Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, we all know that when you are the best of all time, you belong in the hall of fame, like Dan Marino, Don Shula, and Jacksonville's own Tony Boselli.

Now there is another Floridian, Mr. Speaker, who has rightfully earned her place in the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame. I am talking about Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll.

Lieutenant Governor Carroll's journey began in the United States Navy as a jet mechanic, one of the very first African-American females to serve in that capacity.

Then, after her military service, Lieutenant Governor Carroll brought her leadership and unwavering service to the people of Florida. She was the first Black Republican female to serve in the Florida Legislature.

Then, Mr. Speaker, in 2010, she made history again by becoming the first Black woman ever in the Sunshine State to be elected statewide as Lieutenant Governor.

Her efforts to improve education and to ensure veterans receive the support they deserve has left a lasting legacy.

Her induction into the Veterans Hall of Fame recognizes her impact on the Sunshine State and our country. We are proud of her and her service.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating my friend Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll on being inducted in the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame.

She is indeed one of the best of the best.

Mr. Speaker, if I were to ask you what you had for lunch last Wednesday, chances are you would struggle to remember. If I were to ask you who your favorite teacher was from 40 years ago, you would know instantly.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate one of those unforgettable teachers, Mr. Vincent Taylor from Cedar Hills Elementary School in Jacksonville, Florida, on being named the 2025 Duval County Teacher of the Year.

For 27 years, Mr. Taylor has been a guiding force in Duval County Public Schools, inspiring students as a teacher and math coach.

His impact extends beyond the classroom. Through his mentorship, professional development work and--how about this--10 professional books published, including ``If Instruction Isn't Engaging, I Quit!''

Though he once envisioned a different career, Mr. Speaker, his path to teaching is a gift to our students and our community.

Today, we celebrate Mr. Taylor's unforgettable dedication and thank him for shaping the future one student at a time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the important contributions of A. Michael Hickox and his retirement as the property appraiser for Nassau County, Florida.

For 12 years, Mike has been an amazing public servant, committed to fairness and customer service. Let's be honest, Madam Speaker, being a property appraiser is probably one of the toughest jobs around, but Mike has done it well, skillfully, and leaves the office in a much better place.

While he was leading, Mike also served as the president of the Florida Association of Property Appraisers and then served on the boards of the Nassau Education Foundation and the Nassau County Economic Development Board.

To put it simply, Madam Speaker, Mike has spent his career serving others. Mike may not be our property appraiser anymore, but I know he is not done. I can't wait to see what he does next.

Madam Speaker, I ask you and our colleagues to join me in congratulating Mike on a job well done. Go get `em, Mike.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Smith for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, standing up to the Chinese Communist Party is a no- brainer, and standing up to Communist China means standing with Taiwan.

Mr. Speaker, Taiwan's security and economic prosperity are important to the United States and the rest of the world. Why? That is because if anything were to happen to Taiwan, the effect on the global economy would be devastating.

Here are the numbers: Taiwan is the United States' 7th largest trading partner, 10th largest export market, and 8th largest source of imports. Taiwan is the biggest trading partner without a deal with the United States.

Today, Taiwan is and will remain one of our most strategic partners and allies in the region. This is not only because of our shared values of democracy, peace, and freedom, but also our economic ties.

As Communist China continues to threaten America's interests, we must do all we can to strengthen our partnership with Taiwan. That is why, Mr. Speaker, we need H.R. 33, the United States-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to stand with me and support my friend from Missouri, Chairman Jason Smith, and his timely bill to strengthen our economic ties with Taiwan and empower Americans doing business in the country.

The correct answer on H.R. 33 is a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. Speaker, this bill makes it clear that the United States stands with our economic ally and supports a strong and prosperous Taiwan.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the important contributions of A. Michael Hickox and his retirement as the Property Appraiser in Nassau County, Florida.

For 12 years, Mike has been an amazing public servant, committed to fairness and customer service.

Let's be honest: being a property appraiser is one of the toughest jobs around. But Mike has done it well and leaves the office in a much better place.

While he was leading, Mike was also President and on the boards of the Florida Association of Property Appraisers, Nassau Education Foundation, and Nassau County Economic Development Board.

To put it simply, Mike has spent his career serving others.

Mike may not be our property appraiser anymore, but I know he's not done. I can't wait to see what he does next.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mike on a job well done.

Mr. Speaker, it is that time of year. Everyone is talking about who has the best recipes for pies or who has the best recipes for cookies.

I don't know about those, Mr. Speaker, but I can tell you who has got the best recipe for an amazing elementary school environment: Paterson Elementary in Clay County, Florida.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of the best schools in the Nation. The Florida Department of Education recently released their elementary school rankings for the 2023-2024 school year, and out of 411 in the Sunshine State, Clay County's very own Paterson Elementary placed in the top 10.

Mr. Speaker, 86 percent of the fourth and fifth graders showed massive learning gains in math last year, not to mention 98 percent of sixth graders. Talk about an A-plus in learning momentum.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, I am putting their report card on my refrigerator. Abby and I recently visited the campus and saw firsthand how educators at Paterson Elementary cultivate truly exceptional students by doing their job with hard work, love, and care.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing everyone at Paterson Elementary for their incredible recipe for success.

I say to Paterson Elementary: Keep up the great work, and go get `em.

Orange Park Elementary Ranked First

Mr. Speaker, it is that time of year: Everybody is debating on school rankings. Where does your school rank? Are you in the top 12?

Mr. Speaker, I can tell you who is number one. It is Orange Park Elementary in Orange Park, Florida.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate Orange Park Elementary School's rise to the top. The Florida Department of Education recently released their rankings for the 2023-2024 school year, and out of 411 schools statewide, Clay County's very own Orange Park Elementary was ranked number one.

Mr. Speaker, 93 percent of fourth graders showed impressive learning gains in math last year, as well as 91 percent of fifth graders. Mr. Speaker, 95 percent of sixth graders saw the same results.

How is that for a report card? Yes, Mr. Speaker, I am putting their report card on my refrigerator.

I commend all of the teachers and administrators at Orange Park Elementary for their passion and hard work in shaping the future of our great State: our kids.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in recognizing Orange Park Elementary for the incredible example they set for schools around the country. It is not easy being number one.

I say to Orange Park: Keep up the great work, and go get `em.

Mr. Speaker, the Doc is in. I rise today to celebrate the inauguration of Dr. Ali Kasraeian, MD, MHA, FACS, as the President of the Duval County Medical Society.

For Dr. Kasraeian, taking care of the health of Jacksonville, Florida is a family affair. His parents, Dr. Shahala Masoud and Dr. Ahmad Kasraeian, are also esteemed physicians in the community. Dr. Kasraeian followed in their footsteps to become a distinguished urologist and surgeon.

Dr. Kasraeian's contributions to the medical community are extraordinary. He has introduced cutting-edge technologies such as multiparametric MRI and MRI-ultrasound fusion prostate biopsy to the Jacksonville area. And for more than a decade, Dr. Kasraeian has been a dedicated leader within the Duval County Medical Society, consistently working to elevate healthcare standards in Northeast Florida.

Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Kasraeian engages directly with the community through his weekly radio program, delivering vital health news and empowering listeners to make informed decisions about their well-being. His service reflects a deep commitment not only to advancing medical science, but also to fostering a healthier, better- informed society.

Mr. Speaker, as he steps into this leadership role, we honor Dr. Ali Kasraeian's legacy of excellence, innovation, and compassion. I congratulate Dr. Kasraeian on this well-deserved recognition of his service to Northeast Florida. Keep up the good work and let's go get `em.

Madam Speaker, what do Green Cove Springs, Florida, and fine wine have in common?

They both get better with age.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Green Cove Springs, Florida, which was founded on November 2, 1874.

Green Cove Springs, my wife Abby's hometown, has been a thriving community for over 150 years. The city got its name from its beautiful mineral spring, which attracted folks who arrived by train or boat from all over the country and helped Green Cove Springs grow into the unique town it is today.

Madam Speaker, 150 years is such a milestone that the city began their anniversary celebration on Saturday, November 2, and they are planning dozens of events throughout 2025.

I invite my colleagues to join me in celebrating Green Cove Springs, Florida, its past, present, and future.

Here is to 150 more years of community spirit.

Mr. Speaker, common sense will tell Members that an American held hostage overseas probably is not going to get a chance to file their taxes. Common sense, Mr. Speaker, will tell my colleagues that they probably won't even get a chance to file an extension.

Mr. Speaker, one would think that that American being held hostage overseas should not be subject to penalties and interest on taxes that went unpaid during their captivity. Mr. Speaker, that is not the case in crazy town.

Mr. Speaker, one would also think that American tax dollars should not be used to subsidize groups supporting terrorist activities but remember that this is crazy town.

Mr. Speaker, it is time to bring common sense back to crazy town, and that is why we need H.R. 9495, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act. The bill would bring common sense and allow the IRS to waive penalties for late taxes for Americans being held hostage overseas and would direct the IRS to revoke the tax-exempt status of a nonprofit found providing financial support to a terrorist organization.

Mr. Speaker, it is just common sense.

Mr. Speaker, America has spoken. Our country has told us clearly: It is time to go in a new direction. It is morning in America. As the sun rises, it brings hope, optimism, and opportunity, but it also brings the realization that we are in a mess.

President-elect Trump appointed Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the Department of Government Efficiency. Their goal is to dismantle the out-of-control bureaucracy, cut wasteful programs, and restructure Federal agencies.

Taking on crazy town is no easy task. Elon and Vivek will need partners in Congress to accomplish many of the cuts that are necessary to rein in the unelected bureaucrats who have enjoyed unchecked power for far too long.

Mr. Speaker, that is why I have created the Delivering Outstanding Government Efficiency Caucus. The DOGE Caucus will work with President Trump, Elon, and Vivek to reduce fraud, waste, and abuse. Together, we will take bold steps to end Washington's reckless spending addiction.

I invite my colleagues to join us in this effort. Together, we will strengthen the America First agenda. Let's go get `em.

Congratulating Stanton College Preparatory School on National Blue

Ribbon Award

Mr. Speaker, everybody knows that Stanton College Preparatory School in Jacksonville, Florida, is home of the Blue Devils, but I just heard some news that blew me away. Stanton is now home to a National Blue Ribbon.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Stanton for earning a brand-new blue ribbon from the Department of Education. From over 100,000 eligible schools, Stanton was one of the 356 nationwide to be given the very prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award.

As Duval County's first magnet school, Stanton specializes in getting the very best out of students and launching them to new heights, but they don't just excel in the classroom. To get the National Blue Ribbon Award, Stanton also proved its excellence in extracurricular activities and athletics.

Stanton is known for fostering an extremely positive and supportive environment to ensure that students succeed in every arena.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in congratulating everyone at Stanton College Preparatory School for this monumental achievement. The Blue Devils will wear those blue ribbons proudly.

Mr. Speaker, everybody knows when it comes to ribbons, blue is the best color to receive. Our Department of Education gives out blue ribbons to the very best schools across the Nation, and that is exactly what they did for St. Michael's Academy of Fernandina Beach, Florida.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor St. Michael's Academy for earning the highest honor an American school can achieve: the National Blue Ribbon Award.

With only 356 schools selected from a pool of over 100,000, St. Michael's has done it, and they have proven, once again, that they are an excellent, outstanding academic institution.

We already knew that Fernandina Beach was home to the best beaches and shrimp around, but now we know that education is also at the very top of its list.

Schools don't get this prestigious honor by having students with great test scores or just running the 100-yard dash very quickly. In order to win this award, schools need straight As in every category, and that is exactly what St. Michael's has done. They have managed to crush their report card.

I ask my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, to join me in recognition of St. Michael's Academy and their continued tradition of academic excellence.

May St. Michael's Academy keep up the good work, and let's keep the blue ribbons coming.

Bryceville Elementary School, a Blue Ribbon School

Mr. Speaker, good teachers get apples, but great teachers get to work at Bryceville Elementary School.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bryceville Elementary School in Nassau County, Florida, for earning the highest honor an American school can achieve, the National Blue Ribbon Award.

Out of more than 100,000 schools nationwide, the Department of Education honored only 356 with the National Blue Ribbon Award this year.

The National Blue Ribbon Award is given to schools with not only the highest test scores, but also those that have closed the achievement gap, ensuring that every single student can succeed.

Bryceville Elementary School is a small school with big accomplishments. Their teachers and leadership work incredibly hard to deliver the best possible experience for their students, and now the whole Nation knows just how great Bryceville is.

I ask my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, to join me today in recognizing Bryceville Elementary School for their stunning example of northeast Florida academic excellence.

May they keep up the good work, and let's keep the blue ribbons coming.

Mr. Speaker, four years ago, I answered one of the scariest phone calls a man can receive. My wife, Abby, called me to tell me lightning struck our house, and it caught on fire while she was inside it. But by the grace of God and the quick work of the fire department, Abby, our son Walker and our dog Daisy escaped unscathed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my personal gratitude for one of the heroes who has been helping families like mine and saving lives for nearly four decades, Fernandina Beach Fire Chief Ty Silcox. Chief Silcox is retiring on October 31, 2024 after a decade on the job. Under his leadership, the department grew into a modern, efficient force overseeing 100 emergency responders across fire, EMS, and ocean rescue services.

His visionary work included the design and construction of a state- of-the-art fire station and the strategic management of resources during natural disasters.

I ask my colleagues to join me today to recognize Chief Silcox. I thank him. Northeast Florida is a safer place because of him. Let's go get `em.

Mr. Speaker, the Lord says that when two or more people gather in prayer, there He will be also. At the First Baptist Church of Middleburg this past Sunday, we certainly felt the Lord's presence.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a spiritual rock in northeast Florida. On September 22, First Baptist Church of Middleburg celebrated its 125th anniversary.

Abby and I had the privilege of attending the commemorative service this past Sunday, and when we entered the sanctuary, it was obvious the holy spirit was already there. The congregation, the choir, Pastor Chris Bonts, and the entire pastoral staff team were celebrating the church's long history and its future as a missionary church.

In 1899, a dozen citizens gathered in the back of a local general store to start a church that would honor the Lord and serve Middleburg. Mr. Speaker, 125 years later from those humble beginnings, First Baptist Middleburg has transformed the lives of thousands through the Gospel and community partnerships.

From youth outreach programs to food pantries to recovery ministries for those impacted by addiction and a robust missionary presence around the world, First Baptist Middleburg is spreading the good news to neighbors and strangers alike.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating First Baptist Middleburg's 125 years in service to Him and others. I congratulate First Baptist, and let's go get them on the next 125 years.

Honoring Caeleb Dressel

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great northeast Florida athlete who made a big splash this summer at the Paris Olympics.

Caeleb Dressel is a Green Cove Springs native who was a Clay High Blue Devil who went on to earn--get this--10 NCAA national championships at the University of Florida as a Fighting Gator. Caeleb is a three-time Olympian, earning a career nine Gold Medals and one Silver, placing him in a very elite group of swimmers.

Caeleb has the type of resume that can impress almost anyone. In addition to holding several current world records in swimming, Caeleb was the 2021 Sports Illustrated Male Athlete of the Year.

Caeleb is a husband and father who takes all his roles seriously.

In a recent interview, Caeleb talked about the importance of training and hard work and the honor of being part of a national team, as well as the joy of seeing other people--how about this--reaching their goals and dreams. In short, Caeleb Dressel is an inspiration to us all.

Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me today in recognizing a great American athlete who continues to make Clay County proud. We are all so glad it went swimmingly.

Mr. Speaker, we are proud of Caeleb.

Go get them, Caeleb.

Honoring Ryan Murphy

Mr. Speaker, northeast Florida has done it again. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a mainstay of U.S. swimming and a northeast Florida native who absolutely smashed it at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Ryan Murphy.

Ryan hails from Jacksonville and first dreamed about the Olympics when he was 7. This Bolles Bulldog has quite the resume. In addition to an impressive five Olympic Gold Medals, Ryan is a former and current world record holder who medaled in the 100-meter backstroke in three Olympic Games.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a northeast Floridian who exemplifies American excellence and hard work. Ryan Murphy's pool resume is very swim-pressive. Jacksonville and his country are proud.

Whatever his next race is, go get them.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4259) to amend the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to require notification with respect to individualized education program teams, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous materials on H.R. 4259.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4259, the Think Differently about Education Act of 2023.

America's children are our Nation's future leaders, and they deserve to be equipped with the resources they need to succeed in the classroom. This is something that everyone can and should agree on. Every child, including children with learning differences, has unique needs that must be met and understood by teachers and school administrators.

H.R. 4259 builds on existing progress achieved by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act by adding another layer of critical protections for parents of children with disabilities.

Under this legislation, educational agencies would be required to properly inform parents of their right to bring in outside experts who can advocate for the best interests of their children when it comes to their education. Specifically, Mr. Speaker, this bill will improve families' ability to advocate for their children to receive an education that allows them to flourish.

Mr. Speaker, this is a solution that safeguards parental rights and reaffirms the fundamental role of parents in the care, upbringing, and education of their children. The simple truth is that every child has the potential to flourish when given the right support.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I withdraw the motion to suspend the rules and agree to the bill H.R. 4259.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4259) to amend the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to require notification with respect to individualized education program teams, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 4259.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Molinaro), the bill's sponsor.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Indiana (Mrs. Houchin), who serves on the Committee on Education and the Workforce and is celebrating her birthday today.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, all children, including children with learning disabilities, deserve a high-quality education that prepares them for full participation in society.

H.R. 4259, the Think Differently about Education Act of 2023, builds upon the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which gives teachers, parents, and schools the tools to ensure students in special education receive the opportunities they deserve.

H.R. 4259 would make it easier for families to ensure their children will have the tools they need to succeed in school. Every child has the potential to flourish when just given the right support.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.