The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“HONORING CHUCK FOWKE” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Commerce was published in the in the Extensions of Remarks section section on page E266 on March 16.
The Department includes the Census Bureau, which is used to determine many factors about American life. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the Department is involved in misguided foreign trade policies and is home to many unneeded programs.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING CHUCK FOWKE
______
HON. C. SCOTT FRANKLIN
of florida
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
Mr. C. SCOTT FRANKLIN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor one of my constituents, Mr. Chuck Fowke, a home builder and developer from Valrico, Florida, who on February 10th concluded his successful term as the 2021 chairman of the National Association of Home Builders.
As chairman, Chuck confronted the challenges he and his fellow builders faced during the COVID-19 pandemic head-on. His steady leadership at NAHB during the past year has paid great dividends as the housing industry has overcome new challenges.
Chuck provided a laser-like focus to keep housing moving forward by working with the administration and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to resolve issues pertaining to the price and availability of building materials, and the supply chain in general. He personally testified before Congress on this issue in October, calling on lawmakers to determine what action can be taken to address our nation's troubled building materials supply chain.
These efforts are paying dividends. Chuck and the NAHB have been working tirelessly to reduce lumber tariffs that have contributed to unprecedented price volatility and harmed housing affordability. These efforts proved successful as the Commerce Department announced on Jan. 31st that it would be lowering tariffs on Canadian lumber imports into the U.S. from 17.99 percent to 11.64 percent--a 35 percent reduction.
As founder and president of Homes by John C. Fowke Inc., Chuck has built hundreds of homes throughout Central Florida and the Tampa Bay area. He is dedicated to his industry, having previously served as president of the Tampa Bay Builders Association and the Florida Home Builders Association. In 2019, he was inducted into the Florida Home Builders Association Hall of Fame.
Chuck also recognizes the importance of giving back to the community he's helped build, having served as chairman of the Charity Women's Crisis Center's Addition and Renovation Committee. He contributed to the efforts of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Joshua House and completed a project for the Gary Sinise Foundation for a deserving military widow and her children.
I congratulate Chuck on his efforts to ensure that housing remains accessible and affordable to America's families. I congratulate him on his successful tenure.
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