Daniel Webster

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

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

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to my good friend from Georgia (Mr. Woodall).

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to Mr. Southerland, my fellow Floridian and good friend.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, can you tell me how much time I have remaining?

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Yoho).

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like to clarify one thing, and that is the chairman and the ranking member did everything they could to stay within the guidelines and the jurisdiction of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and they did that. They did not vary in any way over into the Clean Water Act or anything else. So nothing in this bill is changing any of the standards; all it is doing is allowing parallel tracks. That is it. So the project mentioned by Mr. Woodall, which is 15 years, and the project in Mr. Hastings' area, which is 17 years, would only be done sooner, not by circumventing any environmental requirement, but through the parallel tracks. I now yield 2 minutes to my good friend from Georgia (Mr. Kingston).

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I have no more presenters and I am prepared to close. Therefore, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would just like to point out, again, no environmental law has been changed, none. Nothing has been weakened. Nothing has been shortchanged. Nothing has been slowed down. The only thing that has happened is those studies, instead of being done in a linear path, one after another, are done simultaneously. It doesn't weaken anything. It doesn't undo anything. What it does do is speed up the process, which is very, very needed. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, this rule provides for ample and open debate and makes in order amendments from both sides of the aisle. Further, it advances a bill that was reported out of the committee with unanimous bipartisan support. This bill is good for American workers, is good for American producers, and is good for American shippers. As my friend from Florida (Mr. Hastings) knows, this bill is also good for the State of Florida. Florida has 18 public seaports. These seaports are critical components to our economy. They are responsible for supporting more than half a million Florida jobs and for generating $66 billion in total economic value. The activity of these seaports contributed $1.7 billion to Florida's State and local budgets. Furthermore, this bill advances key ecosystem restoration projects in the Florida Everglades and supports the economic development that the Everglades provides in our State. I thank Chairman Shuster for working with me and other Florida Members to ensure that the State is well positioned to move forward. Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member Rahall and my colleagues on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure have given us a bipartisan product that reforms the Federal bureaucracy, is fiscally responsible, strengthens accountability, and creates jobs. Mr. Speaker, this is a good bill. I say to my colleagues in the House, if you support reforming the Federal bureaucracy, if you are looking to manage our spending, if you are looking to increase transparency while investing in our infrastructure, and if you are looking to create American jobs, support this bill. Vote for the rule. Vote for the bill. Move the country forward. The material previously referred to by Mr. Hastings of Florida is as follows: An Amendment to H. Res. 385 Offered by Mr. Hastings of Florida At the end of the resolution, add the following: Sec. 5. Notwithstanding any other provision of this resolution, the amendment printed in section 6 shall be in order as though printed as the last amendment in the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution if offered by Representative Brown of Florida or a designee. That amendment shall be debatable for 10 minutes equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent. Sec. 6. The amendment referred to in section 5 is as follows: Amendment to the Rules Committee Print for H.R. 3080 Offered by Ms. Brown of Florida Page 162, before line 1, insert the following:

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. 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, on rollcall No. 484, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 486, Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 485, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge a special occasion for Delaney Street Baptist Church in Orlando, Florida. Delaney Street Baptist Church will celebrate their 85th anniversary this upcoming Sunday, September 15, 2013. The First Baptist Church of Orlando began a Mission in 1923, which later would develop into Delaney Street Baptist Church. Under the leadership of Reverend T.E. Waldrup, thirty-six Charter members laid the foundations for what would become Delaney Street Baptist Church. On September 14, 1928, Delaney Street Baptist church was officially founded. This is a special moment in the history of Delaney Street Baptist Church, and they deserve to be commended for their 85 years of service to their community. I would like to thank them for their many years of faithful ministry to our community and their dedication to Christian leadership. On behalf of the people of Central Florida, it is my pleasure to recognize and congratulate Delaney Street 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, I rise today to acknowledge a special occasion for Orlando, Inc. (Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce). In 1913, Orlando, Inc. was first established and this year they celebrate their 100th anniversary. It is my pleasure to recognize them on their Centennial. During the past century, Orlando, Inc. has been through many phases of growth and change to create the longstanding history they have today. From their establishment in 1913 as the Board of Trade, followed by becoming the Downtown Chamber, then as the Greater Orlando Chamber, then the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce and now today, Orlando, Inc., their goal and focus of serving the Central Florida region has always remained constant. They have been and continue to be a leader in connecting Central Florida's businesses and communities and maintain success by focusing on what matters most to Central Floridians. Orlando, Inc. specifically focuses on regional entrepreneurship and is one of four lines of businesses which make up the Central Florida Partnership. The Central Florida Partnership, comprised of Orlando, Inc., BusinessForce, myregion.org and Leadership Orlando, is committed to advancing Central Florida's entrepreneurs and moving ``Ideas to Results.'' In their quest to build the best entrepreneurial environment, Orlando, Inc. is positioned to serve the growing demands of entrepreneurs and businesses throughout the Central Florida region by offering some of the most powerful and influential business programs in Central Florida. After a century, Orlando, Inc. has thousands of member businesses that they serve. Through the high quality, expertise and strong leadership displayed by Orlando, Inc., they have earned and have been accredited a ``Five- Star Chamber'' by the United States Chamber of Commerce. This honor is the highest level of achievement awarded by the United States Chamber of Commerce, and with nearly 7,000 Chambers in the US, only 217 currently remain accredited. The excellence with which Orlando, Inc. and the Central Florida Partnership serve Central Florida's business community and enterprises is evident from their history and recognitions. I commend them for their many achievements and I am pleased to congratulate them on the celebration of their 100th anniversary. May their leadership, service and dedication inspire many to follow in their footsteps.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge a special occasion for the University of Central Florida (UCF). The University of Central Florida celebrated their 50th anniversary on June 10, 2013. On June 10, 1963, during the state of Florida's thirty-ninth legislative session, Florida Governor Farris Bryant signed Legislative Bill 125 that officially created a new state university in the east central section of Florida. The Board of Controls approved the site for the university near the Orange and Seminole Counties' line on January 24, 1964. However, the future site of the university would remain untouched for years as the Florida legislature struggled to provide construction funds. In December 1965, Dr. Charles Millican became the university's first and only employee. Dr. Millican and the university's first offices were above a drugstore located in downtown Orlando at the corner of Church Street and Orange Avenue. On January 17, 1966, the university was named Florida Technological University (FTU), and three days later on January 20, 1966, the first prospective student inquiry arrived via postcard from Gaithersburg, Maryland. The following year on March 19, 1967, Florida Governor Claude Kirk and over 2,000 supporters formally inaugurated the groundbreaking of FTU. In April 1968, the official seal, the Pegasus, was approved as the university's logo and FTU received their first research grant from NASA for $12,500. Opened on June 24, 1968, FTU's library became the first functioning building on campus and housed the administration, staff offices, library and classrooms. In the fall of 1968, the first four residence halls opened to 432 students. The Student Union would not be constructed until twelve years later in 1980. On January 31, 1968, FTU's first catalog was published. A few months later on October 7, 1968, FTU's first edition of their student newspaper, later named ``The FuTUre,'' published that FTU had fifty- five degree programs, 1,948 enrolled students, 90 instructors and 150 staff members. The Orlando Sentinel went on to report that October 7, 1968, will forever be remembered as the day that changed Orlando and Central Florida. In 1969, the university received its first computer, a ``Model 1200,'' that was operated by Dr. Harry Poole. Walter Komanksi ran unopposed and was elected as the first Student Government President on March 9, 1969. In November 1969, the first formal Greek life rush was held for FTU's first sorority, Phi Beta Phi, and first fraternity, Pi Kappa Epsilon. On November 21, 1969, the university's basketball team recorded its first win when they defeated Massey Institute, 99-38. The following summer, on June 14, 1970, FTU conducted their first commencement ceremony for 423 graduating seniors. On December 7, 1970, FTU changed their logo and announced that the Knights of the Pegasus would become the university's new mascot. The Alumni Association was established the following year on March 5, 1971, and the first Distinguished Alumni Award would be awarded eight years later in March 1979 to Dick Batchelor, Class of 1971. Six days after the Alumni Association was established, on March 11, 1971, FTU celebrated its first homecoming at a basketball game against the Florida Institute of Technology. Five years later, on December 1, 1976, students buried a bicentennial time capsule on campus. The time capsule is to be opened in 2026. Florida Governor Reubin Askew signed legislation on December 6, 1978, which changed the name of FTU to the University of Central Florida (UCF). Following the university's name change, on January 15, 1979, Trevor Colbourn was inaugurated as UCF's second president. During President Colbourn's first months, he and Athletics Director Jack O'Leary approved the development of the UCF football program to become part of NCAA Division III. On September 22, 1979, UCF traveled to play its first football game against St. Leo University and won 21-0. Continuing UCF's intercollegiate athletic development, the Wayne Densch Sports Center was dedicated to UCF on October 22, 1986. Years later, in 1996, UCF's athletics would move to NCAA Division 1-A. And, ten years after moving to NCAA Division 1-A, the University of Central Florida Cheerleading Squad would become National Champions. In March of 1992, Dr. John C. Hitt became the third President of the University of Central Florida, and has been serving the UCF community as President for over 20 years. I had the personal honor of working with Dr. Hitt while serving as a member of the Board of Trustees for UCF. Under Dr. Hitt's leadership, UCF has planned and won approval for a new college of medicine, doubled enrollment while enhancing the quality of academic offerings, increasing the number of doctoral degrees awarded each year, and expanded research funding. Continuing their development, on May 1, 1993, UCF became an official member of the nation's oldest higher education association, the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges. In 1994, President Hitt formed a committee to create a new design for UCF's mascot, and thus ``Knightro'' was born. ``Knightro'' made his first appearance as the university's new mascot at a football game on November 19, 1994. The following November, the first UCF Spirit Splash would take place when students entered the forbidden Reflecting Pond on campus during homecoming festivities. Today, the UCF Spirit Splash is considered to be one of the best collegiate traditions in Florida. At the new student convocation in August 2001, President John C. Hitt debuted the University of Central Florida Creed and began a new tradition for the university. The UCF Creed developed a value system for the students, faculty and staff to adopt, share and incorporate into all aspects of university life. Six years later in September 2007, the grand openings of the UCF Arena and the Bright House Networks Stadium took place just in time for the 2007-2008 athletic seasons. During the 2013 State of Florida Legislative Session, Florida Senate Resolution 1780 extended congratulations to the faculty, administration, staff, student, and alumni of the University of Central Florida on the occasion of their 50th anniversary and recognized March 20, 2013, as ``UCF Day'' in Florida. Today, with over 190,000 alumni and as a leader in academics and research, the University of Central Florida is the largest university in the state of Florida and the second largest university in the United States. UCF students and alumni have come from all fifty states nationwide and over 145 countries. As one of the nation's most dynamic universities offering 212 degree programs and 18 study abroad programs, the University of Central Florida's quality of academic offerings is remarkable. I commend UCF for their leadership, dedication and accomplishments. On behalf of the people of Central Florida, it is my pleasure to recognize and congratulate UCF on this momentous occasion. May their 50 years of dedication to the classroom and the community inspire many to follow in their footsteps.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 426, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

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

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Chair, this amendment is straightforward. It closes a regulatory loophole that allows Federal agencies to make major policy changes without appropriate congressional review. As currently written, the REINS Act covers agency rules developed through the formal notice and comment rule-making process, but that's not enough. By removing two exceptions from the definition of ``rule,'' we ensure that agency actions that serve a regulatory purpose are subject to the $100 million threshold. The current administration circumvents congressional oversight and public input by issuing general statements of policy known as ``guidance documents'' in order to achieve its intrusive regulatory agenda. This tactic shields major and costly policy changes from any congressional oversight laws put in place to protect citizens. Let me give you two examples. The EPA used a guidance document to remove the word ``navigable'' from the definition of ``waters of the United States.'' This would expand its jurisdiction to potentially regulate traditional State waters and roadside ditches that hold water after rainfall. The EPA estimates that this guidance document could cost Americans $171 million annually. Last month, we all know the administration used a guidance document to delay the health care law's employer coverage mandate. The CBO estimates this guidance document will cost $12 billion. Both of these guidance documents make substantive changes to policy without congressional review. Under the REINS Act as currently drafted, these costly guidance documents would escape the disapproval process even though they breach the $100 million threshold established by REINS. Good policy does not have to be hidden within the cloak of bureaucratic power grabbing. My amendment seeks to shine light into the dark corner of regulatory infrastructure that is abused by those with an agenda that must be hidden from view. It simply allows elected Representatives the opportunity to review policy changes issued through internal guidance that exceed the $100 million threshold. Hardworking taxpayers are owed a choice and a voice through their elected Representatives in all major policy changes that impact their jobs and their pocketbooks. This amendment secures this fundamental measure of government, accountability, and respect for taxpayers. By requiring a vote of Congress in all substantive agency rules, the REINS Act results in more clearly written legislation; it improves the regulatory process; and it holds government accountable to the American people for the laws imposed upon them. I urge my colleagues to support the Webster amendment and strengthen the REINS Act by closing this guidance document loophole, which erodes the rule of law. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Mr. Goodlatte.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I just want to remind everyone that we all remember what happened on July 3 when there was an announcement made that all of the sudden we were going to basically reverse our decision on the Affordable Care Act passed by this Congress. I would not have voted for it had I been here. With one stroke of the pen on a guidance document, they were able to thwart the law that we passed. We talk about this body is for legislating? Yes, it is. When it does, we expect the executive branch to enforce that law, which it didn't; and it didn't because it was able to use that guidance document to change the law. It's not right. Vote for this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of a dear friend, Colonel Jesse Edwards Green. Col. Green passed away at the age of 90 in Windermere, Florida, on June 30, 2013. Col. Green was born in Leavenworth, Kansas, on September 30, 1922, to the late Claire and Jesse Green. As the son of a career Army officer, he followed in his father's footsteps and attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. In 1946, he graduated from West Point with his Army Air Corps pilot wings and was assigned to the Air Force's first all jet squadron. In January 1947, Col. Green married the love of his life, former Caroline Bailey, and started a family which grew to four children. Col. Green's 30-year military career included over 120 combat missions in Korea, where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, and two tours in Vietnam. He also graduated as a test pilot from the Air Force Flight Test School at Edwards Air Force Base in California and was among the first Air Force pilots to fly above 50,000 feet in the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter. His bravery, dedication and sacrifice to our nation will not be forgotten. In 1976, after retiring from the Air Force, Col. Green and his wife moved to Windermere, Florida. During retirement, they both enjoyed water skiing, cooking and gardening together. Today, their papayas are legendary on Second Avenue in downtown Windermere. Col. Green was also a beloved friend, board member and construction volunteer of the Edgewood Children's Ranch and West Orange Habitat for Humanity. For 37 years, he volunteered alongside many friends and neighbors building homes and varieties of construction projects. The numerous contributions that Col. Green made to his community, along with his legacy of hard work, strength and love he leaves behind to his children and grandchildren will be forever cherished. He was a loving and dedicated father, son, brother, grandfather, and uncle. On behalf of the citizens of Central Florida, my prayers and condolences go out to his loving wife of 67 years Caroline, his daughters Patricia, Molly, and Judy, son Mike, grandchildren Leon, Cannon-Marie, Cody, Kyra, Serafina, Tyler, Evan, Kellen, Caitlin, and Michael, sister-in-law Anne Bailey, and many beloved nieces and nephews. May God bless them through this time of remembrance.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate dear friends and neighbors of mine, Bobby and Shirley Stallings, and celebrate with them on a very special occasion. On June 20, 2013, Bobby and Shirley celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Bobby and Shirley were married on June 20, 1963, by Chaplain Jolly at McCoy Air Force Base in Central Florida. They spent the beginning of their marriage in Salina, Kansas on Schilling Air Force Base where Bobby was stationed working on Atlas missiles in underground silos. While stationed in Kansas, Shirley went back to high school to earn her diploma and worked part time. Upon the completion of his service in the U.S. Air Force, Bobby went to work at Kennedy Space Center for North American Rockwell until 1969 when Mission Apollo 11 landed the first humans on the moon. Saving every penny possible in order to start their first business, Bobby and Shirley opened a child care center to help educate and prepare children for the future. Bobby and Shirley have been abundantly blessed with a wonderful family and many friends. They are the parents of a son and daughter, and grandparents of two granddaughters. In addition, Bobby and Shirley remain in touch with many of the children they provided care for at their child care center. Their dedicated service to their community and country is to be admired. I would like to congratulate them both for all of their accomplishments during their marriage, and in particular, thank them for all the sacrifices made while Bobby served in our nation's military. Marriage and strong families are indispensable contributors to the prosperity of our nation. On behalf of the people of Central Florida, I am honored to recognize Bobby and Shirley for their testament of loyalty and faithfulness to one another and their family. I offer my sincerest congratulations to them for 50 years of marriage, and may God continue to bless them and their family in the years to come.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 316, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall No. 317, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall No. 318, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall No. 319, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall No. 320, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall No. 321, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall No. 322, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall No. 323, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall No. 324, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall No. 325, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall No. 326, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall No. 327, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall No. 328, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall No. 329, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall No. 330, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 346, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''