Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of former Miami-Dade County Police Officer Kim Jones Lang.

Kim Jones was born on October 16, 1958, in Miami, Florida, as the beloved firstborn child of Nina Jo Clark Jones and Thomas Jones, Jr.

Raised in a home filled with faith, devotion, and love, Kim embodied the strong Christian values instilled in her by her family, living a life of kindness, integrity, and unwavering dedication to serving others.

In matters of the heart, Officer Lang was blessed to share 43 years of marriage with her devoted husband, Reverend Bernard Lang, with whom she built a life rooted in love and faith. Their union was blessed with two cherished sons, Justin and Julian, whom she nurtured with boundless love, wisdom, and encouragement.

Officer Lang dedicated her professional career to public service, joining the Miami-Dade Police Department, where she served with honor, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the citizens of Miami-Dade County, ultimately retiring in 2012 after an esteemed career.

Officer Lang's faith was the foundation of her life, having first joined the Greater New Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church before continuing her faithful service at New Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, where she stood beside her husband in his pastoral leadership.

Officer Lang will always be remembered as a beacon of love, warmth, and generosity, whose presence brightened the lives of all who knew her. Kim's compassion extended beyond her family to the broader community, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Kim Jones Lang leaves a rich legacy in the hearts and minds of her devoted Husband, Bernard Lang; Sons, Justin Lang and Julian Lang; Sisters, Pamela Jones, Maria Jones, Chantel Jones-Whyte; and Brother, Thomas Chauncey Jones, Jr.

Mr. Speaker, please join me as I am honored to recognize the life and legacy of Kim Jones Lang as an expression of my deepest sympathy and respect for a life well-lived and a soul well-loved.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th district of the great state of Florida, I rise today to honor Commissioner Kionne McGhee for his philanthropy and commitment to at-risk youth. On behalf of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, I am proud to present a Congressional Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership and dedication to Miami-Dade County.

Each year, we have the privilege of acknowledging distinguished Role Model Mentors, and it is with great pleasure that I congratulate him on joining this esteemed group. His status as a graduate of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project underscores the ideals we uphold. His leadership as Vice-Chair of the Miami-Dade County Commission has been crucial in advancing equitable policies that empower our youth. His efforts to create opportunities for education and mentorship demonstrate a deep understanding of the challenges faced by many in our community.

The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project shares his vision of uplifting future leaders. His collaboration with local organizations and schools has created essential pathways for success, instilling hope in our youth. His commitment serves as an inspiration not only to those he mentors but also to his colleagues and constituents. We recognize his achievements and extend our gratitude for his tireless work to enhance the quality of life in Miami-Dade County. I congratulate him on this well-deserved honor. I look forward to our continued partnership in developing the next generation of leaders.

I now recognize Role Model Miami-Dade Commissioner Mr. Kionne McGhee as a distinguished role model. As a proud alumnus of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Program, Mr. McGhee has successfully transformed from a past characterized by challenges to becoming one of the program's most accomplished and dedicated mentors. In his capacity as Vice-Chair of the Miami-Dade County Commission, his leadership has been pivotal in advancing policies that foster equity, education, and empowerment for all community members.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th district of the great state of Florida, I rise today to honor and recognize Congressman Hakeem Sekou Jeffries for his historic leadership, dedication to public service, and commitment to empowering the next generation.

It is my privilege to deliver this message on behalf of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, presenting Congressman Jeffries with this Congressional Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to our Nation and his unwavering support of mentorship programs that uplift young men of color. Congressman Jeffries embodies the ideals of excellence, leadership, and purpose-driven service that we strive to instill in the thousands of young men we mentor through the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project.

As the first Black leader of the House Democratic Caucus, Congressman Jeffries has shattered barriers and exemplified what it means to lead with integrity, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to justice. His advocacy for equity, economic empowerment, and meaningful criminal justice reform has positively impacted countless lives and inspired young men to reach for their highest potential.

The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project values Congressman Jeffries' vision and partnership in creating opportunities for our youth. His leadership has paved the way for young men of color to thrive, demonstrating that perseverance and dedication can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. His remarkable ability to build coalitions and foster collaboration reflects the principles of mentorship and unity that lie at the core of our mission.

Congressman Jeffries' life and legacy serve as a powerful example to the next generation, showcasing the impact of purpose-driven leadership and a commitment to improving lives. On behalf of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for his efforts to inspire, empower, and uplift communities across the Nation.

I congratulate Leader Jeffries on this well-deserved recognition. We celebrate his historic achievements and look forward to continuing our shared mission of mentoring and empowering young men to strive for excellence.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th district of the great State of Florida, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Leona Cooper-Baker, a lifelong resident of the City of Miami's Coconut Grove neighborhood. I include in the Record the following Proclamation honoring Leona Cooper-Baker.

Whereas, Leona Louise Cooper was born on December 26, 1936.

She is a proud descendant of Miami's original Bahamian

settlers, and her life was a testament to the rich history

and enduring legacy of Miami's newly designated Little

Bahamas of Coconut Grove neighborhood; and

Whereas, she was one of nine children born to parents who

migrated to Miami from Eleuthera, Bahamas, and she lived her

entire life in the City of Coral Gables' Golden Gate

subdivision, known for their historic Bahamian bungalow and

shotgun wood frame style houses, in a home built on the land

where her parents first settled; and

Whereas, after graduating from George Washington Carver

School in 1954, Mrs. Cooper-Baker pursued higher education at

Lincoln University of Missouri, earning a degree in

Elementary Education in 1960; and

Whereas, Mrs. Cooper-Baker dedicated over three decades of

her life to educating the youth of Miami-Dade County,

beginning her career at Rainbow Park Elementary School in

Opa-Locka, continuing at Bunche Park and George Washington

Carver, and concluding her distinguished service, in 1992 at

Shenandoah Elementary, where she retired; and

Whereas, affectionately known as the ``Coconut Grove

Historian,'' Mrs. Cooper-Baker was a passionate advocate for

the preservation of Black and Bahamian history in Coconut

Grove and Coral Gables, compiling an extensive archive of

historic photographs, books, and articles that document the

rich cultural heritage of the community; and

Whereas, Mrs. Cooper-Baker's contributions to historic

preservation extended to her leadership roles with the Miami/

Bahamas Goombay Festival's Historical Committee, the

Historical Museum of Southern Florida, the Coral Gables

Museum, and the Black Archives, ensuring that the stories of

Coconut Grove's pioneers would be preserved for future

generations; and

Whereas, Mrs. Cooper-Baker played an instrumental role in

securing the designation of Coral Gables MacFarlane Homestead

Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places

and served as a member of the Coral Gables Historic

Preservation Board; and

Whereas, her tireless work to preserve the history of the

Little Bahamas neighborhood,

Golden Gate subdivision, and the broader Coconut Grove

community has left an indelible mark, earning her widespread

respect and admiration; and

Whereas, Mrs. Cooper-Baker was preceded in death by her

parents and siblings, and she is survived by numerous

cousins, nieces, nephews, and other relatives, including her

beloved niece Clarice Cooper, president of the Coconut Grove

Village West Homeowners and Tenants Association; and

Whereas, the Coconut Grove community and all who were

touched by her life will forever cherish the memory of her

generosity, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to the

preservation of history and education; and

Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Frederica S. Wilson,

a member of the United States House of Representatives

representing the 24th Congressional District of Florida, am

honored to recognize the life of Leona Louise Cooper-Baker,

extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and

loved ones, and honor her immeasurable contributions to the

community and to the preservation of Black and Bahamian

history and culture.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished career and inspiring journey of Markenzy Lapointe, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. Appointed by President Joseph Biden and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in December of 2022, Mr. Lapointe led an office of nearly 500 attorneys and support professionals dedicated to investigating and prosecuting federal crimes in South Florida and litigating civil matters in which the United States has an interest. Mr. Lapointe served in this capacity until he ended his term with the outgoing Biden Administration. His leadership in this pivotal role serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice and public service.

Mr. Lapointe's remarkable legal career began with the Florida Supreme Court. where he served as a law clerk to the Honorable Harry Lee Anstead from 1999 to 2001. He subsequently joined the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, handling federal criminal matters ranging from narcotics and firearms offenses to bank and mortgage fraud. His tenure in private practice included over a decade at Boies Schiller Flexner LLP, where he rose from litigation associate to partner before joining Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP.

Mr. Lapointe served as a partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP in Miami, where he handled complex commercial disputes, high- exposure product liability cases, professional malpractice matters, and criminal investigations. As co-chair of the firm's Advancement of Diverse Attorneys Committee, he demonstrated a steadfast dedication to promoting the retention and advancement of attorneys from various backgrounds, exemplifying his commitment to equity and inclusion within the legal profession.

Throughout his career, Mr. Lapointe has also demonstrated an exceptional commitment to pro bono service. He has received numerous accolades for his advocacy, including the Legal Aid/Put Something Back Pro Bono Award in Child Advocacy and the Daily Business Review's Most Effective Lawyer Award for Pro Bono in Family Law.

A proud alumnus of Florida State University, Mr. Lapointe earned both his law degree from the College of Law and his degree in finance from the College of Business. He also attended Miami Dade College, reflecting his deep ties to the South Florida community.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Lapointe's personal story is a profound source of inspiration. Born in Haiti, he immigrated to the United States as a teenager and settled in Miami's Liberty City neighborhood. A graduate of Edison High School, Mr. Lapointe went on to serve his country as a U.S. Marine during the Gulf War. Today, he is not only a

distinguished legal professional but also a trailblazer as the first Haitian-born American to serve as U.S. Attorney.

Mr. Speaker, please join me as I recognize Markenzy Lapointe. He embodies the values of perseverance, service, and excellence. His journey from Liberty City to leading one of the most significant U.S. Attorney's Offices in the Nation is a testament to the boundless opportunities our country provides. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Mr. Lapointe for his service to our Nation and his dedication to the pursuit of justice.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss fatherhood. We must honor the amazing fathers throughout these buildings and across the Nation.

As a Congresswoman, founder of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence, and chair of the U.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys, I continue to celebrate and uplift fathers.

I proudly join my colleague Representative Burgess in a bipartisan fashion to promote building stronger families through fatherhood.

Still, too many families are broken due to State and Federal policies resulting in mass incarceration.

We must address the many facets of public policy that hinder Black fatherhood. Organizations like the Jack Brewer Foundation play such a vital role in ensuring fathers and father figures have the tools they need to raise our children.

Today, we proudly recognize the Jack Brewer Foundation of Florida. It is all about prevention, not detention. That starts with all of us.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to include in the Record the following Proclamation in recognition of this and every April 29th as #EndJewHatred Day.

Whereas, for centuries, the Jewish people have sustained

their shared religious, cultural, and ethnic identity and

traditions in the face of enslavement, persecution, genocide,

segregation and discrimination, and all manner of adversity;

and

Whereas, since the first Jewish person set foot in America

in 1654, members of the Jewish community have made indelible

contributions to the state of Florida and to the United

States of America, contributing to the vibrant cultural,

historical, and social framework of American life; and

Whereas, the greatness in American democracy and the

promise of liberty and opportunity have drawn countless

Jewish individuals to these shores, including those escaping

from oppressive regimes in Europe, survivors of the

Holocaust, and those seeking a haven from persecution; and

Whereas, the Jewish community has been instrumental in

advancing civil rights initiatives across America, fighting

discrimination, and advocating for justice and inclusivity

for all members of society; and

Whereas, despite notable progress toward social justice,

the Jewish community continues to face antisemitism and Jew-

hatred; and

Whereas, the reality of antisemitism has manifested itself

in various forms, from microaggressions to violent attacks,

targeting Jewish individuals for their identity and seeking

to deny their shared identity; and

Whereas, the alarming increase in hate crimes against the

Jewish community has catalyzed movements such as End Jew

Hatred, which seeks to reshape public dialogue and create a

society where Jew-hatred is intolerable, empowering

individuals to embrace their Jewish heritage without fear of

attack or persecution; and

Whereas, we all have a moral obligation to confront and

reject Jew-hatred in all its forms; and

Whereas, the first official recognition of ``#EndJewHatred

Day'' on April 29, 2022, exemplified a united stand against

Jew-hatred, empowering collective action towards a future

characterized by fighting racism and bigotry with

understanding and equality; and

Whereas, it is imperative that we remain vigilant and

proactive in opposing Jew-hatred to ensure that the painful

history of the past is not forgotten or repeated;

Now, therefore, be it proclaimed, That I, Representative

Frederica Wilson, in recognition of the urgent need to end

Jew-hatred in this generation, hereby declare and proclaim

every April 29 as ``#EndJewHatred Day;'' and

Be it further proclaimed, That I, Representative Frederica

Wilson, affirm and proclaim that the 24th Congressional

District of Florida stands united in condemning Jew-hatred in

all its forms and remains steadfast in the commitment to end

discrimination against, and persecution of, the Jewish

community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the extraordinary artistic achievements and cultural contributions of internationally acclaimed artist Didier William. Born in Haiti and raised in North Miami, Mr. William has made an indelible mark on the art world, using his talent to elevate stories of identity, resilience, and heritage.

In 2022, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in North Miami hosted Didier William's first major museum exhibition. The exhibit garnered widespread acclaim, receiving prominent coverage in The New York Times, The Financial Times, and The Miami Herald. As part of his deep commitment to giving back to the community that nurtured him, Mr. William generously created a limited-edition print, distributing it to 200 North Miami families and organizations--a testament to his dedication to accessibility and engagement in the arts.

Mr. William holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting from The Maryland Institute College of Art and a Master of Fine Arts in Painting and Printmaking from Yale University's School of Art. His passion for education and mentorship has led him to teach at some of the Nation's most prestigious institutions, including the Yale School of Art, Vassar College, Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, and SUNY Purchase. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Rutgers University.

His remarkable work has been featured in esteemed institutions such as the Bronx Museum of the Arts, The Carnegie Museum, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and The Figge Art Museum. His artistic excellence is recognized globally, with representation by James Fuentes Gallery in New York, Altman Siegel Gallery in San Francisco, and Galerie Peter Kilchmann in Zurich, Switzerland.

Didier William's profound impact on the art world and his unwavering commitment to community engagement exemplify the power of art to inspire, connect, and transform. His work continues to challenge perspectives and celebrate cultural narratives that resonate far beyond North Miami.

Mr. Speaker, please join me as I am honored to recognize Didier William for his exceptional contributions to the arts and his dedication to enriching the cultural fabric of our Nation and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor William M. Lehman, Jr., a distinguished businessman, philanthropist, and dedicated community leader. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Mr. Lehman is a graduate of Miami Edison High School. He furthered his education at the University of Alabama and obtained an MBA from Harvard Business School before serving two years in the United States Army.

In 1967, Mr. Lehman took over the management of his family-owned Buick dealership in North Miami, originally established by his father in 1936. Over the years, he expanded his business ventures to include a variety of automobile dealerships, selling brands such as Toyota, Hyundai, Buick, GMC, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Saab, Mazda, Opel, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, Subaru, and Suzuki, among others. His leadership also led to the establishment of several automobile finance and leasing companies, including William Lehman Leasing (since 1968), Affiliated Financial Corporation, and Local Finance, a subprime automobile lending company founded in 2001.

By 2017, sales by Mr. Lehman's affiliated companies exceeded $550 million, with retail and lease contract financing reaching nearly $30 million. His contributions to the automotive industry have been a significant driver of South Florida's economic growth.

Beyond his business acumen, Mr. Lehman is an avid philanthropist and art collector. He currently serves as Chair Emeritus of the Board of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in North Miami. His father, Congressman William Lehman, played a pivotal role in securing a $2.5 million HUD grant to build MOCA, while his mother, Joan Lehman, donated artworks to the museum's permanent collection and has her name on the building. Under Mr. Lehman's leadership, MOCA has expanded its board, hosted internationally recognized exhibitions, and built upon its 28- year legacy of offering free art-making programs for all ages.

Mr. Lehman is also a dedicated community leader, having served as President of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. Executive Vice President of the Board of Directors of Florida International University, and President of both the South Florida Auto Dealers Association and the Michael Ann Russell Jewish Community Center. His civic contributions have left an indelible mark on South Florida and its residents.

Mr. Speaker, please join me as I am honored to recognize the extraordinary contributions of William M. Lehman, Jr. His legacy of business excellence, philanthropic generosity, and community service continues to inspire us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the outstanding service of Brandon Horne, my intern who served with distinction in my office and dedicated his time to serving the people of Florida's 24th Congressional District.

Brandon, a proud alumnus of Southern University, brought his background and passion for creating meaningful change to my office. He was a member of the Student Government Association serving as President and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated. His commitment to improving transportation and infrastructure across South Florida was evident in his diligent support of my work on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

One of Brandon's greatest strengths is building bridges and fostering collaboration. His dedication to empowering others and uplifting underrepresented voices has left a lasting impression on our team and the communities we serve.

His next chapter will undoubtedly be marked by his continued success and impactful work in public service.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Brandon Horne for his drive and dedication to public service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the outstanding service of Andre Pierre, my former intern who served with distinction and dedicated his time to serving the people of Florida's 24th Congressional District. Andre is currently a student at Florida International University, where he focuses on International Business and serves as the Vice-President of the Real Estate Club. I am proud to highlight Andre's remarkable contributions, particularly in foreign policy and Haiti. His work in this area has been instrumental in shaping policy discussions and providing valuable insights into the complex challenges facing Haiti. In my office, Andre has shown great dedication, immersing himself in the legislative process, especially in transportation and infrastructure. He has also worked closely with the Caucus on the Commission of the Social Status of Black Men and Boys, demonstrating his commitment to addressing critical issues impacting communities. Andre has emerged as a true leader on the Hill, uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds to foster a more inclusive and collaborative culture.

I wish Andre all the best as he continues his academic journey, which I am certain will be filled with success.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Andre for his commitment and service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the outstanding service of Robert Sena, my intern who served with distinction in my office and dedicated his time to serving the people of Florida's 24th Congressional District.

Robert, a graduate of Rollins College, brought his background and enthusiasm for communications and civic engagement. His service in my office has been instrumental to the constituents of Florida's 24th Congressional District as well as the state of Florida.

Robert's hard work and dedication were highlighted in his outstanding skills for sharing the functions of the federal government with a wide audience.

I applaud Robert's passion for civic involvement and his plan to educate the youth on the importance of local-level government.

Robert leaves a legacy of hard work and dedication. I do not doubt that the next step in his journey will be filled with continued success.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Robert Sena for his commitment and service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the outstanding service of Pinyi Wang, my fellow who served with distinction in my office and dedicated her time to serving the people of Florida's 24th Congressional District.

Pinyi is currently working on her Ph.D. in the Educational Leadership and Policy program at the University of Florida. I am proud to say that Pinyi has shown great dedication and passion for education and has devoted her time in my office to advance education policy forward.

It was obvious that Pinyi was ready to meet the challenge of contributing to the field of education. Her commitment to closing the opportunity gap across race, ethnicity, and gender became apparent with her work in addressing the inequalities found in the use of Artificial Intelligence in educational spaces. Furthermore, she has contributed significantly to moving my One School, One Nurse Act along the legislative process.

Pinyi's intellect, kindness, and hard work will always be remembered. I wish Pinyi all the best as she continues her doctoral studies in education equity and equality both domestically and internationally. I am certain that the next step in her journey will be filled with much success.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Pinyi Wang for her commitment and service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the outstanding service of Delaney Jane Callahan, my intern who has served with

distinction in my office and dedicated their time to serving the people of Florida's 24th Congressional District.

A Florida native, Delaney, arrived at my office determined to make a difference in the American legislative landscape. During her time here, she has advanced my agendas significantly, whether by drafting speeches and press releases, organizing press events, or conducting policy research. Her passion for public service and government is unparalleled, and she exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated public servant.

Delaney is currently a student at the University of Colorado Boulder where she focuses on Journalism and Political Science. She also serves on CU Bold's Student Government Association as Strategic Communications and Public Relations Chair. In addition, Delaney is the Vice President of her Panhellenic sorority. Delaney has also followed her academic interests by studying abroad in Paris, France, where she served as a strategic communications intern for the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service Bureau.

Throughout Delaney's time in my office, I've observed that Delaney is deeply committed to journalism expertise to enhance the reach and influence of my office to as many constituents as possible. I am confident that she will continue to use her voice and talents to uplift underserved communities and champion important causes.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Delaney Jane Callahan for her commitment and service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the outstanding service of Daniel Castro Bonilla, my fellow who served with distinction in my office and dedicated his time to serving the people of Florida's 24th Congressional District.

Daniel, a proud Honduran American from Miami, FL, graduated from Bowdoin College with a degree in Asian Studies. His commitment to bridging cultural and linguistic divides is exemplified by his experiences studying in China under the Department of State's Critical Language Scholarship and conducting research with the Middlebury program. Furthermore, Daniel served four impactful years with the Fulbright Program in Taiwan, where he collaborated with schools nationwide to enhance educational opportunities.

Daniel served as a research analyst for Miami-Dade County policymakers, whose work is instrumental in developing data-driven policy solutions. Daniel has demonstrated a profound commitment to public service in my office, showcasing his analytical skills and international perspective to benefit our constituents. His work has been particularly impactful in fostering meaningful conversations around current events in Haiti, using his international relations expertise to help me navigate these unprecedented times. His insights have been invaluable in supporting friends and families in foreign countries during these challenging circumstances.

Daniel is a current Rangel fellow and will work for the State Department. I wish Daniel all the best as he transitions into his graduate studies in foreign service. I do not doubt that the next step in his journey will be filled with continued success.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Daniel Castro Bonilla for his commitment and service.