A Quarterly Report Card

Floor Speech

A QUARTERLY REPORT CARD

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Mr. BILIRAKIS. Like all of us, I came to this body seeking to make a difference for my constituents and all Americans alike. We have chosen a life in public service and promised to fight for what we believe in. That is what we are doing. We promised to fight to give future generations the opportunity we have. We promised to fight to continue the prosperity of this great Nation.

Unfortunately, as I reflect back on the first quarter of the 110th Congress, I do believe that the Democrat leadership has broken their promise to the American people. Supporting our courageous men and women in the military and addressing the gulf States homeowners' insurance crisis are two of the most important issues my constituents raised to me.

Despite many Members' requests to address these vital matters in a timely, bipartisan manner, our pleas have fallen on deaf ears. It is with great disappointment that I go back to my district with the expectations of the American people so far unfulfilled.

Regardless of the individual opinions regarding the war in Iraq, every American supports our brave men and women who serve this country with great honor and distinction.

Just as we are forever indebted to yesterday's servicemembers who wore this country's uniform, we will never be able to fully repay today's gallant heroes. I am so very proud to serve on the veterans committee.

We task the members of our Armed Forces with extraordinary responsibilities. The very least we can do is provide them with the necessary tools and resources to accomplish their mission. Nearly a month has gone by since the House approved its version of the Iraq emergency supplemental appropriations bill, a bill so bad that USA Today editorialized against it and said: ``It is hard to say which is worse, leaders offering peanuts for a vote of this magnitude, or Members allowing their votes to be bought for peanuts.''

It is bad enough that the bill contained pork projects intended to secure Members' votes. It is equally as troubling that we have been delayed in going to conference with the Senate to work out a bipartisan compromise worthy of our men and women in uniform. The American Legion and the VFW have urged this Congress to pass a clean supplemental funding bill, which will get our troops the resources they need as quickly as possible. I am so proud of the American Legion and VFW for stepping up. They continue to be our heroes. Every day we fail to act is another day we dishonor our troops' sacrifices and valor.

The other vital issue to many Americans, particularly in my district and in the State of Florida, the Gulf Coast States, is the skyrocketing cost of homeowners' insurance. Many of our States are plagued by natural disasters that cost millions, if not billions, of dollars in damage. It is a terrible situation.

As a result, homeowners' insurance rates have simply become unaffordable in many areas of our country. In my State, in far too many instances these rates have tripled forcing many to leave the areas they call home. For others in the gulf coast region, this has become the most financially crippling problem we have faced in years.

My constituents have entrusted me to bring this issue into the national debate and come up with a solution. Yet as we approach the beginning of another hurricane season, this body has failed to act.

Earlier this month, it was predicted we would have a very active hurricane season. Many of us who represent coastal States have tried to bring this issue to the forefront, both Democrats and Republicans, but our attempts seem to have been in vain so far. As the result of an apathetic Democratic leadership, my constituents have been abandoned by the very people they have entrusted to protect them, and what a shame that is.

Along with the numerous bills introduced in the House which would help alleviate this crisis, I introduced H.R. 913, the Hurricane and Tornado Mitigation Investment Act. My bill would provide tax incentives for individuals to better protect their property against these deadly storms. As a result of strengthening their homes and businesses to better withstand these disasters, homeowners' insurance would drop and many constituents would continue raising their families in the place they call home.

I can't tell you how many times I have talked to my constituents, people who have lived in Florida for over 20-25 years and wanted to raise their kids in Florida or retire in the State of Florida, and they are forced to leave the State. And I know there are other States in that position as well. I implore this Congress to consider my and other insurance-related bills to help these Americans in their time of need.

When the Democrat leadership took the House gavel and control of Congress in January, they accepted it in partnership not partisanship. It is my sincere hope that we soon will debate serious topics that address the needs of this country in a bipartisan manner rather than political posturing.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to continue the prosperity of this great Nation.

May God bless our troops. We owe them so much, and may He continue to watch over the United States of America.

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