Cliff Stearns: “As the 106th Congress draws to an end, we can celebrate many of our accomplishments--the Social Security lockbox, the…”

“As the 106th Congress draws to an end, we can celebrate many of our accomplishments--the Social Security lockbox, the third annual budget surplus in a row, and more than $300 billion in debt reduction. The end of the 106th Congress also means bidding farewell to many of our colleagues. Among the outstanding public servants who are stepping down is Tillie Fowler of Jacksonville. Her dedication and expertise will be sorely missed. Mr. Speaker, my district covers all or part of nine counties and is contiguous to 6 other congressional districts--five of them in Florida. My district stretches from just outside of Orlando all the way to the Georgia border. This gives me the honor of representing a portion of Jacksonville, and this has given me the privilege of working closely with Congresswoman Fowler on many issues. Not so long ago, Jacksonville was looked upon as a small city supporting paper mills, a commercial port, and military bases. Today, the Jacksonville area numbers one million people and the city is recognized as a vibrant, growing urban center. Although it has shed some of its past, Jacksonville maintains its strong commitment to our armed services as the host to major military facilities. The successful transformation of Jacksonville over the past two decades owes much to Tillie Fowler. She has worked on behalf of the area as a volunteer, and as an elected official at the local and federal levels. This dedication to public service is a family trait.”