Daniel Webster

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Terry).

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. For the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to my colleague on the Rules Committee, the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Polis), 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, how much time do I have left?

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. I just want to say that I know there is a desire to have more T's crossed and I's dotted. There are over 450,000 T's and I's in those 15,000 pages. We've done enough. It's time to build this pipeline. Keystone XL will help lower gas prices and will help protect against supply disruptions by putting downward pressure on oil prices by increasing supply to domestic markets. In a memo from the Department of Energy regarding Keystone XL, it asserted that gasoline prices in all markets served by refiners on the east coast and gulf would decrease, including in the Midwest. Yes, it does do that. There are four things we said. One of them is the major one, which is that it creates jobs immediately; 42,100 were estimated by the Department of State in one of their four studies on this particular bill. I mean, we could go study after study after study with 10 different agencies looking over and over and over. There are no more studies to be done. It's time to make the decision. When should it be made? Now. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Sanford).

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 yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce).

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 228 and ask for its immediate consideration.

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

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. First of all, the amendments that were talked about are amendments that would add to a process that we have said is very sacred. We don't want to change the process. We don't want to circumvent it. We're not circumventing any process. Because this crosses a national boundary, there's only one thing left to do: we need the President to okay it. Every study that could be done--this started in 2008 and continued in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, and now here we are in 2013. It's out of opportunities to be studied. It's time. This rule provides for ample and open debate and makes in order proposals from both sides of the aisle. As I stated before, this bill represents so much more than the approval of an 875-mile long pipeline. It represents 42,100 jobs, greater energy independence, and will benefit our Nation for generations to come. The Keystone XL pipeline will allow 830,000 barrels of oil to flow each day to domestic refineries that employ hardworking Americans. This number represents half of our current daily crude oil imports from the Middle East. This will not only diversify our energy sources, but it will reduce our dependence on foreign oil from countries that in many ways do not share or respect our freedom and democracy. As we speak, the southern gulf coast segment of the Keystone XL pipeline is being constructed. It didn't require Presidential approval for one reason: it didn't cross a national border. It was studied by the requisite State and Federal environmental agencies, it was approved, and now it's approximately 50 percent complete. Four years and 15,000 pages represent more than enough time and paper to study this pipeline. Any more paper and we'll need an environmental impact statement to study the effects of the environmental impact statement. Our Nation is crying out for job creation, energy independence, and lower gas prices. Today, we have the opportunity to answer that call and to remove the few remaining barriers that stand between Americans and the relief they desperately need. I ask my colleagues to join me in voting in favor of this rule and passage of the underlying bill.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana, Dr. Fleming.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. I yield the gentleman 30 seconds.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. No.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. I reserve the balance of my time in order to close.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. I yield the gentleman an additional 30 seconds.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this rule and the underlying bill. House Resolution 228 provides a structured rule for consideration of H.R. 3, the Northern Route Approval Act. The rule makes 10 of the 25 amendments submitted to the Rules Committee in order, nine of which were sponsored by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, and it provides for a robust debate in the House of Representatives. The underlying bill was marked up by three committees of jurisdiction, and each committee reported the bill favorably with a bipartisan vote. Additionally, the U.S. Senate, on March 22, 2013, voted to approve the pipeline by a vote of 62-37. Mr. Speaker, there are four simple reasons this bill has garnered bipartisan support: it creates American jobs; it increases our energy independence; it strengthens our national security; and it will contribute to lower gas prices. This bill leads where the President has wavered, and finally approves the northern route of the Keystone XL pipeline, which has been studied for over 1,700 days by 10 Federal agencies and several State environmental agencies. The U.S. Department of State has issued four environmental impact statements, at a total length of 15,500 pages. These studies prove that the vast majority of the project will not result in a significant environmental impact, and mitigation efforts will be undertaken to reduce any environmental impact. Additionally, the project includes 57 project-specific special conditions to ensure the maximum level of safety. Due to these conditions, the U.S. State Department's Environmental Impact Statement found that the pipeline will have ``a degree of safety over any other typically constructed domestic oil pipeline system.'' For 4 long years, multiple studies and well over 15,000 pages of environmental analysis, the administration claims that the XL pipeline still cannot be approved. We all hear the echo of the President chiding Congress with his slogan, ``We can't wait.'' I would like to ask, Mr. Speaker, if not now, when? This bill answers that question, and the answer is today. It is clear that this pipeline will create jobs, increase national security, and contribute to lower gas prices. For this reason, H.R. 3 breaks the Presidential logjam and approves this worthwhile project. On December 23, 2011, both the U.S. House and the Senate unanimously approved, and the President signed into law, a bill that required the President to approve the pipeline unless the President determined that the project did not serve national interests. On January 18, 2012, the President said ``no'' to the pipeline, claiming that it did not serve national interests. By preventing this project from moving forward, he said ``no'' to 42,100 construction and manufacturing jobs at a time when Americans need work. He said ``no'' to cheaper gas prices for goods and services which could result in reduced energy cost. As you know, Mr. Speaker, lower energy costs lead to lower manufacturing and shipping costs which, in turn, contribute to less grocery, gas and utility bills for the average American family. He said ``no'' to increased diversification of America's oil supply. He said ``no'' to reduced dependence on foreign oil. All these benefits this generation could pass on to future generations. By this inaction, the President said ``yes'' to more oil from barges from the Middle East. When the pipeline is finalized, it will transfer 830,000 barrels of oil each day, which totals nearly half of our current daily imports from the Middle East. The President said ``yes'' to our ally, Canada, taking its business elsewhere, to China, rather than the United States. The oil from the tar sands of Canada will go on the market somewhere, whether we approve the XL pipeline or not. This is our chance to ensure Americans will have the opportunity to benefit from the energy supply, not China. The State Department acknowledged that the United States would be more secure if we relied more heavily on a non-OPEC source, such as Canada, for our energy needs. According to the State Department, and I quote: Non-OPEC Canadian crude oil supplies advance the energy security of the United States, given Canada's close proximity, our free trade agreements, and our close bilateral relationship with a stable democracy. Canada is a more reliable and cost-efficient source of energy than the foreign oil that we depend on from the Middle East, Africa, and other regions of the world. For these reasons, Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this rule and the underlying legislation. The relevant committees of jurisdiction have provided us with a bipartisan bill that will create American jobs, ensure energy independence, increase our national security, and contribute to the lower gas prices. I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the rule and ``yes'' on the underlying bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. I yield the gentleman an additional minute.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize that on May 1, 2013, UCP of Central Florida celebrated the grand opening of their new West Orange campus location in Winter Garden, Florida. UCP of Central Florida is a tuition free public charter school that seeks to serve our young people with disabilities. The communities and families of Central Florida are blessed to have an organization such as UCP of Central Florida that is dedicated to helping improve the lives of thousands of children. The mission and vision of UCP of Central Florida to open their doors to children, with or without special needs, is to be commended and celebrated. UCP of Central Florida offers the necessary development tools, including counseling, educational services and specialized therapy programs, to help build a foundation of success for children and families. This organization has achieved remarkable results. I am grateful to all those involved with making this organization such a successful part of our community. On behalf of the citizens of Central Florida, I am pleased to congratulate and recognize UCP of Central Florida on the grand opening of their new West Orange campus. I wish them many more successful years of providing quality care to the Central Florida community.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, as May is Vision Loss Awareness Month, it is my pleasure to recognize and support the AbilityOne Program. The AbilityOne Program, established by the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act, is the nation's largest initiative that provides career opportunities to more than 50,000 people who are blind or have other significant disabilities. Seven out of 10 working age Americans who are blind or visually impaired are not employed. Through this program, people with disabilities have the opportunity to gain greater independence and quality of life, and enjoy and benefit from participation in their communities. There are over 600 community-based nonprofit agencies nationwide that participate in the AbilityOne Program. Lighthouse Central Florida, located in Orlando, Florida, is one of the agencies across the country associated with the AbilityOne program to provide individuals who are blind or visually impaired with rehabilitative services, job training and employment opportunities. In August 2012, I was fortunate to visit and tour the Lighthouse Central Florida facility, its recent expansion Lighthouse Works!, and their new call center. On behalf of the citizens of Central Florida, I commend the efforts of Lighthouse Central Florida 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. In addition, the AbilityOne Program network manufactures a wide array of products and services such as the National Industries for the Blind's (NIB) SKILCRAFT' brand, which encompasses over 3,000 items including janitorial equipment, office supplies, medical supplies, tools, and uniforms. I am pleased to support the AbilityOne Program and NIB's initiatives by purchasing SKILCRAFT' products for use in my District office. Federal and state governments save more than $33 million a year through the excellent work being done through the AbilityOne Program. Over the past 75 years, AbilityOne has enriched the lives of individuals who are blind or have other significant disabilities, and over the past 37 years, Lighthouse Central Florida has educated, trained, and helped 100,000 blind and vision impaired individuals. I applaud the efforts of those involved, and I wish them many more years of quality service to our nation.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 135, I was unavoidably detained off of the House floor. Therefore, I was unable to cast my vote on Amendment No. 1 to H.R. 1406, requiring the GAO to report to Congress on the use of and complaints related to compensatory time allowed under the FLSA. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' I was also unable to cast my vote on the Motion to Recommit with Instructions for H.R. 1406, the Working Families Flexibility Act of 2013, rollcall No. 136. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unable to cast my vote on H.R. 1406, the Working Families Flexibility Act of 2013, rollcall No. 137. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' I was also unable to cast my vote On Ordering the Previous Question, rollcall no 138. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' I was also unable to cast my vote On Agreeing to the Resolution, H. Res. 202, rollcall No. 139. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the charter class of medical students at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine. The commencement ceremony and graduation of the charter class will take place on May 17, 2013, and will be an historic and celebratory moment for the UCF College of Medicine. The planning and development of the University of Central Florida College of Medicine was brought about as one way to address the shortage of physicians in the state of Florida. In 2005, the proposal for a College of Medicine was unanimously supported by the UCF Faculty Senate, and on May 30, 2006, the UCF College of Medicine was approved and established by Governor Jeb Bush. After receiving preliminary accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), in February 2008, the College of Medicine began recruiting students for the fall 2009 term. Less than four years ago, these same students donned their white coats to symbolize the beginning of their medical training. Now, after thousands of hours of rigorous study and practice, they will embark on the next phase of this journey--residency--before hopefully returning to the state of Florida to serve their local communities. The UCF Health Sciences Campus for the College of Medicine is located at Lake Nona's Medical City in southeast Orlando. As a new medical school, the college plays a vital part in the foundation and the growth of the Medical City at Lake Nona and is strongly supported by the entire Central Florida community. UCF College of Medicine has a vision to become the nation's premier 21st century college of medicine and a national leader in medical education and research. UCF's College of Medicine empowers its students to discover their healthcare specialty of choice for their upcoming residencies and, in doing so, further prepares them to enter the healthcare profession. I trust that the charter class of 2013 commencement will be an exciting day for the UCF community to celebrate their many exceptional accomplishments. On behalf of the citizens of Central Florida, it is my pleasure to congratulate President of UCF Dr. John Hitt, Dean of UCF College of Medicine Dr. Deborah German, the charter medical school graduates, and the facility and staff of the University of Central Florida College of Medicine on this outstanding accomplishment. I wish them all great success in their future pursuits.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to take this opportunity to recognize a close friend of mine whose philanthropic contributions have greatly impacted the Central Florida community. Rob Mellen served as the President and CEO of Dr. Phillips Charities for the past five years. Prior to his role at Dr. Phillips Charities, Mr. Mellen was a leading and well-recognized corporate, banking and real estate attorney and the managing shareholder at Akerman Senterfitt, one of Florida's largest law firms. Over the last five years as CEO and President, Mr. Mellen has inspired Dr. Phillips Charities to work towards new endeavors while facing the economic turmoil that has affected our nation. During his tenure, the construction of Orlando's Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts began. He continues to play an important role in the planning and construction of Orlando's long awaited world class performing arts center scheduled to open in 2014. With the completion of Dr. Phillips Charities' new headquarters, Mr. Mellen also secured a place where Dr. Phillips Charities can enhance relationships with other major philanthropic organizations and the partnerships with those that they serve. His efforts to improve Dr. Phillips Charities' real estate portfolio and other investments have enabled Dr. Phillips Charities continuous substantial giving. Many charitable non-profit organizations in the Central Florida community have been the beneficiaries of their giving, and numerous lives have been provided with much-needed support. Dr. Philips Charities' donations extend into all parts of the Central Florida community, including educational programs, youth programs, health and rehabilitative programs, and much more. They have given other local nonprofit organizations and charities the resources to fund their efforts through donations that have amassed $150 million in grants, pledges, and program-related investments over the last 10 years. Dr. Phillips Charities has made a lasting effect on the Central Florida community that has directly touched the lives of thousands of children and families. Dr. Phillips Charities has been fortunate to have such a dedicated and experienced leader at the helm of their operations. I want to applaud Rob Mellen on his continued service to the philanthropic needs of 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.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Ms. Camille Glazer of Orlando, Florida, upon her accomplishment of being named to the first ever National Youth Orchestra of the United States, NYO-USA. As a student at William R. Boone High School and member of the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra, Camille is most deserving of this distinguished accomplishment. The National Youth Orchestra will reflect the breadth, diversity, and quality of musically gifted young people throughout our nation. Those selected to represent the National Youth Orchestra are among a group of 120 of the finest young musicians in this country aged 16-19. Camille was chosen based on her musical, technical and personal qualities. Beginning in July, Camille will have the opportunity to rehearse with the orchestra for two weeks in New York before embarking on an international tour that includes Washington, DC; Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia, and London, England. On behalf of the citizens of Central Florida, I am honored to congratulate Camille Glazer on her selection to the National Youth Orchestra hosted by Carnegie Hall, and I wish her great success as she represents our country around the world.