Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a true Northwest Florida institution, The Lewis Bear Company, which is celebrating 150 years of serving Northwest Florida.

For generations, the Bear family has been part of the fabric of the Panhandle. In 1876, Lewis Bear, opened a small grocery and chandlery shop on South Palafox Street. What he started 150 years ago has grown into a family business that continues to serve Northwest Florida today. That kind of longevity does not happen by accident. It takes hard work and a commitment to the community you call home.

The Lewis Bear Company has grown and changed with Northwest Florida, but it has never lost sight of its roots. Today, five generations later, the company employs hundreds of Floridians and serves thousands of businesses throughout the region.

But the Bear family's legacy is about much more than business. They have consistently given their time, resources, and energy to organizations across our community, helping make Northwest Florida a better place.

As someone who is proud to serve Northwest Florida, I know how much companies like Lewis Bear mean to our region. They are a reminder that when a family builds a business, they are not just building something for themselves, they are building something for the community and for the generations that follow.

For 150 years, the Lewis Bear Company has been a part of the story of Northwest Florida. I congratulate the Bear family and everyone who has been part of this incredible legacy on this remarkable milestone. I look forward to seeing the Lewis Bear Company continue its tradition of serving our community for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Lenny Collins, a Vietnam War veteran, Marine, husband, and devoted member of the Pensacola community.

Lenny dedicated his life to making sure the sacrifices of our veterans, and especially those who never came home, would never be forgotten. After visiting the Moving Wall in 1987, Lenny was inspired to bring a permanent memorial to Pensacola. Through years of determination, he turned that vision into Wall South in 1992, which ultimately became the Veterans Memorial Park we know today.

But Lenny did not do this alone. By his side throughout this journey was his beloved wife, Gloria. For 57 years, Lenny and Gloria shared a life dedicated not only to one another, but to their fellow veterans and the community they called home. Together, they helped build a lasting place of remembrance that has touched countless families and welcomed more than 100,000 visitors each year.

Lenny understood the weight of a name on the Wall and the pain carried by those who served in Vietnam. He took that personal experience and turned it into something meaningful for an entire community. Because of him, generations of Northwest Floridians will have a place to honor our fallen, remember their sacrifice, and teach their children that freedom is never free.

Lenny leaves behind a tremendous legacy of service, love of country, and love for his community. His impact will live on every time a veteran visits Wall South, every time a family pauses at one of the memorials, and every time a young person learns about the sacrifices made to protect our freedom.

My deepest condolences are with Gloria, their daughters, their family, and all of Lenny's friends and fellow Marines. I hope they find comfort knowing that Lenny's life made a lasting difference in the lives of so many.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Lenny Collins and remembering a Marine who spent his life ensuring that America would never forget those who gave everything for our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a true Northwest Florida legend, Coach Mickey Lindsey, as Pace High School will dedicate its football field in his honor on Friday, September 4, 2026.

For generations of students and families in Pace, Coach Lindsey has represented far more than football and his impact reached far beyond the scoreboard.

Coach Lindsey understood that the lessons learned through athletics, hard work, and commitment could shape young people for the rest

of their lives. For the many young men who had the privilege of playing for him, he was not simply a coach. He was a mentor, a role model, and someone who believed in them.

That is why it is so fitting that Pace High School will permanently attach Coach Lindsey's name to the field where so many of those lessons were taught. Every Friday night, when students take the field and families gather in the stands, his name will serve as a reminder of the standard he set and the legacy he leaves behind.

Northwest Florida is blessed with communities that take pride in their schools, their traditions, and the people who invest in the next generation. Coach Mickey Lindsey is one of those people.

I am proud to recognize Coach Lindsey for his years of service to Pace High School, his dedication to his players and students, and the lasting mark he has made on the Pace community.

Coach Lindsey's name will now be part of Pace football history, but his greatest legacy will continue to live in the lives of the young people he helped shape.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Coach Mickey Lindsey and congratulating him on this well-deserved recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to early Northwest Florida pioneers who settled the land in the little spot of earth that would later become Shalimar, Florida. Augustus ``Gus'' Tart's story embodies a remarkable chapter of Florida history. His legacy from his humble beginnings to becoming a social and political force in the county will long be remembered.

Gus was born into slavery in South Carolina in 1840. By way of traveling through Andalusia, Alabama, he later made his home along Garnier's Bayou in Walton County, Florida, before his property became part of the newly created Okaloosa County.

Following the emancipation from slavery, he registered to vote in Walton County in 1867. He became a local farmer, was the chief cook for the T.C. Brooks family who founded Fort Walton Beach, and built a life as a respected outdoorsman, hunting and fishing guide, host, and community figure. In 1903 he made his land ownership a reality. After applying for a land grant under the Federal Homestead Act, he was awarded a 135.5-acre federal land patent by the United States Government. ``Gus' Place'' as it was the called, now includes important public and civic places in Shalimar, including areas associated with Meigs Middle School, the Shalimar Library, the Okaloosa courthouse annex and country administration building, and surrounding neighborhoods.

Gus and his life on the bayou were remembered as an important part of the community's history. His reputation extended far beyond the local fishing grounds, and he became known as a trusted adviser to politicians, community leaders, and those seeking success in business. People from across the region sought out ``Old Gus'' for his counsel, friendship, and approval.

Among those who spent time with Gus were governors, U.S. senators, congressmen, judges, and county and state leaders. Many considered it an honor to call him a friend. Visitors would often join Gus on his boat for a day of fishing, returning to shore to enjoy a meal as Gus prepared their catch. Through these gatherings, Gus became not only a respected figure in the community but also a beloved host whose knowledge, generosity, and character left a lasting impression. In the fall of 1915, Gus fell ill and had his last will and testament prepared. Although he raised two sons, he appreciated the Brooks family friendship so much, he left his entire property, all 135.5 acres, to T.C. and Emma Brooks.

Mr. Speaker, please join me and my colleagues in honoring the life of the founding father of Okaloosa County and Shalimar, Florida. His legacy and good work will be long remembered. It is my pleasure to support and join in requesting the State of Florida, Department of State, in placing a state Historical Marker at his gravesite so future generations will learn of the life of ``Old Gus''.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Deputy Ken LaPee of the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office as he prepares to retire following more than 35 years of dedicated service to his country, and the people of Northwest Florida.

Chief Deputy LaPee's distinguished law enforcement career began with his service as a Military Police Officer in the United States Army. During his military service, he served in the Persian Gulf War and later deployed in support of operations during the unrest in Somalia. He also served part-time as a police officer in Alabama before joining the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office in 1994.

Over the course of more than three decades with the Sheriff's Office, Chief Deputy LaPee steadily advanced through the ranks and was selected to serve as Chief Deputy in 2021. Throughout his career, he has held numerous specialized assignments, including service with the Special Response Team, Honor Guard, Community Police Unit, Investigations Bureau, and Narcotics Unit. His leadership has been defined by a commitment to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.

Chief Deputy LaPee has also dedicated himself to preparing the next generation of law enforcement officers. Since 1997, he has served as an adjunct instructor with the Northwest Florida State College Basic Police Recruit Academy. For nearly three decades, he has trained and mentored countless officers in community policing, problem solving, leadership, investigative techniques, and community partnerships. He has placed particular emphasis on the importance of character, ethics, wellness, and resilience in a demanding profession.

Beyond his law enforcement duties, Chief Deputy LaPee has been an active member of his church and served for more than 14 years as the director of a faith-based addiction recovery program, further demonstrating his commitment to serving others.

Chief Deputy LaPee leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of leadership, mentorship, and public service. His dedication has strengthened the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office and made a lasting difference in the lives of the officers he trained and the communities he served.

I congratulate Chief Deputy LaPee on his well-earned retirement and thank him for more than 35 years of faithful service to our country and our community. His career represents the very best of public service, and Northwest Florida is grateful for his dedication and sacrifice.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Chief Deputy Ken LaPee and wishing him and his family all the best in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life and legacy of Pat McClellan, the legendary owner of the Flora- Bama, a true icon of Northwest Florida and the Gulf Coast, and a dear personal friend.

I had the privilege of knowing Pat for more than 20 years. Beyond his success as a visionary businessman, Pat was a veteran who served on the USS Lexington after graduating from the Navy Flight Program, a dedicated community leader, and a man who believed deeply that the best things in life were simple and shared. His impact on our community and countless lives cannot be overstated.

Pat had a rare gift for bringing people from every walk of life together through music, laughter, and genuine fellowship. Pat's generosity, larger-than-life personality, and unwavering love for Northwest Florida had a lasting mark on everyone who had the opportunity to know him. His legacy will live on through the memories created at the Flora-Bama and through the many people whose lives he touched.

Katie and I send our heartfelt condolences to Pat's wife, Sheryl, family, friends, and the entire Flora-Bama family during this deeply difficult time. We join our entire community in praying for them as they mourn this tremendous loss.

May Pat McClellan rest in peace, and may his memory continue to inspire all who knew him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Ed Meadows on his retirement after nearly two decades as President of Pensacola State College.

Since 2008, Dr. Meadows has transformed PSC into one of Florida's leading state colleges by expanding workforce training, launching new bachelor's degree programs, and investing in facilities that prepare students for careers in healthcare, cybersecurity, aviation, advanced manufacturing, and other high-demand fields. Under his leadership, the College also earned national recognition for innovation and student success while strengthening its commitment to military families and veterans.

Dr. Meadows understood that the future of Northwest Florida depended on giving students the skills and opportunities to succeed. He worked tirelessly to build partnerships with local industries, expand career and technical education, and invest in modern training programs that opened doors for students while strengthening the workforce our communities depend on. Because of his leadership, countless students have been able to turn their education into meaningful careers and help build the future of Northwest Florida.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Meadows forged lasting partnerships that advanced economic development across Northwest Florida and inspired extraordinary philanthropic support for future generations of students.

Dr. Meadows leaves Pensacola State College stronger than he found it, and his legacy will be reflected in the thousands of students whose lives have been changed because of his leadership.

On behalf of Florida's 1st Congressional District, and the thousands of students, families, and lives Dr. Meadows has impacted for the better, I want to thank him for his years of dedicated service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a truly remarkable American, Mr. Paul Singleton, as he celebrates two extraordinary milestones: his 93rd birthday and his 2,000th event as a Chamber Ambassador for the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce.

For many in Okaloosa County, Paul is a familiar face at community gatherings and Chamber events. Behind that familiar face, however, is a lifetime defined by service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to others.

Paul served our Nation with distinction for 32 years in the United States Air Force, rising

to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His military career took him around the world, including assignments supporting Special Operations and service during the Vietnam War. Like so many of his generation, Paul answered the call to serve and carried that sense of duty long after hanging up the uniform.

Retirement did not slow him down. Instead, Paul dedicated himself to serving the community he calls home. Since becoming a Chamber Ambassador in 1984, he has been one of Northwest Florida's most devoted volunteers, welcoming new businesses, supporting local entrepreneurs, and helping strengthen the community that makes our region so special.

Attending 2,000 Chamber events is a remarkable achievement. It represents thousands of handshakes, countless volunteer hours, and more than four decades spent investing in the success of others. It is a testament to a lifetime of showing up, lending a hand, and making a difference.

At 93 years old, Paul continues to embody the values of integrity, humility, and service. His example reminds us that lasting impact is not measured by titles or recognition, but by a steadfast commitment to helping others and strengthening the communities we cherish.

On behalf of Florida's 1st Congressional District, I am proud to congratulate Paul Singleton on his 93rd birthday and this extraordinary milestone. Northwest Florida is stronger because of his service, and countless lives have been enriched by his generosity and dedication.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Paul Singleton for a lifetime of service to our Nation, our community, and the people of Northwest Florida.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Temple Beth Shalom of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, on the occasion of its 40th anniversary and celebrate its lasting impact on Northwest Florida.

What began in 1977 as a small gathering of local families determined to build a Jewish community has grown into a congregation that has faithfully served the Emerald Coast for more than four decades. Officially established as a Reform congregation in 1985, Temple Beth Shalom has become a place of worship, fellowship, and service for generations of families.

The Temple's story is one of vision, generosity, and community leadership. From its early founders, including Judge Erwin Fleet, to the many members who have dedicated their time and talents over the years, Temple Beth Shalom has played an important role in the civic and charitable life of Fort Walton Beach. The congregation has supported local organizations, volunteered throughout the community, and helped strengthen the fabric of Northwest Florida.

In 2024, Temple Beth Shalom welcomed Rabbi Michael Schadick as its first full-time Rabbi. His return to the congregation after serving as a student rabbi more than 30 years earlier is a fitting reminder of the strong connections that make this congregation so special.

I am proud to recognize Temple Beth Shalom for its years of service, faith, and community leadership. On behalf of Florida's 1st Congressional District, I congratulate its congregants on their accomplishments and thank them for the positive impact they continue to have across Northwest Florida.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 200th birthday of Naval Air Station Pensacola, the cradle of naval aviation and the home of the beloved Blue Angels.

For more than two centuries, this installation has stood at the forefront of military innovation. As the Navy's first permanent air station and the birthplace of naval aviation and training, NAS Pensacola transformed into a defining pillar of our national defense.

From its earliest days, training just a handful of aviators and operating only a few aircraft, NAS Pensacola quickly became the proving ground for the future of warfare in the air. It trained the Navy's first aviators. It helped to pioneer carrier aviation techniques. At the outset of World War I, it stood as our Nation's only naval training station.

Through every generation since, NAS Pensacola has continued to shape the course of history, preparing pilots for the challenges and evolving into the premier training hub for Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and allied aviators from around the world.

Today, NAS Pensacola remains one of the Navy's most vital training platforms, supporting more than 23,000 military and civilian personnel and graduating tens of thousands of members each year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride to recognize and commend the exceptional accomplishments of the Pace High School Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) program, a group of young leaders who continue to make Northwest Florida proud.

Recently, the cadets of Pace High School NJROTC competed at the NJROTC National Championship held in Pensacola, Florida, where they earned an outstanding second place finish among the very best programs in the Nation. This achievement reflects not only their hard work and determination, but also the countless hours of preparation, discipline, and teamwork they have demonstrated throughout the year.

The NJROTC program is a nationally respected initiative dedicated to developing leadership, citizenship, and character among high school students. With more than 580 units across the country, only a select number advance through rigorous regional competitions to reach the national stage. Pace High School's continued success at this level is a clear testament to the strength and consistency of its program. It also reflects the spirit of Northwest Florida's proud military tradition, where homegrown talent rises to meet the highest standards of service, leadership, and excellence.

Over the past five years, Pace High School NJROTC has distinguished itself as a national powerhouse, earning three national championships and multiple top three finishes, including this year's impressive second-place result. This sustained excellence speaks volumes about the commitment of the cadets, the leadership of their instructors, and the strong support of their school and community.

I am especially proud of these cadets. They exemplify the very best of Northwest Florida and act as outstanding ambassadors for Pace High School, Santa Rosa County, and the State of Florida.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Pace High School NJROTC cadets, their instructors, and their leadership team on this extraordinary accomplishment. I wish them continued success as they carry forward this proud tradition of excellence.

Mr. Speaker, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act insulates ``Big Tech'' from most liability for the digital fentanyl promoted on their sites. Time and time again, drugs are sold, sexually suggestive and/or explicit content is posted without consent, algorithms promote and normalize suicide and self-harm, and chatbots tell children how to cope with their emotions. All of these things are harming our vulnerable and impressionable youth. Chatbot usage is now so widespread that nearly three quarters of teens have used AI companions, and of these users approximately one in three have used them for social interactions and relationships to include the more than one in ten who sought emotional or mental health support.

That is why I proudly introduced H.R. 7045, the Promoting Responsible Online Technology and Ensuring Consumer Trust (PROTECT) Act, to immediately repeal Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and to restore accountability for online platforms.

The question we must ask ourselves is: can there be any accountability when there is no liability. The answer is no. Without liability there is no accountability. When was the last time you saw revenge porn or fentanyl marketed on a billboard? The answer is you have not seen it because of a well-crafted system that punishes wrongdoing. Why do we see this content online constantly? The answer is Section 230.

Let us stop pretending like the internet is new, novel, and worthy of special treatment when 96 percent Americans access it. When the law passed in 1996, the internet was in its early days long before the average American spent nearly half the month online and nearly one in six sales occurred online. Congress can no longer ignore the fact that the average American spends nearly 60,000 percent more time online than during the year of the law's passage.

To be clear, this law lets the large companies that dominate the areas where Americans spend almost half their time generally face no consequences for the content these platforms share, actively promote, and generate billions from. Worse yet, the law also deprives states of the power to protect their own citizens through state law. I am deeply troubled by alarming national trends and the proliferation of AI chatbots, providing advice to our children. Increasingly, children have been suffering, and parents have been unable to pursue an effective means of encouraging the industry to police itself.

Sadly, one in five children receive an unwanted sexual solicitation annually online. Despite Section 230 continuing to insulate online predation, I am proud of the work multiple sheriff offices, as well as state and federal agencies did to arrest 13 suspects during an online child sexual predator operation in my district and in surrounding communities last fall.

Imagine how much more ``Big Tech'' would be willing to do to shut down the predator superhighway if they faced actual consequences. While I could fill hundreds of pages with stories about how social media is harming our youth and supplement it daily, I want to focus on stories from my district and my home state of Florida.

As a successful Section 230 defense often results in the court granting dismissal early in the litigation, the facts are often accepted as plead. In these instances, the excerpts below reflect the claims as plead by the victims and their families.

Only Fans Parent Company Faces No Liability for Allegedly Profiting Off

Rape of a Miami Teenager

In April 2022, Michelson Romelus and Bendjy Charles

allegedly filmed each other on video while they forcible

raped and sodomized the teenage victim in Miami. Several

weeks later, the footage was allegedly edited and uploaded to

OnlyFans.com where the footage was allegedly sold as part of

a monthly subscription. Despite these facts, the case was

recommended for dismissal based on Section 230, meaning the

alleged victim could not recover from the platform.

Omegle Immune From Liability for Allegedly Connecting a Minor With a

Predator Who Coerced an 11-Year-Old Into Undressing

On March 31, 2020, an 11-year-old girl and user of the

Omegle platform, which allowed users to connect with people

randomly and anonymously allegedly connected the child with a

predator. This predator allegedly informed the victim that he

knew where she lived and provided specific details about

where she lived to prove it. He allegedly threatened to hack

the victim and her family's devices if she did not disrobe

and comply with his demands. The predator allegedly filmed

the incident. The case was dismissed by the Court as the

victim's family ``failed to plead claims that withstand

Omegle's Section 230 immunity.'' The platform has since

ceased operations.

OfferUp Found Not Liable for Allegedly Connecting Buyer With Seller Who

Robbed and Shot Buyer

On June 13, 2018, the victim allegedly arranged to meet

with the seller in Palmetto, Florida to consummate the

contemplated sale of goods. The meeting was allegedly setup

in response to a post on the OfferUp platform. When the

victim arrived, he was allegedly robbed and shot multiple

times. The Court concluded that Section 230 barred the claim

against OfferUp.

Craigslist Faces No Accountability for Allegedly Facilitating Sex

Trafficking of a 15-Year-Old

Back in 2008, a then fifteen-year-old girl began to

allegedly be forcibly trafficked for commercial sex, which

allegedly continued for a decade across Miami-Dade County.

She was allegedly frequently expected to perform commercial

sexual acts for between eleven and fourteen different men

daily. The traffickers allegedly used craigslist's ``erotic

services'', ``adult services'', ``massage services'',

``casual encounters'', and``personals'' categories to display

their posts and to send emails on the platform to negotiate

commercial sex sales. Her traffickers allegedly posted

sexually explicit, nude and partially nude photos as well as

coded words to advertise commercial sex. At times, messages

allegedly sent on the platform indicated that the victim was

underage. To use their platform, the traffickers allegedly

paid a fee to craigslist who never rejected or removed any

posts.

Although the Court explained that ``some of her allegations

demonstrate craigslist's appalling lack of diligence in

preventing trafficking, not a single one establishes that

craigslist created or developed the trafficking content.''

After an extensive legal battle, the Court ultimately found

craigslist not liable based on a Section 230 defense.

Mother Whose 11-year-old Son Was an Alleged Victim of Sexual Battery

Denied Relief After a Four-Year Fight

Following an alleged sexual assault of legal guardian's 11-

year-old son and two other minor males in 1994, Richard Lee

Russell was criminally convicted for events relating to those

alleged in the complaint. This sexual predator under Florida

Law allegedly solicited the sale of the photographs and video

of this assault in America Online, Inc., chat rooms.

Ultimately, this case was appealed all the way to the Florida

Supreme Court. The mother was denied civil relief from

America Online, Inc., after the Court found Section 230

preempted Florida law.

Emerging Threat of AI Chatbots

Beyond platforms serving as a predator superhighway,

today's parents must contend with AI chatbots that are

grooming children and pretending to be licensed therapists.

For example, a 14-year-old boy, after allegedly prolonged

conversations with an AI chatbot, tragically ended his life

near Orlando, Florida. His brave mother recently testified in

the Senate Judiciary Committee that the company Character

Technologies, Inc., would not disclose to her many of her

child's last words. Imagine a parent not being allowed to

know what was going on through her child's mind in his final

minutes.

For all these reasons, Congress must swiftly pass the PROTECT Act to keep our children safe and to restore accountability to the internet.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following proclamation honoring the 50th Annual Governmental Prayer Breakfast:

Whereas, the Governmental Prayer Breakfast in Pensacola,

Florida, marks its 50th anniversary, reflecting a half-

century tradition of bringing together citizens, faith

leaders, and public servants in a spirit of prayer, unity,

and reflection; and

Whereas, prayer has long served as a source of strength,

guidance, and moral clarity for individuals, families, and

communities, particularly during times of uncertainty and

challenge; and

Whereas, the United States of America was founded on the

principle that all people are created with inherent dignity

and worth, endowed by God with unalienable rights that no

government may grant or take away; and

Whereas, the freedom to live out one's faith openly and

without fear remains essential to the character of our Nation

and the vitality of our democratic institutions; and

Whereas, faith communities play a vital role in fostering

compassion, service, and responsibility, strengthening

families and supporting those who serve in positions of

public trust; and

Whereas, elected officials, members of the judiciary, law

enforcement, military personnel, and civic leaders bear

significant responsibility in serving their communities with

integrity, wisdom, and humility; and

Whereas, the Governmental Prayer Breakfast serves as an

opportunity to pause from the demands of public life to seek

guidance, express gratitude, and reaffirm a shared commitment

to the common good;

Now, therefore, be it proclaimed, that the 50th Annual

Governmental Prayer Breakfast in Pensacola, Florida, is

hereby recognized and commended for its enduring contribution

to the spiritual and civic life of the community; and

Be it further proclaimed, that this occasion stands as a

reminder of the importance of faith, prayer, and moral

conviction in public service, and the value of unity,

humility, and service to others; and

Be it further proclaimed, that all participants are

encouraged to continue praying for our Nation, our State, our

community, and all those entrusted with the responsibilities

of leadership, that they may serve with wisdom, courage, and

compassIon.

In witness whereof, this proclamation is issued in

recognition of the 50th Annual Governmental Prayer Breakfast

and the enduring role of faith in strengthening our community

and our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to include in the Record the following proclamation recognizing Holy Family Catholic Academy:

Whereas, Holy Family Catholic Academy in Niceville,

Florida, opened its doors on August 8, 2025, marking the only

parochial elementary school to open in the State of Florida

that year and one of a small number to open nationwide,

bringing renewed hope and vitality to Catholic education in

the community;

Whereas, Holy Family Catholic Academy was established to

restore the tradition of classical Catholic education by

offering the area's first diocesan classical school, uniting

rigorous academics with vibrant Catholic faith formation;

Whereas, the school's mission is to ``educate children to

become scholars and form them to become saints,'' reflecting

a dedication to nurturing both intellectual excellence and

spiritual growth in every student;

Whereas, Holy Family Catholic Academy is devoted to forming

virtuous young leaders, instilling in its students the values

of virtue, courage, and conviction so that they may lead

lives of service, character, and integrity;

Whereas, through its rich classical liberal arts

curriculum, the school cultivates students to be deep, clear,

and independent thinkers by engaging them with the enduring

wisdom of Western civilization and challenging them to think

critically in pursuit of truth;

Whereas, Holy Family Catholic Academy maintains an

unwavering commitment to excellence in academics, rooted in

the Catholic tradition and built upon a timeless liberal arts

curriculum, thereby uniting faith with reason and providing

students a strong foundation for future learning and

leadership; and

Whereas, inspired by its Christ-centered educational

philosophy, the school nurtures in each child a lifelong love

of learning and a profound desire to seek truth, beauty, and

goodness in all things, thus helping to form well-rounded

individuals guided by wisdom and virtue;

Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That Holy Family Catholic Academy is applauded

for its role in strengthening the Niceville community and

advancing educational opportunity through the formation of

virtuous, thoughtful, and service-oriented young leaders; and

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to

Holy Family Catholic Academy as an expression of admiration,

encouragement, and best wishes for continued success in its

mission to educate and inspire future generations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support H.R. 7045, the PROTECT Act, because it is time to repeal section 230 and hold Big Tech accountable for the harm being done to our children.

As a father of two young boys, I refuse to stand by and allow harm to happen to our children when there are no consequences, and these companies walk away without responsibility.

Big Tech has become a digital fentanyl that is slowly killing our children. It is pushing parents to the sidelines. It is acting as therapists. It is replacing relationships with robots. This must stop.

Parents are fighting a system designed to replace them. Algorithms and chatbots fuel addiction, depression, self-harm, and even suicide, all while these companies hide behind section 230.

When social media leads our kids to suicidal thoughts, our children believe they are better off gone, and no one is held responsible. This is a deeply broken system.

I demand accountability. I am standing up for our children, and I am saying that the double standard ends now.