Newsletter: The Webster Wire - ISIS Must be Destroyed

Statement

Dear Friend,

Voices for National Service presented me with the Outstanding National Service Advocacy Award last week in Washington. I was honored and humbled to be nominated by Volunteer Florida and City Year Orlando to receive this prestigious recognition. I have been privileged to work with so many dedicated and talented individuals in my district and across Florida as I have represented Central Florida for the past three decades. Volunteers and members of the national service community meet critical needs in our community day after day, and I am honored to support their efforts.

Last Monday, I was privileged to join Representative Larry Metz, local officials, the Patriot Guard Riders, family members, and Lake County residents as we participated in the Memorial Highway Designation Ceremony to honor Sgt. Jess Thomas, who gave his life in service to our country during the Vietnam War. The men and women who have served our country and paid the ultimate sacrifice deserve our highest praise and gratitude. It was an honor to be a part of this ceremony to recognize the life and sacrifice of Sgt. Jess Thomas.

As a graduate of Evans High School, it was a pleasure to participate in an appreciation breakfast for Coach Fred Pennington last week. I joined alumni who were coached by Fred Pennington and other graduates of Evans in raising over $200,000 for Orange County Public Schools, and it was a momentous occasion to celebrate the Coach Pennington Endowed Scholarship Fund that will benefit graduating basketball players and cheerleaders from low-income families who are planning to pursue educational advancement in a technical or vocational school, college, or university.

Habitat for Humanity held their annual fly-in last week, and it was a pleasure to meet with local representatives, including Kent Adcock, the CEO of Lake-Sumter Habitat for Humanity, and Carey Baker, the Lake County Property Appraiser. I also attended the national legislative reception in Washington, as Habitat works to both honor veterans and provide affordable housing to families in our communities.

Legislative Update:

It's time. For more than six years, the Keystone XL Pipeline has been subjected to extensive studies, environmental impact statements, bureaucratic delays, and legislative gridlock. Last Wednesday, I voted to support S. 1, the Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act, which finally sends approval of the pipeline, along with the potential for thousands of American jobs and increased energy security that goes with it, to the President. The legislation, which has now passed both chambers of Congress with bipartisan support, is sitting on the President's desk, awaiting action.

Last week, I also voted to support H.R. 644, the America Gives More Act of 2015, and H.R. 638, America's Small Business Tax Relief Act of 2015. H.R. 644 will encourage charitable giving by making permanent certain provisions of the tax code that encourage donations of food, set aside property for conservation and reduce taxes on income of charitable foundations. H.R. 638 provides permanent tax relief to small businesses by allowing them to deduct certain investments in their business and by reducing the timeframe in over which certain assets are taxed. By making these provisions permanent, entrepreneurs will have more certainty to invest in and grow their business.

Your servant,

Daniel Webster
Member of Congress

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