Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I would like to honor Eloise Abrahams.

Eloise Abrahams is an RN, BS, LNHA, and she is the executive director for Guardian Care Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Orlando, Florida.

With over 35 years of experience in healthcare, Mrs. Abrahams knew working with seniors was her passion. Championed as the first African- American director of clinical services and the first African-American licensed nursing home administrator in Volusia County, she strategically led her team to receive the decade of excellence award from AHCA for exemplary nursing and rehabilitation care and services.

Certified as a preceptor in Florida, Eloise takes pride in mentoring and training students, particularly African Americans aspiring to become licensed nursing home administrators.

Eloise has received numerous accolades for her stellar leadership, including State and national awards for exemplary care. She was also honored in ONYX magazine as Woman on the Move. Abrahams plays an active role in her church and is a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She serves on several boards of directors and is currently president of the Central Florida Black Nurses Association of Orlando, Inc.

Leading her team through one of the most challenging years in LTC history due to COVID-19, with the support from the GC Board of Directors and Synergy HealthCare Management, she continues to possess a deep passion for providing the highest quality of care.

Abrahams is deeply passionate about the quality of healthcare directed towards seniors and those less fortunate, and has demonstrated continuous commitment to this cause.

In addition to being involved in her work and her community, she is very family-oriented and understands the need to balance her life. She spends quality time with her beautiful, blended family and her husband of 29 years.

For that and more, Eloise Abrahams, we honor you.

Honoring Gloria R. Emanuel

Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I would like to honor Gloria R. Emanuel.

Gloria R. Emanuel is currently the senior accountant for financial reporting for the City of St. Cloud. Gloria is responsible for project accounting, debt obligations, and monitoring the compliance of debt covenants.

In her role, Gloria assists the finance director in the refinancing of existing debt. She also handles the issuance of new debt and works to ensure the timely payment of debt services for all bonds for the City of St. Cloud.

Further, Gloria analyzes and records transactions for the pension trust funds for both general and police and firefighters' plans.

Gloria also holds the responsibility of preparing several local financial reports, including the State Annual Local Government Financial Report, AFR, the State Annual Police and Firefighters' Pension Report, and the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

Gloria has been employed with the City of St. Cloud for over 32 years, progressing from the position of senior account clerk to her present position of senior accountant-financial reporting. She has had exposure to almost all phases, including the city's financial workings of fixed asset accounting and grant accounting and budgeting.

Gloria has also served as the treasurer of a variety of organizations and campaigns, including the Osceola branch of the NAACP and an elected city commissioner's campaign.

Gloria received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration-Finance from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. She became a certified government finance officer in 2012.

Currently, Gloria is a member of the Government Finance Officers Association and its local chapters, such as the Florida Government Finance Officers Association.

Gloria has been married for 31 years and is the proud parent of two wonderful children and a pet tortoise named Pearl.

For that and more, Ms. Gloria R. Emanuel, we honor you.

Honoring Allison Kirby

Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize Allison Kirby.

Allison Kirby has proudly served as the principal of Jones High School for the past 4 years. She is proud of her experience as an English teacher, librarian, and assistant principal, experiences that she feels have helped her become a strong leader for Jones High School students.

Kirby's dream is to create an environment where all children feel loved and adequately prepared to tackle adulthood and higher education. Her passion for helping young people comes from her grandmother, who served as a

high school English teacher in a segregated school. Her grandmother's passion for her students helped instill a sense of obligation and devotion to education within Kirby's heart.

In its early years, Jones High School was the only public high school for African Americans. However, the high school is now open to all students, and Kirby is devoted to ensuring that the environment only grows to be more inclusive to students.

In her efforts to promote educational opportunities for students, Ms. Kirby has led the school in becoming an official community partnership school, revamping the Medical Magnet Program to produce licensed practical nurses and include a Junior Law Enforcement Academy.

Ask anyone at Jones High and they will tell you they are, ``history in the making.''

Outside of her work, Ms. Kirby happily lives in downtown Orlando with her husband, Dan, and her daughter, Ileana.

For that and more, Ms. Allison Kirby, we honor you.

Honoring Joshua J. Myers

Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize Joshua J. Myers.

Joshua J. Myers is a not-for-profit leader with over 14 years of marketing communications, fundraising, and sales management experience. Throughout his career, Joshua has been featured as a commentator for print, radio and television, and other mediums promoting health education and disease prevention.

Through his work, Joshua seeks to promote his passion for connecting people to health and wellness resources that improve their lives, especially those disproportionately affected by health disparities.

Currently, Joshua serves as the Development and Communications Director at Hope and Health Center of Central Florida, Inc., a medical clinic with operations throughout Florida.

Joshua holds a bachelor's degree in theater and communications from the College at Brockport, SUNY, a master's in communications and media technologies from the Rochester Institute of Technology, and a master's in arts management from the University of Buffalo, SUNY, at which he was the Arthur A. Schomburg fellow.

He currently resides in Altamonte Springs, Florida, and enjoys reading, cooking, fitness, and the beach.

For that and more, Mr. Joshua J. Myers, we honor you.

Honoring Angela Eady

Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize Angela Eady.

Angela Eady is a former city commissioner for the City of Kissimmee and a lifelong resident of Osceola County. She has been a champion for expanding access to affordable healthcare, enhancing education opportunities, and bringing higher-paying jobs to Kissimmee.

In addition to serving as a former commissioner, Angela has nearly 30 years' experience in the healthcare industry, where she currently works full-time for a major pharmaceutical distributor.

In the past, she has served on the Osceola Planning Commission, the Osceola Charter Review Committee, the Osceola County Education Foundation, the local chapter of the NAACP, and the Caribbean American and Floridian Association.

Angela currently serves in various organizations as a board member in the Osceola County Education Foundation, Community Vision, the Osceola County Chapter of the NAACP, the Caribbean American and Floridian Association, the Osceola County Chapter of the Democratic Executive Committee, and Organize Florida.

Angela continues to assist veterans, advocate for affordable housing and combat homelessness. And in addition, Angela has received various awards for her community service, including the NAACP, the Mercy Foundation, the National Congress of Black Women, City of Kissimmee, the Caribbean and Floridian Association, and the Delta Omicron Omega Chapter.

Public safety has always been a priority for Angela. She will continue to bridge the gap between the community and law enforcement. Angela believes in equality for all; therefore, she will continue to fight for equal rights for all.

Angela is the 10th of 12 children and the mother of one beautiful daughter. She has two precious granddaughters, Mariah and Brooklyn.

Angela Eady has been in public service for most of her adult life and has spent countless hours volunteering to build a better community for all residents in the great city of Kissimmee.

And for those reasons, Ms. Angela Eady, we honor you.

Honoring Dr. Cara Nelson-James

Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize Dr. Cara Nelson-James.

Dr. Cara Nelson-James joined Central Florida as the chief medical officer in December of 2019. She obtained her medical degree at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Her residency training in family medicine was at North Broward Hospital's district affiliated Broward General Medical Center.

Along with being a valuable member of the Central Florida Health Care team for over 14 years, she is also an associate clinical professor at Nova Southeastern University's Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Nelson-James continues to provide direct patient care at the Dundee Community Health Center 2 days a week. She has been instrumental in working with BayCare on the residency program in Polk County through Florida State University. She is an advocate for clinical education so students and residents can experience the heartfelt mission of community healthcare.

During this challenging COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Nelson-James has spearheaded efforts to provide testing for thousands of patients and vaccines to the 65 and older populations and HCW alike.

Dr. Nelson-James is passionate about everyone having access to quality healthcare and bridging the gap in health equity. She has committed herself to empowering her patients to be active participants in their journey to health. She will always find a way to say yes to programs that benefit the community and are dedicated to the cause.

Dr. Nelson-James is married with four children and lives in Winter Haven, Florida. In her spare time, she enjoys watching basketball, staying fit, and reading.

For those reasons and more, Dr. Cara Nelson-James, we honor you.

Honoring Dr. Carolyn Pass

Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize Dr. Carolyn Pass.

Dr. Carolyn Pass' leadership spans more than 35 years, beginning with serving as the president of the Minority Pre-Professional Association at the University of Florida, where she earned her B.S. in microbiology.

As a medical student, she was a student health policy mentee in the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy's office. Dr. Pass also served as president and regional council member of the Student National Medical Association.

In the final year of her master's program, she was awarded the highest honor bestowed at the University of Miami, being inducted into the Iron Arrow Honor Society.

Dr. Pass' dedication to the community began in 2001 when she opened her primary care practice in Lake Wales, Florida. 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 AdventHealth Lake Wales. While on staff for the past 20 years, she has 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, who is a graduate student, and Nicholas and Christian, who are in college.

For that and more, Dr. Carolyn Pass, we honor you.

Honoring Dr. Vincent Miller, II

Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize Dr. Vincent Miller.

Dr. Vincent M. Miller, II, currently serves as a secondary math teacher at

Winter Haven High School, and he was recently honored as the first Black male Polk County teacher of the year.

Dr. Miller is a newly published author with one of the top-selling books on Amazon, ``21st Century Education Through the Lens of COVID- 19.''

As an accomplished visionary leader in the academic sector with 10 years in the Polk County school system, he has had many administrative roles, but found his love back in the classroom.

Some of Dr. Miller's most notable accomplishments in education include decreasing academic suspension rates over 50 percent, establishing various innovative academic programs designed to energize academic offerings and enhance career and professional development outcomes for students.

He holds a doctor of education in educational leadership from Lynn University, a master of business administration from Webster University, a bachelor of science from the University South Florida, and a music minor in vocal performance from the University of South Florida.

Dr. Miller is known for his community work through his nonprofit, Filling the Lane. Filling the Lane's mission is to bridge the gaps between education, sports, arts, and community for at-risk youth. He is also known for performing locally and internationally in shows such as Porgy and Bess, and the Broadway production, KaTonga.

He is very excited to be who honored here today. In the words of Disney: ``It's kind of fun to do the impossible.''

For that and more, Dr. Vincent M. Miller, II, we honor you.

Honoring Jacqueline Byrd

Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize Jacqueline Byrd.

Jacqueline Byrd is the superintendent of Polk County Public Schools, an educator, wife of Jason Byrd, Sr., and mother of Jason Byrd, Jr., and Jalyn Byrd. She was the first African-American superintendent of Polk County Public Schools. Through her continued focus on improving education for all students, she has become a role model for students, and is an advocate for educating all students, creating wraparound services to address meeting their needs and in removing barriers to allow for success.

Jacqueline can be found visiting schools, talking to students, attending events, and advocating on behalf of her students through local community leaders. She loves spending time with her husband and family, even though many of these evenings are spent at school events.

She is the youngest of six children of Eugene and Irene Hodges. Her siblings have always said: ``She should have been the oldest.''

Her parents taught her that she would face challenges as an African- American woman, but her independence, character, and integrity were important. She has passed these life lessons to both her children.

Jacqueline is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and serves on various boards of directors within her community and State. As part of her service to the community, she served as a spokesperson for the National Bone Marrow Donor Program. In December of 2005, she donated bone marrow to a 12-year-old girl with sickle cell anemia.

Jacqueline advocates for unselfish acts for the betterment of mankind.

For that and more, Superintendent Jacqueline Byrd, we honor you.

Honoring Josephine M. Howard

Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize Josephine Howard.

As part of her life legacy, Josephine M. Howard has been achieving goals, setting high standards, teaching, learning, positively impacting lives, and committing to helping, mentoring, and inspiring the lives of children, adults, and the elderly.

Desiring to be a teacher like her mother, Crizell, she grew up mentoring and tutoring her five siblings and neighborhood children. In the 1960s, Josephine graduated from Douglass High School with high honors and Florida College, cum laude, with a bachelor's degree in elementary education, and she subsequently began her teaching career.

Josephine loved teaching but wanted to have a greater impact on more lives by empowering them with knowledge. Therefore, she went back to college and earned her master's of education, magna cum laude, from the University of Central Florida and an educational specialist degree, summa cum laude, at Nova Southeastern University, thus dedicating 38 years of service to education, including 20 years as a principal.

Josephine is a servant leader, lifetime member of the NAACP, has served as a member of the Horizon Housing board as treasurer, is the former CEO of Howard's Apparel, former chaplain of the NC100BW, board of trustees of Heart of Florida Hospital, Head Start Policy Council, and Who's Who Among Professional Women.

She continues to serve as the first vice president deaconess at the New Beulah Missionary Baptist Church. She is actively involved in first Christian education directress appointed, praise ministry, mass choir, Sunday school teaching, and more.

Her community service and leadership dedication have earned her numerous recognitions, honors, and media coverage. She received the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Lifetime Achievement Award, Teacher of the Year, and Distinguished Volunteer Service Award.

Josephine is married to her husband, Phillip, of 52 years and has two children, Jonita and Phillip II, and three grandchildren, Philip and twins Phillip III and Kennedy.

For this and more, Josephine M. Howard, we honor you.

A Bird's Eye View to Insurrection

Madam Speaker, I would like to take a few minutes to talk about my personal account, like so many other Members have, on the day of January 6. I do so in a poetic, artistic form, with a poem, ``A Bird's Eye View to Insurrection.''

The day started with the humdrum noises of a mundane process

Mahogany boxes were presented, papers shuffled, and gavels

knocked,

But the process of the day was everything,

The hearing of voices, the counting of votes, the sum of

democracy.

I had a bird's eye view from the gallery

And on that day, we were in the final steps, the technocratic

certification, we were electing a President

Meanwhile, at the Ellipse, at base camp, another scene ensued

A President spewed hateful lies, violence was incited, and a

fuse was lit

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, stop

Objections were raised, debates began, and passions heated

A text reads Capitol Complex breaches

I rest assured, I am in the safest place on Earth, for the

people's House has never fallen

I call my wife to tell her we are safe

No thought of danger permeates, I am convinced of my safety,

and I listen to more speeches

A text reads Capitol Dome breached

Pence and Pelosi, Hoyer and McCarthy, one-by-one they were

escorted out

The debate continued, the people's representatives continued,

and Jim McGovern presided

Debate yields to a prayer by the chaplain

I am uneasy, fear is in the air, and the Members evacuate the

House floor

We dozen or so remain in the gallery stranded

Banging, banging, banging on the doors

The insurrectionists are at the Chamber, gas masks are

deployed, and we are surrounded

Welch and Gomez, Crow and DeLauro, Himes and Costa, Thompson,

Wild, Johnson, and I

Together we flee, over chairs and under railings to the door

We are trapped

Bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang! Get down! The orders

rang.

Guns, flash bombs, teargas?

Which sounds these were, I do not know, as Capitol Police

stood as sentinels to protect us

Get down, get down again, so we did

I lie flat, behind flimsy plastic seat coverings, no match

for bullets, contemplating my mortality

I realize finally and truly in this moment I could die

Army Rangers rise, we lawyers take cover, and old souls sit

relaxed, waiting peacefully, perhaps for the inevitable

I am cerebral and imagining

I do not even hear the gunshot, mortally wounding a terrorist

at the very door behind me, and the Chamber finally

defended with urgency

Meanwhile, the Senate Chamber falls without a shot fired

Police bang the doors, the doors bang back, who lurks on the

outside

Confusion changes to clarity and now there's one, and only

one, way out

Up we go and out the door, terrorists lay flat with guns

drawn upon them, as they look at us with killers' eyes

Democracy and I may die, but not today

Down, down, down the stairs we go, cellphones light

up, and the world sees proof of my life as I flee live on PBS

This is absurd, fantastical, yet nonetheless very much

happening

Down into the tunnels we go

Flanked by guardians, we keep moving, Demings made it out,

too, and we rejoice

Up, up, up the stairs we go

We are in a room now, they describe it as safe, and we

congregate in herds like cattle

I feel part relieved and uneasy

Instigators and innocent, masked and maskless, Members and

staff, we wait together

A community prayer ensues

I call my wife, I have made it, at least I am mostly sure

COVID-19 lurks as a silent killer in the room

Partisan cliques form, realizations begin, and an awkward

casualness attempts to take hold

Guilt, blame, excuses, and outrage begin to form

Because of course we told you so, of course dangerous

rhetoric turns to violence, as the seeds of despicable

lies finally grow to insurrection

I start to contemplate

I am hungry, I am thirsty, and I am suspicious of certain

colleagues

Gomez and I leave the safe room for our offices on gut

feelings alone

I am vaccinated, I am eventually vindicated, as days later

some colleagues are sick with COVID-19

Our colleagues gave it to them, maskless and without remorse

I return to our Rayburn sanctuary, I am greeted with anxious

smiles, my staff is safe

We share the events of the great happening, the terrible

We watch the news, we see the mob in all its horror, and the

assailing of the Capitol walls

We are in disbelief

Capitol Police fight hand-to-hand combat, they are

outnumbered, and beaten by flags that say MAGA, Trump,

and back the blue

There is a vicious irony

Now hunger reminds us, snacks are procured, we eat creatively

in fellowship

The hours go by in frightful minutes as our eyes remain glued

to the television

Brave cooks open the cafeteria, police keep their posts, and

my staff remain safe in the Capitol offices with me

We finally have a real meal

The decision has been made, we will return to the Chamber,

and we will do our duty

Arizona receives its objection and it goes down

Arkansas, California, Colorado go by as Pence picks up

momentum

We have a standoff on Pennsylvania

Debates ensued, liars are called out and angered, a second

fight almost happens, but no one really wants to take

on NFL linebacker Colin Allred

Midnight passes us as we wait

I venture forth, I return to the scene of the crimes, and

again I watch the final mahogany boxes in motion

West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Pence concludes his

remarks

There is a slight mix of anger, disappointment, and

resoluteness in his face

Pence fulfills his constitutional duty

Speaker Pelosi smiles slightly, she is graceful and marks the

seriousness of the day's events

A domestic terrorist plot has been foiled

I am alive, the Congress is alive, and thank God Almighty,

democracy is alive

America must remember this day, learn from it, lest we repeat

it

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

Mr. Speaker, I was in the gallery right behind us when the Capitol was breached. Then domestic terrorists breached the Rotunda. I heard the loud sounds of gunshots through this sacred Chamber. My last images were brave Capitol Police, guns drawn, to protect us.

This was the first armed insurrection in over 200 years. Who incited this violent insurrection? Donald J. Trump.

Our resolution states these protests were encouraged by him. He urged millions of his followers to come and ``stop the steal,'' which is a lie.

And let's say this now for the Record and for the ages: Joe Biden won.

And for this high crime nearly ripping our country apart, we should be removing him by the 25th Amendment or he should be impeached.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Good Samaritan Society Veterans Association. The Good Samaritan Society has served the Kissimmee community with a continuum of senior care, from independent living to long-term skilled nursing care. Since 1979, the Kissimmee Village has continued to offer quality housing and healthcare options for seniors at all stages of aging. Its facilities have been a fixture in our community and critical residence for numerous retirees in Central Florida.

This year, the Good Samaritan Society Veterans Association is celebrating 102 of their veterans who have been nominated for the Florida State Service Medal and are to be inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame.

The Association now comprises 122 veterans in the Central Florida area, including 26

from World War II, 18 from the Korean War, 32 from the Vietnam War, 24 from Operation Enduring Freedom, and five from Operation Desert Storm.

Central Florida's veterans are essential and valued members of our community. The services, programming, and support offered by the Good Samaritan Veterans Association continues to uplift our veterans in numerous ways.

Madam Chair, I would like to acknowledge that my amendment, floor amendment number 357, rules amendment number 117, included in en bloc package number 14, increases funding for the Defense-Wide Manufacturing Science and Technology program by $5 million for anti- tamper heterogeneous integrated microelectronics.

Microelectronics support nearly all Department of Defense activities, enabling capabilities such as the global position system, radar, command and control, and communications. Ensuring secure access to leading-edge microelectronics, however, is a challenge. The changing global semiconductor industry and the sophistication of U.S. adversaries, who might target military electronic components, require us to update our domestic microelectronics security framework.

Defense-Wide Manufacturing Science and Technology is an investment mechanism that allows the Department of Defense to advance state-of- the-art, defense-essential, manufacturing capabilities through the development of technologies and processes necessary to produce defense systems. This amendment would provide additional funding resources, through the use of a public-private-partnership structured microelectronics cybersecurity center, to support anti-tamper devices, hardware security, and other evolving new concept technologies that support trusted and assured manufacturing, combined with advanced system integration and packaging technologies.

I support the rapid modernization of domestic state-of-the-art foundry operations that produce trusted microelectronics and thank the Chairman and the Committee for all their work on this amendment.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas, Congressman Castro, for putting together this Special Order hour. And it is timely, to say the least.

There are many borders that our Nation has. We have a lot of focus on the southwestern borders, such as in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and California. But there are also borders like what we have in Florida, with the Caribbean surrounding us, and a short, either plane ride or longer sea voyage to our peninsula.

We have immigrants from Venezuela coming in, fleeing tyranny. We had for generations Cuban-Americans escaping the issues down there. We have folks of Mexican descent who are farm workers in Polk County, and in other areas, that are now second and third generation.

And, yes, we have many refugees, particularly children, who have left the Triangle in Central America and are part of this great humanitarian crisis at the border.

I got the opportunity to be able to visit the Homestead facility, a facility that had blocked several of us from several requests of touring it. And I saw over 900 children, between the ages of 12 and 17, that were in a facility not made for over 500. And I suspect those numbers have grown since then.

There are a few of us who did speak Spanish, like myself, and were able to talk briefly to the children, even though they told us not to; but you know our responsibility that we have.

Sure. No speaking to the kids there; no photos. And then we were given kind of a song and dance about how well everybody was treated.

These young people hailed from Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, countries that we hear over and over because of the strife from drug cartels down there that are warring.

I saw six to eight beds per room, sometimes more, in rooms that couldn't be any bigger than 10 to 15 by 15, with shared showers between two of those rooms. And then I saw classrooms and recreation facilities in giant makeshift tents, these big, kind of puffy ones that were clearly not permanent facilities.

There is no question; those tents would be at great risk if a 3, 4, or Level 5 hurricane hit South Florida. And they are at the very end of it in Homestead, which is even south of Miami.

I want to talk a little bit about the root causes of it. We go back to the Triangle and what is happening. You know, these families are fleeing as an act of love because if their kids stay, they could be brought into these cartel drug wars and may not even survive to be 18 years of age, let alone go on to live productive lives.

So one of the root causes of this is that the funding, the foreign aid funding down in the Triangle hasn't been where it was under the Obama administration.

And of course, then, this idea that we have to detain all of these kids, which has really helped manufacture this border crisis. It could be easily resolved by getting them to families in the United States. I have been briefed that many of them are here to visit families, and we could have ways to track everybody; everything as tough as an ankle bracelet to having a case worker and having something less draconian.

But they chose not to do that. They chose to hold these kids back because they don't want them to go out into the general population of the United States.

So, if we just did things the way the last two t three Presidents did, Obama, Bush and Clinton, we wouldn't be in this situation right now, this deliberate holding of kids, as well as asylum seekers, in general, at the border that doesn't need to happen here in the United States.

And with asylum seekers, it violates many treaties that we are a part of.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his leadership as our chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and that is why we are here tonight, for those injustices.

I am proud to be joined by my good friend, Congressman Jimmy Gomez, of Southern California, of L.A., who has been a champion of issues related to immigrants and related to Hispanics across the Nation.

Jimmy, thanks for being here.

And as we go into the budget, the protections that we couldn't get in recent bills, we will double down on to make sure we have them going into the appropriations process.

Mr. Chair, I would like to acknowledge that Division C of H.R. 2740, the Defense Appropriations Act for FY 2020's Committee Report, H. Rept. 116-84, provided an additional $10 million general program increase in funding for the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Support Program within the Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-Wide Account. These funds will allow the Department of Defense to leverage existing public-private-partnerships to establish a U.S. based manufacturing development platform for advanced microelectronic system integration, including foundational copper-based silicon interposer technology.

The Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program is dedicated to ensuring that the Department of Defense is positioned to more effectively, and efficiently, address industrial base issues, and support the National Security Innovation Base. This includes the ability to proactively mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities within the global defense industrial base, and to cultivate next generation, emerging, defense manufacturing and technology sectors.

Continued U.S. global leadership in microelectronics depends on U.S. owned firms operating at the leading edge of advanced logic technologies and digital memories. The next generation of electronic devices will require significantly greater functional density, in other words, packing functional components together even more tightly than current technology allows. This requires technical leadership in microelectronics system integration, specifically in the microelectronics manufacturing areas of integrating heterogeneous devices, stacking memory, logic processing, sensors, communications, and packaging with security and advanced interconnect methods.

One of the foundational technologies required for advanced system integration is copper-based silicon interposer technology. This foundational interposer technology can enable almost any microelectronic dependent, or internet of things, system. However, advanced system integration capabilities have moved offshore due to cost, and there currently is no domestic sources that can reliably serve the low volumes of advanced microelectronics that the Department of Defense requires.

That is why there is a need for the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Support Program to leverage existing public-private- partnerships to establish a U.S. based manufacturing development platform for advanced microelectronic system integration, including the foundational copper-based silicon interposer technology. This funding increase will help to accomplish this, and I thank the Chairman for the general program increase of $10 million for the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Support Program within the Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-Wide Account.

I support the rapid modernization of domestic state-of-the-art foundry operations that produce trusted microelectronics and thank the Chairman and the Committee for all their work on the issue.

Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Visclosky) for yielding.

Madam Chair, I want to express my gratitude to the committee for the inclusion of report language in the bill noting the importance of obtaining advanced microelectronics manufacturing, in support of the defense industrial base, from trusted domestic suppliers.

Ensuring quick, reliable, and secure access to leading-edge microelectronics is often a challenge. The changing global semiconductor industry and the increasing sophistication of U.S. adversaries require us to update our domestic microelectronics security framework by establishing a comprehensive, public-private partnership- structured microelectronics cybersecurity center.

This center can provide the defense industrial base with access to manufacturing resources to support antitamper devices, hardware security, and other evolving new concept technologies that support trusted and assured manufacturing, combined with advanced system integration and packaging technologies.

The Defense-Wide Manufacturing Science and Technology Program enables the Department of Defense to advance reliable and secure state-of-the- art technologies. The funding increase provided in this legislation, along with the increased funding for advanced manufacturing, will facilitate America's innovative, secure, and domestic foundry operations and greatly contribute to our national defense through the establishment of a microelectronics cybersecurity center structured as a public-private partnership.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Mrs. Anna M. Pinellas.

Anna M. Pinellas moved to join her husband, Louis C. Pinellas, Sr., in his hometown of Kissimmee, FL in 1981, after having worked in local government in Washington, Maryland, and Virginia.

Having knowledge in securing funds for various projects, she was hired by the City of Kissimmee and was able to secure grants for the infrastructure around Osceola Square Mall, the paving of Hill Street, and John Young Parkway. The first of those grants being $750,000.

She was also hired by Osceola County Government to secure federal funds for projects which included bringing Head Start back to Osceola County, refurbishing the Old Courthouse, and the establishment of a Salary Plan for Osceola County employees.

One of her primary goals was to pursue the establishment of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday in the city of Kissimmee, City of St. Cloud, Osceola County and the School Board. Thirty-four years ago, Pinellas founded Osceola Visionaries Inc., a non-profit corporation devoted to honoring and celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. before the holiday was observed.

Today, Pinellas continues to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by hosting their annual banquet and holding programs for the Central Florida community.

Mr. Speaker, nearly 3 years ago, on this date, we lost 49 angels and 53 others were injured. Family and friends grieved for their loved ones and our Orlando community mourned. But we came together, stronger than ever before, to heal, to comfort each other, to overcome this tragedy, and, most importantly, to give back.

As Orlando Strong, we swore, as a community, to never forget those who we lost that night--their stories, their images, their memories, and their spirits--which live on in our hearts and our memories. We can never forget this tragic act of hate against the LGBTQ and Latinx community: our community. We continue to reject these despicable acts of hate.

To honor the fallen and the survivors of this tragedy, I joined with my colleagues, Representatives Stephanie Murphy and Val Demings, to introduce landmark legislation to designate the Pulse nightclub as a federally recognized national memorial site. This designation gives these hallowed grounds the national recognition it deserves, while serving as a reminder that love overcomes hate.

Let the Pulse memorial become a symbol of hope, love, and continued light for our community. We will always remember the 49 angels:

Edward Sotomayor, Jr.

Franky Jimmy DeJesus Velazquez

Stanley Almodovar, III

Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado

Javier Jorge-Reyes

Shane Evan Tomlinson

Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo

Juan Ramon Guerrero

Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera

Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz

Luis S. Vielma

Kimberly Morris

Eddie Jamoldroy Justice

Darryl Roman Burt, II

Deonka Deidra Drayton

Anthony Luis Laureano Disla

Jean Carlos Mendez Perez

Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon

Amanda Alvear

Martin Benitez Torres

Jerald Arthur Wright

Cory James Connell

Brenda Lee Marquez McCool

Christopher Andrew Leinonen

Rodolfo Ayala-Ayala

Luis Daniel Conde

Leroy Valentin Fernandez

Jason Benjamin Josaphat

Frank Hernandez

Akyra Murray

Mercedez Marisol Flores

Gilberto Ramon Silva Menendez

Simon Adrian Carrillo Fernandez

Oscar A. Aracena-Montero

Enrique L. Rios, Jr.

Miguel Angel Honorato

Juan P. Rivera Velazquez

Juan Chevez-Martinez

Tevin Eugene Crosby

Jonathan Antonio Camuy Vega

Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz

Paul Terrell Henry

Joel Rayon Paniagua

Jean C. Nieves Rodriguez

Yilmary Rodriguez Solivan

Angel L. Candelario-Padro

Antonio Davon Brown

Geraldo A. Ortiz-Jimenez, and

Alejandro Barrios Martinez

Just think about how long it took me to reference all those names. It gives you just a glimpse of the carnage and the death that happened that day, but we will always remember them.

Do-Nothing Senate

Mr. Speaker, there is something rotten in the city of Washington. There is an injustice brewing in this Capitol. And there is a sinister plot afoot in this Congress.

On the one hand, we have the people's House, the House of Representatives, where we are working every day and passing major legislation--our For the People Agenda--and, on the Senate side, we see something very different--inaction, stagnancy. In essence, they are doing nothing.

Our For the People House is passing laws that combat corruption in D.C. and strengthen election security. Our For the People House is lowering prescription drug prices. Our For the People House is passing the Equality Act, Dream Act, universal background checks, and others.

Madam Speaker, in honor of Pride Month, I would like to honor John Ruffier.

John Daniel Ruffier is an attorney and leader of the LGBTQ community in central Florida. John was born in Orlando, Florida, and attended Edgewater High School where he was part of the State champion men's crew team.

He went on to attend Vanderbilt University and then the University of Florida College of Law. Upon graduation from law school, John joined the law firm of Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed in Orlando where he practices to this day, sitting on the firm's executive committee and leading the firm's senior housing practice group.

John has been involved in numerous community activities having served on the board of directors for both the Central Florida Coalition for the Homeless and the Hope and Health Center of Central Florida.

Along with Jennifer Foster, John founded the central Florida chapter of the Human Rights Campaign and later joined HRC's national board of governors. Following his term on HRC's board of governors, he was asked to join the board of directors for the HRC Foundation. John was also elected to the Human Rights Campaign's political board where he rose to the role of board chair in the years 2018 to 2019.

For that, John Ruffier, we honor you.

Honoring Dr. George Wallace During Pride Month

Madam Speaker, in honor of Pride Month, I would like to honor Dr. George Wallace.

Dr. George Wallace was born in New Hampshire and moved to central Florida in 1992. He returned to New England in 1995, and after finishing his undergraduate degree, he returned to Florida in 2002.

George spent the first half of his career advocating and working with persons with disabilities as a case manager and later turned his passion for arts into a career as a senior leader of the Orlando Fringe.

During the Pulse tragedy, George was serving on the board of the LGBT+ Center of Orlando. Knowing that he wanted to continue serving his community, he accepted the role as executive director of The Center in Orlando in 2017. Dr. Wallace has since grown the organization to include a programming center at its satellite office in Kissimmee in our district.

George is a very visible leader within central Florida and enjoys travel, photography, and cheering on the Boston Red Sox in his free time.

For that, Dr. George Wallace, we honor you.

Honoring Eric Rollings During Pride Month

Madam Speaker, in honor of Pride Month, I would like to honor Eric Rollings.

After 30 years of change, of loss, and of victories, Eric Rollings continues to be one of the most active and visible LGBT leaders in Orange County.

Eric started volunteering at the Hope and Help Center in the early 1990s because he witnessed the injustices and stigma that his friends suffered from HIV/AIDS as they were dealing with it every day. In 1993, he was awarded the Volunteer of the Year for his dedication.

In the present day, Eric is serving his sixth term on the Community Development Block Grant Board and helps secure funding for the LGBT+ Center of central Florida and helps make recommendations for housing and services for people living with HIV/AIDS and low- to moderate- income households in the Orlando area.

In Eric's early small business career he was discriminated against for being gay. He saw an opportunity to help educate other business entrepreneurs and worked to provide a safe business environment. With that, he helped grow the Metropolitan Business Association, the LGBT Chamber of Commerce, serving on the board of directors twice.

Eric, with many of his friends and activist allies, was instrumental in passing ordinances and protections for the LGBT people of the city of Orlando and Orange County. In the early days, nothing was certain, but because they did not give up on Orlando and Orange County, today our home is one of the most inclusive, welcoming, and economically vibrant areas in the Nation.

After the Pulse tragedy, all of Orlando came together and became Orlando United. Eric was honored with an Orlando United Medal from Mayor Teresa Jacobs. Eric was elected as one of the first openly LGBT people to serve in an Orange County-wide position. He worked as chairman of our Soil and Water Conservation Board. He continues to work now politically to improve our environment and to stand up for equality for all, including a ban on conversion therapy.

For that, Mr. Eric Rollings, we honor you.

Honoring Ricardo Negron-Almodovar During Pride Month.

Madam Speaker, in honor of Pride Month, I would like to honor Ricardo Negron-Almodovar.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Ricardo obtained a master's degree in education, a juris doctorate, and is a licensed attorney in Puerto Rico.

In 2015 Ricardo moved from Yauco, Puerto Rico, to Orlando, Florida. During his first year in Florida, he taught English to adults and became involved in civic engagement efforts to register new voters.

After the Pulse tragedy on June 12, 2016, of which he is a survivor, Ricardo worked to empower the LGBTQ Latinx community and has advocated against discrimination and gun violence. Ricardo currently serves as a legal service coordinator for LatinoJustice where he has had the opportunity to assist those transitioning from Puerto Rico to Florida after Hurricane Maria devastated my family's native island.

Recently Ricardo obtained a master's degree in nonprofit management and launched the community organization Del Ambiente, which is an effort led by the LGBTQ Puerto Rican community to build up the LGBTQ Puerto Rican community in Florida's activism in environmental work.

For that, Ricardo Negron-Almodovar, we honor you.

Honoring Karen Castelloes During Pride Month

Madam Speaker, in honor of Pride Month, I would like to honor Karen Castelloes.

In 1971, Karen graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a BA in Spanish. After moving to Orlando in 1975, she attained her master's degree in education from Nova University and was employed by Orange County Public Schools as an English to Speakers of Other Languages teacher, an ESOL teacher, for 31 years.

She retired in 2007 and became involved in volunteer work. She is the cofounder of the Jefferson R. Voss Scholarship for Zebra Coalition youth. She served as a member of the Equality Florida Steering Committee for 3 years and presently holds the position of vice chair.

She continues to volunteer at IDignity of Orlando and at the food pantry at Joy MCC. In addition, she proudly serves on the education fund at the Zebra Coalition organization which serves LGBTQ youth.

For that, Karen Castelloes, we honor you.

Honoring David Arthur Jones During Pride Month

Madam Speaker, in honor of Pride Month, I would like to honor David Arthur Jones.

David Arthur Jones, son of Mary Lou Jones and the late Arthur Henderson Jones, Jr. was born and raised in a union household in upstate New York. The environment of David's upbringing provided a foundation of values associated with human rights to which he has been largely committed to over the course of his lifetime.

After surviving a raucous adolescence, David served with the United States Jaycees and the New York Young Democrats and was awarded the prestigious Governorship Award which confers an honorary lifetime membership. Among his proudest works was the establishment of a spacious town park in Whitestown, New York.

David went on to enroll at the Mohawk Valley Community College and Utica College of Syracuse University where he earned his degree in occupational therapy.

Together, John and David moved to Lake Wales, Florida, in 2004, in Florida's Ninth Congressional District. As a committeeman, David incorporated LGBT issues as part of meetings of the Polk County Democratic Committee.

In 2001, David and his life partner, John, officially certified their love for each other by virtue of marriage in Utica, New York. David and John spearheaded the effort to establish the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Allies Democratic Caucus of Polk County. In that same year, David became a Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus regional director serving six counties, including Polk, Lake, Osceola, Orange, Seminole, and Volusia County, of which I am proud to represent much of that area.

David is now in his fifth term serving as the area's regional director. Currently David Jones is focusing on securing all-inclusive human rights ordinances in municipalities within Polk County. Thus far, David has spoken before the commissions of three Polk County cities and has recruited a number of supporters to do the same in the quest to secure fundamental rights for all, and our office has helped in that effort.

David is extremely grateful for the public support that has been given by Florida House Representative Sam Killebrew and our office, Team Soto, towards securing all-inclusive human rights ordinances, securing the effort as being one of bipartisanship.

For that, David Arthur Jones, we honor you.

Honoring Anthony H. Sandonato During Pride Month

Madam Speaker, in honor of Pride Month, I would like to honor Anthony H. Sandonato.

Anthony is a proud Orlando resident, human resources executive, LGBTQ community advocate, and a member of the Human Rights Campaign's national board of governors.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Anthony currently resides with his husband, Tracer Foster, in downtown Orlando, Florida.

After completing his bachelor's degree in education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Anthony relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 1995 to pursue his career. It was there that he took on his first role in human resources with a Miami-based retailer.

Anthony began volunteering to effect change for the LGBT community. He took on volunteer leadership roles with south Florida's volunteer committee for the Human Rights Campaign, the Nation's largest LGBTQ advocacy group and political lobbying organization in the United States.

Anthony volunteered through HRC to protect Miami-Dade's hard-won human rights ordinance and to attempt to stop the passage of Florida's 2008 amendment which ultimately banned gay marriage and civil unions in that State until 2015.

At the Federal level, Anthony championed HRC's efforts in south Florida to achieve the passage of the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act, the repeal of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, and the decade-long effort to pass the Employment Nondiscrimination Act, otherwise known as

Madam Speaker, in honor of Pride Month, I would like to honor Nikole Parker.

Nikole Parker is a transgender woman of Puerto Rican, Italian, and African American descent. She was born and raised in Orlando, Florida, and at the age of 19 left her job and her home to begin her transition. After 3 years of black-market hormones and unsafe lifestyle practices she came back to Orlando to restart her life.

Nikole's passion in advocating for the rights and dignity of transgender and gender-nonconforming community is legendary in central Florida. She currently works for onePULSE Foundation as the event and community outreach coordinator. Nikole also sits on various nonprofit boards within the community, including the LGBT+ Center and the Orlando United Assistance Center.

In addition to her work with the onePULSE Foundation, Nikole coleads the work of the Orlando Trans Awareness Collective, a collaborative group of transgender and gender nonconforming leaders of color who have focused on community building and advocacy efforts for the central Florida transgender community.

In 2018, Nikole was honored with the Humanitarian of the Year Award by the Miss Glamorous Pageant for her ongoing advocacy and empowerment of the transgender community and work with the onePULSE Foundation.

She hopes to educate individuals from the community on healthy and safe ways to undergo transition, providing resources so black-market hormones and unsafe lifestyles can be avoided.

For that, Nikole Parker, we honor you.

Honoring Dieuseul Berto During Caribbean Heritage Month

Madam Speaker, in honor of Caribbean Heritage Month, I would like to honor Dieuseul Berto.

Dieuseul Berto is a Haitian American immigrant who was a former kick boxer and founder of Tiger's World Martial Arts and Boxing Fitness, founded in Winter Haven, Florida, in Florida's Ninth Congressional District. He competed in the UFC.

Berto was known as the man who helped so many people. He was recognized for his conception of a cardiovascular weight loss training program.

Although Berto was injured in a horrendous car accident that left him in a wheelchair for over a year, he did not let the accident define or confine him. Therefore, Dieuseul Berto began creating ways to self- train in his wheelchair by including pushups and the use of a punching bag, which served as a catalyst for his cardio program. He then incorporated those techniques used in the workout.

Berto's fitness program is credited with helping more than 1,200 people gain access to better health by shedding unwanted and unhealthy pounds, resulting in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol concerns over the past 20 years. He is considered a pioneer in helping people with their health and, consequently, their self-confidence.

He was also a family man who helped many kids and tried to keep them out of trouble with his kids program. Berto also mentored children and encouraged them to never sell themselves short by reiterating that any dream is possible and attainable with hard work and dedication. He is credited with teaching children to set larger-than-life expectations for themselves.

He interacted, impacted, and inspired people from all aspects of life.

Berto and his wife are the parents of seven children, including Andre Berto, a two-time former welterweight world champion; Edson and Revelina, who are also professional mixed martial artists; and his son Cleveland, who is an actor.

Madam Speaker, for that, we honor Dieuseul Berto.

Honoring Casmore Shaw During Caribbean Heritage Month

Madam Speaker, in honor of Caribbean Heritage Month, I would like to honor Casmore Shaw.

Casmore Shaw moved to Osceola County in the mid-eighties from New York, where he worked as associate dean for the International Students and High School Program and as the director of admissions and student enrollment at Technical Career Institutes. Before that, he taught at Mona Preparatory School in Kingston, Jamaica.

Casmore currently serves on the Osceola County Housing and Finance Authority Advisory Board and the regional board of MetroPlan Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee as well.

He is also the State committee man for the Osceola Democrats and the vice chair of the Osceola Democratic Executive Committee. Casmore is the State secretary for the Florida Democratic Party. He is also a member of the Osceola Education Foundation and the Caribbean and Floridian Association.

Casmore is a founding member of the Kissimmee and Kissimmee South Poinciana Rotary Clubs. He served as past chairman of the Osceola Charter Review Commission, past chair of the Osceola Land Conservation Advisory Board, past chairman of the board of directors of the Osceola County Library System, past president and vice president of the Caribbean and Floridian Association, past chair of the Osceola County School District's Affirmative Action Advisory Board, and the conflict resolution officer and mediator of the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Osceola County.

Casmore holds a graduate degree in curriculum instruction, with a minor in reading intervention, from Concordia University, as well as degrees in elementary education and business administration, with a concentration in supervision and management, and an advanced certificate in healthcare administration.

He worked at Polk State College in the Student Service department and was director for My Brother's Keeper, a program for homeless and vulnerable students. He was also the co-adviser to the Pearl of a Nation Haitian Service Club.

Casmore is married to Jennifer Mitchell, and they have four daughters: Toni-Ann, Deirdre, Dionne, and Jennise.

Madam Speaker, for that, we honor Mr. Casmore Shaw.

Honoring Wayne Golding During Caribbean Heritage Month

Madam Speaker, in honor of Caribbean Heritage Month, I would like to honor Wayne Golding, Sr., Esquire, who was born in Kingston, Jamaica.

After his graduation from high school, he immigrated to New York

with his mother and younger brother in 1981. He went on to graduate from Queens College, CUNY, with a BA in economics and worked on Wall Street.

In 1988, he moved his young family to Orlando, Florida. Wayne earned his juris doctorate of law from Barry University School of Law.

Even as an accomplished attorney practicing in the Florida State courts, the United States courts, and immigration court, he has continued his work as a community leader and activist.

In 2004, he established the litigation law firm, The Golding Law Group, PLC, based in Orlando, Florida. Mr. Golding has served as president of the Caribbean Bar Association's Central Florida chapter.

As an immigrant, he made history when he was selected to serve as chairman of the Orange County School Board Biracial Committee.

Since August 2015, Mr. Golding has been selected to serve as the Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board member of the southern USA. In this role, he confidently advises the minister of foreign affairs for the Government of Jamaica on Jamaica diaspora issues.

He has been laser focused on methodically galvanizing the skills and talent of the members of the Caribbean community and strengthening the voice of the Caribbean communities in the spaces they reside.

Notably, he continues to be involved with the planning and execution of the annual celebration of Caribbean American Heritage Month.

Wayne credits his drive and commitment to his community to the lessons learned from his grandparents; the support of his wife of 30 years, Lois A. Golding; from their two children, Tassanee Golding and Wayne Golding, Jr.; his mother, Minett Gayle-Brown; as well as a host of mentors and leaders on whose shoulders he stands.

Madam Speaker, for that, we honor Mr. Wayne Golding.

Honoring John Perry During Caribbean Heritage Month

Madam Speaker, in honor of Caribbean Heritage Month, I would like to honor John Perry.

Mr. John Everton Perry was born in Kingston, Jamaica, in August 1955. He migrated to New York in 1967 and attended junior high school at Mount Vernon's Washington Junior High, where he received the certificate for outstanding writing presented by the actor-community activist Mr. Ossie Davis.

Mr. Perry went on to attend Mount Vernon High School, where he lettered in football as a quarterback and also in track. He was a voice on the student council as head school marshal.

After high school, Mr. Perry enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served honorably for 5 years. During this time, Mr. Perry found time to attend The Ohio State University, Park College, and Rollins College.

Mr. Perry's first passion is as a fishmonger. He has worked in the seafood industry since the age of 13, but, along the way, he has worked in corporate America: in sales for Brach's Candy, as a tile and gap filler specialist for the U.S. Space Shuttle program at KSC, and financial labor auditor with the Lockheed Corporation.

John now works as an independent insurance counselor in the employees' benefit arena, a relocation specialist, and a LegalShield director.

For the last 4 years, Mr. Perry has been on WOTS 1220AM in Kissimmee, Caribbean Rhythms Radio Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the ``A Little Bit of Everything'' commentary show on the subject of the day.

Mr. Perry has been a devoted husband to Mrs. Cecilia LaVerne Perry for the last 43 years. They were blessed with two outstanding children, John, Jr., and Jonnell Evette Perry, and also their two grandchildren, Makayla Perry and Johntae Perry.

Madam Speaker, for that, we honor Mr. John Perry.

Honoring Louis Witter During Caribbean Heritage Month

Madam Speaker, in honor of Caribbean Heritage Month, I would like to honor Louis Witter.

Louis Witter has been a longstanding businessman in the hospitality industry in the central Florida area since 1992.

He attended Florida Technical College, where he gained his knowledge in business administration and management. He is a current member of the Caribbean and Floridian Association, Inc.; Restore the Path for Christ Church; and the Jamaica Diaspora group, Southeastern Division.

Louis Witter is an entrepreneur, a Caribbean restaurant owner, and a producer and host of Caribbean Rhythms Radio Network AM1220 WOTS, a local Caribbean radio station in the Kissimmee, Florida, area.

This radio station provides vital sources of business, social networking, events, and community information, interviews, and has been a voice to the central Florida Caribbean communities for the past 20 years.

He has used the radio platform to provide internships to over 50 individuals who have successfully completed programs at the radio station and have moved on to pursue careers in the radio broadcasting industry.

Louis Witter is from the Caribbean island of Jamaica. He has lived in the United States for over 30 years.

When he is not involved with business, he enjoys listening to cultural reggae music. He believes that reggae music speaks to all nations, with a strong message in each song.

Louis Witter lives in Davenport, Florida, and can be heard online every Saturday at www.crrnetwork.com, on his broadcasts.

Madam Speaker, for that, we honor Mr. Louis Witter.

Honoring Shelley Briggs During Caribbean Heritage Month

Madam Speaker, in honor of Caribbean Heritage Month, I would like to honor Shelley Briggs.

Shelley Ann Briggs was born in London, England, on July 5 to the late Joan Ann Grant. Joan had migrated to London from Georgetown, Guyana, to complete her studies, and, due to hardships, Shelley was sent to Georgetown, Guyana, to live with her grandmother when she was a baby.

Seeking better opportunities and a better life for her family, her grandmother migrated to the United States of America when Shelley was 4 years old, soon settling in Brooklyn, New York.

As a child growing up, Shelley was raised under Guyanese traditions and customs, and, even though she lived in Brooklyn, the neighborhood reflected the West Indian culture Shelley grew to admire.

Shelley attended several private schools and graduated from Catherine McAuley High School. During this time, she also became a U.S. citizen through the help of her mother, who had joined the family in the U.S. when Shelley was 10 years old.

After high school, Shelley made the decision to join the United States Army after attending college for one semester. Shelley then relocated to Florida to help take care of her mother, who had been diagnosed with cancer.

While in Florida, her mother introduced her to the Caribbean and Floridian Association, and soon Shelley became a member. She has served CAFA in a variety of capacities over the last 20 years, and currently she is chairperson for the Service and Education Committee.

She is currently employed as a dean at Gateway High School, located in Osceola County School District in Florida's Ninth Congressional District.

Shelley's life passion has always been children, and there has been a special place in her heart for children whose parents left their home country and came to the United States in search of a better life for their family.

Shelley is happily married to Dennis Briggs and is the proud mother to Jada; Jourard; Dennis, Jr.; and Deyonce.

Madam Speaker, for that, we honor Mrs. Shelley Briggs.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H.R. 2157, the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019. This $19.1 billion package is essential to providing critical relief to communities that were devastated by the natural disasters in 2018 and 2019.

Among other reasons, my support for this disaster supplemental package comes, in part,

because of an understanding that the language within Title I of this bill grants the Secretary of Agriculture the discretion to provide assistance to producers who suffered timber loss due to Hurricanes Michael and Florence.

Even after Hurricanes Irma and Maria, there have been over 80 major disaster declarations. This much-needed disaster relief will support our Florida Panhandle communities, help rebuild Tyndall Air Force Base, assist farmers and ranchers, restore coastal infrastructure, and fund the Nutrition Assistance Program and infrastructure repairs for Puerto Rico.

I look forward to working with my colleagues in both chambers of Congress to bring relief to millions of families.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Natural Resources be discharged from further consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 60) requesting the Secretary of the Interior

to authorize unique and one-time arrangements for displays on the National Mall and the Washington Monument during the period beginning on July 16, 2019 and ending on July 20, 2019, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, I want to recognize Racquel Asa.

Racquel Asa is an anchor and reporter for WFTV Eyewitness News in Orlando, Florida.

Racquel's parents both came from the Philippines in pursuit of careers in the medical profession. She is a wife and mother to two young children, and she is proud to call central Florida her home.

She has been a journalist for nearly 15 years in New York and Florida. During her time in Orlando, she covers all things transportation in central Florida, from I-4 to SunRail to the growing need to make roads safer. She has been tapped by the Central Florida Expressway Authority and DriveSmartFlorida.org to create a regional campaign to make our roads safer.

She was recently recognized, in May, by the Federal Highway Administration for her efforts to raise awareness for both drivers and construction workers in work zones.

She is also an Emmy-nominated journalist who has been recognized for her investigations into red light cameras and breaking news traffic reports.

She is active in the community and participates in events every year to help organize and raise money for good organizations, causes, and missions. She has helped Second Harvest Food Bank, Embrace Families, and the local chapters of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and American Diabetes Association raise hundreds of thousands of dollars by emceeing their events. Most recently, she helped Tour de Cure Lake Nona break national records, raising more than $1 million to help fund diabetes research.

For that, we recognize Ms. Racquel Asa.

Recognizing Coco Johnston in Honor of Asian American and Pacific

Islander Month

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, I want to recognize Coco Johnston.

Coco Johnston moved from Honolulu, Hawaii, to southern California and has called Clermont, Florida, her home for the past 12 years.

She currently works in marketing for Metro Title Group, located in Metro West, where she facilitates real estate closings. She has been in the title closing and home warranty industry for over 40 years.

Her activities include being the current president of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce in central Florida. The organization's vision is to help its members prosper, grow, and serve as a bridge between many Asian American communities. They provide leadership, support, and encouragement to the Asian American business community of the greater Orlando region.

She is also a member of the Asian Real Estate Association of America, where she is dedicated to promoting sustainable homeownership opportunities in Asian American communities by creating a powerful national voice for housing and real estate professionals who serve the market.

Ms. Johnston and her husband, John, have been married for 33 years. They have a blended family with their daughter, Amber, and their two granddaughters, Bailey and Charlie.

For that, we honor Ms. Coco Johnston.

Recognizing Dr. Yalcin Akin in Honor of Asian American and Pacific

Islander Month

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, I want to recognize Dr. Yalcin Akin.

Dr. Yalcin Akin is the founder and executive director of Orlando, Seminole, and Osceola science charter schools, a group of tuition-free public charter schools that focus on science, technology, engineering, and math education.

Dr. Akin earned his master's of science and Ph.D. from the University of Florida in materials science and engineering.

Prior to founding Orlando Science Schools, Dr. Akin worked with the National Science Foundation and Department of Energy, supporting numerous projects at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Tallahassee.

The Orlando Science Schools serve a diverse K-12 population of more than 2,500 students at four campuses in Orange, Seminole, and Osceola Counties.

Since opening in 2008, Orlando Science Schools has been consistently ranked as one of the best schools in the State of Florida and is also ranked among the top 100 most challenging high schools by The Washington Post. It currently stands in the top 15 percent of all schools in the State of Florida. It also has been ranked in the top 500 by U.S. News & World Report.

Dr. Akin is an active member of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools. He is a frequent speaker on the topic of high-quality charter school education and regularly participates in the annual Florida charter school conferences.

For that, we honor Dr. Akin.

Recognizing Nuren Durre Haider in Honor of Asian American and Pacific

Islander Month

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, I want to recognize Nuren Durre Haider.

Nuren Durre Haider, Esq., is a proud American-born Muslim Bangladeshi woman. She is a wife, the mother of three beautiful children, and an attorney.

She received her bachelor's degree in political science with a minor in business administration and education from the University of Florida and her juris doctorate degree from Florida A&M University College of Law.

Nuren Durre Haider is a believer in empowerment and representation for all. She is focused on getting her community involved in the electoral and political process and was the first Bangladeshi and Muslim to run for Orange County Commission in her district.

She is an advocate for equality, the environment, a living wage, affordable healthcare, banning assault weapons, raising awareness for mental health issues, raising teacher salaries, and other issues that affect the day-to-day lives of Americans. Along with this, Nuren dedicates her time to various interfaith and cultural events.

Currently, Nuren practices transactional law and is serving her second term as vice chairwoman of the Orange County Democratic Party. She is appointed to the Judiciary Committee of the Florida Democratic Party, the central Florida regional director for the American Muslim Democratic Caucus, an active member of the Democratic Women's Club of West Orange, and holds many other memberships and board positions.

And for that, Ms. Nuren Durre Haider, Esq., we honor you.

Recognizing Akm Hossain In Honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander

Month

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, I want to recognize Akm Hossain. Akm Hossain was born in Bangladesh in September of 1961. He went to school and college in Bangladesh. He came to the United States as a foreign student at Daytona Beach Community College, where he finished his AA degree in business management.

He is a business professional, currently living in Osceola County with his wife, Roksana Hossain, and their children. He has been involved with different kinds of social and cultural activities since day one in America. He was elected president of the largest Bangladeshi American social organization in central Florida.

Akm Hossain is the first Bangladeshi American ever to run for public office in the city of Kissimmee, and he is he an active member the Osceola Democratic Party. He has also organized the Asian Food Music and Cultural Festival, the largest multicultural event in central Florida.

He has been awarded Best Community Leader by the Central Florida Bangladeshi American Community five times in a row, and Great Community Leader for his social service and contributions toward the community by the North American Bangladeshi union.

Akm Hossain has dedicated his whole life to uplift the Asian American community and the welfare of its people, and he serves to promote peace, unity, and life throughout the community.

And for that, Mr. Akm Hossain, we honor you.

Recognizing Jan Gautam in Honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander

Month

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, I want to recognize Jan Gautam. Mr. Gautam is identified best as a hands-on executive known for strategic approaches in achieving favorable results for hotel owners, business colleagues, and numerous foundations to which he belongs.

After completing his master's degree in hospitality management, he pursued employment as a hotel director for Carnival and Hawaii Luxury Cruise Lines, before moving to the hotel industry.

As founder of GI Hotels Group in 2004, Mr. Gautam tailored a modern approach to hospitality management. After he founded GI Hotels, Mr. Gautam merged this company with Interessant Hotels & Resort Management, where he currently serves as president and CEO. Interessant has become a leading hotel management company within the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, and India.

Additionally, Mr. Gautam has overseen more than $300 million in renovations and $450 million in new development of hospitality projects over the past 5 years. He has achieved recognition and served on committees such as the Asian American Hotel Owners Association as a regional ambassador, Board of Directors with Visit Florida, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, Rollins College International Advisory Board, and numerous local chapters to support tourism and governmental interaction.

And for that, Mr. Jan Gautam, we honor you.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 8 o'clock and 49 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at 10 a.m. for morning-hour debate.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to talk about the life of a hero of mine, Maurice A. Ferre. He is a Puerto Rican-born public servant who is a former six-term mayor of the city of Miami and the first Hispanic mayor of any major American city, serving from 1973 to 1985.

He has served as the chair of the Miami-Dade County Expressway Authority and served for 8 years on the Florida Transportation Commission.

As mayor, Ferre provided leadership and vision when Miami took its place as one of the world's most vibrant cities, eclectic and diverse and international in nature.

Throughout his years in office, he focused on economic development, job creation, and a visionary approach to improving south Florida's transportation and public infrastructure, as well as transforming the area into a center of inter-American trade, banking, and commerce.

He remains active in business, commentary on current events, teaching, and public service.

In 2006, he explored issues concerning Puerto Rico in a book on political status, ``Where is Puerto Rico Headed?''--``Hacia Donde Va Puerto Rico?''

His career has been marked by a style of public service that encourages people from widely different views and philosophies to work together in the name of common good and progress.

Ferre embarked on that journey early on as a Florida House member, then a commissioner, later the mayor of the city of Miami, and as vice chairman of the Dade County Board of Commissioners.

Ferre has served on numerous boards, as well as on President Ford's commission on immigration and President Carter's ambassadorial nominating commission.

Ferre credits his wife of 64 years, Mercedes Malaussena Ferre, as his north star, and his loving family, including 6 children and 13 grandchildren, as his anchor.