Connie Mack

Mr. MACK

Mr. MACK. Mr. Chairman, I failed to mention earlier that, in the committee, when I brought this amendment forward, Chairman Oberstar was gracious and kind to allow this debate to happen on the floor, and I think that shows great character. I want to thank him for his efforts to have the debate on the floor so we can let the people in the United States hear what the Congress is up to on this amendment. Thank you so much. I would first like to thank Chairman Oberstar and Ranking Member Mica for all of their efforts to promote clean water and infrastructure investment. Despite these good efforts, I find it hard to believe that the majority would include a job-killing provision known as Davis-Bacon in this legislation. Mr. Chairman, with Davis-Bacon and the majority's introduction of the card check legislation earlier this week, the Democratic leadership is telling Big Labor that we're open for business and it's time to cash in on the backs of hardworking American taxpayers! As Members of Congress, one of our jobs is to make certain that our county has safe, accessible, and modern infrastructure. It is our responsibility as legislators to foster a competitive environment that enables businesses to hire the workers they need to meet these goals. Sadly, this is a bill we should all be able to support, but with the poison pill of the Davis-Bacon provision, this becomes unacceptable legislation and I in good faith cannot support it. The Davis-Bacon Act, passed in 1931, is a throwback to failed Depression-era economic policy and is fiscally irresponsible. The act was originally passed with the intent of preventing nonunionized and immigrant laborers from competing with unionized workers for very scarce jobs. This provision forced communities to hire workers at higher prices and completely eliminated the pool of competition and competitive wages. Davis-Bacon is essentially a federally-mandated, super-minimum wage provision that applies to federally-funded infrastructure projects. Many studies have concluded that Davis-Bacon provisions force construction projects to deal with unnecessary red tape and lead to higher construction costs. Davis-Bacon requirements ensure that wages are artificially set by bureaucrats not by free market forces. Currently 18 states, inducting my home state of Florida have no prevailing wage laws. With the inclusion of Davis-Bacon, my constituents, along with the 17 other states will see increased costs of public construction, thereby reducing the volume of projects and jobs. Mr. Chairman, I stand up for Florida and other states today--do not burden them with this reckless policy. In 1987, the Clean Water Act stated that Davis-Bacon rates would only apply to contracts where direct federal dollars were used. This bill today represents an unprecedented expansion of Davis-Bacon. The Clean Water Investment Act mandates that any project funded even in part by the State Revolving Loan Fund, is subject to the prevailing wage requirements. To be blunt and simple, Davis-Bacon is a fiscally irresponsible policy and should not be included in this legislation. Repealing this Act would save federal taxpayers billions on construction and administrative costs. These numbers may seem trivial to some of my colleagues--especially in this era where the majority has spent more than a trillion dollars in the last month--but to my constituents this is completely unacceptable! If we repealed Davis- Bacon, we could use this savings to create more jobs and improve our water supply rather than just lining the pockets of Big Labor. According to the Associated Builders and Contractors, Davis-Bacon has been shown to increase public construction costs by as much as 38 percent. A recent estimate from the Beacon Hill Institute suggests Davis-Bacon costs taxpayers $8.6 billion per year. I cannot believe that Members can sit back and allow this provision to be part of this underlying legislation. Our taxpayers deserve better. Mr. Chairman, at a time when we are debating the solutions to jumpstart our economy and the importance of job creation, the Democratic majority has incorporated a provision in this bill that would do just the opposite. Repealing Davis-Bacon would create jobs, save money, and allow for more critical projects to be completed. Including this provision in this bill means fewer jobs for fewer workers at a time when we want more people to have more opportunity. It comes as little surprise that in the same week the majority would ram through these Davis-Bacon provisions, they introduce the card check bill. These reckless policies promote inefficiency, and end up harming all of our constituents. I hope this Congress will once and for all eliminate this antiquated barrier to job creation in the private sector. We need to leave Davis-Bacon and these failed Depression-era policies where it belongs: in the history books! I urge all members to vote for my amendment to strip the Davis-Bacon provisions and stand up for the American people, not Big Labor.

Mr. MACK

Mr. MACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the people of El Salvador as they head to the polls this weekend to elect a new president. Over the past years, the people of El Salvador have shown great resilience as they transformed their economy. From the privatization of state enterprises, to trade and financial liberalization, to the adoption of the United States dollar as its official currency, El Salvador and its people have chosen freedom and prosperity over communism and repression. Madam Speaker, the relationship between the people of El Salvador and of the United States has been a strong one. The Salvadorian government was a faithful ally in the war in Iraq where they once had as many as 6000 soldiers supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. We in the United States also have stood by our friends in El Salvador. For example, through the Millennium Challenge Corporation, El Salvador is currently receiving $461 million of investment in projects including education, public services, agricultural production, rural business development, and transportation infrastructure. In addition, El Salvador receives nearly $4 billion a year in remittances--almost 20% of its annual gross domestic product--from several million Salvadorans living in the United States. And, even more important for our national security interests is that El Salvador is host to the United States Navy's primary Forward Operating Location (FOL) in Central America which is used to monitor and intercept drug traffic. Madam Speaker, these examples reveal why this approaching election is so fundamental, and why it will have a great impact on the future direction of El Salvador and the relationship with the United States. The two primary presidential candidates are Rodgrigo Avila of the National Republican Alliance (ARENA) party and Mauricio Funes of the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) party. Madam Speaker, the FMLN is a party that was formed from communist guerrillas that fought against the El Salvador government in one of the last battles in the Cold War. Nearly 70,000 people were killed during the 12-year war in El Salvador and brutal atrocities were committed by the FMLN. Today the FMLN and its communist candidates--with funding from Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez--have fought hard to manipulate the democratic process in El Salvador in order to take at the ballot box what they couldn't by force. The FMLN has actively worked to undermine United States policy in the region by, among other things, openly supporting terrorist organizations such as the FARC in Colombia. And the FMLN candidate for vice president, Sanchez Ceren, is a known militant and guerrilla commander who staunchly opposes the United States. Should the FMLN win this Sunday, El Salvador likely would quickly become a satellite and proxy of Venezuela, Russia, and perhaps Iran. While we must always work and stand with our allies in the region, a government in El Salvador that is run by the FMLN and its cronies would clearly undermine the good relationship the current government in El Salvador has with the United States. Our close relationship with El Salvador is based on mutual respect for freedom and the rule of law. This relationship has allowed our people and our governments to work together in the past several years towards common goals. As we look to the future, we must weigh the potential ramifications of this election and its impact on our relations--more importantly, the longstanding and open policies related to TPS and the flow of remittances. Madam Speaker, the stakes are high this weekend for the people of El Salvador. As they go to the polls to select their next president and, more importantly, the future direction of their nation, I urge them to reject the FMLN and the failed ideas of the past.

Mr. MACK

Mr. MACK. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding funding that my district received as part of the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009 (H.R. 1105). Requesting Member: Congressman Connie Mack Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service, SRG Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Address of Requesting Entity: 700 Experiment Station Red, Lake Alford, Florida 33850 Description of Project: This project will continue vital citrus canker and greening research. Amount: $1,217,000 Requesting Member: Congressman Connie Mack Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: United States Army Corps of Engineers, Construction Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Lee County, FL Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 398, Fort Myers, FL 33902 Legal Name of Entity Receiving Funds: United States Army Corps of Engineers Address of Entity Receiving Funds: 441 G Street, NW., Washington, DC 20314 Description of Request: The requested funding will be utilized for reimbursement for beach renourishment for the Gasparilla Segment in Lee County, Florida. Amount: $191,000 Requesting Member: Congressman Connie Mack Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: United States Army Corps of Engineers, O&M Legal Name of Requesting Entity: West Coast Inland Navigation District Address of Requesting Entity: 200 East Miami Avenue, Venice, FL 34285 Legal Name of Entity Receiving Funds: United States Army Corps of Engineers Address of Entity Receiving Funds: 441 G Street, NW., Washington, DC 20314 Description of Request: This funding will be utilized for maintenance dredging along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway in Lee County, Sarasota County, and Manatee County, Florida. Amount: $2,076,000 Requesting Member: Congressman Connie Mack Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: United States Army Corps of Engineers, O&M Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Collier County, FL Address of Requesting Entity: 3301 East Tamiami Trail, Naples, FL 34112 Legal Name of Entity Receiving Funds: United States Army Corps of Engineers Address of Entity Receiving Funds: 441 G Street, NW., Washington, DC 20314 Description of Request: This funding will be utilized for dredging the Gordon River Pass in Collier County, Florida. The dredging is necessary because shoaling has diminished the water depth in the channel. Amount: $597,000 Requesting Member: Congressman Connie Mack Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Department of Justice, OJP-Byrne Discretionary Grants Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Florida Gulf Coast University Address of Requesting Entity: 10501 FGCU Blvd., S., Fort Myers, Florida 33965 Description of Request: This funding will be utilized for the development of tools for training and processing crime scenes for use by law enforcement and public safety officials. This work will be done at the Florida Gulf Coast University in its Law Enforcement and Public Safety department. Amount: $150,000 Requesting Member: Congressman Connie Mack Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Department of Justice, COPS Law Enforcement Technology Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Collier County, Florida Address of Requesting Entity: 3301 East Tamiami Trail, Naples, Florida 34112 Description of Request: The funding will be utilized for the acquisition of public safety technology equipment for the Collier County Emergency Services Center. The funding is important because it will help to better equip Collier County's emergency service providers to respond to events that could endanger the safety of the citizens of Collier County, Florida. Amount: $350,000 Requesting Member: Congressman Connie Mack Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Environmental Protection Agency, STAG Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Project Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Lee County, Florida Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 398, Ft. Myers, Florida 33902 Description of Request: The requested funding will be utilized for water and sewer system improvements in Lee County, Florida. The project will help to ensure that Lee County's water and sewer system is environmentally sound and provides the highest level of safety and service to the people of Lee County. Amount: $275,000 Requesting Member: Congressman Connie Mack Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Department of Education, Higher Education Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Florida Gulf Coast University Address of Requesting Entity: 10501 FGCU Blvd, S., Fort Myers, Florida 33965 Description of Request: The requested funding will be utilized by the Florida Gulf Coast University in order to conduct a study of how coastal watersheds respond to changing freshwater flow. Amount: $333,000 Requesting Member: Congressman Connie Mack Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Department of Transportation, Buses and Bus Facilities Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Lee County Transit (LeeTran) Address of Requesting Entity: 6035 Landing View Road, Fort Myers, Florida 33907 Description of Request: The requested funding will be utilized to purchase new buses and replace existing buses in LeeTran's fleet. Buses stand as an important mode of transportation for a large number of citizens in Lee County. As a result, this funding will help LeeTran to better accommodate the crucial need for reliable and environmentally clean mass transit in Lee County, Florida. Amount: $475,000 Requesting Member: Congressman Connie Mack Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Department of Transportation, Transportation, Community, and System Preservation Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Collier County, FL Address of Requesting Entity: 3301 East Tamiami Trail, Naples, FL 34112 Legal Name of Entity Receiving Funds: Florida Department of Transportation Address of Entity Receiving Funds: 605 Suwannee Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399 Description of Request: The requested funding will be utilized to improve Interstate 75/Collier Boulevard/SR 84 in Collier County, Florida. The improvements are necessary to help this important stretch of road meet the requirements necessary to fulfill the regions commercial and transport needs. Amount: $570,000 Requesting Member: Congressman Connie Mack Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Department of Transportation, Transportation, Community, and System Preservation Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Charlotte County, FL Address of Requesting Entity: 18500 Murdock Circle, Suite 536, Port Charlotte, FL 33948 Legal Name of Entity Receiving Funds: Florida Department of Transportation Address of Entity Receiving Funds: 605 Suwannee Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399 Description of Request: The requested funding will be utilized for design and expansion of the Burnt Store Road to a four-lane divided arterial with shoulders to enhance the overall safety of the road. Burnt Store Road is a very important transportation artery that doubles as an evacuation route. Amount: $380,000 Requesting Member: Congressman Connie Mack Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Economic Development Initiatives Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The Trust for Thomas Edison & Henry Ford Winter Estates, Inc. Address of Requesting Entity: 2350 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida 33901 Description of Request: The requested funding will be utilized for the restoration of the Edison and Ford Estates research laboratory. Amount: $142,500

Mr. MACK

Mr. MACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Naples Toastmasters Club upon the celebration of their 50th anniversary. Anyone who has ever had to give a speech in front of an audience knows what a tense and sometimes nerve-racking experience it can be. Fortunately, Toastmasters International and its chapters across the globe have been helping people become more competent and comfortable in front of an audience for over 80 years. The Naples Toastmasters Club in Naples, Florida provides a mutually supportive and positive learning environment for members to develop their communication and leadership skills. Increasingly, these skills have become vital to success in the classroom, in the workplace, and in life. Perhaps even more importantly, Toastmasters helps people increase their self-confidence and allows them to reach their professional and personal goals. The members of the Naples Toastmasters Club are some of the most giving and productive members of our community. They continue to empower a new generation of Southwest Floridians to develop the leadership and communication skills needed to make significant contributions to our community. Madam Speaker, the Naples Toastmasters Club's enthusiasm and passion for serving our community is inspiring, and their efforts have helped to make Southwest Florida a great place to live, work and visit. It is truly an honor and a privilege to represent the members of the Naples Toastmasters Club in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. MACK

Mr. MACK. Mr. Speaker, this weekend, the Venezuelan people will go to the polls to determine the future of freedom and democracy in their country. Venezuela's Hugo Chavez, in his continued quest for power, is demanding that the people of Venezuela get rid of presidential term limits. Chavez has just celebrated 10 years in power, and his legacy is clear: Higher poverty, more crime, rampant inflation, growing anti- Semitism, less freedom, alliances with Iran, Russia, and Cuba, and a loss of hope and opportunity for the Venezuelan people. Mr. Speaker, Venezuelans cannot afford to have Chavez leading them into the Communist abyss. Today, I am introducing a resolution calling upon the Members of the House to stand for free and fair elections this weekend in Venezuela. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the important resolution and to stand with the Venezuelan people in their fight for freedom from the iron fist of Hugo Chavez.

Mr. MACK

Mr. MACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Oliver ``Ollie'' Conover of Lehigh Acres, Florida upon his retirement from the Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce. Ollie served as the Executive Director of the Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce for the last seven years, and during that time, has helped to make the Chamber an influential organization in Lehigh Acres. Ollie's community and public service didn't start with the Chamber, however. Ollie served in the Ordnance Corps in the U.S. Army and continued on to serve in the Reserves when his active duty service was completed. Ollie's subsequent professional career spanned 22 years as an insurance agent and broker, and 25 years in non-profit fundraising for educational and cultural organizations. It's this unique experience that made him well-suited to take the helm of the Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce in 2002. Since moving to Lehigh Acres 10 years ago, and serving with the Chamber for the last seven, Ollie has made an indelible mark on a community that is growing by leaps and bounds. In fact, Ollie has joined a number of community officials and activists on the Lehigh Acres Community Planning Corporation to put together a master plan for controlling the substantial growth in the area. Ollie's leadership and guidance on the issue of controlling Lehigh's growth while expanding opportunities for residents and businesses will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the Corporation, its members and the people of Lehigh Acres. Madam Speaker, Ollie's enthusiasm and passion for serving his community is inspiring. His efforts have helped to make Southwest Florida a great place to live, work and visit. It is truly an honor and a privilege to represent Ollie in the U.S. House of Representatives, and I wish Ollie and his family all the best during his retirement.

Mr. MACK

Mr. MACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding young hero from my district, Bridget McCue of Cape Coral, Florida, for her extraordinary bravery during a fire. On July 31, 2008, a small fire broke out in the computer room at the McCue home. Thanks to 13-year-old Bridget's quick thinking, she was able to get her younger brother and sister out of the house and to safety. She then called 911 from a neighbor's house and called her parents, who were returning home from an errand. Bridget's parents, Randy and Barbara, credit Bridget's training through a Red Cross babysitting class for her quick thinking and bravery. She is a role model for other teenagers across southwest Florida and is very deserving of the Lee County Red Cross' Certificate of Recognition for Extraordinary Personal Action. The people of southwest Florida and I are very proud of Bridget and her accomplishments. Madam Speaker, it is an honor and a privilege to represent such a courageous young lady as Bridget McCue in Congress. I wish Bridget and her family all the best and congratulate her on a job well done.

Mr. MACK

Mr. MACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Florida Addictions Institute's second graduating class. These dedicated individuals will go on to become certified drug addiction counselors throughout southwest Florida and the rest of the State. There's no question that being a drug and alcohol counselor is not an easy job and garners little public recognition. But it's a personally rewarding job, and one that can have a profound impact on shaping addicts' lives to make them productive, giving members of society. Sadly, 1 in 10 persons is addicted to drugs and/or alcohol at some time in their lives--making substance abuse one of our Nation's top health problems. It is estimated that 5,000 new addictions professionals are needed each year to replace those leaving the field. That's why the work of the Florida Addictions Institute is so vital. The institute trains the next wave of caring, certified substance abuse counselors to help people from all walks of life overcome substance abuse. Madam Speaker, it is a true honor and a privilege to represent the staff and graduates of the Florida Addictions Institute in Congress, and I wish this year's graduating class all the best as they set out to make a difference in the lives of others. The people of southwest Florida join me in thanking them for their selfless and dedicated service.

Mr. MACK

Mr. MACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Scott Henderson for years of tireless service in my office and to the people of the Fourteenth Congressional District of Florida. I've had the pleasure of knowing Scott for over 8 years. Throughout that entire time he has been a dedicated public servant, a strong advocate for the principles we share and cherish, and most importantly, a true friend. I first met Scott when I was running for the Florida Legislature and Scott was working for the Republican Party of Florida. I soon hired him and he helped me win my first race for State Representative in 2000. After taking office, I hired him to be my assistant, and he quickly proved to be an invaluable friend and colleague as we navigated the challenges and opportunities of serving in Tallahassee. When I decided to run for Congress in 2003 Scott stayed by my side and helped implement a winning campaign. After I was elected to the House, Scott became my Deputy Chief of Staff. His has been a diverse role--managing special projects, meeting with constituents, and providing critical support for a number of important initiatives. Among Scott's many accomplishments--and the one I am most proud of-- was his critical work to secure the release of two Cuban dentists from Bahamian custody who fled Cuba seeking freedom. Because of Scott's efforts, these dentists were reunited with their loved ones in Florida and today live in freedom. But after 8 years of working by my side, Scott has been afforded a wonderful professional opportunity that will allow him to continue to grow and flourish in his career. Scott is moving to New Jersey to become a Manager of State Government Affairs for Covanta Energy, a waste-to-energy company. While we will all miss Scott's presence and good nature in the office, we are excited for him as he begins the next phase of his life and career. I'm certain that he will make significant contributions to his new company and his new community, and know that he will always have a special place in his heart for the State he loves so much. Madam Speaker, the State of Florida and the people of southwest Florida are better off today because of Scott Henderson's diligent efforts to ensure it remains a great place to live, work and visit. On behalf of the people of Florida's Fourteenth Congressional District, I want to thank Scott for his years of service to the people of Florida and the Nation. He is my friend, he is a true public servant in every sense of the word, and I wish him all the best as he and his wife Betsy begin this new and exciting chapter of their lives.

Mr. MACK

Mr. MACK. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. MACK

Mr. MACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor one of America's greatest art pioneers of the 20th century, Robert Rauschenberg, who passed away on Monday at the age of 82 on Captiva Island. He led an extraordinary life and his unique approach to abstract expressionism helped to pave the way for a new generation of contemporary artists. Mr. Rauschenberg was born in 1925 in Port Arthur, Texas. His love for art grew while he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and had a chance to visit an art museum at the age of 18. When he returned home from the war, he used his GI Bill benefits to pay his tuition at art school. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Mr. Rauschenberg's portfolio was varied and diverse. He rejected abstract expressionism and searched for a new method of painting. Incorporating his enthusiasm for popular culture, he turned to pop art, and used materials traditionally outside of the mainstream. He was also a sculptor and choreographer. Mr. Rauschenberg moved to Captiva Island in the 1970s. Perhaps the thing that Mr. Rauschenberg will most be remembered for in southwest Florida was his contributions to the art community in our region. He generously donated to the gallery on the Edison College campus in Fort Myers, giving them the rights to reproduce his prints and posters and thus allowing the institution to support itself financially. In addition, Mr. Rauschenberg enjoyed sharing his love of art to art students and the general public and was often on hand at gallery openings to support local artists. He was also a strong supporter of Arts for ACT, a charity that supports a shelter for abused women. Although Mr. Rauschenberg is no longer with us on earth, his memory will live on in the paintings he loved so much, the art community in southwest Florida he fostered and supported, and the people he met and inspired every day.

Mr. MACK

Mr. MACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Naples High School Softball Team for winning this year's Class 4A Florida State Championship last week. Thanks to the pitching of sophomore Jaclyn Traina, who had 10 strikeouts in seven innings, and the hitting of senior Ashley Pinkerton, who had a batting average over .400 for the season, the Golden Eagles beat Pembroke Pines 5-2 and cinched their 12th overall state championship title. With fierce determination and spirit, the Golden Eagles Softball Team worked together to defeat the No. 1 ranked school in the country. Any of us who have played competitive sports understands the valuable lessons of hard work, teamwork and commitment. These memories and lessons will stay with these players for the rest of their lives and are made all the sweeter by their incredible win. Madam Speaker, I know the people of Southwest Florida join me in offering our heartiest congratulations to the Naples High School Softball Team, their coaches, students and fans. We couldn't be more proud of their accomplishments this season.

Mr. MACK

Mr. MACK. I want to thank the ranking member for the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to lend my strong support to passage of this important legislation, which would restore $10 million to the critical widening of I-75, which is now underway in Southwest Florida. It is the same language that we included in the transportation bill when we voted on it in 2005. By ensuring this $10 million will be spent to widen I-75 in Lee and Collier Counties in Florida, we are protecting the economic viability, quality of life, and public safety for all who rely on it. For that, I thank my colleagues for supporting this important legislation. While this matter has received well-deserved scrutiny, the legislative process, however flawed it has been, is now doing what the people want and deserve. I would hope that as a result of what we have learned and what we may continue to learn that this institution will be better and that we will ensure it never happens again. Again, I want to thank my colleagues for supporting this legislation and for doing what is best and right for the people of Southwest Florida.

Mr. MACK

Mr. MACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for our friends in Taiwan as they celebrate the 120th anniversary of the Twin Oaks estate here in Washington, DC. Twin Oaks estate was built in 1888 by Gardiner Greene Hubbard, the founder of the National Geographic Society. This beautiful home was built as a summer residence for his family. Mr. Hubbard had two daughters, Grace and Mabel. Mabel later lived at Twin Oaks with her husband, Alexander Graham Bell. Years later, Grace inherited the property. In 1937, she rented the property to the Republic of China's Government to serve as the ambassador's residence. A decade later, the Republic of China purchased the property and it served as the official residence of each successive Republic of China ambassador. After extensive renovation that brought it back to its original elegance in the early 1980s, Twin Oaks was recognized and named as a national historic site in Washington, DC. Over the past two decades many functions have been held at Twin Oaks and today the estate continues to stand proudly as a symbol of the strong friendship between the United States and Taiwan. Madam Speaker, the people of Taiwan live in a vibrant democracy and, as such, Taiwan has become a beacon of freedom and an engine of prosperity in the Pacific region. As we celebrate Twin Oaks' long and vibrant history, we are reminded of our strong ties, abiding mutual relations, and deep friendship with Taiwan.

Mr. MACK

Mr. MACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Lee County Coalition for a Drug-Free Southwest Florida for spreading awareness about the dangers of drug use and underage drinking at its second annual Drug House Odyssey. Over 10 community agencies have partnered with the Coalition to infirm children, teenagers and parents about substance abuse at this year's event. Last year's Drug House Odyssey attracted over 3,000 students, teachers, and parents, and I'm confident that this year's event in Cape Coral will be an even bigger success. For nearly 20 years, the Lee County Coalition has educated tons of thousands of students in Southwest Florida about substance abuse. From school visits to conferences, community celebrations to professional counselor training, the Lee County Coalition has been empowering teenagers and families to make the right choices about drug and alcohol use. Their work is just a vital part of what makes Southwest Florida a great place to live, work and visit. The focus of the Lee County Coalition's annual Drug House Odyssey is prevention: teaching children and teenagers about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and encouraging them to make smart decisions about their health. It's appropriate that this year's event will be held during National Alcohol Awareness Month. The facts are staggering: according to a recent Florida Youth Substance Abuse survey, over 35 percent of teenagers in Lee County have reported using alcohol in the last 30 days; nationally, the average is 16 percent. That's why the good work that the Lee County Coalition performs every day to help children and teenagers make smart decisions about drugs and alcohol is so important, and why I ardently support their mission. Madam Speaker, it is an honor and a privilege to represent the staff and volunteers of the Lee County Coalition for a Drug-Free Southwest Florida in Congress, and I wish them all the best at their second annual Drug House Odyssey.

Mr. MACK

Mr. MACK. Madam Speaker, last week our allies in Colombia struck a blow for freedom against the terrorist organization known as the FARC. As we all know, the FARC supports its war against our friends in Colombia through drug trafficking, kidnappings, and the murder of innocent civilians. While Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has been vocal in his support of the FARC and his opposition to the United States and Colombia, it is now clear that Chavez is increasingly intertwined with the FARC and is now giving aid and comfort to terrorist organizations. During last week's raid in Ecuador, the Colombian authorities recovered records that clearly show that Chavez has been giving the FARC millions of dollars, weapons, and safe passage in Venezuela. Last night, published reports indicate that the Bush administration has taken the first steps towards naming Venezuela as a state sponsor of terrorism because of its support of terrorist organizations just like the FARC. I am pleased that the Bush administration has initiated the process of including Venezuela on the list with the likes of Iran, Cuba and North Korea. Madam Speaker, the time has come to once and for all take the steps that will cripple the ability of the Chavez regime to fund its terrorist friends and allies. By adding Venezuela to the list of official state sponsors of terrorism, we will help do just that. Furthermore, Congress must act now on the Colombian Free Trade Agreement to promote freedom and prosperity in the region. By passing the Colombian Free Trade Agreement, we will show our allies we stand with them and against the tyranny of Hugo Chavez. House of Representatives, Washington, DC, March 6, 2008. Hon. George W. Bush, President of the United States, The White House, Washington,

Mr. MACK

Mr. MACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate one of the Nation's greatest treasures and to express my continued support for this important resolution introduced by my colleague from Florida which recognizes the 60th anniversary of Everglades National Park. It is our responsibility to ensure that a healthy and vibrant Everglades is there for future generations. In addition to being an international center for business, tourism, and agriculture, the Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and is home to numerous rare and endangered species. Growing up in southwest Florida and so close to the Everglades, I was able to experience all the Everglades has to offer. This resolution recognizes the continuing impact the Everglades has made on individuals throughout the world with the inception of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, CERP. The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan is one of the most extensive ecosystem restoration efforts ever created which will restore and protect one of our Nation's greatest natural resources. CERP's main goal is to capture fresh water that now flows to the ocean and the Gulf of Mexico and redirect it to the areas that need it most. The majority of water will be devoted to environmental restoration, and the rest will enhance water supplies in south Florida. Make no mistake: the Everglades and Florida's unique environment are vital to our quality of life. Mr. Speaker, protecting the Everglades is important for the overall health of south Florida's environment and way of life. It is our responsibility to ensure that a healthy and vibrant Everglades is there for our children and grandchildren. I urge all of my colleagues to recognize and support this important bipartisan resolution.

Mr. MACK

Mr. MACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Naples High School Football Team for winning this year's Class 3A Florida State Championship at the Citrus Bowl last week. Trailing 10-7 against St. Augustine, the Naples High Eagles turned an errant snap into a game-winning touchdown to win the game 17-10. The win keeps the Eagles' 15-0 season record spot-free and makes it the first undefeated season in school history. Vince Lombardi once said, ``. . . You've got to play with your heart, with every fiber of your body. If you're lucky enough to find a guy with a lot of head and a lot of heart, he's never going to come off the field second.'' The young men of the Eagles Football Team have proven what Coach Lombardi said, and what he meant. Any of us who have played competitive sports understands the valuable lessons of hard work, teamwork and commitment. These memories and lessons will stay with these players for the rest of their lives and are made all the sweeter by their incredible season. Madam Speaker, I know the people of Southwest Florida join me in offering our heartiest congratulations to the Naples High School Football Team, their coaches, students and fans. We couldn't be more proud of their accomplishments this season.

Mr. MACK

Mr. MACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor F. Brent Leatherwood for his years of exemplary service in my office and to the constituents of the Fourteenth Congressional District of Florida. I first met Brent shortly after he graduated from college at the University of Central Florida. When I met Brent, he was working for former Congressman Bill McCollum. I was impressed by Brent's energy, his passion for the Constitution, his dedication to the principles of federalism, and his strong work ethic. Because of this, I hired him to be my Legislative Assistant when I was first elected in 2004. It was here that Brent honed his skills serving in my office. Over the past few years, Brent has worked closely with members of Congress, his fellow staffers in the House and Senate, and others on various projects and legislative initiatives. One of the most important of these ventures Brent worked on was the reauthorization of the PATRIOT Act. Brent crafted a strategy and worked with members of Congress and congressional staff in order to ensure that many Constitutional safeguards were included in the final legislation. He brought a passion to this debate like no other and was one of my key advisers in this arena. Freedom and federalism is at the core of Brent's philosophical beliefs and he constantly reminded me of Ben Franklin's famous quote, ``Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.'' In mid-2005, because of the skill and diligence he brought to the job, Brent was promoted to Senior Legislative Assistant. Brent has served in that capacity to this date. Brent has always had a love, respect, and passion for the rule of law and he has now been presented with a tremendous opportunity to return to his native Tennessee and begin his formal study of the law. While I am excited for Brent to begin the next phase of his life, make no mistake about it, he will be greatly missed. He has been a valuable member and an irreplaceable part of my team. I have valued his advice over the last few years. And I am proud to call him my friend. On behalf of the Fourteenth Congressional District, I'd like to thank Brent for his years of service to the people of Southwest Florida and indeed our nation. He is a true patriot and we wish him all the best for a lifetime of happiness and great success.

Mr. MACK

Mr. MACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Nancy Keefer, Bonita Springs 2007 Citizen of the Year, for her years of dedicated service to southwest Florida. Nancy exemplifies the ideals that we in southwest Florida hold dear. Over the last decade, Nancy's energy and dedication for Bonita Springs has led to great service and leadership in our community. In addition to serving as the president of the Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce since 1997, she is a member of the Bonita Springs Rotary Club, on the Bonita Springs YMCA board of directors and is a member of the International College President's Council. Nancy is also a member of the Southwest Florida Transportation Initiative. We all owe a tremendous amount of appreciation to Nancy for showing our community what leadership and service truly means. I'm honored to represent such a remarkable individual, and I would like to thank citizens like her for making southwest Florida a great place to live, work and visit.

Mr. MACK

Mr. MACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for House Resolution 435, concerning Iran's growing influence in Latin America. I also want to thank my colleague from Florida, Congressman Ron Klein, for all of his hard work on this resolution. He is passionate about Latin America and it has been a pleasure to work with you to get this important resolution to the floor today. This resolution, which has garnered wide, bi-partisan support, formally expresses what many of us have known for quite some time: Iran's growing ties and meddling in Latin America is a grave concern for us all. There is no doubt that Iran has given strategic, financial, logistical, and tactical support and safe haven to terrorists groups such as Hezbollah and others. And, according to military leaders at U.S. Southern Command, there is no doubt that Islamic terrorist groups, such as Hezbollah, have infiltrated indigenous groups throughout significant areas of Latin America in order to develop terrorist networks throughout the region. Of particular concern to me is the growing and burgeoning friendship between Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Iran, in my opinion, is seeking to do in Venezuela what the former Soviet Union did in Cuba: establish a base of operations in the Western Hemisphere in order to foment hatred and instability throughout the region. This should cause great alarm for us all. But this problem is bigger than Iran and Venezuela alone. For far too long we have ignored growing unrest and loss of freedoms and the foundations for democracy throughout Latin America. I have publicly and privately urged this administration and Congress to embrace our allies and do more throughout the region. Our neglect has allowed leaders such as President Chavez to whip up opposition to the United States. And further neglect, should we not act now to support our friends in the region, will allow Iran and others to continue to grow their terrorist networks throughout Latin America. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this important resolution.

Mr. MACK

Mr. MACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the North Fort Myers Elks Lodge # 2742 for their tireless and dedicated service to Southwest Florida's veterans. The Elks are committed to the ideals of charity and patriotism and have a long tradition of supporting service projects throughout their local communities. No lodge fits this ideal better than the North Fort Myers Elks Lodge #2742, who will be recognized for their service to the Southwest Florida veterans community next week at the Florida Elks' State Convention in Orlando. Since 1917, the Order of Elks has pledged to never forget our nation's veterans. The men and women of the North Fort Myers Elks have taken the Elks' pledge to heart. Their record of service to the veterans of Southwest Florida is inspiring and worthy of commendation. Over the last several years, the North Fort Myers Elks have served over 14,000 hot meals and provided over $107,000 in food items, necessities and clothing to the region's homeless veterans; have logged over 90,000 miles transporting veterans to the Bay Pines VA Medical Center in Bay Pines, Florida; and have repeatedly been recognized by the national Elks organization for their service to veterans, taking first place four years in a row. We all owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to those who have served our country valiantly, and the North Fort Myers Elks have shown their community what compassion and service to our nation's veterans truly means. I'm honored to represent these caring and hardworking individuals in Congress, and thank them for their efforts in making Southwest Florida a great place to live, work and visit.

Mr. MACK

Mr. MACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this rule. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, once again, in defense of liberty and to tell my colleagues they should vote against this Rule. While I find it honorable that several of my colleagues have attempted to work to find a compromise in this legislation, I have concluded it still does not often enough protections for the rights of our citizens. It is the duty of Congress to strike the appropriate balance of freedom and liberty with the assurances of security and stability. But, we must constantly ask ourselves, are we going too far in one direction? And I have always maintained that if a threat is imminent and known, the administration should be given the temporary powers needed to keep our homeland secure and Congress should exercise its inherent power of oversight over that authority. I advocated this throughout the PATRIOT Act reauthorization and maintain it is the correct stance for us to take in times of crisis. While I am encouraged by the inclusion of sunsets in this proposal and additional roles for the FISA Court, this legislation still does not bring us back to where we were earlier this summer--the administration needing a clarification on foreign-to-foreign and foreign-to-domestic communications. Instead of taking the simple tenets of the Constitution and applying it to this debate, we in Congress like to overcomplicate the issue. We all agree these are important issues that deserve our time and attention but we need look no further than the Constitution for the right answers. Mr. Speaker, the proper route we should have taken in crafting the answer to the FISA problems is H.R. 11--The NSA Oversight Act. This bipartisan bill has the answers, in very clear terms, to what the administration has sought Congress to address. It allows for emergency surveillance and doesn't overly impede the work of intelligence officers; It places the FISA Court in a more proper role for reviews of the tactics used and warrants needed; And it ensures Congress conducts vigorous and smart oversight of these activities, all while protecting the individual freedom of Americans. And that is the goal we should be aiming for, Mr. Speaker: the protection of our rights and the upholding of our Constitution. If we fail to adhere to the Constitution and ``sacrifice our liberty,'' then we will have lost this great experiment we began over 220 years ago and the terrorists will have accomplished the very thing they set out to do on that morning in September seven years ago. We should vote down this Rule, go back to the table and report back a bill that preserves liberty and strikes a more proper balance between freedom and security for Americans.

Mr. MACK

Mr. MACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my continued support for children's vision awareness and the Vision Care for Kids Act of 2007 (H.R. 507). Unfortunately, millions of children in the United States suffer from vision problems, many of which go undetected and negatively affect a child's life. I know all too well how important it is to have a regular eye exam. When I was young, my own eyesight problems caused me to struggle in school until those problems were properly diagnosed and corrected. This legislation will help improve access to eyesight testing and follow-up treatment for children so they can see, study, and learn to the best of their ability. I hope the Senate will pass this critical legislation so we ensure that our children are receiving the best eye care possible. Madam Speaker, I urge everyone to support this legislation and I look forward to working with my colleagues as we strive to increase awareness in preventive vision care for children.

Mr. MACK

Mr. MACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor over 20 brave men and women of our armed forces that were wounded in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan and enjoyed some rest and relaxation in Fort Myers last weekend. The soldiers are currently recuperating at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Fort Gordon, Georgia, and came to Fort Myers for the weekend because one man, Cliff Naylor, wanted to show his appreciation for the sacrifices these soldiers have made. Mr. Naylor was injured himself during the Vietnam War. During his recovery, he spent a restful weekend in Miami, thanks to the hospitality of local organizations in the area. Now, 30 years later, Mr. Naylor repaid the same favor to a group of Iraq and Afghanistan war soldiers in his hometown. Thanks to the generosity and kindness of the people of Fort Myers, these heroes were able to enjoy some much-deserved rest as well as some of what Southwest Florida has to offer, including our sunny weather and beautiful beaches. Local businesses and veterans organizations, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion, offered free meals, lodging, transportation, and activities for each soldier. The entire weekend would not have been possible without the support and generosity of these businesses and organizations, and in particular, Mr. John Ebling, the Director of Veterans Services for Lee County, who assisted with preparations for the event. I was fortunate to have met these gracious soldiers during a special event that was held in their honor on Monday. I was struck by their perseverance, determination, and commitment to their fellow soldiers. Their strength and hope is an inspiration to us all, and I hope they were able to feel the love and appreciation of our grateful community. The 24 soldiers that Fort Myers honored with its generosity are: SFC Edgar Abrams, SSG Bernard Behrens, SSG Gregory Burton, SPC Amos Casillas-Hernandez, SPC Denver Dalton, SPC Crystal Davis, SSG Kevin Elliott, 1SG Joseph Gardocki, SPC Ephraim Giron, SGT Matthew Goodwin, SGT Joseph Gose, SPC Nash Marlow, SSG Paul Mullis, CPT Simon Obeng, SPC Andres Perez, SSG Hugh Pettigrew, SGT Tommy Richardson, SFC Corey Robinson, CPL David Rodrigue, SGT Scott VanNatta, SPC Marcus Varnell, SSG Carl Watson, SGT Safari Williams, and SSG Calvin Wilson. Madam Speaker, I join all the people of Southwest Florida in thanking these courageous men and women for their service to our Nation. They've given so much in defense of our freedoms, and we all owe them a debt of gratitude for their personal sacrifices.