Daniel Webster

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Polk State College on the occasion of its 50 year anniversary. Polk State College, the first higher education institution in Polk County, was established in 1964. The college enjoyed early success, enrolling 1,200 students in its first semester. Its continued growth necessitated construction of a larger, permanent campus. Ground was broken in 1966 on the shores of Lake Elbert, and within a decade, the campus had expanded to accommodate the growing student population and academic program offerings. Today, Polk State College serves more than 20,000 students of which 95% are Polk County residents. It is a multi-campus institution offering four-year degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management. Further expansions are planned for Polk State in 2014, including the Polk State Center for Public Safety in Winter Haven. I applaud Polk State College for their commitment to education and invaluable contributions to our community. Go Eagles! As their motto declares, Polk State College is ``the perfect place to soar.''

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Mrs. Linda Martin, a finalist for the 2014 School Counselor of the Year award. This distinguished award, presented by the American School Counselor Association, honors school counselors ``who have made outstanding and exemplary contributions to students, the school community, and the school counseling profession.'' Mrs. Martin has led the Comprehensive Guidance Program at Palm Lake Elementary School for 20 years. As an innovative teacher, she founded the Kids Who Care program to serve Palm Lake Elementary, the Orlando community and Nkomo Primary School, a sister school in South Africa. Her classroom lessons cover a wide range of topics including character development and leadership. Mrs. Martin's remarkable service has also been recognized on the county and state levels. In 2012, she was named Orange County School Counselor of the Year, and, in 2013, was awarded Elementary School Counselor of the Year by the Florida School Counselor Association. School counselors play an invaluable role in students' academic and personal development, teaching important life skills and compelling them to strive toward their goals. It is my pleasure to recognize Mrs. Martin for her exemplary dedication to the students of Palm Lake Elementary.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to congratulate FLIR Systems, Inc. on the launch of FLIR ONE, the first consumer-oriented thermal imaging system. Introduced on January 7, 2014, FLIR ONE is the first product of its kind that provides thermal imaging technology to consumers using a unique smart phone accessory case. This is a tremendous step toward making infrared technology accessible and affordable to the general public. FLIR Systems, Inc. is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of sensor systems that enhance perception and awareness. Their technological innovations have a wide range of utility including aerial and ground surveillance, environmental monitoring, navigation and transportation safety. The work of FLIR Systems, Inc. is not only positively impacting Central Florida by providing our community with jobs; their innovations are resonating around the world. With the global debut of FLIR ONE scheduled for Spring 2014, I wish FLIR Systems, Inc. continued success.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the South Lake Press on its 100th anniversary of publication. The South Lake Press was founded in 1913 by Mr. W.E. Rorabaugh as the Clermont Clarion. In 1921, Mr. John Lochner purchased the Clarion and renamed it the South Lake Press to reflect its news coverage of south Lake County. Through changes in ownership and a quickly evolving community, the publication has remained an integral piece of life in Lake County. George and Ann Dupee bought the paper in 1968, and, after George passed away in 1986, Ann continued to lead its publication until 1992. A passionate journalist and photographer, Ann actively reported on local government, businesses, and the community at large. Ann's dedication to the news is apparent in her extensive work throughout south Lake County. To this day, she continues to write a weekly column showcasing the South Lake Press' rich history in Central Florida. It is with sincere appreciation that I thank my friend Ann Dupee for her commitment to our community and the South Lake Press for a century of service to south Lake County.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to recognize my good friend Mr. Walter Toole for his receipt of the 2013 Danniel J. Petro Bright Future of West Orange award. This award is given ``in recognition of entrepreneurial tenacity and steadfast determination that facilitate opportunity through investment in community and lifelong relationships that keep our future bright.'' Walter and his wife, Patricia, purchased the historic Bray Hardware store in 1983. Over the past 30 years, the Toole family has expanded their business and opened numerous stores across Central Florida. The company concentrates its business locally, and its remarkable growth continues to strengthen the local economy and provide employment for hard-working Floridians. I am a long-time customer of Toole's Ace Hardware, and have experienced first-hand the exceptional service that characterizes the Toole family stores. I am pleased to congratulate Walter on receiving the 2013 Bright Future of West Orange award, and I thank him for his dedication to the Central Florida community.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on January 22, 2013, we remembered the unborn children who have died as a direct result of the Supreme Court's rulings in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton on January 22, 1973. An estimated 55 million children have been aborted in the United States since those Supreme Court decisions were handed down from our Nation's highest court 41 years ago. This staggering number represents nearly three times the total population of my home state of Florida. In 2012 alone, Planned Parenthood reported performing 330,000 abortion procedures--more than the entire population of Orlando. On this 41st anniversary of those historic decisions, I mourn for the loss of our Nation's unborn children and for their families. Every child is an invaluable gift with unique talents, interests and personality. My wife, Sandy, and I have six children, and it has been a privilege to raise them and watch them as they've grown over the years. Three of our children are now married, and Sandy and I have eight beautiful grandchildren. As our family continues to grow, it is a blessing to welcome more grandchildren and great-grandchildren into our lives. Life is a precious gift, and I am grateful every day for the lives of my children and grandchildren. I am saddened by the loss of 55 million unborn children, children who would have lived to be our cherished sons and daughters, our brothers and sisters, our neighbors, and our friends. Our Nation is strongest when every child's right to life is honored. To that end, we must never cease to fight for life, nor cease to be grateful for our own.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize National School Choice Week. Designated from January 27-31, 2014, National School Choice Week serves to raise public awareness of the importance of making educational opportunities available to all students. No student should have a darker future or a limited educational horizon based upon the neighborhood they call home. Every student should have access to their own American dream, and the key to their dream is a quality education. I have advocated for educational reform and expansion of educational opportunity to all throughout my years of service in the Florida State Legislature and in the U.S. Congress. I have advanced initiatives that include home schooling, building a Florida online high school, creating magnet programs, establishing charter schools, and establishing scholarships that allow students from failing schools to attend high performing schools. I believe that good educational policy provides choices to families and local educators who understand the unique needs of their children and students. Through providing choice, educational quality increases, which will ensure that all students are able to excel in their academics and rise to meet their full potential. I am pleased to recognize National School Choice Week.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the establishment of Belle Isle, Florida. Founded in 1924 to preserve Lake Conway and the surrounding chain of lakes, the name ``Belle Isle'' was selected to resemble the French phrase ``beautiful island.'' The local natural resources, including parks and extensive waterways, facilitate Belle Isle residents' active outdoor culture. Additionally, Belle Isle is home to nearly 100 businesses that include iconic local restaurants and stores. Small communities like Belle Isle are the cornerstones of American culture and economy. It is a privilege to serve the residents of Belle Isle, and I thank them for their tremendous contributions to the Central Florida community.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 11, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' personal explanation

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, this year, the Wings of Freedom Tour celebrates 25 years of service to World War II veterans. In 1984, Mr. Bob Collings acquired two iconic U.S. World War II airframes, a B-17 and B-24. After five years of investment and restoration, the world's only flying B-24J Liberator took flight at the 50th Anniversary of the B-24. The Wings of Freedom Tour began in 1989 and has made nearly 3,000 stops. The Freedom Tour is dedicated to education and to honoring those who served through recreating World War II history. Their motto encapsulates that philosophy: ``Read about WWII history and you might remember. Experience WWII history and you'll never forget.'' It is my pleasure to commend the Wings of Freedom Tour on their 25th anniversary, and I join the Wings of Freedom Tour in expressing appreciation for our veterans and those currently serving in the United States military.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 621, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Varsity Brands and the service of Florida's youth on National School Spirit Day. In 2009, Varsity Brands designated the second Friday of October as National School Spirit Day to showcase the differences cheerleaders and dancers make in their schools and communities--as mentors, community service leaders, and positive role models. Varsity Brands, which holds the Universal Cheerleading Association's (UCA's) National Championships and the International All Star Championship at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, has encouraged school cheerleaders and dancers to take part in community service activities, pledging more than 465,000 community service hours since 2009. In conjunction with National School Spirit Day on October 11, 2013, Varsity Brands launched Cheer for a Healthier America, a program aimed to enlist high school student cheerleaders, dancers, and student athletes as ambassadors to get local elementary school kids more involved in physical activities and teach them about making healthy choices. On behalf of the citizens of Central Florida, I applaud the service of Florida's youth and Varsity Brands in conjunction with National School Spirit Day. May their example of sportsmanship and community inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Mr. Walter F. Morris on the occasion of his 90th birthday. Mr. Morris is a Central Florida resident and veteran of World War II. During the war, Mr. Morris bravely served as a B-17 navigator, flying 30 missions over Europe. World War II veterans, regarded as ``The Greatest Generation,'' have demonstrated heroic commitment to preserving the freedom and prosperity of our nation. Their sacrifices and their families' sacrifices defeated the forces of tyranny and advanced freedom to millions of people. We, the United States and future generations of Americans, owe World War II veterans a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid but is remembered and honored in our daily lives. It is my distinct pleasure, as a representative of the people of Central Florida, to recognize Mr. Morris and all members of America's Armed Forces for their dedication of service to our country.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize one of my constituents, Mike Burns, Managing Partner of the Seasons 52 in Orlando, for his reception of Darden's top honor--the Diamond Club Award. This is his second time receiving the Diamond Club Award for his passionate leadership and exemplary customer service. Darden is the world's largest restaurant operating company. Diamond Club recognizes and celebrates the top 5% of restaurant leaders who demonstrate outstanding results by upholding Darden's strong values and achieving top financial performance in the company's previous fiscal year. I commend Mr. Burns for his dedicated work and positive impact on the Central Florida community.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize Staff Sergeant Rodney D. Painter, Jr. for nearly 11 years of service to our nation in the United States Air Force. As a member of the 19th Security Forces Squadron in Little Rock, Arkansas, Staff Sergeant Painter implemented the first Discipline and Adjustment Board and the Parole Board with First Sergeants. He coordinated with the U.S. Air Force Security Forces Center to develop a new confinement floor plan and led an extensive camera project to certify a new confinement facility that ensures the security of inmates. Staff Sergeant Painter has been generous in his philanthropy, in the most recent year volunteering over 40 hours with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America to provide guidance and mentorship to local youth. In the same year, he also volunteered over 20 hours with the United Way Homeless Shelter, strengthening the bonds between the United States Air Force and local communities. I commend Staff Sergeant Painter for his dedication to serving our nation and the Central Florida community. It is because of men and women like Staff Sergeant Painter who give of themselves to our country that we can live in a free country.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the 100th anniversary of Haven Building Products of Winter Haven, Florida. Originally founded as Winter Haven Planing Mills by Illinois businessman Albert Adolphus Dugger, Haven Building Products has provided a wide range of construction services and materials since 1913. The company has adapted throughout the years to dynamic markets and the growing economy, all while maintaining the same exemplary quality and service associated with the family business. The Dugger family, who still owns and operates the business today, remains committed to serving local builders. I commend the Dugger family and Haven Building Products for their extraordinary contribution to the Central Florida community.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the 65th anniversary of the Orlando Union Rescue Mission, one of Orlando's oldest and largest homeless service providers. Since 1948, the Orlando Union Rescue Mission has provided both physically and spiritually for the homeless community of Central Florida. The Orlando Union Rescue Mission programs meet the needs of homeless men, women and children. Those who seek refuge at the Mission are provided nutritious meals, safe shelter, and discipleship programs that equip them to lead fulfilling, self-sufficient lives. In celebration of their 65th anniversary, the Orlando Union Rescue Mission is featuring 65 individuals who, upon successful completion of the Mission's programs, have been freed of the burdens of homelessness. On behalf of the citizens of Central Florida, it is a privilege to recognize the Orlando Union Rescue Mission for their exemplary compassion and generosity.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to take this opportunity to recognize Bethany Christian Services of Winter Garden, Florida. Bethany Christian Services is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to caring for orphans and vulnerable children. Founded in 1944, Bethany Christian Services is the largest adoption agency in the United States serving in over a hundred offices in more than thirty states. Their mission is to demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus Christ by protecting and enhancing the lives of children and families worldwide. In striving toward a world where every child has a loving family and support system, Bethany Christian Services provides programs and services to families and vulnerable children of all ages including, adoption, foster care, refugee assistance, family support and preservation, sponsorships and counseling. Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting with Cheri Williams and Taniya Lall Jimenez from Bethany Christian Services of Winter Garden, Florida. Their spirit of dedication, commitment and leadership to children and families is to be commended. Bethany Christian Services is a shining example of the fruits of selflessness demonstrated by those who devote themselves to our future generations by investing in lives of families and children in Central Florida. I was pleased to recognize and honor them with the 2013 Angels in Adoption award from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. The community and families of Central Florida are blessed to have a prominent leader in social services such as Bethany Christian Services. I commend them for their compassion and services to children and families worldwide. May their investment in social services inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 385 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings), my good friend and colleague, pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this rule and the underlying bill. House Resolution 385 provides a structured rule for consideration of H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act, the first WRRDA bill since 2007. The rule makes 24 amendments submitted to the Rules Committee in order, half of which are sponsored by my colleagues across the aisle, and it provides for robust debate in the House of Representatives. The underlying bill was marked up by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which reported the bill favorably with unanimous bipartisan support. The bill before us today garnered that support because of four reasons: this bill reforms the Federal bureaucracy; this bill is fiscally responsible; this bill strengthens accountability; and this bill creates jobs. Mr. Speaker, talk to anyone around the country that relies on the Army Corps of Engineers; talk with anyone that depends on our water infrastructure, water resources and so forth; talk to anyone who wants to develop a new water resource infrastructure; talk to anyone who ships in or out of our harbors or ports. Maybe you have the opportunity to talk with our shipping companies, or maybe with the women and men who work on our tugboats and barges, or maybe with the farmer who needs to get his corn to the right markets, or maybe the manufacturer who needs to ship her product or his product to a foreign customer, or maybe the port director who is trying to get America prepared for the economic opportunities that will come with the larger ships coming through the Panama Canal. Mr. Speaker, if my colleagues spoke with these men and women, they would hear the same refrain: our bureaucracy delays American investment; our bureaucracy costs American jobs; and our bureaucracy helps America's foreign competitors. The approval process of our critical water infrastructure takes years too long, and sometimes well over a decade. One project that my friend from Florida is familiar with is a project in Port Everglades, which has been studied for nearly two decades. Some bureaucrats have spent their entire career studying this one project. The study of the project of Port Everglades is a prime example of Washington bureaucracy crushing America's jobs and America's future. This bill before us today does away with these delays: it sets hard deadlines on the time and cost of the studies; it consolidates or eliminates duplicative studies; it requires concurrent project review by multiple agencies; and it puts our projects on a path to construction. Mr. Speaker, this bill reforms Federal bureaucracy, but it also is fiscally responsible. We all know that our Nation spends too much, our Nation oftentimes spends money haphazardly without a plan and without restraint. This bill does not. Chairman Shuster is committed to restraining spending and is committed to managing American taxpayer dollars wisely. This bill is proof of that. This bill restrains spending. I commend Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member Rahall for actually making the tough choices necessary to get our budget in order. Mr. Speaker, when was the last time an infrastructure bill was brought to the House floor and it cut more than it spent? The bill before us today does just that: it deauthorizes $12 billion of old, inactive projects; it pays for the new projects by canceling old projects; and it sunsets the construction of new projects in order to prevent future backlogs. Mr. Speaker, this bill reforms Federal bureaucracy, is fiscally responsible, and it strengthens accountability. Many of our constituents, when they hear us talk about infrastructure, remember the days of pork barrel spending. Many of our colleagues might remember the 1939 movie about a newly appointed Senator who goes to Washington running head-on into a political machine built on earmarks and pork barrel spending. ``Mr. Smith Goes to Washington'' is a dramatic rendering of how most infrastructure bills were put together in the past. In fact, the bill that was debated in the movie was a water resource bill, and the filibuster was over an earmark in that bill. This bill ends that earmark process. The bill before us today strengthens accountability for the American people. Gone are the days of inserting earmarks at the last minute. Gone are the days of creating new pet projects. Gone are the days of wasting taxpayer money on pork barrel spending. Mr. Speaker, this bill contains no earmarks. It also establishes a new, transparent process for future bills that will ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent on necessary projects. It will prioritize our spending and provide strong Congressional oversight. This bill reforms Federal bureaucracy, is fiscally responsible, strengthens accountability, and creates jobs. The key to creating American jobs is expanding our economy. American producers must be able to get their products to the world market. This push to sell to the world is a high-stakes competition that America must win. Our farmers are being pressured by our neighbors in South America. Our manufacturers are being pressured by both European and Asian countries. Our energy producers are being pressured by many foreign countries in all corners of the globe. Investing in our infrastructure will boost trade, increase American competitiveness, and position our country for economic growth. These advancements will put America to work. While construction workers will immediately be put to work on these projects, every single American job that depends on our transportation infrastructure will benefit from this bill. Our economy will grow, our producers will compete with the world, and American jobs will be created. Mr. Speaker, it is easy to see why this bill garnered unanimous bipartisan support from the members of the committee and why it deserves to be passed here. This bill reforms Federal bureaucracy; this bill is fiscally responsible; this bill strengthens accountability; and this bill creates jobs. For these reasons, Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule and the underlying bill. Chairman Shuster, Ranking Member Rahall, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure have provided us with a unanimously supported bipartisan bill that will move our Nation forward. I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this rule and ``yes'' on the underlying bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Weber).

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Collins).

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe).