Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, Robert L. Doyel served his country with the U.S. Navy at Vietnam, where he oversaw meals for 10,000 soldiers, and as a Circuit Court Judge in Central Florida from 1995 through 2010.

Judge Doyel's passion for the underdog was a result of his humble upbringing in Shawnee, Oklahoma, as the youngest of Ruby Doyel's 10 children--and the only one to graduate college. After one winter living with his family in an old chicken coop, Judge Doyel worked through high school and college, graduating from the University of Oklahoma with degrees in Accounting and Law. He was an attorney in Oklahoma before becoming a law professor at Ole Miss, where colleagues included former Washington NFL star and future Ole Miss Chancellor Robert Khayat, and students included future novelist John Grisham.

When he registered his son Gregg for youth baseball in 1978 in Oxford, Mississippi, Judge Doyel learned the city Civic League was still segregated. Having already committed to coaching, Judge Doyel stayed that summer but made it his mission to destroy the league. He recruited other white families in 1979 to the Oxford Parks Commission, and the segregated league soon folded.

Judge Doyel earned his Masters of Law and Doctorate of Juridical Science degrees from the University of Wisconsin in 1984, and taught at Mercer's School of Law before moving to Winter Haven, Florida. He was a defense attorney, then a Circuit Judge specializing in family law. The title of his book on the subject brims with his fearless personality: ``The Baby Mama Syndrome''.

In retirement with Chelle, his wife of 37 years, Judge Doyel advised local Democratic Party leaders, served on the board for the Rainbow Ridge LGTBA Democratic Caucus of Polk County, and advocated fiercely for rape-kit testing and victims of domestic violence.

Judge Doyel died November 1, 2024, at age 79.

Mr. Speaker, Kenneth Carter was born and raised in Miami, Florida, by his loving Christian parents, who were both very involved in his hometown church. Their example instilled in him to serve others in whatever capacity was needed.

Mr. Carter graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor's degree in criminology in 1987. He married his wife in 1988 and has three sons.

For the past 27 years, Mr. Carter has worked for the Orange County Supervisor of Elections in various roles. He's organized mock student elections at various elementary and middle schools to teach the importance of voting to younger generations. He's also served as a poll worker for the Orange County community, making sure the voting process goes smoothly for residents.

Mr. Carter is recognized for his dedication to voters in Orange County. His dedication has not only impacted thousands, but also inspired his wife and two of his sons to follow in his footsteps.

Mr. Carter looks forward to serving the community year after year and can't wait to continue his efforts for years to come.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3343, the Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act.

Over the past 4 years, the Biden administration has worked hard to implement historic investments made by Congress in the bipartisan infrastructure law to expand broadband access to all Americans.

This includes the $42 billion BEAD program, which will empower States and territories to close the digital divide and bring high-speed, affordable internet to unserved and underserved communities.

It should come as no surprise that many of the communities lacking internet access are rural, remote, and sparsely populated areas. Like in my own district, areas like Kenansville, Deer Park, Bull Creek, and Yeehaw Junction. Bringing this infrastructure to them will, in many cases, require crossing large geographic areas.

This is especially true in many of our Western States where significant amounts of territory are owned and managed by the Federal Government. H.R. 3343 is going to help bring more transparency to the status and progress of applications to deploy communications infrastructure on publicly owned and managed lands.

The bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to develop and implement a plan to assist communications providers in navigating the burdens of deploying communications infrastructure on public lands.

Ultimately, this bill should lead to more robust collaboration between those responsible for reviewing permit applications for Federal lands and communications providers who are trying to bring high-speed internet to all of our constituents.

I thank Representative Pfluger for his leadership on this bill that I was happy to co-introduce with him. This bipartisan legislation is the product of regular order, and I am pleased to see it taken up by the full House today.

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

Mr. Speaker, it is time to get this done for the American people. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1377, the Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act. This legislation is an important step toward ensuring that the national and global bodies crafting standards for next-generation wireless technologies, such as 6G and Wi-Fi 8, include significant representation from trusted American companies and those from allied countries.

H.R. 1377 accomplishes this objective by requiring the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to encourage and facilitate the participation of trusted companies and stakeholders in the domestic and international standards-setting bodies for wireless technologies. The Assistant Secretary must also brief Congress within 60 days of the bill becoming law on the strategy to accomplish these objectives.

It is crucial that American and allied interests are well-represented at these standards-setting bodies. If the United States is not a leader in shaping the wireless future, our adversaries will step up in the leadership void. This includes dominating the future 6G marketplace in a way that may undermine our values, national security, and economic prosperity.

We cannot allow that to happen.

History has shown us that early developers and adopters of technology define the marketplace, drive innovation, and reap the economic benefits, and so we must lead.

Moreover, as we have seen with the recent news on the Salt Typhoon cyberattack, foreign adversaries often see our communications networks and devices as the entry points to disrupt our daily lives and conduct espionage campaigns. Therefore, it is imperative that American interests are at the table as new wireless standards are crafted, including those that have cybersecurity and national security implications.

I thank Representatives Dingell, Kuster, and Walberg for their bipartisan work on this legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, first I congratulate Representative Walberg on his new leadership position, and I thank him for his collaboration on the committee over the years in leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the legendary gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Dingell).

Mr. Speaker, let's pass H.R. 1377, the Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2023 and boldly lead the charge toward 6G and beyond.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3293, the Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act which was introduced by Representatives Duncan and Craig.

As this year comes to a close and with an eye towards 2025, I am excited to see real progress in the year ahead on many of the broadband deployment efforts, including in the bipartisan infrastructure law.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Federal Communications Commission laid so much important groundwork over the past 2 years, notably creating accurate and reliable broadband availability maps, so that infrastructure dollars will go to communities where they truly are needed.

In the coming year, many projects funded under the $42 billion BEAD program will begin to break ground and connect for the first time unserved and underserved communities to high-speed internet.

Communication providers are zeroing in on project areas and preparing plans at the most granular level. In the course of this work, providers will find that in many cases the most direct route to lay broadband infrastructure requires traversing lands owned and managed by the Federal Government.

In central Florida, we have a lot of Federal lands around Cape Canaveral and Avon Park Air Force Range. We have a lot of national parks in and around our area as well, so we know this well.

Earlier this Congress, the Energy and Commerce Committee heard about delays and inefficiencies in the handling of permit applications that are pending at various agencies overseeing Federal lands.

While environmental and historic preservation protections will always be of the utmost importance to me, we should strive to ensure our agencies operate as efficiently as possible to dispense with applications to deploy communications infrastructure where no additional environmental or historic preservation due diligence is required.

This bill calls on the administrator of the NTIA to establish an interagency strike force that will improve collaboration between NTIA and the agencies and departments responsible for reviewing and improving communications use authorization applications.

This will help NTIA help bring relevant parties together to identify the obstacles and inefficiencies that have slowed progress in the past and collaborate on solutions to address these barriers, ultimately expediting the deployment of broadband infrastructure to the rural and remote areas most in need.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the leadership of Representatives Duncan and Craig on this important legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close.

First, I thank Representative Duncan for his leadership on the committee, especially in areas of energy. We worked on a lot of issues relating to nuclear energy, which is going to be a key part of the clean energy future that we all care deeply about, so I wish him well in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is simple. Once the environmental and historic preservation reviews are done, or where they are not required, we have to get these broadband dollars out the door.

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

Mr. Speaker, Ethan Suarez, the dynamic CEO of Pineapple Healthcare, has steered the institution towards becoming a cornerstone of support and care for the LGBTQ+ community in Central Florida.

With a visionary approach and a genuine spirit of philanthropy, Suarez has transformed Pineapple Healthcare into more than just a healthcare provider; it is now a trusted ally and advocate for LGBTQ+ individuals. Under Suarez's leadership, Pineapple Healthcare has seen unprecedented growth, both in its scope of services and its impact on the community. His strategic initiatives have expanded the organization's reach, ensuring that comprehensive and inclusive healthcare services are accessible to all members of the LGBTQ+ community. Suarez's dedication to inclusivity is evident in the welcoming environment Pineapple Healthcare offers, where every individual feels respected and valued.

Philanthropy is at the heart of Suarez's leadership philosophy. He firmly believes in the importance of investing back into the community. This belief is reflected in Pineapple Healthcare's numerous community outreach programs, educational initiatives, and support services. From sponsoring local LGBTQ+ events to providing free health screenings and educational workshops, the institution plays a pivotal role in fostering a healthier, more informed community. Suarez's efforts have cemented Pineapple Healthcare as a vital player in Central Florida's LGBTQ+ ecosystem. By addressing the unique healthcare needs of LGBTQ+ individuals and advocating for their rights, Pineapple Healthcare not only enhances the well-being of its patients but also contributes to the broader fight for equality and acceptance. Under Ethan Suarez's visionary leadership, Pineapple Healthcare continues to thrive as a beacon of hope, support, and empowerment for the LGBTQ+ community.

Mr. Speaker, Captain Brandon Ragan is a trailblazing law enforcement leader who has proudly served his hometown of Orlando, Florida, as a longtime member of the Orange County Sheriffs Office (OCSO). Knowing in high school that he wanted to be a deputy sheriff, Captain Ragan joined OCSO's Explorer program as a teenager in the late 1990s. As an Explorer, he gained invaluable experience that amplified his motivation to pursue a career in public service.

In 2003, Captain Ragan took his oath to become an Orange County Deputy, hitting the ground running in a variety of roles. He has worked as a patrol deputy, a sergeant for school resource officers, a detective in Criminal Investigations, a night watch commander, and a lieutenant in both Criminal Investigations and Strategic Communications.

A tireless force for change, Captain Ragan has spearheaded multiple LGBTQ+ advocacy efforts fostering unity, understanding, and inclusion in Orange County. As a founding member of the first nationally accredited LGBTQ+ liaison program launched in 2016 at OCSO, Captain Ragan has strengthened the relationship between deputies and LGBTQ+ residents while educating the agency about LGBTQ+ topics and policy updates. He also spent five years as vice president, then president of the Gay Officers Action League of Central Florida (GOALcfl) and continues to advise the board of directors. In addition, he helped create the OCSO Safe Place program, which invites businesses to display a decal identifying them as safe environments for

LGBTQ+ community members to report crimes or harassment.

In 2020, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) named Captain Ragan one of the ``40 Under 40'' law enforcement professionals worldwide.

Captain Ragan earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and a Master of Arts in Management and Leadership. He also holds a graduate certificate in cybersecurity threat detection.

Mr. Speaker, Jamie Perdue is a dedicated and invaluable volunteer at The Center Kissimmee. He plays a crucial role in maintaining the daily operations of the center, particularly through his management of the front desk. In this capacity, Jamie welcomes visitors, answers inquiries, and provides detailed information on the wide range of services available, ensuring that everyone who enters the center feels comfortable and supported.

In addition to his front desk duties, Jamie is also a certified volunteer HIV tester. He performs rapid HIV testing, offering both compassionate care and essential information to individuals seeking to know their HIV status. His contributions in this area help bridge the gap to critical health services and raise awareness about sexual health in the community.

Through his volunteer work, Jamie has become a valued member of The Center Kissimmee team consistently demonstrating a commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community and fostering a safe, inclusive, and educational environment for all.

Mr. Speaker, Shannon Casey is a proud firefighter and paramedic, currently a distinguished member of Osceola County Fire Rescue. She graduated from Coral Springs Regional Institute of Public Safety with class 17-05, receiving the student achievement award for her class. She has since served the communities of Coral Springs and Osceola County for the last five years.

Working as a firefighter/paramedic is not for the faint of heart. They work long hours, receiving call after call, going from one trauma to the next, many times never receiving closure or recognition for their efforts. When everyone else is running away from danger, they are the ones running towards it, bravely fighting to keep the community safe. In a male-dominated and heteronormative field, Shannon has not only survived, but she has thrived.

With over 15 years of experience in the field, she has a wealth of knowledge and experience that makes her a natural leader and role model for her peers. She has gained the respect of a diverse group of individuals while working as a float firefighter/paramedic across Osceola County. She responds to a multitude of emergencies, both fire and medical, often encountering adversity and exposing herself to a great deal of trauma. She continues to carry herself with honor and dedication with each and every call and willingly makes many personal sacrifices in order to be there for people in need on their worst days.

Her ability to remain calm in the face of chaos is unmatched, making life-or-death decisions in a matter of seconds. Her positive outcomes speak for themselves, as her accomplishments have deeply benefited her patients and community. She always strives to do and learn more, and her strength and resilience are inspiring, to say the least.

Mr. Speaker, Scott Arellano-Zane began his public service career in Illinois in 1988. He moved to Orlando in 1996 and worked at the Orlando Police Department. In November 1999, he became a police officer at the Edgewood Police Department, where he has served for 25 years.

Throughout his career, Scott has also held roles such as city information technology manager, LGBTQ+ liaison officer, and field training officer. In 2019, Scott was selected as a founding board member of the Gay Officers Action League Central Florida (GOALcfl), an official chapter of GOAL New York. Alongside his fellow board members, they brought about a new era in Central Florida law enforcement. Their focus shifted from being recognized solely for LGBTQ+ efforts within their agencies to actively engaging with the surrounding communities. GOALcfl now proudly includes several LGBTQ+ liaisons and allies serving in various Central Florida law enforcement agencies. He is equally as proud of his LGBTQ+ community work as he is of his other work for the City of Edgewood. This past year, he wrote grants awarding the agency two new patrol vehicles, all-new ruggedized laptops for officers, and more technology upgrades. The value of these grants alone exceeded $300,000.

Scott's commitment to promoting transparency, equality, and trust in the community is evident in his work. In partnership with agency leadership, he secured a grant in 2016 to equip all officers with body- worn cameras. This initiative was a testament to Scott's values and his dedication to serving the community.

With over 35 years in public service, Scott still wakes up each day excited to serve. He looks forward to serving the Central Florida community for many years to come. Scott would like to thank his mother, Janine; father, Jack; sister, Dianne; and spouse of 11 years, Alex, for their unconditional love, support, and sacrifices.

Mr. Speaker, Kristina Bozanich is a multi-passionate academic, celebrated photographer, and creative director. With a passion for the artistic process and the science of how audiences perceive art and relate to the world, she's built a career honoring self-expression and individuality. Her purely artistic intentions for inclusivity resulted in international recognition as an advocate for LGBTQIA rights while spearheading the historic pride celebration in St. Cloud, Florida.

Before picking up a camera, Kristina immersed herself in academia for the path of a primatologist. She attended the University of Nevada, Reno, where she acquired degrees in both neuroscience and wildlife ecology and conservation. She also achieved a master's in primate biology, behavior, and conservation from the University of Roehampton, London. While the study of neuroscience continues to influence her creative process, she left animal research to embrace her artistic side.

As a full-time photographer, her commercial work has been published domestically and internationally. She's best known for a pandemic project, SPECTACLE, a self-produced show capturing the spontaneity and authenticity of life's moments in a live shoot for online distribution.

In 2022, the memorable episode featuring drag queens sparked a movement that led to the inaugural Pride celebration in the town of St. Cloud, Florida. Despite facing backlash for organizing a Pride event in a traditionally conservative community, Kristina's unwavering belief in celebrating all people propelled her forward, cementing her commitment to artistry and inclusion. Overcoming obstacles presented by the state in 2023, she organized a committee of passionate volunteers and is credited for the inception of the St. Cloud Pride Alliance and Proud in the Cloud, a community-supported event.

Kristina's ability to lead the alliance and inspire community involvement was the driving force in ensuring Proud in the Cloud made history. Her work and dedication continue to break barriers and foster acceptance.

Mr. Speaker, Katie Klutz, MSW, LCSW, ASDCS, is a licensed clinical social worker with nearly 20 years of experience in Florida's non-profit sector. She earned a bachelor's degree in social work with a double major in psychology in 2005 and a master's degree in social work in 2006, both from Florida State University.

Throughout her career, Katie has worked in various pediatric specialties, including foster care, adoption, juvenile justice, and medical social work. She has led initiatives in child welfare by utilizing solution-focused, multisystemic, and trauma-informed approaches with at-risk youth and families.

Since 2017, Katie has specialized in childhood cancer and blood disorders, focusing on support for patients and their family members by providing mental health interventions, support, education, and addressing any barriers to their care. Katie's strong belief in the empowerment of others inspired her to organize a community program for children and young adults living with chronic medical conditions to promote a successful healthcare transition from pediatric to adult care.

Her commitment to advocacy and the empowerment of others is evident in her work and achievements. Her recent notable achievements include being the 2022 recipient of the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation's Social Work Excellence Fellowship and the 2023 Orlando Health Support Services Excellence Award. Additionally, she has co- authored healthcare transition curriculum workbooks, which were created to help patients navigate the transition from pediatric to adult healthcare, emphasizing a focus on empowering young patients and their families.

Lastly, she served as a sub-investigator on a study in 2024 that aimed to improve clinical practices and direct patient education. These achievements demonstrate her leadership in social work and her ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of care for patients and families within this community.

Mr. Speaker, Darcel Stevens is an individual with a diverse range of accomplishments and experiences. Not only is he a graduate of the esteemed University of Florida and a proud U.S. Army veteran, but he/she is also a talented comedian, a dedicated political-social activist, and the recent organizer of the impactful ``THE DRAG QUEEN'S MARCH 2023,'' a statewide mobilization of over 540 drag queens and their allies from across Florida to the state's Capitol, protesting against discriminatory anti-drag queen legislation, FLSB-1438.

Recognized for outstanding contributions to the community, Darcel has received numerous prestigious certificates and community service awards, including the Orlando Come Out With Pride Award, the Chuck Hummer Award, the Orlando Social Justice Award, Watermark Orlando's Most Outstanding People Honors, the 2023 Naples Pride Award, and the 2023 Rainbow Awards for Outstanding Community Service.

In the competitive realm of drag, Darcel has proven herself. She has emerged victorious in several regional, state, and national competitions, including the titles of Miss National at Large, Miss Continental Plus, and Miss FL Universo Latina. She is also the reigning Miss FL Babalu International 2024.

Professionally, Darcel excels as Harmony Healthcare's marketing- outreach coordinator, with a passion for providing valuable health services to marginalized communities. Darcel showcases his exceptional skills utilizing diverse marketing strategies while building valuable community partnerships.

However, it is during the weekends that her unique talents shine through as she takes the

stage across the nation and Florida, captivating audiences with mesmerizing performances and quick-witted improvisational repertoire.

Beyond the glitz and glamour, Darcel Stevens is a remarkable individual with a heart of gold known for her brassy and complicated persona, but behind the scenes, a true gem. Always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need, generously giving time and resources to support numerous charitable causes. Her unique combination of humor, complexity, and unwavering kindness leaves a lasting impression on all who cross his or her fabulous path. ``Let us be vigilant but not afraid!''

Mr. Speaker, Clinton McCracken has dedicated much of his life to teaching and advocating for teachers and LGBTQ+ students. In 2022, Clinton was named National Teacher of the Year by MSA. He has been a teacher for 24 years and is honored to serve as the president of the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association--the teacher's union for the eighth-largest school district in the country.

In 2004, Clinton and his [now] husband, Mike Palmateer, along with three other same-sex couples, sought marriage licenses at the Orange County courthouse. After being denied, they held a public commitment ceremony in downtown Orlando to bring attention to the injustice of marriage inequality. In 2011, Clinton mobilized the community to lobby the school board to add ``sexual orientation and gender identity/ expression'' to the nondiscrimination policy and add domestic partner benefits. In 2019, Clinton lobbied the board to designate October as LGBTQ+ Awareness/History Month.

Clinton has received numerous awards for his teaching and advocacy in education, including Equality Florida's Voice for Equality Award, the FEA Human and Civil Rights Award, and the ASN Emerging Leader Award. In 2021, Clinton was recognized by the Orlando Sentinel as one of ``10 people who make Orlando a better place to live.'' He has been interviewed by CNN, NPR, TIME, The Guardian, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone, and numerous local news affiliates. Clinton serves on the AFT Teachers Program and Policy Council, AFT LGBTQ+ Task Force, FEA Government Relations Committee, and Human and Civil Rights Committee.

Clinton graduated from Truman State in 1996 with a BFA in art. He began teaching art in 2001 for OCPS and received an MA in art education from the University of Central Florida. During his free time, Clinton loves drawing with oil pastels and spending time with his best friend and husband, Mike.

Mr. Speaker, Jimmy Torres is the executive director of APM/ Iniciativa, Florida, that advocates for the improvements and advances of the Puerto Rican and Latino communities in our communities in Orlando, Kissimmee, and other geographical areas that are part of District Nine.

With the support and collaboration of many, Iniciativa has built opportunities for students, teachers, working people, and new residents of our greater Orlando/Kissimmee community.

As part of his employment responsibilities, Jimmy coordinated the 1199 SEIU Retirees political program in Florida in support of the thousands of healthcare workers represented by the union in the state

He holds a master's from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and has been a professor at the University of Puerto Rico.

Jimmy has been a community activist for the last 40 years and has worked in many Puerto Rican and Latino communities throughout the United States.

As part of his work, he has created communication and educational spaces on radio, TV, and social media, and has published opinion columns in newspapers.

Jimmy has experience in political-legislative work, adult education, and the development of mobilization projects, and he is a founder of the Boricua Vota Movement.

Currently, he is the vice president of the National Puerto Rican Agenda and chair of the Civic Engagement and Action Communities that strategize ways of mobilizing and representing 5.9 million Boricuas in the United States.