Daniel Webster

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell, Town of Lady Lake's Police Chief Chris McKinstry, City of Leesburg Police Chief Rob Hicks, City of Tavares Police Chief Stoney Lubins, Town of Howey-in-the-Hills Police Chief Rick Thomas, City of Fruitland Park Police Chief Michael Fewless, City of Mascotte Police Chief Eric Pedersen, and the law enforcement officers who keep Lake County safe every single day. This week marks the annual observance of Police Week. Though we set aside one week a year to honor law enforcement, I encourage all Americans to join me not only this week, but every day, in recognizing the honor, courage, and commitment of America's law enforcement. Our law enforcement officers are heroes in the community. They keep us safe, and are willing to put their lives on the line every day in the course of their duties. It is impossible to fully express our gratitude or adequately recognize the professionalism of the men and women who voluntarily put their lives on the line for our safety and security. It is with deep respect that we pause today to honor the memory of the heroes who gave the last full measure of devotion and made the ultimate sacrifice. I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell, Town of Lady Lake's Police Chief Chris McKinstry, City of Leesburg Police Chief Rob Hicks, City of Tavares Police Chief Stoney Lubins, Town of Howey-in-the-Hills Police Chief Rick Thomas, City of Fruitland Park Police Chief Michael Fewless, City of Mascotte Police Chief Eric Pedersen, and the law enforcement officers who bravely and selflessly serve Lake County. It is an honor to recognize them and all men and women in law enforcement.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast and the law enforcement officers who keep Citrus County safe every single day. This week marks the annual observance of Police Week. Though we set aside one week a year to honor law enforcement, I encourage all Americans to join me not only this week, but every day, in recognizing the honor, courage, and commitment of America's law enforcement. Our law enforcement are heroes in the community. They keep us safe, and are willing to put their lives on the line every day in the course of their duties. It is impossible to fully express our gratitude or adequately recognize the professionalism of the men and women who voluntarily put their lives on the line for our safety and security. It is with deep respect that we pause today to honor the memory of the heroes who gave the last full measure of devotion and made the ultimate sacrifice. I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast and the law enforcement officers who bravely and selflessly serve Citrus County. It is an honor to recognize them and all men and women in law enforcement.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Sumter County Sheriff Bill Farmer, Wildwood Police Department Chief E.W. Reeser and the law enforcement officers who keep Sumter County safe every single day. This week marks the annual observance of Police Week. Though we set aside one week a year to honor law enforcement, I encourage all Americans to join me not only this week, but every day, in recognizing the honor, courage, and commitment of America's law enforcement. Our law enforcement officers are heroes in the community. They keep us safe, and are willing to put their lives on the line every day in the course of their duties. It is impossible to fully express our gratitude or adequately recognize the professionalism of the men and women who voluntarily put their lives on the line for our safety and security. It is with deep respect that we pause today to honor the memory of the heroes who gave the last full measure of devotion and made the ultimate sacrifice. I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Sumter County Sheriff Bill Farmer, City of Wildwood Police Chief E.W. Reeser, and the law enforcement officers who bravely and selflessly serve Sumter County. It is an honor to recognize them and all men and women in law enforcement.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. I thank the chairman for yielding. I have heard from my Governor, State officials, and providers about the challenges on the ground in Florida and what they are facing. The demographic issues in Florida raise significant challenges for the State of Florida, and it is the Medicaid program. Particularly, the State Medicaid program and providers face challenges relating to the costs of caring for the most disadvantaged and the elderly in Florida's nursing home program, as well as the rising costs associated with Florida's aging population. As the process moves forward, Florida's unique challenges must be recognized and accounted for as we reallocate dollars for this important safety net program.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Tipton) be allowed to manage the remainder of the time for the majority.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 132) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain land and appurtenances of the Arbuckle Project, Oklahoma, to the Arbuckle Master Conservancy District, and for other purposes.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise an extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the bill under consideration.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 132, sponsored by Congressman Tom Cole of Oklahoma, conveys two buildings and two acres of land of the Federal Arbuckle Project to the Arbuckle Master Conservancy District, Oklahoma. The district has operated and maintained the project for decades, and completed repayment of its capital costs for the project in 2012. While noncontroversial, legislation is necessary in order to facilitate this and other Bureau of Reclamation title transfers. Under current law, these buildings and land remain in Federal ownership until legislation is enacted to transfer the title to the district. Mr. Cole's bill achieves this objective. This title transfer is a win-win for the district and for the Federal Government. The district will no longer be subject to certain Federal paperwork requirements, and the Federal Government will be relieved of all future liability and financial responsibilities associated with these facilities and land. I urge the adoption of this measure, which overwhelmingly passed the House on a bipartisan basis in the last Congress. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole).

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, due to numerous flight delays caused by weather along the southeast, I was not present during the vote series held on Monday, January 23, 2017. Had I been present I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. H.R. 423 and YEA on Roll Call No. H.R. 582.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere appreciation that I recognize Lake County Sheriff Gary S. Borders for his leadership and service to Lake County. After more than 36 years of service, Sheriff Borders will retire at the end of his term in January. Sheriff Borders began his law enforcement career with the Osceola County Sheriff's Office in 1980, and received his Corrections Officer Certification through the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission one year later. At the age of 24, he was selected as the Assistant Jail Administrator. Sheriff Borders came to the Lake County Sheriff's Office in 1989 where he served as the Major and Chief Deputy in the Criminal Justice Operations Bureau until he was appointed Sheriff of Lake County in 2006 by Governor Bush. During his tenure, Sheriff Borders developed the agency's first cybercrimes unit and street crimes unit. The agency became accredited for the first time in 2007, and has subsequently been awarded re-accreditations. Sheriff Borders has been a dedicated servant to our community throughout his 36-year law enforcement career. Sheriff Borders' remarkable service has also been recognized on the state level. He was honored as the 2008 Florida DARE Sheriff of the Year, Golden Eagle Honoree by the Boy Scouts of America Central Florida Council, and the 2010 Lake County Community Service Award in 2010. He volunteers on several boards including the Lake-Sumter Community College Foundation, Educational Foundation of Lake County, Crimeline Board of Directors, United Way Board of Directors, and Institute of Public Safety Advisory Board. I am honored to recognize Sheriff Borders, and thank him for his hard work and many contributions to the Central Florida community. His commitment to excellence, leadership and service is to be admired, and may it inspire others to follow in his footsteps. My sincerest wishes and congratulations to Sheriff Borders and his family on his retirement.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Mrs. Ann Drawdy on her tremendous service to the people of Florida. This month, Mrs. Drawdy will retire after serving more than a quarter century as a constituent service representative. It gives me great pleasure to recognize her service to Floridians and the Central Florida community. The lives of hundreds of citizens have been changed for the better thanks to Ann's knowledge and persistence in providing assistance with issues involving state and federal agencies. During her six years of service to the constituents in Florida Congressional Districts eight and ten, Ann assisted and closed over 200 constituent cases. Countless other constituent cases at the state level were the beneficiaries of her assistance during her time of service in the Florida Senate to Senators Dick Langley, Carey Baker and myself. From asking for information or a status report on a pending case, or requesting clarification, to serving as a direct point of contact to liaisons in federal agencies, Ann was instrumental in our office successfully intervening on a person's behalf to answer questions, find solutions, or simply attempt to cut through the red tape. It was a personal honor to have Ann Drawdy on my team serving Central Floridians. Her attitude of service and dedication to quietly assisting Floridians navigate state and federal agencies are a testimony to her kindness and humility. Ann's character, life, and efforts will surely inspire others to follow her example of serving. I am truly grateful for Ann's faithful service to our state and her dedication to finding solutions on behalf of Floridians. Our community, our state and our country are better due to her service.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the 40th anniversary of Lighthouse Central Florida. Lighthouse Central Florida has been serving individuals with visual impairment since 1976. Lighthouse Central Florida is dedicated to their mission to chart a course for living, learning and earning with vision loss. Envisioning a community that engages and embraces environments accessible to all persons, Lighthouse is the only private non-profit offering services to people with visual impairment in the tri-county area. Lighthouse Central Florida has provided education, independent life skills and job training and placement to more than 100,000 people with visual impairment. The training programs are designed to help individuals who have recently lost part or all of their vision gain the skills needed to perform daily tasks and maintain employment. Over the past 40 years, Lighthouse Central Florida has enriched the lives of individuals by providing them with the opportunity to gain greater independence and quality of life, and enjoy and benefit from participation in their communities. On behalf of the citizens of Central Florida, I applaud the efforts of those involved and the investments they are making in the lives of individuals with vision loss to provide them with job training, work experience and other tools necessary to lead independent, successful lives. I wish Lighthouse Central Florida many more years of quality service to our community.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere appreciation that I recognize Pastor John Reynolds for his extraordinary leadership of Volusia County Baptist Church. After more than 50 years of ministry, Dr. Reynolds will retire on October 16, 2016, the 20th anniversary of Volusia County Baptist Church. Dr. Reynolds was born in Spencer, West Virginia and is a graduate of both Tennessee Temple College and Temple Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Reynolds has been married to Becky for over 50 years, and during that time they have served the Lord together in full time ministry. Throughout the last half-century, Dr. Reynolds has held many positions including pastor, associate pastor, youth minister and minister of music. He also served as the president of a Christian recording company and assistant editor of a Christian publication. In 1996, Dr. Reynolds founded Volusia County Baptist Church and I would like to thank him for his 20 years of faithful ministry to our community and dedication to Christian leadership. Many lives have been impacted through his ministry and that of the church. It is my pleasure to recognize and congratulate Dr. Reynolds and Volusia County Baptist Church on this momentous occasion and express my sincerest wishes and congratulations to Dr. Reynolds and his family on his retirement. May God continue to bless Pastor Reynolds and the ministry of Volusia County Baptist Church throughout future generations.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge a special occasion for West Orlando Baptist Church in Winter Garden, Florida. West Orlando Baptist Church will celebrate their 45th anniversary and new building dedication on October 2, 2016. On October 3, 1971, more than 100 charter members founded Metropolitan Baptist Church in Pine Hills, Florida. Today, known as West Orlando Baptist Church it serves more than 700 in Winter Garden, FL. In honor of their 45th anniversary, West Orlando Baptist Church is dedicating a new 32,000-square foot expansion in Winter Garden, which includes a brand-new sanctuary and additional classrooms. I would like to thank West Orlando Baptist Church for their 45 years of faithful ministry to our community and their dedication to Christian leadership. Many lives have been impacted through the church's ministry. On behalf of the people of Central Florida, it is my pleasure to recognize and congratulate West Orlando Baptist Church on this momentous occasion. May God continue to bless their church and ministry throughout future generations.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 405, on July 12, 2016, I was unavoidably detained off of the House floor. Therefore, I was unable to cast my vote on the motion to adjourn. Had I been present, I would have voted NO.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 448, on July 13, 2016, I was unavoidably detained off of the House floor. Therefore, I was unable to cast my vote on an amendment offered by Rep. King (R- IA) to H.R. 5538. Had I been present, I would have voted YES.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the tireless service and earnest dedication of United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. Since 1965, United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties has collaborated with community partners to empower individuals and families in Lake and Sumter Counties to achieve their maximum potential through education, income stability, and healthy lives. In 2016, United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties will invest more than $273,295 in 14 education, income and health programs in Lake and Sumter Counties. In addition, United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties community investments include $345,000 to fund other programs including: 2-1-1, Family Emergency Services, the Human Care Network, and the Volunteer Tax Assistance program. I am pleased to recognize the selfless work of United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties and their altruistic aspiration to improve our communities and help our neighbors. May their example inspire many to follow in their footsteps.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 404, on July 12, 2016, I was unavoidably detained off of the House floor. Therefore, I was unable to cast my vote on the motion to adjourn. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 818, the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016, specifies that in making a determination whether to grant or deny an application for designation under Sec. 2209, the Administrator may consider ``homeland security.'' Homeland Security consideration is intended to include consideration of applicants identified as potential targets by a Joint Terrorism Task Force. Joint Terrorism Task Forces serve as our nation's front line in the fight against domestic terrorism. They play an active role in identifying and investigating potential threats to certain activities where there are threats of injury to life, property or infrastructure-- and in protecting communities across America from terrorist acts. Allowing targeted facilities to take pro-active steps to ensure the safety of their operations, employees and the public is critical in order to keep the homeland safe. If a facility or activity has been identified as a potential target area by a Joint Terrorism Task Force, I encourage the FAA to give ample weight to the JTTF designation when evaluating applications and give full consideration to the homeland security risks and potential threats originating from foreign, domestic, or eco-terrorism that have been assessed by the task force. This bill empowers and directs the FAA to protect those targeted facilities from the potential security risks that aircraft, including unmanned aircraft, can create. I believe this is important for counterterrorism efforts and for protecting America's communities and freedom. I encourage the FAA to give strong consideration to applicants identified as potential targets by a Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 447, on July 13, 2016, I was unavoidably detained off of the House floor. Therefore, I was unable to cast my vote on an amendment offered by Rep. Graham (D- FL) to H.R. 5538. Had I been present, I would have voted YES.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Camp Boggy Creek, headquartered in Orlando, Florida, on the occasion of its 20th anniversary. Camp Boggy Creek was founded in 1996 by actor/ philanthropist Paul Newman and General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, with one simple premise in mind, that every child, no matter their illness, could experience the transformational spirit and friendships that go hand in hand with camp. With unobtrusive expert medical care, it was their dream that Camp would provide seriously ill children with a fun- filled experience defined by compassion, laughter and acceptance. Since 1996, Camp Boggy Creek has made it possible for children with serious illnesses to enjoy a camp experience in a safe, medically sound environment. Located in central Florida, the 232-acre camp serves children ages 7 through 16 who have been diagnosed with chronic or life-threatening conditions. Camp Boggy Creek never charges campers to attend and never asks them to contribute anything other than a positive, playful attitude. The camp is entirely funded by generous donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and healthcare partners. Camp Boggy Creek is a proud member of SeriousFun Children's Network. As a year-round retreat, Camp Boggy Creek is able to serve thousands of campers and their families through activity-packed weekly and weekend camp programs. The camp offers children the chance to catch their first fish, go horseback riding or climb a ropes tower, all while making new friends. Beyond boundless fun, Camp Boggy Creek provides fellowship. Children can spend time with others who are just like them and share their life-experiences, which serves as a reminder that they are not alone. It is my honor to recognize Camp Boggy Creek on the occasion of its 20th anniversary.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere appreciation that I recognize Ned Waters for his extraordinary vision to establish Operation Outdoor Freedom which is sponsored by Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Adam Putnam. Recently, Mr. Waters announced his retirement from service with Operation Outdoor Freedom. Mr. Waters and his wife realized the need for a program to give back to wounded warriors coming back from war. By encouraging all of his friends to donate time, money, property, and gifts, they started the program that was then called the Wounded Warrior Sportsman Fund. Operation Outdoor Freedom provides wounded veterans with outdoor activities that they enjoy at no cost. This program has evolved from the first single outing to over 70 chapters statewide. Operation Outdoor Freedom grants wounded veterans a unique opportunity for recreation and rehabilitation. By creating an atmosphere so that wounded warriors can spend time with like-minded veterans, Operation Outdoor Freedom has changed many lives for the better. I am truly grateful for Ned Waters' work to provide opportunities to wounded veterans and Purple Heart Recipients who have fought to defend our freedom. Our community and our state are better due to his service.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the service of Bob Opsahl, the early evening news anchor for Cox Media Group Orlando's Channel 9 Eyewitness News. After nearly 38 years of faithful work with the television station, Bob Opsahl will be retiring this week. In 1978, Bob joined the WFTV Eyewitness News Team as a general assignment reporter, and began anchoring on the weekends in 1980. Since then, Bob Opsahl has become a familiar face as a trusted and consistent evening newscast anchor in Central Florida. After serving four years in the U.S. Navy, Bob graduated from the University of Central Florida in 1976 with a major in Radio and Television Communications. Opsahl later received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from his alma mater, and has been widely recognized for his community involvement, specific attention to special needs children, and excellence in journalism and reporting. Through the decades, Bob Opsahl covered many major events such as the Challenger and Columbia space shuttle tragedies, Hurricane Andrew's impact in South Florida, the inauguration of President George H.W. Bush, the 2000 Florida recount, and the Casey Anthony Trial. Bob Opsahl has been a reliable familiar and trusted news source, relaying it with clarity and heart. Bob will be missed in Central Florida.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to congratulate the University of Central Florida for winning the 2016 Raytheon National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (NCCDC) for the third consecutive year. The competition, held April 22-24 in San Antonio, Texas, brought together the top ten college and university teams from across the country. More than 180 colleges and universities and 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students participated in competitions leading up to the national championship which was sponsored by Raytheon. The Raytheon competition models real-world scenarios in which teams are required to maintain operational needs of their businesses and user demands amidst cyber attacks. Preparing the next generation of cyber security leaders is critical to defending our nation against ever-increasing threats. Again, congratulations to the University of Central Florida team for bringing home the Raytheon NCCDC Alamo Cup for the third consecutive year and establishing the University as a national leader in cyber security