Adam Putnam

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3326--the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010: Requesting Member: Rep. Adam Putnam (FL-12) Bill Number: H.R. 3326 Account: Operations and Maintenance (Army) Project Funding Amount: $3,000,000 Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of South Florida Address of Requesting Entity: 3702 Spectrum Blvd Suite 175, Tampa, Florida 33612-9444 Description of Request: The Center for the Study of International Languages and Cultures (CSILC) is a resource within the University of South Florida that promotes global understanding through integrated programs of language and culture studies in critical world regions. In its first two years of existence, it has garnered $1.5 million in support of its programs above and beyond previous appropriations. Current military doctrine provides for preparation of personnel with language competency together with knowledge of the relevant culture and expertise in the given region. At CSILC, USF has been creating a wide variety of integrated language and culture-based lessons designed to fulfill our urgent need to better understand critical world regions. In 2007, our military commanders in the Gulf region requested that military personnel engaged in sensitive diplomatic work on behalf of the United States be afforded a much higher degree of language training in mid-east language dialects, S.E. Asian languages as well as Chinese and Korean. In an effort to meet this demand, Congress funded a unique project in the State of Florida, headquartered at the University of South Florida, to work in tandem with the Defense Language Institute (DLI) in Monterey, California. This project, now in its third year, has grown to include not only continuing distance learning education and training for military personnel who leave DLI after short intensive training in languages such as Arabic, Farsi (Persian), Dari and Pashto (from Afghanistan), and Urdu (from Pakistan). These programs will allow potential military and civilian personnel to better prepare themselves for assignments in these world regions.

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3326, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010: Requesting Member: Representative Adam Putnam (FL-12) Bill Number: H.R. 3326 Account: Operations and Maintenance, Army National Guard (2060) Project Funding Amount: $2,900,000 Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Florida National Guard Address of Requesting Entity: 82 Marine Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084 Description of Request: The Florida National Guard has the foremost Counterdrug Program in the nation. Florida is a key gateway for drugs entering the Southeastern United States. These Drug Supply Reduction efforts support Federal, State, and Local partners in numerous initiatives that resulted in the seizure of more than $2.6 billion in narcotics and drug related assets in FY08. The program also leads Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) efforts by presenting its nationally recognized, anti-drug curriculums to more than 98,000 school-aged children during the last year alone. Utilizing mobile training teams and traditional residential classes, the Florida Counterdrug Training Academy continues to provide law enforcement and community coalition students valuable procedural and technical training, that many of them would otherwise not be able to receive or afford. Annual contributions of the Florida National Guard Counterdrug Program equate to a taxpayer return of $233 for each $1 spent. Requested funding will ensure continued successful execution of the President's and Governor's counter-narcotics initiatives, operationally posture the program to meet evolving threats, and ensure the re-employment of Florida National Guard Counterdrug Members returning from deployment in support of the ``War on Terrorism''.

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3288, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act of 2010: transportation, housing, and urban development--polk county agricultural center building renovation Requesting Member: Rep. Adam Putnam (FL-12) Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Account: HUD--Economic Development Initiative Project Funding Amount: $200,000 Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Polk County, Florida Address of Requesting Entity: 300 West Church Street, Bartow, FL 33831 Description of Request: Funding to be used for renovation improvements to the Polk County Agricultural Center, which also serves as an Emergency Operation Center (EOC) for Polk County. Originally constructed in 1948, the facility plays a central role in the Polk County community, contributing to the region's economic strength and well-being. Renovations are needed to meet fire and safety standards, enabling its continued benefit to the area. Substantial contributions are being made by the state and local government. Requesting Member: Rep. Adam Putnam (FL-12) Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Account: Federal Highway Administration--Transportation & Community & System Preservation Project Funding Amount: $500,000 Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Polk County, Florida Address of Requesting Entity: 300 West Church Street, Bartow, FL 33831 Description of Request: Funding to be utilized for improvements to U.S. Highway 98 to reduce existing traffic congestion and improve mobility along the corridor, which links Bartow to Lakeland, FL one of the largest metropolitan areas in the region. Specifically, funding would be used for right of way acquisition and construction of a continuous 6-lane corridor between SR 60 and SR 570 (Polk Parkway), two intersecting Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) facilities. transportation, housing, and urban development--lakeland area mass transit authority bus replacement and facility maintenance, fl Requesting Member; Rep. Adam Putnam (FL-12) Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Account: Federal Transit Administration--Buses & Bus Facilities Project Funding Amount: $200,000 Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Polk County, Florida Address of Requesting Entity: 300 West Church Street, Bartow, FL 33831 Description of Request: To continue to provide vital transportation bus service to several regional locations. For the replacement of aging buses and security technology upgrades. transportation, housing, and urban development--winter haven/polk county buses, fl Requesting Member; Rep. Adam Putnam (FL-12) Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Account: Federal Transit Administration--Buses & Bus Facilities Project Funding Amount: $200,000 Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Polk County, Florida Address of Requesting Entity: 300 West Church Street, Bartow, FL 33831 Description of Request: To continue to provide vital transportation bus service to several regional locations. For the replacement of aging buses and security technology upgrades.

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3293, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010: Requesting Member: Congressman Adam H. Putnam Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Account: Department of Health and Human Services--Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Project Funding Amount: $400,000 Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Florida Southern College Address of Requesting Entity: 111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801 Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used for construction costs and to purchase instructional technology and equipment for the nursing skills lab to allow Florida Southern College (FSC) to continue increasing student enrollment in its nursing programs in an effort to address the well-documented, critical shortage of nurses in the State of Florida and the nation. Specifically, accommodating rapidly growing enrollment in Florida FSC's RN-to-BSN, BSN, and MSN programs and to prepare for further growth from their three-year cooperative BSN program with Polk State (Community) College, FSC is constructing a 3,000-square-foot expansion of the Joe K. and Alberta Blanton Nursing Building, which will house a classroom and a high-tech nursing skills lab.

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3293, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010: Requesting Member: Congressman Adam H. Putnam Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Account: Department of Education--Elementary & Secondary Education, Fund for the Improvement of Education (FIE) Project Funding Amount: $150,000 Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Polk County Public Schools Address of Requesting Entity: 1915 South Floral Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830 Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used to help fund the Polk County Safety Surveillance System Pilot Project, specifically the purchase and installment of alarm systems and surveillance equipment at 27 campuses throughout the school district. Implementation of these security systems would enable school officials and local law enforcement to monitor for and assess invasive acts of violence, theft and vandalism, coordinate effective responses to bring situations under control and protect approximately 20,000 students, teachers and other staff on these campuses. Educators and school administrators alike know that students who do not feel safe in school have difficulty concentrating in class and retaining what is taught and that positive student engagement in the classroom is a key factor in promoting student achievement. The participating pilot schools were selected based on the frequency and volume of theft, vandalism and violent incidents and requests for additional security guards to protect the people attending afterschool events at these locations. Selections were determined by the Director of the Department of Safe Schools whose department records and processes these incidents. Requesting Member: Congressman Adam H. Putnam Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Account: Department of Education--Higher Education, Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) Project Funding Amount: $300,000 Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Polk State College (The legal name of Polk Community College changed to Polk State College following the approval of their Board of Trustees in March 2009, to reflect the addition of baccalaureate offerings at the college. The change took effect on July 1, 2009, the beginning of the new fiscal year). Address of Requesting Entity: 999 Avenue H, N.E., Winter Haven, FL 33881 Description of Request: It is my understanding that funding would be used to address a skills gap currently hampering the ability of hospitals and clinics in Polk County, Florida to fill critical positions, expand, and adapt to meet the needs of an aging population. Polk State College (PSC) seeks funding to enhance its Nursing, Cardiovascular Technology (CVT), Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS), Radiography, and Emergency Medical Technology programs in order to address the critical need for qualified Allied Health professionals in the region. Funding would be used to develop an Echocardiography track in addition to the Cardiovascular Technology Invasive track Associate of Science (AS) degree program, hire additional faculty and staff, and purchase updated training technology. Funding is also requested to equip two classrooms with computer technology necessary for PSC's Educator Preparation Institute's (EPI) teacher-training courses in Technology.

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3170, the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, FY 2010: Requesting Member: Rep. Adam Putnam (FL-12) Bill Number: H.R. 3170 Account: Small Business Account Project Funding Amount: $100,000 Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Florida Department of Citrus Address of Requesting Entity: Post Office Box 148, Lakeland, FL 33802 Description of Request: In order for small business citrus operations, in my district and throughout Florida, to remain viable in an ever competitive marketplace and lessen their reliance on manual labor, an effective mechanical harvesting technology must be developed. For this reason, funding is sought for the benefit of citrus small business operators, directed to the Florida Department of Citrus to continue completion of the development of a mechanical harvesting abscission compound. Florida citrus operators have invested over $20 million toward this end, currently in the sixth year of a seven-year process.

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information for publication in the Congressional Record regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3183, the FY 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations Act: fl renewable energy program Requesting Member: Rep. Adam Putnam Bill Number: H.R. 3183 Account: Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Biomass Account Project Funding Amount: $1 million Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The University of Florida Address of Requesting Entity: Institute for Food and Agriculture Sciences, Post Office Box 110180, Gainesville, FL 32611-0180 Description of Request: Promotes the development and production of bioenergy fuel sources to assist in the development of new energy technologies and improve existing energy efficiencies. The overall goal of this project is to decrease U.S. dependence on imported energy through the creation of renewable fuel sources, and is coordinated by the University of Florida's Florida Center for Renewable Chemicals and Fuel. Funding will aid in the development of renewable energy technologies through the integration of cost-effective research methods, the identification and funding of near-term R&D opportunities ripe for advancement, and by the creation of novel renewable energy systems. tampa harbor operations and maintenance Requesting Member: Rep. Adam Putnam (FL-12) Bill Number: H.R. 3183 Account: Corps of Engineers, Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Project Funding Amount: $5,620,000 Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Army Corps of Engineers Address of Requesting Entity: Army Corp of Engineers, 701 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Description of Request: Army Corps of Engineers, annual Operation and Maintenance (O&M) funds are needed for periodic dredging in the 70 miles of federal channels in the Tampa Harbor. For FY 2010, the Army Corps' estimated capability is $5,620,000, to include various sections of the Tampa Harbor project, with an emphasis on the upper harbor. The Tampa Harbor is a major shipping channel both for domestic and international trade, and of importance to national commerce. As Florida's largest cargo port, the Port of Tampa handles approximately 50 million tons of cargo per year. The Port of Tampa is also the largest economic engine in West Central Florida and the nation's 14th largest port in terms of short tons. tampa harbor construction Requesting Member: Rep. Adam Putnam (FL-12) Bill Number: H.R. 3183 Account: Corps of Engineers, Construction, General--Planning, Engineering and Design Project Funding Amount: $500,000 Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Army Corps of Engineers Address of Requesting Entity: Army Corp of Engineers, 701 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Description of Request: In January, 2008, the Army Corps of Engineers completed the draft General Reevaluation Report (GRR), which focuses on traffic congestion in the main Tampa Harbor channel, where extensive delays occur due to lack of adequate channel width. The Corps' GRR found that the ship channel is too narrow to allow for safe two way vessel traffic due to the introduction of new longer and broader cruise ships. The impacts associated with having a restriction of this nature include vessels waiting at berth or at the sea buoy while large cruise ships transit the channel. The GRR concurs with the Tampa Port Authority and the port community that the resulting congestion causes safety hazards and economic inefficiencies, and recommended widening select portions of the main channel. Therefore, $500,000 is requested to complete Planning, Engineering and Design (PED).

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2997, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Adam H. Putnam Bill Number: H.R. 2997 Account: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Project Funding Amount: $300,000 Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Hillsborough County/University of Florida Address of Requesting Entity: University of Florida, Institute for Food and Agriculture Sciences, Post Office Box 110180, Gainesville, FL 32611-0180 Description of Request: The Hillsborough County--Ruskin Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory is a cooperative venture of Hillsborough County and the University of Florida. Research from the laboratory provides much needed science-based technologies in nutrition, reproduction, health, and water quality management issues for the tropical ornamental aquaculture industry, based primarily in the county. Requesting Member: Congressman Adam H. Putnam Bill Number: H.R. 2997 Account: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Project Funding Amount: $1,217,000 Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Florida Address of Requesting Entity: University of Florida, Institute for Food and Agriculture Sciences, Post Office Box 110180, Gainesville, FL 32611-0180 Description of Request: For critical continuation and expansion of vital Citrus Greening and Citrus Canker research to improve technologies for treatment and detection, methods of movement and containment, and means to control and eliminate these devastating diseases. Requesting Member: Congressman Adam H. Putnam Bill Number: H.R. 2997 Account: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Project Funding Amount: $6,677,000 Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Florida Address of Requesting Entity: University of Florida, Institute for Food and Agriculture Sciences, Post Office Box 110180, Gainesville, FL 32611-0180 Description of Request: The Tropical/Subtropical Agricultural Research (T-STAR) program conducts research and education for interdiction, eradication, and suppression of invasive plants, animals, insects and disease. The objective of this critical initiative is to develop strategies and tactics to stem the influx of invasive species into the United States to protect American agriculture. Requesting Member: Congressman Adam H. Putnam Bill Number: H.R. 2997 Account: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Project Funding Amount: $43.6 million Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Department of Agriculture Address of Requesting Entity: U.S. Department of Agriculture, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250 Description of Request: Due to the rapidly spreading nature of citrus pests and disease and their enormous potential economic impact, it is important that the Federal government actively support a coordinated plan to control, suppress and prevent further spread of the Citrus Greening and Citrus Canker through the Citrus Health Response Plan.

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, a great education is a well-rounded education. This means students should not only be exposed to technical subjects such as math and the sciences, but the humanities and arts as well. Today I wish to honor the life and career of a woman who made great contributions to Florida's music culture as well as inspiring many young students, Mrs. Billye-Mullins Smith. A resident of Winter Haven, Florida, Mrs. Smith was a musician, music educator, and music composer who has impacted the life of many young school children since the mid-1940s. She authored the Opus I Music Study program, which provided a great study for aspiring young musicians. Her late husband, Carroll Smith II, provided the lyrics for the song she composed entitled, ``I Want To Wake Up In The Morning Where The Orange Blossoms Grow,'' which is more commonly known as, ``The Florida Song.'' This song touched many Floridians statewide. It originally started as a piece to be played in front of the Winter Haven Lions Club meeting with her husband singing backed by her piano. In short order, this piece made its way from the Lions Club meeting into elementary school classrooms. Since then, several generations grew up singing about the orange blossoms and birds of the great state of Florida. Mrs. Smith was honored on Sunday, March 22, 2009 at the Lakeland Center in the Yourkey Theater.

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, on Monday, June 15, 2009, I was not present for 4 recorded votes. Please let the Record show that had I been present, I would have voted the following way: Roll No. 336-- ``yea,'' Roll No. 337--``yea,'' Roll No. 338--``yea,'' Roll No. 339-- ``yea.''

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2847, the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2010: Requesting Member: Congressman Adam H. Putnam Bill Number: H.R. 2847 Account: Department of Justice-Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Meth Project Funding Amount: $250,000 Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Hillsborough County Address of Requesting Entity: 3110 Clay Mangum Lane, Tampa, Florida 33618 Description of Request: On behalf of Hillsborough County, I respectfully requested $250,000 in funding for the County's Methamphetamine Enforcement and Cleanup project. Methamphetamine use and distribution is a major problem in the Tampa Bay/Hillsborough County area. Realizing that methamphetamine has clear and tragic consequences, whether it's the obvious striking physical and mental affects or the cleanup of the toxic production laboratories, Hillsborough County will use this funding to combat this problem through meth prevention, treatment and the cleanup of drug sites.

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as a part of H.R. 2847, the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2010: Requesting Member: Congressman Adam H. Putnam Bill Number: H.R. 2847 Account: Department of Justice--Office of Justice Programs (OJP)-- Juvenile Justice Project Funding Amount: $250,000 Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Polk County Sheriff Address of Requesting Entity: 455 North Broadway Avenue, Bartow, Florida 33830 Description of Request: The Polk County Sheriff's Office has placed an earmark request of $250,000 in order to supplement funding for the Polk County Gang Prevention Initiative. This critical program will continue work to thwart gang activity in Central Florida. According to the Polk County Sheriffs Office (PCSO) Gang Unit, there are currently 16 known national gangs and 24 known local ``hybrid'' gangs operating in the Polk County area. Funding for this project will expand the PCSO current anti-gang programs in Polk County to investigate, document, coordinate, and suppress gang related activity. Currently, the Polk County Sheriff's Office has a specialized Gang Unit which will utilize the federal dollars to develop strategies to combat gangs through community patrols. Funding will also be used toward the creation of presentations directed at children, adults, parents, teachers, school administrators, and other law enforcement officials to educate individuals on the threats posed by gang activity and to promote overall awareness in an effort to reduce gang activity and violence.

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2847, the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2010: Requesting Member: Congressman Adam H. Putnam Bill Number: H.R. 2847 Account: Department of Justice--Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Meth Project Funding Amount: $250,000 Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Polk County Sheriff Address of Requesting Entity: 455 North Broadway Avenue, Bartow, Florida 33830 Description of Request: The Polk County Sheriff's Office has placed an earmark request of $250,000 in continued funding for the Polk County Methamphetamine Project. This critical program has received previous federal funding to carry out methamphetamine prevention and mitigation programs that have shown positive results in cracking down on the growth of methamphetamine production and distribution in Central Florida. This funding will cover equipment, and training, thus enabling the Polk County Sheriffs Office (PCSO) to make a dedicated effort to combat the distribution and use of methamphetamine in Polk County, Florida. From 2003 through 2007, the PCSO made 3,481 methamphetamine related arrests, seized over 150,000 grams of methamphetamine, and eliminated 27 methamphetamine labs.

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, on Monday, June 8, 2009, I was not present for 3 recorded votes. Please let the record show that had I been present, I would have voted the following way: Roll No. 311--``yea,'' Roll No. 312--``yea,'' Roll No. 313--``yea.''

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 314, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have vote ``yea.''

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize John Brenneman, an outstanding naturalist and public servant from the 12th Congressional District of Florida. John has worked tirelessly for the Florida Cooperative Extension Service and Imperial Polk County for 30 years. His devotion to improving local water quality and educating lakefront homeowners is evident through his continuing commitment to serve the public with excellence and integrity. John's academic achievements have shaped his career in water management. He earned both his B.S. in Agriculture and his Masters of Agricultural Management and Resource Development from the University of Florida. He is also a certified instructor for the Florida Master Naturalist Program Wetland, Coastal and Upland Modules. With this certification, he actively assists rural pond owners in becoming good stewards of their water property. He has taught them how to manage surface waters and fisheries to enhance the aesthetics of their pond, while maintaining sound water quality. John has an obvious passion for educating the public and is responsible for developing a program to educate lakefront residents entitled, ``Living at the Lake.'' This primer has been used extensively for Florida's lakefront homeowners and by others interested in central Florida's lake resources. John also coordinates the Polk County Extension Water School. This program is designed to provide local officials with valuable information to prepare them for addressing important water issues and policies. John has also molded young minds and shaped lives through his work as a 4-H Agent. For many years, John chaperoned trips to 4-H Congress and 4-H Camps where he taught courses, led fishing expeditions and counseled young people on character and values. His own example is what provides the best lesson for a life of service, love, and faith. I say this as one who benefited from his mentoring. John's experience and influence reaches beyond Polk County lines. For ten years, John worked to educate businesses and residents through the natural resource education program as a multi-county agent. Additionally, John has worked with volunteers associated with the University of Florida's LAKEWATCH program which was designed to monitor water quality in local lakes. As a result of John's efforts, data was collected from local lakes on a monthly basis and entered into an extensive database used for profiling the local waterscape. John and his wife, Terri, have been married for almost 36 years. They have one daughter, Emily, and three sons Jacob, Adam, and Joseph. When not tending to his work or bragging about his grandkids, John is a Sunday school teacher and Deacon at the First Baptist Church at the Mall.

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Chair, on rollcall No. 257 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor a local civil servant. Ms. Peggy Collier has served as a crossing guard at Highlands City Elementary School for forty years come this May of 2009, when she will retire. Ms. Collier began her career on May 1, 1969 and has since rarely missed a day of work. No matter the weather, almost nothing prevented this local Highway 98 icon from helping usher our children into their school day. I wish to congratulate Ms. Collier for a long, successful career and I wish her well in retirement.

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. I thank the gentleman. It is important that we adopt the Republican budget that offers no new taxes, lower spending, and lower deficits, and a lesser burden on future generations, who are going to be expected to carry America into the 21st century as a strong capitalistic and free society and not the Venezuelan model that we are creeping ever closer to each day.

Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman for the time. You know, in the confusion and the smoke and mirrors of what frequently passes for floor debate, the budget every year actually offers us very clear contrasts between priorities and the vision and the direction for the Nation. America is at a historic crossroads. We have severe recession, record foreclosures, lack of credit, growing deficits, and high unemployment. This year alone, Congress has spent $787 billion on an economic stimulus and another $480 billion on what's called an omnibus. This does not take into account the TARP spending, the Federal reserve lending programs that currently expose over $5 trillion in government capital to financial institutions and companies. We are in the midst of an all-out economic downturn not experienced in generations, and yet, while families are cutting back from their own spending and reprioritizing their budgets, the Federal budget just keeps spending. Families and small businesses, and even local and State governments, have to make tough decisions, quite frankly decisions this Congress has been unwilling to make. This isn't a budget. It's an invoice. It's at best a $3.5 trillion IOU deliverable to every hardworking family across the country, courtesy of Washington, DC. You earn it; we'll spend it. The administration and the Congress had an opportunity to produce a responsible budget that would do more than throw borrowed money at old problems. Instead, we're debating a budget that proposes more spending, more taxing, more borrowing and no reforms. If the majority's budget is supposed to represent a new era of responsibility, I'd hate to see what this Congress considers to be irresponsible. Washington continues to ask hardworking families to make tough decisions on their own, but the double-speak coming out of our Nation's capital is quite the opposite. The Democratic budget we are reconsidering today will not end Washington's spending spree but further saddle future generations with irresponsible spending priorities of this Congress and this administration. It assumes a peak deficit using terms and numbers that are inconceivable.

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Resurrection Catholic Middle School in Lakeland, Florida, on winning the Polk County Middle School E-Team Academic Tournament. In addition to winning the overall award, Resurrection Catholic School won the eighth-grade competition. This victory is the first for Resurrection, after taking second place in the previous two years. Teams of sixth, seventh and eighth graders represented their schools and tested their knowledge of economic terms, language arts, mathematics and social studies. Thirty one schools participated in the competition this year with only six schools advancing on to the final round. Coleman Cavanah, Alanna Wehle, Andrew Noonan, Tanner Donahoo, Matthew Murphy, Keegan Rand, Zoe Holmquist, Matthew Patterson, Emily Collins, Courtney Krakowski, Justin Lucas, Gabe Tone, Gabby Dilullo, Jarrad Pazda, Andrew Goding, Jacob Murphy, Riley Perrow, and Andreana Paz were all a part of the Resurrection E-Team. These students spent countless hours after school, studying an array of subjects and taking many practice tests over a course of nine weeks. Their dedication truly exemplifies academic excellence. I would like to recognize Principal Nancy Genzel and Coaches Maryellen Krakowski, Cindy Stanford, and Lisha Fletcher for the positive example they set and for the leadership they provide. Their diligent work properly prepared these students for the competition and led them to this amazing success. I commend Resurrection Catholic School for leading the way in excellence and for their commitment to empowering young minds. Congratulations on your success!

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor a longstanding civil servant in the Social Security Administration (SSA). Mr. Gregory Alan Elkins was a Title XVI SSI Office Supervisor with the SSA. He worked for the SSA for over 35 years. Mr. Elkins was hired as a Claims Representative in Lima, Ohio, in October of 1973 and continued to work there until February of 1979. Keeping the same title, he then moved to the Tampa District office. He stayed in the Tampa office until it moved it's location to Plant City, where he stayed until September of 1991. He moved within the agency to become a Field Representative at the Lakeland office and stayed there until June of 1999. He then earned a promotion to the position of Public Affairs Specialist, the first to take that title in the state of Florida. He stayed in that position until November of 2007 when he took his current position as a Title XVI SSI Office Supervisor. Mr. Elkins is due to retire from this position in March of this year. On a personal note, Mr. Elkins has a long history of working with the staff in my district office. His knowledge of SSA rules and regulations has been an incomparable boon in helping constituents in my district with their claims. He has spoken at many Medicare Seminars that our office has held to advise our seniors with regards to Social Security, retirement, disability, survivors' benefits, and more. I wish to congratulate Mr. Elkins for a long, successful career and I wish him well in retirement.

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, on Monday, March 16, 2009, and Tuesday, March 17, 2009, I was not present for 6 recorded votes. Had I been present, I would have voted the following way: Roll No. 125, yea; Roll No. 126, yea; Roll No. 127, yea; Roll No. 128, yea; Roll No. 129, yea; Roll No. 130, yea.

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, the state of health care in our country can be well measured by the quality of service provided by our nation's hospitals. I applaud Winter Haven Hospital as it celebrated its designation as a nursing Magnet hospital on Tuesday, February 24, 2009. The Magnet distinction is a great accomplishment for Winter Haven Hospital, the first institution in Polk County to achieve this honor. The American Nurses Credentialing Center established the Magnet Recognition Program to recognize excellence in patient care and nursing practice in healthcare organizations across the country. Recognition as a Magnet organization requires that an institution meet a series of quality indicators and standards in nursing practice. Only about 5 percent of our nation's hospitals have attained this honor, which is a true testament to Winter Haven Hospital's commitment to quality healthcare. Since its establishment in 1928, Winter Haven Hospital has proven itself time and again as a strong local hospital with a reputation of quality specialty care and exceptional patient relations. In 2003, Winter Haven Hospital received the Best Places to Work Award by Polk Works Workforce 2020. The hospital has also received high marks for its Stroke Center, including the Gold Get-With-The-Goals Stroke Award received in 2008. Winter Haven Hospital has also earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval, and consistently extends a great deal of resources to community support, including babysitting classes for young teenagers and cancer support groups. Under the leadership of President Lance Anastasio, I am confident that Winter Haven Hospital will continue to be a leader in providing high quality healthcare to the citizens of Central Florida and continue to grow as a center of medical excellence.

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, the Winter Haven Area Transit (WHAT) began as a three-year pilot program funded jointly by the City of Winter Haven and the Polk County Board of County Commissioners. It is now celebrating its 10th anniversary, marked by a special time capsule ceremony on Tuesday, March 17, 2009. WHAT served 47,553 riders in its first year and served 589,747 last year. WHAT now provides transportation to Bartow, Eagle Lake, Auburndale, Lake Alfred, Lake Wales, Haines City, Lakeland and Winter Haven. It has a fully functional state-of-the-art transit terminal serving thousands of riders each day. The WHAT is operated under the Citrus Connection, which serves Lakeland--another city in my district. The Citrus Connection estimated that riders save $1,300 they would otherwise spend on car expenses such as gas, title payments, maintenance, insurance, or parking fees. Given the pervasive ridership, the WHAT system puts money back in the pocket of taxpayers who would otherwise use it to unnecessarily sit in traffic. The WHAT system moves people more efficiently to places of employment, shopping districts, medical appointments, and generally improves the quality of life of local residents. Finally, I would like to draw attention to Winter Haven resident Larry Murphy, because this system would not have been put in place without his efforts. Mr. Murphy gathered 175 signatures on a petition and continually pushed his case before the city commission for the bus service. His efforts paid off and have been enjoyed by 2,687,618 riders over the past 10 years. Mr. Murphy's vision was to help people get where they needed to go. His advocacy is what got the Winter Haven Area Transit buses. His legacy is what keeps them moving forward. Happy 10th Anniversary to the Winter Haven Area Transit and a great thanks to Mr. Murphy.