. Mr. Speaker, it is an absolute honor and privilege to represent Col. Bud Day. I commend the citizens of Sioux City in providing Col. Day this fitting tribute to their favorite son.

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, in 1947, Pensacola Junior College became the first public junior college to be established under Florida law. Subsequently, as the college grew, so did the recognition and support from the community. In 1965, the Pensacola Junior College (PJC) Foundation was incorporated as a non-profit corporation that could accept tax-deductible contributions from community supporters. During the next three decades, the PJC Foundation helped the college expand its campus, through the addition of many new buildings, as well as additional campus locations. In December 1998, the PJC Foundation launched its first comprehensive fund drive. The goal was to raise $4.5 million. A lead gift of $1 million from the Switzer and Reilly families established the Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts and got the campaign off to a successful start. Born September 11, 1990, Anna Lamar Switzer, the namesake of the Switzer Center for Visual Arts, was an artist and published author who believed Pensacola should offer quality educational programs for those living in Northwest Florida. Mr. Speaker, the United States Congress congratulates Pensacola Junior College and recognizes the generous contribution of the Switzer family. The arts center is a fitting memorial to Mrs. Switzer and an enduring opportunity for faculty, students, and the public to enjoy and learn form the visual arts as Mrs. Switzer did. The Switzer endowment has allowed PJC not only a renovated arts center, but a three-year faculty chair award, two-year student scholarship award, and the creation of the Distinguished Artist Lecture Series. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to honor the life of Anna Lamar Switzer, her love for education and her affection for her community of Pensacola.

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003, H.R. 4546. Mr. Chairman, yesterday, in Pensacola, FL, the Navy suffered an air training accident whereby seven military and civilian contractor personnel are missing at sea. And while the search continues, and we pray for a successful recovery, this event is a reminder of the risks our uniformed men and women endure--either at home or away. I believe this legislation does much to honor and reward military service and I am proud to be a member of the House Armed Services Committee and proud to have contributed to the work before us. Mr. Chairman, this legislation remedies a wrong, long committed against our retired military veterans. By providing $5.58 billion, over 5 years, toward retiree benefits, H.R. 4546 begins full concurrent receipt for veterans suffering from a disabled rating 60 percent or greater. These individuals, who have given decades of their life, serving this great country, will begin to receive their earned retired pay along with their earned disability pay. This agreement builds upon the work of many people, the least not the veterans who walk these halls, write letters or otherwise make the effort to contact their Member of Congress. Due to the meticulous work of the budget committee, the requirement to have a full budget offset is no longer needed. Additionally, this legislation eliminates a stipulation that disability claims must be made within four years of military separation, effectively enacting my bill, H.R. 3620. Navy training, an important function in my district, is supported in this bill by the authorization of 10 additional Joint Primary Air Training Systems, also known as JPATS. The Navy and Air Force will sue this system, consisting of both the T-6A aircraft and a ground-based training system, for primary pilot training. The T-6A will replace both the Navy's T-34 and Air Force's T-37B fleets, providing safer, more economical and more effective training for future student pilots. Mr. Chairman, in closing I would like to thank Chairman Stump for his service to this committee, to the men and women in uniform and to his country. It is my honor to have had the opportunity to serve under his leadership.

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003, H.R. 4546. The legislation remedies a long-committed wrong that has been used against our retired military veterans for many years. By providing $5.58 billion over 5 years towards retiree benefits, H.R. 4546 begins full concurrent receipt for veterans suffering from a disabled rating 60 percent or greater. These individuals have given decades of their life and service to this great country, and they will begin to receive their earned retired pay along with their earned disability payment. This agreement builds upon the work of the Committee on Veterans Affairs and the Committee on Armed Services over the last couple years, and finishes the work done last year that made the policy change. Due to the meticulous work by the Committee on the Budget, the requirement to have a full budget offset is no longer needed, and that section has now been removed as a stipulation that claims must be made within 4 years of military separation. Mr. Chairman, I am proud to be a member of the Committee on Armed Services and proud to support this fiscal year 2003 defense authorization, H.R. 4546.

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the students and faculty of Pensacola Catholic High School. For 7 years, students at Pensacola Catholic High have embraced Make A Difference Day. Make A Difference Day was created by USA Weekend Magazine and is one of the most encompassing national days of helping others, a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. They have achieved the astronomical participation rate of 80 percent. They have made it their annual mission to help the elderly in Pensacola maintain their homes and to pitch in around the community. On October 27th, 2001, 450 students fanned out around Pensacola and painted four houses and an elementary school, built nine picnic tables, cleaned two neglected cemeteries, weeded a community rose garden, spruced up a homeless shelter's playground, and made $1,300 at a car wash for the school's Make A Difference Day scholarship fund. The students were recognized as one of the ten national honorees by the USA Weekend Magazine's Make A Difference Day. The students will receive a $10,000 Make A Difference Day award, funded by Newman's Own, and have selflessly donated it to Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida. I commend these selfless students for all they have done to the betterment of Northwest Florida.

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer a happy birthday to one of Northwest Florida's true matriarchs, Jewell Frances Wells Golden, who turned 90 years old on April 16, 2002. The daughter of one of the Northwest Florida's pioneering families and a true Panhandle native, Mrs. Golden has used her years to inspire and help shape our community in numerous ways. As a wife of 66 years to the late Albert Golden, their many business ventures can be felt all along the Gulf Coast. From humble beginnings, the two embarked upon undertakings that included a number of banks, oil companies, and a local newspaper. Along with these endeavors, side-by side, Mr. and Mrs. Golden founded the Church of the Living God in 1977, where she is still a devoted member. Mrs. Golden's influence reaches well beyond her business enterprises. Her impact earned her the 1970 ``Personality of the South'' and 1974 ``Florida Mother of the Year'' awards in recognition of her service to her community and state. Mrs. Golden was a delegate with the Florida Department of Agriculture with a mission to promote goodwill with other nations. She also served as director of Santa Rosa County's United Way from 1964-1965. Mrs. Golden is adored by a family of 3 children, 11 living grandchildren, 20 living great (grandchildren, and a thankful community. Through her example, we have all learned that hard work, dedication, and strong values will lead to success and happiness. On behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to wish this special woman the happiest of birthdays and many more to come. I offer my sincere thanks for all she has done for Northwest Florida.

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, we are considering this legislation today because this is the right course for America and the right course for our economic future. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues across the aisle will continue to use scare tactics to say that by voting for this bill you are voting to strip seniors of their Social Security. We all know that this is simply not true. The fact of the matter is that there will be no reduction in Social Security or Medicare benefits as a result of the tax cut. Those are promises made and promises that will be honored. We owe it to our seniors to be honest about how Social Security works, similar to a bank, who takes in a depositor's money, credits the amount to the depositor's account, and then loans it out. In effect, what they are saying is that we are taking Treasury bills out of the trust fund to hand out as tax cuts. This is a ridiculous assertion. Social Security reform is a worthy discussion, but it is one for another day. At the same time, many will argue that we are burdening our children with huge debt by voting for this measure. I could not disagree more strongly. We constantly hear from our ``tax and spend'' friends that our tax cuts need to be at a level ``that we can afford.'' That is precisely the problem. Our government has become too large and is asking too much of the American people, to the point where it depresses economic growth. We must realize that our federal budget has gotten out of control and that Washington does not always know how best to spend the taxpayers' money. Since the passage of last year's tax bill I have heard from many constituents that have benefited from the measure. The simple fact is that the federal government has long overcharged the American public, and now is the time to permanently change this disturbing trend. We cannot, and we should not, forgo this opportunity. Mr. Speaker, my constituents sent me here to work for less taxes, less government and more personal freedom. For the sake of all hard- working Americans, let's make these tax cuts permanent. I rise in support of this important legislation.

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, 20 years ago, the Supreme Court recognized the compelling State and national interest in protecting American children, declaring that child pornography is barred from first amendment protection. Since that time, Congress has worked consistently to protect against the exploitation of our children, a charge that has become increasingly difficult in the computer age. Yesterday, the court struck down Congress's attempt at a legislative crackdown against computer-age child pornography, calling it a threat to free speech. Justice Kennedy's broad language sends a disturbing message. The high court in our land apparently places a higher premium on the expression of pedophiles than on ensuring the psychological, emotional, and mental health of our country's children and society as a whole. Child pornography is a highly organized, multi-million dollar industry in this country, involving the exploitation of thousands of children and youth in the production and distribution of pornographic materials. In 1996, Congress addressed the mushroom effect of high-tech kiddie porn by passing the Child Pornography Prevention Act. The law broadened the scope of the definition of child pornography to include computer-generated issues. Computers are increasingly being used to alter innocent pictures of children to create visuals of those children engaging in sexual conduct. This type of child pornography invades the child's privacy and reputational interests. Images that are created showing a child's face on a body engaging in sexually explicit conduct can haunt the minor for years. As articulated by the court's dissenters, The Child Pornography Prevention Act prohibition of virtual child pornography was tailored narrowly enough to pass constitutional muster. It is clear that the Act merely extends existing prohibitions on child pornography to a class of computer-generated pictures that may be easily mistaken for actual photographs of real children. Yesterday, the court turned its back on its long-standing recognition of the government's compelling interest in protecting American children. That interest is promoted by Congress's efforts to ban virtual child pornography. Such images whet the appetites of child molesters who may use the images to seduce young children. Anger to children who are seduced and molested with the aid of child sex pictures is just as great when the child pornographer or child molester uses visuals of child sexual activity produced wholly or in part by electronic or computer means, as when molesters use images of actual children engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Despite the Supreme Court's decision, Congress is not required to, nor will it wait, on harm to our children before legislating against it. I echo Attorney General John Ashcroft's disappointment in the ruling and that child pornographers and pedophiles can find little refuge in the court's decision. Ensuring enforceability of our American child pornography laws is indeed a compelling one, and the Child Pornography Prevention Act is an important tool in fighting child sexual abuse. We will continue to fight to ban expression which is used by sex abusers to act in deviance with children and which desensitizes the offenders themselves to the pathology of sexual abuse and exploitation of children. The First Amendment does not protect the panderer.

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to rise today as the House considers H.R. 3960, a bill to designate the United States Postal Service Facility located in Jay, Florida, as the Joseph W. Westmoreland Post Office Building. Mr. Speaker, earlier this year I introduced this measure to provide a fitting tribute to the service and life of the man who did so much for that area of the State in northwest Florida. Mr. Joseph Westmoreland was born to humble beginnings in South Carolina before serving in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Upon leaving service in 1946, Joe married Evelyn, whom he had met while stationed at Hurlburt Field. The couple moved to Jay, where Evelyn's father owned a small grocery store, and where they would share 55 years of marriage. Joe was appointed postmaster by Congress in 1948, a position he would serve in for 41 years until his retirement. Time and time again, Joe proved himself not only an exemplary postmaster, but a strong community leader until his death January 28 of last year. While living in Jay, he became a charter member of the Jay Lions Club and served in many positions in the Jay United Methodist Church, from teaching adult Sunday school classes to chair of the finance committee. Joe was an example to all of us that a civil servant is forever indebted to the people he serves. His faith taught him that there is no greater act than service to fellow man, and his life was a testament to these beliefs. Although Joe is not with us today, his legacy of service and dedication to community serves as a shining example to those in northwest Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank Joe's wife, Evelyn, and his sons, Lofton and Dale, for sharing their husband and father with the communities for so many years. I would like to thank the Committee on Government Reform, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton), and the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman) for their assistance in getting this bill to the floor, and urge my colleagues to support this measure to recognize a man who dedicated over 4 decades of his life to the people of Jay, Florida.

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of his retirement from the United States Air Force, I want to recognize Colonel ``Mark'' Washabaugh for his 30 years of dedicated service to our country. In his most recent assignment he serves as the Chief, Inquiries Division, Office of Legislative Liaison. He manages, on behalf of the Department of the Air Force, all constituent inquiries from the White House, Office of the Vice President, Members of Congress and State/local governments. Colonel Washabaugh began his distinguished Air Force career with the Reserve Officers Training Corps at the University of Maryland and was commissioned in 1972. He graduated from St. Anne's Academy, Ft. Smith, Arkansas. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology/biology from the University of Maryland in 1972 and a Master of Science degree in systems management from the University of Southern California in 1985. He also attended Squadron Officers School and Air Command and Staff College. His first assignment was as an Administration Officer for the 801st Radar Squadron at Malmstrom AFB, Montana. Following this assignment he was Commander of the Headquarters Squadron at Kingsley Field, Oregon. His next assignment took him to Osan AB, Republic of Korea where he served as the Executive Officer for the Deputy Commander for Resources, 51st Composite Wing (Tactical); followed on as Wing Executive Officer and then as Aide to the Commander 314th Air Division. Colonel Washabaugh returned to the continental United States as the Program Officer, Directorate of Operations and Readiness, Headquarters United States Air Force. His next assignment took him to MacDlll AFB, Florida, where he served as Chief of Protocol for the United States Central Command. In 1983, he returned to Headquarters U.S. Air Force and served as the Chief of International Programs for Southern Europe. In 1986 he entered the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, as a student. Upon graduation he became Chief of Protocol, Headquarters U.S. European Command at Patch Barracks, Germany. In 1989 he returned to the continental United States as Chief of Branch 1 in the Office of Legislative Liaison, Headquarters U.S. Air Force. His next assignment was at the Air Education and Training Command at Randolph AFB, Texas as the Chief of Communications and Strategic Information Planning. He returned to the DC area to serve as Chief of the Business Systems Division for the Air Force Communications and Information Center. He was assigned to his present position in 1999. Colonel Washabaugh's military awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with an oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters and the Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster.

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2175. Every infant deserves to be fully entitled to all protections of our laws, no matter the likelihood of long-term survival. This legislation will ensure that the deplorable practice of infanticide will never occur again in this country. We have many serious issues to tackle here in Washington, few as important as the right to life. I am pleased to see that this issue is no longer on the backburner. It is reassuring that we in the House are making strides toward legislation that will reduce abortion rates here and abroad. Since the legalization of abortion in 1973, countless victims have paid the ultimate price. The landscape of American society changed with the Roe vs. Wade decision, which has resulted in societal corruption and a moral decline in our nation. Life is a fundamental human right. We must preserve the sanctity of this right and we must not rest until its place in the moral fabric of our nation is restored. The unborn child has no voice and cannot protect itself. It is our responsibility to ensure their voices are heard and their right to life is protected. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 2175 and take a stand for what we know to be ethically decent.

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the Veterans Affairs Committee for their recommended increase over the Administration's request in the Fiscal Year 2003 Budget Resolution for the Department of Veterans Affairs. We on the Committee constantly speak of a needs-based budget that fulfills our duty and our obligation to those who have given so much to this nation. The Committee has been extremely effective under the expert leadership of Chairman Smith, and all of us on the Committee know much work remains. In fact, the Department of Veterans Affairs projects that nearly 700,000 additional veterans will seek VA healthcare in 2003. While we should be proud of the quality and the breadth of care that the VA provides, VA healthcare struggles because appropriated funding is not keeping pace with growth in enrollment and the increased demands for service. Additionally, there is a need for additional clinics and primary care facilities, and much of VA's physical infrastructure is in immediate need of hundreds of millions of dollars in repairs restorations and upgrades. The result of under-funding and inaction in this area could be crippling to the system, and in the end the losers are the ones who have sacrificed the most for this nation--our veterans. In addition to providing adequate funding for veteran programs, the time has come for Congress to act to resolve inequities in current law, including the prohibition on concurrent receipt as provided for by H.R. 303; and an increase in premiums for the Survivor Benefit Plan as provided for in H.R. 548. Mr. Speaker, we must fulfill our obligations to care for those who place their lives on the line to defend our nation, our people, and our principles; and to do so we must be willing to provide the needed resources, no matter the cost. The time has come to enact a VA budget that is worthy of this great nation and worthy of our veterans' sacrifice. May God Bless our nation's veterans, and may God continue to bless these United States of America.

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained earlier today while attending a closed hearing for Schism v. the United States in the U.S. Court of Appeals, here in Washington, DC. Being a closed hearing, I was unable to leave when this afternoon's vote was called and further, had the understanding that the vote would not occur until a time certain. I respectfully request the Record to reflect that, had I been here, I would have voted ``yea'' on S.J. Res. 32.

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer a very happy birthday to Maebelle Plant who turns 109 years old on February 25, 2002. Now living in her third century, Granny Plant has seen twenty presidents take the oath of office, experienced two World Wars, the Great Depression, and witnessed America's growth into the world's superpower. She came to Florida in a covered wagon and watched our men walk on the moon. Granny Plant is our community's matriarch and the embodiment of our values. By helping others in need, she has had an immense effect on our area. Her efforts to feed hungry children is worthy of the highest acclamation. Her work-hard-attitude, unwavering faith in God and countless deeds of good, serve as an inspiration for our own civic responsibilities. Granny Plant is adored by a family of six living children, 54 great grandchildren, 2 greatgreat grandchildren and a grateful community. On behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to wish this inspirational woman the happiest of birthdays and many more to come. I offer my sincere thanks for all she has done. Maybe we can all live such a complete life if we live by her words, ``Other's is my motto. I love people.''

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to pay tribute to a true American patriot on his 91st birthday, President Ronald Reagan. As we in Congress wrestle with the Defense budget, I recall the words of Ronald Reagan when he submitted his Presidential budget. He said, We start by considering what must be done to maintain peace and review all the possible threats against our security. Then a strategy for strengthening peace and defending against those threats must be agreed upon. And, finally, our defense establishment must be evaluated to see what is necessary to protect against any or all of the potential threats. The cost of achieving these ends is totaled up, and the result is the budget for national defense. Mr. Speaker, as we debate on the proper amount for the defense of our Nation, the greatest tribute we can pay to Ronald Reagan is to build on the strong defense foundation that he laid and provide our military the funding and resources to defend the Constitution and protect the values under which this great Nation was founded.

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I might hereafter be considered as first sponsor of H.R. 548, a bill originally introduced by the gentleman from Florida, Mr. Scarborough, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprints pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to announce to you and the other members of this distinguished body, that on December 21, 2001, my in-laws, Copeland and Winona Griswold of Chumuckla, Florida, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Copeland and Winona were married on December 21, 1951. They met in Chumuckla, Florida during grade school and later became high school sweethearts and valedictorians of their senior classes. They have lived in Chumuckla these past 50 years, and have shared their love with their children Marty, Von, Vicki and Paul, and their many grandchildren and great grandchildren. The Griswolds were agricultural pioneers in the State of Florida. They were named the Farm Family of the Year for Santa Rosa County in 1985, and Copeland was inducted into the Florida Agriculture Hall of Fame in February of this year. Their love story is one that is still in progress. I can tell you firsthand their love for each other has grown even stronger through the years and serves as an inspiration to us all. Love has flourished between these two hearts, and I wish them continued happiness and love for years to come. On behalf of the United States Congress and the people of Northwest Florida, I extend our sincere congratulations to Copeland and Winona Griswold, whose love stands as a shining example to an entire community.

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time, and I rise today in support of H.R. 298. In respect and recognition of the contributions our servicemen and women have made to the cause of peace and freedom around this world, the laws of the United States make November 11 a Federal holiday in honor of every American who has served this country. While we always appreciate the men and women of the military, it is altogether fitting that we set a time aside to do so publicly. Veterans Day was established for this reason, and November 11 should be set aside for this reason alone. Throughout the course of American history, nearly 48 million men and women have stepped forward to defend our land, our people, and our principles. Today, there are more than 25 million living veterans who served our Nation, many of them willingly entering harm's way to preserve, protect, and defend our freedom. The strength of the United States is a direct result of their courageous, patriotic, and dedicated service for which we can never fully thank them. Because of their service to the United States in the cause of freedom and liberty, we are citizens of the greatest Nation in the history of the world. I thank our veterans for their dedicated service to our country, and I also thank their families for sharing their loved ones throughout the years. The excellence of our veterans is a model for men and women everywhere who are asked to defend our country. At this moment, men and women of the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard are serving around the world, and they could have no better example to follow or tradition to live up to. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this resolution and to retain this fitting honor for all of our veterans.

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3338, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2002. I wish to commend Chairman Lewis, Ranking Member Murtha, and their staff for again crafting a bill that is appropriate for those who risk their lives to protect our country, our freedoms, and our way of life. We have learned in recent months that we live in an uncertain time and an unstable world. We in Congress must always remember that the first priority of the Federal Government is to provide for the national defense. This bill delivers on that priority and demonstrates our commitment to our Nation's defense by providing $317.5 billion in discretionary spending, $19 billion over last year's bill. The bill ensures that our military remains the strongest, most prepared force in the world, and strengthens our efforts to deal with the new threats that our Nation faces by providing $11.7 billion under the Counter-Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction Title. The bill also fulfills our obligation to house, clothe, feed, and provide for the health care of the members of our armed services and their families by providing a 4.6 percent pay raise and funding an increase in housing allowances. Mr. Chairman, it is for these and many other reasons that I gladly support H.R. 3338 today and encourage my colleagues to do the same. At this very moment, men and women of our Armed Forces are overseas fighting a war on terrorism and evil. While we have all stood in this Chamber and commended them for their service, now is the time to support this vital legislation that will ensure our troops remain safe and successful, now and for years to come.

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York for yielding the time, and I rise today in support of this conference report because it does work to take care of our Nation's veterans, and it does work to protect our environment. For our Nation's veterans, this bill provides for over a billion dollars in increases over last year's bill for veterans health care. The bill also provides additional funding for the veterans benefits administration to expedite claims processing. Also, important to my home district, this bill provides $850,000 for the University of West Florida through EPA to conduct an environmental health study in Escambia County. In 1998, EPA wrote Escambia County ranked 22nd out of more than 3,300 counties nationwide in the amount of toxic releases reported by the agency. Over the last couple of years, there has been mounting anecdotal evidence suggesting that these toxic levels have attributed to an increase in illnesses in northwest Florida. It is time to find some real answers. The study will compile environmental information, coordinate research, evaluate risks to the health of our citizens, and provide the information necessary to remedy the situation. I want to express my thanks to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Walsh), the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young), the members of the committee and the staff for their work on this important legislation and for recognizing the need for a science-based evaluation of toxic levels and illnesses in northwest Florida.

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to take a moment today to recognize and celebrate the life of a great Floridian and a great American, Dr. Frank Biasco. Dr. Biasco would say that his specialty was human services. He was referring to his doctorate in counseling psychology and masters in social work. Those who knew him best can tell you that he loved serving his neighbors. The people of northwest Florida and the students he loved to teach were enlightened from his extensive experience in public life. Anyone who came in contact with Dr. Biasco was inundated with his infectious energy, vigor and commitment to his community. His memberships in countless organizations and professional groups, and the influence and legacy to our community will be felt for years to come. Dr. Biasco's leadership spanned his life. He was on active duty in both WWII and the Korean war and his vast influence in local politics changed the landscape of the First Congressional District of Florida forever. He will always be remembered for his tireless fight for our environment and wetlands. Dr. Biasco was awarded with numerous community and volunteer awards for his services, and the influence he had on our youth will continue for many years. We are all saddened with the sudden loss of such a great man but can take solace that he will be serving us in a greater capacity. We will miss our dear friend and we will continue to celebrate the legacy he gave to our community.

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and to recognize the 3rd annual Military Appreciation Month in Northwest Florida. The events begin tonight with the Kickoff ceremony at the National Museum of Naval Aviation and continue throughout the month with events such as the Blue Angel Homecoming Air Show, Veterans Day Parades across the Panhandle, and a performance by ``The President's Own'' United States Marine Band. The strength of the United States is a direct result of the vigilance of the United States Armed Forces throughout the years. It is important for our nation to reflect on the sacrifices of so many throughout our history and also to pay respect to and be grateful for those who currently serve. While we always appreciate the men and women of the military, it is altogether fitting that we set aside time to do so publicly. Recognizing the contributions of members of the United States Armed Forces will increase our awareness, and in doing so our admiration, of the sacrifices they and their families have made to preserve the freedoms and liberties that we as Americans hold so dear. I thank the members of our Armed Forces and their families for their service, sacrifice and dedication to our nation and the values that we hold so dear; and I commend the Chambers of Commerce, business owners, and the numerous organizations and volunteers throughout Northwest Florida for their efforts to recognize the brave men and women of the United States Military.

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I bring my colleagues greetings from the western gate of the Sunshine State where thousands live like millions wish they did. Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity, if I might, to recognize my wife and family who are here with me today in the gallery. I come from a small town that Members will hear a lot about. It is a town called Chumuckla. It is a small rural community where the young people learn the difference from right and wrong, where even prior to September 11 there was a great respect for our men and women in uniform. I live in a community where men remove their caps when the National Anthem is played, and our people still bow their heads at local football games. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be the Congressman from the First Congressional District, and the promise that I made to the people back home upon my election was that I would work as hard as I could to be the best Congressman ever. All I can say, my wish tonight is that God would continue to bless and protect these United States of America.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chairman, on our side the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) and I could divide that 45 minutes that we would have?