Daniel Webster

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

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

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

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of this rule and the underlying bill. House Resolution 669 provides a closed rule, as is customary for bills that are reported by the Committee on Ways and Means, for H.R. 5021, the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014. On July 10, the Ways and Means Committee marked up H.R. 5021. The committee ordered the bill favorably reported by voice vote. The bill is simple. It extends our transportation programs and our reforms enacted by MAP-21, and it pays for the extension without raising taxes on hardworking American taxpayers. This extension is crucial. Prior to the expiration of MAP-21 later this fall, the highway trust fund is expected to encounter a funding shortfall. The Secretary of Transportation has warned that, as early as August, payments from the trust fund to the States will begin to be delayed. Let's be clear: this bill is just an interim remedy for our current situation. It is not a solution to our transportation funding problem. As a member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I can testify to the work that Chairman Shuster and the committee are doing to provide a multiyear authorization bill. It is a deliberative, thoughtful process. The underlying bill advances that process. The underlying bill proposes policies that have previously received bipartisan support. Further, these policies have previously also been embraced by the Senate. The bill extends the surface transportation programs and funding through May 2015. It provides stability and certainty for States. It continues our investments in infrastructure. It staves off job losses at the height of the construction season. And it allows the process to move forward toward a long-term solution. Some have suggested or proposed a short-term patch for just a few months. There are some who would like to see this just provide enough time to get through the election. A short-term extension would guarantee a crisis. Even worse, that manufactured crisis is easily avoidable. Central Floridians are still trying to dig their way out of years of economic downturn. We are focusing on improving our families' financial situation, and certainly we don't need a downturn in construction--and especially infrastructure construction in the State of Florida and in my particular area, central Florida. A short-term extension is, at best, feeble and, at worst, irresponsible. Washington should not do less when it can do better. Washington should not add to the list of crises of its own doing by passing a short-term patch when a longer-term answer is within reach. The task at hand remains avoiding the expiration of the existing transportation authorization. The existing authorization is actually a good bill. MAP-21 included significant reforms to cut out Federal red tape and bureaucracy. It streamlined the project delivery process. It reformed and consolidated programs. It improved safety. It ended the process of earmarks in transportation bills. MAP-21 set deadlines for slow-moving projects. It set a new NEPA funding threshold and expedited projects that were destroyed by disaster. MAP-21 consolidated more than 100 programs by nearly two-thirds. It eliminated dozens of ineffective programs and provided more resources and flexibility to States. It also incentivized States to seek partners in the private sector to finance and operate infrastructure projects. Further, MAP-21 passed the House by a strong bipartisan vote of 373- 52, including the support of the gentleman from Colorado. It passed the Senate by an equally strong bipartisan vote of 74-19. The White House issued a statement that said they were pleased with the bill. While we continue with a process that will lead to a multiyear authorization bill, there is no reason why we should not support an extension of MAP-21. Extending MAP-21 through next summer is simply an extension of another year of good transportation policy. Once again, I rise in support of this rule and the potential this extension holds for producing a thoughtful process that results in a quality long-term authorization bill. I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the rule, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I think it is important to note that the authorization is not ending next month. It is just the funds are running out. We have got to extend the funds. The authorization continues on through the end of the year. That authorization was a good bill, as I explained in my opening remarks. MAP-21 was an excellent piece of legislation that consolidated a lot of programs, allowed States more flexibility, and gave them a pathway to create many of the infrastructure projects we need. This is just the money. And then we go a little bit further so we are not creating a crisis right before we adjourn. So I think, in the end, this is a very good piece of legislation. It puts forth what is needed. We need money to finish the authorization we already have. That is what this does. The administration policy from the Executive Office of the President's Office of Management and Budget says this: ``With surface transportation funding running out''--he is only talking about the funding. He knows that the policy still is in place--``and hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk later this summer, the administration supports House passage of H.R. 5021 . . . This legislation would provide for continuity of funding for the highway trust fund during the height of the summer construction season and keep Americans at work repairing the Nation's crumbling roads, bridges, and transit systems.'' I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Garrett).

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I just want to make sure we remind everybody that there were 373 Members who voted for that halfhearted bill, including the gentleman who spoke against that bill but who voted for it just 2 years ago. Why? Because it was good policy. It set forth some policy moving forward in that MAP-21 allowed for more flexibility for the local communities to determine what they needed. It took 100 projects and silos and so forth and reduced them down by a major amount. It gave that flexibility to the States. As for my State, we have the largest transportation program this year that we have ever had--$10 billion--which is $2 billion more than it was the year before. Why? Because this program and this project and this bill and the reauthorization worked, and all we are doing is extending that good policy. The policy already extends all the way through the end of the year. We are funding it. That is the real need, to finish funding it, and then we extend it another 5 months. To me, it is a great piece of legislation that can be improved. It gives us the time as we come along and begin working on the reauthorization bill that we are getting ready to propose at some point in time in the future. The staff is already working, and the Members are giving ideas. I have met with the staff, and have given them some ideas that I thought would work, and that is happening right now. This does not preclude us from continuing on. We don't have to have, really, even within the current timeframe, a new reauthorization bill until the end of the year. However, we do need funding. That is what this bill does. It provides the funding necessary to complete what, I think, was a very good piece of public policy. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I just want to remind the audience or anyone listening that we are talking about a rule that is dealing with transportation funding and about extending it so that we can continue the jobs necessary and finish the projects that have been started in States and so that we can start new ones. That is what we are talking about here and not necessarily about the issue that was just presented. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. No, Madam Speaker, we don't.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This rule provides for ample and open debate. It advances a bill that originally passed the House 373-52, one of the most bipartisan votes we have had since I have been here. The underlying bill extends good public policy. That policy was supported, like I said, by 373 Members of the House, 74 in the Senate, and signed by the President. While we must look forward to the passage of another multiyear transportation authorization, there is no reason we should not pass the extension. Certainty means ``the state of being free from doubt or reservation; confident; sure.'' Extending our transportation programs until next summer provides our States with certainty. It also ensures that our highway trust fund does not become insolvent at the end of this month. This extension will keep our transportation construction workers on the job. It will keep our transit systems functioning at full capacity. It will continue our investments in our economy. It will do all these things, without raising taxes on the American people. Most importantly, it advances the process of a multiyear transportation bill. I look forward to working with Chairman Shuster and other members of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure as we focus on producing a long-term bill that strengthens our transportation programs. The passage of this extension gives us the opportunity to work together and produce a solution that continues to deliver an unmatched transportation system for the American people. It is our responsibility to make sure that that happens. This bill is the last chance to fulfill our responsibility to the American people and to provide our States with certainty before the highway trust fund reaches insolvency. I urge all Members of this House to vote for the rule, vote for the bill, keep our transportation systems operating, and let us work together for a long-term solution.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize a Central Floridian, Mr. Scott McKenzie, an Advanced Placement teacher at East Ridge High School, for being selected as a member of the inaugural class of AP Advocacy Fellows. The AP Advocacy Fellowship Program engages exceptional AP teachers who ensure that every student is provided access to opportunity. As part of the program, fellows participate in professional development training that focuses on media communication, government relations, and relevant state and federal legislation. In this global economy, our economic prosperity depends on our ability to train a high-wage, high-tech workforce able to compete with countries around the world. In order to achieve these goals, we must build an education system that not only works to solve today's problems but also focuses on our nation's long term competitiveness. It is a privilege to recognize Mr. McKenzie for his demonstrated excellence in education, and I thank him for his commitment to the students of Central Florida.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize a Central Floridian, Mr. Santosh Madhavan, an Advanced Placement teacher at Lake Highland Preparatory School, for being selected as a member of the inaugural class of AP Advocacy Fellows. The AP Advocacy Fellowship Program engages exceptional AP teachers who ensure that every student is provided access to opportunity. As part of the program, fellows participate in professional development training that focuses on media communication, government relations, and relevant state and federal legislation. In this global economy, our economic prosperity depends on our ability to train a high-wage, high-tech workforce able to compete with countries around the world. In order to achieve these goals, we must build an education system that not only works to solve today's problems but also focuses on our nation's long term competitiveness. It is a privilege to recognize Mr. Madhavan for his demonstrated excellence in education, and I thank him for his commitment to the students of Central Florida.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize one of my constituents, Ms. Alia El-Assar, for her reception of an English Teaching Assistantship through the Fulbright Program. A student at Rollins College, Ms. El-Assar traveled to Mexico in September 2013 where she will be teaching until May 2015. The Fulbright Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, is supported by the United States, participating foreign governments and the private sector. Established by Congress in 1946, the Program's purpose is to ``build mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the rest of the world.'' Fulbright awardees are selected for academic excellence, professional achievements or demonstrated leadership in their fields. I commend Ms. El-Assar for her commitment to education, and I thank her for representing the United States through the Fulbright Program in Mexico.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to recognize one of my constituents, Mr. Amr Nassar, for his acceptance to the People to People World Leadership Forum in Washington, DC. Mr. Nassar was selected for his academic excellence, leadership potential and exemplary citizenship. The People to People mission is to bridge cultural and political borders through education and exchange. To this end, People to People offers domestic and international educational programs that promote cooperation, cross-cultural understanding and leadership. It is my hope that Mr. Nassar benefitted greatly from his participation in the World Leadership Forum, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to congratulate the University of Central Florida for winning the 2014 Raytheon National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (NCCDC). The competition, held April 25-27 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. 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 and establishing the University as a national leader in cyber security.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize Mr. John C. Pitts of Evans High School in Orlando, Florida. Mr. Pitts, a Florida native, bravely served our country in World War II as a Navy Seal in the Underwater Demolition Team #25. In 1957, Mr. Pitts began teaching junior high at Evans High School, and in 1961, he moved into administration as the school's assistant principal. After temporarily leaving Evans High School to lead several other schools in Orange County, Mr. Pitts returned to Evans in 1977 where he served as principal until his retirement in 1988. Educators like Mr. Pitts are shining examples of the fruits of selflessness. Their commitment to students models the life-changing impact a dedicated educator can have on a community and on the individual lives of students. For more than five decades, Mr. Pitts has been a tireless advocate for the students, athletes and families of Evans High School. It is with sincere appreciation that I thank Mr. Pitts for his commitment to our nation's youth and for his service to our country. His leadership and dedication continue to be an inspiration to us all.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 204, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize Coach Fred Pennington of Evans High School. Coach Pennington began his coaching career at Evans in 1959 as the school's junior varsity basketball coach. His leadership was immediately evident, and after becoming the school's varsity basketball coach, his first varsity team won 20 games in the 1961-1962 season. Coach Pennington's 1968 team was state runner-up, and in 1975, he led the Trojan team to victory in the state championship. One of his players, Darryl Dawkins, became the first player drafted directly out of high school into the NBA. While we celebrate Coach Pennington's public successes, the unwritten story of his influence is his undoubted impact on young people's lives. He inspired young people to meet high standards, to function as part of a team, and to achieve set goals. In the process, he gave them important tools with which they could improve their lives and the lives of others. Throughout his career, Coach Pennington has demonstrated outstanding leadership on and off the court. It is my distinct honor to recognize Coach Pennington for his dedication to the students and athletes of Central Florida.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize SCORE Orlando on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 10 million Americans on their path to entrepreneurship. SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. Thanks to dedicated volunteers, the Small Business Administration, and other partners, SCORE Orlando is able to offer its services at little to no cost to their customers. In 2013 alone, SCORE volunteers donated over one million hours nationwide. These volunteers helped start up more than 38,500 companies, create over 67,300 jobs, increase revenue for 40,000 clients and mentor and train more than 124,600 business owners and entrepreneurs. I am pleased to recognize SCORE Orlando for its dedication to equipping entrepreneurs with tools for fulfilling and successful careers, and I thank the SCORE Orlando volunteers for continuing to bolster the economy as well as the passions of people who are driven by new ideas, hard work and the desire to succeed.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Auburndale City Hall on the occasion of its addition to the National Register of Historic Places. Designed by Polk County architect Roland Buckley and contractor Paul Smith, the 87-year-old Italian Renaissance-style building has housed the library and Chamber of Commerce, most of the cities departments and even jail cells throughout its existence. It is currently home to the city's Information Technology Office. Noted for its Romanesque architecture, open arches and ornate masonry work, City Hall is now among four National Historic buildings in Auburndale. It joins the Holland Jenks house, the Baynard House and the Auburndale Citrus Growers Association Packing House. It is the twelfth city hall in Florida to have secured a spot on the Register. It is a privilege to serve the residents of Auburndale, and I thank them for their tremendous contributions to the Central Florida community.