Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in overwhelming support for the passage of S. 2159, or H.R. 1960, a bill designating the Florida Veterans Affairs Clinic in Middleburg, Florida, the Andrew K. Baker Department of Veterans Affairs. First, I thank the entire Florida delegation for their support of this legislation, the entire Clay County community, the local elected officials who participated in this process, and all of the many veterans who call Clay County home. Of course, my biggest thanks go to Ms. Tina Baker, the widow of Chief Andrew K. Baker. Without a doubt, today's legislation would not be here for a vote without my colleague from Florida, Senator Marco Rubio, who ushered this legislation through the Senate Chamber earlier this year. I thank Senator Rubio for his work on this bill. This bill honors Antisubmarine Warfare Chief Andrew Kenneth Baker of Middleburg, Florida. Tragically, he lost his life in service to our great Nation. On March 13, 1997, Chief Baker's H-60 Seahawk crashed at sea during a SEAL training exercise. The mix of rough seas, the pitch of a frigate, fatigue, and visual disorientation caused by the night vision goggles they were all wearing were all factors in the accident. As a result of his death, the Navy launched a formal review of its training policies and has since made drastic changes with regard to night vision training.…”