Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Melanie Melendez Garcia as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Dr. Melanie Melendez Garcia is a Puerto Rican-born emergency physician, entrepreneur, and community leader whose dedication to healthcare and service has made a lasting impact throughout Central Florida and Florida's 9th Congressional District.

After earning her medical degree and completing her emergency medicine training in Puerto Rico, Dr. Melendez Garcia moved to Florida and answered a calling that extended beyond hospital walls. Recognizing the healthcare challenges faced by uninsured and immigrant communities, she founded MG Medical Center, where she provides excellent care to Latino and immigrant families. She partnered with the Office of Refugee Resettlement and became the first clinic to successfully integrate all medical services required for unaccompanied minors' immigration medical evaluations into a single visit. In 2025, her practice was recognized by the Orlando Sentinel Media Group, in Central Florida Favorites as Best Medical Facility.

While continuing to serve as an emergency physician--a vocation she remains deeply committed to--Dr. Melendez Garcia has also provided care to underserved populations through the federal Indian Health Service.

Believing that service extends beyond medicine, Dr. Melendez Garcia has become an advocate for entrepreneurship and community development. She currently serves as vice president of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, having previously served as director of the Osceola Chapter and Director of Trustees. Through her leadership, she mentors and empowers aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly healthcare professionals, helping them transform their dreams into successful businesses.

Dr. Melendez Garcia was featured in Nosotras Latina Magazine in 2023 and actively participates in faith-based and community leadership initiatives dedicated to empowering others.

A devoted wife, mother, physician, and servant leader, Dr. Melendez Garcia believes that the greatest measure of success is not found in titles or accomplishments, but in the lives touched and the communities strengthened through service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Roger Colon as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Roger Colon serves as the program director of the Central Florida InternationaI Trade Office (CFITO), which serves multiple counties throughout Central Florida, including Orange and Osceola. In this leadership role, he is responsible for advancing international trade opportunities, supporting business competitiveness, and strengthening the region's global economic engagement.

As part of his commitment to our business community, Mr. Colon works closely with businesses to help them export U.S. goods and services. Through educational programs, one-on-one consultations, and industry outreach, he assists companies in developing export strategies, identifying international opportunities, and connecting with key trade resources that facilitate global growth.

In addition to supporting exporters, Mr. Colon is a valuable resource for the region's importing community. During the height of the U.S. tariff changes in 2025, Mr. Colon played a critical role in educating businesses throughout the district on the implications of new import duties and tariff regulations. He provided timely guidance to companies on how to navigate evolving trade policies, maintain compliance, and identify strategies to avoid, mitigate, or recover costs associated with increased import tariffs. His efforts helped many businesses better understand the financial and operational impacts of the changing trade environment and make informed decisions to protect their supply chains and profitability.

As program director, Mr, Colon expanded the scope and impact of the trade office by incorporating a stronger emphasis on trade development. One of his most notable achievements has been bringing the LATAM Trade Expo to the Orlando region. This annual event has grown into a premier platform for bilateral trade engagement between businesses and institutions from the United States, Mexico, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Chile. Through initiatives such as LATAM Trade and other international business development programs, Mr. Colon has helped strengthen Central Florida's position as a global gateway for commerce.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Aloma Theresa Ingram as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Dr. Aloma Theresa Ingram, a native of Kingston, Jamaica, is a naturalized citizen of the United States and a visionary leader with a remarkable track record in early childhood education.

Her passion for nurturing young minds led her to attain a director credential in Early Childhood Education and become an eminent specialist and trainer-facilitator in the field.

An ardent advocate for global education, Dr. Ingram holds prestigious titles as an Honorary Queen Mother in the Paramount Palace in the

Eastern Region of Ghana, West Africa, and as a Queen with the Numidoria Kingdom for Africans in the Diaspora. Her commitment to peace and education is further demonstrated through her roles as a Peace Ambassador and Consulate of Education with the Numidoria Kingdom's Embassy.

Beyond her educational endeavors, Dr. Ingram is a multitalented entrepreneur, excelling as a cosmetologist/trainer, restaurant manager/ owner, and beauty spa owner/operator. Her diverse skill set also extends to program directing, as she serves as a church director for the seniors' program, praise dance, and drama.

Dr. Ingram 's impact transcends borders as she has authored influential works and holds a key position as a Jamaica Red Cross Society Council member. Her dedication to the well-being of others is further evident through her role as a guidance counselor, minister, motivational speaker, mother and advocate.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Belinda Ortiz Kirkegard as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Belinda Ortiz Kirkegard is president of the National Entrepreneur Center (NEC), an internationally recognized entrepreneurial support organization serving Central Florida's small business community. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Troy University, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Central Florida, and is a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional.

Ms. Kirkegard has dedicated more than three decades to advancing economic development, entrepreneurship, and community engagement throughout Florida. Prior to joining the NEC in 2023, she served as economic development director for the City of Kissimmee, where she established and led the city's economic development program. During her tenure, she helped attract more than $50 million in private investment, developed strategic initiatives focused on healthcare and aerospace industry growth, and contributed to projects that expanded the city's tax base and strengthened regional economic competitiveness.

Earlier in her career, Ms. Kirkegard served in leadership roles with Orange County government, the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association, and statewide public affairs initiatives. She is recognized for building collaborative partnerships among business, government, nonprofit, and community stakeholders to achieve measurable economic and community outcomes.

Ms. Kirkegard currently serves on the Valencia College District Board of Trustees and the AdventHealth Central Florida Division Board. She previously served on the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Board, including as treasurer, and has held leadership positions with numerous business, economic development, healthcare, and civic organizations throughout Central Florida.

Her professional achievements have earned numerous recognitions, including Orlando Magazine's 2026 Woman of the Year, the Orlando Business Journal's Women Who Mean Business Award, Florida Trend's ``People to Know'' designation, and the Orlando Magic and Florida Blue Small Business Champion Award. Through her leadership, Ms. Kirkegard has helped expand opportunities for entrepreneurs, strengthen regional economic development efforts, and advance community prosperity across Florida.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Mayra Ramos as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Mayra Ramos is a senior human resources professional specializing in MedTech engineering and supply chain, currently supporting surgical robotics projects and known for building high-impact technical teams while elevating hiring standards within the medical device industry. She brings a strategic, structured approach to talent acquisition, delivering comprehensive candidate evaluations, aligned talent strategies, and executive-ready insights that enable confident and effective hiring decisions.

Beyond her core recruiting expertise, Mayra has made meaningful contributions to the broader Human Resources function within medical devices, helping shape talent pipelines, and strengthen organizational capabilities in a highly specialized and regulated environment.

In parallel with her professional career, Mayra is a graduate mental health student who supports clients in a private practice setting, reflecting her deep commitment to individual well-being and holistic care. Her work bridges both organizational and personal impacts, supporting people not only in their careers but also in their personal growth and mental health journeys.

Mayra is actively engaged in service and community leadership. She has participated in mission trips dedicated to supporting underserved populations, demonstrating her commitment to global service and compassion-driven impact. She is also a dedicated member of her faith community, where she contributes through service, teaching, and organizing conferences focused on empowering women and supporting single mothers.

Her global perspective is shaped by international travel across Costa Rica, where she traveled for professional work, North America, Europe, and the Middle East, enriching her cultural awareness and ability to connect with diverse populations.

Based in Florida, Mayra continues to lead with purpose, integrating Human Resources strategy, mental health advocacy, and community service to create meaningful, lasting impact across both professional and personal spheres.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Charles B. Robertson as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Military Appreciation Month. Dr. Charles B. Robertson served in the U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman for four years during the Vietnam War. He was on the USS Forrestal in 1967 when it had a fire in the Gulf of Tonkin that took the lives of 134 men. In his second tour in Vietnam, from 1968 to 1969, he was a member of a Military Provincial Health Assistance Program (MILPHAP Team) in Quang Tri, comprising one medical doctor and 15 corpsmen, assigned to medically treat civilians.

He subsequently worked for several government contracting companies. At PRC System Services Company, he was the contract manager for the design of the landing strip and conversion of pads 39A and 39B from the Apollo/Saturn program to the Space Shuttle program at Kennedy Space Center. He was later presented with a certificate, signed by John Young and Bob Crippen, with a silk American flag which was on board the first space shuttle, launched on April 12, 1981. At Martin Marietta in Orlando, he became the director of Air-Launched Missile Systems subcontracts after negotiating with the U.S. Air Force to produce the LANTIRN Program. He was responsible for $1.5 billion of a $3 billion contract. He was named ``Subcontracts Employee of the Year.'' He then worked at ICSD Corporation in Poinciana Industrial Park, where he served as director of programs. He later negotiated the sale of ICSD to DBA Systems, Inc., headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, a 5,000- employee company specializing in Electro-Optical and Imaging Systems. He then became the vice president and corporate secretary of DBA Systems. He later negotiated the sale of DBA Systems to Titan Corporation in San Diego, California, and left the company in 1999. During this period, he completed his studies and obtained a bachelor's degree in business administration and economics, as well as M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in business management.

Dr. Robertson started a custom home-building company in St. Cloud, Florida, in 2000. He subsequently became the president of the Home Builders Association of Metro Orlando, the area vice president of the Florida Home Builders Association, and sat on the Boards of Directors of the local, state, and national Association of Home Builders (NAHB). He was awarded ``Contractor of the Year'' in 2005 by the local association and was selected by the NAHB to build the showcase home, ``The New American Home,'' on Lake Nona for the 2008 NAHB convention held in Orlando, Florida. On February 20, 2006, the Board of County Commissioners of Osceola County proclaimed February 21, 2006, Charles ``Charlie'' Robertson Day, honoring him for his commitment to Osceola County.

Dr. Robertson also served on other Boards of Directors, including the Education Foundation of Osceola County, the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce, the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce, the St. Cloud Little League, and the Board of Advisors for the College of Engineering at Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida. He supports the Museum of Military History in Kissimmee, Florida. He served as an elder at E3 Community Church in Orlando, Florida, and participated in ``Kids Beach Club,'' a Bible-based after-school program that taught elementary children Christian life principles. He also coached many years in the baseball and football leagues in St. Cloud, Florida.

Mr. Speaker, Martha Ann Hart Cusimano was a community leader and passionate advocate for the hungry and vulnerable.

Making a difference started early with Martha. A native of Buffalo, New York, from a family deeply rooted in faith and service, she learned to swim in Lake Erie from her dad. From then on, she became a lifelong swimmer. When its waters were threatened by pollution in the 60s, she was part of a movement of Western New York women who pushed to clean them up.

In Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Martha earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Marketing from DeSales University, graduating Cum Laude while raising a family and working in marketing and community relations at DeSales University and St. Luke's Hospital. At Lehigh University, she completed graduate coursework in American history, was a member of the first Leadership Bethlehem class, served as vice chair of the Bethlehem Community Foundation, was honored with the Miss Pennsylvania Woman of Achievement Award, and was one of three to receive the Bethlehem Star Award from the Burn Prevention Foundation for her work raising millions for that charity. As founder and executive director of the Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association, she not only produced auto shows but also created a charitable foundation and helped donate millions to local charities and scholarships. She was also a charter member of the Women's Automotive Association. At Notre Dame of Bethlehem parish, she founded the School Advisory Association, served on the parish council, and was a beautiful leader of song.

As a teen, Martha met her husband, Jim, at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parish in Buffalo. They led fundraising to build the new St. Rose of Lima Church in Kissimmee, which opened in 2017, and founded ``DUO: Do Unto Others,'' an initiative with Solivita neighbors, which raised over $700,000 for the food pantry in the ensuing years. The pantry provides food to over 70,000 food-insecure people annually, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. Martha also served on the board of Habitat for Humanity Osceola for eight years and worked with Osceola County to provide nine homes for people in need of affordable housing. She also testified before Members of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on the need for the Farm Bill to include aid for food pantries. For her work to help the hungry and marginalized in Central Florida, Martha was honored by Osceola County with the ``Woman Warrior'' Award.

She did all of this while battling breast cancer for 19 years.

In retirement, Martha enjoyed making pilgrimages to the Holy Land with the Jesuits of America Media, and to the Marian sites of Knock, Ireland, Fatima, and Lourdes. A dual Irish American citizen, Martha's family helped build the church in Knock, Ireland, at the site of the miraculous sighting of Mary. She remained close to her Irish family, as well as to her American and Mexican family and friends.

Martha was a dedicated mother to Joseph Cusimano, Maryann Cusimano Love and husband Richard, Theresa Cusimano, and Patricia Cusimano Gomas and husband Jeff. Martha was a proud grandmother to Megan Cusimano Hower and husband Jim, as well as Adam Cusimano and Maria, Ricky, and Ava Love. She was a loving great-grandmother to Jack and Lydia Hower and Aria Grace Cusimano, and a godmother to nieces Katie Gill and Nina Hart.

Martha died the evening of November 30, 2025, at the age of 82. She was surrounded by her husband and her four children. Among her last words were, ``Gotta go to God,'' and ``Promise me you will complete building of the Lima Center food pantry, promise me,'' true to her passions in life.

Mr. Speaker, 10 years ago this Friday, our happy little town of Orlando was the subject of the deadliest mass shooting in history at that time. It happened at the Pulse nightclub, an LGBTQ+ nightclub, during Latin night. We lost 49 of our brothers and sisters, and 53 others were wounded.

Tonight, we rise to remember them, the first responders, their families, and our community as we continue to heal after this terrible tragedy, and I ask for a moment of silence.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material in the Record.

Mr. Speaker, it has been nearly 10 years ago this Friday that our happy little town of Orlando was forever changed.

I remember getting text messages at 4 a.m., 5 a.m. on June 12, 2016, and wondering what people could possibly be reaching out to me about that early in the morning. I received 10, 12, 15 different texts and calls. I remember waking up around 4:30 a.m. and realizing that our world had changed, that our happy little town of Orlando was the site of the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history at that time.

It was at the Pulse Nightclub, an LGBTQ nightclub, one that allies and the LGBTQ community alike got to attend. It was a safe place. It was Latin night, and what we saw was a domestic terrorist kill 49 angels who were just trying to have a good time and hang out with their friends that night and enjoy fellowship. Fifty-three other central Floridians were injured during that mass shooting.

We also saw law enforcement and firefighters step up to help. We know so many EMTs, doctors, and nurses helped those who were injured and saved their lives. We know that, to this day, it has left a scar, one that we will always remember, along with the families who lost loved ones, along with friends who lost loved ones, and along with our community who lost our fellow neighbors.

That next day, I remember going to the blood bank on John Young because the one in downtown Orlando had so many people going to it that the line went around the block and down several blocks.

People came out with different snacks and drinks and food to make sure that those who were in line to donate blood were able to stay there all day. I was at the blood bank off of John Young in our district, and I remember helping organize the lines.

Everybody wanted to do something, even as we felt helpless. We all just wanted to do something that might help out a little bit during that tragedy.

The very next night in front of our art center, we saw a makeshift memorial begin to take shape with flowers, posters, and people congregating. Over those next 2 days, it became the site of a massive vigil, and people started coming in from across the Nation where memorials and well wishes, cards, and condolences were sent from areas across both the Nation and the world.

We each had artists come in to help express what had hurt us so much in that community, and then we had our final vigil a week later in Lake Eola. I had never seen that many people in downtown.

We know it was unnecessary and deadly gun violence. We know it was an attack on the LGBTQ+ community. We know it was an attack on Latin night during Pride Month.

Over the years, we have tried to memorialize both what happened, so we will never forget those we lost, but also to talk about how our community responded and came together during this tragic time.

I was proud to introduce, in June 2019, 3 years later, the first National

Pulse Memorial resolution. That very next year, in the 116th Congress, we were able to pass H.R. 3094 out of the House to make it the National Pulse Memorial, because literally every State across the Nation mourned and had vigils from what had transpired on June 12, 2016.

Unfortunately, during that term, it didn't pass. However, the very next term, during the 117th Congress, we filed it again, introduced as H.R. 49, to designate the National Pulse Memorial. Just a few months later, in May 2021, almost 5 years after the attack, it passed the House. Eventually, we had Senator Scott sponsor it in the Senate, and President Joe Biden signed it into law in June 2021.

In December, 2 years later, the city acquired the land where the Pulse nightclub sat. We have been through a long process to help make sure we could hear from families, hear from friends, and hear from our community. Although that was a difficult process, it was one that I want to applaud the city for helping lead to get to a final plan, which we are in the process of putting together, for a final National Pulse Memorial. In March of this year, the building was torn down to create this space, a memorial honoring the 49 lives lost. The permanent memorial, I am proud to say, is now about 60 percent complete.

When we were before the Natural Resources Committee, talking about why this needed to be a national memorial, I was able to point out that we saw vigils in every State, including the States of all the Members of the Natural Resources Committee who were on that panel. Some of our colleagues that I remember on the panel were from Utah, New York, and other States. It was an amazing moment to show how, in just about every major city across America, we saw folks standing in solidarity.

So, today, it is with a heavy heart and with a sad remembrance that we mark the approaching 10th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I am joined here tonight by a dear friend, a neighbor, a young man who had just graduated from high school a little before the attack. He went to school in our district, we are proud to say. From an early age, he took on the issue of gun violence, served as a student representative on our school board in Osceola County, and has continued to play a big role ever since in gun safety.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Frost).

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Marquise McMiller as a distinguished leader in Central Florida for Military Appreciation Month. Marquise McMiller, JD, is a twelve-year veteran of the United States Army and the Florida Army National Guard. Originally from Gary, Indiana, Mr. McMiller relocated to Florida and served within the 144th Transportation Company in Marianna and the 1218th Transportation Company, eventually attaining the rank of Sergeant (E-5).

Marquise utilized his extensive experience in transportation, along with a dedication to education law and public policy, to serve as an educator with Orange County Public Schools. While teaching, he simultaneously attended law school and maintained his military service during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He later applied his diverse skill set to advance state and regional infrastructure priorities across Central Florida with the Florida Department of Transportation, District 5.

Currently, Sergeant McMiller has returned to his passion for education policy, serving as a district administrator for Orange County Public Schools. In his role as senior director of government relations, he ensures that educational choices reflect the priorities of all students and families, particularly those within the public education system, of which he is a lifelong product.

Marquise remains committed to the principle of never accepting defeat in the face of adversity. He advocates tirelessly to ensure that education remains a primary focus for lawmakers at the local, state, and federal levels. By upholding the core Army Values of LDRSHIP (Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage), he works daily to shape policies that strengthen families and ensure students across Florida and the United States remain a competitive force on a global scale.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor John Paul Church as distinguished leader in Central Florida for Military Appreciation Month. John Paul Church was born on April 25, 1926,

in New Castle, Pennsylvania, where he lived until retiring to St. Cloud, Florida. Known to family and friends as Paul, he worked at Shenango China in New Castle and later at Dale McClymonds Trucking in nearby Portersville, Pennsylvania, before moving to Florida for retirement. He was also a devoted member of Oak Grove Presbyterian Church in Portersville.

On October 25, 1947, Paul married Marian Gibson. Together they built a loving family that included their son, Dan; three grandchildren, Gail, Victoria, and Scott; six great-grandchildren, Jessica, Rebecca, Kaden, Asa, Maya, and Jonah; and one great-great-grandchild, Emerson.

Paul was a proud World War II Navy veteran who served in the Pacific Theater aboard the USS Wilkes-Barre (CL-103) as a Fireman First Class. He was honorably discharged on May 5, 1946. As a plank owner, he was part of the original crew when the USS Wilkes-Barre was commissioned on July 1, 1944. The ship earned four Battle Stars for its service during the Philippines Operation. Iwo Jima Operation, Okinawa Operation, and the final assault against Japan. While anchored in Tokyo Bay, the USS Wilkes-Barre witnessed the Japanese surrender aboard the USS Missouri (BB-63). During his military service, Paul was awarded the Pacific Theater Ribbon with four stars, the American Theater Ribbon, the Victory Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one star.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Jose Ismael Bosque Hernandez as a distinguished leader in Central Florida's for Military Appreciation Month. Jose Ismael Bosque Hernandez began shaping his life's mission the moment he entered the United States Coast Guard. Serving as a port security specialist in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he protected the base, supported rescue operations, and assisted in federal enforcement missions. The Coast Guard's uncompromising standards--discipline, precision, and seriousness--became the blueprint for how he would confront every challenge that followed.

Through rigorous leadership training, Jose developed the organizational, communication, and decision-making skills that would define his career. Military law and regulation introduced him to the world of justice, guiding him toward earning his Juris Doctor from Barry University School of Law and later serving as a legislative aide in the Florida Senate, where he contributed to the creation and passage of state laws.

His Coast Guard-honed communication skills propelled him into journalism, where he became known as ``El Reportero de la Comunidad'' for El Nuevo Dia Orlando. His impact earned him the Casa de Puerto Rico Award as Central Florida's Communications Guru.

Jose's commitment to service extended to national emergencies. As a FEMA communications specialist, he coordinated and reported rescue operations for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security during Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, and Hurricanes Irene and Michael in Florida. In state service, Jose continued protecting the vulnerable. As a paralegal, child and elderly abuse investigator, and disability specialist for the state of Florida, he applied his investigative training to safeguard families and support those in crisis. Across every role, Jose Ismael Bosque Hernandez carries the same Coast Guard ethos: serve with discipline, lead with integrity, and uplift the community with unwavering purpose.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Enrique Acosta Gonzalez as a distinguished leader in Central Florida for Military Appreciation Month. Enrique Acosta Gonzalez is the CEO of Triad Leadership Solutions, LLC, and has served as an executive, veteran and advocate, board member, non-profit administrator, speaker, mentor, coach, and avid volunteer. Over the past 25 years, Enrique has held numerous executive, advisory, and senior positions while serving in both the United States Navy and the civilian sector. Through education and training, he helped strengthen organizations by providing sound decision support and fostering open communication at all levels. Enrique also helped formulate and implement policies on morale, welfare, job satisfaction, discipline, and personnel training.

He is the recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He was named the 2013, 2014, and 2017 Federal Mentor of the Year, and is the recipient of the inaugural 2014 Chief John Dungan, Jr., Oceanographer of the Navy Award for exceptional leadership. He was also awarded the Arnold Fletcher Award and inducted into the SALUTE national honors society for his academic achievements.

He is a multi-award-winning podcaster with shows focusing on leadership development and career success. He was named the Active Duty, Veteran & Military Spouse Entrepreneur Awards' Media Professional of the Year by The Rosie Network and No. 3 of the Top 50 Leadership Podcasts. His down-to-earth approach to leadership has gained him notoriety as one of the most sought-after leadership trainers.

Enrique has been an active mentor to transitioning service members for nine years as part of the Camaraderie Foundation's Military Leadership Program (MLP). His impact on our Veteran community has been far-reaching, as he serves as a keynote speaker, trainer, and host for military-centered activities in Florida's 9th Congressional District. He also provides complimentary dress shirts to Veterans in preparation for job interviews through his podcast giveback program and is serving as the inaugural Mr. Military Florida for 2026.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Senior Airman Jeremy Lam as a distinguished leader in Central Florida for Military Appreciation Month. Senior Airman Jeremy Lam served in the United States Air Force for eight years, two months, and nine days as a Far East Chinese Mandarin Crypto linguist for the National Security Agency at Fort George Meade, Maryland, from October 12, 1993, to December 21, 2001.

Prior to his military career, he graduated in the top 10 percent of his class from Dr. Phillips High School on May 4, 1993. He got involved in the Air Force Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps and the German Club and played violin in the orchestra. He is also a Troop 6 Eagle Scout from St. Luke's United Methodist Church, where he currently serves as a committee member, Merit Badge coordinator, Eagle Scout mentor, and Eagle Scout

Project Committee member for the Eagle Empire District Central Florida Council.

He is a department chair for Mission and Evangelism for the Orlando Chinese Baptist Church under Pastor Sean Ma and is an avid volunteer with the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 16 as a chapter service officer, helping over 400 veterans process their VA claims for free under the mentorship of Commander Laymond Rose. He also volunteers at the FDVA Alywn C. Cashe Nursing Home, where he conducts monthly bingo. He is also a member of the Wounded Warrior Project and serves as the team lead for snacks for Soldiers' Angels.

Mr. Speaker, it is America's 250th anniversary, and we are proud in central Florida to have this historic accomplishment of Artemis II's successful Moon mission.

Every day, central Floridians drive out to the Cape to work on advancing America's space leadership.

This is the first Moon mission in over 50 years that went the farthest of any humans ever. These astronauts were the first astronauts to witness the dark side of the Moon with their own eyes.

We welcomed astronauts Reid, Victor, Christina, and Jeremy to the Capitol this week. They had many firsts: the oldest astronaut, the first astronaut of color, the first female astronaut, and the first non-America to do a Moon mission.

As the only Member of Congress to witness both Artemis launches firsthand, I couldn't be more proud of them.

Congress needs to be committed to us going back to the Moon to land and to go to Mars and beyond. So we need to dig deep to advance American space leadership, and promote innovation for the sake of all humankind.