Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, Hunter Honghyun Kim was born in Seoul, South Korea, in 1971. He was the youngest of four children. From his early childhood, he was adventurous in spirit and fearless when facing new challenges.

After completing his military duties in Korea, he embarked on a journey to America that changed the course of his life. Rather than a big city, Hunter chose to begin a new chapter of his life in a small town called Vincennes, Indiana. In Vincennes, Hunter quickly adapted to the new environment and culture by making lasting friendships with fellow students and professors. He served as the first Asian American Student Association president and advocated for equity and diversity. Hunter continued his studies at the University of Florida and became a lifelong Gator fan.

In his professional life, Hunter founded Florida International College in 2008 in Orlando, Florida, with the vision to provide new opportunities and open doors for students. In 2016, Florida International College established a new campus in Kissimmee, and Hunter became an active member of the Osceola County professional community. Hunter found a unique balance in Osceola County, where the preservation of history and heritage coexist with the drive toward the future and technological advancement. Hunter began promoting

economic growth and development in the community by advocating and establishing relationships with international companies, universities, and research institutions to expand their operations to the County.

Through his efforts, Osceola County is forging strategic partnerships for global innovation and ecosystem building. His strength in building relationships, both personal and business, expands across borders and cultures, bringing prosperity to all.

Hunter is a loving husband of Jessica and a proud father of their five children--Gianna, Elianna, Noah, Rheanna, and Sianna.

Mr. Speaker, through her love for dance and education, Ms. Mai-Huong Nguyen proudly dedicates herself to representing Vietnamese culture and fostering cultural education and community outreach in the international settings of Central Florida and beyond. She holds active roles in shaping the community with Asia Trend, Avalon Park Group, FusionFest Orlando, and her own Kissimmee- and Orlando-based nonprofit organization, Thuyen May Productions.

In 1975, Ms. Mai and her family escaped Vietnam before the fall of Saigon. Only ten years old at the time, she was a Vietnam War refugee who learned the necessity of community and belonging. Her passion for cultural outreach sparked during her college years at N.C. State University and stayed with her when she moved to Central Florida in 1996. No matter where she went, dance, music, and choreography were her instruments for expressing and representing Vietnamese culture in the diaspora. As a Florida resident, Ms. Mai helps create communities and plan cultural events as part of the Asia Trend board, FusionFest board of directors, FusionFest steering committee, and as the former 2017-19 AAHC vice chair.

Formerly a schoolteacher, Ms. Mai focuses on connecting and building strong bonds with diverse Florida communities and younger generations alike. She continues more than 30 years of teaching experience through volunteer instruction of Vietnamese language at St. Philip Phan Van Minh Catholic Church, youth enrichment programs at Phap Vu, Phat An, and Phap Lac Buddhist Temples, and online private tutoring of core school subjects. Her outreach also includes monthly Asian-themed workshops at Avalon Park, as well as mixed-media dance tours brought to libraries, schools, and museums.

Ms. Mai's foremost belief is that cultural education and sharing open doors to understanding, acceptance, and appreciation. Through dance and education, she continually seeks innovative ways to set the stage for diversity and inclusion for future generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, Kannan Srinivasan is a former president of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce, Central Florida. He served in the chamber for six years as a board member and advisor. He is an accomplished leader, entrepreneur, and tech executive with over 30 years of information technology experience. He is a visionary community leader with years of experience in technology, sourcing, non-profit management, and strategic planning. His career is hallmarked by exceptional leadership, relationship building, and creative thinking.

As the founder and CEO of Global KTech, he grew the company from scratch into one of the leading tech staffing companies in Central Florida. Kannan served on the board of Orlando Economic Partnership and on the leadership committee for the National Entrepreneur Center. He also served as president and board member of Tamil Sangam (MSCF) of Central Florida. In 2012, he cofounded the MSCF Charity, which has given more than 350 educational scholarships to underprivileged students in India and Central Florida. Kannan currently serves as a member of the Steering Committee of UCF's India Center and is a board member of Shakthi US, an organization that helps survivors of domestic and intimate partner abuse with a focus on Central Florida's South Asian community. He is a lifelong volunteer at the Hindu Society of Central Florida and a proud Rotarian.

His leadership was recognized by the Orlando Sentinel, which named him Central Florida 100--one of the 100 most influential leaders in Central Florida. In 1991, Kannan immigrated to Central Florida from India. He is a proud alumnus of the University of Central Florida, where he received his master's in computer engineering. He lives with his wife, Dr. Anita Ekambaram, and their twin daughters.

Mr. Speaker, Lin Lin was born in Northeast China and came to the United States in 2002. She is a certified public accountant with more than 18 years of experience in financial leadership. The last 14 years of her career have been with Orlando Health. During Lin's remarkable professional career, she has managed large-scale projects in healthcare and developed consistent processes in finance, operations, budgets, and forecasts. She is currently the senior director of finance at Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Florida. Previously, she was a senior auditor at Vesel & Wiler, CPAs in Orlando, Florida.

After earning her Bachelor of Arts in International Tourism Management at the University of North London, London, United Kingdom, Lin earned a Master of Science in Accounting at the University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, where she remains an active UCF Alumni member.

Lin is fluent in English and Chinese. She is an active mentor of other financial health care professionals and has managed many interns and promoted their development in finance.

Lin is a member of the Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA) and the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HMFA). She is also a member of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce for Orlando, Florida. Lin is a community volunteer with the Adult Literacy League, helping Central Floridians to become thriving members of the community. Lin also gives her time to volunteer at Give Kids the World Village in Kissimmee, Florida, providing a range of accommodation facilities to more than 75,000 children and families suffering from life-threatening illnesses.

Mr. Speaker, Jessica received her B.S. in psychology and business administration from the University of Florida. She met her husband, Hunter, at UF. She continued her studies and received her Juris Doctorate from Barry University School of Law.

She believed that education had the power to transform lives and dedicated her early professional career to making education accessible. As the chief operating officer for NeoCity Links, Jessica helps develop strategic initiatives to promote economic growth. She coordinates business development efforts by working with public, private, and nonprofit sectors. She has proven expertise in a wide range of areas and successfully developed new international partnerships for Osceola County.

Jessica focuses her time outside of work on empowering women leaders through mentorship. She serves as the president of the PCUSA National Korean Presbyterian Women and actively strives to create opportunities for engagement and enablement for women to reach the highest level of leadership and potential.

Jessica resides in Windermere, Florida, with her husband and loves snuggling with her five children, reading, cooking, and kickboxing.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of my bill, the Consumer Safety Technology Act, H.R. 4814.

It directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to launch a pilot program to explore the use of artificial intelligence to track injury trends, identify hazards, monitor recalls, and identify products not meeting importation requirements.

It also requires the Department of Commerce and other agencies to study blockchain technology in the context of consumer products and safety. It also directs the Department of Commerce and the Federal Trade Commission to report on their efforts to address unfair and deceptive trade practices related to digital tokens and to promote innovation.

We heard in committee, Mr. Speaker, that the crooks are already using AI on the internet and that we need the cops on the beat to have artificial intelligence as well to keep our consumers safe.

Let's think about it. The internet is nearly infinite, and so are the ways to push unsafe products and put consumers in harm's way. That is why the Federal Trade Commission testified before our committee that the use of artificial intelligence would help them protect consumers by tracking trends of injuries involving a myriad of consumer products. Thousands of injuries happen each day. It helps with identifying consumer product hazards, categorizing them, and monitoring the sale of recalled consumer products. Think of how much commerce happens every day in America. It helps to identify consumer products that do not meet the importation requirements.

It also requires a report to Congress on how and to what extent artificial intelligence improved the agency's ability to advance its mission.

The FTC also testified it would help them save money in that it would be a really economic and efficient way to deploy other members of the FTC to go after other areas. I do agree with the ranking member that that is no substitute for making sure they have the full funding that they need.

In addition, the blockchain technology study directs the Department of Commerce to study the applications of blockchain and to address fraud and unfair and deceptive trade practices. Blockchain can be used in so many different ways, whether it is through cryptocurrency, through storing data, through cybersecurity, or through communications. Of course, this should be done in consultation with the Federal Trade Commission, the FTC.

Finally, we have commissioned the Federal Trade Commission to report to Congress on unfair and deceptive trade practices relating to tokens. We have also seen a need to protect consumers and promote innovation. We eventually need rules of the road, and this is helping get us there with blockchain. We need more certainty so we can have growth in both blockchain and cryptocurrency firms in the United States, giving them an understanding and certainty of the laws and their obligations, and also to protect consumers from scams like pump and dump, whitewashing, and other financial schemes.

Mr. Speaker, for that and more, I am thrilled to be able to have this bill be heard on the floor, and I thank my colleagues, Representatives Burgess, Trahan, Guthrie, Castor, my fellow Floridian, Chairman Gus Bilirakis, and our Ranking Member Frank Pallone for including this on the agenda today.

Mr. Speaker, Natalie Munoz-Sievert, MD, FACOG, joined Orlando Health Physician Associates in 2013.

Board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Munoz-Sievert provides comprehensive healthcare for women throughout all stages of life.

After earning her medical degree from the Florida State University School of Medicine, Dr. Munoz-Sievert completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies.

Dr. Munoz-Sievert is a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and is a member of the American Medical Women's Association.

Additionally, she is fluent in Spanish.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the authors of H. Res. 1102--Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 for funding Department of Defense programs that support secure domestic semiconductor advanced packaging manufacturing technology and capabilities. I also thank the staff who contributed to this effort.

Specifically, I express gratitude to my colleagues for the following actions:

Fully funding the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Support's (IBAS) Reshore Ecosystem for Secure Heterogeneous Advanced Packaging Electronics (RESHAPE) program within the Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-Wide account;

Providing $10.25 million in additional funding for IBAS's 2.5D advanced packaging program within the Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-Wide account; and

Providing $2 million in additional funding for Aerospace Sensors' zero-trust environment for semiconductor technology within the Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force account.

Microelectronics support nearly all DoD activities. They enable critical capabilities such as the global positioning system, radar, command and control, and communication. Ensuring secure access to leading-edge microelectronics is a challenge, however. The pandemic highlighted challenges associated with the global supply chain, the changing global semiconductor industry, and the sophistication of U.S. adversaries who threaten to target military electronic components. Funding for the three projects highlighted above help address these challenges.

IBAS is dedicated to ensuring that the DoD is positioned to effectively address industrial base issues and support the National Security Innovation Base. IBAS achieves this mission by strengthening and protecting the domestic semiconductor supply chain to provide access to leading-edge capabilities that accelerate innovation. One of the next generation semiconductor technologies that IBAS focuses on is Heterogeneous Integration and Advanced Packing. These technologies provide secure, credible, and reliable domestic advanced microelectronics manufacturing capability. Full funding for the RESHAPE program, along with $10.25 in additional funding for IBAS's 2.5D advanced packaging program will support machine tooling and advanced packaging manufacturing capabilities and allow IBAS to support next generation domestic production lines.

The $2 million in additional funding provided for Aerospace Sensors' zero-trust environment for semiconductor technology further helps address critical challenges associated with domestic semiconductor manufacturing. The Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) is working on a new modeling and simulation research program (secure digital twin) to advance next generation semiconductor design and manufacturing. Funding for the zero-trust environment for semiconductor technology will provide capabilities that deliver solutions that protect against malicious function insertion, fraudulent products, theft of intellectual property, and reliability failures within DoD semiconductors.

I believe Congress should continue to provide resources necessary to update our domestic microelectronics security framework. I am proud of the work undertaken in my district to support domestic semiconductor manufacturing technology development and to ensure the security of this critical supply chain. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to support this goal.

Mr. Speaker, Kelly Flaherty Clark has lived in Central Florida for 35 years and is the corporate vice president of animal behavioral well-being and management for SeaWorld and Busch Gardens parks. She has a Master of Science in Biology from Clemson University and a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from The Ohio State University. She completed Orlando Political Leadership Institute's curriculum and is a passionate advocate for civil liberties and equality.

Thirty-six years ago, Kelly was one of few women in her field. As one of its first executives, she committed to elevating other women through service on executive boards and committees of zoological professional organizations, such as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Alliance of Marine Animal Parks and Aquariums, and others. She dedicates herself to young women interested in behavioral or biological sciences, never turning down a visit to a science class or a conversation with an aspiring animal professional.

Raised by a woman who, at 86, still cooks for the homeless community Kelly is drawn to public service and philanthropy. She ``rings the bell'' for the Salvation Army and attends every cause event she can schedule. In 2008, a gala introduced Kelly to Make-A-Wish, which is dedicated to granting the wishes of children facing life-threatening illnesses. She served on their board for 12 years and facilitated the chapter's significant growth in number of children served. Kelly has several professional and community accomplishments but is most proud to have raised two brilliant, successful, and, most importantly, tolerant young men. Casey, 28, and Spencer, 25. The two attended Central Florida's K-12 public schools and graduated from The Ohio State University and Emerson College, respectively. She has been married to her husband, Stewart, for 32 years and will serve her family, community, and profession for as long as she is able.

Mr. Speaker, Debra Booth was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and moved to Central Florida at age two. She began her career at AT&T, where she became involved with the Communications Workers of America union and quickly rose through the ranks to vice president of AT&T. Debra became involved with the Central Florida AFL-CIO, which represents labor unions in five counties with over 140,000 workers. The goals were to bring economic and social justice to the workers and community, resulting in a better quality of life for all.

She ascended to the Office of President of the Central Florida AFL- CIO and became the first woman to hold that position, which she held for 12 years. Her main responsibility was to serve the unions and coordinate all the political activities for the Central Florida area. This allowed her to interact with elected officials at the federal, state, and local levels while working on legislation such as a living wage ordinance, anti-discrimination policies, immigration, affordable housing, and local hire policies with Orlando venues.

Debra was then hired by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for a special organizing project to increase market share. The program was so successful in Florida that it now operates in almost every state.

In 2009, she was appointed district director for Florida's Eighth Congressional District, representing Central Florida. In 2011, she opened a political consulting firm representing mostly elected officials in Central Florida. She assisted presidential campaigns with advance work and worked on numerous federal, state, and local campaigns resulting in Orange County becoming a Democratic county with a Democratic majority of elected officials.

In 2017, she was appointed to serve as chief legislative aide to Senator Victor Torres and currently holds this position. Debra has served on numerous boards, including Harbor House Center for Domestic Violence and the executive committee for the Heart of Florida United Way.

Mr. Speaker, Deborah Ann Ashley was born in Kissimmee, Florida. She attended public schools in Osceola County and graduated from Osceola High School.

After graduation, she was employed by the Osceola County School District as a classroom teacher assistant and later worked in retail at Zayre department store. Deborah is currently employed with the City of Kissimmee Police Department, rising from clerk technician to administrative assistant III.

Deborah served as president of the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church Unified Mission Ministry, is the director of the Mass Choir, and works with the youth department. She served as president of the Senior Women Ministry in Congress #2 and holds the honor of third vice president of the Senior Women Ministry in the First South Florida Missionary Baptist District Association.

Deborah loves singing and has a passion for service, mission outreach, feeding the hungry, and clothing the naked. She demonstrated her passion by implementing an Annual Free Market that provided necessities to those in need in the community.

Deborah's passion for service flowed over to her job at the Kissimmee Police Department. She participated in the Relay for Life Breast Cancer Walk, was the organizer of the Christmas Angel Tree Projects, and the coordinator of the United Way Bowl-a-Thon for the City of Kissimmee.

While employed with the police department, Deborah received recognitions for Secretary of the Year, Support Person of the Year, Administrative Secretary of the Year, and the Chief's Award. In Christian service, Deborah received a Certificate of Completion from the Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church Bible Academy and Recognition for Outstanding Service and Ministry Leadership Award.

Deborah Ashley is the proud mother of three children, grandmother of six, and great-grandmother of two.

Deborah will retire on March 29, 2024, after 32 years and three months of dedicated service with the City of Kissimmee Police Department.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Anitza San Miguel's mission is to spark the resting potential within leaders. She guides them to flourish and project their distinctive brilliance, thereby revolutionizing their mindset to realize their ultimate aspirations. She is a loving wife and mother, a scientist, an innovative educator, an author, and a visionary leader.

Dr. San Miguel holds a bachelor's in biology, a master's in biotechnology, and a doctorate in higher education administration. She has served as a dean of Science at Valencia College, Osceola Campus, since moving to Orlando, Florida, in 2016. She is dedicated to the academic and professional success of individuals at all levels.

She has served as a science professor and dean at esteemed institutions in Virginia and Florida. She currently leads a team in Florida's Ninth District with distinction. Her expertise has been recognized at the National Institutes of Health and the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Dr. San Miguel's entrepreneurial spirit led her to create ASM Mentors and the empowering podcast ``Sacudete y Toma Accion'' or ``Shake It Off and Take Action.'' She is the author of `Navegador,' a reflective journaling tool, as well as a collection of inspirational coffee table books, ``Reignite,'' ``Grow,'' and ``Shine.'' She has shared her guidance in the ``Today's Inspired Latina'' and ``Today's Inspired Leader'' book anthologies. Her eloquence and wisdom make her a coveted speaker, mentor, and coach.

Dr. San Miguel's accomplishments are a testament to her optimism and tenacious spirit. Her dedication to shaping the academic and professional trajectories of emerging leaders encapsulates her passion and commitment to continual self-improvement and fostering limitless growth and excellence.

Dr. San Miguel's pursuit of knowledge and development is persistent. Beyond the public eye, she savors moments with her family, explores new horizons, and engages in the reflective practice of journaling.

Mr. Speaker, Amber Adams is the Osceola County regional president and senior vice president for SouthState Bank. She has worked in the banking industry for over 21 years and spent the last 12 years working in Osceola County, Florida. During her time in the Osceola County community, she has served as the chair of the Poinciana Area Council Board, chair of the Poinciana Medical Center Board of Trustees, advisory board member for the Poinciana YMCA, chair of finance for Community Vision, and is a graduate of Leadership Osceola. Amber currently serves in various organizations, including as a board member of the Osceola County Education Foundation and a champion trustee of the Osceola Chamber of Commerce.

Mrs. Adams is an active member of the Rotary Club of Kissimmee and is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow recipient. She has chaired the annual Operation Outdoor Freedom charity sporting clay shoot for the Rotary for the past three years. This event has raised over $150,000 for Florida wounded veterans. It is the largest fundraiser for Operation Outdoor Freedom--an organization supported by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services through the Florida Forest Service. It provides recreational and rehabilitative activities to wounded veterans.

Amber is proud to work for a company with strong core values that support her efforts to give back to her community. She is also thankful for her husband, Robert, and two daughters, Madison and Mckenzie, who have spent numerous hours volunteering for these great organizations alongside her. She is committed to continuing to do her part in making Central Florida and her local community a better place.

Mr. Speaker, Mia Poinsette is an award-winning disruptive philanthropist and respected community leader. She is the founder and executive director of the Poinsette Foundation, a self-funded nonprofit that invests in ideas that empower underestimated women and children of color. Since launching in 2022, the foundation has helped thousands of Central Florida families through more than 80 community partners.

In Osceola County, the foundation's contributions include sponsoring nearly 60 children at the Kissimmee and St. Cloud Boys and Girls Club during the holiday season. In addition, the ``The Poinsette Foundation Team Space'' in Osceola, Oak Ridge, and Ocoee High Schools collectively supports nearly 1,000 students enrolled in the Junior Achievement 3DE program.

Mia demonstrates additional commitment to her community by serving as a board member for the Boys and Girls Club of Osceola County, Women United, the Girl Scouts of Citrus Council, Women's Executive Council, and Women on the Rise. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer also appointed Mia to serve on the Mennello Museum of American Art's Board of Trustees.

Mia graduated from multiple leadership programs, including the Black Boardroom Leadership Institute's 2022 leadership track, Leadership Orlando Class 103, and the 2023 ATHENA NextGen Cohort. She is currently enrolled in Leadership Osceola.

Recognized for her impactful footprint in the community, Mia is the recipient of the Osceola Magic Change Maker award, Heart of Florida United Way's 2023 Change Maker: Women United Impact award, the Women's Executive Council's 2023 Women of Achievement: Central Florida Influencer award, Women on the Rise's 2023 Community Impact Leader award, and Women on the Rise's 2023 Inspirational Deeva award.

Mia earned an undergraduate degree in philosophy from Johns Hopkins University and is pursuing a graduate degree in government at Harvard University.

Happily married with two children, Mia is also a violinist and an avid traveler in her free time.

Mr. Speaker, Sol Ortega was born in Peru and migrated to Kissimmee when she was seven years old. Her parents, Esther Rivasplata and David Ortega, created a life in Central Florida where they contributed to the growing tourism economy. Her family's immigration journey and sacrifices inspired Sol to pursue a career in public service to give back to the community she grew up in. While she was young, she participated in community service projects through the local YMCA, becoming a mentor for Bookmark Buddies through the Education Foundation of Osceola County, and, while in high school, volunteered in Teen Court, a program to divert less serious juvenile cases away from the more formal Juvenile Court.

During her time at Professional and Technical High School, she enrolled in the dual enrollment program where she attended Valencia College. Thanks to this program, she was able to earn her associate degree and high school diploma at the same time. She then moved to Gainesville, Florida, to attain her bachelor's degree in political science and Latin American Studies--making her the first in her family to graduate from a four-year institution.

During her time at the University of Florida, Sol advocated for immigrant issues and completed a fellowship in the Florida State Capitol. Sol then moved to Washington, D.C., to pursue an internship in Congress and worked in service of Florida's Ninth Congressional District, providing vital support for constituents, including during the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Sol now works at the White House Office of Public Engagement, conducting outreach to the broader Latino community.

Ms. Ortega's leadership has allowed her to represent Central Florida and Kissimmee proudly. She will continue to work towards creating spaces for her community to be heard and represented at all levels of government, with the goal of building a better community.