Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, in honor of Caribbean Heritage Month, I recognize Michelle Allman.

Michelle, otherwise known as Coach Mea Allman, born in Jamaica, comes from a diverse, mixed cultural heritage: her father, Costa Rican, and her mother, Jamaican, Arawak Indian, Scot. She was raised in Canada and now resides in Florida.

She noticed early in her career the bullying of young people with cultural accents in schools and the general lack of awareness about their Caribbean heritage. Coach Mea felt a need to be part of educating her Caribbean-American community by publishing an online publication called Karibbean Under One Magazine in 2008, along with her son, Michael Morgan, as cofounder and CFO, to show the richness of diverse cultures; to be a community liaison for other Caribbean organizations and businesses to provide resources, outreach, disaster relief; and to help others to unite and grow our cultural awareness in the larger community.

As a cultural advocate, she is passionate about building a welcoming community with her Women of Kulture brand that comes together as community leaders to educate, empower, and celebrate while keeping their own sense of cultural identity.

As a certified professional life, health, and nutrition coach, she encourages others to make, meet, and exceed goals in both their personal and

professional lives by using her success as a 21-year breast cancer survivor as a health advocate to produce and host her monthly virtual

Madam Speaker, in honor of Caribbean-American Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Rachelle R. Grand-Pierre.

Rachelle R. Grand-Pierre is the founder of RGP Law Firm, a boutique immigration law firm in central Florida specializing in immigration, removal defense, and humanitarian relief.

Rachelle received her bachelor of arts degree in English, creative writing, at the University of Central Florida. She earned her Juris Doctor at Barry University where she was a member of the inaugural class of the collaborative family law clinic.

Rachelle currently serves on the executive board of the Central Florida Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association as regional vice president of Orlando where she liaises between the organization and the U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services office in Orlando.

As the daughter of brave, hardworking, Haitian immigrants, Rachelle saw firsthand how immigrants selflessly dedicate themselves to providing better lives for their families. For this reason, Rachelle has a passion for fighting for immigrants to have the ability to live, love, and work in the United States the way she has been blessed to do.

Rachelle has had the opportunity to help hundreds of immigrants in her career, and she hopes that she will continue to touch the lives of countless others. Even though she is from south Florida, Rachelle has called central Florida her home for over 14 years.

When Rachelle is not tirelessly fighting for her clients, she can be found traveling, cooking, and spending quality time with her family.

For this and more, Ms. Rachelle R. Grand-Pierre, we honor you.

Honoring Doreen Edwards-Barker

Madam Speaker, in honor of Caribbean-American Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Doreen Edwards-Barker.

Originally of Caribbean descent from Jamaica West Indies, Doreen Edwards-Barker relocated to Boston, Massachusetts, in the early seventies.

Doreen's philosophy is ``no one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.'' She has accomplished this by pursuing a nursing degree and attending Bethel Bible College. While attending Bethel Bible College, Doreen joined a street outreach ministry team feeding the homeless on the streets.

Looking at the possibility of a life change and an escape from cold winters, Doreen and her husband, Aldwin Barker, chose to call Kissimmee, Florida, their new home in 2002. Immediately, Doreen saw the same need that she saw in Boston. She realized helping others was the secret to living a happier, healthier, and more productive, and meaningful live.

Her passion was in her giving. They founded Clarita's House, Inc., and that later changed to Clarita's House Outreach Ministry, Inc., or CHOM, as a testament to her late mother, Clarity Edwards. The outreach ministry has covered areas in Orlando for the Coalition For the Homeless as well as now in Kissimmee.

CHOM consistently serves the unsheltered and homeless by helping to build trust relationships with those hardest to reach. They also reach out to people living in the woods and homeless shelters of the community. This is done by providing groceries, new and gently used clothing, hygiene supplies, and down-payment assistance when needed.

CHOM also works with the Infinite Scholars Program, facilitating scholarship fairs for more than 500 students and their families, resulting in $10 million in scholarship offers.

Doreen has been recognized multiple times within the community, even though she has never sought recognition for her work.

CHOM was awarded the 2021 Best of Kissimmee award in the category of charity services. Additionally, CHOM accepted the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida's selection as the 2020 Osceola County Agency of the year.

For this and more, Ms. Doreen Edwards-Barker, we honor you.

Honoring Andy King

Madam Speaker, in honor of Caribbean-American Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Andy King.

Andy King currently works in the Finance/Shared Services department for the publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

For the past 10 years, Andy has served as president of the board of directors of Southchase Parcel 5 Homeowners Association and served previously as president of the Southchase West Master Homeowners Association. His career also allowed for exposure in the management of some prominent business departments in the private and public sectors, such as banking, customer service, credit management, and a stint in project management with New York City's Department of Housing Preservation and Development.

He is also a founding member and past-president of the Guyanese- American Cultural Association of Central Florida, treasurer of the Ann Marie De Goveia Scholarship Fund, and immediate past-president and current chairman of the advisory board of the Caribbean and Floridian Association.

Andy credits these experiences with helping him to lead the call for the promotion and introduction of programs and activities that are consistent with the desires of the Caribbean-American community.

He was instrumental in launching the annual Caribbean Fusion Festival in Osceola County, a cultural collaboration between CAFA and the City of Kissimmee, and also the annual Turkey Giveaway at Thanksgiving in Kissimmee. Andy is married and the father of two.

For this and more, Mr. Andy King, we honor you.

Honoring Sterling Blake

Madam Speaker, in honor of Caribbean-American Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Sterling Blake.

Hailing from Jamaica West Indies, Sterling C. Blake came to the great United States of America as a sugarcane farmworker. He has resided in Kissimmee, Florida, for most of his life, where he served as an assistant pastor at the Church of God in Christ for 24 years.

Sterling then started a landscaping company in 1987, and the company grew tremendously. In 1994, Sterling Silver Scape & Sod, Inc., was nominated as the third largest African-American business in the central Florida area, and he was featured in the Orlando Business Journal that same year, and also in 2006. Sterling was also honored by the Orange County Minority Board department.

Sterling served on the board of the Council on Aging for 10 years and is also the pastor of Restore the Path for Christ church located in Kissimmee, Florida.

Sterling was also a member of the Tuskegee Airmen for over 10 years, and his commitment to the Tuskegee Airmen has afforded him the honor of a red jacket.

Sterling has served his community well by feeding the poor, visiting the sick in the hospitals, and helping the needy. Sterling is known in his community as an upstanding and honest businessman.

For this and more, Mr. Sterling Blake, we honor you.

Honoring Grace Peek-Harris

Madam Speaker, in honor of LGBTQ-plus Pride Month, I would like to recognize Ms. Grace Peek-Harris.

Ms. Grace Peek-Harris has served the central Florida LGBTQ-plus community for several years. Grace's Navy career brought her to the region in the 1990s where she served on several deployments, including Operation Enduring Freedom. In 1998, she transitioned from active duty to the reserves and joined the Orlando Police Department.

While at OPD, she became well-known as an advocate for LGBTQ-plus issues and a friend to the LGBTQ-plus community. After the Pulse tragedy, Grace was officially appointed as the lead LGBTQ liaison where she continued to foster numerous relationships throughout the Orlando area and became the first full-time driver of the #0049 Orlando United patrol car. While in this role, Grace played an integral part in expanding the Safe Place program where over 230 Orlando businesses display a sticker identifying them as a safe place to report LGBTQ crimes.

In 2019, Grace founded the Gay Officers Action League of Central Florida, GOALcfl, whose mission is to support, educate, and promote positive relationships between LGBTQ, law enforcement and the communities they serve. Under her leadership as president, GOALcfl has become a driving force within the community by bridging the gap between the two.

She has led the organization through tremendous growth and has supported many central Florida LGBTQ-plus non-profits. In 2021, GOALcfl hosted their first major training event in partnership with the Matthew Shepard Foundation. This day-long program educated many community advocates, law enforcement, and legal personnel on current hate crimes legislation.

Grace retired as a commander from the Navy after 23 years and retired as a master sergeant from OPD after 20 years.

She currently enjoys serving on the board of The Center and GOALcfl and continuing to volunteer with LGBTQ-plus organizations, including Zebra Coalition and KindRED Pride Foundation.

Grace lives in Windermere with her wife, Elie and their son, Dylan.

For this and more, Ms. Grace Peek-Harris, we honor you.

Honoring Eleanor McDonough

In honor of LGBTQ-plus Pride Month, I would like to recognize Eleanor McDonough.

Ms. Eleanor McDonough was born and raised in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts, to parents Frank and Sally McDonough. She moved to Kissimmee, Florida, in 2016 where she came out as a transgender woman. She currently works as a legislative assistant to Representative Kristen Arrington of Kissimmee, Florida, House District 43, and is the only out transgender person working at the Florida Capitol.

She previously worked for the Florida Democratic Party as a field organizer in Osceola County in the Celebration, Reunion, and Champions Gate area. She currently serves as the corresponding secretary of the Osceola County Democratic Executive Committee, is the deputy director of Region 4, central Florida, of the Florida LGBTQ-plus Democratic Caucus, is the secretary of the Florida Democratic Party Diversity and Inclusion Committee, is the secretary of the Osceola County Democratic Women's Club, and is a board member of the Democrats of St. Cloud and the Osceola County LGBTQ-plus Democratic Caucus.

She is also passionate about commonsense gun reform as a volunteer and former social media lead of the Osceola County chapter of Moms Demand Action.

In 2019 Eleanor graduated from the National Democratic Training Committee Staff Academy in the digital organizing track. Before her career in politics, she previously worked in the technology field for 20 years and was a small business owner.

She has three siblings: her brother Joseph McDonough, and her sisters Virginia and Siobhan McDonough. She is also the proud aunt of nephews Connor Fresia and Gus McDonough.

Eleanor is working to make the world a better place, especially for transgender kids. She looks forward to serving her community in Kissimmee for many years to come.

For this and more, Ms. Eleanor McDonough, we honor you.

Honoring Mandy Kimmer

In honor of LGBTQ-plus Pride Month I would like to recognize Mandy Kimmer.

Mandy Kimmer, APR, CPRC, is the public information officer for Orange County Parks and Recreation, having worked there for 13 years.

Born and raised near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she earned her BA degrees in public relations, journalism, and economics from Florida Southern College in Lakeland in 1983.

In 2015 she and friend Karen Castelloes cofounded the Zebra Coalition's Jefferson R. Voss Education Fund for LGBTQ-plus students in central Florida, establishing an endowed scholarship at the University of Central Florida and helping direct funds from a separate donation for students pursuing courses for a GED or technical and community college. Since the inception of this funding, numerous students have received thousands of dollars in financial assistance to further their education.

After the Pulse tragedy occurred in Orlando on June 12, 2016, Mandy formed the LGBTQ Pride and Allies of Orange County for county colleagues and others outside the organization. Knowing that people wanted to help and needed to heal, she invited LGBT community leaders to speak at meetings held in Orange County's administration building. Topics included volunteer opportunities with Zebra Coalition, civil rights work of Equality Florida, community involvement of The LGBT-plus Center Orlando, personal transgender stories, and coming-out experiences of youth and adults. Five years later this small assembly is now in the process of meeting requirements to become a recognized employee resource group for the Orange County government's 8,000 employees.

Mandy has sung first alto and second soprano parts in the Orlando Gay Chorus for the past 4 years and is a 9-year breast cancer survivor. She is the proud mom of sons Matthew Luber, a former U.S. marine, and Andrew Luber, who is majoring in accounting at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

For this and more, Ms. Mandy Kimmer, we honor you.

Honoring Brandon Wolf

In honor of LGBTQ-plus Pride Month, I would like to recognize Brandon Wolf.

Life changed for Brandon Wolf when, on June 12, 2016, he escaped Pulse nightclub with his life. That night a gunman murdered 49 mostly LGBTQ people of color, including his best friends, Drew and Juan, celebrating in their safe space.

In the wake of the tragedy, Brandon dedicated his life to honoring the victims with action. He has become a fierce advocate for commonsense gun safety reforms, becoming the first survivor of the shooting to share his testimony before this Congress. He frequently steps forward to share his story courageously and demands better from lawmakers.

Brandon has also become an unapologetic advocate for LGBTQ civil rights, amplifying the voices of marginalized people and resisting homophobia and transphobia.

He cofounded The Dru Project, a youth-serving organization that has given over $100,000 in college funding to emerging LGBTQ leaders. Brandon also serves as the media relations manager for Equality Florida, our State's largest LGBTQ civil rights organization

For this and more, Mr. Brandon Wolf, we honor you.

Honoring Lisa Barr

In honor of LGBTQ-plus Pride Month, I would like to recognize Ms. Lisa Barr.

Lisa Barr joined the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida, Inc., in August of 2014 as executive director, prior to which she was the vice president of development at Habitat for Humanity of Brevard County, Florida. Lisa spent over 20 years as a Department of Defense contractor prior to moving to the nonprofit sector. She holds an MBA in management from the Johns Hopkins University and has a diverse background in the fields of government defense contracting, business consulting, not-for-profit leadership, and fundraising.

Her major career accomplishments include leading the expansion of a small, grassroots health organization into a regional operation with multiple satellite locations and successfully

leading 22 government subcontractors to surpass their targets throughout the rebuild challenges following the September 11, 2001, attack on the Pentagon.

Lisa is known throughout the region as a thought leader when it comes to innovation and new ideas to address the area's health disparities. She has recently been featured on WKMG News 6 for her work on HIV prevention and education and the reopening of a new medical facility.

She has contributed to the field of HIV and not-for-profit management through speaking engagements, mentorship of senior organizational leaders, and volunteer service on major projects, including the United States Conference on AIDS. Lisa has fostered an environment of excellence, compassion, and service that has earned Hope and Health the reputation of the warm hug of healthcare.

In her spare time Lisa enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and building houses with Habitat for Humanity of Brevard County Women Build.

For this and more, Ms. Lisa Barr, we honor you.

Honoring Joel Junior Morales

Madam Speaker, in honor of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, I would like to recognize Joel Junior Morales.

Joel Junior Morales--pronouns he, him, his, el,--is a proud queer Puerto Rican. He is currently the operations director for the LGBT+ Center Orlando, spearheading efforts to affirm and empower the LGBTQ+ community.

Morales served as a victim service navigator during the aftermath of the Pulse nightclub shooting on June 12, 2016. He assisted more than 900 individuals and 255 families, alongside 50 other government, community, and business organizations at the Family Assistance Center, which transitioned to being what is known now as the Orlando United Assistance, currently under Joel's leadership.

He was instrumental in creating the Central Florida LGBTQ+ Relief Fund, a collaboration of several LGBTQ organizations and mutual aid fund that helped over 700 LGBTQ+ families during the peak of the pandemic in 2020.

Throughout volunteerism, a longstanding community builder, Joel is one of the cofounders of QLatinx, a grassroots racial, social, and gender justice organization dedicated to the advancement and empowerment of the LGBTQ+ Latinx community.

He also serves on many community boards, including grant committee member for Contigo Fund, stakeholder forum for the National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center, leadership team for the American Cancer Society, and others.

An advocate for survivors, he was trained and certified with the Florida Crisis Response Team. Joel is also the regional chapter coordinator for Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice. He advocated and organized around Florida House bill 7125. The new Florida policy improves the probation system, gets Floridians back to work, and removes barriers to victims' compensation.

In addition, Joel has recently joined the Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center as a consultant under the Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program, working closely with other trauma centers around the Nation. He aims to continue his efforts through social justice and advocacy.

For this and more, Mr. Joel Junior Morales, we honor you.

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

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Newlyn Wing.

Newlyn Wing is a current resident of Orlando, Florida, who over the last 5 years has become a passionate advocate for building leadership coalitions in the Asian-American and Orange County communities.

With a family history stemming from Michigan and Vietnamese refugees, he grew up experiencing the individualistic and collectivistic cultures of the United States and Vietnam. His upbringing created a belief within Newlyn that our collective well-beings are tied to each other's progress. He believes when our best individual efforts and perspectives are shared, we can all progress forward.

This principle led him to pursue leadership positions and projects with local and national nonprofits and associations. He holds roles as the president of the National Association of Asian American Professionals, Orlando chapter, and the chief strategy officer role with the NAAAP national. Newlyn is passionate about strategies and partnerships that give individuals a platform for building their leadership and having a true impact in their industries and communities.

In his work within the Orange County community, Newlyn has created leadership programs for high school and college students, helped lead voter education initiatives, and led efforts to increase the representation of Asian American Pacific Islanders in community leadership positions. He is grateful for the amazing leadership teams he has been a part of and for the opportunity to serve his community.

Outside of his community volunteer work, Newlyn currently serves as association manager for Junior Chamber International USA, a not-for- profit organization of young active citizens. The JCI USA mission, to provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change, aligns with Newlyn's passion and background.

For this and more, Mr. Newlyn Wing, we honor you.

Honoring Adrian Lee

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Adrian Lee.

Adrian Lee is a senior undergraduate student at the University of Central Florida, studying political science, with a track in international affairs and a minor in human communications.

During her time at UCF, Adrian was involved in Asian-interest student organizations, including the Asian Student Association, the Sparks Magazine Chapter of UCF, and the Asian Pacific American Coalition.

As president of the Asian Pacific American Coalition, Adrian worked with multiple executive student boards, administrative offices, and community partners to amplify Asian-American issues and provide networking opportunities.

She is most proud of introducing her new scholarships during UCF's celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, recognizing the creativity, leadership, and advocacy of APIDA students.

During her free time, Adrian enjoys painting and visiting local restaurants of greater Orlando.

For this and more, Adrian Lee, we honor you.

Honoring Dr. Hefang Lin

In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Dr. Hefang Lin.

Dr. Hefang Lin received her Ph.D. in statistics from Virginia Tech in 1999. She has published many papers in journals, such as the Journal of Statistical Computation and Simulation, the Criminal Justice Review, Corrections Today, et cetera.

She has worked as a research statistician in the Orange County Corrections Department for 14 years. Her statistical analysis and reports help decision-makers deliver better community outcomes by enhancing efficiency and productivity. As a result of her work, management has a data-based driven, decision-making process.

Prior to OCCD, she worked for a consulting company in Washington, D.C., until 2007. She worked on many projects for the Federal Government, including the U.S. Marshals, ICE, and the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. She is also vice chair of the research council in the American Correctional Association and the former president of the Club Orange Toastmasters.

Dr. Hefang Lin is the founder and president of the Orange County Asian Committee, with the mission of bringing the community together while promoting inclusivity and the rich heritage of Asian Americans, since 2012. In order to advocate for Asian cultures, diversity, and inclusiveness, she leads numerous events, such as cultural performances, art contests, and awards. During the pandemic, when face masks were in short supply, she organized people to donate masks to help prevent the spread of and protect against the COVID-19 healthcare crisis in Orange County and people in need.

Dr. Lin now lives with her husband in Oviedo, Florida, and has two beautiful daughters.

For this and more, Dr. Hefang Lin, we honor you.

Honoring Onchantho Am

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Onchantho Am.

Onchantho Am makes no secret of her humble beginnings. She is a child of Cambodian refugees who escaped the Khmer Rouge. Due to unfortunate circumstances, she and her siblings were removed from her parents' care and placed in the foster system. One of her first recollections of the judicial system was when she advocated on behalf of her siblings to have them reunited

under one roof. Rather than being broken by such adversity, she embraced her experiences to fuel a passion for public service and child advocacy. She aged out of the foster system and went on to become the first in her family to attend college and graduate from the University of Florida. She earned her J.D. from Stetson University College of Law, where she earned the prestigious Victor O. Wehle Trial Advocacy Award and the Thomas E. Penick, Jr. Award.

Onchantho is the vice president of quality and chief legal officer of IMPOWER, Inc., where she leads the organization to new levels working diligently to improve the lives of children and families.

Outside of work, Mrs. Am is heavily involved in the legal and the Asian American Pacific Islander community. As the president of the Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association, she put public service and community outreach to the forefront, spearheading several successful virtual programs, including the Voter Initiative, the Asian Fusion Nights, Cooking for a Cause, and Stop AAPI Hate panel. She is also an active board member of the National Association of Asian American Professionals, a member of the Orange County Asian American Committee, and the scholarship chair of the Orange County Bar Association Foundation.

But for all her accomplishments and accolades, her greatest pride and joy is to share with her husband the adventure of raising three multiracial daughters to become strong, empowered women.

For this and more, Mrs. Onchantho Am, we honor you.

Honoring Shally Wong

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Shally Wong.

Shally Wong is the special assistant of Mayor Jerry Demings of the Orange County government.

A Hong Kong immigrant, Ms. Wong has proudly served the central Florida Asian American community since 2005. Her programs include cultural outreach, unity, and inclusion for all peoples of the Asian American community and beyond. Ms. Wong invests in all of her responsibilities a vision of diversity, understanding, acceptance, and respect that nurtures present and future generations. She takes great pride in representing her culture and being a voice for those underrepresented within her community.

With an MIS bachelor's degree in business administration, Ms. Wong brings dedication, meticulousness, and selflessness to many professional and local projects from idea through completion. Examples of such projects include the Asia Trend Magazine publication; the Asia Trend, Inc., nonprofit organization; and the Dragon Parade Lunar New Year.

Ms. Wong's prior recognized positions include vice president of the Chinese American Association of Central Florida, president of CAACF, and board director of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce, for which she served as treasurer in 2007. Her various awards and merits include the AACC's Ellison S. Onizuka Humanitarian Award, the Asian American Heritage Council Community Service Award, and the Outstanding Community Service Award and recognition of County Mayor Teresa Jacobs. Ms. Wong now serves as board director of FusionFest, Inc.

For this and more, Ms. Shally Wong, we honor you.

Honoring Sadiqullah Baburi

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Sadiqullah Baburi.

Sadiqullah Baburi, born on June 10, 1977, to father Baqi Baburi and mother Sadeeqa Baburi in Kandahar, Afghanistan, is the oldest of eight siblings. The Soviet occupation of the eighties took many of his family members' lives and forced him and his family to flee their home and brought them to the United States in the year 1990.

Supporting his family financially, Sadiq worked as a dishwasher with his brother-in-law Mohamed Amin in a diner in Schenectady, New York, until they gathered enough money to build their own restaurant in Newark, New Jersey. After several years, he moved with his entire family to Florida and eventually opened his newest restaurant with his brother-in-law, Kennedy Chicken and Grill, named after the airport he and his wife first arrived in as immigrants. The restaurant employs many immigrants who came to the U.S. seeking new opportunities as he and his family did years ago.

At the present moment, Sadiq has four children. He and his wife have been married since 1996. Mr. Baburi contributes to many local charities through his small business work in the central Florida community.

For this and more, Mr. Sadiqullah Baburi, we honor you.

Honoring Francisco Rueda Halili, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Dr. Francisco Rueda Halili, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Francisco ``Frank'' Halili, M.D., is a man who appears to have more than 24 hours in a day. And for every single second of those extra hours, there is a man living life to the fullest, a man of God and country. He uses his time, talents, and treasures to help others.

A board-certified general surgeon in the central Florida area for more than 27 years, Dr. Halili's sharp mind and skillful hands have sought to provide the best care for everyone he meets. It is hard to even imagine the number of lives he has changed either directly or indirectly as a doctor.

Born in Manila, Philippines, to Filipino-U.S. immigrants who made sacrifices, like many other immigrants do when starting over in the U.S., he was instead raised by his grandmother in the Philippines.

A graduate of Ateneo de Manila High School, he would eventually attend Florida Southern College, majoring in biochemistry, and later attend medical school at the University of Miami School of Medicine, class of 1988.

Dr. Halili did his surgical residency at Brookdale Hospital Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, and started his private practice in 1993 as a general surgeon in Kissimmee, Florida.

Anyone who has ever seen Dr. Halili in the operating room knows of his love for his alma mater and UM Hurricane sports. His medical students and nurses can easily spot him proudly wearing anything and everything University of Miami, orange and green, all the way down to his famous orange-colored operating room shoes. Go Canes.

Over his 27-year career, it is hard to say exactly how many hours Dr. Halili has spent in surgery, with delicate hands caring for his patients. But for every one of those hours, getting to the four hospitals no matter what time or emergency, he has somehow defied the laws of physics and created even more time in the day to be a full-time loving husband to Joanna and devoted father to Francis and Francene.

For this and more, Dr. Francisco Halili, we honor you.

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

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 297) to require the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study on the establishment of, and the potential land that could be included in, a unit of the National Forest System in the State of Hawaii, and for other purposes.

Madam 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 on the measure under consideration.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 297, sponsored by my Committee on Natural Resources' colleague, Representative Ed Case of Hawaii.

Madam Speaker, this legislation would require the Secretary of Agriculture, in coordination with the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, to conduct a study to identify lands in the State of Hawaii that merit inclusion in the National Forest System.

Hawaii is one of the most ecologically diverse places in the world, home to 10 of the 13 world climate zones, with ecosystems ranging from the deserts to tropics, where plants and animals that found their way to Hawaii evolved like nowhere else. The study would consider how a Hawaii national forest could contribute to the conservation of this biodiversity not found elsewhere in the National Forest System.

Madam Speaker, H.R. 297 provides the first step in establishing a national forest in Hawaii and a basis for bringing together local stakeholders to move forward the conversation on how to responsibly establish a national forest in Hawaii that benefits both Hawaii's island communities as well as the National Forest Service.

Madam Speaker, as we continue to work towards the Biden administration's effort to protect 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030, and identify solutions to our climate and biodiversity crises, I hope we can all see the value in taking this step towards protecting Hawaii's unique forest resources and its native species.

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

Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member for his positive comments.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Case).

Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member, Mr. Westerman from Arkansas, for his positive comments and bipartisan spirit, and I thank Mr. Case.

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

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 49) to designate the National Pulse Memorial located at 1912 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, Florida, 32806, and for other purposes.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise, along with Representative Demings and Representative Murphy from central Florida, in strong support of our bill, H.R. 49.

Nearly 5 years ago, 49 angels lost their lives and 53 others were injured when a deranged gunman opened fire at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

You can see here photos of those who we lost, lives cut short.

This horrific act of hate and terror against our LGBTQ and Latino community, African-American community, and Anglo community could have divided us, but we came together stronger than ever before.

Orlando swore as a community to never forget those we lost that night. Their stories, their images, their memories, and their spirits must live on in our hearts.

We were all there for vigils in Orlando, where the bell rang 49 times for those angels we lost, and I am honored to say, across this Nation and all 50 States, and many countries, we saw vigils also recognizing it, which is why it is so critical that this is a national memorial, because it was truly a national and international tragedy.

To honor the fallen and survivors of this tragedy, I join my colleagues to introduce landmark legislation to designate the Pulse nightclub as a federally recognized national memorial site. This designation as a nonaffiliated National Park Service national memorial would not require Federal funds, but it would honor the 49 lives taken on June 12, 2016, as well as the survivors, the first responders who so heroically came to the rescue of so many others, and the entire central Florida community.

Together, we will open minds and hearts. We will make the Pulse Memorial a national symbol of hope, love, and change.

I would like to, again, thank my amazing colleagues, Congresswoman Val Demings and Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy, for joining me in leading this important legislation, and I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member, Mr. Westerman from Arkansas, for his bipartisan support.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Demings).

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano).

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California, Chair Takano, for taking the pilgrimage to the Pulse Memorial, along with me and others and listening and paying respects. So I appreciate that.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Cicilline).

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Cicilline) for making the pilgrimage and paying his respects at the memorial.

Madam Speaker, at this time, I have no further requests for time, and I would inquire whether my colleague has any remaining speakers on his side.

Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) and our colleagues across the aisle for their bipartisan support of this really important bill for our Nation. I thank also Representatives Demings, Murphy, Cicilline, and Takano for their support here today.

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

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 478) to direct the Secretary of the Interior to take certain land located in Pinal County, Arizona, into trust for the benefit of the Gila River Indian Community, and for other purposes.

Madam 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 on the measure under consideration.

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

Madam Speaker, H.R. 478, introduced by our colleague, Representative Tom O'Halleran from Arizona, authorizes the United States to place 55.3 acres of historically and culturally significant land into trust on behalf of the Gila River Indian Community of Arizona.

This parcel of land is commonly referred to as the Blackwater Trading Post Land, because it once contained the Ellis family's Blackwater Trading Post which sold goods to members of the Gila River Indian Community since the 1930s.

After purchasing the trading post in 2010, the community found around 1,000 cultural artifacts on the property, including 126 Akimel O'odham baskets. Following this discovery, the community decided to apply to take the parcel of land into trust.

However, legislation is required for this exchange, as the community's 2004 water settlement explicitly requires that any lands located outside of the community's reservation boundaries be taken into trust through congressional action.

Passage of H.R. 478 will ultimately allow the community to preserve a piece of their heritage by incorporating this contiguous parcel of land into its reservation land base.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank Representative O'Halleran for his work on this legislation. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

In closing, Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation for the Gila River Community of Arizona, as corrected. I thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gallego) who knows the State very well.

I urge support of the Gila River Indian Community of Arizona's incorporation of this additional land. I thank Representative O'Halleran for his leadership and the bipartisan support of the ranking member, Mr. Westerman from Arkansas.

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

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 810) to amend the National Trails System Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study on the feasibility of designating the Chief Standing Bear National Historic Trail, and for other purposes.

Madam 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 on the measure under consideration.

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

Madam Speaker, H.R. 810, introduced by Representative Fortenberry from Nebraska, would direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study on the feasibility of designating the Chief Standing Bear National Historic Trail.

The proposed trail would extend approximately 550 miles from Niobrara, Nebraska, to Ponca City, Oklahoma, tracing the route taken by Chief Standing Bear and the Ponca people during Federal Indian removal and their return to Nebraska.

The trail would commemorate and elevate the story of Chief Standing Bear, including the trial and historic 1879 court case where he became the first Native American to be recognized as a person in a Federal court.

The trail would memorialize the courage, honor, and fortitude of Chief Standing Bear and the Ponca people as they struggled to return to their homeland to bury the son of Chief Standing Bear--serving as a reminder of their fight to achieve justice, freedom, and equality.

I would like to thank Representative Fortenberry for championing this important legislation and for his efforts to bring about a greater understanding of our U.S. history and Tribal sovereignty.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this good bipartisan bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I wholly support this bill, and I thank the leadership of Mr. Fortenberry from Nebraska and the ranking member, Mr. Westerman from Arkansas.

This is a fitting honor for human rights and Tribal sovereignty. I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1688) to amend the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.

Madam 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 on the measure under consideration.

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

Madam Speaker, H.R. 1688, introduced by Representative Ruben Gallego from Arizona, our outgoing subcommittee chairman--and I appreciate his leadership on that--amends and reauthorizes several programs within the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act in order to improve the prevention, investigation, treatment, and prosecution of family violence, child abuse, and child neglect involving Native American children and families.

There is an enormous need for family violence prevention and treatment resources in Tribal communities. Native children experience child abuse and neglect at an elevated rate, which leads many to require special education services, to be more likely to be involved in the juvenile and criminal justice systems, and to have long-term mental health needs.

Passage of H.R. 1688 will create technical assistance programs in the Bureau of Indian Affairs, allow for urban Indian organizations to partner with

Tribal governments, and ensure culturally competent care.

I thank Representative Gallego for introducing and championing this vitally important legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1688.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gallego).

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

We had extensive hearings on these issues in the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States, and it became clear we needed resources and technical assistance to protect Native American children and families in addition to what they are getting now.

I thank our outgoing chair, Mr. Gallego, for his leadership on this; the dean of the House, Representative Don Young, for his amazing leadership in working together; former Member Cook, who participated in these meetings extensively; as well as now-Secretary Deb Haaland, one of the first Native American women to serve in the Congress. I thank Ranking Member Westerman for helping us get this done in a bipartisan fashion.

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

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2208) to restore an opportunity for tribal economic development on terms that are equal and fair, and for other purposes.

Madam 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 on the measure under consideration.

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

Madam Speaker, H.R. 2208, introduced by Representative Veronica Escobar from Texas, amends the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama and Coushatta Indian Tribes of Texas Restoration Act of 1987 to clarify that the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act applies to both the Pueblo and the Tribe.

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas was federally terminated in 1954. This wrong was followed in 1968 by termination of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, also known as the Tigua Tribe. Congress rightfully restored both the Pueblo and the Tribe by enacting the aforementioned Restoration Act of 1987.

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act was enacted just one year later, in 1988. The framework that it created should have applied to both the Pueblo and the Tribe, just as it did to every other Tribe.

However, since the Restoration Act was passed at a time when Indian gaming was just emerging and Federal regulations had not yet been implemented, it contains a section regarding gaming.

We know from the Congressional Record that the intent of this section of the Restoration Act was to clarify Indian gaming policy at the time, not to completely prohibit gaming on these lands in perpetuity.

But that is what is occurring. The language in the Restoration Act has been used by the State of Texas to repeatedly stymie the Pueblo's and the Tribe's ability to engage in class II gaming, much to the detriment of the economic health and well-being of both the Pueblo and the Tribe.

Additionally, the only other federally recognized Tribe in Texas, the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe, is allowed to operate a class II gaming facility, as they were restored by Congress in 1983, without any type of gaming restrictions.

H.R. 2208 remedies this inequality by clarifying that the Pueblo and the Tribe, like the Kickapoo, have the same rights and responsibilities under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act as virtually every other federally recognized Tribe in the United States.

This legislation confers no new or special rights to the Pueblo or the Tribe, nor does it in any way limit the existing rights of the State of Texas. This is simply a matter of parity and fairness, and I urge adoption of this legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Escobar).

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank both Representative Escobar and Representative Gonzales for their leadership to right this wrong, this injustice.

I thank the dean of the House, Representative Young, for his very informative history lesson on the legislation. I also thank Ranking Member Westerman for his bipartisan support.

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

Madam Speaker, Francisco H. De Jesus was born on March 9, 1924 in Penuelas, Puerto Rico. In 1950 he was deployed to the Korean War aboard the USNS Marine Lynx as part of the 65th Infantry Regiment, which was nicknamed ``The Borinqueneers''. Francisco served in this honorable regiment for one year during the Korean War and then transferred to Panama for a tour as a member of Military Police.

Upon completing his service, Francisco returned to Puerto Rico, rejoining his young family in San Juan. Francisco was an entrepreneur. He pursued numerous business ventures before establishing what became a very well-known men's store called Heryck's Men's Store in Caparra Terrace. In 1976, Francisco sold his beloved store and moved his family to Orlando, Florida. For 20 years, Francisco worked for the Orange County School Board as a community liaison in the Immigration Department, playing a key role in registering migrant families and their children to enable attendance at local schools during the year.

Francisco is a beloved husband, father of 7 children, a grand-father of 14 and a Great-grandfather of 16. He still an avid storyteller, loves listening to music and is a great Domino player. Francisco recently celebrated his 97th birthday in Orlando, Florida.

Madam Speaker, Brittani Acuff is a philanthropist, creator, storyteller and most importantly, an ally. In 2010, Brittani left Central Florida to attend the University of Mississippi where she studied broadcast journalism and theatre arts. At Ole Miss, Brittani was a lead anchor and reporter for Newswatch99. She was ranked in the Top Four Feature Reporters in the Southeastern Journalism Conference's Best of the South, beating out reporters from over 30 colleges.

As a reporter, she learned the value of relationships and branding, and transitioned to working in public and community relations. In 2014, she returned to Orlando and immediately plugged back into Orlando's charitable scene.

Brittani is the community relations and events manager at one of Central Florida's leading LGBTQ+ and Allied Healthcare Centers, serves on the onePulse Foundation's Memorial Task Force and the Orlando Youth Empowerment Summit Steering Committee, is an ally on Congressman Darren Soto's LGBTQ+ roundtable, is the marketing chair for the Provisional Class of the Junior League of Greater Orlando, and hosts and plans shows at New York Fashion Week. Her past community involvement also includes Dance, Dream and Inspire for Community Based Care of Central Florida, volunteering with Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Central Florida and being chair of the opening reception committee for the United States Conference on AIDS. In 2020, Brittani was named one of Orlando Magazine's Women of the Year.

Brittani broke the mold in the pageant industry by starting at age 25 and doing it her way. Brittani served as Miss Orange County USA, Miss Orange County Galaxy and Miss Southern States Galaxy. At Galaxy Internationals, Brittani was the only American to place in the Top 5 in her division and is the current reigning Orange County's Perfect Miss. In 2019, Brittani was named ``The Most Influential Person in Pageantry'' by Art&Beauty Magazine.

For this and more, we honor Ms. Acuff.

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Sami Haiman-Marrero.

Sami Haiman-Marrero is the president and CEO of URBANDER, a firm that assists the corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors in overcoming diversity, equity, inclusion, and multicultural marketing challenges.

Under Sami's leadership, URBANDER received the Orlando Business Journal's 2020 Diversity in Business Helping Hand Award for their work impacting underrepresented and underserved communities.

Sami's career started in New York City over 25 years ago in public relations, marketing, and publishing. Her career highlights include handling the first-ever Spanish-language U.S. Presidential media campaign in 1996, which led to winning the highly coveted Hispanic vote, becoming the publisher of a national Hispanic magazine, and being interviewed on the U.S. Latino experience by The Wall Street Journal, El Nuevo Dia, Huffington Post, MSNBC, Florida Trend, NBCNews.com, and Canada's CBC News.

Haiman-Marrero earned a master's in communications from the University of Puerto Rico and was recognized in 2016 as one of Vision Magazine's 25 Most Influential Hispanics in Central Florida. She has served on prestigious boards such as Visit Orlando, United Arts, Hispanic American Professional Business Women's Association, and Prospera's technical assistance committee.

In 2017, after Hurricane Maria devastated her beloved Puerto Rico, Sami launched a nonprofit called SOS by URBANDER. SOS creates and implements culturally competent social mobility programs such as Talleres de Bienvenida, The Azalea Project, and job readiness training.

SOS is also the Del Ambiente, and Gender Advancement Project's fiscal sponsor, which supports LGBTQ-plus people of color.

In 2019, Orange County Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero appointed Sami to the county's Arts and Culture Council, where she serves as chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. She was also an official delegate of the Second Annual Latino Leadership Summit held at the United Nations by the We Are All Human organization.

For this and more, Ms. Maiman-Marrero, we honor you.

Honoring Wendy Coschignano Ford

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Wendy Coschignano Ford.

Wendy Coschignano Ford was appointed the chief executive officer for the Osceola Council on Aging in 2019. Wendy's career with the OCOA is expansive, spending the past 20 years in key positions within the council, including serving as the director housing and finance.

During the past two decades, Wendy's multidisciplinary approach led to her appointment to the agency's top position. She effectively managed six separate housing communities and successfully developed, negotiated, and managed many commercial contracts while leading the implementation of strategic planning and marketing strategies.

Since 2019, OCOA a has seen exponential increases in sustainable operations, collaborations with the Osceola and central Florida community, and new initiatives, which have increased revenue, client satisfaction, profitability, and reimbursement growth.

The Osceola Council on Aging's mission is to provide services to enable independence and self-sufficiency with Osceola County seniors, disabled adults, disadvantaged individuals, and impoverished families.

Wendy's colleagues state she is always committed to ``achieving the highest standards of performance and leadership'' while embodying the heart of the council's mission.

Wendy is a graduate of the University of Central Florida's business school, and will be completing her MBA degree in July of this year. Wendy holds Housing and Urban Development certifications with Assistant Housing Manager and Housing Credit Certified Professional designations.

She was recently awarded two Certificates of Achievement from HUD for Superior Real Estate Assessment Center Outcomes; recognized for implementing the `Senior/Kid Companion' program at the State of Florida National Community Service Conference, a recognition designated by former Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Further, Wendy is a member of the Kissimmee Police Department's Crime Free initiative program, and a graduate of the University of Florida's LeadingAge Leadership Academy in 2009, along with Leadership Osceola 2019.

Wendy has been married to her husband, Chip, for 11 years. She has two children and two grandchildren.

For this and more, Wendy Coschignano Ford, we honor you.

Honoring Vianca McCluskey

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Vianca McCluskey.

Vianca is the administrator at the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County. She spent more than 20 years of public health experience with 15 years dedicated to leading health departments and federally qualified health centers.

During her career, she has collaborated with county governments, governing boards, and community partners to address health issues and ensure the provision of programs and services for vulnerable populations.

Her public health career began in Tennessee, where she was the State's first African-American county health deputy director. She directed operations at one of the largest rural health departments, which received recognition for its diabetes and community-wide weight loss programs.

After accepting the executive director position with Primary Care Medical Services of Poinciana, a federally qualified health center operated by the health department, she relocated to Osceola County in 2008, with her husband, Dale, and son, Jackson. She oversaw the Federal Health Resources and Services Administration, HRSA, grant and the delivery of comprehensive culturally competent healthcare and dental healthcare services to the community.

In 2012, she accepted a leadership position with the Community Health Centers, Inc., to oversee multispecialty sites serving vulnerable and underserved populations.

In 2018, she returned to the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County as the administrator. She is currently leading the agency through an

unprecedented and extended response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She and her dedicated team at the health department have worked tirelessly to maintain essential public health services during a large-scale emergency response effort.

She continues to work closely with community partners to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in Osceola County, Florida. She is a member of the National Association of County and City Health Officials, Florida Public Health Association, Health Leadership Council, AdventHealth Kissimmee Advisory Council, and Osceola County Council on Aging board.

For this and more, Ms. Vianca McCluskey, we honor you.

Honoring Rhonda Wilson

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Rhonda Wilson.

Ms. Rhonda Wilson, who has her MS, MBA, and MS, is a victims service administrator with over 32 years of professional nonprofit criminal justice and military experience. She has earned three graduate degrees: A master of human services with a criminal justice specialization, a master of business administration, and a master of administration in justice and security.

Since 2009, Rhonda has been a leader for the Victims Service Center of Central Florida, where she has worked as a victim advocate and crisis counselor, community education coordinator, and, most recently, as an advocacy services supervisor where she oversees 10 master's level crisis counselors and interns.

Prior to her work with the Victims Service Center, Ms. Wilson proudly served in the United States Navy for 20 years, specializing in military justice. She took that knowledge and experience and, upon retiring from the Navy, served as the director of an 88-bed residential reentry center helping Federal inmates transition back into the community.

Rhonda has extensive training related to sexual assault and assisting victims of crime. She is a member of the Sexual Assault Response Team and the Florida Crisis Response Team. She was one of the initial first responders in the aftermath of the Pulse mass shooting tragedy and is often called upon to provide emotional support to law enforcement professionals when impacted by violence.

Rhonda is a respected leader and professional in the field of victim services and was recognized as Victim Advocate of the Year in 2017 by Central Florida Victim Services Network.

For this and more, Ms. Rhonda Wilson, we honor you.

Honoring Esther Sanchez Colon

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Esther Sanchez Colon.

At the age of 17, Esther Sanchez Colon began her healthcare journey as a secretary for a medical services and transport company in Puerto Rico. Her interest was sparked through each EMS call, which offered her a chance to help a person or family in need.

She eventually became a dispatcher and discovered her passion for caring for others was her calling, not just a career focus. The paramedics she worked with encouraged her to follow that passion, and, in 2000, she became a registered nurse.

Esther Sanchez Colon now lives in Florida and is a clinical coordinator in Poinciana's Medical Center's emergency department. She has been with the hospital for more than 7 years and demonstrates exceptional leadership, both with the Poinciana ER and the Poinciana area community.

Esther serves as a pastor in her church and is currently finishing her doctorate in ministry. Specializing in both nursing and ministry has helped her be an uplifting resource for patients and their families in their time of need.

Because of her immeasurable compassion and efforts to make a positive impact in the lives of others, she received The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses in 2018. Today, her dedication to helping others is stronger than ever, and she feels blessed to be of service during difficult times.

From supporting her colleagues to caring for patients and their families, she continues to excel in her role and live out the HCA healthcare mission, ``Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.''

For this and more, Ms. Esther Sanchez Colon, we honor you.

honoring belinda johnson-cornett

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Belinda Johnson-Cornett, who has her MS, RN-BC, and

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Ann Claussen.

Ann Claussen has served in various leadership positions for 29 years in Polk County, Florida. During her career with State Farm Insurance Company, she has held many different leadership positions in the life and health company, and served as the credit union manager for 9 years, overseeing a $240 million credit union with 1,100 members throughout the State of Florida.

In January 2014, Ms. Claussen took a leap of faith to start her new career as the CEO of Central Florida Healthcare. Serving in this role has allowed her to follow her lifelong passion for making a difference in her community by providing a patient-centered medical home to over 56,000 patients.

With growth in 14 clinics and 500 employees, Ms. Claussen's passion for serving her community is demonstrated each day by her genuine compassion to be a servant leader. With an understanding of building relationships and partnering for a healthier community, she serves on the United Way board, Junior Diabetes Research Foundation, and other boards and committees to ensure that our communities are working together in providing quality healthcare for everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.

Ms. Claussen's goal is to continue to focus on expanding healthcare and creating a positive work environment surrounded by people who share her passion for making a difference in our community.

With her caring heart, she leads by example and has been instrumental in partnering with other community leaders who have the same passion to serve.

Ann is married to Jim and has two sons, Justin and Ryan.

For this and more, Ms. Ann Claussen, we honor you.

Honoring Jennie Cyran

In honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Jennie Cyran.

Ms. Jennie Cyran, a resident of Haines City, currently serves as a 5th grade English language arts teacher in Polk County Public Schools. She transferred schools to help overcome turnaround status and provide a consistent, quality education to all students.

She is an accomplished visionary leader with 5 years of teaching experience in Polk County. She stops at nothing to advocate for what is best for her students and teachers all over the State of Florida.

Some of Ms. Cyran's most notable accomplishments in education include being named to NPR's Best Commencement Speeches Ever list in 2014 for her graduation speech from Niagara University; being nominated for the Touchdown for Teachers award in 2010, 2011, 2014 and 2016, given by the National Football League's Buffalo Bills for dedication to the community in which she lived; the 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award from Niagara University, New York; and the Polk County Teacher of the Year award for 2019.

Since moving to Florida, she became very involved in Polk County Special Olympics and has helped coach sports such as bowling, softball, swimming, and bocce. She plays unified sports with her brother, Philip, who has autism. Unified sports gives the opportunity to teach acceptance through competitive play while mentoring athletes who have a cognitive disability so that they can build relationships with others and be more successful in everyday life. In the summer of 2018, she was named Polk County's Most Inspirational Unified Partner of the Year.

Ms. Cyran is currently completing her doctorate in educational leadership from Florida Southern College and aspires to be a principal someday. She is a living example of Rita Pearson's quote: ``Every child deserves a champion: an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best they can possibly be.''

For this and more, Ms. Jennie Cyran, we honor you.

Honoring Amaya Brannon

In honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Amaya Brannon.

Amaya Brannon is a 10-year-old resident of Auburndale, Florida, and an active, energetic, and personable young woman in the community.

She lives with her aunt Michelle and uncle Brian, along with her sisters, Shianna and Jayla. She enjoys playing soccer, dancing with her sisters, practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu with her uncle Brian, and being active outdoors.

As a straight-A student in Code Academy in Lakeland, she participates in multiple school activities, including the Fuel Up to Play 60 program.

Amaya has aspirations of a future career in public relations or reporting, all while honing her skills as an artist. She has a heart for giving and helping others in the world.

Most recently, Amaya represented her community as the NFL PLAY 60 Super Kid Ambassador and the Good Morning America Super Bowl Kid Correspondent. She received VIP access during Super Bowl week. Throughout the week, she interviewed players from both teams, hosted a virtual Kids Play Day, was interviewed live on the Taste of the NFL show, practiced with the Buccaneers cheerleaders, and was featured during the second half the Super Bowl. Amaya also reported multiple times throughout the week about her experience live on GMA.

In her heart for helping and leading others, Amaya has pledged to eat healthy and move 60 minutes each day. Despite the unique year and even bad weather, she has been able to remain active. Amaya believes: ``If you are healthy and active, you can achieve great goals in life.''

For this and more, Miss Amaya Brannon, we honor you.

Honoring Francisco H. De Jesus

In honor of National Borinqueneers Day on April 13, I would like to recognize Francisco H. De Jesus.

Francisco H. De Jesus was born on March 9, 1924, in the small town of Penuelas, Puerto Rico. In 1950, he was one of the Borinqueneers that was deployed to the Korean war on the USNS Marine Lynx. Francisco served for 1 year in the Korean war and then transferred to Panama for a tour as a Military Police member.

Upon completing his active service, Francisco returned to Puerto Rico, rejoining his young family in San Juan. He was an entrepreneur, pursuing numerous business ventures before establishing a very well- known men's store called Heryck's Men's Store in Caparra Terrace.

In 1976, Francisco sold his beloved store and moved his family to Orlando, Florida. For 20 years, Francisco worked for the Orange County School Board as a community liaison in the immigration department. He played a pivotal role in registering migrant families and their children to enable attendance at local schools during the year.

Francisco is a beloved husband, father of seven children, grandfather of 14, and great-grandfather of 16. He is still an avid storyteller, loves listening to music, and is great dominoes player.

Francisco recently celebrated his 97th birthday in Orlando, Florida.

For this and more, Mr. Francisco H. De Jesus, we honor you.

Honoring the Life of Officer Kevin Valencia

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Officer Kevin Valencia of the Orlando Police Department, who was a courageous and heroic officer, a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.

On June 11, 2018, Officer Kevin Valencia was shot and critically injured while responding to a domestic violence call where a deranged individual took his own life after killing four children and shooting Officer Valencia.

Officer Valencia risked his life for people he didn't even know, a risk that many in the law enforcement profession take every day without question. Since that tragic night, Officer Valencia has been fighting for his life with his family by his side.

Regretfully, Officer Valencia passed away this week on March 15, 2021, after succumbing to the injuries he sustained.

Officer Kevin Valencia will be remembered by his loved ones as a hero, who selflessly gave to others and always had the best humor.

He is survived by his wife, Meghan Valencia, and their two sons, Kaleb and Kolton.

Thank you, Kevin Valencia, officer of OPD, for your great sacrifices. We mourn your passing, and may you rest in peace.

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

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 71.

Madam Speaker, founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. One hundred and twelve years later, the organization has over 2,200 branches across the nation with more than 2 million members.

The NAACP's mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons. The NAACP is integral to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination on race.

The Osceola branch of the NAACP was originally established as the Kissimmee NAACP in 1965 and later changed to its current name in the early 1970's as the Osceola County Branch 5121. Reverend T.C. Callahan served as the branch's first president. The branch is currently led by Deloris McMillon.

The Osceola branch of the NAACP works to promote civic engagement among its community through voter registration drives. It also recognizes outstanding citizens and leaders to inspire younger generations to participate in their community.

The strength of the NAACP is dependent on support from the community. The NAACP seeks enactment and enforcement of federal, state, and local laws securing civil rights. It tirelessly provides for and supports their communities and equality of all citizens.

Madam Speaker, Dr. Carolyn Pass was born in Lake Wales, Florida. She earned a B.S. in microbiology from the University of Florida and an M.D. from the University of Miami. She completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at the George Washington University.

Her leadership spans more than 35 years beginning with serving as the president of the Minority PreProfessional Association at UF. As a medical student, she was a student health policy mentee in the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy's office. Also, she served as president and regional council member of the Student National Medical Association. In her senior year she was awarded the highest honor bestowed at the University of Miami by being inducted into Iron Arrow Honor Society.

Dr. Pass' dedication to community began in 2001 when she opened her primary care practice in Lake Wales. Before going into solo practice, she suffered from congestive heart failure and recuperated at home for 18 months after giving birth to her third child.

Her dedication to providing quality care to her patients continued to flourish as she rose through the ranks of leadership at Advent Health Lake Wales. While on staff for the past 20 years, she's served on every committee and has been elected three times as chairman of medicine. Currently, she is serving as the first Black female chief of staff.

Dr. Pass' specialties include internal medicine, wound care and hyperbaric medicine.

Her passions are her three lovely children. Alexandra is a graduate student, and Nicholas and Christian are in college.

Madam Speaker, Mr. Richard Hall was one of the original Tuskegee Airmen, the country's first Black military aviators in the U.S. Air Force.

Born in Georgia, Hall moved to Central Florida with his parents when he was five months old. A graduate of Robert Hungerford Boarding School in Eatonville, Hall received a four-year scholarship to Xavier University in New Orleans, LA. He joined the Army Air Force Reserves, and in 1942 was sent to fight in World War II.

Mr. Hall was among the first African American Chief Master Sergeants after integration in 1949. He served his country for over three decades and completed tours on four continents, including the Korean and Vietnam wars.

In 2007, Mr. Hall, along with other Tuskegee Airmen received the Congressional Gold Medal from President George W. Bush. In Central Florida, he was honored with a life-sized sculpture that sits outside Hannibal Heritage Center.

Mr. Hall retired to Maitland in the 1980s and continued to call Central Florida home until his death on January 21, 2021.