Tim Mahoney

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act. I must say that I'm extremely disappointed that the President and many of my friends on the other side of the aisle have expressed opposition to this legislation. I think it's telling that Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke has expressed his support for the bill. Mr. Speaker, the President and some of my Republican colleagues have called this plan a bailout. Clearly, the party that claims to represent big business doesn't understand business. This plan requires current mortgage holders who choose to participate, not taxpayers, to realize the loss of at least 15 percent. And by putting homeowners in mortgages with rates and payments that we know they can afford, we are minimizing the risk of future defaults. And by doing so, we are injecting confidence and liquidity back into credit markets, thereby taking an important step to ensure the economy has the capital to begin digging ourselves out of this recession. For anyone who calls this a bailout of risky investors, I would invite them to come to my district and meet some of the thousands of families who are in foreclosure. These are families with dreams and hopes. They, like everyone in this room, were trying as best they could to live the American Dream of homeownership. These are not frauds and cheats. They are firefighters and teachers who were forced into the subprime mortgage market in order to realize their dream. The only moral hazard before us today would be our failure to act. If we are to protect our economy, our families, and the American Dream of homeownership, pass this amendment today.

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Madam Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk made in order under the rule.

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Madam Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today to offer an amendment to H.R. 5818, the Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008. During the past few months, Americans have woken up every morning and encountered headlines in their local newspapers similar to those in my hometown papers. Home sales hit low in February. Late loan payments highest since 1992; and foreclosures skyrocket. I'd like to thank Chairwoman Waters and Chairman Frank for their commitment to address the housing market crisis gripping our Nation and of my beloved Florida. With their leadership, the legislation we're going to pass in the coming days brings hope to millions at home who are being hit especially hard, as much of Florida's economy is dependent on home construction and property development. Right now, thousands of Floridians are out of work and unable to pay their mortgage, turning an economic downturn into a crisis for working families and their communities. Florida homeowners are being hit especially hard because of the staggering cost of property taxes, skyrocketing insurance premiums and increased mortgage payments. This toxic cocktail has forced many home owners to make difficult decisions. Our seniors are being forced to decide between paying their mortgages and purchasing lifesaving medications. Likewise, working families are confronted with the challenges of putting food on the table, supporting their children's education, and paying their mortgage. In the eight counties I represent, there are approximately 13,500 homes in pre-foreclosure, meaning that homeowners have missed at least one of their mortgage payments. To give you a better perspective, Madam Chairman, how deep the problem is in my district, there are approximately 245,000 single family homes in the area that I represent. That means about 5\1/2\ percent of the homes in my district are in foreclosure. Every foreclosure serves to further drive down the values of every homeowner in the neighborhood. In addition to the personal tragedies faced by families confronting foreclosure or falling home values are States, counties, and towns that are facing another crisis. According to the Department of Commerce, approximately 200,000 new homes are sitting empty throughout the United States. Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies found that partially completed or vacant developments reduce tax revenue for cities and towns and hurt businesses. Likewise, a report authored by the U.S. Conference of Mayors found that the rising foreclosures and falling property values may cut tax revenues by more than $6.6 billion for the ten States, including my home State of Florida. This means fewer police, firemen, and teachers. It means fewer parks and after school programs. The crisis has already pushed Florida into a recession, and the State already has to deal with a decrease in tax revenue. The State, which just finished its budget, had to make difficult decisions. Nursing homes in the State charged with taking care of our seniors will face a $163.7 million reduction in what they're paid to take care of residents on Medicaid. The legislature voted to increase taxes by imposing $200 million in user fees on our State citizens. Likewise, spending on education in Florida will drop by $131 per student. These cuts come at a time when it is more important than ever to invest in our children who will have to compete in the global economy. H.R. 5818 will establish a $15 billion HUD administered grant program for the purchase and rehabilitation of owner-vacated foreclosed homes with the goal of stabilizing and occupying them as soon as possible. By doing so, we will ensure that the value of the properties and those surrounding them will not continue to free fall. Madam Chairman, my amendment today is very straightforward. It clarifies that nothing in the underlying bill before us today restricts anyone's right to bear arms under the second amendment. This language ensures that those States, localities, and organizations receiving loans and grants under this law cannot, let me repeat, cannot place any restrictions on the properties they purchase or maintain that would infringe upon a person's second amendment rights. I ask my colleagues to support this commonsense amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Madam Chairman, how much time do I have left?

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. I will yield that to the gentleman from Massachusetts.

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Madam Speaker, today I stand before you to talk about a mother, a soldier's mother. This week, Sue Sawyer made the ultimate sacrifice for our United States of America. She lost her son to war. Sue's son, Marcus Mathes was killed in a mortar attack as he stood on duty, next to his truck, just north of Baghdad. Two fellow crew members were killed with him. Their death was instantaneous. Marcus Mathes had just turned 25. On behalf of the entire Congress of the United States, I want to thank Sue Sawyer. By raising your son to value the ideals of the United States of America, you have helped to improve the security of our country and our future. Sue Sawyer has given an extraordinary gift to our country, for which we should be profoundly grateful. She has reason to be proud of her son's accomplishments and duty. Today, we must remember the accomplishments of the mother who selflessly raised Marcus and influenced him to give. Representing our country in combat was a gift to all of us from Marcus Mathes and Sue Sawyer. Thank you, Sue. God bless you.

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Israel and reaffirm the friendship and cooperation between the United States and Israel. Since its establishment 60 years ago, the State of Israel has rebuilt a nation and developed a new and dynamic democratic society. The Israeli government and its people have created a thriving economic, political, cultural and intellectual life despite the heavy costs of war, terrorism, and unjustified diplomatic and economic boycotts against the country. The Israeli people have established a nation of diverse cultures with a deep connection to their historical past while at the same time forging their place in today's global economy. Israel has proven its commitment to creating a better global community by becoming a world leader in technology. On Israel's 60th anniversary it is important to recognize the achievements of the Israeli people and of the Jewish community whose faith and commitment to democracy is a beacon of hope for peace and stability. America's commitment to Israel reflects our support for those nations that share our values of liberty and equality.

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Madam Speaker, on April 17, 2008, I missed votes. Listed below are the votes I missed and how I would have voted had I been present. Miller of California Amendment to H.R. 5715, rollcall No. 203, I would have voted ``aye.'' Final Passage of H.R. 5715, rollcall No. 204, the Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act of 2008, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Madam Speaker, on April 17, 2008, I missed votes because I was attending my daughter Bailey's equestrian event. Bailey is competing today at the 2008 Varsity Equestrian National Championship in Waco, Texas. She is a senior at Oklahoma State University and has been a member of the OSU equestrian team since her freshman year.

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank Chairman Rahall and Chairman Grijalva for their continued commitment to America's natural and historic treasures. Our national parks, forests and public lands are among our Nation's most valuable resources. In fact, one of our country's most unique national parks, the Everglades National Park, is located near my district. It is important that we continue to protect these environmentally sensitive and historically significant areas for future generations to enjoy. I believe that the bill before us today, H.R. 2016, the National Landscape Conservation System Act, does just that. The National Landscape Conservation System, and, more specifically, the Outstanding Natural Area designation which is part of that system, was created in 2000 by the Department of Interior in an effort to better meet the management needs of our Nation's public lands and historic treasures. In addition to the better management practices, the system promotes the designation of areas under the system to help spur tourism and expand educational opportunities in surrounding communities. Mr. Chairman, just a few short weeks ago the House passed H.R. 1922, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Areas Act. This bill, which I sponsored, would designate this historic lighthouse as an Outstanding Natural Area. It is important to note that the lighthouse is much more than a historical marker. It has become a symbol of our community, woven into the fabric of our culture, even appearing on the Town of Jupiter seal. With the passage of this legislation today, we have the ability to permanently protect our historic and natural treasures, such as the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, for future generations. Again, I applaud Chairman Grijalva for his efforts.

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a very special American, Mayor Dorothy Geeben, for her incredible service to her community and to wish her a very happy 100th birthday. Ms. Geeben moved to the town of Ocean Breeze Park, a small community on the Indian River, in 1952, and has been a cornerstone of that community ever since. In 1960 she joined the Ocean Breeze Town Council, serving as its president for 31 years, and in 2001 she became the mayor of the town and its 1,000 residents. Today, as Mayor Geeben celebrates her 100th birthday, she is also recognized as the oldest mayor in America. As mayor, her duties include presiding over town council meetings and signing documents. But to the residents of her village, she is known as a friend to everyone and as the woman who always has a smile on her face. Mayor Geeben has seen her small community through a lot in the last 40 years, including two major hurricanes. I am proud to recognize such a vibrant and dedicated woman. On behalf of Florida's 16th Congressional District, I would like to express my gratitude to Mayor Geeben for her many years of service to our community, and to wish her another happy 100 years.

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Madam Chairman, I rise today to enter into this colloquy with Mr. Boyd to express my support for the House budget resolution for fiscal year 2009. A budget is a reflection of our national priorities. For far too long, the administration's priorities have been misplaced. In fact, the budget submitted by the President earlier this year makes cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and the environment. In addition, it taxes our veterans by requiring them to pay new fees for health care. As a result of this administration's misplaced priorities, the $5.6 trillion projected 10-year surplus that they have inherited has been squandered. As a result, our children and grandchildren are confronted with the challenge of paying back a $9.3 trillion debt. This budget before us today, however, is a good budget for Florida and the Nation. The House budget protects our homeland by rejecting the President's cuts to first responder programs, reinstates funding for the COPS program, and that will put 247 more police on the street in Florida. This budget helps Florida's kids. It provides substantially more money for schools and education than the President's budget. It will allow our schools to hire the highly skilled teachers that over 25,000 Florida children need desperately to help them grow up and compete in the global economy. It rejects the President's irresponsible new fees that he wants to put on the backs of our veterans. It increases health care funding to allow our Veterans Administration to treat the 5.8 million more patients, including 333,000 from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. I support this budget because it is fiscally responsible, it balances the budget by 2012, and it adheres to all of the PAYGO rules. Finally, I support this budget because it protects the most vulnerable among us: our Nation's seniors. Specifically, the budget resolution improves support of housing for the elderly. I would like to thank Chairman Spratt for working with me to ensure that the Section 202 Housing for the Elderly program is adequately funded. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1922, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area Act. Today is a great day for the towns and communities that live and thrive beneath the light of this magnificent landmark. I want to begin by thanking everyone in the community who worked tirelessly to make this day a reality. The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area Act serves as an example of what local governments working together can do. The commitment to this historical lighthouse from officials and volunteers from Palm Beach County, the Town of Jupiter, the Village of Tequesta, and the Loxahatchee River Historical Society is truly remarkable. I would specifically like to recognize the efforts of Palm Beach County Commissioner Karen Marcus and Mayor Karen Golonka from the town of Jupiter. Their leadership and vision have been invaluable on this project. The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is more than a beacon of light that guides mariners to safety; it is a monument to Florida's history and a symbol of our community. Since the lighthouse's construction in 1860, it has played an important role during military conflicts and has facilitated commerce up and down the East Coast. Designed by Lieutenant George Meade, who would later become famous for his service during the Civil War, the light allowed for vessels to safely travel down Florida's coast carrying cargo to new markets in the Caribbean. During World War II, the keeper dimmed the light in order to protect Allied warships traveling off the coast of Florida from German U-boat attacks. Today, the light still guides boaters safely home. The National Landscape Conservation System, and more specifically the Outstanding Natural Area Designation, was created in 2000 by the Department of the Interior in an effort to better meet the management needs of our Nation's public lands and historic treasures. In addition to the better management practices the system promotes, the designation helps to spur tourism and expand educational opportunities in surrounding communities. It is important to note that the area designated by this bill as an Outstanding Natural Area is much more than the lighthouse. H.R. 1922 also seeks to protect and better coordinate the management of the more than 100 acres surrounding the historic structure. This land, like the lighthouse, has historical, cultural, and environmental value. For example, the area was first used by Native Americans over 4,000 years ago. Likewise, in the 17th Century, Europeans first made contact with this area. This lighthouse and the surrounding area, however, is much more than a historical marker. It has become a symbol of this community, woven into the fabric of our culture, even appearing on the town of Jupiter's seal. I recently received a letter from a student at Jupiter High School detailing why the lighthouse is special to her. She says in the letter: ``I often reminisce about the days my parents used to take [me] to the area when I was a child and due to these trips my love for nature and its protection first started to blossom.'' Today, she is a member of the Jupiter High School Environmental Research and Field Studies Academy. It is important that we preserve this structure and continue to give children the opportunity to explore their history and learn about the environment. In closing, I would like to thank Chairman Rahall and Subcommittee Chairman Grijalva for their support throughout this process. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1922, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area Act.

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1922, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area Act of 2007. And I would like to also thank Chairman Rahall and Subcommittee Chairman Grijalva and my good friend, Congressman Ron Klein, for helping me get this bill passed today in the House of Representatives. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1922 is an important piece of legislation, as it will establish the Jupiter Lighthouse and the surrounding 126 acres as an outstanding natural area, only the second in the country and the only one east of the Mississippi. An outstanding natural area is a congressional designation to protect the unique, scenic, scientific, educational, and recreational contributions of a natural area to this and future generations. One of the reasons why I enthusiastically support the designation is because Florida's rich and diverse history is sometimes overlooked by the millions of tourists who visit from all across America. Of course, it's not hard to see why. With our pristine coastline, trendsetting hotels and restaurants, and ample eco-tourist activities, a typical family vacation in south Florida can pass, and very quickly without having the chance to see all other amazing aspects of Florida's ecology, culture, and history. The Jupiter Lighthouse area is one such example. It is a local and regional icon, and with this new designation, the United States Congress can say that Florida's rich history should be celebrated as an integral part of our larger American history. Situated where the Loxahatchee River and the Indian River Lagoon meet, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse area is home to a wide range of endangered species of flora and fauna, and it is one of the true scenic gems of south Florida. The lighthouse also tells a rich story of Florida's history and prehistory. Native Americans first used the area around the Jupiter Lighthouse over 4,000 years ago, and Europeans made contact with it in the 17th century. As trade increased in the 1800s, the need for the lighthouse became more urgent as shipwrecks increased off Florida's coast and, in particular, off the dangerous reefs near Jupiter. The United States Congress responded in 1853 by providing $35,000 to establish a lighthouse in Jupiter. Despite an intervening war with the Seminole Nation, the lighthouse was finally completed in 1860, the first built along Florida's coastline. I think it's fitting that 155 years later the same distinguished body is poised to make the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse an outstanding natural area. Doing so will preserve the natural and cultural significance of the area for future generations and will reaffirm that Florida's history is an important part of American history. Again, I'd like to thank my colleagues for passing this important legislation.

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. I want to thank the gentlelady for giving me the opportunity to speak on such an important issue. Before I go with my remarks, I would just like to point out that the issue of FISA has to do with making sure that the President gets immunity, not the telecom companies, and the rush to try to do something is really disappointing when we are a Nation of rule of law, and it is important for the American people to understand exactly what happened here after 9/11 with the telecommunications companies giving information to the President illegally. Having said that, I represent the 16th Congressional District of Florida. My district is home to a subtropical climate and rich soil. It is the largest and most varied producer of the biomass needed to produce cellulosic ethanol. Unfortunately, some of my rural areas are also the poorest in Florida, where we have high unemployment and an almost 40 percent dropout rate in our high schools. Many of our rural youth don't see that getting their high school diploma will make a difference in their lives. Thanks to Congress, the day is coming when America can turn its back on foreign oil because we had the courage to create a biofuels industry here in America, a business that will transform rural America. Thanks to Chairman Rangel, H.R. 5351 helps to make this vision a reality by giving gasoline companies a tax credit for blending cellulosic ethanol. This credit, in addition to the energy and farm bills we passed last year, will get Wall Street to open their wallets and invest in cellulosic ethanol businesses throughout rural America. It will give our rural youth hope and the opportunity to have a job with a future.

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to honor Dr. Carl F. Brooks for his commitment to service in his community and his church, First Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Punta Gorda, Florida. Dr. Brooks has employed his selfless vision to promote and provide resources that help people turn to God. Sunday February 10, 2008 will mark the 28th anniversary of Dr. Brooks' service as Pastor of First Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. He began in 1980 when Punta Gorda was a small town on the southwest coast of Florida. As Punta Gorda grew, his vision and mission to serve expanded to provide human services and educational resources. The Reverend Dr. Brooks is quoted as saying ``The future is not something you enter, it is something you create. We will not continue with `Business as Usual', we will be guided by an authentic vision through which the Kingdom's agenda is accomplished.'' In his capacity as visionary and servant of Charlotte County, the Reverend Dr. Brooks has made his church part of the Emergency Shelter National Board Program by providing food and shelter to residents in times of disaster. He has worked tirelessly to create nonprofit organizations that help children and families, promote educational opportunities for his congregation, and serves as a member of the National Baptist Convention of America in addition to being Florida's representative for the Board of Evangelism. Dr. Brooks is the proud husband of Karen and the father of three daughters Tonya, Carla and Kayla. I am proud to recognize Dr. Brooks for his great service to both Charlotte County and the First Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. Our community is truly blessed to have Dr. Brooks as a resident. I would like to express my thanks and gratitude to Dr. Brooks for his service to our community and our country.

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Madam Speaker, the good news is the debate is over. The President, Congress, and the American people all agree that the economy is in trouble and that the old cures that the Bush administration has used to grow our economy have failed to provide working and middle-class Americans a better life and a secure future. I support this economic stimulus package because American families are hurting and small business needs help and they need it now. Unlike the President, both Wall Street and Main Street know that we need a bold new vision to ensure America's economic leadership is a global economy. Americans understand that we need to reward companies that create jobs here at home, and we must stop giving American businesses incentives to move our jobs overseas. We need to once again be the place where entrepreneurs from around the world come to live their dream. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to take the first step today by giving families and small businesses a helping hand. I also ask my colleagues to come together with the courage and resolve to give America an economic plan that ensures our children's American Dreams.

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment that will preserve the HOPE VI Main Street Grant program. This program, important to rural communities with very small populations, was created with the passage of the American Dream Act of 2003. Since its inception, the program has helped a small number of rural communities develop affordable housing units in conjunction with larger revitalization efforts. The creation of the HOPE VI Main Street Grant program in 2003 is important to rural communities because it allows rural communities to compete with larger urban areas for HOPE VI dollars. Mr. Chairman, for those not familiar with the program, the HOPE VI Main Street grants are funded through a 5 percent set-aside in the HOPE VI annual appropriations and each award is capped at $1 million. As I noted, this program is extremely important to rural communities such as Moore Haven, Florida. Located on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River in Glades County and one of the most rural areas of Florida, Moore Haven is one of the oldest cities in South Florida. This beautiful, old, sleepy Florida town is home to one doctor, Dr. Geek, and one restaurant. It is one of the few places left in Florida where the families have lived there for generations and everyone knows their neighbor. Unfortunately, it is also one of the poorest areas in the State. The population of the city is approximately 1,900 people and the annual tax revenue for all of Glades County is $6 million. The people of Moore Haven have a desire to revitalize their historic downtown area, but they lack the financial resources. Guided by the vision of Tracy Whirls, the Executive Director of the Glades County Economic Development Council, Moore Haven applied for a HOPE VI Main Street grant last year. The city had hoped to use the money to purchase three historic but dilapidated and vacant buildings, with the intention of attracting businesses to the first floors and 12 affordable housing units on the upper levels. Plans for the first floors included opening Moore Haven's only pharmacy and furniture store. I regret, Mr. Chairman, that Moore Haven was not successful in its attempt to secure the grant. The good news is that they are game and they are going to apply for it again this year. But I believe it is imperative that we continue to give Moore Haven and small rural cities like Moore Haven across this great Nation this opportunity. Mr. Chairman, in closing, I would like to leave you with the words of Larry Luckey, the Glades County property appraiser. ``If we are unable to save these historic commercial buildings, the downtown historic district will cease to exist. I am saddened at the thought that we may well become a city with no history.'' I would ask for the support of my colleagues to preserve the HOPE VI Main Street Grant program and the economy and history of small towns across America, including Moore Haven. In addition, with the passage of my amendment, we will ensure that rural communities continue to have access to the affordable housing benefits provided by the HOPE VI program. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Butterfield).

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to express my concerns with H.R. 3996, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2007. Today, the American people were offered a false choice--tax families today or tax their children in the future. This year the House of Representatives has twice passed alternative minimum tax relief bills intended to provide more than 23 million American's with tax relief. These two previous pieces of legislation were fiscally responsible. By closing tax loopholes, the House of Representatives sought to ensure that we did not pass the cost of this temporary fix along to our children and grandchildren. Let me be clear. With passage of this bill tonight, President Bush and the Republicans have decided to mortgage our children's future and add to the national debt. I will reluctantly vote for this legislation because without an AMT fix, more than 46,500 people in the 16th Congressional District of Florida will be burdened with a tax increase. These are hardworking families already struggling with skyrocketing property taxes, staggering homeowners insurance premiums, rising mortgage payments and out of control gas prices. These are seniors already forced to choose between purchasing life saving medications and putting food on the table. Simply stated, my constituents do not need the burden of an additional tax increase. In closing, I call upon the House of Representatives to return to fiscal responsibility and Pay As You Go rules. Like many of my fellow Blue Dog colleagues, I believe we have a moral obligation not to pass our debt along to future generations.

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and welcome home Army SPC Joel Morera. Specialist Morera was wounded in Iraq on July 28, 2007, when an explosive device hit his vehicle. Specialist Joel Morera received a Purple Heart in August. The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy. Today, SPC Morera and his family will arrive back home in Clewiston, FL, so that he can celebrate the holidays in his hometown. I join the veterans and residents of Highlands County, Hendry County and Glades County in paying our respects to SPC Morera and celebrating his return to the Sunshine State. I rise today with great pride to honor this brave young man and to thank him for his incredible sacrifice. The courage of SPC Morera and his fallen comrades ensure that all Americans can enjoy liberty. Madam Speaker, please join me and the communities of the 16th District of Florida in welcoming Army Specialist Joel Morera and his family home for the holidays.

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida

Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Captain Adam Snyder of Fort Pierce, Florida, who passed away on December 5, 2007, from battle injuries suffered in Iraq. Adam was 26 years old. Captain Snyder belonged to the 101st Airborne Division, stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He was the fourth generation Snyder to proudly serve the United States military. Adam was serving his second tour in Iraq. Adam was a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, where one of his professors, John McVan, described Adam as ``one of the best and brightest I've ever had.'' Adam's brilliance was not limited to his military career. He impressed whomever he encountered in all walks of life. Adam looked forward to returning home and pursuing his dream of acting. His modesty, bravery, and humanity are qualities rarely found in such great measure in one man. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart but great pride that I stand here today in this sacred hall to honor Adam and his family. I want to thank Adam's family for giving America a hero who went to work every day defending his country so that we can enjoy liberty. Adam, our Nation for all eternity will be in your debt for the ultimate sacrifice you have made.

Mr. MAHONEY

Mr. MAHONEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the opening of the St. Vincent DePaul Community Health Clinic in Port Charlotte, Florida. This nonprofit organization took on the challenge of addressing the medical needs of the uninsured, underinsured and homeless in Charlotte County. The opening of the clinic was championed by Dr. Mark Asperilla and Dr. David Klein, and I would like to commend their hard work and dedication in seeing the clinic become a reality. The clinic, which is located at 21450 Gibraltar in Port Charlotte, will open initially on a part time basis but hopes to achieve a goal of operating 12 hours a day, 6 days a week. The clinic will provide a wide range of healthcare services from general health check ups to prescription medication free of charge to needy residents. St. Vincent DePaul is joined by the Charlotte County community which has come together and is working as a team to save lives and improve the quality of life of the poor and uninsured. Churches, schools, civic groups, fraternal organizations, hospitals, businesses, foundations and individuals have all worked together to ensure that Charlotte County has a health clinic that can effectively serve its residents. This community has dedicated itself to restoring human dignity by reaching out to provide a helping hand. The blessing of the facility will be coordinated by Father Arthur Schute, spiritual advisor at Peace River Regional Medical Center, and a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony will take place at noon today. Madam Speaker, please join me in commending the creation of the St. Vincent DePaul Community Health Clinic.