Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and the law enforcement officers who keep Polk County safe every single day.

This week marks the annual observance of Police Week. Though we set aside one week a year to honor law enforcement, I encourage all Americans to join me not only this week, but every day, in recognizing the honor, courage, and commitment of America's law enforcement.

Our law enforcement officers are heroes in the community. They keep us safe and are willing to put their lives on the line every day in the course of their duties. It is impossible to fully express our gratitude or adequately recognize the professionalism of the men and women who voluntarily put their lives on the line for our safety and security. It is with deep respect that we pause today to honor the memory of the heroes who gave the last full measure of devotion and made the ultimate sacrifice.

I want to extend my sincere appreciation to all the law enforcement officers who bravely and selflessly serve Polk County. It is an honor to recognize them and all men and women in law enforcement.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Orange County Sheriff John Mina, City of Apopka Police Chief Michael McKinley, City of Ocoee Police Chief Vincent Ogburn, City of Winter Garden Police Chief Steve Graham, Town of Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell, Town of Windermere Police Chief David Ogden and all the law enforcement officers who keep Orange County safe every single day.

This week marks the annual observance of Police Week. Though we set aside one week a year to honor law enforcement, I encourage all Americans to join me not only this week, but every day, in recognizing the honor, courage, and commitment of America's law enforcement.

Our law enforcement officers are heroes in the community. They keep us safe and are willing to put their lives on the line every day in the course of their duties. It is impossible to fully express our gratitude or adequately recognize the professionalism of the men and women who voluntarily put their lives on the line for our safety and security. It is with deep respect that we pause today to honor the memory of the heroes who gave the last full measure of devotion and made the ultimate sacrifice.

I want to extend my sincere appreciation to all the law enforcement officers who bravely and selflessly serve throughout Orange County. It is an honor to recognize them and all men and women in law enforcement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this piece of legislation.

This bill recognizes the important work the Coast Guard does to protect our waters, interdict drugs, stop human trafficking, and promote maritime safety.

As my State of Florida braces for the influx of Haitian immigrants-- illegal immigrants--this bill authorizes funding through fiscal year 2026 and makes critical investments to enable the service to meet their current and growing mission demands.

The measure directs much-needed investments in the Coast Guard shoreside infrastructure and authorizes additional heavy lift aircraft, helicopters, and vessels that will support the Coast Guard's missions.

As the Coast Guard faces a shortfall of servicemembers and civilians, this legislation supports the Coast Guard's efforts to address its recruiting and retention challenges while supporting efforts to boost the pool of qualified U.S. merchant mariners that can mobilize during such a time as is needed.

I am pleased the bill also has language to strengthen the Coast Guard's ability to counter cyber threats that jeopardize the safety of our supply chain.

The bill incorporates the Coast Guard Protection and Accountability Act of 2024 that Ranking Member Carbajal and I introduced along with Chairman Graves and Ranking Member Larsen.

The provisions will strengthen protections for members of the Coast Guard from sexual assault and harassment and increase transparency within the service about the manner in which these cases are held.

I appreciate Chairman Graves' work on the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 along with Ranking Member Larsen and subcommittee Ranking Member Carbajal.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to talk about an important subject.

This is a simple word, faith. Faith is defined in the Scriptures as the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen, for by it the elders obtained a good report.

So faith has substance. It is evidence. It is touchable. It is tangible. It is not just something in the air, although it is a simple word.

Where does faith come from? Faith comes by hearing, hearing by the Word of God. It comes from the Bible. That is where we get faith from. We hear it, read it, study it, understand it, and then practice it. By doing so, our faith grows.

It is important to note, though, we can't please God without faith. A lot of people want to please God in all kinds of ways, but the Scripture says that it is impossible to please Him--impossible--without faith.

So without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who cometh to God must believe that he is and that He is a rewarder of them who diligently seek Him.

Then, also, though, with all that, it adds up to really a simple life, a life that takes a simple word, turns it into a real faith, believes it, and lives it out.

The Scripture says: ``Thou hast held me by my right hand.'' That is when we find that first initial faith, faith in Christ, faith that He is our Lord, faith that He is our Savior, and faith that He is the God He said He is.

Not only does He take me by the right hand, but Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel. Where is his counsel? It is in the Bible, so we study the Bible. We know it, and we live a life. Eventually, that life comes to an end.

The Scripture says: Then Thou shalt take me to glory. That is Heaven. It is a simple life. God holds us by our hand. He leads us by his counsel, and afterward, He takes us to glory, to Heaven. What a great thing.

It is a simple word. It is a simple life. It is a simple faith.

Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere appreciation that I recognize Agostina ``Stina'' D'Uva for her leadership and service to the West Orange Chamber of Commerce. After more than 22 years of service, Stina will retire at the end of this year in December 2023.

In December 2001, Stina became the President and CEO of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce. For the past 22 years she has led the West Orange Chamber of Commerce to support the business community through advocacy, networking opportunities, educational programs, and economic development which have impacted our community for the better. Her endeavors have enabled the West Orange Chamber of Commerce to grow into one of the strongest, most respected Chambers in the state of Florida.

Under Stina's direction, the West Orange Chamber of Commerce has created and organized many events for members and the community including Best Fest--The Taste of West Orange, Celebrating Extraordinary Women, the Tour de Chamber bicycle event, and Brewing Up Business. She has also been a catalyst with the Chamber in supporting children and their education for many years. The Chamber has been recognized by Orange County Public Schools for its commitment with several awards including Student of Achievement and Renown (SOAR) and the West Orange Program for Tomorrow's Entrepreneurs (WOPTE).

Throughout her leadership, the West Orange Chamber of Commerce has garnered many local and statewide certifications and honors, including Florida Association of Chamber Professionals Chamber of the Year in 2009, 2012 and 2015. Individually, she received recognition in September 2023 as the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals Executive of the Year.

Stina has been an integral leader throughout the Central Florida community for decades. She has served her community in many capacities including as a Planning & Zoning Commissioner for Orange County, on the Orange County Charter Review Commission, and as Chairwoman of the Health Central Foundation Board. Additionally, in 2007, she was recognized as Orange County District 1 Citizen of the Year and was awarded the 2013 Central Florida Women's League Heart of Florida Woman Award. In 2014, she was elected to and continues to serve on the MetroWest Master Association Board of Directors. As a parent, she was the President of both the MetroWest Elementary School PTA and the Gotha Middle School PTSA and was also a founding member and President of the Olympia High School PTSA.

It is a privilege to congratulate and applaud my friend Stina on her hard work and many contributions to the Central Florida community and wish her a well-deserved retirement. May her commitment to excellence, leadership and service inspire others to follow in her footsteps.

Mr. Speaker, due to the last minute House floor schedule changes, I had previously committed to an event in my home state of Florida which I could not miss, so I missed the vote on H. Res. 845. Had I been present, I would have voted yea on Roll Call No. 622.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the life of my good friend, Mr. Fredrick C. ``Fred'' Brummer, who passed away on May 1, 2023. Fred was a loyal friend and dedicated public servant who contributed enormously to our community.

Fred was born October 28, 1945, in Babylon, New York. In 1957, at the age of 12, Fred and his family moved to Florida. He graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1968 and a Master of Business Administration in 1974. In 1972, he married his wonderful wife of 51 years, Catherine A. ``Cathi'' Anderson, of Hollywood, Florida.

In 1976, Fred earned the qualification as a Certified Public Accountant. Fred began his private accounting practice, Brummer & Rogers, PA, CPA, in 1981 in Apopka, Florida. He was a member of both the American and Florida Institutes of CPAs.

In 1998, Fred was elected to serve as State Representative from District 38 in the Florida Legislature and did so subsequently until 2006. During his time in the Florida Legislature, Fred served as Chair of the State Administration Committee, the Committee for Appropriations for Commerce and Local Affairs, and the Committee for Finance and Taxation and as Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. He was recognized for his steadfast service by numerous organizations including as ``Representative of the Year'' by both the Florida Police Benevolent Association and the International Association of Fire Fighters. In 2006, Fred was elected to serve as an Orange County Commissioner and served honorably until 2014.

Fred was passionate and dedicated to serving his community. He chaired the Orange County School Overcrowding Committee, was a member and President of the Apopka Rotary Club, member of the Orange County Membership and Mission Review Board, Orange County Public Schools Finance Advisory Committee, the Wekiva Basin Area Task Force, the Wekiva River Basin Coordinating Committee, Lake County Fire & Emergency Service Advisory Committee, and the City of Apopka Fire Pension Board.

He was honored for his many years of service by receiving many awards and acknowledgements including the Apopka Chamber of Commerce Businessman of the Year in 1991, Apopka Rotary Rotarian of the Year in 1993, and in 1995 receiving the Apopka Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award, the Apopka Daybreak Rotary Outstanding Service Award, and the Habitat for Humanity Greater Apopka Volunteer Service Award.

Fred is remembered as a man of honor, of humility and as one who served his community with tireless dedication. I am truly thankful for Fred's friendship and dedication to the Central Florida community.

Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize VSC Lunar Alliance and Founder David H. van de Velde of The Villages, Florida, along with the Leesburg Noon Rotary Club for their Pledge Not to Bully Movement.

The Pledge Against Bullying Program was established in 2018 with the Interact Club at Leesburg High School with Principal Michael Randolph and has influenced numerous teenagers to make the Pledge. The VSC Lunar Alliance has drawn interest to the Pledge Against Bullying Program by allowing the participants to be a part of an exciting night program.

Moon Mission No. 1 is the first space rocket mission of VSC Lunar Alliance in a series of three missions. VSC Lunar Alliance has arranged to have a micro-SD card placed in a capsule aboard a space rocket ship at Space Port America in New Mexico. Students have their pledges, pictures, and essays on the micro-SD card along with memorabilia from the Leesburg Rotary Club and community organization. Moon Mission No. 1 is a test flight scheduled to launch November 30th and will go into space and return to the Earth.

Moon Mission No. 2 and Moon Mission No. 3 are scheduled for 2023. Moon Mission No. 2 will launch from the Kennedy Space Centre at Cape Canaveral in Florida. Moon Mission No. 2 will also carry the capsule with the micro-SD card and this time will remain on the moon. VSC Lunar Alliance and the Leesburg Noon Rotary Club will be the first to place the Leesburg High School students and participants of the Pledge Against Bullying Program on the moon along with the Leesburg Noon Rotary Club.

Founder David H. van de Velde has personally monetarily invested in support of this program to join in the three space rocket ship launches. David H. van de Velde has a vast knowledge and experience in space technology. As part owner of Quality Materials Inspection in Southern California from 1988 to 1990, Mr. van de Velde began his great interest in space technology.

I am honored to recognize Mr. van de Velde for his passion for space science and his love for children and their success. It is commendable that through Mr. van de Velde's vision and the Leesburg Noon Rotary Club students can choose not to bully through the participation and education of science space technology.

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

Madam Speaker, first, I thank Chairman DeFazio for working with us on this particular bill, the Global Aircraft Maintenance Safety Improvement Act.

I am pleased that H.R. 7321, as amended, ensures the level of safety we all expect in a way that is consistent with our bilateral safety agreements and collaborative with foreign civil aviation authorities.

International buy-in and collaboration are key if we are to chart a real path forward on aviation safety, and this bill strives to do that.

Notably, this legislation has markedly improved since last Congress, and I, again, want to thank the chair and his staff for working with us in a bipartisan manner.

Under H.R. 7321, our domestic repair stations will not be exposed to retaliation by other countries, nor will American jobs be jeopardized.

Again, improving oversight of foreign repair stations without damaging our standing and partnerships in the international community is the goal here today. This is another example of our bipartisan commitment to aviation safety.

Madam Speaker, I urge support, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, in closing, H.R. 7321, as amended, continues our commitment to the traveling public by ensuring aviation safety on the international playing field.

Madam Speaker, I urge support of this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3482, as amended, creates the National Center for the Advancement of Aviation, a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to bringing government and aviation stakeholders together to address aviation workforce issues.

United States aviation supports 11.3 million direct jobs and facilitates more than a trillion dollars in economic activity, which represents more than 5 percent of gross domestic product.

Every industry is feeling the pinch of labor shortages, and the reality is that self-help measures undertaken by the aviation industry are not enough to ensure advancement of the aerospace industry. We must address the growing aviation workforce shortage to ensure our domestic aerospace industry maintains its global competitive advantage.

This bipartisan legislation has widespread support across the aviation industry, and I acknowledge that this bill was passionately supported, as has been said, by the dean of the House, Don Young.

Mr. Speaker, in order to ensure our Nation's aviation dominance, we must work forcefully to address the looming shortfall of aviation workforce. Having a properly trained and dedicated workforce to meet the near-term and future capacities needed in the aviation sector is crucial to the underpinning of the high standard of safety that sets America apart from the rest.

H.R. 3482, as amended, supplements the FAA's safety-focused mission by ensuring just that.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5641, the SPEED Recovery Act, is a bipartisan bill that cuts red tape and helps expedite disaster recovery efforts, especially in small and rural areas. This legislation updates what the Federal Emergency Management Agency considers a small project.

The bill already passed the House in April, as has been said, and today, it returns with a reasonable amendment from the Senate and adds a report by the inspector general of Homeland Security to help ensure that there is no fraud, waste, and abuse.

Increasing the small project threshold allows communities to recover faster and allows FEMA to focus more of their time and resources on larger, more complex projects that represent 90 percent of the disaster costs.

I have heard from communities in my district about paperwork burdens and increasing denials over technicalities, and I hope the commonsense adjustments of this bill will improve this process.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Puerto Rico (Miss Gonzalez-Colon).

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

The amendments to H.R. 5641, the SPEED Recovery Act, is reasonable and will help to strengthen accountability.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Senators Portman and Peters, who are the bipartisan leaders of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Without their leadership in the Senate to push forward this measure, we would not be here today.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri, who also helped by being engaged in this particular issue.

Finally, I thank our great staff on both sides to get this bill to the finish line, especially my subcommittee staff director, Johanna Hardy and Maddy McCaslin.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this important legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, ensuring the safety of the traveling public is of critical importance to this Committee. To ensure aviation safety, the Federal Aviation Administration regulates airport firefighting standards and requires airports to regularly test firefighting equipment.

Currently, the fire suppressant foam required to be used at airports contains PFAS. While FAA is working closely with the Department of Defense to come up with an alternative that is just as effective at suppressing jet fuel fires, there is still work to be done before that alternative is made available.

Given that, this bill ensures that airports are able to acquire equipment to test firefighting vehicles, in compliance with FAA regulations, without discharging PFAS-laden foam.

Mr. Speaker, this bipartisan bill passed the Senate unanimously, and I urge support. This legislation is a good piece of legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, S. 3662 is a minor adjustment of an AIP cost share to remove any barriers an airport might have for acquiring firefighting testing equipment.

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

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

Madam Speaker, S. 2938, as amended by the Rules Committee, designates the Federal building and United States Courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida, as the Joseph Woodrow Hatchett United States Courthouse and Federal Building, and for other purposes which are outside the scope of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's purview.

Judge Joseph Hatchett served as the first African-American justice in the Florida Supreme Court. Judge Hatchett served for 20 years as a Federal circuit court judge. He was appointed by Jimmy Carter to the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and did that with honor.

I knew Judge Hatchett. He was a good man and a fair judge. He applied the law equally.

This bill was introduced in the Senate by Marco Rubio and Rick Scott both, and it passed December 29, 2021. However, it didn't meet the suspension rules threshold here in the House and today comes before us under a rule, and that is why we are considering it.

I reserve the balance of my time, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I voted for Judge Hatchett when the issue was on the floor. But it failed. It failed because it didn't have an extraordinary vote. It did have a majority vote, but it didn't have an extraordinary vote. I believe anything that is dealing with the naming of a building that will stay forever needs an extraordinary set of votes and circumstances in order to be qualified. I don't think a majority is enough to say we should name something after somebody else. That hurts me, but I think it is the only thing to do.

Therefore, because of that, and because of the process that is here and this bill is being combined with another person, those two reasons, I would have to oppose this bill.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

I rise in support of the goal of H.R. 5706 to prevent incidents of sexual assault and harassment in transportation. Passengers should feel safe when they are traveling, and transportation workers should feel safe in their workplace.

No one condones sexual misconduct. That is why the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Congress took such a strong bipartisan stance against this type of behavior in air transportation in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.

Last Congress, this legislation passed the House by voice vote, after Chairman DeFazio worked with the other side of the aisle to address technical concerns with the bill to avoid unintended implementation issues.

Again, I want to thank Chairman DeFazio for working with us on this bill. I urge support of this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, in closing, we want to help ensure that sexual misconduct in transportation is eliminated, and this bill is a step in the right direction. I urge support of this legislation and yield back the balance of my time.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, S. 400, as amended, designates the United States Department of Transportation headquarters as the William T. Coleman, Jr. and Norman Y. Mineta Federal Building.

William Coleman had a long history of public service, including serving as the fourth Secretary of Transportation, as a civil rights leader and, early in his career, by serving the Nation during World War

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

In closing, I am proud to be a cosponsor of S. 400. This bill appropriately recognizes both Norm Mineta and William Coleman for their service to our country and the United States Department of Transportation.

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