Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th anniversary landing of the first boat carrying Haitian refugees to South Florida.

On December 12, 1972, the first report of Haitian refugees, often called ``Haitian Boat People,'' fleeing to the United States, was documented. Between 1972 and 1981, over 55,000 refugees arrived in Florida and have continued to thrive thanks to community champions who supported the Haitian migrant population.

Today, the South Florida Haitian refugee population has accomplished many firsts, becoming mayors, councilmembers, and state representatives. Miami's historic Lemon City became the first neighborhood officially called Little Haiti. Central streets were named after Haitian cultural icons such as Felix Morisseau-Leroy and heroes of Haiti's independence. A statue of Toussaint Louverture stands guard on Plas Kamoken in Little Haiti. Toussaint Elementary was home to the first Haitian American principal, and Morningside Elementary

became the first international language magnet in the country to offer Haitian Creole. The Little Haiti Cultural Center has become the mecca for the global Haitian Diaspora, a destination for arts, culture, and entertainment. And the Manno Sannon Stadium is home to the championship-winning Little Haiti Supreme Football Team.

December 12, 2022, marked the 50th anniversary of the first documented arrival of Haitian refugees fleeing Haiti by sea. This anniversary marks the beginning of an incredible journey that has transformed South Florida's social, cultural, and political landscape. History-making events have since followed, impacting federal jurisprudence, local advocacy efforts for immigrant justice, and the treatment of asylum seekers in healthcare, education, employment, and housing.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the legacy of the Haitian boat people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Antonella Rocco, my fellow who has served Florida's 24th Congressional District over the last year.

Antonella is an environmentalist dedicated to fighting for clean water, clean air, and a healthy environment. While in my office, Antonella has pushed my environmental agenda to great lengths--from drafting legislation to acknowledge climate change and its impact on our homes to researching environmental data, Antonella has prioritized the health of our communities.

Antonella is a force in environmental policy. Her passion has been powerful over the last year as we have fought for the health of underserved and disadvantaged communities. Her commitment to environmental justice has included advocating to move Miami-Dade to safer water systems and bringing attention to Biscayne Bay and nuclear plants located close to the district. Antonella's environmental advocacy has been a lifelong mission of hers.

From dedicating her birthday to raising money for water and wildlife protection, working with a team of ecologists to produce hydrologic and ground-elevation data for the Everglades, and presenting her research at the Greater Everglades Ecosystem Restoration conference, Antonella's selfless acts will always shine through.

Antonella has and will continue to make a difference and leave her mark on environmental policy as she continues to fight for our future.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Antonella Rocco for her dedication to a healthy planet and selfless dedication to a brighter future for all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Olivia Morales, my fellow who has fought to protect and improve our education system.

A Florida native, Olivia came to my office ready to protect and nurture the minds of all from kindergarten to post-Grad. Within Olivia's first few weeks in my office, her passion and intellect shined through. She immediately got to work developing ideas to help students in dual-enrollment programs, drafting legislation in various areas of education, and assisting in the introduction of the LOAN and American Teacher Acts.

Her dedication has been powerful as we have fought for the minds of underserved and disadvantaged communities. Oliva's commitment to educational equity led her to complete her undergraduate degree in Public Policy at Duke University and spend a year working as a College Adviser with the Duke College Advising Corps. After her service with the Corps, she began her doctoral studies in the University of Florida's Higher Education Administration and Policy program.

Olivia has a promising future--she will continue to make a difference and leave her mark on education policy as she continues to fight for a better system.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Olivia Morales for her dedication to education and passion for a more equitable Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Anaika Seide, my intern who is transitioning from my office to continue her mission.

A Miami native with Haitian origins, Anaika came to my office ready to change the American justice system. While in my office, Anaika has pushed my agendas to great lengths--from assisting in communication, to conducting research, to writing policy pieces.

In our time together, I have recognized that Anaika is a force in policy. Her passion has been powerful over the last semester as we have fought for the lives of underserved and disadvantaged communities. Her commitment to justice and equality has led Anaika to graduate Cum Laude in May of 2022 from the historical HBCU Morgan State University with a Bachelor's in Sociology. Anaika actively participates in community service initiatives, advocating for the rights and well-being of underprivileged individuals. Anaika has and will continue to make a difference and leave her mark

on environmental policy as she continues to fight for a better system.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Anaika Seide for her exemplary accomplishments, dedication to public service, and trailblazing leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Stephanie Uviovo, my intern who is transitioning from my office to continue her mission.

An FIU student with Nigerian origins, Stephanie came to my office ready to impact the international relations system. While in my office, Stephanie has pushed my agendas to great lengths--from drafting memos, to organizing information, to researching data.

In our time together, I have recognized that Stephanie is a force in international relations. Her passion has been powerful over the semester as we have fought for the lives of underserved and disadvantaged communities. Her commitment to justice has led Stephanie to volunteer at RESULTS where she advocates for policies to champion affordable housing for all Americans. Stephanie has and will continue to make a difference and leave her mark on public policy as she continues to fight for a better system.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Stephanie Uviovo for her exemplary accomplishments, dedication to public service, and trailblazing leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Alexia Cosman, my intern who is transitioning from my office to continue her mission.

A Florida native with Canadian origins, Alexia came to my office ready to change the American environmental system. While in my office, Alexia has pushed my transportation and infrastructure agenda to great lengths--from drafting memos, to organizing information, to researching environmental data.

In our time together, I have recognized that Alexia is a force in environmental policy. Her passion has been powerful over the semester as we have fought for the lives of underserved and disadvantaged communities. Her commitment to environmental justice has led Alexia to spearhead a study examining the diversity and density of microbes, and she later presented her findings at an American Society of Microbiology research symposium. Alexia has and will continue to make a difference and leave her mark on environmental policy as she continues to fight for a better system.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Alexia Cosman for her exemplary accomplishments, dedication to public service, and trailblazing leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Jianna Celestin, my intern who is transitioning from my office to continue her mission. A Florida native with Haitian origins, Jianna came to my office ready to leave her impact on international relations. While in my office, Jianna has pushed my agendas to great lengths--from drafting memos, to organizing information, to researching data.

In our time together, I have recognized that Jianna is a force in civil rights. Her passion has been powerful over the semester as we have fought for the lives of underserved and disadvantaged communities. Her commitment to social justice has led Jianna to serve as vice- president of the Students of Color Association at Miami Country Day School. Jianna is in the process of completing a Global Studies Diploma Endorsement project. Jianna has and will continue to make a difference and leave her mark on policy as she continues to fight for a better system.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Jianna Celestin for her exemplary accomplishments, dedication to public service, and trailblazing leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Ricky Rodriguez, my intern who is transitioning from my office to continue his mission.

A Florida native with Cuban and Haitian origins, Ricky came to my office ready to impact the American system. While in my office, Ricky has pushed my civil rights agenda to great lengths--from drafting memos, to organizing information, to researching data.

In our time together, I have recognized that Ricky is a force in policy. His passion has been powerful over the semester as we have fought for the lives of underserved and disadvantaged communities. His commitment to justice has led Ricky to graduate from Florida A&M University, where he obtained a Bachelor's in Political Science. Ricky has and will continue to make a difference and leave his mark on public policy as he continues to fight for a better system.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ricky Rodriguez for his exemplary accomplishments, dedication to public service, and trailblazing leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Olimpia Andrade, my intern who is transitioning from my office to continue her mission.

A Massachusetts native with Cape Verdean origins, Olimpia came to my office to improve the American policy system. While in my office, Olimpia has pushed my agendas to great lengths--from drafting memos, to organizing information, to researching data.

In our time together, I have recognized that Olimpia is a force in research. Her passion has been powerful over the semester as we have fought for the lives of underserved and disadvantaged communities. Olimpia attends Spelman College where she is studying Political Science. Her commitment to justice has led Olimpia to become involved with organizations on her campus such as the Spelman Chapter of the NAACP and the Ford First Generation Mentorship Program. Olimpia has and will continue to make a difference and leave her mark on public policy as she continues to fight for a better system.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Olimpia Andrade for her exemplary accomplishments, dedication to public service, and trailblazing leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Andres Sada, my intern who is transitioning from my office to continue his mission.

A Florida native with Panamanian origins, Andres came to my office ready to impact the American legislative system. While in my office, Andres has pushed my agendas to great lengths--from drafting memos, to organizing information, and researching data.

In our time together, I have recognized that Andres is a force in policy. His passion has been powerful over the semester as we have fought for the lives of underserved and disadvantaged communities. His commitment to international affairs has led Andres to organizing events regarding Latin American Politics at the George Washington University. Andres has successfully piloted the first GW Pride MUN conference for Out in International Affairs. Andres has and will continue to make a difference and leave his mark on public policy as he continues to fight for a better system.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Andres Sada for his exemplary accomplishments, dedication to public service, and trailblazing leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Dr. Malcolm Woodland, my fellow who is transitioning from my office to continue his mission.

A Washington, D.C. native, Dr. Woodland came to my office ready to positively impact the African-American community. While in my office, he has pushed my civil rights agenda to great lengths--from coordinating events for the Caucus on the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys, to conducting research, to uniting people of color impacted by racial disadvantages.

In our time together, I have recognized that Dr. Woodland is a force in civil rights policy. His passion has been powerful over the last year as we have fought for the lives of underserved and disadvantaged young men of color. His commitment to equality has led him to serve as the deputy director of juvenile probation in the District of Columbia, and he was also the chief psychologist of the Child Guidance Clinic at the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. In addition to his work in the government, Woodland is the founder and director of the Young Doctors Project, a nonprofit organization for boys and young men of color interested in careers in health and medicine.

Dr. Woodland has and will continue to make a difference and leave his mark on education, health, and juvenile justice policy as he continues to fight for a better system.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Malcolm Woodland for his exemplary accomplishments, dedication to public service, and trailblazing leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Olivia Morales, my fellow who is transitioning from my office to continue her mission.

A Florida native, Olivia came to my office ready to change the American educational system. While in my office, Olivia has pushed my education agenda to great lengths--from drafting legislation, to conducting research, to writing education policy pieces.

In our time together, I have recognized that Olivia is a force in education policy. Her passion has been powerful over the last year as we have fought for the lives of underserved and disadvantaged communities. Her commitment to educational equality has led Olivia to complete her undergraduate degree in Public Policy at Duke University and spend a year working as a College Adviser with the Duke College Advising Corps. After her service with the Corps, she began her doctoral studies in the University of Florida's Higher Education Administration and Policy program. Her research uses critical quantitative methods to evaluate higher education policies and student outcomes. Olivia has and will continue to make a difference and leave her mark on education policy as she continues to fight for a better system.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Olivia Morales for her exemplary accomplishments, dedication to public service, and trailblazing leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Antonella Rocco, my fellow who is transitioning from my office to continue her mission.

A Florida native with Chilean origins, Antonella came to my office ready to change the American environmental system. While in my office, Antonella has pushed my transportation and infrastructure agenda to great lengths--from drafting legislation to promote homeowners' defense, to researching environmental data.

In our time together, I have recognized that Antonella is a force in environmental policy. Her passion has been powerful over the last year as we have fought for the lives of underserved and disadvantaged communities. Her commitment to environmental justice has led Antonella to work with a team of ecologists producing hydrologic and ground- elevation data for the Everglades and she will present her research at the annual Greater Everglades Ecosystem Restoration conference. Antonella has and will continue to make a difference and leave her mark on environmental policy as she continues to fight for a better system.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Antonella Rocco for her exemplary accomplishments, dedication to public service, and trailblazing leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to MAGA Republicans' attempts to override the President's veto and kill his student debt relief plan for millions of Americans. It is the height of hypocrisy.

Listen to this: We didn't hear a peep from the Republicans when we bailed out the auto industry. They even nicknamed Detroit ``Government Motors''.

We didn't hear a peep when they bailed out the airlines, or the farmers, and not a word when Members of Congress' PPP loans were forgiven.

We bailed out Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank just the other day. No one said a mumbling word.

When Republicans controlled both Chambers and the White House in 2017, they gave billionaires $1.7 trillion in tax breaks. Shameful.

But when we decide to bail out the students, the hardworking, want- to-be-somebody college graduates who contribute to the economy, all hell breaks loose, and Republicans are outraged.

I know people in their sixties and seventies who still owe student loan debt, and the principal has never changed. But I will keep fighting because every American should have a fair chance to succeed. It is a shame where our country's priorities lie.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Shreya Tolani, my intern who has completed her Spring 2023 semester serving the people of Florida's 24th Congressional District. Shreya has proven to be a very articulate young woman and shows great promise for her future endeavors. Shreya has assisted my office in various areas, such as legislative research, constituent outreach, and writing. She had demonstrated an excellent drive and a continuous willingness to learn.

Shreya Tolani was born and raised in Vienna, Virginia. She is a current student at the Madeira School. At Madeira, Shreya plays three varsity sports: soccer, basketball, and tennis. She is currently a member of the South Asian Student Association at her school. During her sophomore year, Shreya volunteered as a 3rd grade assistant at Garfield Elementary School for five weeks. Her experiences have empowered her to advocate for women pay equality in sports, as well as education.

Upon transitioning from her internship, Shreya will complete her studies at the Madeira School. Upon graduation, she will attend the college of her choice and obtain a bachelor's degree in engineering.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Shreya Tolani for her exemplary character, dedication to teamwork, and willingness to learn.