Cliff Stearns: “I rise to celebrate the city of Jacksonville, Florida, which is the host for the 39th Super Bowl championship this…”

“I rise to celebrate the city of Jacksonville, Florida, which is the host for the 39th Super Bowl championship this Sunday. I think a lot of people were dismayed and a little bit surprised to read about a sportswriter, Tony Kornheiser, when he denigrated Jacksonville last week in a Washington Post article. Let me give the Members some interesting history about Jacksonville. Because of its strategic Atlantic Ocean port location, Jacksonville has always been involved in conflicts, appropriate, Mr. Speaker, enough for a Super Bowl host. Wars with Spain, France, the Revolutionary War, the Seminole Indian Wars, and the Civil War all touched Jacksonville. Twenty-five World War I steamers were launched from Jacksonville ports. In 1942, German spies infiltrated but luckily were captured before blowing up Florida's essential railroad lines. And, finally, Mr. Speaker, during the 1991 Persian Gulf War, what was the busiest military port in this country? You guessed it. Jacksonville moved more supplies and personnel than any other American port. I am proud to represent part of this historical, important city and welcome Mr. Kornheiser and other guests to this Super Bowl weekend.”