Francis Rooney

Mr. ROONEY of Florida

Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ita Neymotin on her appointment to be the chair of the Florida Bar's Committee on Professionalism, following her nomination by Florida Bar President Dori Foster Morales. Ms. Neymotin has an outstanding career in litigation in both the public and private sector. Beginning her career as a prosecutor for the state's attorneys office, Ita has prosecuted a wide variation of cases over the course of her career. In recent years she has been a member of the Committee on Professionalism. Ms. Neymotin currently serves as Regional Counsel of the office of Criminal Conflict, and Civil Regional Counsel for the 2nd District Court of Appeals in Ft. Myers, Florida. I am confident that Ms. Neymotin will continue to uphold the law with the utmost standards and will be a great asset to the Florida Bar as it oversees nearly 107,000 attorneys in the State of Florida.

Mr. ROONEY of Florida

Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my friend, and long-time Southwest Florida environmental Advocate Rae Ann Wessel on her retirement today from the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation. Over the course of her entire career, and especially during her 14 year tenure at the SCCF, Rae Ann has worked tirelessly for the ecosystems of southwest Florida and was major advocate for clean water after the harmful Blue Green Algae Blooms ravaged the precious marine ecosystems, estuaries, and fisheries of the Southwest Florida coastline, as well as being a major factor in restoring Southwest Florida's natural wetlands. On behalf of myself and the citizens of the Florida 19th Congressional District, and the rest of the Southwest Florida community, we are extremely grateful for the tireless, and resolute work Rae Ann has done to clean up the Environment of not only Southwest Florida, but of the entire State of Florida. I thank Rae, and we wish her a long, joyful, and blessed retirement.

Mr. ROONEY of Florida

Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Madam Chairwoman, one more time, I would like to say that the NLRB was a very important piece of legislation 70 years ago. These little tweaks like this to update the NLRB for the modern workforce, the volatility, the digital era, are perfectly legitimate and logical responses to the conditions that we find ourselves in now. We don't have carpenters who would spend their entire career at one company anymore. They come and go at different places. It happens in manufacturing as well. This bill would recognize that volatility and institutionalize it in a constructive manner. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Madam Chairwoman, maybe I ought to do this in Spanish or Italian, because we are not communicating effectively. There is nothing in this amendment that has anything to do with employers determining who is or is not decertified. It is when a certain number of employees have not voted on that collective bargaining agreement because of turnover in the rapidly evolving, modernizing workforce--which I appreciate the gentleman recognizing--it makes it easier for them to do it. Employers don't have a role in this. This is about employees deciding if they want to keep their collective bargaining agreement or not. We have all seen the difficult institutional impediments to the ability to decertify the way it is right now. This will help that and recognize that we are in an era of high volatility, workers going to many more jobs than they used to throughout their career, and making the NLRB get with the program on adapting to the current workforce that we live in. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Madam Chairwoman, how much time do I have?

Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Madam Chairwoman, I would like to reemphasize a couple of facts here that are at variance from what the gentleman from over there said. Six percent of union members have voted to be represented by their union under current collective bargaining agreements. This amendment would say, if 50 percent or more of the people in a collective bargaining agreement never voted on it, they get the right to vote on it. We all know people in business who have dealt with unions--and I have decertified unions all over Oklahoma and Texas and other States. These contracts are not as easy to decertify, given the existing impediments as might be seen. This law would enable those workers to have the freedom to do it themselves and not be subjugated to agreements that they never voted on in the first place. When I decertified the unions in Oklahoma and Texas back in the eighties, thousands of our building trades employees flocked to vote yes to get rid of the unions because they weren't adding value and they wanted to keep those fees for themselves. Since that time, we know how the construction industry has developed in Oklahoma and Texas. So I speak from real, personal experience, having been a member of the carpenters union, that it is good to give employees the right to decertify their union and to make it easier for them to do that. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Chair, I am proud to offer this pro-worker amendment. Current employees are locked into old, obsolete, and outdated union contracts that were approved long before they ever came to work there. Employees deserve a voice that is reflective of today's rapidly modernizing workforce and workplace. Baby boomers are retiring, and countless existing employees are locked into collective bargaining agreements made decades ago. In 2016 alone, NLRB data showed that only 6 percent of union members voted to be represented by their union in those agreements that they were bound to. This simple amendment would allow employees to petition for a union certification election whenever fewer than 50 percent of the current union members were members during the last election. It also empowers employees who might deem unions unnecessary. It will allow them the right to decertify and to represent themselves. This proposal gives new and current employees a seat at the table. They get their own voice and it provides for more accountability. With the recent news of embezzlement and corruption by United Auto Worker Union bosses, we must go further to empower all employees who are forced to pay dues to their unions that they haven't voted on or wanted. All employees deserve honest representation and the ability to decertify a collective bargaining agreement if they no longer need union representation. I encourage all of my colleagues to join me in supporting the current and future workforce by supporting this amendment. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. ROONEY of Florida

Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the critical relationship with our ally India. I recently had the great pleasure of sitting down with India's ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Harsh Vardhan Shringla to discuss the critical issues facing India and the importance of the bilateral relationship between India and the United States. India faces many regional and geopolitical threats. Islamic insurgents are a constant threat, spreading terror throughout Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere in India. We should support the government in Delhi in the continued fight against terror. India also faces an increasingly aggressive and assertive China that continues to export its malign influence throughout the Indo-Pacific region. China's behavior is destabilizing India's near-abroad, saddling its neighbors with unpayable debts, as was the case with the port project in Hambantota, Sri Lanka. India is also on constant alert with a hostile and unstable nuclear-armed state to their West--Pakistan. India is a critical trading partner with the United States. India accounts for about 3 percent of the United States' world trade, which continues to grow year after year. Likewise, the United States is India's second largest trading partner--accounting 16 percent of India's exports. We must continue to work towards strengthening our trade relationship with India, increasing bilateral foreign direct investment, and consider the negotiation of a free trade agreement. Most importantly, India and the United States share the same values. As the two largest democracies in the world, our countries dually respect freedom and human dignity. It is then no surprise that the population of Indian-Americans grew by 38 percent between 2010 and 2017. Going forward, our relationship with India will only grow in importance. By sharing the same values, we inherently share similar interests and concerns. We must continue working together to confront dangers abroad, strengthen our economic relationship, and advance the cause of freedom and democracy around the world.

Mr. ROONEY of Florida

Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Israel Suarez for his over 40 years of community service to Southwest Florida. Reverend Suarez is the founder and CEO of Nations Association Charities. Reverend Suarez and Nations Association have given four decades helping disadvantaged residents and youth in Southwest Florida by providing food for struggling families, scholarships assistance for college-bound youths, job counseling and placement help, and drug prevention programs, all impacting thousands of lives over the years. In 2019, Reverend Suarez's focus has been to serve primarily at-risk youth through mentoring, drug and suicide prevention, academic assistance, leadership development, community service, and financial literacy. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush awarded Reverend Suarez with a Points of Light Award and in 1994 the News-Press named Reverend Suarez and his wife Ruth, the `People of the Year'. Every year, Reverend Suarez and Nations Association Charities provide an annual Thanksgiving meal distribution event, Christmas Celebration, and a ``Back to Basics Health Fair'' that provides free medical screenings to hundreds of families in our community. I thank Reverend Suarez for his years of service to our community.

Mr. ROONEY of Florida

Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Richard ``Dick'' Schweers of Estero. Dick is a staple of the Estero Community and has served on the Board of Commissioners of the Estero Fire Rescue Department since 1997 and is the current Chairman. In 1997, the Board of Commissioners was facing many challenges. It was down to only two members and needed a third member to form a quorum to conduct business. In addition, Estero Fire Rescue was deeply in debt and struggling to remain solvent. While it took some convincing at the time by then Governor Lawton Chiles, Dick eventually agreed to be appointed as a fire commissioner to restructure the department. With Dick's hard work, leadership, and guidance, Estero Fire Rescue was completely turned around. Today, Estero Fire Rescue has four buildings, state of the art equipment, and a large crew of firefighters and paramedics. It is now one of the premier fire districts in our area. After 22 years with the Estero Fire Rescue Department, volunteering to help raise thousands of dollars for the Harry Chapin Food Bank, serving on the Estero Council of Community Leaders and the Estero Historical Society, and being an active member in the Notre Dame Club of Southwest Florida, Dick is retiring. I thank Dick for his decades of service to our community and our citizens, and hope he enjoys a well-earned retirement.

Mr. ROONEY of Florida

Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Collier-Lee Honor Flight for their above and beyond service to the veterans of our district. Every year, Collier-Lee Honor Flight works to take hundreds of veterans from Southwest Florida to our nation's capital to visit the memorials that honor their bravery and sacrifice in service to our country. These moments are cherished by those who served, and many of our veterans would never have the opportunity to see them without the help of the honor flight. This past weekend, when one veteran, Paul Jordan, needed to remain in D.C. due to medical reasons and missed the hero's welcome home ceremony event at our airport, Collier-Lee Honor Flight took it upon themselves to organize a second patriotic ceremony for Paul--leaving no man behind. Collier-Lee Honor Flight members, members of our community, airport staff, and fellow veterans, all came together to give him an unforgettable welcome home. This above and beyond spirit shines through in all the efforts of Collier-Lee Honor Flight. Thank you to Collier-Lee Honor Flight and all who make these trips possible, those who welcome home our veterans, and most importantly to the veterans who served our country so bravely.

Mr. ROONEY of Florida

Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 205, the Protecting and Securing Florida's Coastline Act, which makes the existing moratorium in the eastern Gulf of Mexico permanent. Mr. Chairman, I thank Representative Castor, our colead, for coleading this effort with me and our bipartisan Florida delegation for their support. I have talked repeatedly about the existential threat offshore drilling poses to us on the west coast of Florida. It jeopardizes our tourist and recreational economy. Last year, 70 percent of Floridians voted to ban offshore drilling because tourism accounts for $37.4 billion of GDP, including $17.5 billion right there on the Gulf Coast, and supports over 600,000 jobs. Following the Deepwater Horizon disaster, the west coast of Florida faced lost economic value for commercial and recreational fishing and many canceled tourist trips, despite the fact that there was no impact to our coastline. Perception became reality. A 2018 study by the Gulf Restoration Network describes the continual spills in the Gulf. The Taylor Energy leak, for example, has released approximately 1 million gallons of oil over the last 14 years. Even Shell, which is a good operator, had a spill from a jumper pipeline in 2016 that dumped 1,900 barrels of oil into the Gulf. The following year, LLOG had a similar leak that dumped as much as 9,350 barrels into the Gulf. As long as humans and complex pipeline and well bore connections are involved, there will be significant environmental risk. These undersea connections are difficult to maintain and examine. Additionally, as documented in a study by the Pew Research Center, large quantities of bentonite and other chemicals are released in the water while drilling. My colleagues have raised concerns about energy security and energy independence. That is an important thing. As this export-import chart shows, we are energy independent and have become net energy exporters. It was radically different. Ten years ago, these big lines were coming that way, now they are coming that way. The exploitation of shale deposits via horizontal drilling coupled with hydraulic fracking has revolutionized the energy industry. Once again, our American free enterprise system has brought competitive innovation to energy to change the game. In the Permian Basin of west Texas, for example, there are three shale zones. One of them, the Wolfcamp, is said to contain 20 billion barrels of oil and natural gas liquids--yes, billion. We have more reserves in the United States now than Russia or Saudi Arabia have in conventional reserves. A radical shift in the import and export flows of oil and gas has taken place due to American innovation. In addition to the compelling economic case for making the moratorium in the eastern Gulf permanent, the eastern Gulf is the home of the Gulf Test Range, a 120,000-square-mile range that stretches from the Florida Panhandle to the Keys. This unimpeded training and testing area is a crucial national security asset. It cannot be replicated anywhere else in the United States--or possibly the world. Its large scale supports testing of hypersonic weapons, combat maneuvers, drone testing, and evolving weapons technology that need space for testing and restrictions for classified work. In May 2018, the DOD published a report, ``Preserving Military Readiness in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico.'' This report examines the ongoing operations of the Gulf Test Range, its inability to coexist with oil and gas operations, and its projected usage of the range. What this chart shows here is that the projected use of the range-- here is the line right here, south of Eglin Air Force Base. Alabama is way over here. It is not Alabama. It is Destin, Florida. It shows that the most intensive projected use in the foreseeable future for this testing range is right out here, smack dab next to the military mission line. We can't let this thing move an inch east. This is why we need to ban drilling east of the line. In 2006, this moratorium was enacted by a bipartisan Congress, President George W. Bush, and aided and abetted by Governor Jeb Bush, and I might say, Bill Nelson and Mel Martinez teamed up on this. As we look forward to extending this moratorium now, we are a unified team in the Florida House delegation, working with Senator Rubio and Governor DeSantis. We have been doing that for some time on a combined strategy. All of them agree that we must protect this national security asset in Florida's coastline. As we move forward, we will work together to convince President Trump of the critical importance of this moratorium to Florida. Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Grijalva have all stepped up and committed to protect Florida. Now we need the Senate and the administration to do the same thing. Mr. Chairman, I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill.

Mr. ROONEY of Florida

Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this rule. H.R. 205, the Protecting and Securing Florida's Coastline Act, makes the existing moratorium in the eastern Gulf of Mexico permanent. I thank Congresswoman Castor, our coleader on this bill; Judge Hastings; Dr. Shalala; and the rest of the Florida delegation who have signed up enthusiastically to protect Florida. Offshore drilling is an existential threat to our tourism economy. Tourism is highly competitive. Any conditions or circumstances which could, however remote or circumstantial, stoke fear of oily beaches or ruined fishing grounds or dead birds will have a significant impact. Just last November, Florida passed a constitutional amendment banning offshore drilling. The amendment received over 5 million votes and passed with nearly 70 percent of the vote. Fishing, tourism, and recreation account for $37.4 billion in Florida, including $17.5 billion just from the Gulf Coast, and supports over 600,000 jobs. Following the Deepwater Horizon disaster, the west coast of Florida lost economic value in both commercial and recreational fishing and in lost tourist visits despite the fact that, as Judge Hastings said, there was no oil that reached there. There was no impact. It is perception becomes reality in a competitive tourist industry. In addition to the compelling economic need to make the moratorium permanent, the eastern gulf is home to the Gulf Test Range, a 120,000- square-mile military testing range that stretches from the Florida Panhandle to the Keys. This unimpeded training and testing area is crucial to national security and cannot be carried out anywhere else in the United States or, perhaps, the world. Its vast size allows the testing of hypersonic weapons, combat maneuvers, drone testing, and future operations that will need space for testing and restricted access for classified operations.

Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the majority of this activity is right along the area east of the military mission line at longitude 86 degrees 41 minutes, which we can see right here. This blue line is the military mission line. As we can see, the military forecast is that the majority of testing is to take place adjacent to the east of this line--not out in here, but right in here, where it is most critical. I have circled here all of the major bases, including one of the largest ones in the country, Eglin Air Force Base. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to protect both this military mission line and Florida's tourist-based economy by voting ``yes'' on the rule.

Mr. ROONEY of Florida

Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sabine Rivera, a 12-year-old from Southwest Florida who is doing important work to advocate for more diabetes research funding. She and more than 100 other children have traveled to Washington with the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation to ask that members of Congress renew the special diabetes program. Sabine has type 1 diabetes and relies on insulin in her day-to-day life. As the price of insulin continues to rise drastically, some Americans are being forced to ration their doses, which is dangerous and potentially deadly. Last summer, Sabine's family was paying $450 a month for insulin. This is why Sabine advocates for herself and other diabetes patients. She is working hard to convince legislators to fund more diabetes research and to hopefully find a cure. In 30 years, more than 5 million Americans are expected to have type 1 diabetes, so decreasing the cost of insulin and working to find a cure is an important issue for a growing portion of America's citizens. I am grateful for Sabine and her passion to fight for diabetes patients across the nation. I am proud to have her as a member of our Southwest Florida community and look forward to her bright future.

Mr. ROONEY of Florida

Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to wish a happy birthday on September 1st to Shirley Hartmann on turning 90. Shirley, a native of New Jersey, now a resident of Bentley Village with her dog Brando, is enjoying her retirement. Shirley is a fixture on the golf course and has even served as the President of the Ladies 9-Hole Association. When she isn't spending her time golfing, she enjoys playing bocce ball, volunteering at a local community thrift shop, and catching up with friends over dinner. It is my hope that Shirley continues to enjoy her retirement and putting a smile on everyone's face she meets for a long time to come. Happy Birthday Shirley.

Mr. ROONEY of Florida

Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Michael Wynn who was recently voted the Collier County Citizen of the Year for 2019. Being chairman and president of Sunshine Ace Hardware in Naples, Mr. Wynn provides leadership to stores delivering friendly and helpful service with ``Big City'' quality in stores in Estero, Bonita Springs, Golden Gate, Marco Island, Naples, Port Charlotte, Largo and Port Charlotte. Since 1992, Mr. Wynn has held various positions increasing in responsibility with Sunshine Ace Hardware. Michael is especially grateful for the opportunity to provide several basic hardware lines, such as tools, builders' hardware, paint and glass, housewares and household appliances, outdoor living and fishing products to the citizens of Florida. His good-natured service to the community has led to Michael being voted as the Collier County Citizen of the Year for 2019. I am grateful for Michael and his commitment to his community. I look forward to seeing what the future holds from the positive effects of Mr. Wynn and Sunshine Ace Hardware.

Mr. ROONEY of Florida

Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Florian Mickuleit on receiving the Citizen Commendable Action Coin for aiding law enforcement in rescuing a man from a canal. This award is given by an Officer of the Cape Coral Police Department to a civilian for exemplary behavior or a remarkable act. On June 4, 2019, a concerned citizen called Cape Coral Police to report that a man had been swimming in the canal by their home for an extended period, and he refused to come out of the water. When police arrived, they found the man was not acting rationally and was out of their rescue rope's range. The man claimed that the current was too strong for him to swim to shore. Mickuleit had been delivering a rental boat in the area and offered to use the boat in a rescue attempt. He drove the boat to the middle of the canal with officers onboard, and they were finally able to bring the man safely to shore. The man was then taken to the local hospital by Lee County Emergency Medical Services. I am grateful for Florian and his actions to help save a citizen in need. I commend his actions and congratulate him on receiving this honor.

Mr. ROONEY of Florida

Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Mr. Chair, I thank my colleague from the east coast of Florida, Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz, for her courageous leadership on this issue and join and echo what the Governor said as we continue to work together to fight the scourge of offshore drilling. Offshore drilling anywhere near Florida represents an existential threat to our tourist and recreation economy that we cannot risk taking. We also have the important military bases all along the Gulf Coast that the Governor referred to that are equally important that use the Gulf as offshore testing grounds. This is the only place in the world where our United States Navy and Air Force can conduct these tests. I want to thank Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz for her leadership and to urge adoption of this amendment and protect Florida. Twenty-one million people are being protected by Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz.

Mr. ROONEY of Florida

Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Anthony Neri, an officer with the Sanibel Police Department who passed away on Monday, May 6, 2019. Mr. Neri had served the Sanibel Police Department since 2012, and as an officer since 2015. Prior to serving with the Police Department in Sanibel, Mr. Neri was a Revenue Officer with the U.S. Department of the Treasury for 30 years. He also served as a police officer in Union Township, New Jersey prior to moving to Southwest Florida. Officer Neri was honored along with 18 other officers at the Lee County Fallen Officer Memorial Ceremony held on Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at Centennial Park in Fort Myers, Florida. I am grateful to Officer Neri for his service to our community, and my thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.

Mr. ROONEY of Florida

Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Lorelei Domke, a Cape Coral, FL resident and senior at New College of Florida studying Chinese language and culture, who was awarded the U.S. Department of State's Critical Language Scholarship. The Critical Language Scholarship Program is merit-based and funded through an annual appropriation to the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The scholarship program seeks to expand the number of Americans studying foreign languages for national security and economic prosperity by providing instruction abroad in fourteen key languages. Out of more than 5,500 student applications, Ms. Domke was among the 572 students to be selected. I congratulate Lorelei on her selection for the Critical Language Scholarship and look forward to seeing the contributions she will make to our community.

Mr. ROONEY of Florida

Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Lee County Commissioner Larry Kiker, who passed away early Tuesday, April 23 at Hope Hospice. Mr. Kiker grew up in Clovis, New Mexico and moved to Southwest Florida two decades ago. After moving to Florida, he became a charter boat captain and then owned and operated a Fort Myers Beach realty company with his beloved wife, Paula. Larry was first elected to the county commission in 2012--defeating a 24-year incumbent commissioner--and won re-election in 2016. Prior to his service as commissioner, Mr. Kiker had a long career in managing customer service at several high-tech companies, and served as a Fort Myers Beach Town Councilman and as mayor. Larry's leadership and team building skills were well recognized by his peers and the citizens of Southwest Florida. Larry served our community with honor. We are all grateful for his contributions and commitment to our community. His passion, intellect, and wit will be long remembered, and greatly missed. Our prayers are with his wife, Paula, and his entire family.

Mr. ROONEY of Florida

Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lee Memorial Hospital as they celebrate the 25th anniversary of their trauma center. Serving as the only trauma center on the Gulf Coast of Florida and covering five districts with nearly 1 million residents, the trauma center has provided lifesaving care to over 42,000 critically injured patients. Trauma is Florida's leading cause of death for residents between the ages of 5 and 46. Studies have shown that patient mortality is significantly reduced when treated in a trauma center. Last year, Lee Memorial Hospital's trauma center treated more than 2,500 residents and visitors. I congratulate Lee Health and the Lee Memorial Hospital team on providing Trauma Care to our community over the past quarter century. The contributions made to our region are priceless. I am proud to extend best wishes to those observing Trauma Awareness month during May, 2019.

Mr. ROONEY of Florida

Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Jefferson Lievense and his election to the National Academy of Engineering Board for leadership in biomanufacturing and sustainable chemicals. The National Academy of Engineering recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the field. Mr. Lievense is currently a Senior Advisor to the CEO of Bioengineering and Technology at Genomatica. Mr. Lievense has 37 years of industrial biotechnology experience and has contributed to many important projects and achievements. I congratulate Jefferson Lievense on his election to the National Academy of Engineering Board as it is one of the highest distinctions an engineer can receive.