Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a monumental achievement for northeast Florida. I speak of none other than Fernandina Beach's own 19-year-old skating phenom, Poe Pinson, who made history skateboarding at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

From an early age, friends and parents alike at Main Beach Skate Park were impressed by her skills. Mr. Speaker, she started competing when she was only 6 years old. From her small-town roots to the international stage of the Olympics, her hard work and talent catapulted her to finishing fifth in the world, exemplifying the grit and passion of both our community and America.

Mr. Speaker, her hometown of Fernandina Beach went full Poe Pinson, had the fever of Poe Pinson. We had countless yard signs that said simply: ``Go Poe.'' There was a watch party for watching the women's skateboarding event. You had to get up before dawn to go attend the party, and it was packed, Mr. Speaker. Her hometown was all in on Poe Pinson.

Mr. Speaker, not long ago, skateboarding wasn't even an Olympic sport. Yet, here we are having witnessed Poe's debut in the women's street skateboarding event. Just last month, the Fernandina Beach City Commission honored Poe by naming the Main Beach Skate Park after her.

I ask my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, to join me in recognizing this exceptional young woman. Poe's hometown and her country are extremely proud of her, and we cannot wait to see her shred at Poe Pinson Park again. We are very proud of her, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, before I begin debate, I want to remind everybody who is watching in America that Hamas is still holding Americans hostage, and just recently they executed an American.

We still want to urge this administration to do all they can to bring home not only Americans but release all of the hostages.

Mr. Speaker, anti-Semitism has no place in America. Disturbingly radical activists and members of the anti-Semitic BDS movement continue to wage economic warfare against the Jewish state.

In a world where anti-Semitism and acts of violence against the Jewish people are more and more commonplace, we need to reassure our close ally that the United States will not delegitimize her authority nor punish her economy, rather, we must send a clear message that the United States stands with Israel.

We stand with Israel today. We will stand with Israel tomorrow. We will stand with Israel always.

That is why I am proud to support Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and Chairman Jason Smith's bill prohibiting the Biden-Harris administration from assisting the anti-Semitic BDS movement in their efforts to target specific goods made in portions of the West Bank controlled entirely by Israel.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in denouncing the anti-Semitic BDS movement and standing with Israel by voting in favor of H.R. 5179, the Anti-BDS Labeling Act.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, one citizen, one vote. It is the foundation of our government, and it is the ability to vote in a free and fair election, but the pillar of our democracy is under vicious attack because the Biden-Harris administration refuses to enforce the law.

Since 2021, this administration has allowed over 10 million illegal immigrants into our Nation. It is the most, Mr. Speaker, in recorded history. That number is greater than the population of 36 existing States.

Mr. Speaker, the far left claims illegals are not registering to vote. My Democratic colleagues claim illegals are not voting in our election. Members on the other side of the aisle claim it is already illegal. Democrats claim that the SAVE Act is not needed.

Mr. Speaker, I have some breaking news. It is happening. I spoke to my supervisor in Nassau County, Florida, Janet Adkins, yesterday. She has, indeed, found illegals who have already registered to vote and have already voted in previous elections. She is working on cleaning up the rolls.

Our team reached out to other election supervisors in my district in northeast Florida: Duval County, Jacksonville, Florida, the office of Jerry Holland, and in Clay County, the office of Chris Chambless. Both of them also found illegal immigrants who have voted. Oh, wait a minute. Is it not happening? I hear that it is not needed, but it is.

I challenge each of my colleagues to call their supervisor and ask them: Is it happening in my county? Then ask: What are you doing to ensure that we have free and fair elections and only citizens vote? How do you know? How do they know?

The best example is it is already illegal for a minor to purchase alcohol, yet we still card them. We still enforce the law. Mr. Speaker, 87 percent of Americans want our election laws enforced.

I guess the 13 percent that don't are sitting on that side of the aisle, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me and pass the SAVE Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Recognition Day to remember the more than 500,000 POWs who endured the horrors of enemy captivity. We remember the tens of thousands of our brave patriots who are still missing in action and have yet to return home safely to the warm embrace of their families and loved ones.

In an expression of solidarity, Americans will honor the lives of our greatest heroes, and the POW/MIA flag will fly proudly.

Our brave patriots and their families deserve more than just 1 day. They deserve a place to be honored and mourned all year long. That is why I have introduced legislation to designate the National POW/MIA Memorial & Museum at Cecil Field in northeast Florida as a national landmark.

Madam Speaker, on this day, we the people, with a grateful heart, salute those who endured great dangers in the hands of the enemy and those lost in service to our Nation. We reaffirm our commitment to resolve the accounting of our great American patriots.

May we never forget.

Mr. Speaker, whether something's ablaze in your house or there's a hot button issue in Jacksonville, there's one man you can depend on to put out the fire.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jacksonville's City Council President, Randy White for 70 stellar years on this planet Earth. A lifelong public servant, Councilman White embodies the spirit of Northeast Florida. Councilman White is a family man with two children and 5 grandchildren. However, his 32-year career with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department shows that he views the entirety of Jacksonville as his family.

After three decades of putting out fires and rescuing cats from trees, one might think that Councilman White would be tired. But no. Instead, he championed the growth of Cecil Field and public safety in Jacksonville.

I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Councilman Randy White for his decades of public service. Jacksonville is truly a much better place because of Councilman White. Happy Birthday.

Mr. Speaker, when I was a boy, I thought that heroes were imaginary characters who wore capes or masks that hide their secret identity. As I grew older, I came to realize that there are heroes around us every day: police, firefighters, first responders, and of course, our men and women who serve in the armed forces.

Twenty-three years ago today, when our Nation and this city were attacked by pure evil, the world saw that America is made of heroes, The world watched as we came together to search, rescue, pray and grieve together. Heroes by trade and heroes by choice answered the call across the land.

That's why today, in the town of Orange Park in the free state of Florida, you will see hundreds of Star-Spangled Banners flying to recognize the heroes who protect us every day.

Flags for Heroes is not just an event, it's a movement. The Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise, led by President Duane Mallicoat, has put together this incredible display to honor men and women who know the true meaning of being a hero.

Each of these flags is individually dedicated to a hero who has personally touched the life of someone in our community.

Today, as we remember one of the great tragedies in American history, I encourage my colleagues to honor the heroes who protected us then and protect us still today.

Mr. Speaker, ``There's no place like home'', Dorothy once famously said, and it is so true. Most hotels are simply places for business travelers or tourists coming and going, but occasionally, some are so special we think of them as a home away from home.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate one of these special places: the Residence Inn on Amelia Island in the free state of Florida.

The Residence Inn is perfectly situated in the heart of Amelia Island close to downtown, delightful shops and restaurants, and of course, the crystal blue surf that makes us a top destination. The Residence Inn is a great community partner, and under the leadership of General Manager Bob Hartman, they sponsor many events on the island, making it a better place to live and visit.

The hotel is truly a home away from home for many travelers, and I experienced their hospitality firsthand. When our house was damaged by an unexpected fire, we lived in the Residence Inn for 6 months. The entire staff, from management to maintenance went above and beyond to make a difficult time for our family better, ensuring we felt at home. The folks at Residence Inn are true leaders of our state's travel, hospitality, and tourism industries. I am profoundly grateful to their employees who welcome visitors with their positive attitudes and their exemplary services that always exceed expectations.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in celebrating the ribbon cutting for the Residence Inn refresh and many more years of excellence in the hospitality industry.

Mr. Speaker, today, we remember David A. Stein, who passed away on July 27, 2024, at the age of 85. A Jacksonville native, David spent his entire life in the city he loved, leaving an indelible mark on his community as an entrepreneur, business leader, and philanthropist. Known for his leadership at Burger King and Applebee's franchises, David also co-founded T.L. Cannon Companies. He passionately supported numerous educational and community organizations, including the Jewish Community Alliance, Greenwood School, and River Garden. David, alongside his devoted wife Linda, championed education and mentorship through initiatives like the Stein Fellowship. His generosity extended to many causes, enhancing the quality of life in Jacksonville. David's warmth, laughter, and boundless energy endeared him to all who knew him. As we celebrate his life, we honor his commitment to making a difference and his unwavering dedication to his beloved Jacksonville.

Mr. Speaker, whether flying by with sirens wailing in those awesome cruisers or walking the neighborhood beat, we know we can depend on our local police for safety and security. It is even better when the officer has a familiar face.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of those familiar faces, Sergeant Melissa Dangerfield, for her extraordinary commitment and service to the Clay County Sheriff's Office.

For 35 years, Sergeant Dangerfield has dedicated her career to the safety of Clay County, Florida. Sergeant Dangerfield began her journey in 1989 as a dispatcher and later became a sworn law enforcement officer, investigating crimes with the special victims unit.

Since 2016, she has been imparting her knowledge as a professor by teaching at the St. Johns River State College Basic Law Enforcement Academy.

Mr. Speaker, Clay County is a safer place thanks to the dedication of Sergeant Melissa Dangerfield.

On behalf of Clay County and these United States, we extend our deepest appreciation for her 35 years of exemplary service.

Madam Speaker, do you remember the 1970s? It was the decade of bell-bottom pants, lava lamps, and disco, but the seventies went beyond fads. Profound changes to societal norms took root, particularly for women, in 1972.

In 1972, women were paid 60 percent less than men. Single women couldn't buy a home without a cosigner. Even more jarring, only 1 in 27 girls participated in high school sports.

The tide began to turn that year with the passage of Title IX, the monumental legislation that leveled the playing field to ensure women and girls have an equal opportunity in education and sports.

More than just throwing a ball, playing a sport means learning lifelong skills, leadership, teamwork, and discipline. Title IX paved the way for girls to compete and lead in athletics.

It has been 52 years since 1972, yet Democrats are trying to reverse many

decades of revolutionary change by allowing men to compete against women. It is what the woke progressive mob calls equality.

Every time a male takes a lane in a pool, a spot on the field, or on the starting line, a female athlete loses the opportunity to compete. Madam Speaker, that doesn't sound very equal to me.

There is a reason that men's sports and women's sports are separate. The inclusion of men into women's sports breaches the privacy of all athletes, compromises fairness and safety, and subverts opportunities for women.

Madam Speaker, today, I say ``no'' to men competing in women's sports. I say ``no'' to men in women's locker rooms. I say ``no'' to men in women's showers. I say ``no'' to the Biden administration's proposed changes that will allow all of this when they try to change Title IX.

That is why today, Madam Speaker, we are in a battle of survival for women's sports. We have to pass the resolution. I stand in support of the resolution and ask for your help. Let's go get it done.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. William Lorick, a beloved member of our Amelia Island family.

Born in 1947, William grew up in Augusta, Georgia before attending Newberry College in South Carolina. After graduating, William embarked on a long and extremely successful real estate career. In 1973, William moved to Amelia Island, Florida where he lived for the rest of his life.

William was a pillar of the Amelia Island community, but his service to the island went far beyond that. He was key to the growth of the Lutheran Prince of Peace Church, he was a founding member of the Barnabas Center, and he was one of the first volunteers for the South End Auxiliary Fire Fighters. William also spent years as a mentor in the Big Brothers program. He might even be remembered most for his 1929 Ford Model A, which was certainly the coolest car in town.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that all my colleagues join me in celebrating the amazing life of William Lorick, along with offering our deepest condolences to his wife Stephanie, their children Barlass and Abigail, and to all of his friends and family who miss him dearly.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Tristen Evatt, the Yulee High School Hornet, who recently won the long jump Class 2A track and field state finals in the free state of Florida. Tristen wrote new Hornet history, becoming the third school state champion, and setting a personal record en route to gold.

Stepping foot onto the University of North Florida campus, Tristen knew she needed to pull off something special, and she did just that. On her final jump, Tristen buzzed through the air to sting the competition with a massive leap, blowing past her personal best.

The state championship was a hive of activity for Tristen. She also qualified in the triple jump, 100-meter dash, and the 4x100-meter relay. Throughout the events, Tristen shined, finishing fourth in the triple jump to go along with her gold medal.

The state finals were Tristen's last high school meet before she heads off to University of South Florida in the fall of 2024, and she was determined to go out on top. Years of hard work paid off and winning the state championship firmly cements her as the Queen Bee of Hornet athletes. We are exceptionally proud of this young lady.

Mr. Speaker on behalf of Florida's 4th Congressional District, I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in congratulating Tristen Evatt on this remarkable achievement.

Mr. Chair, had I been present, I would have voted AYE on Roll Call No. 261.

Amendment No. 52 Offered by Mr. Rosendale

Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding.

Madam Speaker, summer is right around the corner, and you know what that means: ice cream, going to the pool, going to the beach, baseball, and, unfortunately, hurricane season.

We all know that in baseball, you get three strikes and you are out, but for some small business owners, they could be out with just one major disaster strike.

According to FEMA, 43 percent of small businesses never reopen after a major disaster. An additional 29 percent go out of business within 2 years of the disaster.

That is why, today, I rise in support of H.R. 7984, the Rural Small Business Resilience Act, which I am proud to co-lead along with Representative Pappas from the great State of New Hampshire.

This legislation will require the SBA to appropriately tailor marketing and outreach materials to rural communities following a disaster.

In a recent report, the Government Accountability Office, the GAO, found that small businesses in rural communities are not aware of the vital assistance the SBA can provide following a disaster, which could make or break whether they remain open or closed.

The GAO recommends the SBA distinguish their marketing between rural

and urban areas in their outreach and how they get the word out that they are there to help them.

Thankfully, Representative Pappas and I have heard the message from GAO. It is loud and clear. We have the right answer, and it is the answer small businesses may be looking for. That answer, Madam Speaker, is the Rural Small Business Resilience Act.

I ask my colleagues to support small business and support small business owners by voting ``yes'' today on H.R. 7984. It could very well be a game changer for small business.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Batten Disease Awareness Day. Batten Disease is a fatal rare disease of the nervous system that usually begins in childhood. In the U.S., an estimated two to four children out of every 100,000 will get the disease, and unfortunately, there is no cure.

On June 9th Batten Disease advocates around the world will celebrate International Batten Disease Awareness Day. Families and caregivers impacted by this disease are often fighting a silent battle due to a lack of public awareness. Increasing awareness helps honor their fight and strengthen the development of innovative treatment options and research for a cure. That's why last year I was proud to introduce a resolution in support of Batten Disease Awareness Day.

I urge my colleagues to join me on June 9th in honoring the families and caregivers, and most importantly, the children who have been impacted by this terrible disease.