Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the service of John Russell Deane III,

who has led a distinguished career in support of motorsports and the automotive performance industry.

Mr. Speaker, I had the pleasure of getting to know Russ over the years through my service in the Florida State Legislature and a shared interest in racing.

Russ is an accomplished race car driver, but I stand here today to highlight his years of service as general counsel to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), and many other race sanctioning bodies, which benefited Americans like me who are passionate about cars, racing and protecting our rights as enthusiasts.

While enrolled at Georgetown University Law Center, Russ started his career working as an aide to U.S. Representative Clark MacGregor (R-MN) and then served in various positions in the Nixon administration, including as a White House aide. In 1975, Russ left government to enter the private practice of law. It was there that he stood up for millions of automotive enthusiasts by helping shape federal and state laws and regulations to protect their hobby and the nation's automotive heritage.

Russ is a leading expert on laws and regulations that apply to motor vehicles and equipment as practiced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and other agencies. Russ worked closely with NHTSA, EPA and CARB as they established rules governing the installation of specialty automotive parts that customize and enhance vehicle performance.

Russ played an instrumental role in implementing the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977 and in crafting the 1990 revisions. Similarly, one of Russ' most enduring accomplishments was his role in developing the CARB Executive Order program to test and certify the emissions performance of specialty auto parts sold across the country. He also helped shape state inspection programs based on testing rather than the mere presence of aftermarket parts.

Russ helped to establish the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, which held its inaugural events in 1996 over a two- day period at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, on the National Mall, and in the halls of Congress. I am proud to have served as co-chair of this caucus since 2011, which now has over 65 members in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Beyond the automotive world, Russ has worked with the U.S. Government, the American Bar Association and many universities to help develop democracies in countries such as Estonia, Ukraine, Georgia and Afghanistan. The Government of Estonia awarded him the Order of the White Star, the highest civilian honor, for helping the country develop a market-based economy after the fall of the Soviet Union.

Russ is a true Renaissance man, with interests and expertise in areas well outside the practice of law. He is a skilled yachtsman, pilot, diver, and connoisseur of fine wines and cigars. In his spare time, he also races sports cars and motorcycles. In 2012, he accomplished a longtime goal of setting an SRT-4 land speed record and being installed as a proud member of the Bonneville 200 MPH Club.

I wish Russ Deane all the best in his retirement and thank him for his years of service to the automotive hobby and racing community.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5346) to amend title 51, United States Code, to provide for licenses and experimental permits for space support vehicles, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 5346, the bill now under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5346, the Commercial Space Support Vehicle Act, was largely developed with input from a Department of Transportation report on approaches for streamlining the licensing and permitting of hybrid launch vehicles to enable non-launch flight operations. Hybrid launch vehicles are those that have some of the

characteristics of aircraft and some of the characteristics of launch vehicles.

Companies would like to utilize space support vehicles to train crews and spaceflight participants by exposing them to the physiological effects encountered in spaceflight or conduct research in reduced gravity environments. Spaceports, like those in Florida and other States, would like to attract those companies to operate out of their facilities.

The DOT report concluded that: ``The option of having a single statutory regime and regulatory office oversee a demonstrated commercial space program throughout its operational life cycle would allow consistent application of regulatory philosophy and safety oversight and be more efficient and cost effective for the launch operator as well as the licensing agency. For an evolving industry, a regulatory environment that can adjust to accommodate changes would allow for more flexible and more responsive oversight.''

Additionally, a GAO report issued last year recommended that the FAA examine the FAA's current regulatory framework for space support vehicles and suggest legislative or regulatory changes as applicable.

I believe H.R. 5346 provides the appropriate regulatory approach by authorizing the Secretary of Transportation to develop the regulations by March 1, 2019, allowing licensed space support flights. The intent of timing is to include the development of regulations in the regulatory reform process that the Vice President and the National Space Council tasked the FAA to complete by that date.

Of course, I want to thank my friend of many, many decades, Congressman Lawson from the great State of Florida, for his cosponsorship and support of this bill, as well as Chairman Lamar Smith and Subcommittee Chairman Brian Babin, both of Texas, for advancing and cosponsoring this great piece of legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Babin).

Mr. Speaker, I once again want to thank the cosponsors on both sides of the aisle. This has been about a 9-year journey to make this much-needed change to our laws.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, my return flight to Washington, DC was delayed due to inclement weather, and I was unable to attend the legislative session on June 19, 2018. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 269, ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 270, and ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 271.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize Tim and Suzanne Olson for their leadership in the Space Coast Honor Flight program serving Florida's Brevard and Indian River County veterans.

A United States Navy veteran, Tim Olson began his service to Honor Flight in 2010 while working his full-time job in Maryland. As a ``Green Shirt'' volunteer at the Baltimore-Washington International Airport, he helped welcome veterans from around the United States as they made their way to Washington, D.C.

Based on his rewarding experiences, Tim encouraged his wife Suzanne to volunteer with the newly formed Honor Flight program in Melbourne, FL in late 2010. Since that time, Tim and Suzanne have been an integral part of Space Coast Honor Flight. Working with a small group of volunteers, they helped build a board of directors to lead a team of over 300 volunteers that have made 49 trips to our nation's capital, allowing 1,250 World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans the opportunity to visit their memorials.

For the last eight years Tim has served as the Space Coast Honor Flight Operations Director responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of the trips to Washington, D.C. Suzanne served as Secretary/Treasurer, Guardian Coordinator, Mail Call Coordinator, and currently as Programs Director responsible for planning and coordinating all events in Melbourne, Florida.

One of the greatest privileges Katie and I have is greeting our veterans as they depart on their honor flight to our nation's capital to visit their memorials, or greeting them in Washington, D.C., as they arrive on the National Mall. Their courage, and that of veterans since, has helped change the course of history and has protected America and the freedoms we hold dear.

I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in saluting the passion, dedication, and commitment of Tim and Suzanne Olson. Their service honors our veterans and has been vital to the success of the Space Coast Honor Flight mission.

Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, May 12, 2018, thousands of residents from across Central Florida will gather at the Cocoa Beach Pier in Cocoa Beach, Florida, to take part in the Seventh Annual ``Footprints in the Sand'' Cocoa Beach Kidney Walk. Katie and I have joined others in our community in participating every year since the first walk was organized in 2012 by Rich Salick, Bill Hahn and volunteers with the Florida Chapter of the National Kidney Foundation.

The ``Footprints in the Sand'' Kidney Walk brings our community together to show our love and concern. So many of us have family, friends and loved ones that are afflicted by kidney disease and they need our strength and support. The road ahead is not easy for them, but as the kidney walk demonstrates, they do not have to travel that path alone.

The National Kidney Foundation, its supporters and activists have made a significant difference in people's lives. They not only raise awareness about this disease but they have helped push for much needed changes in our laws and new innovations to give patients more treatment options and a better quality of life.

This year organizers of the kidney walk will recognize organ donors and their families for giving the precious gift of life so that others could receive a second chance and continue with their lives.

Those recognized include: Patricia Brown on behalf of Michael Robert Brown, Mary and Bill Carpenter on behalf of Shawn Carpenter, Billie Lomonaco on behalf of Tiffany Accardi, Dawn and Mike Futch on behalf of Michael-Gene Futch, Deborah and Dennis Thrope on behalf of Jessica Carter, Diane Couch on behalf of Linda Couch, Jasmine and Trip Persaud on behalf of Tribhawan Anand Persaud, Chris and Laura Dawkins on behalf of Brooke Dawkins, Jen and Timothy Eden on behalf of Blake Eden, Laila Merolle on behalf of Mario Merolle, Patricia and Obdulio Rivera on behalf of Sebastian Rivera, Ada Torres and Efrain Morales on behalf of Neysha Estrella, Michelle Lashley on behalf of Jharod Lashley, Theresa Black on behalf of Timothy Bishop,

Neil and Vivien Pogeler on behalf of Scott Pogeler, Dee Hill on behalf of Cora Hill and Jeb Jones.

I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the strong will of these caring families, their loved ones, and all those who have joined the effort and worked tirelessly to raise awareness about kidney disease.

Mr. Chairman, for 7 years, I have been working to provide American companies with the capability to conduct commercial space support activities. American companies would like to utilize space support vehicles to train crews and space flight participants for the rigors of space flight and research.

Last year, our office worked with the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to draft language to address this issue. At the time, we agreed on language that the committee included in the manager's amendment to an older version of the FAA reauthorization. Since that time, a whole lot has changed in the commercial space industry.

Recently, I worked with the industry, in coordination with the FAA, to create a legislative solution to allow these companies to operate. My bill, H.R. 5346, was favorably supported from the Science, Space, and Technology Committee a month ago, and has the support of industry and the FAA.

We owe it to our Nation's commercial space industry to get this language right. I am sure you will agree with me that we cannot support the passage of outdated or problematic language, and I hope you will commit to working with me, going forward, to provide the industry with an effective legislative solution.

I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania.

Mr. Speaker, my return flight to Washington, D.C. was canceled due to mechanical problems, and I was unable to attend the legislative session on April 24, 2018.

Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 148, and YEA and Roll Call No. 149.

Mr. Speaker, on February 21,2018, the City of Palm Bay will recognize the courage and bravery of the city's law enforcement officers and civilians during their annual Valor Award's Ceremony to be held at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place in Melbourne, FL. Over two hundred law enforcement officials and civilian employees make up the City of Palm Bay's police department.

The 160 sworn officers, and all the men and women that make up the Palm Bay Police Department, lay down their lives on a daily basis as peacekeepers, maintaining law and order

for the protection and enhancement of our community. Their motto of Connect, Serve, and Impact speaks of officers connecting with the community as they serve with pride to provide a positive impact to its citizens. Their selfless actions are right and noble, and help keep our community safe.

The Palm Bay Police Department obtained its State of Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation status on October 31,2007, from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc., and has successfully been reaccredited over the last ten years.

I am honored to show my support for the law enforcement personnel of the Palm Bay Police Department and their heroic acts. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing their sacrifices, and the sacrifices of their families.

Among those to be recognized are the Officer of the Year Recipient, Officer Kyle Schuck and the Civilian of the Year Recipient, Nicholas Zynko.

The Distinguished Service Cross Award Recipients: Officer Christopher Snedeker, Officer Kyle Schuck.

Officer and Civilian Recipients of the Life Saving Award: Officer Bailey Ritchie-Sullivan, Officer Edwin Lutz, Officer Carlos Valentin, Officer Deylen Machado (2), Officer Caroline Jodoin, Officer Sean Dutill, Officer Cory Presley, Corporal William Pennington, Officer Aaron Yuergens, Officer Steven Hill.

Officer and Civilian Recipients of the Meritorious Service Award: Officer Kyle Schuck, Officer Stephan Smith, Detective Jorge Negron (2), Officer Roy LaVanture, Agent Millan Valdes, Detective Jesse Suelter, Nicholas Zynko.

Officer and Civilian Recipients of the Community Service Award: Officer Kyle Schuck (2), Officer Kyle Eakins, Officer Nicholas Abroe, Officer Thomas Trotter, Corporal Alcine Phang-Pennington, Patricia Tobar, Jennifer Williams, Kimberly Meade.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the achievements of Dr. Mary Helen McCay who has just been named a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors--a highly prestigious professional distinction. Dr. McCay currently serves as University Research Professor and Director of Florida Institute of Technology's National Center for Hydrogen Research. She was inducted into the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame in 2017.

Dr. McCay grew up in Fort Pierce just south of Florida's Space Coast. A fan of space exploration from an early age, Mary Helen remembers watching Astronaut John Glenn's famous launch during high school assembly. Like many young people growing up on the Space Coast at that time--including myself--her enthusiasm for our space program grew as she regularly visited Patrick Air Force Base and Kennedy Space Center to watch our rocket launches. With a strong interest in studying science and engineering, she went on to earn her Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Florida in 1973.

Dr. McCay was a Principal Investigator at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center for almost 20 years where she studied the influence of microgravity of single crystal formation and conducted failure analyses of space vehicle materials. She was Principal Investigator on a Microgravity Laboratory I flight experiment, as well as three other flight experiments and received the NASA Scientific Achievement Medal for her work. Her involvement with NASA led to her becoming a Payload Specialist Astronaut for Space Shuttle Challenger Flight Spacelab-3 mission.

Prior to joining the Florida Institute of Technology, Dr. McCay was Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Chair of the Center for Laser Applications, and Adjunct Professor of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science at the University of Tennessee Space Institute and received numerous awards for her groundbreaking research. She has published more than 130 technical articles; serves as reviewer on 8 peer-reviewed journals; and holds 24 patents, 22 for laser-induced- surface improvement and its applications. Together with her husband, Dr. Dwayne McCay, the President of the Florida Institute of Technology, she holds 15 joint U.S. patents in the area of metallurgical engineering.

When asked about her inspiration in science, Dr. McCay points to Madame Curie for her persistence as well as her brilliance. She credits her mother and father as key influences in her life, as well as the Dominican sisters who taught her in grade school, her high

school chemistry teacher, Mr. Harris, Dean Rogers at Florida State University, and her husband.

A strong advocate for STEM education, Dr. McCay has worked to establish STEM mentoring groups between faculty and new students attending the Florida Institute of Technology. Along with her colleagues she does outreach to local high schools to encourage students to consider pursuing a career in one of the STEM fields. She also coordinates a K-12 Girls in Science Summer Camp the Florida Institute of Technology.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Mary Helen McCay, as well as Dr. Dwayne McCay and the dedicated faculty of the Florida Institute of Technology, for their contributions to science and engineering, and for their commitment to inspiring young minds and future scientists of our nation.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully include in the Record my intended votes for November 28 through December 1, 2017. I was feeling under the weather, and at the advice of my doctor I was told to rest and avoid air travel for the duration of the week.

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

H.R. 2768--Fowler and Boskoff Peaks Designation Act (Sponsored by Rep. Scott Tipton/Natural Resources Committee)--This legislation would designate two mountain peaks in the Uncompahgre National Forest in Colorado as ``Fowler Peak'' and ``Boskoff Peak'' in honor of two philanthropists--Charlie Fowler and Christine Boskoff--whom supported athletic schools, women's education, global literacy, and gender equality. They passed away when an avalanche struck while they were attempting to climb Genyen Peak in Tibet in November 2006. Roll no. 638--Yes

H.R. 3115--Superior National Forest Land Exchange Act of 2017 (Sponsored by Rep. Rick Nolan/Natural Resources Committee). This legislation would facilitate a land exchange between the United States Forest Service (USFS) and a private entity--6,650 acres of federal land in the Superior National Forest would be exchanged for 6,690 acres of private land in the same forest. The proposal has been under strict review by the National Environmental Policy Act for seven years, and requires permitting through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the State of Minnesota after the bill's enactment. Roll no. 639--Yes

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Ordering the Previous Question on H. Res. 631--Procedural vote on the combined rule providing for consideration of the bill, H.R. 3017-- Brownfields Enhancement, Economic Redevelopment, and Reauthorization Act of 2017, and of the bill, H.R. 3905--Minnesota's Economic Rights in the Superior National Forest Act. Roll no. 640--Yes

Adoption of H. Res. 631--Procedural vote on the combined rule providing for consideration of the bill, H.R. 3017--Brownfields Enhancement, Economic Redevelopment, and Reauthorization Act of 2017, and of the bill, H.R. 3905--Minnesota's Economic Rights in the Superior National Forest Act. Roll no. 641--Yes

Thursday, November 30, 2017

H.Amdt. 487 to H.R. 3905, Minnesota's Economic Rights in the Superior National Forest Act, Grijalva (D-AZ) Amendment--Increases the royalty rate by 16.66 percent for mineral leases in the Superior National Forest. Roll no. 642--No

Passage of H.R. 3905--Minnesota's Economic Rights in the Superior National Forest Act (Sponsored by Rep. Tom Emmer/Natural Resources Committee)--This bill restores mineral rights in Minnesota, and opens the permitting process for mining in the state. Roll no. 643--Yes

Ordering the Previous Question on H. Res. 635--Procedural vote on the combined rule providing for consideration of the bill H.R. 4182-- Ensuring a Qualified Civil Service Act of 2017 and of the bill H.R. 1699--Preserving Access to Manufactured Housing Act of 2017. Roll no. 644--Yes

Adoption of H. Res. 635--Procedural vote on the combined rule providing for consideration of the bill H.R. 4182--Ensuring a Qualified Civil Service Act of 2017 and of the bill H.R. 1699--Preserving Access to Manufactured Housing Act of 2017. Roll no. 645--Yes

H.Amdt. 489 to H.R. 4182, Ensuring a Qualified Civil Service Act of 2017, Hastings (D-FL) Amendment--Exempts alumni of the PeaceCorps, AmeriCorps, and other national service programs under the Corporation for National and Community Service from the two-year probationary period. Roll no. 646--No

H.Amdt. 491 to H.R. 4182, Connolly (D-VA) Substitute Amendment-- Strikes the provisions of the bill and replaces it with a study and report by the Comptroller General of the United States. The study and report will be on those agencies that have lengthened the employee probationary period from 1 to 2 years, and any impact of an existing two-year probationary period at the agency. Roll no. 647--No

Passage of H.R. 4182--Ensuring a Qualified Civil Service Act of 2017--This legislation would extend the probationary period for new federal employees (civil service) from one year to two years. The bill addresses the findings from a 2015 GAO report which found that supervisors often do not utilize the probationary period for its intended purpose, and need more time to complete a full assessment of work performance. Roll no. 648--Yes

Passage of H.R. 3017--Brownfields Enhancement, Economic Redevelopment, and Reauthorization Act of 2017 (Sponsored by Rep. David McKinley/Energy and Commerce Committee)--This bill reauthorizes the Brownfields Program to provide grants and technical assistance to communities, states, and tribes to assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse contaminated properties. There are more than 450,000 brownfields in the United States, and each of these sites has the potential to encourage economic development with federal assistance. Roll no. 649--Yes

Friday, December 1, 2017

Democrat Motion to Recommit on H.R. 1699--Preserving Access to Manufactured Housing Act of 2017 (Sponsored by Rep. Andy Barr/Financial Services Committee)--Roll no. 650--No

Passage of H.R. 1699--Preserving Access to Manufactured Housing Act of 2017 (Sponsored by Rep. Andy Barr/Financial Services Committee)-- This bill would help low-income families gain access to banks loans to purchase mobile homes. Roll no. 651--Yes

Approval of the Journal Roll no. 652--Yes

Mr. Speaker, on December 16, 2017, Brevard County families, businesses and local community organizations will gather together to celebrate the Ninth Annual Christmas Extravaganza. This wonderful event, which will take place at Fred Poppe Regional Park in Palm Bay, FL, will provide an uplifting message of hope and future during this Christmas season as so many families are still facing difficult challenges.

The House at Palm Bay, the City of Palm Bay Parks & Recreation, Gator Automotive, Thrifty Produce, Chick-Fil-A, and Church on the Rock, Elevation Church, Calvary Chapel, Discover Life Church, Victory Church, Jornada Church, Victory in Christ Church, and several other business partners have recognized the importance of providing a positive venue for residents and children to celebrate Christmas.

What makes the Family Christmas Extravaganza so special is that there is no cost to attend--everything is absolutely free to the public. From cotton candy and hot dogs, to live music, and fun activities for children, the sponsors of this annual event are committed to serving others during this Christmas season and giving back to their community.

This year, over eighty local businesses and organizations .have made donations of food, gift certificates, equipment, cash and goodie bags. The Bayside High School Marching Band will be performing along with Chagy the Clown.

Senior Pastor Ken Delgado of The House at Palm Bay said, ``With today's news being filled with division, contention and expressions of hatred, it is exciting to see the City of Palm Bay, along with the city's businesses and the citizens, create an event where love, joy and peace are expressed. The Family Christmas Extravaganza is the greatest expression that so many people yearn for, and is what the angels proclaimed at the birth of Jesus saying ``Peace and good will towards all men.''

Mayor William Capote said, ``The Family Christmas Extravaganza is a wonderful annual tradition in the great City of Palm Bay. I am proud to be the Mayor of a City where groups like The House church spend so much time and energy selflessly giving back to our community. The House has captured the giving spirit of the holiday season with this event, providing a day of celebration and Christmas joy completely free of charge. I've seen the positive impact of the Extravaganza over the years and I am excited to see this event continue to grow!''

Palm Bay City Manager Greg Lynk states, ``I'm excited to welcome the Family Christmas Extravaganza back to the City of Palm Bay. Over the past several years, the Christmas Extravaganza has become a cherished holiday tradition in Palm Bay, reminding all of us the reason for the season. The City is proud to partner with The House on this wonderful event that brings so much Christmas spirit to the great citizens of Palm Bay.''

Gator Automotive owner Joe Kelly said ``Gator Chrysler has been a proud supporter of the Christmas Extravaganza for a few years. I support it because indeed it is a great thing the House of Palm Bay has established for families that can't enjoy the holiday. I have heard firsthand from some of those families and it touches my heart.'' .

Fred Poppe, Director of Palm Bay Parks and Recreation, said ``I am always looking for partnerships in the Community to serve our City to the best of our ability. The partnership with The House is very important in that we provide a free Holiday spirited event for thousands of our residents. It's the kind of partnership that embodies the true spirit of the United States of America. Thanks for all that you and your hundreds of volunteers do to make this possible.''

The City of Palm Bay issued a proclamation declaring December 16, 2017 as Family Christmas Extravaganza Day.

I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting all those who have worked so hard to make the Annual Family Christmas Extravaganza possible; and those who spread the Christmas

spirit through good deeds and charitable acts across our nation.

Mr. Speaker, on December 10, 2017, C.A.R.S. Racing for a Cause, Inc. will hold its final Charity 200 race event after twelve years of helping children and families who are facing serious and terminal illness in Central Florida.

C.A.R.S. Racing for a Cause Inc. was founded in 2006 by Carla, Amanda, Rick and Sara Bristol of Orlando, Florida. That is what C.A.R.S. stands for. At that time Rick, a lifelong racing enthusiast, met a family with a child suffering from leukemia. Wanting very much to help this little boy, who was an avid fan of monster trucks; Rick used his contacts in the racing industry to pull together a 200 lap charity truck race and raised about $6500 to help this little boy and his family pay for his treatments.

Since then C.A.R.S. Racing for a Cause has been helping families in need hosting a number of charitable events throughout the year which culminate in one big racing weekend event called the Charity 200. Every year C.A.R.S. board of directors selects two or more families with serious medical needs and dedicates the year's events to raising funds to help them through difficult times.

In 2012, Rick enlisted the help of friend and NASCAR Truck Series winning driver Joey Coulter, and parents Joe & Susan Coulter, to help grow and promote the Charity 200 race weekend. Working together, Rick and Joey have raised over $275,000 to help 30 Florida families to date. At the conclusion of this year's event, 33 families, and over $300,000 will have been raised and distributed to help those in need.

This year, C.A.R.S. will be helping Gianna Palazzolo, a six year old girl from Bartow FL, who was seriously injured in a car accident; Kaitlynn Swanbeck of Auburndale FL, age sixteen and has a serious back disease; and Shaunna Posey-Cajigas of Titusville FL, a twenty-seven year old mother with a five year old son who is battling stage 4 thyroid cancer.

Special thanks also go to Don Nerone & Robert Hart who allowed Rick to begin the Charity 200 event at Orlando Speedworld in 2006. In 2012, the event was moved to Auburndale Speedway where Rex and Colette Guy, Ken & Charlotte Hyatt donated the use of the facility, paid the insurance and helped grow the event each year.

Rick and Joey have had the following board members along with Rick's family these 12 years: Butch and Barbara Pierce, Chad and Nicole Pierce, and Eric Reynolds. They have all labored with love to help children and families facing these diseases and tough times. Many other loyal friends and family have volunteered to help make all these events possible.

Their mission has been ``And of some have compassion, making a difference.'' Jude 22.

I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting C.A.R.S. Racing for a Cause, and all those who have helped make their events successful.

Mr. Speaker, to recognize POW/MIA Day, on September 15, 2017, the Department of the Air Force, 920th Rescue Squadron, will honor the life and sacrifices of Captain Richard A. Kibbey, MIA, by presenting his Dog Tags to his surviving family at Patrick Air Force Base in Cocoa Beach, FL.

Captain Kibbey was one of four aircrew members aboard the HH-3E helicopter, call sign JOLLEY GREEN 05, on a mission to rescue downed pilot Captain Lucius L. Heiskell. On February 6, 1967, despite poor weather and limited visibility, Kibbey and his crew succeeded in picking up Captain Heiskell, but they were hit repeatedly by 37mm AAA fire. The burning HH-3E flew for about a mile before colliding head-on with a limestone cliff.

Of the five men aboard JOLLEY GREEN 05, only one survived-- pararescueman Dwayne Hackney, who was found after the incident. The other four airmen were designated as Missing in Action: Major Patrick H. Wood, pilot, MIA; Captain Richard A. Kibbey, copilot, MIA; SSgt Donald J. Hall, flight engineer, MIA; and Captain Lucius L. Heiskell, 0-1F pilot, MIA.

Although the four men were carried in MIA status for some years, an Air Force review board ultimately determined that all available evidence indicated that they had died in the crash. Captain Kibbey's Dog Tags were recently discovered near the accident site by a local farmer and were transferred to the U.S. authorities.

Captain Kibbey and the crew of the JOLLY GREEN 05, including Captain Heiskell, laid their lives down on the altar of freedom for the benefit of our nation and our way of life. Posthumously, for his actions, Captain Kibbey was promoted to Colonel and awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. On behalf of the United States Congress I would like to express my sincere appreciation for their sacrifices. At my request, on August 30, 2017, the Architect of the Capitol flew the United States Flag over our Capitol Building to further honor the sacrifices of Captain Richard A. Kibbey and his crew.

I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting these brave airmen, and their families, for their commitment to serving our nation and protecting our freedom.

Mr. Speaker, I want to bring to the attention of my colleagues a true success story in the world of American small business. Trafford Realty Co., based in Brevard County, Florida, is celebrating its 100th Anniversary, a true milestone for any small business.

In 1917, A. R. ``Roy'' Trafford and Russell Field opened Trafford and Field Realtors in Historic Cocoa Village to serve the residents of the City of Cocoa and the Brevard County community. Years later, Roy's son Al became Trafford's president and continued to lead the organization until 2009 at which time, at the age of 94, he promoted vice president and general manager Terry Lolmaugh to the position of president. AI continued to be active in the company until his passing in 2014 at the age of 99.

To recognize his many contributions to our community, the City of Cocoa renamed its amphitheater at Cocoa Riverfront Park to the AI Trafford Amphitheater in 2009.

Trafford Realty Co.'s leadership has witnessed the growth of Brevard County, from an area originally known for commercial fishing, citrus, and tourism to the center for space exploration. The company has survived and prospered through every national and local event of the 20th and 21st centuries, successfully enduring the effects of World Wars, economic depressions and recessions, local natural disasters, and man-made catastrophes.

Trafford Realty Co. has managed the sales and purchases of thousands of homes and commercial properties in Brevard County, and was instrumental in the development of some of Brevard County's most well- known subdivisions dating from 1924 through the 1970s, including: Carleton Terrace, Riverview Acres and Hardee Circle, Cocoa Isles, South Merritt Estates, and The Ranches.

Trafford Realty Co. has over 20 professional associates. Together, they have more than 345 years in cumulative real estate selling and buying experience. The Trafford Realty Co. prides itself on its experience, integrity and longevity. It will continue to serve the residents and businesses of Brevard County, with a reputation as one of our most trusted and respected businesses.

I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting Trafford Realty and its employees for their continuing contributions to our community and for achieving 100 successful years in business.

Mr. Speaker, I missed votes because my flight was cancelled and the next one available arrived after votes. Had I been present, I would have voted Yea on H.R. 2847, Roll Call No. 309, and Yea on H.R. 2866, Roll Call No. 310.