Daniel Webster

Mr. WEBSTER

Mr. WEBSTER. Madam Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to my colleague 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

Mr. WEBSTER. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the Colonial High School Chamber Choir during their visit to Washington, DC. Founded in 1959, Colonial High School is located in Orlando and is committed to educating its students in a learning environment based on excellence in academic performance, enabling students to become productive and responsible citizens. The Chamber Choir is made up of 26 audition-selected students from the 150-student Colonial High School Chorus. Their talent is most recently marked by an invitation to perform at the White House on Friday, December 9, 2011. The parents and educators of these students should be very proud of the dedication and discipline required to get to this level. On behalf of the citizens of Florida's 8th Congressional District, I am pleased to recognize the Colonial High School Chamber Choir and congratulate the students for their hard work and accomplishment.

Mr. WEBSTER

Mr. WEBSTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. WEBSTER

Mr. WEBSTER. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Florida, I rise today to honor the life, service, and sacrifice of Pfc. Theodore B. Rushing. Pfc. Rushing was killed in action in Afghanistan on Veterans' Day, November 11, 2011. Growing up in Central Florida, Rushing graduated from Altamonte Christian School. After earning his associates degree from Seminole State College, Rushing chose to enlist in the U.S. Army, with plans to follow his father's footsteps and join the Orlando Police Department. Known to his friends as Teddy, Pfc. Rushing had an adventuresome spirit and loved being outdoors. He was known for being gregarious and outgoing. After graduating boot camp in June 2011, Rushing continued his training at the Calvary Scout School at Fort Knox in Kentucky and was assigned to the 10th Mountain Division, 71st Cavalry and stationed in Ft. Drum, NY. Rushing was deployed to Afghanistan in August and served in Kandahar province. On November 11, Rushing's unit was attacked and Rushing was killed in combat. Rushing's medals and awards include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal. Pfc. Rushing is survived by his father, Rick; his mother, Ann; and his sister, Stacy. His life, service, and sacrifice are remembered by all.

Mr. WEBSTER

Mr. WEBSTER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate Cecilio Lamar Fowler upon receiving the 2011 Milken Educator Award. Predicated on the maxim ``The future belongs to the educated,'' the Milken Educator Awards have recognized over the last 25 years more than 2,500 teachers, principals, and specialists who have made outstanding contributions to the education of K-12 students. Fowler is a teacher of mathematics and geometry at Evans High School in Orlando, Florida. A native of Winter Park, Fowler graduated from Winter Park High School and the University of Florida. In only his second year at Evans High, Fowler has demonstrated a commitment to educating and mentoring, requesting the most challenging students be assigned to his classroom. Fowler emphasizes the importance of education in student lives and believes nothing provides his students with greater opportunity in life than a good education. He has been praised by Evans High School Principal David Christiansen for reaching students previously considered ``unreachable.'' Fowler was awarded the Milken Educator Award for the dramatic improvement his students made on state and local tests and for the efficiency and industriousness of his model classroom, where Fowler encourages peer collaboration and works to help his students achieve confidence-building accomplishments, no matter how small. Fowler is the only 2011 Milken Educator Award recipient in Florida. On behalf of the citizens of Florida's 8th Congressional District, I congratulate Mr. Fowler for his hard work, dedication, and leadership. He is most deserving of the 2011 Milken Educator Award. I hope his investment in Florida's students and Florida's future inspires others to follow in his footsteps.

Mr. WEBSTER

Mr. WEBSTER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate Professor James May for being named the 2011 Professor of the Year by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. This distinguished recognition is the only national award for excellence in undergraduate teaching and mentoring. May is a professor of English as a Second Language at Valencia Community College's East Campus, and is highly regarded for his innovative and zealous approach to education. He is dedicated to providing his students with the tools they need to succeed in his courses, creatively incorporating mobile devices and online tools such as Google docs and YouTube into classroom instruction. In an effort to share his concepts with other educators, May authors a website where he provides tips on how teachers can effectively connect with their students. This is not May's first award or recognition. He was also honored by the Florida Association of Community Colleges and named their 2010 Professor of the Year. On behalf of the citizens of Florida's 8th Congressional District, I congratulate Professor James May for his hard work, determination, and leadership. His enthusiasm and investment in Florida's students is most deserving of the 2011 Professor of the Year Award.

Mr. WEBSTER

Mr. WEBSTER. Mr. Speaker, this rule provides for ample and open debate, allowing our colleagues from across the aisle the opportunity to offer their legislative proposals to this bill. This bill provides a single uniform, nationwide standard for how commercial vessels discharge ballast water, a standard that protects American jobs by encouraging the efficient flow of goods in and out of our ports while also protecting our unique water bodies. More importantly, the bill provides the service men and women of the United States Coast Guard the funding they need to fulfill their critical missions: keeping our borders secure, preventing drugs from infiltrating our communities, and safeguarding our men and women. Service men and women in the Coast Guard deserve our gratitude and support. This includes Coast Guard veterans, such as Garrett Bess, a member of my own staff here in Washington, D.C. Partisanship has no place in providing the resources necessary for those brave men and women in uniform to do what they do best, keep us safe. Therefore, I ask my colleagues to join me in voting in favor of the rule and passage of the underlying bill.

Mr. WEBSTER. Mr. Speaker, I advise the gentlelady from New York that I am prepared to close.

Mr. WEBSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Coble).

Mr. WEBSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this rule and the underlying bill. House Resolution 455 provides for a structured rule for the consideration of H.R. 2838, the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2011. The rule makes 18 amendments submitted to the Rules Committee in order for robust debate here in the House of Representatives: 10 of those 18 amendments made in order are Democrat- sponsored amendments; 7 are Republican amendments; and one is a bipartisan amendment. Five information-gathering subcommittee hearings were held prior to this bill being reported out of committee. Further, this legislation passed out of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee with bipartisan support by a voice vote. The Coast Guard is comprised of nearly 100,000 military personnel, reservists, civilian employees, and auxiliary volunteers. It is one of the five branches of the armed services that constitutes our Armed Forces. The Coast Guard or its predecessors has defended this Nation in every war since 1790. Charged primarily with enforcing the laws of the United States in, under, and over the high seas and waters under American jurisdiction, the Coast Guard is asked to serve many functions simultaneously. This is important in my own State of Florida, which has the largest coastline of any of the 48 contiguous States. From drug interdiction to port security to border enforcement, the Coast Guard's reach is wide and its mission critical. This bipartisan legislation authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 2015 for the Coast Guard to carry out all of its many responsibilities. It also authorizes appropriations for the Federal Maritime Commission, including grants for certain short-distance shipping activities. Finally, the bill makes some changes to current law, affecting maritime safety, transportation and the authorities of the Coast Guard. The rule also allows for the consideration of H.R. 2840, the Commercial Vessel Discharges Reform Act. Ballast water and the subsequent discharge of ballast water are essential to the safe operation and stability of our seafaring vessels. This bill will simply set a single uniform, nationwide standard for ballast water discharge from commercial vessels. Currently, the Coast Guard and the EPA have developed separate regulations under two different laws to govern ballast water discharge. The EPA's regulations are particularly burdensome as they allow each State to impose different requirements on top of the Federal regulations. The result: 29 differing and often contradicting standards. A uniform national standard, as set by this legislation, will assure the free flow of ships in and out of United States ports while protecting both the jobs, dependent on their efficient operation, and U.S. waters. It should be stressed that the standard is meant to protect commerce and the environment. It conforms with the standards set by the International Maritime Organization and the EPA's Science Advisory Board. They have found that the standard set in the bill is the best currently achievable standard. Should a higher standard become achievable due to technological improvements, this legislation allows States to petition for an improved nationwide standard. Further, the bill allows for a review of the performance standard no later than January 1, 2016, and a new review can be ordered upon petition from the States after that. So, once again, Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this rule and the underlying legislation. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has worked to provide us with a very good bipartisan bill, which provides for the ongoing needs of the Coast Guard and the important missions that they carry out on a daily basis. I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the rule and ``yes'' on the underlying bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. WEBSTER. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to my colleague, the gentlelady from New York (Ms. Slaughter), 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. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 455 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. WEBSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. LoBiondo).

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

Mr. WEBSTER

Mr. WEBSTER. Mr. Speaker, childhood obesity is on the rise. In 2010, 17% of children and adolescents, ages 2 to 19, were obese, and 32% were overweight. Not only has obesity been linked to an increased risk of developing diabetes, asthma, and heart disease, it may also cause our children to lead shorter lives. Apart from the serious individual health concerns associated with obesity, there are long-term consequences that affect society as a whole, including increased medical and disability costs and decreased work-force participation. To address these concerns, children's hospitals around the nation are working to educate families about nutrition and fitness. In Orlando, Florida, the Florida Hospital for Children has implemented a program called ``Healthy 100 Kids'' at the Walt Disney Pavilion. This program seeks to help children live to a healthy 100 years old by providing families with medical care, nutrition, and fitness education. There are currently 300 families in the program, many of whom are underprivileged. In the first year of the program, 60 percent of patients reduced their body mass index and lowered their cholesterol by eating more fruits and vegetables and lowering their sugar intake. I commend the efforts of the Florida Hospital for Children and children's hospitals across the nation, and the investment they are making in the health and wellbeing of our children, who are the future of America.

Mr. WEBSTER

Mr. WEBSTER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 711, I was attending a memorial service in Florida. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. WEBSTER

Mr. WEBSTER. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, September 15, 2011, I will be absent and unable to cast my vote in favor of H.R. 2587, the Protecting Jobs from Government Interference Act, because I will be in Florida attending the memorial service for my friend, David I. ``Dave'' Bitner. David Bitner was a great Florida statesman, my esteemed colleague in the Florida legislature, and my personal friend for over 20 years. I was saddened by Dave's death on September 8, 2011, which came soon after his diagnosis with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Although I wish to cast my vote in favor of H.R. 2587, my long-time friendship with Dave and his wife, Wendy, requires me to attend the memorial service in Dave's honor. I support the Protecting Jobs from Government Interference Act, and I voted in favor of H. Res. 372, the rule for H.R. 2587, in the Rules Committee hearing held on July 26, 2011. (Rules Committee Record Vote No. 121.) I strongly believe in the right of American business owners to make decisions regarding where and when to conduct business, and the right of states to determine the best labor policies for their citizens. I oppose excessive governmental regulation and interference by federal executive agencies that do not have the authority to supplant the best operational judgment of businesses in their employment, production, location, and other investment decisions. Recently, the National Labor Relations Board has taken unprecedented, protectionist actions on behalf of labor unions that fly in the face of federalism, and this cannot be allowed to continue. I am proud to represent the constituents of the 8th Congressional District of Florida, which is a right-to-work state, and I will continue to oppose efforts to impede American private enterprise, capitalism, and economic freedom. Mr. Speaker, I would have voted ``yea'' in favor of H.R. 2587, had I been present, rather than in Florida for the memorial service for my friend, David Bitner, in support of his wife, Wendy.

Mr. WEBSTER

Mr. WEBSTER. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to recognize Ms. Julie Young upon receiving the 2011 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education. Ms. Young is highly regarded for her hard work and dedication to improving education in this country and for helping to create a smarter, better educated world. Ms. Young is President and CEO of the nation's largest and most influential virtual program: Florida Virtual School. Her journey began with a love for teaching and a dedication to learning that dates back to childhood. Today, she is passionate about the positive impact that Florida Virtual School has on thousands of families. I have been fortunate to work with Ms. Young as the Florida Virtual School has grown from 77 students in 1997 to its current enrollment of over 130,000 K-12 students. Ms. Young's interest in combining technology and learning began when she served as a teacher trainer for a partnership between her school district and IBM. That experience also ignited her with the vision to apply proven business principles to education. She interacts regularly with business, education, and policy leaders across the nation to shape the future of learning, and she sees Florida Virtual School playing a significant role. Ms. Young is also excited about the opportunities online education and blended learning models have provided for the profession. These innovations help to retain great teachers who might have otherwise left the field. She takes particular pleasure in identifying and growing leaders. In addition to directing the work of 1,500 employees, Ms. Young is a frequent national speaker. She serves on the Board of the United States Distance Learning Association, International Association for K-12 Online Learning, Florida Learning Alliance, Florida TaxWatch Center for Educational Performance and Accountability, Florida Sterling Council Board of Directors, K-12 Blackboard Advisory Council Member, and Microsoft K-12 Advisory Council Member Assistant. She was also recognized by Technology & Learning Magazine as one of the Top 30 influencers in Ed Tech, along with Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. In 2003, she was inducted into the United States Distance Learning Association ``Hall of Fame.'' On behalf of the citizens of Florida's 8th Congressional District, I congratulate and applaud Ms. Young for her work. She is most deserving of the 2011 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education as she inspires others to follow in her footsteps.

Mr. WEBSTER

Mr. WEBSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton). (Mr. BARTON of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

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

Mr. WEBSTER. For the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings)--who has a nice colorful Florida tie on today--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. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 370 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. WEBSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support this rule and the underlying bill. House Resolution 370 provides for a structured rule for consideration of House Bill 1938, the North American-Made Energy Security Act. The rule makes 11 of the 13 amendments submitted to the Rules Committee in order for robust debate here on the floor of the House of Representatives. All 11 amendments made in order are Democrat amendments, and this legislation passed out of Energy and Commerce with bipartisan support, gathering ``yes'' votes from six Democrats on the committee, including the former chairman, Mr. Dingell. This bill has moved through the committee process with bipartisan support because it does not require anything in the extraordinary to do. Distilled in its simplest form, it directs the President to make a decision. It does not prescribe his decision one way or another; it just simply asks him to act, say ``yes'' or say ``no.'' After nearly 3 years of review, study, and comment, the President would have to decide whether or not to issue a Presidential permit permitting the Keystone XL pipeline. This bill does not allow any corners to be cut, any environmental considerations to be glossed over. In fact, not only has it required an Environmental Impact Statement to be executed, but several supplemental statements have been performed as well. Furthermore, upon receipt of the final Environmental Impact Statement, but not later than November 1, the President still has an additional 30 days to weigh the evidence and make up his mind. After nearly 3 years, he does not have to approve the project nor disapprove the project; he simply has to make a decision. And what exactly is at stake? What hinges upon the approval or disapproval of this monumental infrastructure project? American job creation, overdue economic growth, and increased national energy security. TransCanada believes that the approval of the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline will create about 20,000 shovel-ready construction and manufacturing jobs, adding about $6.5 billion in personal income for those workers. It injects more than $20 billion in private sector investment in the U.S. economy. It generates more than $585 million in new taxes for States and communities along the pipeline route. It pays more than $5.2 billion in property taxes during the life of the pipeline; undeniably strengthens America's energy security by enabling expanded importation of 830,000 barrels of oil a day from our U.S. neighbor and ally instead of importing it from other unfriendly sources. In fact, according to the United States Department of State, if the pipeline is not approved, ``the U.S. would not receive a reliable and cost-efficient source of crude oil from Canada and would remain dependent upon unstable foreign oil supplies from the Middle East, Africa, Mexico, and South America.'' Once again, Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this rule and the underlying legislation. Relevant committees of jurisdiction have worked to provide us with a bipartisan bill which, at its core, is quite simple. It simply directs the administration to make a decision on America's energy and security and job creation. 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. Mr. Speaker, this rule provides for ample and open debate, allowing our colleagues from across the aisle to offer their legislative proposals to this bill. Furthermore, the underlying bill addresses two critical concerns, if you listen to speeches made in this Chamber every day, of every Member of this House: unemployment and dependence on OPEC oil. As I have stated, 20,000 shovel-ready jobs can be created with the approval of this infrastructure project. Approval of the Keystone XL pipeline will also serve to increase oil imports from our friend and neighbor in the north, Canada, while driving down our dependence on oil from countries that, quite frankly, do not share our ideas about democracy and freedom. Most important, this bill does not force the President to approve this job-creating infrastructure project. It simply asks him, requires him to make up his mind after coordinating with all of the appropriate stakeholders. I ask my colleagues to join me today in voting in favor of this rule and passage of the underlying bill. I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution. The previous question was ordered.