Daniel Webster

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5086) to require the Director of the National Science Foundation to develop an I-Corps course to support commercialization-ready innovation companies, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 5086, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting the Innovators to Entrepreneurs Act, H.R. 5086. I thank my friend Daniel Lipinski for introducing the legislation with me. He is a champion of the time-proven Innovation Corps program, better known as I-Corps. This bipartisan piece of legislation is a result of the committee hearings on the I-Corps program. The Innovation Corps program was created by the National Science Foundation in 2011 to teach scientists and engineers how to turn their laboratory innovations into successful commercial products and services. This program assists scientists and engineers in the development of their academic research and equips them to bring that research into the private market. We have witnessed the wonderful successes of this program in my home State of Florida and across the Nation. H.R. 5086 expands the I-Corps program by creating a new course for commercialization-ready companies. Following the completion of an I-Corps team course, individuals are eligible for this new course which will help them create, market, and eventually expand their private sector company. Through marketing, hiring, organizing, and attracting investors, these participants' success increases dramatically. The bill breaks down the barriers experienced by current scientists when attempting to bring their product to market. Additionally, this bill expands the groups allowed to apply for the I-Corps program and offers new options for how to initially pay for the course. Mr. Speaker, I would appreciate my colleagues' support in passing this commonsense piece of legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith), the chairman of the Space, Science, and Technology Committee.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Mr. Lipinski, Chairman Smith, and the entire House Science, Space, and Technology Committee for their support of this legislation. It is a good bill, and it will spur the creation of new businesses and new jobs. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Wildwood Middle High School and their many accomplishments during the 2017-2018 school year. Congratulations to the girls and boys basketball teams on winning the Class 1A state championship. This is the second consecutive state title for the girls basketball team and the first state title since 1953 for the boys basketball. I am happy to recognize the contribution of the coaches and players to this historic season. Principal and girls basketball coach Richard Hampton and boys basketball coach Von Moreland were both named Class 1A Coach of the Year. Kari Niblack and Darion Wilson were named Class 1A Player of the Year. Congratulations to the Wildcats football team on an undefeated season. Coach McKinley Rolle was named Class 1A Coach of the Year. Coach Rolle led the team to their first undefeated season since 1985. Congratulations to Kylie Ondriezek on being named Sumter County Teacher of the Year. Ms. Ondriezek is a graduate of Wildwood Middle High School and returned to teach English. Wildwood Middle High School's dedication to quality education and creating opportunities for success is evident from these recognitions. I am pleased to recognize Wildwood Middle High School and congratulate the students, teachers, and administrators for their hard work and outstanding accomplishments. May their example inspire many to follow in their footsteps.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Dr. Reynold G. Lemp on the occasion of his 90th birthday. At the age of 13, Dr. Lemp preached his first sermon, ``Let Go and Let God,'' under the ministry of his grandfather, Rev. William Dunn. Before entering college, Dr. Lemp worked for Edison Electric Co. for one year while preaching at a mission and a church in Detroit, Michigan. Upon graduating from Bob Jones University in 1953, Dr. Lemp moved to Winter Garden, Florida and started Calvary Baptist Church on June 7, 1953. Appointed in 1960, Pastor Lemp serves on the board of Bob Jones University. He started Calvary Christian School in 1976. During the 30th anniversary of Calvary Baptist Church, Dr. Bob Jones, Jr. presented Dr. Lemp with a Doctor of Divinity (honoris causa). Dr. Lemp retired from ministry in 2003 shortly before the 50th anniversary of Calvary Baptist Church. Many lives have been impacted through his ministry and that of the church. It is my pleasure to recognize Dr. Lemp on this momentous occasion. I wish him a very happy 90th birthday and may God continue to bless Pastor Lemp and his family.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize Webster, Florida as a Purple Heart City and honor the men and women who have selflessly served our country in the United States Armed Forces. It is with deep respect that I pause today to honor the brave men and women who were wounded in combat or gave their last full measure and made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf. Created by General George Washington on August 7, 1782 to recognize a soldier's meritorious action, the Purple Heart is our nation's oldest decoration. Every person that serves in the United States Armed Forces makes great sacrifices for our country and our freedoms. Many have endured combat wounds as they fought for the freedoms of complete strangers, for individuals they had never met. We owe our veterans a debt that we can never repay. For more than two centuries the United States military has protected Americans against our enemies and the enemies of our friends. Throughout this time, the valor, dignity, and courage of our men and women in uniform has remained strong. It is due to countless lives selflessly lived and lost in defense of our country that we can stand today, free and grateful. I congratulate Mayor Carrie Davis, Mayor Pro-Tem Michael T. Foote, Commissioners Bobby Yost, Ana Vigoa, and Mike Harris, and most of all, the men and women of Webster who have served our great nation. It is truly an honor to serve the residents of Webster.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Keiser University for their accomplishments and their example for how a private university should operate and serve their community. For 40 years, Keiser University has equipped thousands of students to achieve success in our ever-changing economy. It is through institutions like Keiser that students across America and around the world have access to a variety of educational choices ranging from associate to doctoral degree programs. An overwhelming sixty-six percent of Keiser graduates complete their degrees in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). With unwavering persistence, I continue to support STEM, and am very pleased to celebrate the impressive milestone of this educational institution. In the past 10 years, Keiser University produced more than 33,800 graduates with associate degrees in a wide variety of in-demand working fields. With access to skilled workers on the decline, it is imperative that Congress works together with states to better prepare our workforce of tomorrow. I am pleased to witness Keiser's success, and wish them many more years of prosperity. I applaud Keiser's faculty, staff, and students for their achievements and for their ongoing commitment to equipping our next generation to be leaders and achieve their dreams.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I missed Thursday's votes to be back in Florida with my wife while she had surgery. Had I been present, I would have voted: Nay on Roll Call No. 642; Yea on Roll Call No. 643; Yea on Roll Call No. 644; Yea on Roll Call No. 645; Nay on Roll Call No. 646; Nay on Roll Call No. 647; Yea on Roll Call No. 648; and Yea on Roll Call No. 649.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I missed Friday's votes to be in Florida with my wife while she had surgery. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 650 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 651.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, due to a family medical emergency, I had to return to my district in the early afternoon of Wednesday October 25. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 585, NAY on Roll Call No. 586, NAY on Roll Call No. 587, and YEA on Roll Call No. 588

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, due to a family medical emergency, I had to return to my district in the early afternoon on Wednesday October 25. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 589 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 590.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2105) to require the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to disseminate guidance to help reduce small business cybersecurity risks, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on H.R. 2105.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank the leadership for giving us this time to debate this important bill. It is especially timely as October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, so taking up this bill at this time is a perfect time. We must come together to protect all businesses--large, small, and medium--from the constant threat of cyber attacks. America's small businesses are the backbone of our economy, accounting for 54 percent of all American sales and 55 percent of American jobs. Unfortunately, small businesses are especially vulnerable, with some reports noting that 43 percent of cyber attacks specifically target them. These small businesses are more susceptible to attacks due to the limited access to the tools they need to prepare for such an event. Implementation of the NIST Framework into these small businesses will protect small business owners, their employees, and their customer base all while contributing positively to the economy. H.R. 2105, the National Institute of Standards and Technology Small Business Cybersecurity Act, will help small businesses better address their cybersecurity risks to help them survive and thrive in the face of such adversity. As an owner of a multigenerational family air-conditioning and heating business, I understand firsthand the importance of equipping and empowering small businesses to tackle these challenges so that they can grow and prosper. About 10 months ago, my sons called me and said that there was a message on the screen of one of our computers that said: ``Your data has been frozen. You have been attacked.'' It had a little clock on there ticking down. ``If you don't pay a ransom by a certain time, then we will destroy your data. It is inaccessible.'' Well, there was something we had done, fortunately--not that we do every day, but we had done several days before--which protected us from that. We were able to fix our problem and wipe it clean and get started all over. But most small businesses may or may not--including ourselves--have done that just a few days before. Thus, I introduced H.R. 2105 with the support and cosponsorship of many of my colleagues on the committee, including Chairman Smith, Chairwoman Comstock, and Ranking Member Lipinski. H.R. 2105 would provide small businesses in my district, State, and across the country with the tools they need to meet the threats and challenges of the modern world. This bill describes the vital role played by small businesses in the U.S. economy, the devastating impact of cyber attacks on a majority of small businesses and large businesses and what they need to develop to specifically help themselves. It directs the NIST Director--within a year of the act's enactment-- to disseminate clear and concise resources, which are defined as guidelines, tools, best practices, standards, methodologies, and other ways of providing this information. Dissemination would be in consultation with heads of other Federal agencies. These resources--based on the NIST Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity--will help small businesses identify, assess, manage, and reduce their cybersecurity risks. H.R. 2105 also clarifies that use of the resources by small businesses is voluntary, directs the NIST Director and heads of Federal agencies that so elect to make the resources available on their government websites, and specifies that no new funds are authorized to carry out this act. This bill is very similar to S. 770, the MAIN STREET Cybersecurity Act, which is supported by the National Small Business Association, National Restaurant Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the International TechneGroup. The Chamber and International TechneGroup have also come out in support H.R. 2105. On September 28, 2017, the Senate passed S. 770 by unanimous consent, and I ask my colleagues to similarly support H.R. 2105. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith), chairman of the committee.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Comstock), the chairwoman of the subcommittee.

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

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bacon).

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank those from both sides-- Ranking Member Lipinski, Chairman Smith, and others--who have supported this bill. It is a great idea. It is an opportunity to not only have available for us, it has bipartisan support and also bicameral support. This is a good opportunity to help all small businesses. I know personally from my business and I know others who have small businesses who know that there is, in a sense, very little help right now for small businesses in this area of cybersecurity. The larger businesses certainly have their own IT people; we don't. So I am excited about the fact that this could happen, and I move passage. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, due to cleanup and recovery from Hurricane Irma which greatly impacted my district, I was unable to return to Washington D.C. for this vote on September 12. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 485.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, due to the impending landfall of Hurricane Irma in Florida, I departed Washington, D.C. to be in my district during this natural disaster. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 467; YEA on Roll Call No. 468; YEA on Roll Call No. 469; YEA on Roll Call No. 470; NAY on Roll Call No. 471; YEA on Roll Call No. 472; NAY on Roll Call No. 473; YEA on Roll Call No. 474; NAY on Roll Call No. 475; NAY on Roll Call No. 476; NAY on Roll Call No. 477; YEA on Roll Call No. 478; YEA on Roll Call No. 479; NAY on Roll Call No. 480; YEA on Roll Call No. 481; YEA on Roll Call No. 482; NAY on Roll Call No. 483; and YEA on Roll Call No. 484