Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I want to recognize Apryle Criswell Jackson, an educator for the School District of Osceola County, Florida. Apryle graduated Cum Laude from California University of Pennsylvania with a double major. She was one of a very few women in the 1970s to participate in the coaching certification program there.

Apryle has taught for 39 years. She started in the Elizabeth Forward School District in Pennsylvania and has spent the last 36 years in Osceola County. She has always taught ``at risk students'' in grades kindergarten through Adult Ed.

Apryle has always been an advocate for children. She has donated her time to various athletic programs in Osceola County. Apryle was one of the first coaches when Buenaventura Lakes started their Little League program. She has served on the board of directors for numerous organizations throughout Osceola County. She is a First-Class Girl Scout and recognized the need for a program in Osceola County. Apryle worked diligently to start the Friendship Service Unit for Girl Scouts. She is also an advocate for children with disabilities in the county. She encouraged the music director at Harmony High School to start a music program for special needs students this school year.

Apryle has been active in the Osceola County Education Association for over 35 years. She has been president for the last eight years fighting for better working conditions of all educators in Osceola County. Under her leadership, OCEA has held numerous events for children. They recently distributed over l0,000 books to students. In 2017, following the tragedy of Hurricane Maria, Apryle worked with local agencies to host an event where evacuee students, and their families from Puerto Rico, could get the assistance they needed and distributed books to all children in Spanish and English. Under her leadership OCEA has developed numerous programs to support children in our community.

Apryle's dedication to serving those in our community is an inspiration to all. Apryle Criswell Jackson, for that we honor you.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the Speaker for the opportunity. We certainly appreciate the esteemed institution that is West Point. May I also say that the United States Marines are also a great institution, and I want to thank the Speaker for his service in Afghanistan and in Iraq as well.

Recognizing Melinda Jones Williams

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I want to recognize Melinda Jones Williams.

Melinda Jones Williams, a civil rights activist, was born March 14, 1950, in Americus, Georgia. She is currently a resident of Haines City, Florida, with one child, Jeffrey Jones.

In July, 1963, Melinda Jones Williams was one of 15 young Black girls with a passion to change the bigotry and divisiveness in Americus, Georgia, by protesting a strong force of generational racism. During a peaceful protest, she was arrested along with 14 other young girls. These girls were all stolen, hidden from their parents, and locked in an abandoned building for over a month. There were no windows, toilets, and no source of water.

This was their punishment for protesting a segregated movie theater. Melinda Jones Williams is one of the few remaining survivors of the Stolen Girls of Americus, Georgia.

For that and her heroism in the civil rights movement, we thank you, Ms. Jones Williams.

Recognizing Charlie Reed

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I want to recognize Charlie Reed.

She was born and raised in Kissimmee, Florida, my hometown. She was the first in her family to graduate from college with a degree in journalism from the University of Florida in 1997. She has worked at the Orlando Sentinel, Osceola News-Gazette, and Treasure Coast Newspapers. While working for the Stars and Stripes newspaper, she has covered international defense, geopolitics, and the U.S. military community.

After a reporting trip to Vietnam, Charlie moved there to do volunteer work and write about Vietnam veterans living in the place where they fought a war so many years before. While living in Vietnam, she was named editor for an English-language Vietnamese magazine and worked closely with several NGOs helping Agent Orange victims and impoverished children.

Charlie came back to Kissimmee in 2014 to reconnect with her Florida roots. It was a homecoming that led her back to the staff at the Osceola News-Gazette. As a seasoned journalist who has lived around the world, Charlie knows no stranger. Her ability to connect with people and understand their problems is perhaps her greatest strength. Charlie's life work is about more than chasing a story. It is about serving the community, being an advocate for the public, a voice for the voiceless and shining light on corruption. The pleasure she experiences while helping others is truly all hers.

For that, Charlie Reed, we recognize you.

Recognizing Juanita Geathers

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I want to recognize Juanita Geathers.

Juanita Geathers has six children and nine grandchildren with her husband, Lemuel Geathers, former mayor of Winter Haven. She has spent 34 years as an educator in Polk County schools, retiring as an assistant principal in 2004. She graduated from Jewett High School as valedictorian in 1959, went on to receive her bachelor of science degree from Rollins College and a master's in education from the University of South Florida.

Juanita served as Secretary for the Florida Democratic Party State Executive Committee and was the highest ranking African American woman during her tenure as Secretary. She also served as a Democratic National Convention delegate from Florida for three conventions.

As an active member of her community, she is a recipient of the Outstanding Community Service Award. She has served on the Polk Education Association, Polk County Opportunity Council, Polk County Voters League, Girls and Boys Club, and Girls, Inc. She is also a lifetime member of the NAACP and a member of the Hurst Chapel AME Church.

For that, Ms. Juanita Geathers, we honor you.

Recognizing Monica Readus

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I want to recognize Monica Readus.

Monica Readus is a wife, mother, business owner, and real estate professional. She was born in Detroit, Michigan.

After moving to Texas, Monica became aware of a shift in the political climate. After the 2004 Presidential race, Democrats were discouraged and Dallas Republicans were running unopposed. It was at that time that Monica took time away from the company's day-to-day operations to become a full-time volunteer for the Collin County Democratic Party office in Plano, Texas.

Since then, Monica has worked with candidates and campaign managers, coordinated grassroots efforts for local and Federal elections, and fundraised for candidates and more. In 2011 Monica moved to Florida where she immediately began coordinating grassroots efforts for Organizing for America by spearheading daily phone banks. She then joined the Democratic Women's Club of Florida of West Orange County, serving as its first president.

She now happily serves as the Democratic Women's Club of Florida Region 9 chair, serving nearly 600 members and the chair of the Annual PerSisters Rally in celebration of Democratic Women's Month.

For that, Monica Readus, we honor you.

Recognizing Lisa Santoni Cromar

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I want to recognize Lisa Santoni Cromar.

Lisa Santoni Cromar is a legally deaf Puerto Rican woman. She is the mother to two boys, Nicholas and William, and the wife to Scott Cromar. She was born in 1962 to Puerto Rican parents, Trina and Jose Santoni. Her early career was in corporate IT. At age 30, she divorced her first husband and went to work for the domestic violence agency that helped her leave. After meeting her husband, Scott, he had a friend running for Congress, which presented an opportunity to transition to political consulting and issue advocacy. She has served as voting chair and co- chair, and is now an executive board member of the Women's March of Florida.

In 2003, the longtime consequences of her Meniere's disease became unbearable, resulting in severe hearing loss. In 2016, Lisa moved to Longwood, Florida. Like everyone else in her new community, she was horrified by the Pulse nightclub shooting. The lack of family support for some of the victims combined with memories of post-9/11 days, prompted Lisa to reach out to the affected communities offering a safe place and a safe space for frightened neighbors as well as visiting victims' families.

When Hurricanes Irma and Maria worsened Puerto Rico's already delicate situation, Lisa refocused her advocacy efforts on achieving a just recovery for her islands. Lisa is currently vice president of Diaspora en Resistencia, an international coalition of human rights organizations working for a better future for Puerto Rico. She also sits on the steering committee for Vamos4PR.

For that, Lisa Santoni Cromar, we honor you.

Recognizing Karen Green

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I want to recognize Karen Green.

Reverend Dr. Karen R. Green, a proud Jamaican-born Caribbean American, is a former U.N. Humanitarian Religious Ambassador At Large. She is a tireless community advocate and social justice crusader fighting to enhance the rights of women, defend religious freedoms, and secure the civil liberties of immigrants.

As a resident of Florida for over 20 years, Dr. Green has leveraged her talents as a respected political strategist, campaign manager, and expert mediator. She has served as the Democratic Party's former Caribbean Coalition Director for the State of Florida and its territories. Her vast political and voter advocacy record includes service as field officer for President Barack Obama's Presidential election campaign, Coalition Director for Hillary Clinton's Presidential primary and general election campaigns, and political advance to U.S. territories.

Dr. Green has led on issues of universal healthcare, a woman's right to choose, and immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship under DAPA and DACA as well. Dr. Green is also noted to have been instrumental on the front lines of the fight to secure in-state tuition for undocumented students living in Florida.

Dr. Green currently serves as the CEO of the Liberty and Justice for All Community Foundation and is the primary partner at Blue Fields Consultants International.

Passion for service and a strong sense of dedication to critical social issues is clearly a key motivating force for Dr. Green.

She merits these values to her Christian beliefs and cultural experiences as a Jamaican-born immigrant.

She quotes Marcus Mosiah Garvey himself, a Jamaican native and noted civil rights leader, with: ``A people without the knowledge of their past history, culture, and origin is like a tree without roots.''

And for that, Ms. Karen Green, we honor you.

Recognizing Kim Porteous

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I want to recognize Kim Porteous.

Kim Porteous is one of many activists ignited by the modern women's movement at the March on Washington, D.C., on January 24, 2017.

She is a community organizer who is supported by a community of women. Although she has been involved in advocacy throughout her life, she knew, as a former survivor of rape, workplace sexual assaults, and domestic abuse, that she needed to make it her life's work to stand for women, sexual assault victims, the disabled, the LGBTQ community, immigrants, Dreamers, against climate change, for religious minorities, and to promote healthcare.

She is committed to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities through intersectional feminism and uniting communities regardless of their privilege.

The 2016 election led Kim to amplify her message of equality beyond her circle of friends and get out in the community to engage.

She has had the privilege of supporting organizations and community partners, including the National Organization for Women, Organize Florida, Planned Parenthood, For Our Future, ADAPT, Rubio Tuesdays, Hope House, Moms Demand Action, March for Women, and Fight for $15 an Hour.

Kim is currently the vice president of the Greater Orlando chapter of the National Organization for Women and is focused on sustained action to achieve the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment.

And for that, Ms. Kim Porteous, we honor you.

Recognizing Rasha Mubarak

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I want to recognize Rasha Mubarak.

Rasha Mubarak is a Palestinian American Muslim community activist and leader who was recently named Ten People Making Orlando a Better Place to Be by the Orlando Weekly.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in the heart of central Florida, she is a current facilitator for the Trust Orlando Coalition, helping make history by passing the first TRUST Act, not only in Florida but in the Southeastern region of the United States.

Rasha also serves as a vice president for the Muslim Women's Organization. She is the president of the Young Democrats of Orange County, a media political strategist, is the president of Orlando's Palestine Children's Relief Fund.

While working in the Arab American community, she helped launch impactful programs such as Welcoming Immigrants Now Group and its domestic violence program.

A sought-after speaker about topics including Palestinian rights, Islamophobia, and women's representation in Islam, Rasha has been a grassroots organizer and speaker for statewide demonstrations and campaigns for interfaith work, Palestinian rights, and #NoMuslimBanEver, immigrant rights, and Black and Brown liberation.

Rasha leads educational panel discussions dispelling stereotypes about Muslim women.

In 2015, she cofounded Floridians Responding to Refugees, spearheading efforts to welcome and transition refugees.

She was previously a mental health counseling volunteer with the Palestine Medical Relief Society in Ramallah, aiding women and children suffering from PTSD.

And for that, Ms. Rasha Mubarak, we honor you.

Recognizing Nicolette Fariello Springer

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I want to recognize Nicolette Fariello Springer.

Nicolette is the sort of woman who does not fit conveniently into a mold. She is a criminologist, college educator, and a doting mother to her two daughters, Emmerson and Avery.

With a master's degree in criminal justice from the University of Central Florida, Nicolette specializes in mental health and substance abuse. She was the assistant director of the Criminal Justice Mental Health Substance Abuse Technical Assistance Center, where she focused on program evaluation and policy analysis across the State of Florida.

Nicolette's research areas include mental health court, drug court, and corrections. It is her work in criminal justice that informs her work as a community activist, championing issues around adverse childhood experiences, social justice, and access to education and healthcare.

Nicolette serves as the champion leader for central and north Florida for

the United Nations Foundation Shot@Life Campaign, which focuses on advocating for access to vaccines in the developing world.

On the local front, she co-leads a Girl Scout troop of 27 girls and gives them the opportunity to see the best in themselves.

Nicolette's activism led her to run for office during the historic Pink Wave of 2018. She parlayed her own campaign experience into a full-time position on a Democratic gubernatorial campaign and continues to advocate for progressive values.

She is currently one of the co-chairs of the Juvenile Justice Committee for the Central Florida League of Women Voters and serves on the Victory Council for Ruth's List Florida. She is the legislative analyst for the League of Women Voters of Florida, empowering voters and helping improve the lives of all Floridians.

For that, Nicolette Fariello Springer, we honor you.

Recognizing Iza Montalvo

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I want to recognize Iza Montalvo.

Iza Montalvo lives in Orlando with her husband and two sons. She is an award-winning journalist, former news executive, radio anchor, television producer, and congressional staffer recognized by the United States Congress for her contributions to the Hispanic community. In 2015, Vision magazine named her as one of central Florida's most influential Hispanics.

Under her leadership as the former editor-in-chief of La Prensa, the oldest running publication in central Florida and also founded by a relative of mine, readership almost doubled in 1 year alone.

As a reporter for the largest Spanish-language media outlet in the country, some of her stories gained national attention during her almost 20-year journalism career.

While working as a reporter, she covered news events like the protests at the United Nations against the U.S. Navy military practices in the island of Vieques, protests in Times Square against the war in Iraq, the aftermath of 9/11, the World Economic Forum, and the New York blackout.

She has had the opportunity to interview high-profile politicians and celebrities of worldwide recognition as well as holding an exclusive interview with the Federal agent who stopped the 20th hijacker from catching a flight during the terrorist attacks on 9/11.

Her reporting with the Puerto Rican diaspora, neglected communities of color, Latinx and migrant communities earned her recognitions and awards from the prestigious National Association of Hispanic Publications.

She served as the press secretary of two U.S. Representatives before taking her vast experience into a new business venture. She currently is the founder and president of the Olan Group, a purpose-led communications, research, and consultancy firm in Orlando.

As an independent journalist and media strategist, she is focused on raising awareness about underreported issues affecting the world, like environmental justice and women's rights, in Spanish language and media outlets covering the Latinx experience in the U.S.

She also served as our press secretary from 2017 to 2018 and did an absolutely fantastic job.

And for that, Ms. Iza Montalvo, we honor you.

Recognizing Dr. Catherine ``Elizabeth'' McCarthy

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I want to recognize Dr. Catherine ``Elizabeth'' McCarthy.

Dr. Elizabeth McCarthy currently serves as the legislative director for the Florida LGBT Democratic Caucus and as federal chair of the Democratic Women's Club of Florida.

Born in Richmond, Virginia, she moved to Florida in 1981. After attending high school in Pasco County, she attended the University of Florida and Florida State University on basketball scholarships and graduated from Florida State in 1992 with a degree in criminology.

She then went back to school to become a nurse. After spending 25 years working as a cardio operating room registered nurse for the Florida Heart Group, she decided to attend medical school at the University of Central Florida and soon became a cardiologist.

Elizabeth was working at Orlando Regional Medical Center the night of the horrific Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida. As a doctor, her work was vital in saving the lives of many victims and members of our community. She was able to remove 77 bullets out of 32 victims.

As a member of the LGBT community and an LGBT activist, she now serves on the One Pulse Foundation Memorial Task Force, established to create a sanctuary of hope and to grant care for the families of victims and survivors.

And for that, Dr. Elizabeth McCarthy, we honor you.

Recognizing Ann Marie Siefker

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I want to recognize Ann Marie Siefker.

Ann Marie Siefker was born on May 8, 1957. She attended Cardinal Gibbons High School and graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a degree in education.

Ann was a special education teacher at West Orange High School, a longtime member of the Classroom Teachers Association, and taught children for over 30 years.

Ann joined God on November 18, 2018, and we are recognizing her posthumously. She is survived by her mother, Mary; her brothers, Joseph and James; and her sister, Joan.

Ms. Ann Marie Siefker, for that, we honor you.

Recognizing Christina Whitfield Atkinson

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I want to recognize Christina Whitfield Atkinson.

Christina Whitfield Atkinson resides with her husband, Jeffrey; their four dogs; and is supported by her son, Thomas; two stepdaughters, Mariah and Amber; and her four grandchildren.

She has long believed women are the backbone to any successful, prosperous society. She has earned both a bachelor's and master's degree in business administration and has worked for the past 20 years in multiple professional capacities, including owning a dental supply company; working in risk management, internet security, insurance claims, as an adjunct university professor; and has dedicated hundreds of hours to various charities.

She believes in promoting a philosophy of integrity and honor through giving back to those who have given her so much. She believes there is no greater honor than participating in and promoting philanthropic activities.

In January 2018, after leaving her role in corporate America, she was appointed as the VA representative for Soldiers' Angels. As the wife of an Air Force veteran, sister to a Navy veteran, and mother-in-law to an Active-Duty Army soldier, Christina was thrilled to volunteer for one of the highest ranked 501(c)3 organizations, which is dedicated to supporting our military veterans.

Christina oversees a diverse group of volunteers in the Orlando area who visit veterans who are patients at the VA Hospital at Lake Nona; help with veteran support events, including distributing gifts and blankets from the community; and oversee the monthly mobile food distribution, which provides 200 low-income veterans 50 pounds of food each month.

If she is not at the VA supporting our veterans, she is reaching deep into the community to find other groups and business and community leaders to help our military veterans.

Her love of the military is her primary focus in all she does and is permanently ingrained in her.

And for that, Ms. Christina Whitfield Atkinson, we honor you.

Recognizing Chloe C. Battle

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I want to recognize Chloe C. Battle.

Chloe Battle works in Orlando, Florida, as the executive director for the local food pantry called Servant's Heart Ministry. The faith-based organization feeds children, seniors, and other vulnerable individuals through community partnerships by providing basic needs, empowering people to grow and thrive in their own neighborhoods, and offering opportunities for people to serve.

Ms. Battle's mission is to feed the hungry, and she also advocates for building relationships, which she says is the most important part of serving and is the cornerstone for community

health. When you get to know a family at the interpersonal level, their needs become more apparent and easier to address, and resources provided become more meaningful to them.

Before entering the nonprofit sector, Ms. Battle acquired her bachelor of science in psychology from Indiana University, working out of a prestigious child development lab. She developed a keen interest in health psychology and social work and, from there, maintained a personal commitment to caregiving, family, advocacy, and community casework.

Ms. Battle cites that her strength comes from God and personal experience, and her growth as a leader and community partner drives her forward to show others how everyone can do something and that education and nurturing is the key to the success of all families.

And for that, Ms. Chloe C. Battle, 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 45 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at 10 a.m. for morning-hour debate.

Madam Speaker, I had a family health emergency that required my personal attention at home and returned to Florida on February 28, 2019. This family health emergency resulted in me missing votes on H.R. 1112--Enhanced Background Checks Act. Had I been present, I would have voted YES on the Schneider, Jackson Lee Amendment, YES on the Van Drew Cunningham Amendment, NO on the Motion to Recommit H.R. 1112, and YES on final passage of H.R. 1112.

Madam Speaker, I apologize for not being present to vote. I had a family health emergency in Florida to attend. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 100, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 101, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 102, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 103.

Mr. Speaker, first, I want to thank the gentleman from North Carolina. We in Florida all express our condolences for the loss of Congressman Walter Jones. I thank the gentleman for bringing that up.

Mr. Speaker, we had the longest shutdown in history caused by the President of the United States claiming the mantel that government needed to be shut down for his border wall. Then, finally, government was reopened as every party came to their senses.

As we speak, Mr. Speaker, we have Senate Members and House Members diligently negotiating a bipartisan border deal, four Republicans in the Senate led by Senator Shelby and three Democrats led by Senator Leahy. In the House, we have Chairwoman Nita Lowey, subcommittee Chairwoman Roybal-Allard, Ranking Member Granger, and Ranking Member Fleischmann.

I believe a deal is imminent, where both sides will deliver concessions and

have to compromise. Yet, tonight, I heard dozens of speeches by my friends across the aisle on the one hand pleading for a bipartisan deal and on the other hand condemning Democrats with every other breath.

Were they not aware that there is a bipartisan negotiation happening as we speak that their colleagues are involved in? Devoid of reality, perhaps, or maybe it was just political scare tactics.

Mr. Speaker, when bipartisan plans come up before this body this week, and we show that we will keep the government open and protect our Nation, I know one other thing is for sure: My colleagues across the aisle are going to need a new script, because these scare tactics aren't going to work anymore.

Black History Month

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I want to recognize Anna M. Pinellas. Anna M. Pinellas and her husband, Louis C. Pinellas, moved to Kissimmee, Florida, 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 include 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 nonprofit 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.

And for that, Mrs. Pinellas, we honor you.

Recognizing Beverlye Colson Neal

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I recognize Beverlye Colson Neal.

Beverlye Colson Neal is the president of the Orange County branch of the NAACP and the former executive director for the Florida State Conference of the NAACP. She has spent most of her life fighting for civil rights, beginning in her early childhood, as a member of the Jacksonville Youth Council of the NAACP.

She has a wealth of experience in the field of civil rights, community, and political organizing. Her involvement has been centered around safeguarding the Black community.

She coordinated the 1984 GOTV efforts for the Congressional District 3 for Reverend Jesse Jackson for President of the United States, getting the only elected Jesse Jackson delegate from Florida from that congressional district. In 2009, she was asked by Dr. C. Delores Tucker to start a chapter of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. in Florida. She has since organized five other chapters in the State. She has been instrumental in ensuring the programs under the NCBW-Orlando reflect the needs of Black women and their families in Orlando.

She is the mother of three adult sons--James, Odell, and Kenneth Neal--and the proud grandmother of five grandchildren. She has a committed passion for the work that she does in the State, and is always working for those who are ignored or overlooked. She feels that this is God's purpose for her life on Earth.

And for that, Mrs. Beverlye Colson Neal, we honor you.

Recognizing Johnnie Walker

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I recognize Johnnie Walker.

Johnnie Walker was born in Ethiopia in 1961, where his father was a technical advisor for the U.S. Department of State. He is now employed as a national representative for the American Federation of Government Employees, working for and with Federal employees performing the full range of employee and labor relations duties for Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

For 32 years, he has been a labor activist, advocate, and trainer, with extensive experience representing unionized bargaining unit employee members, and others. His advocacy has obtained over $500,000 in back pay for D.C. government bargaining unit employees.

Walker received his undergraduate degrees in political science and liberal arts from the College of Central Florida and Howard University. He worked as the constituent liaison for the late Florida Congressman Bill Chappell, Jr. from 1983 to 1986. He has received numerous recognitions from the D.C. Committee on Political Education, D.C. Central Labor Council, and the AFGE.

Walker represents Federal Government employees and provides community support and outreach to thousands of union members he represents, the most recent example being the ongoing support for furloughed employees by holding collections and distribution drives, town halls, and roundtable discussions to discuss the effects and seek solutions.

And for that, Mr. Johnnie Walker, we honor you.

Recognizing Cynthia Downing

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I recognize Cynthia Downing.

Cynthia Downing is a native of Florida; mother of one daughter, Cyntoria; and a recent grandmother of grandson, JaMarcus. She is a graduate of Haines City Senior High. She received her Bachelor's degree in Management of Human Resources and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix.

Ms. Downing is a lifetime member of the Haines City NAACP, where she serves as president. Her love of advocating for people and seeking justice has afforded her the opportunity to serve on social and economic panels. She is most proud of instituting the Black History Program, Black History Essay Contest, quarterly mission projects, a scholarship program, and the Drum Major for Justice Award. Serving in this capacity allows her to bring awareness and new initiatives to her community.

She always had a passion for helping others reach their fullest potential, and her management skills allowed her to start her own business as a trainer and coach. She also assists with vocational rehabilitation with job placement.

Ms. Downing is also active in many ministries of her church, New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Haines City. She serves as a Sunday school teacher, newsletter editor, website administrator, and president of the Shepherd's Care Ministry.

She lives by the quote her dad often repeated: ``To whom much is given, much is required.''

And for that, Ms. Cynthia Downing, we honor you.

Recognizing Anthony Gordon

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I recognize Anthony Gordon.

Anthony Gordon was born and raised in Avon Park, Florida. After graduating from Avon Park High School, he attended Polk State College on a baseball scholarship, and soon began his professional baseball career with the Seattle Mariners, Kansas City Royals, Chicago White Sox, and Milwaukee Brewers.

After retiring from professional baseball in 1996, he began working with Bill and Brian Jarrett to purchase and operate the Jarrett-Gordon Ford dealerships in central Florida.

Anthony serves as a board member for the Ford Motor Minority Dealers Association, as a Rotarian since 2002, and also served as a Haines City Chamber Board member, on the Board of Directors for Heart of Florida hospital, and was recognized as the Haines City Chamber of Commerce 2014 Citizen of the Year. He volunteers for the Great American Teach-In at Ridge High School, Bethune Academy and Horizon Elementary in recognition of Black History Month.

Mr. Anthony Gordon is a dedicated husband and father, as well as a longtime active member of New Zion Temple Holiness Church Association, where he currently serves as an ordained minister. He is a firm believer that his

life's accomplishments are directly ordered by the mercy and grace of God.

And for that, Mr. Anthony Gordon, we honor you.

Recognizing Wayne Gandy

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I recognize Wayne Gandy.

In 1989, as a senior at Haines City High School, Wayne Gandy was recruited by Auburn University to play football. He was then drafted as a first-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams, where he played his first 5 years. Since then, he has played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints, and the Atlanta Falcons, having never missed a game.

After the NFL, Gandy focused on his foundation, The Wayne Gandy Foundation, organized exclusively to support and promote the power of sports in developing the qualities of leadership, social responsibility, and excellence through the sponsorship of sports camps, team building events, and programs that build healthy spirits, bodies, and minds of at-risk teens.

In addition to this, he also hosts a daily 3-hour syndicated radio show, the Sports Joc Show with Wayne Gandy, and serves as a color analyst for ESPN. Gandy still returns to his hometown, Haines City, Florida, and offers help wherever it may be needed. For the past 3 years, he has sponsored the Wayne Gandy Christmas Tournament, a semi- final high school basketball tournament in Haines City.

In 2017, Haines City High School dedicated the Wayne Gandy field to Mr. Gandy, thus showing how much his name is synonymous to the meaning of truly being a ``hometown hero.''

And for that, Mr. Wayne Gandy, we honor you.

Recognizing Lemuel Geathers

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I recognize Lemuel Geathers.

Mr. Lemuel Geathers, from the historic Pughsville neighborhood of Winter Haven, Florida, served as the city's first African American Commissioner and Mayor. He was also the special assistant to Congressman Andy Ireland. He is a World War II veteran, and served as an electrician in the Navy.

In 1954, he went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial arts and education from Florida A&M University. He spent 28 years as a teacher in Polk County, and one of his greatest accomplishments was serving on the committee to establish a junior college in Winter Haven, Florida, now known as Polk State College, because he knew the importance of receiving a good education.

He has served on the Central Florida Regional Planning Council, Winter Haven Hospital Board, Polk County Industrial Bonding Board, Polk County Master Planning Committee, and was chairman of the city's Human Relations Committee. Mr. Geathers was also the first African American chairman of the Democratic Executive Committee in Polk County. He has been affiliated with the National Education Association, American Legion, NAACP, Boys and Girls Club, and Optimist Club.

His wife, Juanita Geathers, is a retired educator and former secretary of the Florida Democratic Party. They have six children and nine grandchildren, all college educated.

And for that, Mr. Lemuel Geathers, we honor you.

Recognizing George Brooks

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I recognize George Brooks.

Staff Sergeant George Brooks enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1954; 7 years after the USAF had integrated its forces. He was stationed in Biloxi, less than 1 year before Emmett Till was murdered in Money, Mississippi. He was also one of the first African Americans to attend electronics school.

While stationed in Spokane, Washington, he worked on the B-36 aircraft, becoming one of the first Black bomb navigation technicians to fly the craft, flying three missions. He left Spokane in 1956 for Westover Air Force Base, in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he first started working on the B-52 bomber, also joining the first ranks of Black navigators on that plane.

He flew 47 missions in the B-52, and was awarded the Air Medal with two clusters. Over the course of his 20-year career, he flew over 100 missions, until retiring from the USAF in 1974.

Mr. Brooks went to work for the Department of Defense for 13 years after that as an electronics consultant, until his retirement in 1987. He traveled the world extensively, with stops in seven continents, including Antarctica, finally ending up in Nalcrest, just outside Lake Wales.

Staff Sergeant George Brooks, for that, we honor you.

Recognizing Orrett Davis

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I recognize Orrett Davis.

Orrett Davis is a growth marketer, startup advocate, and technology enthusiast. While continuing to support Orlando's tech community, Mr. Davis currently serves as Director of Marketing at SightPlan, an Orlando-based technology company providing cutting-edge solutions for the Nation's growing multifamily industry.

Mr. Davis is a proud graduate of the University of Florida, and received a master's degree in business administration from Rollins College. Prior to SightPlan, Mr. Davis was head of growth for Abe AI, a financial technology company, recently acquired by Envestnet Yodlee, where he launched the largest virtual summit on artificial intelligence and banking.

Mr. Davis was the first executive director for the Orlando Tech Association, OTA, which helped cultivate the explosive growth of Orlando's startup and technology ecosystem.

As head of OTA, Mr. Davis was invited to the inaugural Tech Meet Up at the White House by the Obama administration, where he presented on the growth of Orlando's startup community.

Mr. Davis has made a tremendous impact on the central Florida community, and in addition to his work in Orlando, he has helped foster entrepreneurial communities throughout the country.

For that, Mr. Orrett Davis, we honor you.

In Recognition of Deloris McMillon

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I want to recognize Deloris McMillon.

Ms. Deloris McMillon is a retired educator and administrator whose career spanned from 1965 to 2003. Her commitment to educating children and community service are among her greatest gifts and strengths.

Ms. McMillon moved to Kissimmee in 1966 after marrying her college sweetheart, the late Samuel Lawrence McMillon, Jr.

During a time when schools were still segregated, she helped pave the way for the integration of Black educators into the Osceola County School System.

After receiving her master's in administration and supervision in 1989, she was promoted to assistant principal at Osceola High School, and then principal of Parkway Middle School.

Ms. McMillon has received numerous awards for her outstanding contributions and leadership in education and community service. She is a recipient of the NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award, the Rosa Parks Memorial Award, the OCTA Human and Civil Rights Award, and more.

Her involvements include Valencia Community College Board of Trustees; Osceola County Fire and Rescue Advisory Board; Osceola Visionaries, Inc.; and a member of the Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce Leadership.

Deloris McMillon is currently the President of the Osceola County branch of the NAACP. She continues to advocate for equal rights and education. She encourages young people to seek higher educational opportunities by providing tutoring and financial assistance to college-bound students. She is a true role model for all women, not just women of color.

And for that, Ms. Deloris McMillon, we honor you.

In Recognition of Gail Paschall-Brown

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I want to recognize Gail Paschall-Brown. Gail Paschall-Brown started her life in Brooklyn, New York, but was raised by her grandparents in rural North Carolina.

Now a Floridian, Paschall-Brown is celebrating 21 years at WESH-2 News, where she has served as an anchor and is a general assignment reporter.

Starting in television while in high school, working in her hometown, Paschall-Brown did everything from shooting video for the city to doing commercials for advertisers.

Gail received a bachelor of arts in drama and speech, with a minor in broadcasting, from East Carolina University. While at ECU, she received the Broadcaster of the Year Award from her peers and worked at WITN-TV 7 in North Carolina. She served on ECU's first practicum program for journalists.

Paschall-Brown learned the business from all angles. Beginning as a tape jockey, she moved to reporter, then to anchor, and even did weather before Doppler radar was implemented.

In Florida, she has covered countless stories, including related to Trayvon Martin and Casey Anthony, and Polk County's Alejandra Juarez's deportation story to Mexico, that I am currently working on legislation for.

Some of Gail's most memorable stories include the first Gulf War, the Grenada Invasion, and Susan Smith, who drowned her two sons, tragically. She has interviewed notables, including Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, author Alex Haley, sportscaster Jayne Kennedy, and did stories ranging from Bob Hope, Phylicia Rashad, to Pope Air Force Base.

Gail has received numerous community awards, including: being inducted into the Central Florida Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame; Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs proclaimed Gail Paschall- Brown Day on April 30, 2015, for being a committed and engaged reporter who has shown integrity and compassion for the community; and that same year, she also received the Spirit of Journalism Oprah Winfrey Journalism Award.

She is most proud of her two children: Jasmine, a senior at North Carolina A&T; and Joshua, a sophomore at Florida Gulf Coast University.

After nearly four decades as a journalist, Gail says she loves this business still and hopes to continue serving the central Florida community.

And for that, Ms. Gail Paschall-Brown, we honor you.

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

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

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 8 o'clock and 36 minutes p.m.), under its previous order and pursuant to House Resolution 121, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Tuesday, February 12, 2019, at 9 a.m., as a further mark of respect to the memory of the late Honorable Walter B. Jones.

Madam Speaker, America is in crisis. What will it take for the President to reopen the government? Will it take families across America to not get their tax return? Will it take Federal employees going without a second paycheck or without healthcare? Will it take millions of families who are going hungry without SNAP, without food assistance?

Maybe it will take Customs and Border Patrol walking off the job or uninspected planes falling from the sky due to mechanical failure--or worse.

I have here a letter from Doug Lowe, one of my constituents, who is an aviation specialist, and he talks about how these planes aren't even being inspected right now.

Or, even worse, for all the President's bragging about the economy, we could be going into a recession in what would otherwise be a boom period.

So I ask again: President Trump, what will it take? What disaster will it take for you to reopen this government now?

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Maine for hosting this.

First, I want to start by reading a letter from one of my constituents, Douglas Lowe, who is a professional aviation safety specialist in my district.

``Dear Representative Darren Soto, I am writing you with a heavy heart and much stress as I live through this government shutdown. It has been the longest we have ever faced, and as the days continue, I am finding myself more and more weakened by the situation.

``I am the president for the Florida Chapter of Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, PASS. We represent the men and women that make aviation across our Nation function in every aspect, from the aviation safety inspectors, to people like myself who maintain complex equipment that makes air traffic control possible, as well as a multitude of support staff that deals with logistics and contracts.

``The main reason I am writing you is to talk about the human factor. We need to find a resolution. There must be an end to this shutdown. Real people are suffering. Many coworkers of mine across the Nation, people I represent have come to me with hardships. I personally have dealt with two individuals already who have had to resign their positions and move on with life.

``We are going on day 34 now with no end in sight. Men and women like myself have still been at work. Each day makes that endeavor a little harder. We struggle with when and how do we keep coming to work and support the system when we can no longer afford gas. I personally have had to make some sacrifices already. Friday the 25th is my daughter's 18th birthday. I have asked my daughter to please forgive me, but we are not buying her anything right now because we need to budget and ensure we have money for bills and food.

``Also, I take care of my mother who has schizophrenia. I have been relying 100 percent this past month on her nurse to hold everything together because I cannot get over to see her. The amount of stress and anxiety surrounding these events is enormous. I cannot ask enough that every Member of Congress please think about those of us caught in the middle of this fight.

``Please consider our hardships and find some common ground; find a road forward. I still have faith in you, and we are carrying the country on our backs, but I do not know how much longer we can endure.

``I am a marine and a leader, so I show a smile and I keep moving forward, but I have already seen the heartache and turmoil others have displayed, people crying, not knowing how to make ends meet, professionals applying for food stamps and aid while still being required to put in a 40-hour workweek.''

``This list goes on and on, but I believe the most disturbing fact is that this is happening to people in the United States of America. People are being asked and forced to work for free, threatened to completely lose their livelihood if they do not show up. This is something that I would expect from'' a country that is developing. I won't use the exact words he used.

``My fear is someone is going to be so stressed that they miss a task. They are going to be so fatigued that they make a mistake, and, with the jobs that we do, that mistake could lead to the lives of thousands being lost. Aviation safety is on the line, and each day, each hour, each minute that we stay shut down, more risk is injected into our Nation's aviation system.

``Please, I beg you to reopen the government before something bad happens. I continue to come to work because I think of the children that may be flying into Orlando on a Make-A-Wish Foundation flight. That child may have cancer and be on their way to Disney for what may be the last days of their lives. I come to work each day without pay to make sure that those children land safely. But as the weeks turn into months for this shutdown, I am fearful that even I will have a breaking point.

``Sincerely, Douglas Lowe, Professional Aviation Safety Specialists.''

Now, I want to talk a little bit about compromise throughout American history. There have been some great American compromises that we have seen in this Nation.

Starting at the very founding of our Republic, in 1787, after we had to start working on the Constitution, Connecticut delegates Roger Sherman and Oliver Ellsworth drafted the Great Compromise, a plan for congressional representation. Without this, there likely never would have been a Constitution.

Many more compromises have followed in political history, but imagine what small States would face, and large States would face, if they didn't have representation in the Senate and in the House.

Then there was the Compromise of 1790 that was made famous by the now-popular ``Hamilton'' musical. It was the compromise by Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson with James Madison, where Hamilton won the decision for the national government to take over, pay the debt, and create a banking system, while Jefferson Madison obtained a national capital, in the District of Columbia that we stand in right now, for the South. That was described as ``the room where it happens,'' and I feel like we need another room where it happens today.

But compromises aren't always great in American history. In the 19th century, in particular, we had many examples. It was a dark time, for trying to compromise on such moral crusades as slavery and the Civil War. But I will mention one of them.

In 1820, there was the Missouri Compromise, legislation that provided admission of the gentlewoman's State, Maine, a Free State, along with Missouri, that, unfortunately, came in as a slave State, thus maintaining the balance of power between the North and the South in the United States.

One of the things I struggle with right now is: What time are we in? Is this a time where we need to compromise, and it will turn out to be one of those terrible ones that America will look back on, like that one? Or will it be one of the ones that helped forge ahead the Republic stronger than ever?

In the 20th century, compromise faired far better in American politics. We saw, in 1917, the United States came together to enter World War I, even though we were still emerging as a world power ourselves. We saved our allies from destruction, turned the tide of the war, and eventually emerged as a major power.

Everything changed when we saw the New Deal happen. Mostly Democrats, with some Republicans, not enough of them, came together to help make sure that we would have major programs to help put Americans back to work after we had the stock market crash.

But it was on December 7, 1941, a day that would live in infamy when Pearl Harbor was bombed, that Democrats and Republicans came together to join in a fight against Nazi Germany and the Japanese empire, to literally rewrite the rules of the world order that we now live in today. We just, in fact, reaffirmed this with a vote the other day, affirming our support for NATO.

Compromise got even better as we got into the sixties. In 1964, one of the first civil rights bills, proposed by congressional Democrats in the North and opposed by Republican Senators, led to one of the longest filibusters in Senate history. Eventually, Majority Leader Hubert Humphrey of Minnesota, I believe, reached out to his Republican counterpart, Senator Everett Dirksen, to put an end to the debate, and the bill passed 9 days later.

In 1977, we saw, finally, more regulations and more teeth in the law to protect folks who were going hungry with the Food Stamp Act. It was Republican Bob Dole at the time--can you imagine that later on?--along with Democratic Senator George McGovern who joined forces to support a bipartisan compromise back in 1987.

In 1986--we have heard so much about the eighties--President Reagan and Speaker Tip O'Neill were able to get together to come up with major compromises. One was to save Social Security for a future generation, in 1983 to 1986. Another in 1986 was a tax reform bill that eventually came to a compromise.

This leads me to probably the most relevant one for what we have today, which is, in 2013, when a bipartisan immigration bill passed the Senate with 68 votes. It had comprehensive immigration reform and included robust border security.

So the big question that each Member will have to ask in the Congress, in the House, in the Senate, and the President as well, is: What are we willing to do to rise together? What sacrifices are we willing to make? What compromises are we willing to wage? What interests are we going to advance to come together to put an end to the longest shutdown in American history?

I can assure you, it is not going to be easy. But I know that, if we all work together, we can do it.

There is one thing in common with all these compromises: none of them required a government shutdown, not a single one. We had some filibusters in there, but not one of these major compromises in American history started by a shutdown.

I think the first thing that we need to do is reopen the government, not hold our Federal workers hostage over what needs to be a grand compromise on policy, on immigration, on border security.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Maine for allowing me to have a few moments to talk about how important it is, this moment in time, and how every Member needs to step up for the American people to end this shutdown now.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Sergeant Alipio Arroyo Ramos. First Sergeant Alipio Arroyo Ramos, resident of Kissimmee, Florida, was born on January 14, 1949, in Cayey, Puerto Rico.

At the age of 18, he joined the United States Armed Services where he served proudly for over 22 years. During his time in the Armed Forces, he obtained a degree in accounting from the University of Maryland and completed combat medical training at the U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School in Texas.

In 1969, he volunteered and served in the Vietnam war as a combat medic where he fought for our Nation and provided critical medical aid to wounded fellow servicemembers and civilians in the line of fire.

As a result, he was awarded the Bronze Star for his courage in the Vietnam war. After the Vietnam war, he briefly returned to the civilian sector and applied his military medical experience with the epidemiology division of the Puerto Rico Department of Health before deciding to rejoin the United States Armed Forces on Active Duty.

Upon rejoining, Mr. Arroyo was assigned to multiple posts throughout the United States and abroad. In 1988, he was stationed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he successfully passed rigorous training and evaluations to

become a member of the United States Special Forces Command, a lifetime achievement he and his family are proud of to this day.

During his tenure with the United States Special Forces he worked directly under two different four-star generals. Since his retirement in 1998, he continues to be an active member of the Disabled American Veterans organization and is a passionate and fierce advocate for veterans' rights, particularly those, such as him, who have suffered the unfortunate and debilitating consequences of having been exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam war. To this day, he continues to adopt the motto: ``Duty, Honor, Country,'' as his life creed.

First Sergeant Arroyo resides in Kissimmee, Florida, with his wife, Luz Amary, who has always stood by his side in support throughout his entire military career. He is the father of three children: Nikolas, Phillip, Zulimar Arroyo; and three grandchildren, Camila, Valeria, and Sofia, all of whom he loves dearly.

Unpaid Government Workers

Madam Speaker, I want to take a moment to talk a little bit about the shutdown. We are in day 33, since the shutdown began. The House and Senate came together originally with bipartisan budgets to try to resolve this. But then on that fateful day, President Trump said that he will take the mantle and he would shut down the government over border security.

Over 2 weeks ago, I met with TSA, PASS, and Department of Corrections employees, and they told me their stories about not being able to make a mortgage; about not being able to have healthcare and childcare; about those facing diabetes and cancer.

Last week, I returned back to the TSA in their break room to speak with workers about how we were going to transport people to and from work, waiving tolls, addressing diabetes, and childcare, once again.

This past week, I joined Second Harvest Food Bank to help feed Federal employees because the United States Government is not paying them. Our Federal workers are about to miss their second paycheck.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the President: How long will TSA protect our airports without pay; how long will the IRS workers clock in to timely process our tax refunds if they are not getting a paycheck; and how long will U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents protect our very border that we are debating without getting paid?

We can debate and negotiate over border security.

But why, Mr. President, must you hold nearly 800,000 Federal workers and their families hostage?

Where is the Senate?

We have voted 10 times to reopen the Federal Government. The number of times they voted: zero.

The offer that was given this week, a temporary 3 years for Dreamers and TPS refugees for a permanent border wall with $5.7 billion and a political asylum system that is worse than the current one.

If you are really serious, President Trump, why not make the changes for our Dreamers and TPS refugees permanent, much like the wall you are asking for?

Now the House Democrats have a counteroffer. We already put in a $1.3 billion increase for border security in a bipartisan Homeland Security budget. This was the budget passed by the last GOP Congress. Now we are adding an additional $1.5 billion to improve our security in a three- part border and security plan: one, more security for our ports of entry where most of the drugs are coming in; two, more technology at the border so we know when people are coming across it; and, three, more personnel.

Mr. President, reopen this Federal Government.

I ask the Senate to get a backbone and act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1169 calling for a free and fair election in Bangladesh. My district is home to a large population of Bangladeshi ex-pats, and I've heard from them about the need for a free, fair, transparent, and credible election.

During the 2014 general election, major Bangladeshi political parties boycotted the election due to concerns about the impartiality of the electoral process. Historically, Bangladesh would install a caretaker government during elections to ensure free, fair, transparent, and credible elections. However, during the 2014 election, that didn't happen. Since then, there have been political rivalries that have devolved into violent clashes. All parties should be free to participate in the political process. They should be free to express their political views, campaign and hold peaceful rallies and meetings, and not fear physical retribution for exercising a fundamental human right to participate in the democratic electoral process.

I believe that free, fair, transparent, and credible elections are the cornerstone of democracy. As Bangladesh is scheduled to hold general elections at the end of the month, I urge everyone to participate in the democratic process, and vote.

I'm a proud co-sponsor of this resolution and urge my colleagues support as well.

Mr. Speaker, it has been a long road, but it looks like we are bringing it in for a landing, and America is thankful for a farm bill that we can all be proud of. That includes central Florida.

We saw huge issues included to help out our orange growers in central Florida facing citrus greening, which is really hurting our local growers and hurting that iconic orange juice coming from Florida.

We saw the inclusion of the National Animal Health Vaccine Bank, which helps out ranchers both in central Florida and throughout the United States.

We saw a SNAP program that will continue to help out needy families.

We saw prioritizing conservation, which is a win for both farmers and conservationists alike in an ever more crowded Florida.

We also saw four bills that we crafted and put forward included, and I thank the gentleman from Texas and the gentleman from Minnesota for their help with that.

The veterans with disabilities language that provides technical training, that was something that I got an idea of when I was out in Midland speaking to one of the gentleman from Texas' constituents.

The bill that allowed for authorization of agricultural research between the United States and Israel is a program that needed a long time to be authorized, and we are excited to have it.

Algae-based research to look at biofuels is helpful.

And just to conclude, we are also developing high-tech sensors in central Florida for agriculture.

I thank all of the people on the committee for their good work.

Mr. Speaker, I want to honor Fernando Miguel Negron Rodriguez, as a distinguished leader in Central Florida for Hispanic Heritage Month. Fernando Miguel Negron Rodriguez, was born and raised in the town of Cayey, Puerto Rico. He is the father of Fernando M. Negron Santos and Karina Isabella Negron Santos. He is the son of the legendary TV personality and radio Icon, Miguel Angel Negron.

As one of the most popular radio hosts in the Hispanic community in Central Florida. To say that through his veins runs radio, it's an understatement.

For the last 20 years, he has been the host to Quedate con Miguel Radio, he is known to many as a great communicator but also as someone very passionate about the Hispanic community and educating voters in our region. Fernando M. Negron has become an influential and respected personality in local politics as well as national politics. Every day he uses his experience to shine light at problems that affect the Hispanic diaspora in Central and South Florida.

Mr. Speaker, I want to honor Dr. Fernando I. Rivera as a distinguished leader in Central Florida for Hispanic Heritage Month. Dr. Fernando I. Rivera is an Associate Professor of Sociology, Interim Assistant Vice-Provost for Faculty Excellence, and Director of the Puerto Rico Research Hub at the University of Central Florida.

His research interests and activities are in the sociology of health/ medical sociology, disasters, and race and ethnicity.

His published work has investigated how different mechanisms are related to certain health and mental health outcomes with a particular emphasis on Latino populations.

Dr. Rivera's disaster research has explored the investigation of factors associated with disaster resilience and restoration and resilience in coupled human-natural systems. Other publications have investigated the Puerto Rican diaspora in Florida.

He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and his B.A. degree in sociology from the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez.

He also completed a National Institute of Mental Health sponsored post-doctoral fellowship at the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research at Rutgers University.

Mr. Speaker, I want to honor Gonzalo Gutierrez Lemus as a distinguished leader in Central Florida for Hispanic Heritage Month. Gonzalo Gutierrez Lemus is a first-generation Mexican-American student with big dreams. While a student at Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School, he founded and became president of the high school's Key Club. He also held leadership roles in Student Government, was a National Honor Society member, a Health Occupation Students of America national finalist and a Silver Garland nominee. He became the Honors Program Student Council President, where he mentored freshmen students and tirelessly advocated for Polk State College students and the greater Polk County community.

Gutierrez was one of 273 chosen National Newman Civic Fellows a Boston-based non-profit organization working to advance the public purposes of higher education.

Gutierrez recently received the Florida College System Student Government Association President of the year award, which is given to one president in the Florida College System who has exhibited distinguished service to his or her campus and community by providing support, opportunities, and leadership.

He received the Polk State College Exceptional Leaders with Innovative Talents and Excellence Leadership Legacy Scholarship award and was recently elected to serve as the Vice President of the Kiwanis Club of Winter Haven.

He serves on the Public Education Partnership Board of Directors, is an Adult Advisor for Haines City's Emerging Youth Advisory Council, a member of the Keen Focus Group of Lakeland, a group dedicated to the professional development of young professionals through civic engagement in the community.

Gutierrez is a mentor for Polk County Public School Board Take Stock in Children, is on the Student Advisory Council for Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School and is Polk State Colleges Honors Program Coordinator.

Gutierrez Lemus completed his Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management degree, with a concentration in Business Administration and plans to attend Florida Atlantic University for his Masters in Higher Education Leadership.