Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians to recognize Pastor Lance Bailey for his contribution to the City of Miami's designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove on July 19, 2022.

Since the 19th century, Bahamians played an integral role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the registered signatories on July 28, 1896, the date of the city's incorporation.

Much like Miami's original Bahamian signatories, Pastor Lance Bailey's commitment to preserving the rich Bahamian culture and history of Miami has helped to ensure the designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Pastor Lance Bailey for his contributions to the community and his role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians to recognize Leona Cooper-Baker for her contribution to the City of Miami's designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove on July 19, 2022.

Since the 19th century, Bahamians played an integral role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the registered signatories on July 28, 1896, the date of the city's incorporation

Much like Miami's original Bahamian signatories, Leona Cooper-Baker's commitment to preserving the rich Bahamian culture and history of Miami has helped to ensure the designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Leona Cooper-Baker for her contributions to the community and her role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians to recognize Merline Barton for her contribution to the City of Miami's designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove on July 19, 2022.

Since the 19th century, Bahamians played an integral role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the registered signatories on July 28, 1896, the date of the city's incorporation.

Much like Miami's original Bahamian signatories, Merline Barton's commitment to preserving the rich Bahamian culture and history of Miami has helped to ensure the designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove

Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Merline Barton for her contributions to the community and her role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians to recognize Reynold Martin for his contribution to the City of Miami's designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove on July 19, 2022.

Since the 19th century, Bahamians played an integral role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the registered signatories on July 28, 1896, the date of the city's incorporation.

Much like Miami's original Bahamian signatories, Reynold Martin's commitment to preserving the rich Bahamian culture and history of Miami has helped to ensure the designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Reynold Martin for his contributions to the community and his role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians to recognize Dr. Freddie Young for her contribution to the City of Miami's designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove on July 19, 2022.

Since the 19th century, Bahamians played an integral role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the registered signatories on July 28, 1896, the date of the city's incorporation.

Much like Miami's original Bahamian signatories, Dr. Freddie Young's commitment to preserving Miami's rich Bahamian culture and history has helped to ensure the designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Dr. Freddie Young for her contributions to the community and her role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians to recognize Gregory Simpson for his contribution to the City of Miami's designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove on July 19 2022.

Since the 19th century, Bahamians played an integral role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the registered signatories on July 28, 1896, the date of the city's incorporation.

Much like Miami's original Bahamian signatories, Gregory Simpson's commitment to preserving Miami's rich Bahamian culture and history has helped to ensure the designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Gregory Simpson for his contributions to the community and his role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians to recognize Minister Frederick Mitchell for his contribution to the City of Miami's designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove on July 19, 2022.

Since the 19th century, Bahamians played an integral role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the registered signatories on July 28, 1896, the date of the city's incorporation.

Much like Miami's original Bahamian signatories, Minister Frederick Mitchell's commitment to preserving Miami's rich Bahamian culture and history has helped to ensure the designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Minister Frederick Mitchell for his contributions to the community and his role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the service of Patrick Barham Quesada, my Press Secretary, and Digital Director, who faithfully served the people of Florida's 24th Congressional District.

Patrick, a gifted writer and dynamic digital curator, assisted with all communications efforts coming from my office and oversaw my social media platforms. His talent, knowledge, and creativity were consistently displayed throughout his work as he kept me aware of current news and political developments.

The son of Leda Quesada Barham and Bruce Barham, Patrick was raised in Miami, Florida. A graduate of Harvard College with a degree in Government and Sociology, Patrick began his political career at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. While on leave from school, he helped elect Miami-Dade's first female mayor and served as her speechwriter.

An exceptional example of excellence coming from Miami's public schools, Patrick has proven that he possesses the capability to succeed in any role he takes on in the future.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Patrick Barham Quesada for his present and future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the service of Kylie Hay-Roe, my intern who has completed her spring 2022 semester serving the people of Florida's 24th Congressional District. Kylie has proven to be a very capable young woman and shows great promise for her future endeavors.

Kylie has assisted my office in various areas, including appropriations, communications, and constituent and community engagement. She has shown a great understanding of the legislative process and has demonstrated her ability to adapt to the political arena. Kylie has presented an excellent work ethic and willingness to learn.

The daughter of Mirian and Keith Hay-Roe, Kylie was born in Gainesville, Florida, where she is enrolled in the University of Florida's Honors Program. She is majoring in Political Science and International Studies, which she plans to use to foster greater global engagement and international development for a more sustainable, equitable, and secure future. During her time as a University of Florida Gator, Kylie has also served as an Ambassador for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences along with the International Mentorship Association.

Upon transitioning from her internship, Kylie will complete a study abroad program in Iceland to learn about renewable energy systems before interning with the UF Sahel Research Group to learn about the cultural, social, and political developments.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Kylie Hay-Roe for her present and future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Aaron Lindsay, who served the people of Florida's 24th Congressional District. Aaron has proven to be an outstanding addition to my office and shows great passion for everything he does.

Aaron has assisted my office in communications, constituent and community engagement, and policy research. He has shown a great understanding of the legislative process, a passion for learning, and a willingness to go above and beyond on assignments.

The son of Jeanelle and Tyrone Lindsay, Aaron is a proud Bison enrolled in Howard University's School of Business as a Marketing major. During his time as a Howard University Bison, Aaron has served as a member with the American Marketing Association for the School of Business along with being a Fellow, Panelist Host, and Ambassador for the Warner Music Blavatnik Business Fellowship Program at Howard University.

Upon transitioning from his internship, Aaron will proceed to complete his fellowship program with the Warner Music Blavatnik Business Center while also continuing to intern with his marketing background, leading to a Leadership Development role upon graduation.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Aaron Lindsay for his present and future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the service of Isabella Castro, who dedicated her time to serve the people of Florida's 24th Congressional District. Isabella has proven to be a very capable young woman and shows great promise for her future endeavors.

Isabella has assisted my office in foreign policy research of the Western Hemisphere and constituent engagement. She primarily informed my office and constituents of ongoing events and issues happening in South America and the islands of the Caribbean. Isabella has demonstrated her ability to adapt and excel in her responsibilities.

The daughter of Carmen Silvia Briceno and Carlos Felix Castro, Isabella, a proud first generation Peruvian-American, was raised in Miami, Florida. A proud graduate of the Burnett Honors College at the University of Central Florida, she is a 2022 Charles B. Rangel

International Affairs Fellow. She received her bachelor's degree in International and Global Studies with minors in Diplomacy and French.

Upon transitioning from her congressional fellowship, Isabella will travel to Belgium as a Fulbright Scholar where she will complete an English Teaching Assistantship. Once she completes her Fulbright Program, she will pursue a Master of Science in Foreign Service at Georgetown University. Inspired by her foreign service work in Nicaragua, Haiti, and Ecuador, Isabella will soon become a Foreign Service Officer.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Isabella Castro for her bright future and inevitable success.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the service of Maria Martinez, my intern who has completed her Fall 2022 semester serving the great people of Florida's 24th Congressional District. Maria has proven to be a very capable young woman and shows great promise for her future endeavors.

Maria has assisted my office in various areas, including communications, research, and constituent and community engagement. She has proven to be an integral part of my team and has demonstrated her ability to adapt to the political arena. Maria always demonstrated a willingness to learn and consistently produced excellent work product.

The daughter of Mayilet Fernandez, Maria was born and raised in Hialeah, Florida. She plans to attend law school and become a humanitarian lawyer to elevate her community. She aspires to inspire the next generation of Dreamers and will surely make a positive impact on many lives.

In the Fall, Maria will begin her sophomore year at Columbia University where she is majoring in Mathematics and minoring in Philosophy.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Maria Martinez for her invaluable role in my office and her inevitable success.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the service of Craig Joiner, who dedicated his time to serve the people of Florida's 24th Congressional District. Craig has proven to be a very focused and intentional young man and shows great promise for his future endeavors.

Craig has assisted my office in foreign policy research of the Eastern Hemisphere and constituent engagement. He primarily informed my office and constituents of ongoing events and issues happening in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Craig has demonstrated his ability to produce detailed and exceptional work.

The son of Shanetta and Cedric Joiner, Craig was born and raised in Gainesville, Florida. A proud graduate of Rice University, he earned bachelor's degrees in Material Science and Asian Studies. A 2022 Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellow, Craig aspires to become a Foreign Service Officer. Inspired by international relations, he has volunteered in Argentina and China and studied abroad at Keio University in Tokyo, Japan.

Upon transitioning from his congressional fellowship, Craig will pursue his Master of Science in Foreign Service. He will leverage his engineering background, language abilities, and his understanding of global affairs to promote sustainable environment and energy policy internationally. A proud Questbridge Scholar and Gates Millennium Scholar, Craig will serve the United States on an international level upon completion of his Rangle Fellowship.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Craig Joiner for his promising future and inevitable success.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the service of Chase Moore, my fellow who dedicated his time to the people of Florida's 24th Congressional District. Chase has proven to be a very capable and adaptable young man. He shows great promise for his future endeavors.

Chase provided support for my education, labor, transportation, and infrastructure portfolios. He has shown a great understanding of the legislative process and his ability to quickly grasp new concepts.

The son of Calynn Moore, Chase attended the University of Texas as a player for the Texas Longhorns. He received his bachelor's degree in Sociology and his Master's degree in Educational Policy and Planning. During his time at the University of Texas, he founded a mentorship program for inner-city youth and took part in various study abroad programs. He is motivated to ensuring equity amongst Black men and boys, eradicating the school-to-prison pipeline, and improving education policy directly affecting inner city and marginalized youth.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Chase Moore for his present and future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the service of Chezney Cunningham, my fellow who has completed her congressional fellowship serving the people of Florida's 24th Congressional District. Chezney has proven to be a very intelligent and passionate young woman and shows great promise for her future endeavors.

Chezney has assisted my office in legislative research, writing memos and proposals, and constituent and community engagement. She has shown a great understanding of the legislative process, a passion for giving back to the community, and a willingness to learn something outside of her intellectual comfort zone.

The daughter of Deatrice Williams, Chezney is a proud graduate of North Carolina A&T State University and Florida A&M University College of Law. She was a member of the Student Union Activities Board at NC A&T SU and during her time in law school, she was a member of the Women's Law Caucus and the National Black Law Students Association, where she served as the Community Service Chair.

Upon transitioning from her fellowship, Chezney will become congressional staff for a Floridian colleague of mine.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Chezney Cunningham for her present and future accomplishments.